VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 2 CHICAGO FIRE 1
MLS MATCHDAY #12
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2016
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC
BC Soccer Web Matchday #12: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Chicago Fire, May 11, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Can the Whitecaps build on the momentum from their big derby win on the weekend? This midweek date with the last-place Chicago Fire provides a great opportunity for the Caps. Chicago has not won on the road in 27 matches…almost 2 years. We have all of the news and previews of tonight’s match right here!
Underrated Laba still the key for the Whitecaps – TSN
Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Matias Laba can be a man of few words. The soft-spoken 24-year-old approaches the interview the way he approaches opponents. He is calm, measured and patient, allowing his mind to drift to find the right words in English. Only once he is comfortable to go on the front foot does he say what he wants.
Toronto FC game is big, but three points at home against Fire mean more – Vancouver Sun
The Whitecaps found another gear against the Portland Timbers on Saturday. Now for the hard part: Keep the engine purring against Chicago on a Wednesday.
Big players step up for Whitecaps – 24 Hours
Playland has officially opened for 2016 and if Vancouver Whitecaps FC were a ride, they would certainly be a roller-coaster. So far this season, we’ve had ups and downs and everything in between.
Whitecaps’ Fraser Aird is what truly positive progression looks like – The Province
In just two months on the job, Fraser Aird, the 21-year-old Canadian fullback who signed with Glasgow Rangers at 16, has reminded us what a truly positive progression looks like in a young player.
From the Pigeon Loft: Coming from behind – AFTN
I was watching highlights from September 27, 2014 today. That was, I believe, the last time the Caps came from behind to win at home. It was against RSL and it was the first of what Carl Robinson called “five cup finals.” We basically needed to win them all to make the playoffs.
Whitecaps FC launch #BuckUp for Mental Health in support of Covenant House Vancouver – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC are proud to announce the launch of the club’s annual fundraising campaign #BuckUp for Mental Health. The campaign runs throughout the month of May, culminating at the ‘Caps match on Saturday, May 28 when Whitecaps FC take on Houston Dynamo at BC Place.
Impact’s Piatti named MLS player of the week – Montreal Gazette
Ignacio Piatti has been named the player of the week in Major League Soccer, the Montreal Impact announced on Tuesday.
MLS Week 11 Preview: Midweek action, Atlantic Cup, more – Empire of Soccer
Week 11 marks the one-third point of the Major League Soccer season, the point when the standings should be taken somewhat seriously. It also marks the most packed week of the year so far, with 14 games on tap, starting tonight.
Philadelphia Union looking to send a message, Los Angeles Galaxy crave to extend unbeaten streak – Vavel
The Union and the Galaxy can jump into first place in their respective conference with a victory on Wednesday at Talen Energy Stadium.
Preview: Sporting KC vs Colorado Rapids – Reporting KC
Sporting KC travel to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to face the first place Colorado Rapids in their second meeting of the season.
Despite suspension, Columbus Crew SC’s Kei Kamara doesn’t regret comments – MLS
Head coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter announced at Crew SC training onTuesday the suspension of Kei Kamara due to the forward’s postgame tirade directed at teammate Federico Higuain.
A look at MLS clubs that could use Kei Kamara – SBI
While head coach Gregg Berhalter told reporters on Tuesday that the Crew were looking to keep Kamara on their roster, he admitted that teams were calling in to inquire about the Sierra Leonean ahead of Wednesday’s primary transfer window deadline.
MLS Countdown: SKC holds team meeting to address skid – Soccer America
Six games without a win prompted Sporting KC players to call a private meeting Monday that in part addressed issues raised by head coach Peter Vermes after a 2-0 loss in Houston.
DC United sign 22-year-old Sierra Leone international striker Alhaji Kamara – MLS
The club on Wednesday announced that it has acquired 22-year-old Sierra Leone international striker Alhaji Kamara in a move that had been rumored at the start of this week. To make room for Kamara, D.C. United waived rookie and second round SuperDraft pick Paul Clowes.
MLS Week 11: Wednesday schedule – Soccer America
Five games are on MLS’s Wednesday schedule, the highest number of midweek games so far in 2016. Philadelphia can take the lead in the Eastern Conference with a win over the LA Galaxy. Five of the top six teams in the Western Conference are in action.
Preview: Timbers at FC Dallas – Prost Amerika
It is Once de May, It’s the party you did not even know was around. It is the day MLS has five games on Wednesday in May for some reason.
MLS Disciplinary Committee suspends Orlando City SC coach Adrian Heath – MLS
Heath, also fined, violated the League’s policy restricting entry to the field of play during the 54th minute of Orlando’s match against the New York Red Bulls on May 6.
‘Men’ make the difference in Toronto FC’s turnaround – Toronto Sun
For Toronto FC, the difference between then and now are two things: Knowing and manliness. Based on early returns, the Reds know they’re going to be in every game this season. Three- and four-goal losses will no longer occur.
Is Erik Friberg the solution to Sounders’ early-season struggles? – Seattle Times
The Swedish midfielder’s return to the Sounders starting midfield helped inspire Seattle’s most consistently dangerous performance of the year last weekend against San Jose.
Capture the game in HD using aerial video, book now at www.gamevision.ca!
BC SOCCER NEWS
BC Provincial Cup Finals May 14-15 –BCSA
The 2016 BC Provincial Adult Finals are set for this weekend in Langford (Victoria).
No more joiners: Why kids are dropping out of sports – CBC
“Just because a kid at age 10 isn’t on a scholarship track doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be a place for them in the game,” says John O’Sullivan, founder of the Changing the Game Project, a Portland, Ore.-based organization trying to put the “play” back in “play ball.”
Soccer player back in Terrace for graduating year – Terrace Standard
Paige Payne who played six years in Terrace soccer is returning to the team for her graduating year after spending her Grade 11 year in a competitive soccer academy in Prince George, and competing with a variety of high-level soccer teams for under 18 girls.
‘Spiffy biffy’ ready at Aldergrove Athletic Park – Aldergrove Star
Aldergrove Youth Soccer officials and BC Soccer officials were on hand when Township Councillor Charlie Fox was asked to cut a “white” ribbon to officially open the outhouse that was installed a few weeks ago at Aldergrove Athletic Park between the two turf fields.
KYSA round-up, May 10 – Kamloops This Week
The Kamloops Lightning went undefeated at the Mike Bartram Memorial Youth Soccer Tournament on the weekend, capturing gold in the annual Kamloops Youth Soccer Association Event.
Pacific Soccer Coaching Conference – June 3-5 at SFU – BC Soccer Web
The Pacific Soccer Coaching Conference is back for its second year. Learn from some of the best coaches in the game. This year’s conference features speakers from Arsenal, Leicester City, Southampton, the English FA and more. Register before April 30 for early bird pricing.
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.
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!
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
Donate to the Canadian Red Cross to help those impacted by the Alberta Wildfires– BC Soccer Web
The Canadian Red Cross is the most reliable organization assisting people who are fleeing the wildfires in Fort McMurray and beyond. Please donate. All individual donations are being matched by the Government of Canada.
Quest for Canada’s best: 2016 Amway Canadian Championship begins Wednesday – Whitecaps FC
Will it be FC Edmonton or Ottawa Fury FC? Vancouver Whitecaps FC could get a better idea of their semifinal opponent in this year’s Amway Canadian Championship when the tournament kicks off Wednesday at Edmonton’s Clarke Field.
The stakes are high: Amway Canadian Championship starts an epic road to the CONCACAF Champions League – CSA
When FC Edmonton and Ottawa Fury FC take the pitch 11 May in the first leg of the 2016 Amway Canadian Championship, there is more at stake than simply the Voyageurs Cup. The start of Canada Soccer’s Amway Canadian Championship signals the beginning of an epic journey through Canada and the CONCACAF region with the goal of reaching the FIFA Club World Cup.
FC Edmonton vs. Ottawa Fury: NASL clubs kick off 2016 Canadian Championship – Goal
The first leg of the preliminary round goes Wednesday night in Alberta, with both teams boasting good form heading into the match.
FC Edmonton host Ottawa in first game of Canadian Championship – Edmonton Sun
FC Edmonton have the Ottawa Fury to thank for their recent run of good form. Edmonton had not scored a goal in their first three games of the North American Soccer League Spring Season and were at the bottom of the standings before defeating the Fury 2-0 just over two weeks ago.
Fury opens Canadian championship in Edmonton – Ottawa Citizen
The arrow is pointing up and coach Paul Dalglish wants that to continue when Ottawa plays Edmonton on Wednesday — in the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship. Game 2 will be played at TD Place on May 18. The winner of the series will play Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps in a two-game series early in June.
Canada puts forth heart-filled performance as road to Colombia ends – CSA
A heart-filled performance was not enough as Canada were eliminated on the road to the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016. In need of a draw or better, Canada stretched themselves in the second half, but ultimately lost 4:7 to an experienced Cuban side at the 2016 CONCACAF Futsal Championship.
The fat (mango) lady sings: Canada’s valiant comeback effort falls short – the11.ca
So, as far as anyone can guess, Canada’s winning percentage in games where a mango lady is nearly struck by a ball stands at .000. But, Tuesday’s must-win-or-draw game against Cuba in the CONCACAF Futsal Championship gave us a few minutes of outstanding drama.
Anne Marie Ulliac finding success in the soccer world – Red Deer Express
Anne Marie Ulliac has been busy since her time wearing Red Deer Renegades colours last summer. The 18-year-old goalkeeper recently completed her first season playing NCAA Div. II soccer for the Adelphi University Panthers in Garden City, New York.
In midst of pay dispute, Monsalve and his Suchitepequez teammates prep for Guatemalan playoffs – the11.ca
Canadian goalkeeper David Monsalve won’t be sporting official training gear when he practices with with his CD Suchitepequez teammates. He won’t look out of place. None of his teammates will be wearing team-issued track tops or pants or shorts, either. The players, who propelled their side to a top-of-the-table finish in Guatemala’s top league, are basically in a work to rule situation. As they prepare for the playoffs — CD Suchitepequez is the No. 1 seed — they are also letting the country know that they aren’t happy about not being paid.
Edmonton colleges offer to co-host if wildfires cause events to be moved from Fort McMurray – Edmonton Sun
Pleased at the information that much of Fort McMurray escaped obliteration, ACAC officials still recognize the possibility that Keyano’s involvement in sports programming is likely to change. If necessary, the 2016 national college soccer championship currently scheduled for Fort McMurray would be moved to Edmonton.
JOB OPENING: Associate Head Coach, Women’s Soccer Program – Niagara College
Niagara College is seeking applicants for the position of Associate Head Coach for the Women’s Soccer Program. The Niagara College Knights compete in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) and is a member of the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA).
NLSA’s senior men’s VP urging local support for upcoming Burin Peninsula events – Southern Gazette
Gord Dunphy, the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association’s (NLSA) vice-president for senior men’s competition, is hyping a trio of upcoming events slated for the Burin Peninsula.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
WFC2 vs. LA GALAXY II
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2:00 PM
THUNDERBIRD STADIUM, UBC
TICKET INFO
USL LIVESTREAM
Port Coquitlam’s Kadin Chung named to USL Team of the Week – Whitecaps FC
Port Coquitlam’s Kadin Chung has been named to the USL Team of the Week, the league announced on Tuesday. The 17-year-old was instrumental in the WFC2 come-from-behind 3-2 win this past Wednesday evening, joining the attack to spark the ‘Caps rally.
USL Week 8 Preview: Richmond and Rochester Look for Break Out – Empire of Soccer
USL Week 8 is yet another fixture that spans seven days with games filling just about every possible slot. In weeks like this, it is high stakes for teams such as Richmond who have multiple games. The rewards are high as two wins are an instant boost up the table.
Karl Ouimette escapes brutal kick to the back without serious injury – MLS
It turns out the Canadian international escaped with only minor injuries. He tweeted on Tuesday that scans showed no broken bones after coach Jesse Marsch had told reporters the injury was believed to be only a “back contusion.”
Roughnecks’ Ochoa named USL Player of the Week – KTUL
Tulsa Roughnecks FC captain Sammy Ochoa has been named the USL Player of the Week. He becomes only the second Tulsa player to receive the award, joining goalkeeper Jake Feener who received the honor last year.
USL Preview: Toronto FC II vs. Richmond Kickers –USL
Toronto FC II will host the Richmond Kickers in a special Wednesday matinee at the Ontario Soccer Centre with the visitors looking to complete a season-sweep of the series, and build on a two-game winning streak. Kickoff is set for 8:30 a.m. PT.
Celtic USA: A New Colony Club Heading to NASL? – Midfield Press
The latest colony club rumor suggests Scottish club Celtic FC is looking to establish a franchise in the North American Soccer League. The Celtic to NASL rumors emerged last fall, when the British tabloid The Sun reported that the Scottish club kicked off talks with the league. While nothing but message board rumblings followed in the near term, Celtic Underground recently reported that team executive Peter Lawwell will be traveling back to the USA this summer to re-engage NASL.
US Open Cup: Motor City showdown highlights first round – Soccer America
The U.S. Open Cup will kick off its 103rd edition on Wednesday with 23 first-round games. They will involve 18 teams from the PDL, 14 from the NPSL and 14 Open Division local qualifiers. The game to watch: Michigan Bucks-Detroit City FC, two teams from rival amateur leagues whose futures are up in the air following announcement of a well-funded effort to seek an MLS team in the Motor City.
Cosmos confirm Las Vegas friendly against SD Eibar – Midfield Press
After information leaked a few days ago, the New York Cosmos have confirmed a friendly with SD Eibar will take place in Las Vegas on May 25 at Sam Boyd Field. The match is part of the LFP World Challenge, an initiative aimed at getting La Liga clubs exposure worldwide.
Peter Wilt – The Exit Interview – The Game Beckons
The time is fast approaching where the Indy Eleven’s first President and GM officially steps down as a member of the front office staff and joins the ranks of fan like the rest of us. Section 111, Row A, Seat 1 will technically belong to just another season ticket holder, even if that holder’s name is Peter Wilt. So before Slaughterhouse 19’s Patron Saint takes his talents, (apparent) insomnia, and constantly-on-the-move Honda north to devote all of his time to creating us a regional rival in Chicago, I asked Peter if he would be willing to answer some questions about his time here in Indianapolis.
Follow BC Soccer Web on Twitter and get news throughout the day!
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Alex Morgan on turf issue: FIFA doesn’t see us as equals to the men – SI.com
United States women’s national team forward Alex Morgan discussed why female soccer players shouldn’t have to play on artificial turf in a recent Q&A with Health’s Amy Spencer.
The Lowdown: Breakers doing everything but scoring – The Equalizer
Matt Beard was always going to build his team from back to front. The entire Breakers offseason was crafted around that mentality. It’s just that no one thought it would take a month to actually score a goal. The Breakers’ early-season frustrations continued Saturday night in a 1-0 loss to the Chicago Red Stars. It was the club’s fourth straight loss to open the season and the fourth straight game without a goal. Both are league record droughts out of the gate
Canadian ‘rookie’ Belanger adjusting to life in NWSL – Sportsnet
On paper, Josée Bélanger is a National Women’s Soccer League rookie. But, after a handful of games with the expansion Orlando Pride, the 29-year-old looks like a seasoned veteran, solidifying a starting spot at right fullback.
Annual Nordic Tournament to be staged in Lilleshall – The FA
Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Shropshire will stage this year’s Nordic Tournament. England Women’s Under-23s face three tough matches against Norway (on Thursday 2 June), Sweden (Saturday 4 June) and USA (Tuesday 7 June).
Casey Stoney wants to follow Chelsea Ladies boss Emma Hayes’ example – Football.co.uk
Casey Stoney believes Chelsea Ladies manager Emma Hayes has struck a blow for women with an eye on a touchline future – but she is determined to deny the Blues glory at Wembley this weekend.
UEFA Women’s under-17 Championship – Matchday 3 round-up: Semi-final line-ups set for Friday – Vavel
As the group stage of the UEFA Women’s under-17 Championships drew to a close on Tuesday, the four teams to battle it out in the semi-finals were confirmed.
Rangers Aim For Top Girls Academy –Rangers FC
WITH the revamp of Rangers continuing behind the scenes, yet another appointment has been made as the club strides to build closer ties with the local community.
Kobe Bryant agrees to donate to Afghanistan women’s national team – SI.com
Kobe Bryant has agreed to donate to the Afghanistan women’s national team, he wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.
FFA Women’s Football Development Guide – Football Federation Australia
This guide has been created for community football clubs to develop women’s football and increase the number of females participating in the game at all levels. It contains examples of strategies, initiatives and real life situations to assist clubs in developing programs aimed at servicing and growing the women’s game.
Find a Team or Find a Player with BC Soccer Web FREE Classifieds!
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
West Ham United F.C. says farewell to Boleyn – CBC
For West Ham United fans, their home of Upton Park — or Boleyn Ground — is like Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica rolled into one. And Tuesday they had to say farewell to the football chapel that has housed their beloved Hammers for 112 years.
West Ham sink Manchester United in thrilling Boleyn Ground sendoff – The Guardian
Louis van Gaal’s knack for escapism has been a pronounced feature of the season but on a wild night in east London, when West Ham United yelled farewell to their home of 112 years, the Manchester United manager could not summon the trick when he needed it so sorely.
Louis van Gaal refuses to blame coach attack for Hammers defeat – Vavel
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has refused to blame the unsavoury events that occurred before Tuesday’s match with West Ham United and their 3-2 defeat.
West Ham to issue life bans for Manchester United bus attackers – BBC Sport
West Ham will issue life bans to any fans found responsible for attacking the Manchester United team coach before Tuesday’s game at Upton Park.
David Sullivan and West Ham illustrate how not to handle a crisis – The Guardian
The co-chairman’s decision to blame the ugly scenes that marred West Ham’s last game at the Boleyn Ground on Manchester United’s coach turning up late was another example of his blind loyalty to the club
Injured Welbeck ruled out for up to nine months – Goal
The Arsenal and England striker is set to miss Euro 2016 and a huge portion of next season after a coming together with Bacary Sagna during their clash with Manchester City.
Tottenham finishing above Arsenal ‘means everything’ for Spurs fans – ESPN FC
Mauricio Pochettino was uncharacteristically bristly when asked about Tottenham’s hopes of finishing above Arsenal. “I don’t care about Arsenal, I want to win the league, I want to be on top — but Arsenal, I do not care about,” he said.
Chelsea explore Olympic Stadium groundshare with West Ham – BBC Sport
Chelsea could groundshare with London rivals West Ham at the Olympic Stadium while their new stadium is built.
Previewing the Football League play-offs: how the 12 clubs have fared in the past – The Guardian
How will Brighton respond after their disappointment against Middlesbrough? Will Accrington Stanley recover after falling short on the last day of the season? And will Portsmouth improve on their result against Leicester City in 1993?
Conspiracy theories begin as Verona could make $17M if it loses to Palermo on Sunday – Goal
Verona has nothing to play for. Even if the club was to win its match, it would not move off bottom spot, and yet, even if Verona could, it would still be in its interests to lose the fixture due to the distribution of parachute payments in Serie A.
Sevilla angered by King of Spain snub – Goal
King Felipe VI of Spain will not attend the Europa League final between Sevilla and Liverpool, much to president Jose Castro’s frustration.
Dundee Utd docked points for fielding ineligible player Ali Coote v ICT – BBC Sport
Relegated Dundee United have been deducted three points and fined £30,000 for using two ineligible players in their win over Inverness Caley Thistle.
Sources: Mexican clubs wary of breaking FIFA rule in signing U.S. teens – ESPN FC
The Mexican Football Federation has encouraged Liga MX clubs to stop registering underage players from the United States because of a potential widespread breach of a FIFA rule, sources have told ESPN FC.
No FIFA Article 19 resolution in sight for Liga MX clubs – ESPN FC
Born and raised in San Jose, California, to Mexican parents, forward Jonathan Navarro was spotted at an Alianza de Futbol showcase event in Sunrise, Florida, the type of which attracts eager scouts from Liga MX clubs searching for talented, United States-based Mexican nationals. Scouts liked what they saw in Navarro and he headed to Santos Laguna in June 2015, at age 16. But after six months in the northern Mexican city and a total of zero official games for Los Guerreros’ youth teams, Navarro — formerly of the U.S. U-17 residency program — returned to the U.S. in time for Christmas. The reason? Navarro couldn’t be registered with the Liga MX club via the Mexican Football Federation (FMF).
Spain’s first openly gay referee walks away from football after abuse – The Guardian
Spain’s first openly gay referee has walked away from the game, insisting he “cannot take any more”. Jesús Tomillero, who has been a referee from the age of the 11 and was working near the foot of the Spanish football pyramid in the Andalucían regional league, took the decision after he was subjected to abuse following his decision to give a penalty during a match between Portuense and San Fernando Isleño on Saturday
FIFA to set stringent new rules for choosing World Cup host – CBC
The 2026 World Cup hosts will be decided in a FIFA vote in 2020 after bidding countries undergo stringent new checks on their suitability to stage soccer’s showpiece event.
OECD survey finds football riddled with match-fixing and little being done – Inside World Football
Neither governments nor the sports industry are doing nearly enough to combat and reduce match-fixing and illegal betting according to a comprehensive new report released by the 34-nation Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Austrian court confirms prison terms in match-fixing case – Sportsnet
A regional court has dismissed appeals by former Austria international Sanel Kuljic and seven others against their convictions in the country’s biggest match-fixing scandal.
Scottish League Cup becomes Betfred Cup in £1m deal – Inside World Football
The Scottish Premier Football League (SPFL) has confirmed that Warrington-based bookmaking company Betfred has agreed a three-year deal to become the exclusive title sponsor of the Scottish League Cup which will now be known as The Betfred Cup.
FFA ready to make salaries for every A-League player public next season – Sydney Morning Herald
In the wake of yet another salary cap scandal dogging Australian sport, Football Federation Australia is ready to make the A-League the first competition in this country to make public the wages of its players.
Pele talks to ESPN FC about Brazil’s decline, pressure on Neymar, more – ESPN FC
“I am sad just talking about it,” Pele said, referring to the Selecao’s epic 7-1 humiliation at the hands of Germany in the semifinals of the 2014 World Cup, a beatdown made all the more soul-crushing by the fact that Brazil was the host nation. “I cried watching that game and not just because of the score. I cried because I do not know what happened to the joy of Brazilian football.”
SUM win rights to sell CONCACAF sponsorship to 2021, FIFA releases $10m – Inside World Football
The sponsorship rights to CONCACAF events have been awarded to the MLS’s commercial arm, Soccer United Marketing (SUM), who take over from Traffic Sports, the agency that triggered the corruption scandal that lead to the arrest of the confederation’s last two presidents – Jeffrey Webb and Alfredo Hawit.
China adopts ‘Field of Dreams’ approach to encourage youth – Yahoo Sports
China plans to have more than 70,000 soccer pitches available for everyone to use by 2020 as the country continues to map out ways of revitalizing the sport, the government said on Tuesday.