CANADA SOCCER NEWS
No grass, no problem: Vancouver’s success has blown away several myths about hosting Canada matches – the11.ca
Next March 25, the eyes of Canadian (and Mexican) soccer fans will likely be on Vancouver’s BC Place. Canadian national-team head coach Benito Floro all but confirmed that his team’s next home World Cup qualifier will be played in the same venue where more than 20,000 rocked and rolled Friday, and saw the home side come out with a vital 1-0 win against Honduras.
Canada’s dreams of getting back to the Hex get off to the perfect start against Honduras in World Cup qualifying – AFTN
Eleven years after losing 3-1 to Costa Rica at Swangard Stadium, the Canadian National Team returned to Vancouver in front of 20,000 plus fans and defeated Honduras 1-0.
Canada beats Honduras 1-0 – The Province
Friday at B.C. Place, Canada backed up their talk of a new identity. They beat Honduras 1-0 in front of 20,108 fans, and they looked pretty good doing it.
Canada relishes confidence-building victory – Goal
It was a ‘must-win’ game versus Honduras, and unlike previous disappointments, Canada delivered a performance and result that may lead to new horizons.
Match Report: Canada 1 – 0 Honduras –Eighty-Six Forever
20,108 fans witnessed the Canadian Men’s National Team defeat Honduras in CONCACAF Group A action at BC Place on Friday evening, finally putting the nightmares of San Pedro Sula to bed.
Big win for Canada over Honduras in Vancouver – Sportsnet
Cyle Larin may have scored the most important goal of his young career without even knowing that he was responsible for it.
Canada kills the wicked witch, while Vancouver gets promise it will host key WCQ against Mexico – the11.ca
Who knew that an exorcism could be achieved with such an ugly goal? Such a beautiful, wonderful, ugly goal, that is.
Underdog Canada ‘Wills’ its way to 1-0 win over Honduras – Vancouver Sun
He’s a BC Place villain when he suits up for the green-clad Portland Timbers against the Vancouver Whitecaps, but Will Johnson was a hero in red for Canada on Friday night.
Canada finally plays to its advantages, bests Honduras – Goal
Is there a more Canadian way to win a soccer game? A chilly BC Place set the stage for a scrappy, wonderful, cathartic, and important victory for the Canadians over Honduras on Friday night, powered by a Will Johnson header that was aided into the net by a sprawling Cyle Larin in the first half. It was all the attack Canada needed to dispatch a Honduran side that was both figuratively and literally frozen on the night.
Magic Realism – Maple Leaf Forever
I got my Voyageurs scarf in 2008. It was my first serious V’s gathering and I remember it oddly well, taking up the woolen red sacrement in a time before functioning websites and easy $20 orders. We were at the Peel Pub in Montréal. It was a remarkable day, no less remarkable for what followed. A march through the Underground City, our voices ringing off the concrete, our bodies jamming the turnstiles good enough for rush hour but not for us. A heady confidence that faded as marched into Stade Saputo, immersed in Honduran kits, in blue and white thundersticks provided by an allegedly Canadian sponsor. A confidence that disappeared entirely as hope became horror.
Strong start for CONCACAF giants – FIFA
Mexico and USA kicked off their qualifying campaigns for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ with big wins at home. Elsewhere, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago managed wins away from home, a rare commodity in CONCACAF, while Costa Rica did just enough and Canada settled an old score with a win over Honduras.
Canada men’s soccer looks to prove themselves vs. Honduras in World Cup qualifying – National Post
It’s an easy punch line every time the Canadian men’s soccer team lines up for an international match. Where are we ranked this month?
Match Preview: Canada vs. Honduras – Eighty-Six Forever
If you’re well into your Vancouver Whitecaps withdrawal, perhaps a dose of Canadian Soccer can cure what ails you. Yes, it might not carry the drama of a playoff match, but BC Place is getting ready to host Canada VS Honduras on Friday in World Cup Qualifying action.
Judgment day for Canadian men’s soccer team – Toronto Sun
The Spanish bench boss has been scrutinized for both results and player selection. His time at the helm has been unconvincing. The rebuttal from Floro, meanwhile, has remained the same: Respect the process.
Fraser Aird committed to Canada and hoping for “big things” in World Cup qualifiers – AFTN
For years now, Canada have lost out on several potential international players who have committed to other, more successful, countries through their own or parental birth right. More galling is that many have been developed here and represented Canada at youth level before making the jump.
Please Don’t Let it Happen Again – Canada vs Honduras – Waking the Red
Canada vs. Honduras. The nightmare that still sticks out in Canadian Soccer memory. Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. While expectations are low, Canada is in a position where it could realistically get a good result against Honduras. The team Floro has selected, however, is not in that position.
De Jong looking to continue strong form against Honduras – Red Nation Online
All the work that Canada has put in this week at BC Place will be put to the test tonight as 95th ranked Honduras looks to zap the home pitch momentum. 18,000 spectators are expected file in to cheer on Canada in an all-important 4th round World Cup qualifying match on the road to the 2018 Russia World Cup.
Floro expects a focused Canada on Friday – Goal
Canada is effectively in a ‘must-win’ situation against its Central American foes, with the BC Place clash being one of three crucial home games in this four-nation, six-match stage of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying for Russia 2018.
De Guzman focused on Canada’s future, not past – Sportsnet
Julian de Guzman understands why everyone wants to talk about the humiliating loss Canada suffered at the hands of Honduras three years ago. “It’s not easy to forget,” said the 34-year-old midfielder of the 8–1 drubbing, which happened during the last cycle of World Cup qualifying.
What’s changed for Canada since that 8-1 loss? – Sportsnet
An 8-1 embarrassment can do that, especially for the fans who have turned up, tuned in and suffered with the team, time after agonizing time; fans who, no doubt entangled in the full range of feelings between hope and despair, will once again run the emotional gauntlet on Friday.
From Residency to national team: ‘Caps trio ready to represent Canada at BC Place – Whitecaps FC
This Friday at 7 p.m. PT, Sam Adekugbe, Kianz Froese, and Russell Teibert will wear the Red and White and represent the Canadian men’s national team against Honduras in a crucial CONCACAF qualifying match for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Tickets remain available for Friday’s match at ticketmaster.ca.
Canada’s best soccer player is virtually unknown here – The Province
Atiba Hutchinson is Canada’s best player — one of our best ever — in the world’s most popular sport. Even Arsene Wenger said nice things about him, after Arsenal knocked Hutchinson’s Besiktas out of UEFA Champions League contention last year.
What needs to happen for the United States and Canadian national teams to qualify for the 2018 World Cup? – MLS
Both teams will be looking to finish in the top two places of their four-team groups, which would ensure passage to the fifth and final round of qualifying, aka ‘The Hex’.
Scheduling gods smile on Osorio in Mexico debut – Goal
Mexico’s new manager finally coaches a game Friday, and a depleted El Salvador team provides a nice welcome.
CSA Confirms it is Working on Eight Team Canadian League – Waking the Red
A lot of decisions still have to be made, but CSA President Victor Montagliani confirmed that a Canadian League is in development.
FIFA World Cup Qualifying – Canada vs. Honduras at B.C. Place, Fri. Nov.13 – Buy Tickets Here
WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Whitecaps FC re-sign Matias Laba to multi-year contract extension – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has re-signed Designated Player Matías Laba to a multi-year contract extension. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Laba commits his future to the Whitecaps – Goal
The young Argentine follows captain Pedro Morales in committing his future to Vancouver after two productive seasons with the Whitecaps.
Letter from head coach Carl Robinson – Whitecaps FC
Your support this year has been brilliant, week in and week out, from first kick until the final whistle. You continue to be the motivation that pushes us onward to bigger and better things, and you’ve been as big a part of this team’s success as anyone. You’ve helped us make history for the club.
Adrian Hanauer is the new majority owner of the Seattle Sounders – Seattle Times
Adrian Hanauer is the new majority owner of the Seattle Sounders, as announced on Thursday by Joe Roth, the man who has held that title from the beginning of the club’s Major League Soccer existence — all that remains is the final process of dotting a few i’s and crossing a few t’s.
Sigi Schmid will return to Sounders in 2016 – Goal
The Seattle head coach’s job status had been subject to speculation, but the team’s GM confirmed Schmid would be back next season.
Klose weighs up MLS offer – Goal
The former Germany striker is seriously considering finishing his career in the United States but is reluctant to leave Lazio in March, when the MLS season begins.
Montreal Impact, Mauro Biello having “good discussions” with regards to head coach position – MLS
It seems like only a matter of time now before the Montreal Impact’s head coach position is set. Interim head coach Mauro Biello took the podium on his own on Thursday morning for a 65-minute long postseason press conference that he started by stating that he was still just that: the interim head coach of the first team.
TIM LEIWEKE: Our vision for Miami’s soccer club – Miami Herald
Talk of bringing a world-class soccer stadium and Major League Soccer team to Little Havana through a public-private partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County has sparked a groundswell of dialogue, anticipation and excitement.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
van Duynhoven’s 90th-minute stunner sends UBC to semifinals – UBC
The tournament host UBC Thunderbirds cranked up the drama in front of their hometown fans, as it took a 90th-minute marker for them to put away the Calgary Dinos 1-0 in the fourth and final quarterfinal match of the 2015 CIS women’s soccer championship on Thursday night at Thunderbird Stadium.
SPARTANS ADVANCE TO CIS SEMIFINAL WITH WIN OVER CAPE BRETON – TWU
The Trinity Western Spartans punched their ticket to the 2015 CIS women’s soccer championship semifinals on Thursday afternoon, as they took down the Cape Breton Capers 2-0 in the second quarter-final match of the day at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium.
WFC2’s Chris Serban hoping to cap off whirlwind year with a national title – AFTN
It’s been quite the year for Chris Serban. After winning Canada West and CIS Rookie of the Year honours last November in his first season at UBC, the 19-year-old Vancouver Whitecaps Residency alumni was called into his first Canadian training camp the same month.
QUARTER-FINAL #3 CIS men’s soccer championship: T-Birds cruise to opening win over Toronto – CIS
In the third quarter-final match of the 2015 CIS men’s soccer championship, the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds put three goals past the University of Toronto Varsity Blues for a 3-0 victory at York Stadium on Thursday evening.
Vikes concede twice in final minutes to collapse in CIS quarter-finals against Varsity Reds – UVic
The seventh-seeded University of Victoria Vikes conceded two goals in the final four minutes of play to lose 3-2 to the second-seeded New Brunswick Varsity Reds at the 2015 CIS Men’s Soccer Championship in Toronto, Ont. hosted by York University.
UNBC cuts coach Cameron – Prince George Citizen
The UNBC Timberwolves women’s soccer team is on the lookout for a new head coach now that the university has given Andy Cameron his walking papers. UNBC announced Thursday it won’t be renewing Cameron’s contract and will replace him with an interim head coach.
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NASL & USL NEWS
Ottawa Fury heading to New York for Sunday’s NASL final – CBC
One last trademark practice full of sweat, sprints and yelling in several languages wrapped up at TD Place Thursday before an 11 a.m. bus ride that started the Ottawa Fury’s journey to New York City for the North American Soccer League final.
Mason Trafford: ‘Ottawa Fury never lost belief’ – Sportsnet
It’s one of the best stories in Canadian club soccer of 2015. While all three Canadian teams in Major League Soccer have already bowed out of the playoffs, the Ottawa Fury are one win away from claiming the championship in the North American Soccer League, a second-tier division that’s one level below MLS.
NASL: Ottawa aims to spoil Raul’s farewell – Soccer America
Sunday’s NASL final (2 p.m. PT) will air on ESPN3 and One World Sports (NASL.com in Canada). It will also be televised by Canal Plus in Spain, where the interest is on whether Cosmos striker Raul will add to his collection of 11 titles. Ottawa Fury FC stands in the way of a winning farewell for the 38-year-old.
Raúl calls time on a career defined by conviction, courage and being Real deal – The Guardian
The Spaniard will retire after playing for New York Cosmos in Sunday’s NASL final – 21-years after making his debut for Real Madrid and becoming one of his country’s most decorated and celebrated players
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Canada’s Kadeisha Buchanan leads West Virginia women into NCAAs – USA Today
When seventh-ranked West Virginia starts the NCAA women’s soccer tournament on Friday against Duquesne, the Mountaineers will be led by a player who has already played — and excelled — on soccer’s biggest stage. Kadeisha Buchanan spent her summer playing in the World Cup for Canada, and was recognized as an up-and-comer in the sport.
After US debut, Sonnett eyes NCAA title with UVA – The Equalizer
Emily Sonnett knew for months that she had a game on Oct. 25th — she just thought it would be against defending NCAA champions Florida State instead of Brazil and five-time world player of the year Marta and Brazil.
UEFA Women’s Champions League: Rosengård and Slavia take leads – UEFA
Marta scored her 43rd European goal to help Rosengård to a 3-1 round of 16 first-leg win at Verona while Slavia Praha defeated 2009 finalists Zvezda-2005 2-1.
Sweden face England in WU19 EURO elite round – UEFA
Holders Sweden must get past England, Austria and Belgium to defend their UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship title in Slovakia in July after the elite round draw was made.
Neighbours meet in Women’s U17 elite round draw – UEFA
A rematch of the 2015 between Germany and Switzerland, and a meeting of Sweden and Norway, are among the highlights of the UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship elite round draw.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Paris attacks overshadow France friendly – BBC Sport
France’s win over Germany at the Stade de France in Paris was overshadowed by a series of gun and bomb attacks across the French capital in which at least 120 people have been killed. Explosions targeted spots around the national stadium.
Full France squad to fly to London for England friendly at Wembley – The Guardian
All 23 members of the France squad, including Lassana Diarra and Antoine Griezmann, will fly to England for Tuesday’s friendly at Wembley as the British Home Secretaty Theresa May said the match will go ahead as a sign that “the terrorists will not win”.
Qatar’s migrant workers say they are paid to fill stadiums before World Cup – The Guardian
Migrant labourers in Qatar say they are being paid to fill empty seats at football matches featuring the Spanish star Xavi Hernández, who was signed to boost local interest in the game before the Gulf state hosts the 2022 World Cup.
Euro 2016: All you need to know about the play-offs – BBC Sport
The 2016 European Championship play-offs are under way, with the Republic of Ireland and Sweden among the eight teams hoping to seal a place in France next year.
Lenarduzzi: Euro 2016 hopefuls battle for final four spots, three Caps summoned for national team duty – The Province
Qualifying for Euro 2016 is down to the playoffs, as eight of the third-place finishers go head-to-head for the final four spots. The two-game, total-goal series between Norway and Hungary is already under way, and concludes Sunday in Budapest.
O’Neill must patch together Ireland in the face of Bosnian star power – ESPN FC
After so much talk about the benefit to Bosnia and Herzegovina of playing in a fervent and “special” Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica, and so many questions about the amount of players that Ireland are missing for the Euro 2016 playoff between the two teams, Edin Dzeko tried to be diplomatic.
Hungary stun Norway in Euro 2016 play-off first leg – The Guardian
Hungary stunned Norway with a 1-0 win thanks to a first-half goal from Laszlo Kleinheisler in the first leg of their Euro 2016 play-off on a chilly night in Oslo. Hungary wore black armbands in tribute to their former goalkeeper Marton Fulop, who has died aged 32.
Brazil-Argentina World Cup qualifier postponed due to heavy rain – ESPN FC
The CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina has been postponed due to heavy rain Buenos Aires. The match has been rescheduled for Friday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. PT.
Ecuador top Uruguay to maintain perfect start; Chile, Colombia draw – ESPN FC
Ecuador maintained their perfect start to CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying with a 2-1 defeat of previous co-leaders Uruguay in Quito on Thursday.