WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Vancouver Whitecaps’ Darren Mattocks ready to serve after finding “perspective” in reflective offseason – MLS
“The goals haven’t been coming for me as I wanted to for Vancouver,” Mattocks admitted to media at the Whitecaps’ preseason training camp on Wednesday. “One of the things that I look back on last season is, how can I transfer my national team goalscoring into club goalscoring? I think I’m slowly figuring it that out. So hopefully once I get that rectified, it should be a good season.”
Earnshaw calls time on his playing career – Goal
The strikers has retired after an illustrious 18-year playing career and accepted a new coaching role with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Robert Earnshaw reflects on 18-year career, and looks ahead to exciting future, after announcing retirement – The Telegraph
“It’s been up and down because it’s very exciting for me and also very sad – emotional is the word,” Earnshaw told The Telegraph. “The Whitecaps have seen something in me as a coach – that’s why they’ve offered me a role here. For me, I had to go away and think about it and in my future and in the past few weeks I made the decision and finalised it.”
Coaching job? He’s Earned it. Robert Earnshaw takes the helm of the Whitecaps’ under-14 team – The Province
Earnshaw met his U14 group for the first time Thursday afternoon. He followed Robinson’s advice to keep it brief — not always easy for Earnshaw, who loves talking about the game.
VIDEO: Earnshaw: ‘I want to be at a club like this’ – Whitecaps FC
Robert Earnshaw speaks to media after the announcement of his retirement and new role as Whitecaps FC U-14 Pre-Residency head coach/club strikers coach.
International ‘Caps: Parker hoping to leave lasting impression at U.S. camp – Whitecaps FC
After a standout rookie campaign, the 22-year-old centre back is in the midst of his first camp with the U.S. senior men’s national team. And he’s hoping to leave a lasting impression.
PODCAST: Episode 144 – The AFTN Podcast – “There’s Still Time” (Striking While The Iron Is Hot with guests Darren Mattocks, Robert Earnshaw, Erik Hurtado and Christian Dean) – AFTN
Vancouver Whitecaps hit the training pitch for the first time in 2016 and AFTN was there to bring you all the action! Well, all the audio. Have a listen!
Jermaine Jones: Revs offer a ‘joke’; MLS suspension ‘crazy’ – SBI
Jermaine Jones is not happy. He’s not happy about the six-game suspension levied by MLS, nor is he happy with the New England Revolution’s latest contract offer. Speaking to reporters in Carson, California, Jones said the latest offer he received from the MLS side was a “joke” and that the suspension imposed on him in December is preventing him from accepting “good offers” to play abroad.
Toronto FC excited for renovations to BMO Field, ready for another lengthy early-season road trip – MLS
The BMO Field experience will be different in 2016, and Greg Vanney is excited about it – even if he has to wait, again. A canopy that will cover the three main stands of Toronto FC’s home ground is the main feature of Phase 2 of BMO Field’s renovation, but it won’t be ready for the start of the 2016 season.
A brief guide to … LA Galaxy’s Ashley Cole, once the world’s finest left-back – The Guardian
The English defender comes to MLS having won everything there is to win. Forget the lurid headlines, he was unquestionably a world-class operator.
Osorio clarifies comments regarding Mexican players, MLS – SBI
While Juan Carlos Osorio does believe that players from the Americas should aspire to play in Europe’s top leagues, the Mexican national team coach clarified previous comments he made in a recent interview that appeared to knock MLS.
LA Galaxy move Robbie Rogers to right back as defensive upgrades take focus: “We need to improve that” – MLS
Ashley Cole won’t arrive in Southern California until next week, but the LA Galaxy are already preparing for him to step in at left back. In a 35-minute intrasquad scrimmage during LA’s first open training session of preseason Wednesday, Robbie Rogers, the club’s starting left back most of the past two seasons, was stationed on the right side of the first-choice group’s backline.
Caleb Porter: Jack McInerney brings ‘swagger’, scoring touch to Portland Timbers – Oregonian
Seven weeks ago, Jack McInerney was wearing a Columbus Crew uniform, looking to score against the Portland Timbers at the MLS Cup Championship. This week, he’s been in Timbers practice gear during preseason training, putting his scoring touch to work for Portland.
Will TVA Sports remain Montreal Impact’s official broadcaster? – Mount Royal Soccer
The Montreal Impact will start their fifth season in a few weeks and it also marks the last year of their regional TV contract with TVA Sports (which expires in December). Will the Impact continue with TVA Sports or award the regional broadcast rights to their competitor, RDS ?
Red Bulls legend Mike Petke new N.J. Youth Soccer Director of Coaching – Empire of Soccer
After two stellar years on the Red Bulls’ touchline and a year away from the game, local folk-hero Mike Petke is assuming a new role. N.J. Youth Soccer announced a restructuring to its coaching staff on Thursday morning, introducing Petke as their new Director of Coaching for the Olympic Development Program (ODP) and Player Development.
Orlando City coach Adrian Heath calls Lake Nona complex a significant step – Orlando Sentinel
When the Montreal Impact was recruiting superstar striker Didier Drogba last season, a major selling point kept popping up. The Impact’s new training facilities impressed Chelsea during a summer tour in North America. Club officials told Drogba, a Chelsea legend, that the club’s training center was incredibly professional. That endorsement influenced Drogba’s choice, he said. It’s the same type of effect Orlando City coach Adrian Heath hopes his team’s new facilities will have on future recruits.
Report: No Mid-Season Friendlies for Toronto FC In 2016 – Waking the Red
It is being reported that Toronto FC President, Bill Manning, has ruled out the possibility of mid-season friendlies this coming season. Chris Schuler, a representative of the supporters group Inebriatti, said that Manning confirmed the news in a meeting with the group on Wednesday evening.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
BC Soccer Association Scholarships – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is proud to award scholarships every year to players and referees proceeding on to post-secondary education. The Scholarships are presented at a special Scholarship Celebration at a Whitecaps FC match in June/July each year. Applications must be signed off by your Youth District Soccer Association Chairperson or Adult League President. The completed application can either be forwarded to BCSA by the Youth District/Adult League or the individual who is applying for the scholarship application.
Comox Valley United has sights set on second place in VISL Div. 1 – Comox Valley Record
First place is out of reach, so Comox Valley United is concentrating on securing second place in Div. 1 of the Vancouver Island Soccer League.
Zero Tolerance for Drinking at Burnaby Lake West – VMSL
As the league has noted in emails to all teams, Burnaby Parks has a zero tolerance policy on alcohol. The league stands to lose it access to permits for Burnaby facilities due to recent alcohol incidents at Burnaby Lake West.
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.
CANADA vs. MEXICO, March 25, 2016 @ BC PLACE STADIUM. Buy Tickets Today!
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Stalteri named as Canada Soccer’s Men’s National U-17 coach – CSA
Paul Stalteri has been appointed Canada Soccer’s Men’s National U-17 Team Coach for the upcoming cycle of CONCACAF and FIFA competitions. Coach Stalteri will lead the program for both the CONCACAF Men’s Under-17 Championship (dates yet to be determined) and FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017.
Ex-Canadian international Paul Stalteri says Mexico isn’t nearly as strong away from home – Toronto Sun
With Canada set to host Mexico in a massive World Cup qualifier at BC Place on March 25, Stalteri — who was unveiled as Canada’s under-17 men’s national team coach on Thursday — told the Toronto Sun El Tri isn’t the same outside Mexico City.
Matheson healthy and raring to go for Canada – Sportsnet
With an injury-riddled year behind her, Diana Matheson is healthy and ready for another run at the Olympics. The veteran midfielder had a see-saw 2015 campaign when it came to her health due to rehabilitation of a torn ACL and an ill-timed broken foot that kept her on the bench for all but one of Canada’s FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.
Welland’s Sabrina D’Angelo selected to Canadian team competing at Olympic qualifier in Houston – Welland Tribune
When the goalkeeper with the Western New York Flash of the National Women’s Soccer League was instructing young players at a clinic Wednesday night at Youngs Sportsplex, the Welland native was doing more than giving back to a sport she started playing at the age of five. By breaking the game down to the basics for her students, she was reinforcing all that she has come to know about playing the position.
Newfoundland Labrador hosts Challenge Trophy & Jubilee Trophy in October – CSA
Canada’s two senior soccer competitions – the men’s Challenge Trophy and women’s Jubilee Trophy – will return to St. John’s, Newfoundland Labrador from 5-10 October 2016. The two Sport Chek National Championship competitions return to Canada’s most eastern city for the first time since 2008.
Title up for grabs as old-timer league winds down – Whitehorse Daily Star
The old-timer soccer league title remains up for grabs after Yukon Brewing blew the chance to win the league outright, Saturday morning. Instead, they tied Pepsi 2-2. Two clinical strikes from Eric Murphy gave Pepsi a deserved 2-1 lead at the Canada Games Centre. These goals had cancelled out a Mark O’Brien screamer for Yukon Brew.
BC Youth Soccer Player Development
(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our new section on BC Youth Soccer Player Development; a new resource designed to help youth coaches and players. Throughout the week, we’ll feature news, drills and videos from the most noted professionals in the field of player development. If you have any articles or resources you enjoy, send them our way, and we’ll share them with the BC Soccer community.)
8 ways to develop the Grassroots game – OSA
This new resource that has been created shows 8 steps that will enable coaches and parents to create the best environment for their young players to enjoy the game. By following the 8 steps we will create more confident players, as well as providing all players with appropriate competition.
VIDEO: A Day in the Life of an OPDL Athlete – OSA
OSATV followed the Stewart family for a day as their daughter Alissa got ready for the OPDL Charity Shield. They shared everything that goes into the Day in the Life of an OPDL Athlete. Alissa’s story is just one of hundreds for those in the OPDL – stories that are writing the future for the game in Ontario.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
FC Edmonton adds English defender Eckersley to fold – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton announced, Jan. 28, the signing of defender Adam Eckersley. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Eckersley, 30, a native of Salford, UK and product of Manchester United’s youth program, will join an Eddies back line which posted one of the North American Soccer League’s (NASL) best Goals Against Average down the stretch run of the 2015 Fall Season.
Ritchie Jones helped recruit Eckersley into the FC Edmonton fold – the11.ca
Ritchie Jones isn’t just an FC Edmonton midfielder. He’s also acting as an ambassador for the club. Jones, a product of the Manchester United academy, made the call to another Red Devils academy graduate, fullback Adam Eckersley. Jones wanted to sell Eckersley on the idea of coming to Edmonton to play in the NASL.
Readying Fury FC – Midfield – Ottawa Fury
With training camp a couple weeks away Head Coach Paul Dalglish talks about readying his team for the 2016 season.
Freddy Adu takes full responsibility for disappointing career, but he’s not done yet – Goal
Once labeled as the “next Pele” after turning pro at age 14, the American has been a bust. But now he’s looking to turn around his career with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL.
Official: Juan Arango signs with the New York Cosmos – Midfield Press
After much speculation from fans on whether he’d come, the Cosmos announced the signing of attacking midfielder Juan Arango today. The 35-year-old Venezuelan leads his national team with 127 appearances and 23 goals and joins the Cosmos after spending 2014-2015 with Tijuana. In his time with the Xolos, he logged 45 appearances while finding the net 11 times.
Rayo OKC Bolsters Attack With Billy Forbes – NASL
Forbes helped the San Antonio Scorpions win the 2014 title, and has been at the top of the charts in assists in his two seasons in the NASL.
Mayor Kriseman: “We’ve had conversations” about the Rowdies Future in St Pete – The Unused Subs
At today’s press conference to officially announce the Rowdies Suncoast Invitational, principal owner reaffirmed his desire to massively expand the seating capacity at Al Lang Stadium.
Los Dos Announce Return of Diallo – USL
The LA Galaxy II announced on Thursday the return of center back Bradley Diallo, who played a key role as Los Dos claimed the Western Conference Championship last season.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Westfield W-League 2016 Grand-Final Preview – Westfield W-League
The live audio stream of the Grand Final is available here at 7:00 PM Pacific Time on Saturday, January 30 (2:00 PM Sunday in Australia).
W-League grand final: Sydney FC star Kyah Simon out to shock Melbourne City ‘invincibles’ – Sydney Morning Herald
Playing against the all-conquering Melbourne City, Kyah Simon should be trembling with fear. But if you think that, you don’t know Simon. And you don’t know her history. This is Simon’s fourth W-League grand final; there’s only been seven played until now. And the last time she fronted up at AAMI Park for a decider, she scored the deciding goal as Sydney FC defeated Melbourne Victory.
New Zealand star Hassett signs for Werder Bremen – Vavel
Today the New Zealand international has officially landed in Bremen, Germany, and signed a contract with newly promoted Frauen-Bundesliga team, Werder Bremen. The midfielder played for Amazon Grimstad FK in Norway in 2015 but became a free agent earlier this month because her contract expired.
Top women’s players meet in Melbourne to push union drive for W-League – Sydney Morning Herald
More than 60 of Australian soccer’s top female players will gather in Melbourne on Sunday for the first mass union meeting of W-League players. It is part of a drive by the players’ union, the PFA, to secure a closed shop of members in the W-League next season, an initiative which the union leaders hope will help drive increased professionalism and change in the competition.
From Fife to FIFA: Northwest Premier League connects to the soccer world – NWPL
The Northwest Premier League (NWPL) is excited to announce that the new statewide elite amateur women’s soccer league has affiliated with the Washington State Adult Soccer Assocation (WSASA) in a partnership that in turn connects the league to the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA), the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and FIFA.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Lenarduzzi: Everton need a win in FA Cup against lower-ranked Carlisle United – The Province
The FA Cup fourth round is this weekend. The lowest-ranked team remaining is Carlisle United of League Two, and they will looking to play giant-killers when they host Everton on Sunday. Longtime Whitecaps fans may remember Carlisle as the club that the great Peter Beardsley played at before joining Vancouver.
FA Cup: Four fourth-round ties with tales to tell – BBC Sport
As the first month of the year draws to a close, the FA Cup reaches round four and the last 32 teams in the hat. Last season’s fourth round produced two seismic football shocks.
Man City’s De Bruyne expected out for 10 weeks – Sportsnet
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne says he’ll be out for action for approximately 10 weeks after injuring his ankle and knee in Manchester City’s League Cup semifinal win over Everton on Wednesday.
Bolton Wanderers Supporters Trust launches takeover bid – BBC Sport
Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust (BWFCST) has launched its own bid to buy the financially-troubled Championship club. The trust was formed at the beginning of January at a meeting of 1,000 fans at the Macron Stadium.
Brazilian powerplay: New league kicks off challenging CBF’s divinity – Inside World Football
Last wednesday a new club competition the ‘Primeira Liga’ got underway in Brazil. The tournament doesn’t represent Brazil’s very own 1992 breakaway Premier League moment, but could be an important milestone in the development of the domestic game.
Russian Football Union and the Fight Against Bankruptcy – Futbolgrad
When Vitaly Mutko became president of the Russian Football Union on September 2, 2015, he stated that the organisation was on the verge of bankruptcy. Fortunately, soon after he was inaugurated as president, Mutko signed a four-year sponsorship contract with the Russian metal company Norilsk Nickel. The Norilsk Nickel deal ensured that the RFU was able to meet all its immediate obligations.
Karren Brady warns Brexit would have ‘devastating’ effect on British clubs – The Guardian
British teams could find it harder to sign top European players if the UK votes to sever ties with Brussels, Karren Brady has warned club chairmen. The Tory peer, vice-chairman of West Ham United, has written to professional teams to warn that “cutting ourselves off from Europe would have devastating consequences” for both the economy and the competitiveness of British football.
Football and Society: The Soweto Derby – The Daily Maverick
Local derbies are the highlight for every football season in every league around the world. Sometimes they bring out the best, and sometimes they bring out the worst in players and fans. On Saturday, two of South Africa’s biggest clubs meet at the FNB Stadium: Kaizer Chiefs will play Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby. Like most football derbies, the Soweto Derby is a spectacle, and a highlight of the football calendar.