VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
MLS MATCHDAY #5
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. LA GALAXY
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2016, 7:00 PM
TICKET INFO
B.C. PLACE, VANCOUVER B.C.
TV: TSN 1 RADIO: TSN RADIO 1040 LIVESTREAM: TSN GO
Whitecaps FC open full lower bowl for Saturday’s match versus LA Galaxy – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that capacity for this Saturday’s home match against LA Galaxy will be expanded to the full lower bowl of 27,837.
Pedro Morales is ‘setting the tone’ right now for Vancouver Whitecaps – Metro
Pedro Morales has been Mr. Automatic from the penalty spot so far this year for the Vancouver Whitecaps. He has successfully made all four of his penalty kicks this season, and those four goals have him leading Major League Soccer in that category early on.
International roundup: Bolaños, Waston lead Ticos to victory; Canada drops to third – Whitecaps FC
Tuesday was a busy night in international play with four Vancouver Whitecaps FC players in action – as well as the Canadian senior men’s national team. See below for a summary.
Whitecaps players have boots stolen from training grounds – The Score
In total, the team supposedly had 32 pairs of cleats stolen from the UBC training centre on Monday night, and Whitecaps defender Jordan Harvey took to social media to put out a call for any sightings of the club’s equipment.
Vancouver Whitecaps: Moving the Rivero? – Soccer Shorts
Major League Soccer’s “Designated Player” rule has been much discussed over the years but can basically be defined as a typically passive aggressive MLS approach of superficially ceding power to the individual teams while simultaneously keeping a vice like grip on the reins of power.
Vancovuer Whitecaps boss Carl Robinson praises Rangers loanee Fraser Aird’s latest performance – HITC
Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson has picked out Rangers loanee Fraser Aird for praise after seeing the youngster put in another solid display in Saturday’s 1-0 home victory over the Houston Dynamo.
Sounders captain Brad Evans could return for Saturday’s match against Montreal – Seattle Times
Sounders captain Brad Evans, who dislocated his left shoulder in the season opener against Sporting Kansas City, could return to action Saturday night against the Montreal Impact at CenturyLink Field.
Green card happy news for Tyrone Mears and Sounders – Bellingham Herald
Seattle Sounders FC right back Tyrone Mears has received his United States green card. That’s good news for the club, in that Mears no longer takes one of its international roster spots.
TFC notebook: Coach Vanney answers Gomez’s criticisms – Sportsnet
After having a bye last week, Toronto FC returns to Major League Soccer action with a road tilt against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday.
Impact defender Lefevre has no regrets about making Montreal his home – Lethbridge Herald
Wandrille Lefevre had a choice to make when still a university student – return to his native France with his family or stay on his own in Montreal. The decision to remain behind could not have turned out better for the now-27-year-old Lefevre, who ended up signing to play pro soccer for the Montreal Impact, getting Canadian citizenship and being called up to play two games so far for Canada’s national team.
Houston Dynamo using bye week to get roster to full strength – Houston Dynamo
The Dynamo returned to the training ground on Tuesday morning for the first of three sessions before entering the first bye week of the 2016 season, and the weekend off could not have come at a more opportune time.
Despite report, NYCFC have not closed deal on Rockland site – yet – Empire of Soccer
Moments after publishing a Rockland County Times report claiming the purchase of land by New York City FC, EoS has learned the process is not as far along as originally reported.
Capture the game in HD using aerial video, book now at www.gamevision.ca!
BC SOCCER NEWS
Cup Final Weekend Set for VMSL, FVSL, VISL & MWSL – BC Soccer Web
It’s a big cup final weekend on the B.C.’s Southwest Coast, as the major adult senior leagues wrap up the 2015-16 season.
Div. 1 brothers battle for soccer supremacy – Oak Bay News
A battle of north and south pits brother against brother when the Bays United Div. 1 soccer team faces Cowichan FC Div. 1 for the Vancouver Island Soccer League’s Sir John Jackson Cup Sunday, April 3.
Victoria Highlanders 2016 Season Tickets Now Available – Select Your Seats
The Victoria Highlanders are ready to return to the PDL for 2016. BC Soccer Web encourages all soccer fans on Vancouver Island to get behind their team. Season tickets are now on sale and extremely affordable. Support Local Soccer!
BC Soccer Assoc. is Now Accepting Candidates for its Board of Directors – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors for terms commencing June 11, 2016. Prospective candidates are invited to review the information provided on the BC Soccer web site www.bcsoccer.net. Candidates who provide notice to BC Soccer Assoc. of their intent to stand for election by May 1, 2016 will have their applications circulated to the membership in early May.
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.
EPIC presents the 2016 Western Canada College ID Camp
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
FIFA 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFIYING
MEXICO 2 CANADA 0
TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016
ESTADIO AZTECA, MEXICO, D.F.
Race to Russia tightens after Canada MNT falls at Azteca – CSA
The race to Russia has tightened after Mexico clinched a spot in the CONCACAF “Hex” with a 2:0 Tuesday home win over Canada in the CONCACAF semi-final stage. Honduras, Canada, and El Salvador all remain in striking distance of the group’s second spot, with matches in September 2016 to decide which Group A nation joins Mexico in the six-nation, CONCACAF 2016-17 Final Stage.
Defensive Mistakes Cost Canada in 2-0 Loss to Mexico at Estadio Azteca – Waking the Red
Canada are below the red line heading into the final two games of World Cup qualifying in September, but still have their fate in their own hands.
After Canada’s double defeat to Mexico, focus again shifts to Honduras – MLS
Canada’s hopes of moving on in 2018 World Cup qualifying could very well depend on a game in Honduras. Again.
After two losses to Mexico, Canada is still in decent shape – the11.ca
When the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying groups were revealed, we all agreed that Canada’s mission was simple; to qualify for the Hex, the men’s national team didn’t have to finish ahead of Mexico — that would be unrealistic. It only needed to be better than Honduras and El Salvador.
Report card: Canada gets mediocre grade on Mexico test – Sportsnet
It was another long day for Canada as it suffered a second consecutive loss to Mexico, falling 2-0 at Estadio Azteca after goals from Andres Guardado and Jesus Corona on Tuesday night.
Scorers Wanted: Canada’s goal drought is cause for concern – MLS
In the end, it was a familiar scene for Canada at Estadio Azteca. Now, they have five months to prepare for another familiar scene: the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
WCQ: Mexico secures first Hex berth – Soccer America
Mexico became the first team to clinch a berth in the Hexagonal, the final round of World Cup 2018 qualifying in the Concacaf zone thanks to its fourth win in four games, a 2-0 victory over Canada. Costa Rica and Trinidad & Tobago, the other group leaders, only need ties in their next games to advance.
The Mexico Diaries: Part 3- Explorers, Stadium Tours and Luchadores – Waking the Red
On the eve of game day, Waking the Red’s James Hutton chronicles his trip through Mexico City to watch Canada take on Mexico at Estadio Azteca.
Erin McLeod likely to be out for the season – Vavel
The Canada international went down injured in the Swedes’ 1-0 defeat to 1. FFC Frankfurt last Wednesday and, just before the second leg of that UEFA Women’s Champions League tie, the news is that she could be out for the rest of the 2016 campaign.
Manitoba election: NDP promises new soccer pitches for Brandon – CBC
The NDP made the commitment because the city’s existing pitches are too often at risk of flooding, Selinger said.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
PORTLAND TIMBERS 2 vs. WFC 2
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2016, 7:00 PM
MERLO FIELD, PORTLAND, OR
Koch on Bustos: ‘He’s become a professional’ – Whitecaps FC
WFC2 head coach Alan Koch speaks to TSN Radio’s Monday Night Futbol about the emergence of Marco Bustos, who scored the game-winner against England’s U-20s, WFC2’s season-opening win against Orange County Blues FC, and much more.
NASL 2016 Preview: Ottawa Fury – Northern Pitch
Our contact for last season’s runners up, the Ottawa Fury, is Théo Gauthier, aka @Mimglow. He is the host of the NASL Nightcap podcast, and writer for Northern Starting XI, TotalNASL, and Le Footeur, so you know he knows his stuff.
Adam Eckersley talks Hearts, Hibs & his Scottish pre-season as he embarks on Canadian adventure with FC Edmonton – Capital City Press
Adam Eckersley has never made any secret of his desire to follow in the footsteps of his little brother by plying his trade in North America.
Ottawa Fury FC teammates know new players, coaches just part of the game – CBC
There are a lot of new faces at Ottawa Fury FC as the team’s third season gets underway, including a brand new head coach, and players say the rotating cast of characters on the bench is just part of the game.
NASL finally confirms West Coast expansion with the addition of San Francisco – Twice a Cosmo
The Deltas will fill a requirement for the league to have a West Coast presence, one that is required by US Soccer in order to maintain Division 2 status. The lack of that West Coast presence was something that worried many fans of NASL clubs, who were concerned that USL could pass them in the US Soccer pyramid if the issue wasn’t resolved.
Eleven Adds Attacker Jair Reinoso – Indy Eleven
With its third season in the North American Soccer League just days away, Indy Eleven made an addition to its attacking corps today with the signing of Colombian forward Jair Reinoso. Per club policy, contract details will not be released.
Samaras looking to build bright future with Rayo OKC – SBI
Despite all of his achievements on both the international and club level, Georgios Samaras isn’t looking to live off of his past successes. Rather, the Greek star is looking to play his part in something totally new while reacquainting himself to the game after some time away.
FCE coach Miller predicts a rough reception for Rayo OKC’s Samaras – the11.ca
In the blue corner is FC Edmonton coach Colin Miller, who spent three years at Scottish giants Rangers, and who still has a strong connection to the famous club. In the green corner is Georgios Samaras, who scored 53 career Scottish Premier League goals for Celtic.
Follow BC Soccer Web on Twitter and get news throughout the day!
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Sky Blue FC brings back Ashley Nick – Empire of Soccer
Sky Blue FC continued to tinker with their roster by re-introducing a familiar face to their National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) roster.
NWSL clubs announce reduced rosters – The Equalizer
NWSL clubs were required to reduce rosters to 25 players on Tuesday. Some are still carrying more than 25 as players not in camp do not count against the total. With the United States national team players having departed for their friendlies against Colombia next month, several spots have opened for extra players.
Women’s Continental Cup: Merseyside derby in new cup format – Tribal Football
Holders Arsenal Ladies will travel to fellow top-flight side Reading in the first round of the Women’s Continental Cup.
AIFF to Kick off Indian Women’s Football League This Year – The Quint
In a huge step towards the promotion of women’s football in the country, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the commencement of a women’s league in the current year itself. India as of now has no official professional league for women in the country.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
English FA charge Man City’s Demichelis for betting misconduct – Sportsnet
The English Football Association charged Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis for misconduct in relation to betting on Wednesday.
US U-23 team’s Olympic dream come to an end: “It’s a tough one to swallow” – MLS
For the second straight Olympic cycle, the Americans are staying home. The US Under-23 national team was unable to hang with Colombia, falling 2-1 at Toyota Stadium on Tuesday night after being outplayed in nearly every facet of the game.
Jurgen Klinsmann discusses recent criticism after USMNT mauls Guatemala – SBI
The U.S. entered Tuesday’s clash with Guatemala under an avalanche of pressure given that the match was a virtual must-win, and the person many fans and pundits held responsible for that precarious situation was Klinsmann. The Americans had shockingly dropped a 2-0 decision to the Central American nation just days prior, and the defeat was seen by hordes of supporters and observers as an extension of a poor run of form that dated back to 2014 rather than a disappointing one-off.
Kane ‘disappointed’ with England defeat to Netherlands – Goal
England surrendered a first-half lead to lose 2-1 to Netherlands and Harry Kane admitted improvements were needed before Euro 2016 begins.
Messi ‘happy’ to score 50th Argentina goal – Goal
Lionel Messi expressed his delight at scoring a landmark 50th goal for Argentina but was keen to stress the team contribution in Tuesday’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win against Bolivia.
2018 FIFA World Cup: Asian Qualifying Round 3 line up complete – AFC
The line up for the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World has been finalised following the conclusion of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 on Tuesday.
Mexican players launch anti-homophobia campaign – Reuters
Mexico’s national team has launched a campaign to discourage fans from shouting homophobic slurs during football matches.
France soccer team returns to national stadium after attacks – Inside Toronto
A calm atmosphere surrounded the Stade de France on Tuesday evening as France’s soccer team returned to its national stadium for the first time since last November’s attacks in Paris.
Danny Drinkwater puts focus back on Leicester title bid after England debut – The Guardian
Danny Drinkwater has turned his attention back to helping Leicester City maintain their improbable charge for the Premier League title after being named man of the match on his England debut.
Old Trafford to expand to 80,000 – Vavel
It has been reported that Manchester United are considering expanding Old Trafford’s capacity to 80,000.
FIFA cracks down on TPO with fines for Sevilla, Santos and FC Twente – Inside World Football
FIFA have stepped up the battle against third-party ownership by sanctioning four clubs, including Europa League champions Sevilla, for breaching rules over players’ economic rights.
Obituary: Pioneering referee Robert Evans – Soccer America
Robert Evans, who was a FIFA referee before helping set up U.S. Soccer’s national referee program, died Tuesday at the age of 76. Evans, who was born in England and grew up in Wales, settled in Dallas in 1969 to work as a research geologist.
Brondby president quits after being caught criticising coach on fans’ forum – The Guardian
Jan Bech Andersen has resigned as Brondby’s president after being caught using a pseudonym to criticise his own club’s coach on a fans’ forum.