BC SOCCER NEWS
Valentine, Nash among 2016 inductees for BC Sports Hall of Fame – Whitecaps FC
The Class of 2016 for the BC Sports Hall of Fame was unveiled today and Vancouver Whitecaps FC was well represented.
Soccer legends Carl Valentine, Geri Donnely & Harry Manson inducted into B.C. Sports Hall of Fame – BC Sports Hall of Fame
The BC Sports Hall of Fame has selected 11 outstanding individuals and one team for induction as part of its 2016 class, the 50th in its history.
Steve Nash leads star-studded class into B.C. Sports Hall of Fame – CBC
Nash, Carl Valentine, Wally Buono and Diane Clement are a few of the notable names in the class of 2016.
Indigenous soccer pioneer finally inducted into B.C. Sports Hall of Fame – Georgia Straight
More than a century after his death, a trailblazing aboriginal B.C. soccer player has finally been recognized in his own province.
WFC II player from Surrey suspended after alleged sexual assault at nightclub – The Province
“Sahil Sandhu has been suspended indefinitely pending resolution of his case before the court,” according to a statement from the club.
Penticton soccer players love former Whitecap – Penticton Western News
It’s been a long time since Jaclyn Dunnett was in Penticton for soccer. Yet the 28-year-old former Canadian national team member remembers those games with fondness. “Always had a lot of fun,” said Dunnett, back in Penticton while trying to land a job as a teacher. “It was competitive.”
Top girls talent from BC and Alberta come together for weekend of development – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC hosted Alberta’s Regional Performance Centre (RPC) for a weekend of training and mutual development last month. Players from Alberta’s top talent pool came and spent time training with the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX program.
West Shore soccer club still looking up in the standings – Goldstream Gazette
Westcastle United will look to score its third win of the season this Saturday against Bays United Liquor Plus, when the teams meet for a 7:30 p.m. Vancouver Island Soccer League Div. 1 match at Westhills Stadium.
Follow @bcsoccerweb on Twitter Today!
WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Whitecaps FC re-sign centre back Pa-Modou Kah to one-year contract extension – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has re-signed centre back Pa-Modou Kah to a one-year contract extension. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
TFC acquires D Beitashour from Whitecaps – TSN
Toronto FC has acquired right back Steven Beitashour from the Vancouver Whitecaps for a draft pick, according to TSN soccer analyst Kristian Jack. The deal is expected to be announced officially on Friday.
Whitecaps trade Steven Beitashour to Toronto – The Province
TSN’s Kristian Jack first reported that Whitecaps’ right-back Steven Beitashour is headed to Toronto FC. The deal has been confirmed.
Beitashour out after failure to reach a deal – Vancouver Sun
Veteran right fullback Steven Beitashour won’t be back with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2016. Sources say the 28-year-old, whom the Caps were negotiating with this week even after they declined the option on his contract for next season, has been dealt to Toronto FC. The trade will be officially confirmed today.
Jordan Smith and Kendall Waston called up to Costa Rica for friendly versus Nicaragua – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed today that defenders Jordan Smith and Kendall Waston have been called up to the Costa Rican national team for the upcoming friendly match versus Nicaragua.
A look at top players available in the MLS offseason market – Goal
The first steps toward roster building are under way across the league, and while many teams have already shed players and even traded players, the next month is going to be very interesting as free agents hit the MLS market for the first time and a good collection of veterans go into Friday’s second phase of the MLS Re-Entry Draft.
MLS releases initial 59-player list for 2016 MLS Combine – SBI
A select group of college players have been invited to have the chance to prove themselves at the 2016 MLS Combine. MLS announced on Friday that 59 players comprise the initial invite list for the 2016 MLS Combine, which is set to be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from Jan. 7-12.
St. Ledger parlays revival with Rapids into new contract – Soccer America
He wasn’t wanted in Orlando, but Irish defender Sean St. Ledger made his second MLS chance with Colorado a successful one.
NYCFC acquires Ethan White from Philadelphia Union – Empire of Soccer
New York City FC has acquired defender Ethan White in a trade from the Philadelphia Union. White, who is set to turn 25 on January 1st, made 28 appearances for the Union in two seasons. He is primarily a centerback who can platoon at right back if necessary. In exchange for White, NYCFC will send the Union its fourth-round pick in the 2017 Superdraft.
For Timbers, it’s back to life, back to reality – Prost Amerika
The Timbers had only just arrived back at PDX when news leaked about the details emerged about whose contracts the club had declined for 2016. “It’s a business,” is a phrase you’ll hear every now and again, and there is nothing that really quite drives that point home like a taking part in a parade between calls to your agent and your broker.
TFC GM: ‘Extra money just one piece of puzzle’ – Sportsnet
It was the equivalent of a parent giving a young child a raise in their weekly allowance. Major League Soccer announced this week the expansion of its Targeted Allocation Money (or TAM) mechanism, a move that it says will increase league-wide player compensation by nearly $37 million over the next two seasons.
Sebastian Giovinco says he wants finish his career in MLS – MLS
“I want to finish my career in [North] America, that is my dream,” Giovinco, 28, said in an interview with Sky Sports Italy. “I am very happy where I am, it’s true that I miss matches like Juventus vs. Fiorentina, but I’m doing very well here.”
Sacramento Republic optimistic about chances to join Major League Soccer – ESPN FC
The USL team got an early Christmas gift last week when MLS commissioner Don Garber said that the league intends to expand to 28 teams. Sacramento has touted its efforts to meet the expansion requirements in an effort to make inclusion in MLS an inevitability.
Why Miami made David Beckham work hard for his MLS stadium dream – The Guardian
When David Beckham rolled into Miami in February 2014, promising and expecting the world, he probably didn’t foresee 22 months elapsing without a home for his planned MLS expansion franchise.
New Philadelphia Union sporting director Earnie Stewart lauded as “critical piece of the puzzle” – MLS
Despite doing a lot of great things as a soccer executive in the country where he grew up, Earnie Stewart always wanted to return to the country where he forged some of his greatest soccer memories.
D.C. United’s new logo, a ‘modern evolution’ – Soccer America
D.C. United, one of the most storied teams in MLS history, unveiled a new logo for only the second time, introducing it at the club’s annual holiday celebration in Washington on Thursday before players, staff and fans.
Find a Team or Find a Player. Get Playing with BC Soccer Web FREE Classifieds
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canada qualifies for Papua New Guinea 2016 – Canada Soccer
Canada has qualified for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016. Undefeated after four matches at the 2015 CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship, Canada won their spot in the global finals after a 5-4 win on kicks from the penalty mark gainst Mexico.
Trevor Stiles named 2015 Canadian Para Soccer Player of the Year – Canada Soccer
Canada’s top goalscorer Trevor Stiles has been named the 2015 Canadian Para Soccer Player of the Year. The 34-year old international footballer from Victoria, BC was honoured with the selection made by the Canada Para Soccer coaching staff.
Is the CSA not enough? – A look into Youth Futbol
In Canada, we have the Canadian Soccer Association(CSA), Provincial Organizations, and then District Associations. Trying to understand how the soccer system works is a job in itself for most people. We always talk about the governance we have in place and how we can improve it.When you really look at it, it is a massive undertaking and so many layers of voting before you even get down to the player that may be affected.
Canada one win away from Papua New Guinea – CSA
Canada are one win away from a spot at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016. With the region’s field reduced to four nations, Canada will have a first shot at qualification at the CONCACAF semi-finals this Friday night.
CU20W Preview: Semifinal #1 – Canada v Mexico – CONCACAF
The first ticket to the 2015 CONCACAF Under-20 Women’s Championship final, as well as a place in the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, will all be at stake when Canada and Mexico meet in a final-four pairing on Friday at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano.
An unprecedented partnership between the Montreal Impact and the Quebec Soccer Federation – Montreal Impact
The Montreal Impact, including its Academy and its Soccer Schools (SoSc), and the Quebec Soccer Federation (FSQ), composed of 325 clubs in 18 regions (ARS) across the province, announced on Thursday a partnership to maximize the development of soccer in Quebec.
Soccer a tough sell for Canadian stakeholders? – Yahoo Sports
Why is investment in a soccer franchise so difficult to push in Canada? With so many potential worldwide stakeholders intrigued by the prospect of owning a North American sports enterprise, are Canadian business-people just completely under-inspired by the entire proposal? It’s a tough sell to these guys, right?
Academy report – USSDA showcase in Florida – Montreal Impact
The U16 and U18 Impact teams were in Florida last week. They both played three games in four days in the annual U.S. Soccer Development Academy showcase. Both teams got back to Montreal with a positive record of two wins and one loss.
Darko Buser To Lead Fury FC Academy – Ottawa Fury
Ottawa Fury FC today announced that Academy Coach Darko Buser will assume a leadership role with the Fury FC Academy.
Johan Fallby-As many as possible, as long as possible, in the best environment possible – Footblogball
“I am often surprised when I compare child and youth environments and see the stress that occurs there, with the real elite environments of adult sport. I myself have been involved in preparations for European Championship and World Cup games in table tennis and soccer with both the senior and junior national teams and with club teams. Unfortunately there is way more stress evident in child and youth sport”
BC Soccer Web Premium Classified Ads from only 50 cents per day!
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Press hat trick paces USWNT in win over T&T – The Equalizer
Christen Press scored a hat trick off the bench to help lift the United States women’s national team to a 6-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
ORLANDO PRIDE ACQUIRES AUSTRALIAN DEFENDER STEPH CATLEY – NWSL
Orlando Pride has acquired Australian Women’s National Team defender Stephanie-Elise Catley from the Portland Thorns in exchange for goalkeeper Adrianna Franch and a third-round pick (No. 21 overall) in the 2016 NWSL College Draft, the team announced today.
Orlando Pride trade for Portland Thorns defender Stephanie Catley – Orlando Sentinel
The Australian national team defender made 14 appearances for the Thorns in NWSL matches in 2014 and three in 2015 before returning to the Australian W-League. Catley has 41 caps with the Aussie national team.
NOMINEES SET FOR 2015 U.S. SOCCER FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR – NWSL
U.S. Soccer has announced the five nominees for 2015 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. This year’s field features midfielders Lauren Holiday, Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe, defender Becky Sauerbrunn, and goalkeeper Hope Solo.
Alex Morgan steps forward as vocal leader of U.S. women’s national team – Yahoo Sports
U.S. Soccer’s cancellation of a Victory Tour stop in Honolulu last weekend for the women’s national team came as a bit of an earthquake in the soccer world, but it was no surprise who led the outcry over poor field conditions at Aloha Stadium.
Westfield W-League Round 9 Preview – Westfield W-League
This weekend’s squad news for round nine in the Westfield W-League, highlighted by the Fox Sports/ABC TV match featuring Newcastle Jets and leaders Melbourne City.
Cho So-hyun targets move to NWSL or FA-WSL – Keeper Notes
Fresh off of winning her third consecutive WK-League championship with Hyundai Steel Red Angels and leading her national team into the knockout rounds of the Women’s World Cup, South Korean national team captain could be on the move. Keeper Notes has learned that Hyundai Steel is looking to loan the midfielder out in order to gain more experience playing overseas, with NWSL and FA-WSL considered the two best options.
Red Stars to play all 2016 home games at Toyota Park – The Equalizer
The Chicago Red Stars are returning to Toyota Park. The club announced on Thursday that all 2016 home games will be played at Toyota Park — the home of MLS’ Chicago Red Stars — in Bridgeview, Ill. Toyota Park has a grass playing surface.
Bristol City Women FC: FA approve Bristol Academy rebrand – BBC Sport
“This football club is only here so that young girls can aspire to play professional football in Bristol.”
Two Sisters Win Two National Titles In One Afternoon, 27 Miles Apart – Huffington Post
A combination of geographical luck and genetically-shared athleticism led to an incredible coincidence for one family this past Saturday. Katie and Sarah Klunder’s college soccer teams were each competing for a national championship that day — and the sisters were playing their respective title games only 27 miles apart, enabling parents Lisa and Jim to witness both daughters make history within the span of just a few hours.
Youth no obstacle for Coach Arauz – FIFA
“The funniest thing that ever happened to me was on a flight with the national team, when I was given a seat right next to the emergency exit,” recalled Ecuador women’s national team coach Vanessa Arauz, the youngest person ever to take charge of a side at a FIFA Women’s World Cup™, in conversation with FIFA.com. “Before we took off a flight attendant came and asked me, for security reasons, if I was old enough to be seated there. You can imagine how much my players laughed at that.”
BC Soccer Web Premium Classified Ads from only 50 cents per day!
NASL & USL NEWS
Loons Land Lance Laing – Northern Pitch
The two time NASL Best XI selection will head to Minnesota, marking the second major free agent signing for United this offseason after the pick-up of reigning league MVP Stefano Pinho last week.
Miami FC announces Palacios, Richards, Chavez signings; reveals kit – SBI
Miami FC announced on Friday that the club has signed Honduras midfielder Wilson Palacios, former New York Red Bulls winger Dane Richards and former Atlanta Silverbacks forward Jaime Chavez as the club’s first three player signings.
Cosmos Update Proposed Belmont Stadium Plan – Empire of Soccer
The New York Cosmos have reaffirmed their desire to build a first rate soccer specific stadium, as well as a retail and entertainment complex, at Belmont Park.
NASL offseason merry-go-round in full spin – One World Sports
It took Tim Hankinson a New York minute to begin the wholesale revamping of Indy Eleven’s roster. Hankinson, 60, who grew up playing soccer in Manhattan’s Central Park, took over the reins last week of the NASL’s attendance leader, but underachiever on the field, fully aware of the challenge ahead.
Indy Eleven NPSL: A New Partnership With New Benefits – Bloody Shambles
On November 17th 2015 the Indy Eleven organization announced that they would partner with the National Premier Soccer League’s Indiana Fire and re brand the team to Indy Eleven NPSL for 2016.
Defending Champion Rhinos Unveil 10 Returnees – USL
After claiming the club’s fourth league championship this past season, the Rochester Rhinos will have a large contingent of familiar faces back at Sahlen’s Stadium in 2016 to defend their crown.
Toros Enthusiastic About Addition of Cabrera – USL
The word within the 2016 USL expansion Rio Grande Valley FC Toros these days is “construction” – from stadium construction to team construction. The most important piece on the team side has been put in place with the hiring of Wilmer Cabrera, who was introduced as the organization’s first head coach on Dec. 1
Professional soccer team coming to S.F.? – SF Gate
Earlier this year, several stories appeared in the press that North American Soccer League, the second-division soccer league in America, was very interested in having a team located in San Francisco. Currently, the only professional soccer team in the Bay Area is the San Jose Earthquakes who play in MLS, the top level of professional soccer in the United States.
BC Soccer Web Premium Classified Ads from only 50 cents per day!
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Honduran international Arnold Peralta murdered – Goal
Honduran international Arnold Peralta was shot dead in a parking lot Thursday night, according to reports from Honduras.
Arnold Peralta: Rangers to hold minute’s silence ahead of game – BBC Sport
Rangers will hold a minute’s silence before Saturday’s game at home to Morton following the fatal shooting of former Ibrox player Arnold Peralta.
Tigres take commanding lead over Pumas with Apertura first leg win – ESPN FC
Tigres thrashed Pumas 3-0 on Thursday in the Liga MX Apertura final first leg, dominating the game and taking a giant step towards the club’s fourth title.
Ajax fails to reach last-32 of Europa League – TSN
Four-time European Cup winner Ajax failed to advance to the Europa League last-32 after drawing 1-1 at home to Norwegian side Molde, as the nine remaining qualifying places for the knockout stage were decided on Thursday.
Cristiano Ronaldo says Barcelona move not off limits: ‘Everything is open, all leagues’ – The Guardian
Cristiano Ronaldo is really serious about keeping his options open for the future. Not even Barcelona or Manchester United’s rivals in England are off limits.
Lenarduzzi: Premier League weekend is all top of table versus bottom – The Province
It’s a bit of an odd weekend in the Premier League coming up, as the 10 teams from the top half of the table are all playing teams from the bottom half. That means there aren’t any big “six-point” match-ups, but there are still some key fixtures.
Manchester City not the same without Kompany – Sportsnet
The stats with and without Kompany are incredible—this season City have conceded two goals in eight league games with him in the line-up; without him they have conceded 14 in seven matches. So yes, they probably rely too much on a player who has a history of injuries.
UEFA president Michel Platini’s suspension upheld by CAS – ESPN FC
Suspended UEFA president Michel Platini will not be present for Saturday’s Euro 2016 draw after he had the 90-day ban imposed on him by FIFA upheld on Friday following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
UEFA EURO 2016 final tournament draw details – UEFA
On Saturday morning, the 24 teams will be drawn into six groups of four teams each. The finals will start on Friday 10 June 2016, with the showpiece taking place at Stade de France on Sunday 10 July.
With 8 more countries in Euro 2016 draw, there are more teams hoping to avoid Germany – Metro
With more countries competing at the 2016 European Championship, the draw for the tournament will have an extra eight teams hoping to avoid Germany.
Polandowski Machine: The only Euro 2016 team more exciting than Germany – Goal
Adam Nawalka’s men may have finished second to the world champion in their qualifying group but Robert Lewandowski & Co. are more clinical and more entertaining.
Yaya Toure wins BBC African Footballer of the Year award 2015 – BBC Sport
The 32-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder becomes only the third player, after Nigerians Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, to receive the honour twice.
FIFA Club World Cup: Douglas’ golden season continues – FIFA
Sanfrecce Hiroshima striker Douglas continued his dynamic season with a sparkling performance in the 2-0 victory over Auckland City FC at FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2015, another step on a meteoric rise that seemed unlikely just a year ago. The Brazilian joined Hiroshima this season and made an immediate impact by finishing as second-highest scorer in the J.League’s first division, just two goals behind the top sharpshooter.
ISL: The road to semi-finals for FC Goa, Atletico de Kolkata, Chennaiyin and Delhi Dynamos – First Post
Fifty-six matches, 176 goals and a couple of managerial sackings later, there are four teams standing as the second edition of Indian Super League enters the decisive knockout stage.
Nigeria: How a Football Agent Trafficked Us Abroad, Ruined Our Dreams – Young Footballers – All Africa
When Ebuka Ogbuehi and Joel Izeh met Eric Fred Toumi, their hopes for a bright future were raised by promises of a transfer to a foreign football club.
Russia 2018: Racism ‘guaranteed’ at World Cup as incidents double – The Independent
The number of racist acts committed by Russian football fans has doubled in the country which will host the 2018 World Cup, with most cases going unpunished, anti-discrimination campaigners have said.
Torpedo Moscow – Between Extinction and Hope – Futbolgrad
Before last season, Torpedo Moscow fans must have thought that nothing could faze them anymore. After all Torpedo, which in the time of the Soviet Union was owned by the car manufacturer ZIL, had survived several bankruptcies and resurrections.
The winners and losers in FFA’s bitter war with A-League fans – Sydney Morning Herald
Peace may have broken out between the A-League fans and the Football Federation Australian leadership, but how has the past fortnight changed the relationships between the game’s stakeholders?
AFC Wimbledon chief to build towards Premier League with new £20m stadium – Evening Standard
The story of Wimbledon has been one of success against the odds. More than a quarter of a century after winning the FA Cup and 13 years since reforming as a new club, the Dons are heading back to their spiritual home in the latest page of that script.
Cheers and hugging as AFC Wimbledon have Plough Lane stadium plans unanimously approved by Merton Council – Wimbledon Guardian
Fans of all ages waved their yellow and blue scarves around and chanted ‘Football’s Coming Home’ in the reception area of the council offices as the rain poured down outside.
The farewell of Rogerio Ceni, the gunner with gloves – CONMEBOL
Goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni scored 131 goals, the most by any keeper in the world, ever. And if that was not enough he also made all those goals and played his entire career with only one club, Sao Paulo of Brazil.
Everton FC launch legal action against Everton Farm Shop over use of name – The Guardian
“The name Everton, in terms of our village, is derived from Anglo Saxon and translates as Wild Boar Farm. We have begun farming organic pigs and I think it would be great for Everton FC to taste some real Everton.”