BC Soccer News, Weekend, May 26-28, 2017

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS

 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. D.C. UNITED

MLS MATCHDAY #12

SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017, 4:00 PM

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BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC

TV: TSN 1, 3, 4, 5  RADIO: TSN 1040  ONLINE: TSN GO

Rolling ‘Caps host D.C. United at BC Place on Saturday – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson has his team hitting their stride as the MLS season approaches it’s summer stages when they host D.C. United at BC Place on Saturday.

Whitecaps shuffle options for replacing suspended Laba – The Province
Carl Robinson was toying Thursday about whether replacing Matias Laba in the Vancouver Whitecaps’ lineup on Saturday is going to be more about a who or a how.

Preview | Week 13 | #VANvDC – DC United
“The Vancouver trip is always a tough one, but in the past we’ve been able to get something out of these trips,” head coach Ben Olsen said. “You have a shot to win games every weekend in this league, and we’re looking forward to getting back at it. There’s always a chance to fix things.”

From the Pigeon Loft: Supporting our own – AFTN
Football offers up its poignant moments of celebration and reflection, and this past weekend had no shortage of them. A long weekend with three local matches in five days took it’s toll on my voice. But three wins means it’s a happy form of laryngitis and besides, what could be better than going hoarse for the local boys?

Chicago Fire see “signs of maturity” as winning streak reaches four games – MLS
Four-game winning streaks are a rarity around these parts, but Veljko Paunovic and Dax McCarty put the Chicago Fire’s significant progress down to the team’s new-found maturity in 2017.

Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers | 2017 MLS Match Preview – MLS
One of the hottest-burning rivalries in North American soccer sparks back into life before a national-network-television audience on Saturday, as the Seattle Sounders host their old enemies to the south, the Portland Timbers, for their first meeting of 2017.

Sounders upbeat in training ahead of Timbers match – Sounder at Heart
As the Seattle Sounders look to the weekend’s big Cascadia matchup with the Portland Timbers, they’ve finally had a bit of a breather after a congested schedule the last few weeks. Their win over Real Salt Lake last weekend helped soften the blow of the away losses they had taken from their previous two matches, but preparation for the Timbers goes beyond the morale boost that the win provided.

Portland Timbers prepare to face Seattle Sounders without Diego Chara – Oregonian
Very few players have more experience participating in the Portland-Seattle rivalry than Diego Chara. The Colombian midfielder has started in 17 of the 21 games between the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders across all competitions since Portland entered MLS in 2011.

Vieira calls Kreis criticism a ‘personal attack’ – SBI
Following Orlando City’s loss to NYCFC, Jason Kreis made his feelings known. He wanted to see more respect from Patrick Vieira, especially in the aftermath of defeat. On Thursday, Vieira responded to what he believes was a personal attack.

Osorio in tough to regain starting spot in crowded TFC midfield – Sportsnet
The 2017 Major League Soccer season has been anything but a smooth ride for Jonathan Osorio.

MLS Discipline: Three players suspended, Ortiz fined, Heath warned  – Soccer America
Upon review of incidents from games played last week, the MLS Disciplinary Committee has handed down suspensions to three players for violent conduct and issued a fine and a warning in other cases.

Javier Hernandez salary demands too high for MLS club LAFC – sources – ESPN FC
Talks to bring Bayer Leverkusen and Mexico forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez to Major League Soccer expansion side Los Angeles FC have cooled in large part because of salary demands, multiple league sources have told ESPN FC.

Does MLS have a Texas problem? – The Guardian
Houston and Dallas, who meet in Sunday’s Texas Derby, are two of MLS’ best clubs this season from two of its biggest cities. So why aren’t they more popular?

Impact larger than life – Montreal Gazette
A Montreal Impact mural is unveiled on the side of a building at St-Laurent and René-Lévesque Blvds. on Thursday as part of the fifth edition of the Montreal Mural Festival, which runs from June 8-18.

VOYAGEURS CUP PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 Montreal Impact 1, Semifinal, 1st Leg, May 23, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

MLS PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, Sporting Kansas City 0, May 20, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.

3v3 Live Soccer Tour Comes to Canada

BC SOCCER NEWS

BC PROVINCIAL MEN’S A CUP PHOTOS: Club Inter 2 Aldergrove United 0, May 14, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Monique Lamoureux.

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.

BC Soccer Announces 2016-2017 Award Recipients – BCSA
Each year BC Soccer’s Board of Directors and the BC Soccer Membership recognize a few exceptional individuals, clubs, and teams, for their dedication and commitment to the beautiful game in British Columbia. These awards help show BC Soccer’s appreciation for their contributions to soccer within this province.  This year 24 individuals, 1 team and 1 club will be presented awards for their outstanding achievements.

Highlanders the talk of Premier Development League; welcome Sounders U-23 – Times Colonist
There are any number of adages about first impressions. The Victoria Highlanders seem to have taken them all to heart. The Highlanders are ranked No. 5 in the Western Conference of the Premier Development League following their emphatic 4-1 season-opening victory against Lane United of Eugene, Oregon.

No. 5-ranked Highlanders Prepare To Face Sounders U-23 On Home Soil – Highlanders FC
Victoria Highlanders FC (1-0-0) will look to open the 2017 Premier Development League (PDL) season with back-to-back wins as they play host to Cascadia rival Sounders U-23 (1-1-0) in a Friday night affair at Centennial Stadium.

Sounders U23 visit Victoria, host Rovers this weekend – GoalWA
After splitting the opening weekend games in the tough PDL NW Division, the Sounders U23 team will head to Victoria, BC to take on the Victoria Highlanders on Friday, May 26th. The young guns in green will then return to Starfire Sports Complex on Sunday, May 28th to face TSS Rovers in a double header for the Sounders faithful.

Reynolds championship duo commit to Vikes – Oak Bay News
The laidback Island lifestyle suits Josh Lamothe and Will Adams, which is why the soon-to-be Reynolds secondary grads are excited to be staying home next year.

BC Soccer Announces A New Grants Program – BCSA
BC Soccer is proud to announce to their members and affiliate clubs a new Grants Program which has been designed to support organizations that currently have, or want to, introduce initiatives that make participation in soccer more accessible and inclusive. Members and affiliated clubs that provide additional specialized programming can apply to receive a $1,000 grant to support them in the designing and delivery of these programs.

Terry Wilson tourney kicks into gear – Prince George Citizen
The kids from St. Mary’s school playing soccer today in the Terry Wilson Memorial soccer tournament at Rotary Field know all about the tournament’s namesake. Wilson was the first gym teacher in the history of the Prince George Catholic elementary school.

Soccer boys boot to gold – Prince George Citizen
The Under-18 Timberwolves were in fine early-season form at the Kamloops Slurpee Cup last weekend. The Timberwolves, an all-star team from the Prince George Youth Soccer Association, went undefeated in the tournament’s Metro Division and shared the gold medal with a Vancouver Island select squad. In the championship game, Prince George and Vancouver Island battled to a 2-2 draw.

West Kelowna in talks for site for indoor soccer pitch – Kelowna Daily Courier
A suitable site for West Kelowna’s new indoor soccer pitch could be announced within a few weeks. Municipal staff say they are in secret talks with an organization willing to provide land for the new facility.

PDL PHOTOS: TSS Rovers 2 Lane Utd. 2, May 12, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

2017 BC Soccer Adult Provincial Championships – BCSA
The Road to Burnaby continues! Complete brackets and results from the weekend’s games in the BC Provincial Cups.

3V3 LIVE NATIONAL SOCCER TOUR COMES TO ABBOTSFORD – 3v3 Live Canada
3v3 Live Soccer Tour and Holbrook Sports Management are excited to announce the expansion of the 3v3 Live Soccer Tour into the Canadian soccer market.  With the first event previously announced to take place on the August 19/20 weekend in Surrey, BC, the 3v3 Soccer Tour will expand to Abbotsford, BC, on August 20 and will include men’s and women’s open divisions.

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.

REVIEW: The Miracle Mile. Stories of the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games – BC BookLook
Author Jason Beck is curator of the BC Sports Hall of Fame in BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, and convenor two years ago of an excellent exhibition about the 1954 Games. In his first book, he proves to be a meticulous researcher, a compelling story-teller, and a crafty realist who knows how to hook his readers. Watch how, two pages into the book, he uses filmic technique to evoke the arriving athletes’ youthful buzz and give period colouring and costuming, but then smartly moves his camera in to introduce his stars.

TSS Rovers launch website & 2017 Season Ticket Campaign – TSS Rovers
TSS FC Rovers play their inaugural season in the PDL at iconic Swangard Stadium. Season Tickets are $70 for Adults, $49 for U12 Youth.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

CANADA SOCCER NEWS

Canadian HOFers Stalteri and Walsh speak about the need for domestic pro leagues — for men AND women – the11.ca
Both Paul Stalteri and Amy Walsh believe that Canadian soccer players — be it boys or girls, men or women — need more chances to play professionally.

Huskies hire Sukru to head men’s and women’s soccer program – Fort McMurray Today
The overhaul of the Keyano Huskies coaching staff this offseason continued Thursday. After making changes to the heads of the men’s basketball and women’s volleyball programs in April, the Huskies awarded the dual role of men’s and women’s soccer head coach to Murad Sukru.

Researchers get a head start on soccer injuries – UToday
In an attempt to reduce the number of concussions that occur in youth soccer, the University of Calgary’s Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, in the Faculty of Kinesiology, is partnering with the Calgary Minor Soccer Association this summer for an injury surveillance initiative.

Register for the Western Canada College ID Camp at Shawnigan Lake

UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE

WFC2  vs.  REAL MONARCHS SLC

SUNDAY, MAY 28, 2017, 3:00 PM

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McLEOD ATHLETIC PARK, LANGLEY, BC

LIVESTREAM: WHITECAPSFC2.COM

Deklan Wynne called up for FIFA Confederations Cup – Whitecaps FC
Whitecaps FC2 (WFC2) left back Deklan Wynne has been called up by the New Zealand national team for the upcoming 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup – a precursor to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia next year.

Langley hosting WFC2 Mutts at McLeod – Maple Ridge News
Who let the dogs out? It was the Vancouver Whitecaps FC2 fans, of course. Fans are invited to bring their dogs to this Sunday’s WFC2 game at McLeod Athletic Park as part of Mutts at McLeod. The dogs must remain on leash during the game and fans will be permitted in-and-out priviledges.

Eddies hope surprise bye week will work to their benefit – the11.ca
When the New York Cosmos gave FC Edmonton’s front office an 11th-hour phone call, asking of last weekend’s match could be moved to later in the season, it was a blessing in disguise. The Cosmos needed to free the date so the team could travel to Saudi Arabia for a friendly.

FC Cincinnati identifies stadium sites – Soccer America
The USL’s FC Cincinnati is averaging 18,441 fans a game at Nippert Stadium — more than 10 MLS teams — but it is looking at three sites to build a $200 million soccer-specific stadium.

Cosmos Country Drops Coverage of Team – Empire of Soccer
Citing a “series of events last week,” one of the founders of This is Cosmos Country said on Twitter and in a statement on the group’s website that it would no longer continue producing a podcast about the Cosmos or cover the two-time defending champions of the North American Soccer League.

Manchester City Women 1-0 Chelsea Ladies: Duggan fires City past Chelsea – Vavel
Toni Duggan’s first half strike and Karen Bardsley’s terrific performance in goal proved to be the difference as Manchester City defeated Chelsea at the Academy Stadium.

NWSL Weekly Award Winners – MLS Multiplex
There are some familiar faces in this week’s player honors, including one of the United States Women’s National Team’s stars.

Reign FC begin three game road trip in Houston – GoalWA
This Saturday, Seattle Reign FC will visit the Houston Dash for the first of two matches at BBVA Compass Stadium this season. The game will be broadcast on Lifetime as the NWSL Game of the Week, marking the first time Seattle has been featured on the network.

Tobin Heath named Assistant Youth Technical Director for Thorns FC Development Academy – Timbers.com
Portland Thorns FC today announced that midfielder Tobin Heath has expanded her role with the club, assuming a position at the youth level with the club’s newly formed development academy set to launch in the fall of 2017 as the Thorns FC Assistant Youth Technical Director.

Division 1 Féminine – Matchday 22 Review: the season ends with a flourish – Vavel
The final round of matches in France’s top division wrapped up  and all the intriguing threads found their conclusions.

Jill Ellis Releases USWNT Roster for June Friendlies – Backline Soccer
The 21-players named to the roster will travel to Europe for a June 8th match against Sweden in Gothenburg and a June 11th match against Norway in Sandefjord.

The World According to Weimer: Power to the Players – Empire of Soccer
The National Women’s Soccer League’s Players Association for non-allocated players (those whose contracts are not financed by U.S. Soccer or the Canadian Soccer Association) was announced recently. After mentioning the development in this last blog last week, I reached out to Yael Averbuch, one of the driving forces behind the formation of the union.

Damallsvenskan – Week 7 Review: Hat tricks the order of the round – Vavel
Hat tricks were the order of business in the midweek Damallsvenskan action, Mimmi Larsson, Maja Kildemoes and Linda Sällström all netting at least three for their respective teams as the top three stayed unchanged despite Rosengård dropping points to Örebro.

Why women’s football is the brilliant blank canvas all brands crave – Campaign
With so much opportunity in women’s football, why aren’t brands making the most of it, asks the head of Copa90.

Bob Lenarduzzi: Chelsea can add to magnificent season, while Arsenal looks to salvage theirs – The Province
The FA Cup final is Saturday as rivals Chelsea and Arsenal clash at Wembley. The Blues are definite favourites, as Antonio Conte’s men have finished the Premier League season clear and deserving champions.

FA Cup final between Chelsea and Arsenal a farewell celebration – Sportsnet
So here we are, ahead of Chelsea vs. Arsenal on Saturday – there are no more twin towers, but it is a marquee tilt that definitely feels like a match befitting the FA Cup final. I say that with much respect to recent finalists Crystal Palace, Hull City and Wigan Athletic, but to be honest for the first time since Chelsea beat Liverpool in 2012, this really feels a little bit special.

Chelsea’s ‘permanent revolution’ trumps Arsenal’s steady stagnation – SN
It could be the case that the constant chaos Roman Abramovich has wrought over his managers has been the catalyst for Chelsea’s long-term supremacy over Arsenal.

Alaves eyes upset of Barcelona in Copa del Rey final – Metro
The final of the Copa del Rey pits Barcelona’s star power against a tiny Basque Country club whose biggest weapons are its grit and gnawing hunger for a taste of glory.

Sevilla announces Sampaoli will become Argentina coach on June 1 – Sportsnet
Sevilla has nearly reached an agreement with the Argentine soccer federation to let Jorge Sampaoli coach his country’s national team.

Conte says he’ll stay at Premier League champion Chelsea – Metro
After wavering about his future for months, Antonio Conte has finally said that he plans to stay and honour the remaining two years of his contract with Premier League champion Chelsea.

Chivas and Tigres all even after round one in Liga MX Final – Prost Amerika
Round one of the 2017 Clausura season Liga MX Final is in the books. Chivas Guadalajara and Tigres UANL played to a 2-2 draw on Thursday evening at Estadio Universitario (aka ‘El Volcan’). Chivas squandered a two goal lead and allowed Tigres to catch up in the score, leaving everything to be settled during the return leg on Sunday evening.

Monaco’s Bernardo Silva set to join Manchester City for £60m – The Guardian
Pep Guardiola is to break Manchester City’s transfer record by signing Monaco’s Bernardo Silva for £60m. The midfielder is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Premier League club on Friday.

Manchester United aren’t planning summer first-team overhaul – sources – ESPN FC
Manchester United are not planning a major overhaul of their first-team squad this summer, with the club working on bringing in four new players ahead of next season, sources have told ESPN FC.

Francesco Totti’s last days in Rome? The ballboy who became too big for the club – SN
Luciano Spalletti had finally had enough. His Roma side had just routed AC Milan 4-1 at San Siro to keep their Serie A title challenge alive and he was being asked about his decision to leave Francesco Totti on the bench, thus depriving the club captain of a final appearance at San Siro. “All this really disappoints me,” Spalletti sighed. “If I could go back, I would never have returned to Roma.”

Celtic v Aberdeen: Sunderland job no distraction for final, says Derek McInnes – BBC Sport
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes says attracting the interest of Sunderland has not entered his thoughts ahead of the Scottish Cup final against Celtic.

Man City favourite Pablo Zabaleta joins West Ham – Manchester Evening News
The Argentine left Man City for free after nine years at the Etihad and has joined the Hammers on a two-year deal.

China tries to curb soccer spending by forcing teams to pay twice – Toronto Star
A development fee equal to the salary of a foreign recruit could limit big-money transfers.

U20 WC: Young Lions upset hosts to top group – FIFA
England edged Korea Republic 1-0 thanks to a Kieran Dowell goal to finish top of Group A at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017.

FIFA has a Russia problem – Soccer America
Only now will attention turn to Russia and the 2018 World Cup, and we’re surely in for a rocky ride. It begins with next month’s Confederations Cup — the World Cup dress rehearsal — and FIFA is already facing questions on multiple fronts about its Russian adventure.

The Stanley Matthews football revolution made in Ghana – BBC
Sir Stanley Matthews remains one of England’s most famous footballers and was known as the Wizard of Dribble. But he was also arguably the first global icon, paving the way for superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. And it all began in Ghana.