MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
HOUSTON DYNAMO 2 WHITECAPS FC 0
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2015
BBVA COMPASS STADIUM, HOUSTON, TX.
WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Houston Dynamo 2, Vancouver Whitecaps 0 | MLS Match Recap – MLS
Ricardo Clark helped pump life into the Houston Dynamo’s playoff chances Saturday night at BBVA Compass Stadium, scoring in his first game back from a hamstring injury to push the club to a 2-0 win over the nine-men Vancouver Whitecaps.
Vancouver Whitecaps disappointed to see two key players ejected in “difficult” loss to Houston Dynamo – MLS
The Vancouver Whitecaps troubles in Texas continued Saturday night in a 2-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium that saw the ‘Caps finish the match with just nine men.
Montreal Impact announce coaching change, replacing Frank Klopas with assistant Mauro Biello – MLS
In the wee hours between Saturday night and Sunday morning the club announced that Frank Klopas would be replaced as head coach by 43-year-old assistant Mauro Biello, who was named interim head coach. Klopas is the first manager to be replaced in MLS this season.
Preview: Voyageurs Cup-winning ‘Caps return to MLS action Saturday vs. Houston – Whitecaps FC
Fresh off their first-ever Amway Canadian Championship title, Vancouver Whitecaps FC return to MLS action on Saturday against Houston Dynamo.
Adekugbe, Teibert Called Up For World Cup Qualifying vs. Belize – Eighty-Six Forever
Now that the Voyageurs Cup party has died down somewhat, it’s time to put our focus on other competitions of importance to the Canadian soccer fan – World Cup qualifying, for example. Canada is set to take on Belize in a two-legged fixture this September, playing the home leg first at BMO Field in Toronto on Friday, September 4th before jetting off to FFB Field in Belmopan for the second leg on Tuesday, September 8th.
Mattocks called up to Jamaican national team for 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers versus Nicaragua – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed today that striker Darren Mattocks has been called up to the Jamaican national team for the third round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ qualifying versus Nicaragua in September.
Whitecaps celebrate long-awaited Canadian Championship title – Goal
After so many heartbreaking, if not bizarre, moments that has seen the Blue and White miss out on the title, the Whitecaps ended their long wait for the Voyageurs Cup with a convincing 2-0 second-leg win over holders Montreal Impact at BC Place for a 4-2 aggregate success – the club’s first-ever Canadian Championship crown.
Vancouver Whitecaps finally win the Voyageurs Cup – Whitecaps Fan Blog
After years of frustration and anger the Whitecaps finally won the Canadian Championship, dispatching the other finalist the Montreal Impact with a 2-0 win on the night giving them a 4-2 aggregate victory over two legs. It may not be such a coveted prize, but the Voyageurs Cup is ours after long last.
About damn time? Damn right! – AFTN
Those were the first words from Russell Teibert as he met the media after Vancouver Whitecaps won the Voyageurs Cup for the first time in their history. From 2009 to the freak storm in 2011 to other close calls, the Whitecaps have experienced their share of heartbreak in this tournament.
‘I love this team, I love this club’ – Whitecaps FC
This championship clearly meant a lot to everyone involved in the club. That’s easy to see. But you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who wanted it more than Canadian midfielder Russell Teibert, a Whitecaps FC Residency graduate who has been with the club since 2008.
Cup-starved Teibert now in mood for more trophies – The Province
Russell Teibert sprang from the Whitecaps’ locker-room a half-hour or so after Wednesday night’s historic win, shirtless, reeking of champagne, and beaming like a kid. The club’s first-ever Voyageurs Cup win — in their 14th try — clearly meant a whole lot to the whole team.
USMNT captain Michael Bradley confirms that he’ll miss Peru friendly to play for Toronto FC at Seattle – MLS
Michael Bradley has confirmed reports that he’ll miss out on the US national team’s friendly against Peru on Sept. 4 in Washington, D.C., acknowledging that he’ll remain with his Toronto FC in an interview with Toronto sports-talk radio station TSN 1050 on Friday morning.
Three Impact players selected by their respective national team – Montreal Impact
Defenders Laurent Ciman and Ambroise Oyongo as well as midfielder Johan Venegas have been called by their respective senior national teams for international matchups in September. Ciman will rejoin the Belgian selection for two Euro 2016 qualifying games. Belgium, who currently sits in second place in Group B after six games, will face Bosnia and Herzegovina at King Beaudoin Stadium, in Brussels, on September 3, before meeting Cyprus at GSP Stadium, in Nicosia, three days later.
Portland, Seattle take center stage in Major League Soccer’s rivalry week – ESPN FC
For all the talk in MLS about rivalries, the one between the San Jose Earthquakes and the LA Galaxy seems to occupy a peculiar place in league circles. Thanks to the Quakes’ two-year hiatus from 2006-07, it isn’t the longest running feud in MLS history and the set-tos involving, say, Seattle and Portland, or the New York Red Bulls and New York City F.C. rivalry seems to get more attention these days.
Countdown: Toronto FC v Montreal – Red Nation Online
Toronto FC are now in the midst of a favourable home stretch as they prepare to host their most legitimate rivals on Saturday afternoon, the Montreal Impact. The Reds are in their second of back to back home fixtures and feeling confident after a 5-0 hammering of Orlando City a week ago. Montreal comes to town in a slight dip in form that at one point had them able to overtake TFC but now need to start winning games if they are to contend for an advantageous playoff position.
3 Keys To TFC vs. Montreal Impact – Toronto FC
With August drawing to a close we’re getting a clear look at where Toronto FC stands in the Eastern Conference. Last weekend’s 5-0 thrashing of Orlando City SC, combined with losses by Montreal and New York City, opened a small gap between the Reds and the bottom tier of the playoff race. Now Greg Vanney’s side has their sights set on making ground on the teams ahead of them. That process begins with Saturday’s match against the Impact at BMO Field.
The five formations of Toronto FC – TSN.ca
What is Toronto FC’s best formation? It is a reasonable question to ask, even at this advanced stage of the season. Injury, international absence and mid-season additions play into the unknown. Inconsistent defensive play is another factor. Nothing has come easy for Greg Vanney and his coaching staff.
Confident Delgado bringing key balance, depth to TFC – Red Nation Online
Sometimes when a club possesses a superstar that has been shining as brightly as Sebastian Giovinco has been for Toronto FC this year, the fine performances of other players can be eclipsed.
Major League Soccer’s rivalry week raises the question of what a rivalry is –ESPN FC
It’s “rivalry week” in MLS again, which once again raises the question of what exactly a rivalry is in this league. Geography plays a part in creating rivalries, though not usually to the intimate degree that it does in most of Europe. But just as commonly, and maybe problematically, rivalries in MLS are built by the league.
Giovinco, Pirlo to join Italian squad, Balotelli must earn spot – TSN.ca
Andrea Pirlo and Sebastian Giovinco will be called up to the national team for European Championship qualifiers against Malta and Bulgaria next week, after their recent moves to MLS.
Kaká planning on being more vocal as Orlando City looks to snap out of slump: “I love this kind of crisis” – MLS
With Orlando City SC stuck in a major slump, their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Kaká is conducting an intervention. The captain plans to shoulder more of the load, taking a more vocal role in getting his teammates back on track.
D.C. United’s Hamid and Espindola might start against N.Y. Red Bulls – Washington Post
Both players practiced “full-out” Friday and scheduled to travel with MLS’s Eastern Conference leaders for Sunday match.
Potential trap game awaits Revolution in Philadelphia – Prost Amerika
Regardless of the Philadelphia Union’s form and place in the standings, their home, PPL Park in Chester, Pa. has always been inhospitable for the New England Revolution, something which could add an extra air of hostility when the two teams meet up on Saturday night as part of MLS’ “Rivalry Week.”
Report: Argentina, PSG star Ezequiel Lavezzi turned down $17 million offer from MLS club – MLS
Argentine international Ezequiel Lavezzi was the subject of a five-year, $17-million contract offer from an unnamed MLS club, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Currently at big-money French side Paris St.-Germain, the 30-year-old is being pursued by Inter Milan. La Gazzetta cites the supposed MLS offer as evidence that the versatile attacker may be open to a return to Italy, where he starred for Napoli from 2007 to 2012.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy | MLS Match Preview – MLS
The third edition of the California Clasico in Major League Soccer play kicks off Heineken Rivalry Week when the San Jose Earthquakes play host to the LA Galaxy on Viernes de Fútbol at Avaya Stadium. It’s a meeting of two of the hottest teams in MLS.
A Tale of Polarities in California: the Cali Clasico – Corner of the Galaxy
In its heyday, San Jose v.s. LA was highlighted by heart-stopping playoffs, historical comebacks, supporter club rivalries and the age-old North v.s. South melodrama all states have. I’m from NJ, and though I have no soccer team saga to discuss, that tension between the two poles is undeniably a core of my formative years.
Sebastian Lletget makes his name known after fruitful move to LA Galaxy – SI.com
Having spent so many seasons playing most of his soccer in front of teammates, coaches and perhaps a few groundskeepers or club staffers at Chadwell Heath, it was only natural that Sebastian Lletget listened closely the first couple times he heard a large, live crowd scream his name. Or, at least, something that sounded kind of like it.
Giovani dos Santos, Guillermo Ochoa omitted from Mexico squad – ESPN FC
Interim Mexico coach Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti has omitted LA Galaxy forward Giovani dos Santos and Malaga goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa from his squad to face Trinidad and Tobago and Argentina in the United States on Sept. 4 and 8, respectively.
RSL promotes Waibel, moves Zarkos into soccer operations – Soccer America
With the exit of general manager Garth Lagerwey to Seattle at the end of the 2014 season and more recently of club president Bill Manning, there has been a void on the Real Salt Lake soccer operations side that will be filled by Craig Waibel, who has been promoted to general manager, and Real Monarchs president Rob Zarkos, now RSL’s vice president of soccer administration.
St. Paul OKs forgoing taxes on proposed soccer site – Twincities.com
The St. Paul City Council passed a resolution Wednesday in support of keeping 10 acres of public land near Snelling and University avenues off the tax rolls to accommodate a proposed Major League Soccer stadium.
Herzog Names 24-Player Roster for Final Camp Ahead of Olympic Qualifying – USSF
U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team head coach Andi Herzog has called 24 players to England for a final preparation camp before the 2015 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament in October.
USMNT prospects blog: MLS players key to U.S. Olympic qualifying – ESPN FC
With MLS entering the business end of the regular season before the playoffs begin this fall, the squad that U.S. under-23 coach Andi Herzog names for next week’s final pre-Olympic qualifying tournament tuneup in England against the hosts figures to be mostly European-based.
What You Don’t Know About: Being a Striker by Chris Wondolowski – The Players Tribune
Have you ever been cornered and asked, “So, what do you do?” Or maybe, “What’s your major?” Sometimes, it can be tough be explain. Everyone thinks they know what a pro athlete does. But do we really know? We asked MLS All-Star Chris Wondolowski of the San Jose Earthquakes to explain his job without any cliches. This is What You Don’t Know About: Being a Striker.
FIFA 16 for Playstation 4 Arrives September 22! Pre-Order Now and Save.
BC SOCCER NEWS
Two of the nation’s top sides collide as UBC, SFU prepare for men’s crosstown soccer clash Friday – The Province
Two of the best men’s collegiate soccer programs in the country finished last season with a sour taste in their mouths. So on Friday (7:30 p.m., Thunderbird Stadium), when UBC plays host to the Simon Fraser Clan in a preseason derby, the crosstown rivals will each be looking for the kind of emotional victory that will help springboard them into their upcoming conference campaigns.
Crosstown Rivals Meet on the Pitch – UBC
Friday August 28th, it’s a date most Thunderbird soccer players had circled on their calendars. It’s the day the T-Birds battle the SFU Clan, and while it is only preseason, the game still carries with it, city bragging rights.
Leung Notches A Pair in Win – SFU
The Simon Fraser University Clan opened the women’s soccer season with a 2-0 win over Douglas College in an exhibition game Thursday on Terry Fox Field at Simon Fraser University.
Burnaby teen going pro with Whitecaps FC2 – New Westminster Record
Sixteen-year-old footballer Terran Campbell of Burnaby is going pro. Campbell inked the deal with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC2 team on Wednesday, along with local residency teammates Kadin Chung of Port Coquitlam and North Vancouver’s Thomas Gardner.
Whitecaps sign Port Coquitlam’s Chung to USL contract – Tri City News
Port Coquitlam soccer player Kadin Chung is going pro. The 16-year-old athlete signed a professional contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps USL squad (Whitecaps FC 2) on Wednesday afternoon after four years in the pre-residency program.
Cascades men’s soccer team shows promise during stateside exhibition trip – UFV
A whirlwind preseason trip through the Pacific Northwest afforded new University of the Fraser Valley men’s soccer head coach Tom Lowndes a unique opportunity to take stock of his squad.
Heat men host three teams in preseason tune-up on the Nonis Sports Field – UBCO
Two Canada West teams and a former foe from the PACWEST will join the UBC Okanagan Heat in an exhibition tournament just two weeks prior to the start of the Canada West conference season. Hosting Canada West opponents is a rare occurrence for the Heat with the last friendly on the Nonis turf between conference foes on August of 2013 when Fraser Valley visited Kelowna.
WolfPack Men Hit Road To Kelowna For Final Exhibition Matches – TRU
The exhibition season comes to a close for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team this weekend. The WoflPack are heading to Kelowna to face the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and the Douglas College Royals (PACWEST) at a tournament hosted by the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat.
PCSL working to bring women back – Penticton Western News
The Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL) is working hard to bring its Premier Women’s division back. The league did not operate the division this past season after the Victoria Highlanders folded and Whitecaps FC chose not to play. PCSL president Dave Collard said the league currently has a commitment from the Penticton Murray GM Pinnacles and Kamloops.
Hockey and soccer seasons to begin soon – Sooke News Mirror
You had a long and fruitful summer of fun in the sun, time with your friends and perhaps even with your parents; now the time has come to dust off those cleats and that hockey stick and get ready for the next season of hockey and soccer.
Do you follow @bcsoccerweb on Twitter? You should!
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Christine Sinclair injury may be less serious than originally thought – Canada.com
The prognosis on Canadian captain Christine Sinclair, who had to be helped off the field last weekend in a NWSL game, may be better than initial reports suggested.
Canada picks players for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Belize – CSA
Canada will see an experienced side head into the third round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ as Head Coach Benito Floro has selected 22 players that will take on Belize in a home-and-away series.
Will Johnson, Cyle Larin among 9 Canadian MLSers called for World Cup qualifiers vs. Belize – MLS
After missing out on this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, both Will Johnson and Atiba Hutchinson return to Canada’s roster for a pair of upcoming World Cup qualifiers. On Thursday, Canada released its 22-man roster for the two-legged series against Belize (Sept. 4 and 8), with veteran midfielders Johnson and Hutchinson the key returnees. Fellow midfielder Issey Nakajima-Farran, enjoying a successful season in Malaysia, is also back with the national team.
USL Alumni Called Up By Canada For WC Qualifying – USL
Also selected is FC Montreal goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau and midfielder Kyle Bekker. Crépeau has appeared in 11 USL games this season, and has recorded four shutouts and posted a 1.18 goals-against average. Bekker, meanwhile, recently suited up in Montreal’s 2-1 victory against Toronto FC II.
Red-less: No Toronto FC players on the roster for Canada’s WC qualifiers against Belize – the11.ca
We’re hard pressed to remember the last time a Canadian national-team roster featured no Toronto FC players. But that’s the case, as neither midfielder Jonathan Osorio nor fullback Ashtone Morgan were named to the roster.
13 Ontario players called for Canada World Cup Qualifier – OSA
Ontario will once again have a big impact on the line-up with 13 players hailing from the province being called into camp.
Canada U-20 team trains in Toronto on road to Korea Republic 2017 – CSA
Building on a good start to the U-20 cycle, a group of young players hoping to take part in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 has gathered for its latest camp under coach Rob Gale.
Five Residency players called up to Canada U-20 men’s national team – Whitecaps FC
Canada Soccer announced on Friday that four Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency players, and one Residency graduate, have been called up to the Canadian U-20 men’s national team. Among the call-ups from head coach Rob Gale are defenders Quinn Bredin and Kadin Chung, midfielder Vana Markarian (pictured), and striker Daniel Sagno. Also earning a call-up is Residency graduate Aymar Sigue.
TFC II and TFC Academy Players Called Up to Canada U-20 Camp – Toronto FC
Building on a good start to the U-20 cycle, a group of young players hoping to take part in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 has gathered for its latest camp under coach Rob Gale.
Kaiswatum, Shome, Shores named to Canadian roster for upcoming U-20 camp – FC Edmonton
Building on a good start to the U-20 cycle, a group of young players that includes three FC Edmonton Academy graduates will gather in Toronto for Canada’s latest camp under head coach Rob Gale in anticipation of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017.
Canada’s best homeless soccer players crowdfund their way to the World Cup this fall – Yonge Street
With last month’s national tournaments now complete, Canada’s best homeless soccer players have set their sights on a new goal: the Homeless World Cup, happening in Amsterdam September 12. Facing off against tough international competitors like the Czech Republic and Costa Rica, the national champions from Toronto’s Covenant House team will join their coaches and managers in the Netherlands.
FIFA 16 for Xbox One is coming September 22! Pre-Order Now and Save.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Spirit clinch playoffs with draw; Thorns eliminated – The Equalizer
A scoreless draw on Thursday on the road was all the Washington Spirit needed to clinch the fourth and final berth in the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs. The Spirit drew defending league champions FC Kansas City, 0-0 at the Swope Soccer Village.
Washington Spirit’s Crystal Dunn Only Getting Better – ESPN W
It would have been easy, even understandable, for Crystal Dunn to let disappointment take the reins. She could have convinced herself that she had done her part. She could have dropped her head and wallowed in the easy comfort of what might have been.
With regular routine, O’Hara hitting stride in NWSL – The Equalizer
For Kelley O’Hara, those things are confidence and day-to-day happiness. O’Hara returned from the World Cup in July as a world champion, and her play since then for Sky Blue FC in the National Women’s Soccer League has seen a noticeable uptick.
World Cup hero Carli Lloyd wouldn’t mind a career in … the CIA? – NJ.com
World Cup star and Delran native Carli Lloyd appeared on the SiriusXM Town Hall broadcast Thursday and revealed a very interesting tidbit about her career ambitions outside of soccer.
Scotland defender Corsie enjoying life in Seattle – The Equalizer
Rachel Corsie, a 26-year-old Scottish international defender who played most of her career at home with Aberdeen and Glasgow City before transferring last season to Notts County in the FA WSL1, has been a strong presence in the Seattle Reign defense in her first season in the NWSL. She has contributed two goals, one a game-winner on August 12 against the Houston Dash in a 2-1 victory at home before 6,021 fans.
Women’s round-up: August 2015 – FIFA
Enthusiasm for the women’s game is still evident in every corner of the globe. Just a few weeks after the spectacular FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ came to an end, packed stadiums and top stars continue to create headlines, while there have also been several prominent changes on the touchline.
Referee Michael Oliver replaces injured official at women’s match – BBC Sport
“If there is a qualified assistant referee in the stadium, please can they make themselves known.” That was the request made at half-time in Thursday’s Continental Cup game between Arsenal Ladies and Reading FC Women following an injury to one of the officials. And just who should happen to be in the ground at Boreham Wood FC? None other than Premier League referee Michael Oliver.
Find a Team or Find a Player. Get Playing with BC Soccer Web FREE Classifieds
NASL NEWS
Fans in Cary, N.C., Protest as FIFA Scandal Hits Their Little Home Team – NY Times
Protest banners rise from the stands, one quoting language from a federal indictment. The RailHawks, who compete in the North American Soccer League, have a loyal and vocal fan base, and it is not pleased that the team has found itself touched by a major international case of sports corruption.
NASL Week 10: A Look Ahead – SBI
The New York Cosmos have the chance on Sunday to take three points from the Carolina RailHawks for the second time in a week. Gio Savarese’s men posted a 3-1 win in North Carolina last weekend, and will relish the chance to further close the gap on the league-leading Ottawa Fury. A man of the match performance from Leo Fernandes led the Cosmos in that game.
NASL Roundup: Rowdies hand the reins to Stuart Campbell – Soccer America
After serving one game as Tampa Bay Rowdies interim coach in the wake of the firing of Thomas Rongen, Stuart Campbell has been named Rowdies head coach. The 37-year-old Englishman had been an assistant coach after joining the Rowdies as a player for the 2012 season.
USL NEWS
Orlando City SC close to picking location, name for USL team set to kickoff in 2016 – MLS
Currently, the choice of location remains in the Greater Orlando metro area. Recent reports have indicated the city of DeLand (40 miles to the north) and Melbourne (70 miles east) are among the front-runners, but other possibilities remain.
Orlando City SC head coach Adrian Heath lauds atmosphere in Louisville after defeat in friendly – MLS
Louisville City’s fledgling MLS hopes have been given an emphatic thumbs-up by Orlando City SC head coach Adrian Heath following a 3-1 defeat for his largely second-string Lions team at the hands of the promising USL outfit in a friendly in front of almost 10,000 fans.
Charlotte Tops Montreal 1-0 For First Road Win – Charlotte Independence
The Charlotte Independence wrote franchise history on Wednesday night, recording a 1-0 victory on the road against FC Montreal. A strong performance from resurgent goalkeeper John Berner and a cohesive back four saw Charlotte record its fifth clean sheet of the season. Substitute forward Caleb Calvert provided the difference with a poacher’s finish in the 74th minute.
RGVFC USL soccer stadium to be completed by March – Valleycentral.com
Last month, the United Soccer League (USL) awarded its 25th franchise to Alonzo Cantu, owner of the NBA Development League Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The club, known as RGVFC, will serve as the hybrid affiliate of the Houston Dynamo.
Introducing BC Soccer Web Premium Classified Ads
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Barcelona aim for Champions League history but a repeat won’t be easy – ESPN FC
Champions League title-holders Barcelona will start their chase for their sixth big-eared trophy by facing Bayer Leverkusen, Roma and BATE Borisov in the group stage of the 2015-16 Champions League. With due respect to all of the Catalans’ rivals, the truth is that the draw could have certainly been much harsher with Luis Enrique’s men given that Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal could have crossed their paths instead.
Célia Šašić and Lionel Messi voted UEFA Best Players in Europe 2014/15 – UEFA
Awards presented at Monaco ceremony during UEFA Champions League draw.
FIFA disowns ‘girls in schools’ and Blatter comments by reform chief – Reuters
FIFA on Thursday disowned comments made by the head of its reform committee, who had questioned why American authorities were investigating corruption in soccer, which he described as “just an ethnic sport for girls in schools” in the U.S.
Michel Platini to quit as Uefa president if Fifa bid fails – BBC Sport
Michel Platini has announced he will step down as Uefa president in 2019 if he fails to win Fifa’s top job in next February’s election.
Transfer window continues to destroy games worldwide – TSN.ca
Never before have so many managers complained about the transfer window being open when the season has started. The stance of “lower” teams so far has been admirable. Too often in the past teams at this level with no interest in selling have had the giants barge into their homes and convinced their most valued goods to leave with them before handing over the money as they leave.
Europa League: Ajax, Celtic grouped together – Sportsnet
Former European champions Ajax and Celtic were drawn together with Fenerbahce and Molde in the Europa League groups on Friday. “There are three big teams in this group,” said Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar, counting Fenerbahce which signed his former Netherlands teammate Robin van Persie from Manchester United in the off-season.
Liga MX features Clasico Joven, Toluca vs. Leon and Pako Ayestaran’s debut – ESPN FC
Leon, America, Pumas and Toluca are starting to look like early title contenders, while others like Santos Laguna must pick themselves up and quickly gain vital points in the Liga MX table.
With Mexico playoff looming, Klinsmann can’t afford to experiment too much with September U.S. squad – Goal
The U.S. national team has a Confederations Cup playoff looming in October, which will force the coach to take a different tact with the upcoming friendlies.
Confusion at Manchester City after ‘not-for-sale’ player is sold for £9m – The Guardian
Confusion reigned at Manchester City on Friday after Manuel Pellegrini insisted the young midfielder Marcos Lopes would not be sold by the club only for City’s official website to announce he had been signed by Monaco shortly after.
Heung-Min Son joins Tottenham: Spurs complete deal for Bayer Leverkusen forward – The Independent
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Bayer Leverkusen forward Heung-Min Son for a reported £22m. The South Korea international Son, 23, will wear the No 7 shirt at Spurs, and moves after two years at Leverkusen, where he scored 29 goals in a total of 87 appearances.
Robben replaces van Persie as Dutch captain – TSN
Arjen Robben has been made captain of the Netherlands in Danny Blind’s first squad since taking over from Guus Hiddink as national coach, replacing striker Robin van Persie.
Newcastle United’s no swearing rule and dress code help change mood – The Guardian
Newcastle United are still waiting for their first Premier League win but nearly three months into Steve McClaren’s Tyneside tenure, the mood at St James’ Park has altered significantly.
Gary Smith: Bournemouth prove football dreams do come true – Prost Amerika
Many teams across history in England have overspent and put the club in a perilous situation in search of the Holy Grail of the Premier League and the millions of pounds that can catapult the organisation into another stratosphere.
Free-scoring Lam aims high with Hong Kong – FIFA
For many Asian players, even rubbing shoulders with global power like Manchester United would be a fond memory to cherish. But Hong Kong midfielder Lam Ka Wai can pride himself on a serious of brilliant displays against the Red Devils, including scoring through a wonder-strike.