VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. L.A. GALAXY
MATCHDAY #4
SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017, 7:00 PM
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Whitecaps Waston and Bolaños shine for Costa Rica in World Cup Qualifying – MLS Multiplex
Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Kendall Waston and midfielder Christian Bolaños played important roles as Costa Rica earned a 1-1 draw in Honduras. Waston scored the equalizing goal from a Bolaños corner.
From the Pigeon Loft: Expected things in unexpected ways – AFTN
It’s taken me ten days and a trip clear across the country to take stock of the emotional trauma associated with being both a Whitecaps supporter and a charter member of the #OptimistsUnion during this muddling month of March.
Giovani dos Santos – The New Face of the LA Galaxy – Futebolcidade
When the Los Angeles Galaxy travel to Vancouver on Saturday to meet the Whitecaps, it will no longer appear to be a squad of semi-retired European superstars. Long gone is the time when David Beckham donned the Galaxy shirt, and the short-lived experiment with Steven Gerrard has also ended. In fact, these days, the club’s biggest star is Giovani dos Santos.
New York Red Bulls sign Bradley Wright-Phillips to Designated Player deal – MLS
Bradley Wright-Phillips has signed a new, multi-year contract with the New York Red Bulls that will make him a Designated Player, the club announced on Wednesday.
Negative Soccer ‘Not a New Tactic’ Against RBNY – Empire of Soccer
Jesse Marsch had harsh words for the league and the opposition about the physical nature of play against the New York Red Bulls. This past weekend against Real Salt Lake, five yellow cards were issued against the away side, all in the second half.
Sources: Real Salt Lake to announce Mike Petke as new coach – Four Four Two
Mike Petke will be named the new coach of Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, sources familiar with the situation tell FourFourTwo.
Over 500 fans welcome Fire midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger to Chicago – MLS
Bastian Schweinsteiger arrived in Chicago on Tuesday night, getting welcomed by more than 500 fans at the city’s O’Hare International Airport as he landed in Illinois to join the Fire ahead of Saturday’s match against Montreal.
Fans, TFC players have a growing bond – Toronto Star
“Remember how you make them feel.” That was a big mantra for Greg Vanney and Toronto FC last year, an acknowledgment that fans are always part of the equation. “The ‘you’ is the fans,” the TFC coach said on the opening day of pre-season this year. “If we could create some excitement and some buzz then we knew we would excite the fans and that, in return, would give us some energy.”
BLEEDING RED By John Molinaro – Sportsnet
The first decade of Toronto FC in the words of the players, coaches, executives and fans who built the franchise.
MLS PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0 Toronto FC 2, March 18, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
Train With Champions TWU Spartan Female Soccer Academy
BC SOCCER NEWS
Victoria Highlanders Announce Open Tryout Dates, Futures program – Highlanders FC
Victoria Highlanders FC will host open tryouts for the club’s Premier Development League (PDL) and Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL) teams, as well as a newly formed Highlanders Futures program. The tryouts will occur April 23, from 10:00 – 12:00 p.m. at the University of Victoria.
AUDIO: From the Black Hole Episode 93: TSS Rovers – Red Nation Online
In Episode 93 we were joined by Colin Elmes and Will Cromack of TSS Academy and also of the new PDL team TSS Rovers. Colin and Will recognize many of the issues plaguing Canadian player development and have been working for years to address those issues.
WolfPack Mourning Loss of Former Player/Assistant Coach Gardner – TRU
The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack regret to announce the passing of former player and current assistant coach with their men’s soccer team: Sebastian Gardner.
WolfPack Women’s Soccer Get Caught In “Riptide” While Recruiting – TRU
Being caught in a ‘Riptide’ is not a good thing usually. For the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s soccer program, it has proven to be something positive. The WolfPack and head coach Kelly Shantz have looked to Vancouver Island to sign three members of the Upper Island Riptide U-18 rep team.
Capilano University wins PacWest Founders Cup – North Shore News
The Capilano University Blues earned the PacWest Founders Cup as the most-improved athletic program in the conference following a season that saw five of their six teams win provincial medals.
Soccer team adds some kick – Prince George Citizen
Neil Sedgwick has found an engine for his offence. The head coach of the UNBC women’s soccer team has added winger Sonja Neitsch to his roster for the 2017 Canada West Universities Athletic Association season. Neitsch is a product of the Calgary Blizzard club program and caught the attention of Sedgwick at a western college identification camp.
BC Soccer Assoc. Scholarships – BCSA
BC Soccer is proud to award scholarships every year to players and referees proceeding on to post-secondary education. The Scholarships are presented at a special Scholarship Celebration at a Whitecaps FC match in June/July each year. Applications must be received by the British Columbia Soccer Association Office by March 31st.
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.
BC Soccer Assoc. is Now Accepting 2016-2017 Awards Nominations – BCSA
We are pleased to inform everyone that BC soccer Assoc. is currently accepting Awards nominations until the submission deadline date of March 31, 2017. Selection of the award recipients is based on many factors including the individual’s commitment, community involvement and willingness to give back to the game. This year any BC Soccer Assoc. member and their affiliate clubs may submit a nomination.
2017 BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors for terms commencing June, 2017 (following the BC Soccer Annual General Meeting).
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.
2016 BC Soccer Provincial Cup Photo Galleries – BC Soccer Web
Westhills Stadium & Goudy Park in Langford hosted the 2016 BC Soccer Adult Provincial Cup Finals. It was a thrilling weekend of soccer on Vancouver Island that saw seven champions crowned. Richmond FC & Surrey Pegasus qualified for the National Championships this Fall in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Both Coquitlam Metro-Ford Masters & Classics sides qualified for the Western Canadian Masters Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In all, it was a clean sweep for teams from the VMSL & MWSL. Monique Lamoureux & Bill Currie from BC Soccer Web were on location that weekend, capturing the all the action.
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.
3v3 Live Soccer Tour Comes to Canada
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canada perfect with second straight win in Qatar U-23 series with 2:0 victory over Qatar – CSA
Canada registered back-to-back wins in a U-23 international series in Qatar, posting both a 1:0 win over Uzbekistan and 2:0 win over hosts Qatar. The two victories provided a positive start for Octavio Zambrano, newly-appointed Head Coach of Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Program.
St Johnstone midfielder David Wotherspoon linked with Canada men’s national team – Waking the Red
St Johnstone midfielder David Wotherspoon could be set to follow in Scott Arfield’s footsteps by switching his international allegiance from Scotland to Canada.
Concordia Stingers Soccer Players Earn RSEQ Accolades – The Link
With the winter season at an end for the Concordia Stingers men’s and women’s soccer teams, the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec have presented their all-star awards.
Dal Tigers women’s soccer adds local talent to the 2017-18 lineup – Dalhousie Tigers
Dalhousie women’s soccer head coach Cindy Tye is pleased to announce the commitment of three players to the 2017-18 lineup from Halifax County United.
Pop-up soccer stadium could be coming to Halifax this summer – Chronicle-Herald
A pop-up soccer stadium may be coming to the Wanderers Grounds in Halifax as soon as this summer. Last Thursday, Sports and Entertainment Atlantic pitched the notion to Halifax’s community planning and economic development committee. Their idea is to set up an accessible stadium that can seat up to 6,000, with opportunities for an open-air pub, VIP boxes and bike parking.
National soccer coach speaks at RDC Athletics Scholarship Breakfast – Red Deer Express
Be good on and off the field, at home and at work and the universe will bring you what you need. That was the message that two-time Olympic bronze medal winning soccer coach John Herdman gave to a gathering of 330 sponsors, dignitaries and athletes during his keynote speech at the Red Deer College Athletics Scholarship Breakfast on Tuesday morning.
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WFC2, USL, NASL & NPSL NEWS
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
RENO 1868 vs. WFC2
SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017, 7:00 PM
GREATER NEVADA FIELD, RENO, NV.
LIVESTREAM: WHITECAPSFC.COM
Dinos soccer captain Dominick Zator signs contract with Vancouver Whitecaps – The Gauntlet
Hopefully Dominick Zator enjoys Canada’s west coast climate. On March 21, the Dinos men’s soccer team’s outgoing captain signed a year-long professional contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) — the reserve squad for Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps. The team plays in the United Soccer League, which is the second highest level of soccer in the United States and Canada.
Ottawa Fury FC 2017 Season Preview – Northern Starting XI
Over the past several years Ottawa Fury FC, and its supporters, have enjoyed the ups and downs that only the beautiful game can provide. This includes playing in the PDL, NASL and the Voyageurs Cup. This Saturday they will embark on a new adventure in the United Soccer League. Fury FC, along with Tampa Bay Rowdies, made the move from the North American Soccer League during the offseason.
Coldbrook’s MacRae being tutored by former Liverpool star – Chronicle-Herald
He wants to be part of the action this season, not a spectator. That could be Andrew MacRae’s catchphrase for the upcoming Ottawa Fury FC season.
AUDIO: Corner Kicks March 27 2017 – TSN
Ottawa Fury FC coach Paul Dalglish joins Corner Kicks to talk about the preseason & the start of the regular season.
USL Moves: Rhinos add three players for season opener – Soccer America
Rochester, preparing for its USL season opener on Saturday, has announced three player signings. Defenders Raymond Lee and Todd Pratzner and forward Jochen Graf will be added to the team roster, pending league and USSF approval.
Hertzog Named USL Player of the Week – USL
Pittsburgh Riverhounds forward Corey Hertzog has been voted the USL Player of the Week for the opening week of the 2017 season. Hertzog recorded a pair of goals – the first a highlight-reel finish, and the second a late equalizer – as the Riverhounds earned a 3-3 draw against defending USL Cup champions the New York Red Bulls II on Saturday afternoon at Highmark Stadium.
FC Cincinnati Add Former Premier League Defender Justin Hoyte – Cincinnati Soccer Talk
On Wednesday morning, FC Cincinnati announced the signing of former Premier League and Trinidad & Tobago National Team defender Justin Hoyte. Traditionally a right back, Hoyte appeared for FCC in the UC preseason match as a center back and left back. Hoyte is available for immediate selection and could join the team for their match this Saturday in Pittsburgh.
Boise Hawks owners bank on pro soccer, downtown stadium – KTVB
The owners of the Boise Hawks minor league baseball team expect to add a second-tier men’s professional soccer team to their portfolio, and to have both teams play in a 5,000- to 7,500-seat stadium they propose to build in downtown Boise.
Orlando City B offers MLS players chance to prove themselves – Orlando Sentinel
A disappointing result still met a larger goal when Orlando City B lost its United Soccer League season opener 1-0 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Yes, OCB wants to win, but its main priority is developing players for the club’s Major League Soccer team.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Women’s Champions League quarter-final second-leg guide – UEFA
Lyon, Bayern München, Barcelona and Manchester City defend quarter-final leads this week, three of them at home: we have all you need to know about the second legs.
All 10 NWSL clubs limit rosters to 25 players – The Equalizer
Today marks the first roster cut-down day ahead of opening weekend for NWSL clubs. As of training camp today, team’s rosters must be capped at 25 players as mandated by the league. On April 10, all rosters must have 18-20 players, five days before the league officially kicks off for its fifth season on Saturday, April 15.
Seattle Reign: 25-player preseason roster released – MLS Multiplex
The Seattle Reign has trimmed the roster to 25 players ahead of the 2017 preseason fixtures. With two games ahead, who will make the final cut?
SWPL Cup – 1/4 Final round-up – Scottish WNL
It was another fascinating set of fixtures in the SWPL Cup. We now know our four semi-finalists, with Hibernian, Spartans, Glasgow City and Celtic all progressing. It means we are set for an absolutely fascinating set of Semi-Finals, with the draw being made on Wednesday.
Real Madrid and Manchester City expose the folly of United’s refusal to field a woman’s team – The Independent
There is a message here for Manchester United, who are destined to become the last global club steadfastly sticking to the rationale that their sole focus must be on a world-beating men’s team and there will be no women’s team for them.
A Recent History of Women Breaking Down Soccer’s Gender Divide – Paste
The pre-season training schedule of a semi-professional Australian men’s soccer team wouldn’t normally attract much interest from even their most ardent fans. But South Melbourne FC – who play in the nation’s second tier, the Victorian Premier League – made international sporting headlines last month when they revealed they would combine their training sessions with South Melbourne FC Women. The Aussie club’s decision—they’re both reigning champions of their respective leagues—isn’t the only recent development when it comes to the men’s game bridging the gender divide.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Brazil first to qualify for World Cup as Argentina stumble – France 24
Brazil became the first team to qualify for the World Cup on Tuesday after beating Paraguay to clinch an eighth consecutive victory as Argentina’s campaign stumbled after the shock suspension of Lionel Messi.
CONMEBOL WCQ Rewind: Bolivia shocks Argentina, Brazil seals WC berth and more – SBI
After a 1-0 victory over Chile last Thursday, Argentina slumped to a disappointing road defeat to Bolivia on Tuesday. Edgardo Barza’s side came into the match without star forward Lionel Messi, who was serving the first of a four-match suspension.
Tim Howard: US “back on track” after taking 4 points from March qualifiers – MLS
Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Panama didn’t win them any style points. But the US national team believe their World Cup qualifying campaign is “back on track” after they earned four points from the two CONCACAF Hexagonal matches of the past week, turning the page on their 0-2 start to the Hex.
CONCACAF WCQ Rewind: Mexico remains unbeaten, Honduras, Costa Rica share points – SBI
Following their 2-0 home win on Friday against Costa Rica, Mexico remained unbeaten in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying thanks to a 1-0 road win at Trinidad & Tobago on Tuesday.
Cameroon stumble, Morocco stand proud – FIFA
Buoyed by their quarter-final finish at the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations and Friday’s 2-0 victory against Burkina Faso, Morocco grabbed another impressive win in Marrakech on Tuesday.
Spain defeat France with help of video replay while Italy beat Netherlands – ESPN FC
The video assistant referee twice played an important role as Spain beat France 2-0 in a friendly in Paris on Tuesday.
Referee leaders want on-field official to see video replays – Sportsnet
Antoine Griezmann headed the ball into the net and was in full celebration mode with his France teammates when referee Felix Swayer pinned a finger into his left ear to block out the stadium noise. An assistant in front of a bank of monitors was assessing replays and had some bad news for Griezmann. Swayer was told through his earpiece that a player was offside in the buildup.
Juventus winger Pjaca out for season with knee injury – Sportsnet
Juventus winger Marko Pjaca will miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury.
Roma’s De Rossi a doubt for Coppa semi-final after injury with Italy – Four Four Two
Having been substituted for Italy against Netherlands with a back injury, Daniele De Rossi is now a doubt for Roma’s upcoming fixtures.
Cristiano Ronaldo honoured after Madeira airport is renamed after him – ESPN FC
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo says he aims to live up to the honour and responsibility of having the airport on his home island of Madeira renamed after him.
United Nations puts Qatar on notice for slavery violations – Prost Amerika
Human rights abuses in Qatar, host nation for the 2022 World Cup, have reached the point where the United Nations has taken notice.
Ahmad puts his backing behind Morocco to lead joint 2026 World Cup bid – Inside World Football
The new head of African football has thrown his weight behind a possible bid by Morocco to stage the 2026 World Cup, potentially a significant irritant to north America which is regarded by many as a shoo-in to host the event.
Where have football’s hard men gone? – ESPN FC
You knew them by the way they tackled: human cannonballs barreling through legs like they were duckpins. You knew them by the way they looked: hulking beasts with close-shorn haircuts, like bouncers in midfield deciding when to snap the rope. You knew them by the way they played: soccer as hot-potato. Nobody wanted to win the ball more and keep it less. They were the “Hard Men” of English soccer, a pillar of the First Division for decades, a staple of the English game.
Newcastle United tea lady Kath Cassidy dies aged 90 – BBC
Tributes have been paid to Newcastle United’s “legendary” tea lady Kath Cassidy, who has died at the age of 90. She retired in October 2015 after serving beverages to dozens of home and away players, managers and journalists at St James’ Park since 1963. The club said she had been “adored by managers, players and staff alike.”