VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. MONTREAL IMPACT
MLS MATCHDAY #1
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SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018, 3:00 PM PST
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Whitecaps FC acquire English Premier League midfielder Jordon Mutch from Crystal Palace FC – Whitecaps FC
After 10 years playing at the top levels of the English football league system, Jordon Mutch is set to continue his career with Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Vancouver Whitecaps sign Jordon Mutch on loan from Crystal Palace – Whitecaps FC
The Vancouver Whitecaps announced a notable addition to their midfield corps on the eve of the 2018 MLS season’s kickoff, completing the acquisition of English midfielder Jordon Mutch on Friday.
Record home opener crowd to kick off ‘Caps 2018 MLS season on Sunday at BC Place – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC will have a record home opener crowd to kick off the club’s 2018 MLS season this coming Sunday, March 4 against Canadian rivals Montreal Impact at BC Place.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Montreal Impact | 2018 MLS Match Preview – MLS
Oh Canada! Two Canadian teams, on opposite coasts, both looking to get a leg up on the 2018 season —and looking for season-long consistency after offseason roster turnover — when they meet at BC Place Sunday.
Episode 246 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Montreal Preview Show with special guest Jordon Mutch) – AFTN
Welcome to the first of a new regular preview podcast we’ll be recording for your aural delight this season, as we look forward to First Kick on Sunday as Vancouver Whitecaps host Montreal Impact at B.C. Place.
Injuries leave Impact undermanned ahead of MLS season opener – Montreal Gazette
The Major League Soccer season hasn’t even started and already the Montreal Impact’s lack of depth has been exposed. Injuries have left the Impact with one healthy forward, Matteo Mancosu, and one centre back, Victor Cabrera, heading into their regular-season opener Sunday in Vancouver.
A TRADE IS BREWING: Felipe doesn’t dress as speculation looms he is heading to Vancouver – Front Row Soccer
If you read between the lines, then Felipe’s days as a Red Bull are numbered. That’s because Felipe did not play between the lines at Red Bull Arena Thursday night.
Tim Parker a ’50/50′ proposition to stay with the Whitecaps – The Province
Whitecaps practices this week featured Tim Parker, which in past seasons wouldn’t have been a surprise, given the team opens their 2018 campaign on Sunday at home against the Montreal Impact.
Impact to Meet Familiar Face in Season-opener? – Mount Royal Soccer
Could Montreal unexpectedly be facing former midfielder Felipe Martens in their Opening Day clash with Vancouver Whitecaps? Strong rumors, emanating mainly out of New York, over the last 24-48 hours, suggest it’s a distinct possibility.
Vancouver Whitecaps’ 2018 season is about building on last year’s success – Pro Soccer USA
It was a historic year for the Vancouver Whitecaps last season. The club reached the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League and finished third in the Western Conference. Eliminated by Seattle after knocking out San Jose 5-0 in the MLS Cup playoff knockout stage the Vancouver Whitecaps spent their preseason in Hawaii and California.
Whitecaps FC unite with supporters’ groups to launch Kid Captain of the Match program – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC have united with the Vancouver Southsiders, Curva Collective, and Rain City Brigade to honour a “Kid Captain” at every home match in 2018.
MLS Week 1: A Look Ahead – SBI
Our wonderfully chaotic and unique domestic league is back. Major League Soccer kicks off its 2018 campaign Saturday afternoon, when defending champion Toronto FC takes to the field to face the Columbus Crew.
DAZN to stream regular season MLS games in Canada – SN
With the 2018 season just around the corner, Canadian fans of Major League Soccer now have a new way of catching the action from the top league in Canada and the United States.
Defending MLS champ Toronto FC opens against Crew – Fox Sports
Toronto FC might be the reigning MLS Cup champion but rest assured, the club won’t be resting on its laurels.
Three MLS teams advance to the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals – U.S. Soccer Players
The Champions League round of 16 is in the books with two more MLS teams advancing. The New York Red Bulls shutout Olimpia 2-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate. Bradley Wright-Phillips opened the scoring at Red Bull Arena in the 54th minute with Sean Davis adding a goal in the 64th.
Seattle Sounders newcomer Magnus Wolff Eikrem makes splash in CCL debut – MLS
Magnus Wolff Eikrem is still new to this whole MLS thing, having spent only a few short weeks with the Seattle Sounders after signing with the club on January 30.
Timbers v. LA Galaxy Match Preview – Portland Mercury
For both teams, the offseason saw significant change give way to significant hope. Just as it should be on the doorstep of a new season, expectations and anticipation are high.
Match Preview: San Jose Earthquakes vs. Minnesota United FC – Fifty Five One
The votes are in, and confidence in Minnesota United’s 2018 MLS season is officially low. Season-opening power rankings consistently put the Loons at or near the bottom of the table this year. But for all the challenges in 2017, some of the most memorable moments came from overcoming low expectations.
Atlanta United expectations at a fever pitch for second season in MLS – World Soccer Talk
As a huge fan of European soccer, I usually stray away from watching the MLS because the difference in quality is so noticeably vast. However, this year I’ll be making an exception by trying to tune in to watch as many Atlanta United games as I possibly can.
FC Dallas looks to bounce back in 2018 MLS season – Pro Soccer USA
FC Dallas limps into its season opener after a disappointing display in the CONCACAF Champions League, bowing out in the Round of 16 to Panamanian side Tauro FC. It’s a reminder of what the team went through last season, missing the playoffs after a stunning collapse that left many scratching their heads.
Revs look to start season off on right foot against Union – Prost Amerika
Saturday’s opener against the Philadelphia Union won’t just be the start of a new season for the New England Revolution; it’ll be the beginning of a new era.
MLS 2018: Opening day rosters – Soccer America
Here’s how MLS rosters shape up for the start of the 2018 season this weekend.
2018 MLS Western Conference preview – World Soccer Talk
On March 3, MLS will kick off its 23rd season featuring a new team in Los Angeles, a new stadium in DC, and new investments in first-teams and academies across the league that have raised the bar again.
MLS 2018 predictions: Atlanta for title … and Ronaldo teams up with Beckham? – The Guardian
Ahead of the new season, our panel of experts deliver their verdicts on the MVP, MLS Cup champions and whether promotion/relegation will ever come to pass.
SI’s Expert 2018 MLS Season Predictions – SI.com
MLS’s 23rd season kicks off on Saturday, and it’s one that is met with much anticipation.
The 2018 SBI MLS Season Preview – SBI
Here is a one-stop shop for all of SBI’s team previews and league-wide predictions for 2018. In addition, SBI broke down several players, teams and storylines to watch throughout the 2018 campaign.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
VISL Upcoming Matches – Cup Time! – BC Soccer Web
It is Sir John Jackson Cup weekend fast approaching! This weekend will feature the 1/4 Finals. Here is what is on tap with 4 games that could be potential beauties.
A new logo, a new identity: A new era begins – Victoria Highlanders
Today, a new era begins. Victoria Highlanders FC is just over two months away from kicking off what will be the club’s tenth year of operation. The team will celebrate the milestone with a new logo and new visual identity.
North Delta’s Sandhar signs with Cascades – UFV
The University of the Fraser Valley women’s soccer team has rounded out its recruiting class by signing Jashan Sandhar, a forward from North Delta, B.C.
Northern United Football Club launches in Prince George – My Prince George Now
A new youth soccer organization is looking to make waves in Prince George. Northern United Football Club is a not-for-profit member of BC Soccer with the goal of delivering another option for kids wanting to get into soccer.
$4 million cost to move hydro pole holding up Langford stadium expansion – Goldstream Gazette
The initial cost quoted by B.C. Hydro to have the hydro pole removed was $4 million, which was too much, Young said. Hydro has since donated geotechnical engineering services to survey the area.
Canada’s College ID Camps set for Shawnigan Lake & Kingston, Ontario – Canada College ID Camps
Our purpose is to provide a space where players grade 9-12 can connect with college coaches from all levels in Canada and the USA. We hope to assist in the promotion of youth players into environments which will challenge them academically and athletically after high school.
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.
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
Will Trump and Blatter cost Canada the right to co-host 2026 World Cup? – Sportsnet
When Canada, the United States and Mexico announced their united bid to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup last April, it seemed like a slam dunk.
Canadian pro soccer league still high on Waterloo Region – The Record
Waterloo Region remains a target for a professional soccer franchise in the upstart Canadian Premier League. But the lack of a suitable stadium — capable of seating at least 7,000 — remains a giant hurdle in joining the league, which is set to launch next spring.
Peterborough United: Darragh MacAnthony sells half Posh stake to Canada-based duo – BBC Sport
Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony has sold half of his stake in the League One club. Canada-based investors Dr Jason Neale and Stewart Thompson have become co-owners with immediate effect.
U18 Girls soccer team crowned city champions – Fort Saskatchewan Record
The Fort Arsenal has a few more medals to show off. Three of the Fort’s girls soccer teams came home with medals around their necks, with the biggest winner being the U18 team, who took gold during the EMSA City Finals. The final game was pretty one-sided with the Fort beating Baturyn 5-0 on Feb. 25. In fact, the team kept the goals against to the bare minimum with only three being scored throughout the whole three-game series. That was when the Fort took on Spruce Grove last Sunday. The final score in that game was 5-3 in the Fort’s favour.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Energy FC Adds Atuahene, Twumasi on Loan – USL
OKC Energy FC announced on Friday it had added forwards Francis Atuahene and Ema Twumasi on loan from Major League Soccer partner FC Dallas. Both former Premier Development League standouts were First Round draft choices by Dallas in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.
The USL Show: PDL’s Madden Talks 2018 Season, USL Division III and More – USL PDL
Speaking with The USL Show on Friday morning, PDL Co-Director Chris Madden discussed the upcoming 2018 PDL season, featuring 74 total clubs competing across 11 divisions in four conferences, including 12 new member clubs.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
SheBelieves Cup 2018: USWNT 1-0 Germany – Megan Rapinoe strike sinks Germany in SheBelieves Cup opener – Vavel
The US bagged their first victory in the SheBelieves Cup with a solitary goal from Megan Rapinoe following England’s 4-1 victory over France in the first game of the tournament.
Morgan, Rapinoe keep clicking up top, filling opponents’ goals – The Equalizer
As U.S. Soccer looks to grow and inject new life to the senior national team, there is still a reliance on veterans who have been there, and done it before. Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe have 267 caps between them.
Phil Neville fuels excitement at the launch of new era after England women thrash France – The Telegraph
Phil Neville expressed delight at a resounding victory in his first match in charge of England women, but insisted he was not surprised, claiming the players are ready to prove they are the best team in the world.
Cyprus Cup: Czech Republic 0-2 Austria – Feiersinger double gives Austria first win in Larnaca – Vavel
After a stilted first half Austria found their form to hit the Czech Republic for a quick-fire double leaving no room for return.
Three to battle it out for inaugural female Ulster Footballer of Year award – Belfast Telegraph
Women’s football will be given a deserved spotlight at the Ulster Footballer of the Year Awards, and the Belfast Telegraph can exclusively reveal who has made the final cut for the inaugural female player’s gong.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
European soccer weekend: What to watch in the main leagues – Metro
What to watch in the leading soccer leagues in Europe this weekend.
Bob Lenarduzzi: Manchester City romping rivals in a show of strength – The Province
Manchester City, with a 16-point lead atop the Premier League standings, hosts Chelsea on Sunday. City built up its comfortable lead by crushing Arsenal 3-0 on Thursday, making it look way too easy.
Premier League: What you need to know this weekend – Sportsnet
It’s a battle of first versus fifth on Sunday when Man City welcomes Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City outclasses Arsenal again in Premier League – Sportsnet
Manchester City outclassed Arsenal by 3-0 for the second time in less than a week, this time humiliating the Gunners in front of their home fans in the English Premier League on Thursday.
Arsene Wenger is being killed by lethargy – he deserves a dignified exit – The Telegraph
The Arsenal board may feel they are helping the greatest manager in the club’s history – one of the greatest of all time – by leaving him exposed in this way. In fact, they are doing him a disservice.
Marseille to shake PSG hangover against Nantes? – Ligue 1
Having conceded six goals in four days against Paris Saint-Germain, Olympique de Marseille will be relieved to welcome FC Nantes the Orange Vélodrome on Sunday evening.
Bundesliga’s top four race will go to the wire beneath Bayern – ESPN
It’s official: the top teams in the Bundesliga have never had it so good. Granted, there’s the slight indignation of being only cast as extras in the 28th instalment of the “Bayern: Champions of Germany… Again” franchise. But below the Bavarian behemoths, there is more space than ever to carve out a charmed life in the sunshine, too.
Barcelona held by Las Palmas ahead of Atletico match – Sportsnet
Barcelona couldn’t manage more than 1-1 against relegation-wary Las Palmas on Thursday, allowing Atletico Madrid to move within five points of the Spanish league lead ahead of their match this weekend.
Football League fixtures fall victim to snowy weather as freeze continues – The Guardian
Twenty of Saturday’s Football League fixtures have been postponed as the freezing weather continues to bite. The non-league and Scottish programmes have also been ravaged by the weather.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic eyes return to Sweden lineup ahead of World Cup – Toronto Star
A potential return is news to Sweden head coach Janne Andersson. “He said, ‘No’ to me last summer and for me I respect that,” Andersson said. Asked if plans could change if there were injuries in the Sweden squad, Andersson said: “The reality is he said, ‘No.’”
Barry Bennell: Crewe will not conduct own investigation into abuse – BBC Sport
Crewe will not conduct their own investigation into former youth coach and convicted paedophile Barry Bennell.
Infantino says women will ‘soon’ be allowed at games in Iran – Fox Sports
FIFA President Gianni Infantino received assurances from Iran that female fans will ”soon” be allowed into soccer stadiums after they were blocked from getting into a game he attended in Tehran.
FIFA rule-makers gather for game changing decision on VAR and 2018 World Cup – Inside World Football
Almost certainly the International FA Board will give the green light at their meeting in Zurich to one of the most significant and far-reaching rule changes of recent years.
VAR: Premier League clubs not expected to approve VAR for next season – BBC Sport
Premier League clubs are not expected to introduce video assistant referees next season, even if football’s lawmakers approve them on Saturday.
Don’t give up on video replays but act on criticism – Metro
If at first you don’t succeed … just give up. The attitude of the technophobes, who consider any hiccup with video replays as terminal, is to dig their heels in.