VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. PORTLAND TIMBERS
MLS MATCHDAY #11
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2016, 2:00 PM
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC
SOLD OUT
TV: TSN 1 RADIO: TSN 1040 LIVESTREAM: TSN GO
BC Soccer Web MLS MATCHDAY #11: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Portland Timbers, May 7, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Cascadia derbies are always huge matches, but this one should take on even more of an edge. After a slow start, the 2015 MLS Cup champions are starting to find their groove, coming off an important 2-1 win over Toronto FC on the weekend. Meanwhile, the Whitecaps are still searching for an identity, and Carl Robinson made it clear in training this week that he was unimpressed so far with the effort and tone of the squad. Will the Whitecaps show up for one of the biggest matches of the season? Saturday is a massive test of that. We have all the news and match previews here.
Saturday’s home match against Portland Timbers is sold out – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Wednesday that Saturday’s home match against Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers is sold out.
Despite reduced role, Kah still crucial for Whitecaps – Sportsnet
A familiar scene unfolded this week during a Vancouver Whitecaps training session at UBC. Central defender Pa-Modou Kah darted across the field during a scrimmage, shouting directives at his teammates. “Take him on!” he yelled. “Go! Go! Go!”
MLS Week 10 Preview: TFC homecoming, Rocky Mountain Cup, more – Empire of Soccer
It’s a weekend for homecomings in Major League Soccer. Toronto FC will play their first game at new-look BMO Field on Saturday night, while regional rivalries are played out elsewhere across the league.
MLS weekend preview: how will LA Galaxy cope without Keane and Gerrard? – The Guardian
LA take on draw specialists New England while Toronto return home after one of the world’s longest road trips.
Toronto FC return home to renovated stadium with renovated defence – CBC
After two months on the road, the Reds are coming home. For the second year in a row, construction at Toronto’s BMO Field forced the Toronto FC to begin the season with eight-straight away matches. The team returns to the newly-renovated lakefront stadium for their home-opener on Saturday against FC Dallas.
Toronto FC hopes to bring back Season 1 atmosphere – Toronto Sun
Toronto FC’s players will walk into the past on Saturday when they unveil newly renovated BMO Field to fans who have anticipated this home opener since the end of last season.
No Need for Toronto FC to Change Playing Style for Home Opener – Waking the Red
Soccer teams can be a little bit two-faced sometimes. There is the home face, the side that is aggressive and attacking, where only a win will do and anything else is a disappointment. Then there is the identity that the team assumes on the road: more defensive, less concerned about victory and more so about getting any points at all.
Impact passes depth test during tough stretch – Montreal Gazette
The Montreal Impact was playing its third match in eight days and hosting a red-hot Colorado Rapids side that had won three straight and four of its last five games. It seemed a perfect opportunity for the Rapids to steal three road points while testing the depth and character of the tired home side.
Cyle Larin aiming to become complete forward under increased visibility – MLS
Adrian Heath admits Orlando City is going to have “an issue” with Cyle Larin, and it will happen sooner than anyone expected. In the short term, it’s a good issue to have, though, and the New York Red Bulls may find out in Friday night’s clash at Camping World Stadium.
FC Dallas’ Dan Hunt has big plans for new National Soccer Hall of Fame – MLS
Between a ceremonial box of dirt, delicately engraved shovels, hard hats with the FC Dallas and US Soccer logos plastered on them, and surrounded by soccer elites, ground officially broke on the construction of the National Soccer Hall of Fame Thursday.
MLS commissioner Don Garber inducted into National Soccer Hall of Fame – MLS
Along with former US women’s national team stars Brandi Chastain and Shannon MacMillan, the MLS commissioner was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Thursday.
Africa growing influence in the Major League soccer – Ghana Soccernet
Like the saying ‘wherever there is life’ be sure to find an African footballer there. Players from Africa can be found everywhere the coveted leather ball is kicked from Afghanistan to Tonga; therefore the growing number of Africans in Major League Soccer is not surprising.
Orlando City SC Announces Formal Affiliation with English Premier League’s Stoke City FC – Orlando City
Orlando City SC and English Premier League side Stoke City FC have entered a multi-faceted affiliation initiating a forward-thinking partnership, the clubs announced today. The affiliation will ignite shared brand awareness and collaboration opportunities across the business and competition for both sides, with unique opportunities to enhance the fan experience.
From the Pigeon Loft: You’ll Never Be Alone – AFTN
Buried deep in the basement of a sports bar, right across the street from the Empire State Building in New York, is The Football Factory. It is a dark room, small and, on last Saturday morning, packed with a crowd of Newcastle supporters standing side by side with a small group of Crystal Palace fans and one Sunderland fan moping at the bar.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
BC Provincial Cup Semi-Final Weekend – May 6-8 – BCSA
The run to the Adult Provincial Cup Finals is onto the semi-final rounds!
Lenarduzzi Honoured by TRU degrees – Castanet
Bob Lenarduzzi, Canadian sports legend and president of the Vancouver White Caps FC, is one of three people to receive an honorary degree from Thompson Rivers University during the spring convocation in June.
Richmond FC march on to cup semis – Richmond News
Women’s soccer team hosts Coquitlam Saturday at Minoru looking to secure spot in provincial final.
Riptide U14 Boys Capture the silver medal at the Coastal “A” Cup – Campbell River Mirror
The Marine Harvest U14 Boys Riptide traveled to Vancouver on Saturday, April 30 to compete for the Gold medal at the Coastal “A” Cup final against Surrey Football club.
Burnaby u21s steamroll past Surrey – Burnaby Now
There was plenty of fuel, and once Estrella de Chile-Burnaby’s under-21 men’s soccer team found the gas pedal, they were gone. The Burnaby side proved unstoppable Saturday in the U21 provincial quarterfinal, trouncing Surrey United 5-1 to continue their run.
Ravens soccer program built for future success – Goldstream Gazette
‘AA’ Island tournament looms large for Royal Bay girls side
Pinns U18 boys use character to net victory – Penticton Western News
Jetson Gibbs played hero for the Pinnacles FC U18 boys soccer team in a 3-2 victory against Kelowna United U17 at Kings Park, May 1.
Whitecaps Academy Centre Players of the Month – April – Whitecaps FC
Whitecaps FC Academy Centres are a network of regional training hubs linked through key staff, curriculum, and standards that provide professional supplemental club training for serious, motivated players. Whitecaps FC currently have a network from British Columbia to Ontario, including locations in Kamloops, the Kootenays, London (Ontario), Manitoba, Northern BC, the Okanagan, Saskatchewan, Squamish, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island.
Soccer tournament kicks off Saturday – Saanich News
It’s soccer Saturday at Topaz Park at the sixth annual Anneswer To Cancer family tournament. This year’s tourney kicks off with a minis tournament starting at 11:30 a.m., followed by the main family soccer tournament starting at 1 p.m.
First Soccer Festival receives positive feedback – Williams Lake Tribune
Soccermania has officially taken over the lakecity. Hundreds of youth are crowding city and Esler Sports Complex soccer fields on almost a daily basis. Last month, the Williams Lake Youth Soccer Association hosted its first annual Soccer Festival at the Esler Sports Complex.
Pacific Soccer Coaching Conference – June 3-5 at SFU – BC Soccer Web
The Pacific Soccer Coaching Conference is back for its second year. Learn from some of the best coaches in the game. This year’s conference features speakers from Arsenal, Leicester City, Southampton, the English FA and more. Register before April 30 for early bird pricing.
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.
Victoria Highlanders 2016 Season Tickets Now Available – Select Your Seats
The Victoria Highlanders are ready to return to the PDL for 2016. BC Soccer Web encourages all soccer fans on Vancouver Island to get behind their team. Season tickets are now on sale and extremely affordable. Support Local Soccer!
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.
EPIC presents the 2016 Western Canada College ID Camp
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Donate to the Canadian Red Cross to help those impacted by the Alberta Wildfires– BC Soccer Web
The Canadian Red Cross is the most reliable organization assisting people who are fleeing the wildfires in Fort McMurray and beyond. Please donate. All individual donations are being matched by the Government of Canada.
FC Edmonton announces Footie for Fort McMurray initiative – FC Edmonton
Eddies will collect non-perishable food items at the team’s upcoming two home matches at Clarke Field
Dark Clouds Raising Money For Those Affected By The Alberta Wildfires – Northern Pitch
In continuing with the Dark Clouds long history of giving, the supporters group is raising money to help the people affected by the current wildfires raging in Alberta. To understand why a supporters group in Minnesota is so concerned with wildfires in Alberta, one needs to look at the founding of the Flyover Cup, a yearly cup contested between the Minnesota and Edmonton soccer teams.
Bye bye, America: Canadian futsal team slays Goliath – the11.ca
The series between Canada and the United States played out like David and Goliath, after all. David felled the mighty beast; And, Thursday, a Canadian national futsal team made up mostly of amateurs from Ontario and Quebec felled an American side filled with professionals.
Futsal: USA falls to Canada in qualifying play-in – Prost Amerika
The USA’s quest to qualify for the 2016 Futsal World Cup ended when it lost to Canada 9-7 on aggregate in a two-game play-in series for the Concacaf Championship that sends four teams to the Colombia-hosted World Cup.
MacEwan looks to build on athletic success as full Canada West member – Edmonton Journal
MacEwan University is now a full member of Canada West Universities Athletic Association after receiving the required approval of more than 75% at the annual general meeting that wrapped up in Kamloops on Thursday.
Canadian para soccer team hopes to join world’s elite – Oakville Beaver
The Canadian para soccer team was taking a break from a training session near Ottawa when the coaching staff walked past a neighbouring field. They watched as a 12-year-old dribbled past defenders and seemingly scored at will.
Durham United FA Women: 2016 Technical Profile – League1 Ontario
The heavyweights of the 2015 League1 2015 women’s division, Durham United FA won the inaugural title by a landslide. The black and gold team from east Toronto came out the gates flying and didn’t drop focus the entire season. Their dominance was clear in six end-of-season all-star selections, and a joint GK-Of-The-Year and Most Valuable Player honour for Nora Abolins.
Mississauga’s Wambolt trying for spot on Philippine soccer team – Mississauga News
Mississauga’s Trinity Wambolt is challenging for a spot on the Philippine Under-14 girls’ national soccer team through a month-long training camp overseas in Laguna.
Local soccer player heads to Bucharest – Waterloo Region Record
The unlikely chain of events is a reality for St. Mary’s High School student Isabelle Mihail, who will board a plane Saturday to connect with the Romanian under-17 soccer team in Bucharest for a two-week adventure. Mihail, who speaks Romanian fluently, will spend a few days training and bonding with her new teammates before travelling to Bulgaria for three exhibition matches.
Univision Canada Unveils Coverage of Copa America Centenario – Broadcaster
Univision Canada, the country’s all-Spanish TV channel celebrates Cinco de Mayo with the 30 day countdown to the once-in-a-lifetime soccer event of the summer. Copa America Centenario, the 100th Anniversary edition of the South American Championship kicks off on Univision Canada beginning June 3rd with host country USA facing off against Latin American powerhouse Colombia.
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WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
WFC2 3 TULSA ROUGHNECKS 2
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4,
THUNDERBIRD STADIUM, UBC
PHOTO GALLERY: WFC2 3 TULSA ROUGHNECKS 2, May 4, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie
Koch’s Korner: “Ecstatic” comeback kings WFC2 keep unbeaten record intact – AFTN
It’s been quite the start to the season for WFC2. Quite the year in fact. Six games in the league, six preseason friendlies, unbeaten now in 12 matches.
Whitecaps FC 2 force grip the Roughnecks – Prost Amerika
The Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 continued it’s strong showing with a 3-2 come from behind win over the Tulsa Roughnecks FC at Thunderbird Stadium at the University of British Columbia. Daniel Haber scored the game winner in the 89th minute to give the Caps the victory and drop Tulsa to 1-5-0.
FC Cincinnati earning MLS attention thanks to record USL crowds – MLS
Is Cincinnati poised to get a leg up in the ever-growing list of future MLS expansion cities? In an email to The Cincinnati Enquirer, MLS Executive Vice President of Communications Dan Courtemanche wrote that the league is “impressed” with the “bold statement” FC Cincinnati made with “incredible crowds to kick off the season.”
RGV FC opens new Texas rivalry at San Antonio FC on Saturday – Houston Dynamo
The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros start a new rivalry Saturday as they visit San Antonio FC for the first regular-season meeting between the two expansion clubs.
NASL Week 6 Preview: Indy Eleven Seek To Build On Unbeaten Run – Empire of Soccer
Heading into the second half of the short Spring Season, Indy Eleven (2W-0L-2D) find themselves as the only remaining unbeaten team in the North American Soccer League. Grinding out early draws and coming through with late winners in their last two matches has left the ‘Boys in Blue’ with an excellent opportunity to establish themselves as a serious contender for the spring title.
Gene Frenette: Armada’s struggles don’t deter soccer team’s owner – Jacksonville.com
The growing pains of a second-year North American Soccer League franchise continue to impede the progress Jacksonville Armada owner Mark Frisch wants to see on the field.
The evangelical soccer team: no fouls, no diving, no gay players – The Guardian
The Charlotte Eagles believe they can make their members better people through fair play and Christian values. But not everyone is welcome on the team.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Chastain, MacMillan elected to Hall of Fame – Equalizer
Brandi Chastain and Shannon MacMillan are part of the 2016 elected class for the National Soccer Hall of Fame. They were announced Thursday along with Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber. Both players were on the 1999 World Cup winning team.
Meghan Klingenberg’s journey for personal excellence helps propel Thorns FC forward – Timbers.com
Portland Thorns FC defender Meghan Klingenberg has always gotten a special thrill from proving her doubters wrong.
VIDEO: Washington Spirit professional women’s soccer team off to hot start – WJLA
Interview with Washington Spirit Players on ABC 7.
Referee Garratt relishing SSE Women’s FA Cup Final call – The FA
For many players, the SSE Women’s FA Cup Final is the single biggest match of the season – and Sarah Garratt says it is no different for referees.
FA WSL Cup – Preliminary round preview: Six teams face off for spot in round one – Vavel
The competition’s first ever preliminary round features the bottom five ranked sides from last season’s FAWSL, as well as newly-promoted Sheffield FC.
Everything to play for as WU17 EURO resumes – UEFA
Ominously for their Women’s U17 Group B rivals, Germany and Spain are chasing first wins on Saturday, when the hosts take on England and Norway play catch-up in Group A.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Premier League relegation battle: Newcastle, Norwich City, Sunderland – ESPN FC
Aston Villa were relegated to the Championship three weeks ago following a 1-0 defeat at Manchester United and have not picked up a single point since Feb. 6. That leaves two places and essentially three teams fighting for their Premier League survival. And mathematically, a fourth is not yet safe.
Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele gets 6-game ban for eye gouge – Sportsnet
Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele has been banned for six games after appearing to gouge the eye of Chelsea striker Diego Costa in a fiery London derby in the English Premier League.
Bologna vs. Milan: De Sciglio targeting European qualification- Goal
A Europa League spot through Serie A remains Milan’s goal, defender Mattia De Sciglio said ahead of Saturday’s game against Bologna.
Real Madrid stars Gareth Bale and Keylor Navas suffer injuries – ESPN FC
Real Madrid have announced that forward Gareth Bale has a knee problem and goalkeeper Keylor Navas has Achilles tendon injury.
Europa League: Uefa defends St Jakob-Park for Liverpool v Sevilla final – BBC Sport
Uefa has defended its decision to host the Europa League final at St Jakob-Park, which has a capacity of 35,000.
Jürgen Klopp advises Liverpool fans without tickets to head to Basel – The Guardian
Jürgen Klopp has said there is no point complaining about Liverpool’s meagre ticket allocation for the Europa League final and that ticketless fans should head for Basel on 18 May. Contrary to Uefa’s customary advice, Klopp believes supporters without tickets should travel to Switzerland and insisted it was futile protesting against an allocation that was decided long ago.
Louis van Gaal set to earn £5 million if Man United sack him – report – ESPN FC
Louis van Gaal would lose out on more than £1 million if Manchester United fail to qualify for the Champions League, though he would earn £5m if he’s sacked, according to a report in The Times.
Pep Guardiola accuses Bayern Munich ‘mole’ of damaging club – The Guardian
The Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has accused a dressing-room mole of damaging the club. Alleged details of rows that happened behind closed doors after the team’s Champions League exit at the hands of Atlético Madrid were leaked to the German media.
Paraguay hands over 10,000 CONMEBOL files to US prosecutors – Inside World Football
Money laundering prosecutors in Paraguay have handed over 10,000 documents seized from CONMEBOL’s headquarters in Asuncion to US prosecutors investigating corruption within football.
FIFA bans 2 South American officials for life due to bribery – Sportsnet
FIFA ethics judges have imposed life bans on two South American football officials who have pleaded guilty in the United States to corruption charges.
Lucas Neill: From Socceroos captain to bankrupt recluse – Sydney Morning Herald
Robbie Slater knew something wasn’t right with Lucas Neill when he recently sat down for coffee with his old friend, Phil Moss, at Forestway Shopping Centre. Moss wasn’t sure if indeed it was Neill walking past, given it had been so long since anyone had made contact with him.
Restructuring, not expansion necessary for the World Cup – Prost Amerika
During the previous FIFA election one of the major topics that was discussed aside from oh massive corruption and racketeering was the idea of expanding the Men’s World Cup. Gerard Infantino, the newly minted FIFA president, has expressed his own interest in expanding the top international tournament to 40 teams. Given that no organization will say no to greater opportunities and more money it almost seems like a certainty.
Lament for lost age of the great all-round sportsman – The Telegraph
Film has emerged of Tottenham’s players enjoying a game of cricket at their training ground this week. While we can only imagine how long a run-up Hugo Lloris takes, or how well disguised is Érik Lamela’s googly, what we do know is that Harry Kane looks a more than useful middle-order batsman.
West Ham sign esports player Sean ‘Dragonn’ Allen – BBC Sport
West Ham have become the first club in the UK to sign a professional video game competitor by employing esports player Sean Allen. Allen, 24, who is known by his gaming name Dragonn, will represent the Hammers at Fifa video game tournaments.