BC Soccer News, Weekend, February 10-12, 2017

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS

MLS PRESEASON

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC   1   MINNESOTA UTD.  1

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PROVIDENCE PARK, PORTLAND, OREGON

‘Caps, Loons play to 1-1 draw after late Teibert laser – Whitecaps FC
A late Russell Teibert rocket earned Vancouver Whitecaps FC a 1-1 draw with expansion side Minnesota United FC on Thursday evening in preseason action at Providence Park.

Minnesota United Draws Vancouver to Open Portland Preseason – Fifty Five One
Minnesota United FC kicked off its preseason in earnest on Thursday, playing to a 1-1 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Kevin Molino put the Loons ahead with an Olimpico in the 50th minute before the Caps evened up the score in the 82nd.

Vancouver Whitecaps “working day and night” to bring in DP forward – MLS
There are staples to every MLS offseason: New signings, a plethora of drafts, and bigger hopes and expectations. In Vancouver, you can add another regular offseason occurrence: the Whitecaps trying to sign an impact striker.

Sheanon Williams hoping to help solidify Vancouver Whitecaps’ shaky defence – Vancouver Sun
Sheanon Williams wants to bring some of his hometown’s championship swagger to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Marc Weber: Atiba and the Whitecaps: Is there a fit?– Sun & Shadow
Victor Montagliani’s charm seems to be working on MLS commissioner Don Garber. There are other, more complex, ways to explain the rise of Canada-loving initiatives coming out of MLS HQ these days. But the sheer persistence of the outgoing Canada Soccer president is as good a reason as any. He’s championed the Canadian player, and he’s not minced words.

Whitecaps FC sign 2017 MLS SuperDraft pick Jake Nerwinski – Whitecaps FC
The right back from the University of Connecticut was the seventh overall selection in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft last month. Nerwinski will be added to the team’s roster pending receipt of his Canadian work permit.

Whitecaps rookie Jake Nerwinski already a fan of Vancouver: He’s a hiker – The Province
Sure, the Whitecaps needed a depth right back. Sure, Jake Nerwinski’s soccer talent looks to fit the bill.

Canadian national broadcast schedule for 2017 revealed; CTV to air 7 games – MLS
TSN and TVA Sports, the official national broadcasters of MLS in Canada, announced their broadcast schedules for the 2017 season on Thursday, unveiling a record slate featuring over 125 regular season matches between the networks.

Vanney: Toronto FC in no rush to make big moves this offseason – MLS
It’s been quiet in Toronto this offseason. Too quiet? Not from Toronto FC’s perspective. After three progressive off-seasons of being hailed as transfer champions, the 2016 MLS Cup runners-up had the luxury of taking a different tack this year and not going for a splashy move unless it’s too good to pass up.

Timbers, RSL bring fireworks, dazzle in Timbers Preseason Tournament Opener – Prost Amerika
The Timbers came out flying. The ball squirted around the field like the field was lined with WD-40. Portland had two legit chances on goal in the first five minutes.

Former RSL star Alvaro Saborio makes surprise retirement announcement – MLS
Alvaro Saborio, who became Real Salt Lake’s career goalscoring leader during his time in MLS, retired abruptly from soccer on Thursday. Saborio had been playing in his native Costa Rica with Saprissa after leaving D.C. United following the 2016 season.

16-year-old Sands impresses Vieira, Villa in first NYCFC appearance – SBI
Early in the 2016 MLS season, New York City FC’s Director of Football Operations, Claudio Reyna, was asked to predict when his club would sign its first Homegrown player.  Reyna indicated 2018 while admitting that it was an ambitious timetable.

Jonathan Spector shelves Premier League ambition for Orlando adventure – ESPN FC
Jonathan Spector found the idea of joining Orlando City so compelling, he was willing to give up on a dream to make it happen.

Garber feels MLS refereeing “unfairly criticised” as he defends DisCo and welcomes VAR – AFTN
Refereeing. A topic sure to rise the ire of even the most mild mannered fan around the world. The man in the middle (AKA the bastard in the black/blue/red/green, whatever colour really) is a thankless job. Just why anyone actually wants to be a referee continues to baffle me. It’s like parking meter attendants. You’ll never get any thanks, can seemingly do no right, and just leave yourself wide open to non-stop abuse.

Train With Champions TWU Spartan Female Soccer Academy

BC SOCCER NEWS

VISL Upcoming Games – VISL
The snow is disappearing, we hope in time to get our games in for the top flight – Division 1 as well as the entry round for the Sir John Jackson Cup.

Four ‘Caps BC Soccer REX players called into national ID camp – Whitecaps FC
Canada Soccer announced on Friday that four Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite BC Soccer REX players have been called into a women’s national EXCEL identification camp in Burnaby, BC that started on February 9.

Robron turf field to get a new name – Campbell River Mirror
The Robron turf field is getting a new name as city council has approved selling naming rights to the venue.

SFU sign five for women’s soccer – Burnaby Now
The SFU women’s soccer team unveiled its first group of new recruits for next season, with nearly all areas of the pitch covered.

Lost weekend for Cowichan senior soccer teams – Cowichan Valley Citizen
The foul weather forced the postponement of nearly all senior soccer games last weekend, and the two Cowichan teams whose matches weren’t postponed ended the weekend with losses.

To our Readers: A Choice – BC Soccer Web
Soccer has brought us to the United States many times. It’s a great place with decent people. We especially look forward to our Cascadia trips to Seattle and Portland. They’re incredible cities with wonderful supporters. That’s why it was so disheartening to see chaos and fear take hold in the airports and borders of our neighbours to the south.

FVSL All-Stars to face WFC2 in March – BC Soccer Web
January snow and ice in the Lower Mainland put the brakes on the annual clash between the Fraser Valley Soccer League All-Stars and the best from the VISL this year. That hasn’t stopped the FVSL from planning an ambitious All-Star series in March.

BC Soccer Assoc. is Now Accepting 2016-2017 Awards Nominations – BCSA
We are pleased to inform everyone that BC soccer Assoc. is currently accepting Awards nominations until the submission deadline date of March 31, 2017. Selection of the award recipients is based on many factors including the individual’s commitment, community involvement and willingness to give back to the game. This year any BC Soccer Assoc. member and their affiliate clubs may submit a nomination.

2017 BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors for terms commencing June, 2017 (following the BC Soccer Annual General Meeting).

Victoria Highlanders 2017 Season Passes now on sale – Highlanders FC
Support local soccer on Vancouver Island. Join the excitement of Highlanders FC PDL Soccer!

PHOTOS: CANADA WEST WOMENS FINAL, UBC 3, TWU 0, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

VMSL PHOTOS: Richmond FC Hibs 1, ICSF Columbus FC 0, November 5, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

Tickets now on sale for Canada Soccer Women’s National Team celebration match 4 February in Vancouver – CSA
Individual tickets to the Canada v Mexico Women’s National Team Bronze Medal celebration match on 4 February 2017 in Vancouver are now on sale to the public. Complete ticket information can be found at CanadaSoccer.com/Tickets.

MWSL PHOTOS: Van United Primas 0, Fraser Valley Action 2, October 30, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

PHOTOS: GNAC Women’s Soccer: SFU 1 Concordia U. (Ore.) 0, October 20, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

BC Soccer Assoc. Delivery of Coach Mandate – BCSA
IMPORTANT:  If you are coaching in the ages U6-U12 you are required to complete the age appropriate course(s) even if you have a higher level of certification (ie. Soccer for Life, B pretest, C License, B License or A License). In order to enable our membership to deliver on the coaching mandate, BC Soccer Assoc. will be scheduling Learning Facilitator training sessions to assist organizations to have qualified individuals to deliver in-club coach certification courses to their coaches.

2016 BC Soccer Provincial Cup Photo Galleries – BC Soccer Web
Westhills Stadium & Goudy Park in Langford hosted the 2016 BC Soccer Adult Provincial Cup Finals. It was a thrilling weekend of soccer on Vancouver Island that saw seven champions crowned. Richmond FC & Surrey Pegasus qualified for the National Championships this Fall in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Both Coquitlam Metro-Ford Masters & Classics sides qualified for the Western Canadian Masters Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In all, it was a clean sweep for teams from the VMSL & MWSL. Monique Lamoureux & Bill Currie from BC Soccer Web were on location that weekend, capturing the all the action.

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.

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.

Connect with Soccer in British Columbia! Advertise on BC Soccer Web today!

CANADA SOCCER NEWS

Gale looking at “bigger picture” as Canada U20’s face tough job in quest to make first World Cup in ten years – AFTN
It’s been a long time since Canada’s U20 side graced the world stage. Too long. Canada haven’t been a part of the FIFA U20 World Cup since the 2007 tournament, and that was held on Canadian soil. That tournament was the fourth straight one that Canada had been a part of, but it’s been slim pickings in the ten years that have followed.

Canadian women to meet Germany and Sweden in April soccer friendlies – The Province
Canada, which won bronze at the Rio Olympics, will meet both Olympic champion Germany and runner-up Sweden in European women’s soccer friendlies during the April FIFA international window.

Longtime coach embodies spirit of soccer – Cochrane Eagle
The Cochrane Rangers boast more than 300 players in its soccer club – and one particular member will receive the VIP treatment later this month to honour his longtime commitment to the sport.

 Premium Classified Advertising on BC Soccer Web Starting at 50 cents per day!

Dan Barnes: Mid-sized stadium in Edmonton could be back on the table – Edmonton Sun
A citizens’ panel will soon be contemplating a civic strategy for bidding on major events, and a report from that panel to Edmonton city council is due this summer. In addition to laying out the broader vision, it will also help inform the city’s long-awaited decision on a potential bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

FC Edmonton sign English defender Netan Sansara – Edmonton Journal
FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller may have found his replacement for Adam Eckersley.

Toronto FC II Sign Angelo Cavalluzzo – Toronto FC
Toronto FC II announced Friday that the club has signed goalkeeper Angelo Cavalluzzo to a USL contract. Cavalluzzo becomes the 25th player to sign from the Kia Toronto FC Academy to a professional contract for both Toronto FC and Toronto FC II.

Reno Native Echeverria Signs with 1868 FC – USL
Reno 1868 FC announced on Thursday the club had signed Reno native Anibal Echeverria, pending league and federation approval. Echeverria, 29, graduated from Hug High School in 2005.

New York City FC announces USL partnership with San Antonio FC – Hudson River Blue
This week, NYCFC got back in the USL groove. San Antonio FC, an ambitious club led by the same ownership group that brought the NBA’s Spurs to fantastic heights, have forged an official partnership with the Bronx Blues.

Report: Lloyd possibly joining Manchester City – SBI
The recent wave of U.S. Women’s National Team players joining clubs overseas may pick up another name if reports out of England come to fruition. FIFA Women’s Player of the Year Carli Lloyd has been linked with a move to Manchester City by The Times.

Perth Glory and Melbourne City chasing history – W-League
Sunday’s Westfield W-League Grand Final brings together two sides in Perth Glory and Melbourne City both seeking to claim a slice of history.

Michelle Betos confirms move to Norway – The Equalizer
Michelle Betos, goalkeeper of the 2016 NWSL Shield winning Portland Thorns FC, confirmed Friday she is leaving the team to play for Valerenga in the Norwegian Toppserien.

Breakers sign midfielder Tiffany Weimer – Boston Breakers
Weimer, 33, most recently played for Kvarnsveden in Sweden’s top-flight league Damallsvenskan. She played in 10 matches for Kvarnsveden, scoring five goals in 900 minutes of action.

Why don’t women hold more power in U.S. soccer? – Four Four Two
There are six women on FourFourTwo’s list of the 31 most powerful people in United States soccer. Two of them are executives, and four are involved with the national team. It’s a subjective list, for sure, meaning more women could probably get shuffled in based on who’s doing the tallying, but even if you doubled that number, 12 out of 31 still isn’t that balanced. It’s an unfortunate reflection of the lack of women in soccer at all levels in the United States.

No Longer a Man’s Game – Carolina Morace – The Players’ Tribune
“You think because you are blonde and beautiful that you don’t have to work hard?” My coach was shouting at me in the dressing room after our team, Italy, had just lost 6–0. To Denmark.

Find a Team or Find a Player with BC Soccer Web FREE Classifieds!

WORLD SOCCER NEWS

Bob Lenarduzzi: Leicester City rapidly sliding toward relegation – The Province
Defending Premier League-champion Leicester City are sliding down to the table rapidly. The team has yet to score in league play in 2017, and is now just a point above the relegation zone and two points out of last place.

Premier League: What you need to know for this weekend – Sportsnet
The Premier League season continues this weekend with Matchday 25, and Sportsnet will have live coverage of five games.

Manchester United can put pressure on the top four with win vs. Watford – ESPN FC
Manchester United face Watford on Saturday with the hope of finally climbing above sixth place in the table. If Liverpool don’t beat Tottenham Hotspur and United pick up three points, they will move to fifth. If Arsenal lose to Hull, which is unlikely — but not as unlikely following the recent form of both teams — United would find themselves in the top four.

La Liga lack of drug tests worries anti-doping agency Wada – BBC Sport
The absence of drug testing in Spanish football in the past 11 months has “alarmed” the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The Greatest Case of Commercial Blindness in the History of Sports Integrity – Declan Hill
There are all kinds of examples of inappropriate blindness. There was Captain Smith of the SS Titanic not seeing the iceberg. There was Admiral Nelson putting the telescope to his eye patch not to see the signal to retreat. There was Johnny Papalia the mafia thug who beat up the head of Toronto’s illegal gambling racket in front of two-hundred people in a crowded restaurant and when the police arrived none of the patrons said they saw anything. Then there is FIFA’s Early Warning System (EWS) a gambling monitoring company designed to spot match-fixing.

Liverpool ban The Sun newspaper from matches and all club premises – ESPN FC
The newspaper has faced fierce opposition from the public on Merseyside ever since its coverage of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, where it falsely alleged Liverpool fans stole from the dead and obstructed the emergency services.

Mosul residents can play soccer again without Islamic State rules – Fox Sports
After months of fighting, Mosul residents can finally practice their favorite game again at a soccer field in the eastern part of the city — and this time without the restrictions imposed by Islamic State group militants.