VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
Whitecaps FC announce 2018 MLS regular season schedule and kickoff times – Whitecaps FC
Highlighted by an all-Canadian tilt in the season opener, first-ever Canada Day home match at BC Place, first-ever visit from Los Angeles Football Club, and a third consecutive Decision Day battle against Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps FC unveiled their 2018 regular season schedule and kickoff times on Thursday – exactly two months ahead of their eighth season in Major League Soccer.
Five Whitecaps games to get excited about this coming season – The Province
The 2018 MLS season schedule was released today and there are some salivating match-ups for Vancouver Whitecaps FC fans to look forward to.
MLS releases 2018 regular-season schedule – MLS
The 2018 MLS schedule has arrived!
MLS 2018 schedule builds in 9-day World Cup break; 2014 break was two weeks – Toronto Star
The U.S. national team, which played in 2014, did not qualify for soccer’s premier tournament this year. More than two dozen MLS players from other national teams are expected to play in the World Cup, although rosters have not been announced.
Sounders schedule announced; will play Portland 3 times, but Vancouver just twice – KOMO
The Sounders will play the Portland Timbers three times in the Cascadia Cup rivalry. But those two teams will each play the Vancouver Whitecaps just twice, impacting the point system for the rivalry’s annual trophy.
A look at the most intriguing games on the 2018 MLS schedule – SBI
The addition of LAFC and its big-name roster provides us with more must-watch contests, but there are also a bevy of other matchups that will attract our attention. Here’s a look at the most intriguing games on the 2018 MLS calendar.
Justin Meram, Ola Kamara looking to leave Columbus Crew SC – MLS
Four sources have confirmed to MLSsoccer.com that star attackers Justin Meram and Ola Kamara have both asked to be moved by Columbus Crew SC this offseason.
Red Bulls Denis Hamlett going in younger direction – Metro
New York Red Bulls’ sporting director is building his MLS club through youth while jettisoning veteran names.
Imagining MLS after Garber: Why 2018 will define the commissioner’s legacy – Four Four Two
Don Garber is in the final year of his contract. He has brought MLS to new heights since taking charge in 1999, but the situation in Columbus, in particular, is the elephant in the room.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
VISL All-Star Games This Weekend – BC Soccer Web
While most of the soccer world has the weekend off, we plan to play here on Vancouver Island; specifically Saturday January 6. The Intra League & Inter Provincial All-star games will be held at Hampton Park, home of Gorge FC, here in Saanich.
Bandits looking forward to indoor sports facility – BC Local News
Plans are well underway for an indoor sports facility in Cranbrook and while the effort is being spearheaded by the Kootenay East Youth Soccer Association (KEYSA), the facility will be used for much more than just soccer.
Canadian legends Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil team up for Individualized Coaching Program – Dasovic-Neil Coaching
Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil have teamed up to provide training programs for players & coaches. The programs specialize in individual, positional, age, and gender specific training for players, with a combined technical and physical focus while providing education and mentorship opportunities for coaches to improve their skills and deepen their knowledge base.
BC Soccer Web’s 2017 Soccer & Sports Book Recommendations – BC Soccer Web
Over the years, there have been many books on soccer and sport that have given us joy, laughter, and much to think about. We’re happy to share these with you. We’ll be updating this list as new titles become available, so keep checking.
PCSL CHALLENGE CUP PHOTOS: Vancouver Utd. 3, Mid-Isle Mariners 1, July 30, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
2016-2017 BC Soccer Year in Review – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is proud to release their 2016-2017 Year in Review after another successful year of soccer. The #respectall initiative, High Performance License, Club Charter Program activity, along with the delivery of hundreds of coaching courses and referee clinics this past year highlight some of the successes.
BC PROVINCIAL WOMEN’S A CUP PHOTOS: Surrey United 1 NSGSC Renegades 0, May 13, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
2017 VISL JACKSON CUP PHOTOS: Nanaimo Utd. 2 Cowichan LMG 1 (XT), April 2, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
FVSL PHOTOS: Pakenham Cup Final, PMO Rangers 1 PMO Lordco Gunners 0, April 1, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
Becoming a BC Soccer Referee – BCSA
Whether you are an experienced referee new to British Columbia or if you are new to the discipline of refereeing BC Soccer Assoc. has a clinic and a pathway for you. The minimum age to become a referee is 12 years old (small sided) and 14 years old (11-a-side). Please enjoy the short video showcasing some Referee programs that BC Soccer offers and continue below for more on how to become a referee in BC!
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.
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
314 Student-Athletes Named to the CCAA Fall All-Academic Team – CCAA
An impressive tally of 314 men and women who compete in the fall sports of men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball across the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) have been honored for their work in the classroom as members of the 2017 CCAA Fall All-Academic Team.
Fort soccer ice competition at Polar Cup – Fort Saskatchewan Record
The Fort’s soccer club ended 2017 on a high, taking four medals during the Polar Cup Soccer tournament. Hosted at various indoor pitches across the Edmonton region, the Fort Saskatchewan Soccer Association netted three gold and one silver.
With eye on ‘real European soccer,’ East York academy offers free camp – Toronto Observer
Hellas FC is hosting a development camp next month for kids aged 5 to 21.
Rapids soccer delivers classics in holiday season – Whitehorse Daily Star
As families gathered for the holiday season and many sports took a pause, it didn’t stop soccer from continuing at the Canada Games Centre. The Whitehorse Rapids Over-35 soccer league didn’t skip a beat with doubleheader games both Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 to close out the year.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Argentinian Ledesma Signs with Cincinnati – USL
FC Cincinnati announced on Thursday it had signed veteran Argentinian midfielder Emmanuel Ledesma for the 2018 season, with the 29-year-old the latest new face to join the club for the new season. The signing is pending league and federation approval.
Mizell Makes Return to Rowdies – USL
Goalkeeper set for second stint in Tampa Bay after shining in Charlotte.
FCC Adds Newton To Goalkeeping Ranks – FC Cincinnati
Goalkeeper Evan Newton will make the switch to the Eastern Conference and join FC Cincinnati for the 2018 season.
The Flynn-Sehgal letters: U.S. Soccer responds to the NASL – Soccer America
Given the lawsuit the NASL filed against U.S. Soccer and now in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, tensions between the two organizations are high. That’s evident in the written exchange between NASL interim commissioner Rishi Sehgal and U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn regarding the league’s election concerns.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Nigerian Oshoala’s triple triumph and more success for Egypt – BBC Sport
Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala was again named African Women’s Player of the Year at the Confederation of African Football awards in Ghana.
Banyana named 2017 CAF women’s team of the year – Supersport
South Africa’s nomination came as a result of them lifting the Cosafa Women’s Championship in Zimbabwe in September last year, where they were unbeaten in the tournament, winning the trophy a record fourth time.
W-League wrap: Ayres strike not enough for Victory – Melbourne Victory
Melina Ayres scored a stunning goal but Melbourne Victory was edged 2-1 by Brisbane Roar in the Westfield W-League on Friday.
Houston Dash announce Lisa Cole as assistant coach – Houston Dash
The Houston Dash have hired veteran coach Lisa Cole to join head coach Vera Pauw’s technical staff as an assistant coach, the club announced today. Cole will start immediately and assist Pauw in preparation for January’s NWSL College Draft.
Soccer star Sam Kerr plays impromptu match with neighbourhood kids – Daily Telegraph
Kerr was at home last week when she received a knock on her front door. It was three young boys asking if the Perth Glory striker would like to join them for a game of park soccer.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
European Weekend Preview: Liverpool hosts Everton, Inter travels to Fiorentina, and more – SBI
The English F.A. Cup is the oldest cup competition in the world, and the third round kicks off this weekend at one of England’s most-historic stadiums.
Mohamed Salah named 2017 Caf African Player of the Year – SN
Salah takes home the award for the first time ever, as he managed to defeat competition from fellow finalists Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the awards ceremony in Accra.
Arsene Wenger given three-match touchline ban and £40,000 fine for referee rant – The Telegraph
Arsene Wenger has been handed a three-match touchline ban and a £40,000 fine following a misconduct charge from the Football Association over comments he made about the refereeing of the game against West Brom.
Bob Lenarduzzi: Not-so-crisp Toffees underdogs in Liverpool derby date – The Province
The FA Cup is in full swing this weekend as the third round kicks off today. Starting things off is a Merseyside derby, with Liverpool hosting Everton. The struggling Toffees have just announced the signing of Turkish striker Cenk Tosun and are hoping the Besiktas’ top scorer will be available today.
Derby are a Premier League team – Mourinho promises strong team for FA Cup challenge – SN
Sergio Romero will start for Manchester United in the FA Cup against Derby County as Jose Mourinho seeks to avoid an upset against a team he considers to be of Premier League quality.
Jamie Carragher: Premier League clubs should not disrespect the FA Cup – if winning an honour is not a priority what is the point? – The Telegraph
There must be times when supporters of Premier League clubs in mid-table and below contemplate a difficult question: “What is the point?” Why go to a football match? To be entertained, presumably? Because you believe your side will score a few goals, beat the opponent and win a trophy in your lifetime?
Antonio Conte says José Mourinho has memory problem in fierce attack on rival – The Guardian
Antonio Conte has said that José Mourinho is acting like he has “demenza senile”, launching a fierce attack on his rival at Manchester United. There is no love lost between the pair and the Chelsea manager felt his patience snap after hearing comments from Mourinho on Thursday.
Ross Barkley to seal $20 million move to Chelsea – NBC Sports
The Everton and England midfielder, 24, is reportedly at Stamford Bridge with his representatives on Friday discussing the finer points of his move from Merseyside, with the two clubs reportedly agreeing a fee in the region of $22 million and Barkley already completing a medical.
Son saves Tottenham with long-range equalizer vs. West Ham – Sportsnet
When Harry Kane is enduring a rare spell of frustration in front of goal, Tottenham can always turn to Son Heung-min — as creator or scorer.
How a busy Christmas damaged almost every Premier League team – but heavy rotation saved Newcastle – The Telegraph
Before Tottenham’s draw with West Ham on Thursday night, Mauricio Pochettino spoke of the difficulty with maintaining momentum over such a busy period while also keeping team selection consistent. With no winter break and the English tradition of feasting on Christmas football preserved for the time being, that is exactly the challenge that Premier League managers faced over the past two weeks.
Dembele returns for Barcelona in draw at Celta in Copa del Rey – Sportsnet
Ousmane Dembele made his return from a long injury layoff as a second-half substitute in Barcelona’s 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.
Messi could leave Barcelona if Catalonia secedes from Spain – Toronto Star
The Argentine star has a clause built into his contract allowing him to leave FC Barcelona if Catalan independence means the club can no longer play in a top-flight league.
Croatia great Robert Prosinecki to coach Bosnian national team – Sportsnet
Former Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Robert Prosinecki has been hired to coach the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.
Cuper and Egypt, united by humility – FIFA
Hector Cuper is a happy man. You can sense it in his words, in his gestures and in the energy with which he shares his opinions. Then again, he has every reason to be, having guided Egypt to their first FIFA World Cup in 28 years and awarded the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Coach of the Year on 4 January.
Chinese keep transfer fee ‘tax’ in place for winter 2018 window – Inside World Football
The Chinese FA (CFA) has moved to further strengthen its domestic football infrastructure repeating its policy of restricting transfer fees during the 2018 winter transfer window and at the time announcing a restructuring of its management and organisation nationally with the recruitment of new middle managers.
Saudi footballer in trouble for dabbing – BBC
It is not unusual for people to express their opinions and frustrations on social media during a football match. However, a player in Saudi Arabia has stirred controversy online, not for his skill on the pitch, but a movement made in the technical area.
ISL shambles as Goa rush from airport for 11pm kick-off in Kolkata – Inside World Football
The Indian Super league descended into farce after FC Goa’s match against Atletico de Kolkata was forced to kick off at 11pm after the team were stranded when their flight from Goa to Bengal was delayed. Eventually, the game kicked off at 11pm with the visitors salvaging a draw.
The Importance of Being an Assistant Referee – Soccer America
I can tell you that in the youth and adult games that I refereed, I certainly missed my share of calls, especially close offside decisions, which team should be receiving the throw-in, or not whistling a foul when I was concentrating on offside instead.
George Weah invites Arsene Wenger to inauguration as president of Liberia – BBC Sport
“The life of this guy is a real film. It is unbelievable. It can make a fantastic film,” said an excited Wenger.