VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
HOUSTON DYNAMO vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
MLS MATCHDAY #2
SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018, 3:00 PM PST
BBVA COMPASS STADIUM, HOUSTON, TX.
TV: TSN 1 & 4 RADIO: TSN RADIO 1040 ONLINE: TSN GO
Episode 248 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Houston Preview Show with guest Aaron Maund) – AFTN
Vancouver Whitecaps got off to a winning start on Sunday in their quest for the 2018 MLS Cup. Can they keep it up on Saturday against the weekend’s big winners Houston?
‘Caps visit Houston for first road match of 2018 – Whitecaps FC
After an opening day 2-1 win vs. Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will look to keep things rolling on Saturday against Houston Dynamo in their first road match of 2018.
Whitecaps striker Kei Kamara to play 300th MLS game when Houston hosts Vancouver – The Province
Striker Kei Kamara is scheduled to play his 300th Major League Soccer regular-season game Saturday when the Vancouver Whitecaps travel to face the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Dynamo, Whitecaps match up after opening wins – Fox Sports
Two of the most intriguing storylines to emerge from the opening week of the MLS season will be on display when the Houston Dynamo and Vancouver Whitecaps FC square off on Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium in downtown Houston.
Whitecaps preview: Scoring remains Vancouver’s problem in Houston – The Province
The Vancouver Whitecaps head to Texas this weekend to play the Houston Dynamo in a matchup of unbeaten Major League Soccer squads.
Know Your Enemy – Houston Dynamo Edition – Eighty-Six Forever
The Houston Dynamo are playing in their 12th season in the MLS this year. They were an ‘expansion’ side in 2006 despite being the relocated former San Jose Earthquakes franchise. They have won two MLS cups first in ‘06 and again ’07, and also made the finals 2 other times.
Vancouver Whitecaps sign defender Justin Fiddes to contract – Sportsnet
The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed defender Justin Fiddes to a Major League Soccer contract for 2018 with options through 2021.
Maund sound so far as Whitecaps’ centreback complement for Waston – The Province
When Tim Parker went splitsville to go home to Hicksville, it left a big hole on the Vancouver Whitecaps’ back line, and a larger, ginger-sized hole in the fans’ hearts.
‘Old School’ Tim Parker Relishes Challenges in Red Bulls Debut – Last Word on Soccer
Tim Parker’s New York Red Bulls debut is the stuff of legend. Parker only had an hour of training with his new teammates before stepping onto the field against Club Tijuana in the CONCACAF Champions League. The challenge, however, was welcomed with open arms.
MLS Weekend Preview: LA Galaxy hits to road to visit NYC – NBC Sports
Coming off an impressive win against the defending Western Conference champions, the LA Galaxy hit the road to face New York City FC in the league’s highest-profile game of the week.
New York Red Bulls Not Looking Past Portland Timbers – NY Red Bulls
With Leg 2 of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League on the horizon, the New York Red Bulls know not to look past their MLS Home Opener against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, March 10.
Crew face Impact in what might be final Columbus home opener – Fox Sports
A home opener should be a time of celebration, but for Columbus Crew SC fans, Saturday’s match against the Montreal Impact at Mapfre Stadium will be bittersweet.
Rookie Ken Krolicki has been thrust into spotlight with Impact – Montreal Gazette
Midfielder, 21, played a full 90 minutes in team’s opener against the Whitecaps in Vancouver, and coach Rémi Garde says his play was excellent.
As Sounders age, Schmetzer will need to get out of his tactical comfort zone – ESPN
Although the deck was stacked against him in lots of ways, Seattle Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer did have a few advantages when he took over from Sigi Schmid in the summer of 2016.
United coach Adrian Heath vows to eliminate errors or ‘change the personnel’ – Grand Forks Herald
After allowing a record-worst 70 goals in 34 games last season, Minnesota United developed a new mantra for their second MLS season: “Don’t beat yourselves.”
Revolution hope home success continues vs. Rapids – Fox Sports
A home-heavy schedule through the first half of the MLS season could pay off for the New England Revolution down the road. A continued lack of discipline could hold them back.
Toronto FC prep for “whole different level” of intensity in Leg 2 at Tigres – MLS
Toronto FC were already back at their BMO Training Ground on Thursday, getting in some regeneration and sizing up the next task at hand: an away day against Tigres UANL in Nuevo Leon, Mexico on Tuesday, in the second leg of their 2018 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series.
LIVING THE DREAM: Toronto FC’s magnificent run deserving of high praise, but also a reminder it’s special – Montreal Gazette
There was a time when TFC’s “Champions League” trophy case seemed audacious, presumptuous and exceedingly preliminary. The Reds were nowhere close to filling it when they carved out, and labeled, a place for it inside the BMO Training Ground.
VIDEO: Steve Nash: On His New Role as Soccer Analyst and Love for the Game – SI.com
Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, a lifelong soccer fan, joined SI.com’s Grant Wahl on the new Planet Fútbol podcast to give his first interview since the announcement that Nash is joining B/R Football and Turner Sports and will be part of Turner’s English-language UEFA Champions League coverage when it starts later this year.
No League for Old Men: The New MLS Designated Player Trend – Last Word on Soccer
Out with the old and in with the new. Major League Soccer is transforming from a retirement league to “No League for Old Men” with a trend towards signing young designated players. No, Don Garber is not going around shooting players on the wrong side of 30 in the head with a cattle gun. The clubs in the league are shifting their focus on designated players from old European stars to young South American players in their teens and early 20s.
Dynamo’s Alberth Elis hosts 80 students for ‘Black Panther’ screening – Houston Chronicle
As someone who has been to a Dynamo game, eighth grader Jason Diaz knows it is a treat to watch Alberth Elis play live. Little did Diaz know, it would be even sweeter to actually meet him in person.
Austin Council absences could slow down MLS stadium analysis – Statesman
A resolution to direct City Manager Spencer Cronk to conduct a deeper analysis of McKalla Place as a potential Major League Soccer stadium site will be put on hold due to City Council absences.
Save The Crew documentary review: Don’t expect a feel-good story – Massive Report
Save The Crew: The Battle for Columbus is version “1.8” according to writer, director and producer Sean Kelly. It is certainly not a retelling of the first version, but it’s also not entirely a sequel either.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
VISL Cup Semi-Finals, March 9-10, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
The weekend is approaching and all 4 major Cups of the VISL are into their respective semifinals at this point.
Disqualified Saanich Fusion team wins appeal to play soccer – Goldstream Gazette
Fusion under-15 girls soccer team are reinstated for cup playoffs.
Cowichan United closes in on provincials – Cowichan Valley Citizen
A win in either of their next two soccer games will put Cowichan United into the provincial U21 championships.
North Delta Secondary soccer players sign with University of the Fraser Valley – North Delta Reporter
Grade 12 students Jashan Sandhar and Vanita Bhullar play for the UFV Cascades women’s soccer team.
Cowichan 49ers outlast Prospect Lake in Tony Grover Cup quarterfinals – Cowichan Valley Citizen
The Cowichan Craig Street 49ers moved another step closer to defending their Tony Grover Cup title with a 3-1 win over Prospect Lake in a quarterfinal match in Saanich last Friday.
FSJ Soccer team have a very successful Slush Cup – Energetic City
Multiple Fort St. John Northern Striker Soccer Clubs travelled to Edmonton last weekend to participate in the 2018 Slush Cup.
Canadian legends Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil team up for Individualized Coaching Program – Dasovic-Neil Coaching
(Spring Sessions now available) 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.
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
No Canadians included in FIFPro Women’s World XI – Sportsnet
Canadians Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence were among the 55 shortlisted on March 2, but finished 16th and 12th, respectively, among defenders. Christine Sinclair was not among those shortlisted for a Canadian team that is currently fifth in the FIFA world rankings.
Quinn Shines for Canada WNT at Algarve Cup – Go Duke
One of the best to ever don the Duke Blue and White continues to shine for her home country, as Rebecca Quinn helped lead the Canadian Women’s National Team to a 3-1 showing in the Algarve Cup (Feb. 28 – March 7), which featured three-straight shutouts to wrap up play.
Soccer dome, parking lot proposal for land near Westbrook LRT station irks Calgary councillor – CBC
A developer is planning to build an indoor soccer dome and a large surface parking lot near Westbrook LRT station, much to the chagrin of the local city councillor.
Yukon soccer teams bring home hardware – Whitehorse Star
Two Yukon youth soccer teams went down to Edmonton for an indoor soccer tournament, showing the game is strong in the territory with both teams taking back medals.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Ottawa Fury FC going wet and wild for home games – Ottawa Sun
Ottawa Fury FC hopes wetter will be better this season. Using a formation called False 9, Fury FC’s emphasis on moving the ball quickly will be more efficient on slicker surfaces. So, if all goes according to plan, the surface at TD Place stadium will be watered down before home games.
FC Dallas Loans Adonijah Reid to Ottawa Fury FC – FC Dallas
FC Dallas has loaned 2017 MLS SuperDraft selection (2nd Round, 40th overall) Adonijah Reid to USL side Ottawa Fury FC.
Eh team: de Guzman’s belief in Canadian talent shows on Fury FC roster – Ottawa Sun
Helping push Ottawa Fury FC and Canadian soccer to the next level means everything to Julian de Guzman.
Toronto FC II 2018 Season Preview – Toronto FC
Toronto FC II will kick off their fourth season in the USL on March 17 as they visit New York Red Bulls II. With new Head Coach Laurent Guyot in charge and a move to downtown Toronto, 2018 should prove to be a season of renewal for the Young Reds.
T2 acquires winger Marvin Loria – Oregon Live
The Portland Timbers’ USL team, T2, has acquired winger Marvin Loria on loan with an option to buy from Costa Rican club Deportivo Saprissa.
Cato Latest Addition to Independence – USL
Trinidad & Tobago international Cordell Cato was unveiled by the Charlotte Independence as the club’s latest addition on Friday, with the 25-year-old becoming the second T&T international signed this offseason by the club joining Kevan George.
#ProSocc3r Primer: New Team Expected Next Week, League Visits Fort Myers and More – USL DIII
While USL Division III executives recently conducted an official visit to Fort Myers, Florida, the league is on the cusp of announcing its third founding member.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Dash’s Savannah Jordan welcomes preseason trip to Portland – Houston Chronicle
As forward Savannah Jordan continues her quest to prove to new Dash coach Vera Pauw that she deserves significant playing time, she’ll get to do so in the comfort of familiar surroundings for the next 10 days.
Charlton Women’s bid for Championship status lodged with FA – Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic Women’s team rounded off International Women’s Day yesterday by completing their bid for a place in next season’s FA Women’s Championship, the new second tier in next season’s re-branded women’s football pyramid.
When Good Is Too Good: French Women’s Soccer and the Case of Lyon – Backline Soccer
When you look at the team on paper, they are almost unbelievable. Lyon has had a women’s football club since 1970, but since merging with Olympique Lyonnais in 2004, the team has won the league ten times, the Coupe de France seven times, and the Champions League four times.
Are female footballers paid less than professional FIFA gamers? – Vavel
On the date that marks International Women’s Day, we look at the major disparity between the earnings of eSport players and female footballers, who earn around £20k less than the virtual gamers.
Dispelling the myths around women’s football – Milford’s Amber Barrett faces ‘Mean Tweets’ – Donegal Now
The perception of women’s football is often derided, with numerous mean tweets and blatantly sexist comments online. Released in line with International Women’s Day, the latest #TheCallUp video from Three focuses on dispelling the myths around women’s football.
Rays of Hope Beam On Women’s Football – All Africa
The first ever CAF Women’s Football Symposium ended on a high note with participants lauding the ground breaking two-day event as a big step towards the development of the women’s game.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Bob Lenarduzzi: Rivals Manchester United, Liverpool tangle for second-place spoils – The Province
Manchester United hosts Liverpool in Saturday’s early game, as the two arch-rivals battle for second place.
European Weekend Preview: Man United hosts Liverpool, Napoli travels to Inter, and more – SBI
Two of the Premier League’s historic clubs will duke it out this weekend with both fighting for a runners-up finish in the league table.
Premier League previews: All 10 games, Matchday 30 – NBC Sports
Matchday 30 is almost here in the Premier League and with a disrupted schedule next weekend due to the FA Cup action, then a break for international games, we should drink in the final 10-game slate until the end of the month.
How Liverpool have improved since selling Philippe Coutinho – The Telegraph
If ever there was a precedent for key players departing a football club just when it seems they are at their most important, it is Liverpool. Predictably enough, all the evidence prior to Philippe Coutinho leaving in early January suggested they would suffer losing him.
Lyon out to make Caen pay for Coupe exit – Ligue 1
Olympique Lyonnais will seek to get their stuttering season back on track and claim a measure of revenge when they play host to SM Caen on Sunday.
Thomas Rodriguez: FC Tours defender dies aged 18 – BBC Sport
French Ligue 2 side FC Tours have announced that defender Thomas Rodriguez has died at the age of 18.
Arsenal, Salzburg earn surprise win in Europa League – Sportsnet
Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored his first Arsenal goal as his new club rebounded from a run of four successive losses with a 2-0 win at AC Milan in the first leg of the Europa League last 16 on Thursday.
Salzburg closing on Ajax’s record unbeaten run – UEFA
Salzburg’s 2-1 win at Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their round of 16 tie was their 18th game without defeat in UEFA European club competition, taking them to within three of Ajax’s 22-year-old record.
Cagliari forward Joao Pedro suspended for doping – Sportsnet
Cagliari forward Joao Pedro has been suspended indefinitely after testing positive for a banned substance, becoming the second Serie A player this season to be banned for failing a doping test.
FIFA imposes transfer ban on Turkish club Trabzonspor – Metro
FIFA has imposed a transfer ban on Trabzonspor, keeping the Turkish club from registering new players during the next trading window.
Italy, Poland, Portugal express interest in hosting Nations League Finals – UEFA
Italy, Poland and Portugal have expressed interest in hosting the UEFA Nations League Finals in June 2019 with the eventual venue to be confirmed in December.
Minerva crowned Indian I-League champions in fairy tale season finish – Inside World Football
Minerva FC were crowned Indian champions on Thursday following a tight 1-0 win over Churchill Brothers from Goa to see off contenders East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Neroca.
Guangzhou Evergrande thrash Changchun Yatai – ESPN
Guangzhou Evergrande bounced back from their opening Chinese Super League defeat on Friday evening with a 5-0 thumping of Changchun Yatai, with head coach Fabio Cannavaro warning his team will only come good after the World Cup.
Derek Adams: ‘Nobody has a clue’ about the problems football managers face – BBC Sport
Newly crowned League One manager of the month Derek Adams says people do not realise the difficult work that managers do behind the scenes.
Voice of football Motson ready to blow final whistle on career which started in Yorkshire – Yorkshire Post
Broadcasting legend John Motson will commentate on his final live football match for the BBC this weekend – but did you know he started covering the sport in Yorkshire?