BC Soccer News, Wednesday, November 25, 2015

WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS

Whitecaps FC to play in 2016 Desert Friendlies hosted by FC TucsonWhitecaps FC
Whitecaps FC players will report for the start of camp and medical testing on Saturday, January 23 before a week of on-field training in Vancouver from Sunday, January 24 through Friday, January 29. The team travels to Arizona on Sunday, January 31 and will be back in Vancouver on Wednesday, February 10.

MLS preseason returns to Tucson in 2016Soccer America
Ten MLS teams will take part in preseason training in Tucson, Arizona, where the 2016 Desert Friendlies and FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup Tournament will again be held at Kino North Stadium.

Whitecaps Shut out of MLS Awards as Carl Robinson Loses to Jesse Marsch Eighty-Six Forever
Major League Soccer has announced that New York Red Bulls Coach Jesse Marsch has been named the 2015 Coach of the Year, which means Whitecaps skipper Carl Robinson will be going home empty handed.

Jesse Marsch wins MLS Coach of the Year Empire of Soccer
Jesse Marsch has won Major League Soccer’s Coach of the Year award after leading the New York Red Bulls to the Supporters’ Shield in his first season with the club.

Not vindication, but Coach of the Year Jesse Marsch proved himself by leading New York Red Bulls in 2015 MLS
He wasn’t the coach expected to lead the 2015 New York Red Bulls, but Jesse Marsch ended up being the perfect fit for a team in turmoil. Now, in their 20th season, the Red Bulls (née MetroStars) have yet another first, as Marsch claimed MLS Coach of the Year honors, the first in club history to do so. While it is an individual award, Marsch was quick to heap praise on those around him.

Kei Kamara’s long road homeFIFA
Kei Kamara wears a big smile. He is playful with kids and fans, always the last man out signing autographs even when temperatures drop below freezing in his adoptive home of Columbus, Ohio. That smile grew even bigger during a recent game. A 2015 MVP frontrunner, Major League Soccer all-star and league top-scorer, Kamara admitted to being a little star-struck.

Orlando City, New England Revolution announce roster moves; Tally Hall, Corey Ashe contract options declinedMLS
Early moves of the MLS offseason hit the wire on Wednesday, with the New England Revolution and Orlando City announcing a slew of roster decisions.

Report: Michael Bradley Considering Serie A Loan in JanuaryWaking the Red
Like him or hate him, one thing is certain about Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley: he likes to play soccer. The 28-year-old plays every opportunity he gets: be it a league game, cup game or for his country. It is no surprise, then, that the long MLS offseason has Bradley restless. Today, in an interview with Gazetta World, Bradley said that he is considering a return to Serie A on loan.

Bradley Wright-Phillips eyes Prem loan amid Bournemouth interest – sourcesESPN FC
New York Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips is keen on a loan move to the Premier League during the Major League Soccer off-season with Bournemouth expressing an interest, sources have told ESPN FC.

Steven Gerrard confirms he will train with former club Liverpool next week  – The Guardian
Steven Gerrard has confirmed he will train with his former club Liverpool next week and is relishing the opportunity to work with Jürgen Klopp. The LA Galaxy midfielder has ruled out a return to a playing role with Liverpool and is only training at Melwood during the MLS close season.

Report: Rapids in talks with Carlos VelaSBI
Carlos Vela has long been rumored to be MLS-bound, and it appears that the Colorado Rapids have emerged as the most likely destination. Reports from Bola VIP state that the Mexican international is in talks with the Rapids over a potential deal that could take shape as soon as next month.

Gabriel Brener on verge of Houston Dynamo majority ownership FOX 26 Sports Houston
Houston Dynamo co-owner Gabriel Brener is on the verge of becoming the new majority owner of the franchise according to Major League Soccer sources. Brener, who owns 25 per cent of the franchise, is in the process of joining with two other investors to buy out current majority owner Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns 50 per cent.

David Beckham plans for Little Havana stadium in question  – Miami Herald
David Beckham may be one of the world’s biggest celebrities, but his star power hasn’t mattered much when it comes to finding a home for a pro soccer stadium in Miami. On Tuesday, the British footballer’s latest proposal to build next to Marlins Park baseball stadium appeared to be in jeopardy.

TFC season review, part V: Where do we go from here 24th Minute
After nine seasons it’s hard to be rational. Jokes about Mista and, well, Mista mostly come easier than the stark reality of TFC losing by a combined 8-0 in its two biggest games of its history. The Toronto Football Club has not been a model franchise in Major League Soccer. Well, on the pitch anyway. The boys in New York are happy with the loonies the club keeps shipping down to them, even if they are 30 per cent smaller than they were a few years ago.

NY Red Bulls announce 24/7 radio channel – Red Bulls Radio – via TuneIn NY Red Bulls
The New York Red Bulls announced today the launch of the team’s new 24/7 radio channel – Red Bulls Radio – via TuneIn. The Red Bulls are the first team in Major League Soccer to have their own 24/7 radio channel on TuneIn.

Soccer commissioner apologizes for taking ‘cheap shot’ at ChattanoogaTimes Free Press
Don Garber: “While recently discussing promotion and relegation, I made some inappropriate comments about Chattanooga,” Garber said.  “I commend all of the soccer fans in Tennessee and the Southeast for their record-breaking support of Chattanooga FC, and apologize to the passionate supporters of the club.”

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BC SOCCER NEWS

BC Soccer Web Feature Matches, November 24 – December 1, 2015BC Soccer Web
As November winds up, the contenders start to stand out from the pretenders in the local senior leagues, and the bottom of the tables see clubs scrambling already to avoid being mentioned in upcoming relegation battles. MLS Cup Conference Finals wrap up on Sunday, and we shift our focus to compelling matches in the VMSL, FVSL, VISL & LIWSA. Thanks again to Devon Rowcliffe for his selection of lower division matches to catch this week.

VMSL PHOTO GALLERY: WEST VAN FC 2 COQUITLAM MF WOLVES 2, NOV.20, 2015 BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Monique Lamoureux.

FVSL PHOTO GALLERY: PMO Lordco Gunners 3 Aldergrove Utd. 0, Nov.20, 2015 BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie

Soccer facility proposed for South Surrey Athletic Park Surrey Leader
A new indoor soccer training facility could be on the way at South Surrey Athletic Park. Information on the proposed joint venture between the City of Surrey and the South-Surrey based Coastal FC soccer club will be released to the public Wednesday during an open house from 6-8 p.m. at the Rotary Field House.

Oak Bay boys hope to end provincial soccer title droughtTimes Colonist
In any provincial high school championship, the objective remains the same. “The goal is to win, baby,” Oak Bay Bays coach Richard Fast said with a hearty chuckle.

Villa claims home victory against Saanich squad Powell River Peak
Powell River Villa found their footing at home to beat Saanich’s Lakehill United 2-0 on Sunday, November 22. After two weeks off due to a rain cancellation and a forfeit, the Powell River club were ready to defend their home territory to the second-ranked team in Division 2.

Wildcats blank JdF to remain undefeated Sooke News Mirror
The Sooke Wildcats remain undefeated and in first place after a 2-0 convincing win over Juan de Fuca in Lower Island Soccer League Girls U15 play on Saturday.

TOFC clubs fall in Premier League Cup finals Kamloops This Week
For the first time in franchise history, the Thompson Okanagan Football Club had two teams in the finals at the B.C. Soccer Premier League Cup Finals.

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CANADA SOCCER NEWS

Canadian midfielder Trafford joins Polish club Sportsnet
Charlie Trafford’s great Finnish adventure is over. Trafford has spent most of his entire professional career playing in Finland, but the Canadian midfielder announced on Tuesday he has signed a one-and-half-year deal with Korona Kielce of the Ekstraklasa, Poland’s top division.

Pryce, Moreira Selected to Canadian Under-20 National Team Roster Pittsburgh Panthers
Pitt women’s soccer players Taylor Pryce (Thornhill, Ontario/Bill Crothers Secondary) and Ashley Moreira (Maple, Ontario/St. Joan of Arc) have been selected to the Canadian Women’s National EXCEL Program’s under-20 final roster for the upcoming CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championships to be held in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, beginning December 3.

Foothills F.C. aiming for spot in Major League Soccer The Gauntlet
Soccer is thriving in North America. As Canadian youth participation rates steadily rise, Major League Soccer continues to bring in legitimate stars from established soccer nations, bolstering respect for the game on a continent already enthralled with a long list of other sports. Calgary is hoping to join that wave of success, as the city’s new semi-professional team, Calgary Foothills F.C., continues to make progress on their path to joining the MLS.

2015 Defenders Of The YearLeague1 Ontario
Dominic Samuel proved to be a very dynamic centre back for Sigma FC, providing both hard-nosed defending as well as a dangerous attacking option.

Whistle Bend sports complex back before Whitehorse councilCBC
New city councillor Samson Hartland revived a rezoning application that the previous council rejected in April. The rezoning would allow the Yukon government to move ahead with plans to build two outdoor soccer pitches and an eight-lane running track.

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NASL & USL NEWS

Baby steps for Eddies captain Albert Watson and family FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton captain Albert Watson and wife Alison recently welcomed their first child, Scarlett Elizabeth Watson to the world, putting things into perspective for the Northern Ireland native who is about to embark on his fourth campaign with the Eddies.

Senna, Szetela played Soccer Bowl Final – with broken toesEmpire of Soccer
Fans and media marveled at the play of 39-year-old Marcos Senna in the final two matches of his New York Cosmos career. And that was before anyone knew he was hurt!

Tony Meola Lands In Right Opportunity In Jacksonville To Make Head Coaching DebutNASL
Tony Meola has spent his entire life immersed in soccer. He’s been a goalkeeper at the game’s highest level as a member of three World Cup rosters for the U.S. men’s national team. He’s also coached at the youth national team level and has spent the last several years in broadcasting on television and radio. Meola, though, was hesitant at first to step into the coaching ranks.

RailHawks Take Flight: Is a new team name just around the corner?Triangle Soccer Fanatics
In some of his first interviews after acquiring the Carolina RailHawks, new owner Steve Malik has suggested that he likes the RailHawks name, but thinks a rebranding could be in order.  This morning, it has come to light that Carolina FC LLC, the parent company of the RailHawks has registered a trademark on “Carolina Flight” and acquired the domain name CarolinaFlightFC.com.

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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS

Wambach headlines USWNT roster for final Victory Tour matchesSBI
Wabach is among 28 players named to the final USWNT roster for the team’s Victory Tour, which concludes with four December matches. The U.S. will take on Trinidad & Tobago in a pair of games on Dec. 6 and Dec. 10 before facing off with China on Dec. 13 and Dec. 16 to close out a World Cup-winning 2015.

Bronze and Aluko out to prove beating Germany was ‘no fluke’The FA
England Women’s duo Lucy Bronze and Eniola Aluko are both aware of the significance of Thursday’s match against Germany in Duisburg.

Women’s Euro 2017 Qualifying Scores UEFA
Latest results and fixtures in a week of Women’s Euro 2017 Qualifiers.

The Lowdown: XI NWSL things to be thankful for The Equalizer
I’m not normally one to cover personal matters in my column, but it’s the middle of the offseason and the start of the holiday season is upon us.  So what the heck.  Here are XI things pertaining to my coverage of NWSL that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving week.

REIGN FC SIGNS DUTCH FORWARD MANON MELISNWSL
Seattle Reign FC announced today that the club has signed Dutch international forward Gabriëlla “Manon” Melis. Melis will join Reign FC prior to the start of the 2016 season, pending receipt of her P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Puerto Rico women find success with Avedissian – CONCACAF
Garabet Avedissian is already starting to do for Puerto Rico women’s football what he accomplished for Costa Rica. The 56-year-old Uruguayan guided the Central American nation to its first berth in the FIFA Women’s World Cup thanks to a runner-up finish in the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, where they lost to the United States in the final. He also led the under-20 squad to a third-place finish in the 2014 CONCACAF Under-20 Women’s Championship and a ticket to the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

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WORLD SOCCER NEWS

Champions League: Lionel Messi return lifts Barcelona into knockout roundsCBC
Lionel Messi scored his first two goals after a two-month injury layoff and Luis Suarez netted a brace in a 6-1 rout of Roma on Tuesday as Barcelona advanced to the Champions League knockout rounds for a 12th consecutive season.

Barcelona look unstoppable with Messi backSportsnet
On a day with goals galore and a number of blowouts it was Barcelona’s demolition of Roma at the Camp Nou that stood out the most. The Catalans were merciless in shipping six goals past the Giallorossi, as Lionel Messi bagged a brace in his first start in close to two months following an injury layoff.

Keylor Navas: Real Madrid players ‘hurting’ after Clasico humiliation ESPN FC
Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas said the club’s players “are really hurting” after Saturday’s humiliation at the hands of Barcelona. Madrid, who have lost their last two La Liga games, were thrashed 4-0 by their arch rivals in the Bernabeu Clasico.

Lazio’s Keita Balde Diao aiming for Rio with Senegal BBC Sport
Lazio’s Keita Balde Diao has told BBC Sport playing for Senegal will make him “a great player”, as he committed to the Teranga Lions over Spain.

Man United’s Luke Shaw thanks PSV fans for banner before Old Trafford tieESPN FC
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has praised PSV Eindhoven fans for a “thoughtful” banner as he continues his recovery ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash at Old Trafford.

Man Utd, Bayern, PSG, Barca and Real suck up the Euro cash leaving scraps for the poor Inside World Football
The revenue gap between Europe’s big five leagues and the rest is getting bigger and within those leagues the big five teams in each league are getting even bigger at the expense of their domestic rivals.

Celtic v Dundee in the United States – the pros and consBBC Sport
The idea ought to be fully explored, though, since a lack of innovative thinking has been a long-standing criticism of the executives in charge of Scottish football.

St Pauli pay €1.3m to buy back rights to famous skull and crossbones logo The Guardian
St Pauli have won back the lucrative marketing rights to their famous skull and crossbones logo, after a five-year legal battle with their merchandising partners.

FC Santa Claus reveal their new kits ahead of the upcoming festive seasonESPN FC
It’s very nearly that time of year again and in the interest of dragging you kicking and screaming into the festive spirit, we thought we’d bring you an update from everybody’s favourite Christmas-themed football club.

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