2018 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
BELIZE 1 CANADA 1
2ND LEG (CANADA WINS 4-1 ON AGGREGATE)
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015
FFB STADIUM, BELMOPAN, BELIZE
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canada defeats Belize at FIFA qualifying tourney – Sportsnet
Will Johnson scored a game-tying goal late in the first half to salvage a 1-1 draw in the Belize capital. The sole goal was more than enough offence for Canada, which won the first leg of the qualifier 3-0 at Toronto’s BMO Field last Friday.
Belize 1-1 Canada (1-4 Agg.): Canadians advance to next round – Goal
The home side came out with attacking on its mind, but couldn’t overcome the disparity established in last week’s first leg. It wasn’t pretty, but Canada advanced to the semifinal round of CONCACAF’s World Cup qualifying tournament with a 1-1 draw at Belize on Tuesday night.
Canada among CONCACAF 12 in next round for Russia 2018 – CSA
Canada have advanced into the fourth CONCACAF round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifiers after a 4-1 series win over Belize. Canada and five other nations advanced on Tuesday night, joining a group of 12 nations in the 2015-16 continental semi-final stage.
The Canadian Selection nearly iced by the Jaguars in Belize – Red Nation Online
Canada went into the second leg of the third round of World Cup Qualifying with a comfortable 3-0 lead over Belize. However, as many who follow Canada in CONCACAF are well aware, anything can happen on the road in Central America and that was certainly the case Tuesday in Belmopan.
Belize 1, Canada 1 | World Cup Qualifying Match Recap – MLS
After a dominant 3-0 win by Canada on Friday night, many believed Belize were dead and buried in their World Cup qualifying series. But in Tuesday night’s second leg, the Jaguars showed plenty of heart in front of their home crowd. Ultimately, the 1-1 result was enough to see Canada through to the next round and end Belize’s dreams of reaching Russia 2018—but it was hardly the cakewalk that fans of Les Rouges might have hoped for.
Mad Bull & Maestro steal show as Canada advance in World Cup qualifying – MLS
If you’re a Canadian who giggled/suffered through watching Tuesday night’s match down in Belize, congratulations—you’ve earned one million Voyageurs points (whether you want them or not). This game had it all: a bumpy Central American field, a terrifying performance by Canada and a pair of mostly-unintentionally-hilarious commentators from a tiny CONCACAF country.
Canada Take Shaky Step Forward on Road to Russia 2018 – Waking the Red
Canada are moving on to round 4 of World Cup qualifying, but tonight’s match proved just how far away they are from Russia 2018. The Canadians won their round 3 qualifier against Belize 4-1 on aggregate, but stumbled to the finish line after an uninspiring 1-1 draw in Belmopan after winning 3-0 at BMO Field on Friday.
World Cup qualifiers: Angry Will Johnson slays Jaguars with his mean cannon shot – the11.ca
Tuesday night was a perfect example of how soccer can build a community. Canada took a 3-0 lead into the second leg of its CONCACAF third-round World Cup qualifier. But, with no TV deal in Canada, and no international feed, Canadian fans had to stream Channel 5 Belize’s feed. At times, it went scrambly like when you used to try and watch Superchannel when you were a kid — even though your parents were too cheap to pay for it.
World Cup Qualifying: Canada advances, Adekugbe debuts, Mattocks scores again – Whitecaps FC
Now, Canada moves on to the penultimate round of CONCACAF qualifying, joining Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador in Group A. Each team will play the other twice, once at home and once away, with the top two advancing to the fifth and final round.
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MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
WHITECAPS FC vs. COLORADO RAPIDS
7:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.
(TV: TSN 1 RADIO: TSN RADIO 1410 LIVE STREAM: TSN GO)
WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Whitecaps FC have ‘something to prove’ Wednesday against Colorado Rapids – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC return to action after an extended break on Wednesday, when they host Colorado Rapids at BC Place. And after a pair of road losses to Colorado earlier this season, the ‘Caps feel they have “something to prove.”
Match Preview: Whitecaps vs Colorado – Eighty-Six Forever
The Vancouver Whitecaps are looking for an ounce of redemption, after they put forth perhaps their worst effort of the season their last time out, a 2-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo. The loss saw the ‘Caps reduced to 9 men as their two best defensive players, Kendall Waston and Matias Laba, were sent off. It’s a match the Whitecaps can’t linger on, as they get ready to host the Colorado Rapids.
Whitecaps to face Rapids minus Laba, Watson – Sportsnet
Depth has been a calling card for the Vancouver Whitecaps all season. It will be put to the test once again on Wednesday night. The Whitecaps will be without influential midfielder Matias Laba and hulking defender Kendall Waston due to suspension when they host the lowly Colorado Rapids at B.C. Place Stadium.
Who’s left? Looking at key ‘Caps games to come – 24 Hours
Without a doubt, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will make the Major League Soccer postseason. Unless, with seven matches remaining in the season, the ‘Caps have some sort of huge collapse – both mentally and physically – or are stricken with the worst flu virus ever. But seriously, that is not going to happen.
Upcoming home matches against Seattle and New York City FC are sold out – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that seats to the September 19 match against Seattle Sounders FC and the September 26 match against New York City FC are sold out. Only suites remain available for both matches.
Whitecaps rookie Parker has veteran poise – The Province
Tim Parker won’t win MLS rookie of the year — just hand it to Orlando’s Cyle Larin now — and he probably won’t be nominated either. Yet come Wednesday night, the Whitecaps could be leading the MLS Supporters’ Shield race and no player will have better represented the turnaround in club depth than Parker, a 22-year-old centre-back from Hicksville, N.Y.
Rested Whitecaps aim to ride dangerous Rapids – The Vancouver Sun
The last time Whitecaps fans saw Pa-Modou Kah on an MLS pitch, the colourful Gambian native was in a suit, zipping around the BC Place turf on a hoverboard celebrating the club’s Voyageurs Cup title.
Sigi Schmid still missing from Sounders training, ETA for return unclear – Sounder at Heart
On Tuesday, Brian Schmetzer was still filling the head coach role as Schmid’s “health-related issues” have continued to keep him away from the team. Schmetzer was still unsure when Schmid would be back. “That is a question I can’t answer, partly because I don’t know and more importantly that’s up to Sigi and the people in the front office,” said Schmetzer, noting he’s talked to Schmid every day. “What’s important to me is that Sigi gets back to full health, that’s paramount. The messaging and whatever happens that’s up to Sigi and the front office.”
Impact striker Didier Drogba named MLS Player of the Week – Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact striker Didier Drogba was named MLS Player of the Week for Week 27. Drogba scored a hat trick in his first start with the Impact, in his team’s 4-3 win over the Chicago Fire on Saturday night, at Stade Saputo.
Eight Games Left: Toronto Slip into Fifth, Playoff Hope Remains – Waking the Red
Toronto FC flew home this past weekend one spot lower in the Eastern Conference playoff race. With Toronto’s narrow 2-1 defeat in Seattle, the Reds now find themselves 5th place in the East, still comfortably in a playoff spot but further away from a home playoff game that many consider the measuring stick for a successful (or even acceptable) 2015 campaign.
Major League Soccer can match Premier League, La Liga and Serie A in future, says Don Garber – Sky Sports
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber explains how the league aims to become one of the best in the world by 2022.
Steven Gerrard unlikely to make Liverpool loan move – MLS’ Don Garber – ESPN FC
Steven Gerrard is not expected to return to Liverpool on loan from LA Galaxy in January, according to Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber.
From Nigeria Premier League to Houston Dynamo, Rasheed Olabiyi makes dream come true – MLS
At age 16, Rasheed Olabiyi faced a difficult decision. Seeking an entrance into big-time soccer, Olabiyi left his parents and home in Ibadan, Nigeria to take residency at the famed Pepsi Football Academy, which has produced some of Nigeria’s best soccer players, among them Chelsea standout Jon Obi Mikel.
El Salvador keeping Orlando City in dark on Darwin Ceren injury – ESPN FC
Orlando City say they are are “uncertain” about midfielder Darwin Ceren’s knee injury as El Salvador won’t reveal any information to them. El Salvador captain Ceren was hurt in Friday’s World Cup qualifier at Curacao, but despite repeated inquiries, Orlando City have yet to learn any details about the injury to their player.
Ramsey County approves St. Paul soccer stadium resolution – Twincities.com
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners voted 5-2 Tuesday to support a proposed Major League Soccer stadium in St. Paul’s Midway, provided that Minnesota United FC funds construction and design entirely with private money. The nonbinding resolution mirrors a similar statement issued by the St. Paul City Council last month.
FIFA 16 for Playstation 4 Arrives September 22! Pre-Order Now and Save.
BC SOCCER NEWS
Vancouver-born teen learning with Manchester United under-21 team – Toronto Star
Just 18, Josh Doughty is rubbing shoulders with some of soccer’s elite. The Vancouver-born forward is honing his skills in England with Manchester United’s under-21 team. Doughty signed in January 2014, eventually joining the storied club in November after getting his international clearance.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC and BC Soccer Assoc. announce 2015-16 Girls Elite REX roster – Whitecaps FC
“We have a fantastic group of talented young players in the program,” said Girls Elite REX head coach Emma Humphries. “In addition to our returning core, we’ve added several more prospects with a bright future in front of them. We hope to push each player to maximize their potential and move on to further opportunities.”
Athletes of the Week: Mavignier and Gorman earn first star honours – Canada West
Second-year Manitoba Bisons forward Bruna Mavignier, and fifth-year Victoria Vikes midfielder Craig Gorman are the Canada West female and male first stars of the week for the week ending September 6.
Soccer CIS Top 10: TWU women, UBC men remain top Canada West squads – Canada West
Reigning champion Laval (women) and York (men) top the CIS soccer national rankings for the second time in as many coaches’ polls this season. On the women’s side, Laval (0-0-0) received 57 points in the voting to remain ahead of Trinity Western (0-0-0) and Ottawa (2-0-1), who once again round out the top three.
WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM REMAINS AT NO. 2 IN CIS TOP 10 RANKINGS – TWU
The Trinity Western women’s soccer team will enter its season-opening weekend this Friday and Saturday as the No. 2 team in the CIS Top 10, as the Spartans were slotted in second in the national poll for the second straight week. The men’s soccer team remained unranked.
SEASON PREVIEW: NO. 2 RANKED SPARTANS ONCE AGAIN AIMING FOR THE TOP – TWU
Coming off a CIS silver medal last year and a third straight appearance in the national championship match, the Trinity Western women’s soccer team has a fresh look and a new vibe, but, in the end, the same goal as every year: winning it all. Coach Graham Roxburgh, who has guided TWU to five national titles and four in the last six years, leads the team into the 2015 season with eyes once again locked on the ultimate prize.
Gorman, Prette honoured as Canada West Stars of the Week – UVic
Following the opening weekend of the men’s and women’s Canada West soccer season fifth-year University of Victoria Vikes men’s soccer player Craig Gorman and fourth year Sam Prette were named First and Third Stars of the Week, respectively. The Vikes men drew 1-1 with their mainland rivals the UBC Thunderbirds on Sept. 5 in Vancouver.
Radu Named One of Canada West Three Stars Of the Week – TRU
WolfPack fifth year forward Jaydene Radu (Calgary, AB) has been named one of the the Canada West three stars for the week ending September 6 th. Radu scored twice in the WolfPack’s 3-1 victory in Winnipeg on Saturday (Sept 5). She becomes the first ever TRU Soccer player to be awarded a Canada West “Star of the Week.”
SFU Men’s soccer still searching for opening win – Burnaby Now
Simon Fraser University head coach Clint Schneider still looking for his first career win. The Clan outshot California Baptist 20-3 but had to settle for a draw after the game was called due to lightning near Interbay Stadium on Saturday, resulting in a 1-1 tie with 17:17 still left on the clock.
Burnaby North twins do all the scoring for SFU in 3-1 win over Humboldt State – Burnaby Now
Christina and Allyson Dickson booted the Simon Fraser University women’s soccer team to its first season-opening win since 2010. The Burnaby twin sisters, both freshmen, accounted for all three Clan goals in SFU’s 3-1 NCAA Division II non-conference victory over Humboldt State at Terry Fox Field on Saturday.
SFU friendly brings Ladner goalkeeper home – Delta Optimist
A collegiate soccer journey that began over two years ago brings Mike Warn home this week for what promises to be one special night. The Ladner goalkeeper will get the rare opportunity to play in front of extended family and friends Wednesday when Cal State Bernardino University makes a rare trip north of the border to take on Simon Fraser in a NCAA Division II cross-conference men’s soccer match-up.
FVSL Meeting Wednesday, Sept.9 – 7PM – FVSL
Teams from the Fraser Valley Soccer League have a mandatory meeting Wednesday night at the Sandman Hotel in Langley.
Pozzolo perfect as Coquitlam Kaos win cup – Tri City News
The Coquitlam Metro-Ford Kaos are SX Cup champions after taking down the Prince George Timberwolves 1-0 in the finals of the under-17 Labour Day Tournament.
FIFA 16 for Xbox One is coming September 22! Pre-Order Now and Save.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Taking Attendance: NWSL Up 23% From A Year Ago – kenn.com
The third National Women’s Soccer League regular season finished up this weekend, and the good news is the league’s final (unofficial) attendance average – 5,053 – is the highest for a women’s pro league since the WUSA’s swan song in 2003. It surely was at least partially fueled by excitement over the US Women’s National Team’s World Cup triumph, but there is cause for real optimism above and beyond the inevitable quadrennial World Cup Bump.
NWSL BY THE NUMBERS: 2015 SEASON – NWSL
Following the conclusion of the 2015 season on Sunday evening, the National Women’s Soccer League presents an inside look at a few of the important numbers from all 90 regular season matches.
Riley out of contract; future unclear as Thorns coach – The Equalizer
Paul Riley’s future as Portland Thorns FC head coach will be determined in the next month, Thorns general manager Gavin Wilkinson said on Tuesday. Riley’s contract ended at the conclusion of the Thorns’ season, which saw the team miss the playoffs for the first time after finishing in sixth place.
Abby Wambach unveiled as highest-rated USWNT player in FIFA 16 demo – SBI
The best player in the FIFA 16 video game demo on the U.S. Women’s team, which is rated five stars, is veteran forward Abby Wambach with an 88 overall rating. Following her are star goalkeeper Hope Solo and wide midfielder Megan Rapinoe with 87s. Carli Lloyd comes next with an 86, and after her are Alex Morgan and Becky Sauerbrunn with 84s.
Australia women go on strike; US matches in doubt – The Equalizer
Australia’s two-game series with the United States is in jeopardy after Matildas players went on strike in the latest move over Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. Australia is scheduled to play the United States on Sept. 17 in Detroit and Sept. 20 in Birmingham, Ala., as part of the U.S.’ World Cup victory tour.
FFA chief David Gallop urges ‘affordable’ new pay deal – The Guardian
Australia’s two national sides have shown their fury with stalled pay talks in the past week, with the Socceroos declining commercial events and the Matildas taking the unprecedented action of withdrawing from their Sydney training camp ahead of a tour to play world champions United States next week.
Refs need chances, regardless of gender – The Football League Paper
As so often happens at these tournaments, male and female, the standard of refereeing is sharply brought into focus. The views range from whether, as one blogger put it, “the policy of women-only officials has clearly lowered the quality of the product,” to “the women’s game is growing, officials need to be given the opportunity to grow with it”. Of course FIFA’s policy at any World Cup, regardless of gender, is that referees from all over the world should and do officiate. And with that in mind, there will always be varying levels of experience and, shall we say, proficiency.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
USMNT not up to speed in friendly loss against Brazil: “They gave us a lesson tonight” – MLS
Prior to Tuesday night’s tilt versus Brazil, Jurgen Klinsmann talked about looking at the friendly as an opportunity for his players to learn a thing or two. After walking off the pitch, defeated by a 4-1 margin, the United States were taken to school in a big way, being outworked in nearly every aspect of the game.
Mexico allow two late goals in 2-2 friendly draw against Argentina in final CONCACAF Cup tune-up – MLS
Two late goals by superstars Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi helped Argentina rally from a two-goal deficit to tie Mexico 2-2 in a Tuesday friendly at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex.
Croatia sack coach Niko Kovac after disappointing Euro qualifying results – The Guardian
Croatia have sacked their coach Niko Kovac after the Balkan country’s hopes of reaching Euro 2016 suffered a setback following a 0-0 draw in Azerbaijan and a 2-0 defeat in Norway.
Players real victims of WCQ crowd trouble, says Malaysia assistant boss – ESPN FC
Assistant coach Brad Maloney says that Malaysia’s players were the true victims as crowd trouble brought an early end to Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia at the Shah Alam Stadium. The match was abandoned in the 87th minute after a small section of fans in the crowd of about 10,000 threw flares onto the pitch. Eleven arrests were made.
Nevin blasts Scottish FA after Burger King meals – Goal
Former international Pat Nevin blasted the Scottish FA for its poor preparation and claims players ate at Burger King after a loss to Georgia.
Angry Togo coach rules out picking Emmanuel Adebayor after no-show – The Guardian
Tottenham’s Emmanuel Adebayor will not be selected for Togo again after he failed to respond to a call-up for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, according to coach Tom Saintfiet.
Ghana/Rwanda: Ghana Gov’t Flies $200k Cash to Kigali to Pay Black Stars Bonuses – All Africa
The Ministry of Sports is reported to have carried a sum of $200,000 in cash on a plane to Rwanda to pay the Black Stars for beating the Amavubi in the Afcon 2017 qualifier at the weekend.
Champions League and Europa League teams to donate €1 per ticket to refugees – The Guardian
The 80 teams in this season’s Champions League and Europa League have agreed to donate €1 per ticket from their first home games to help the refugee crisis.
FIFA 16 demo available for download on consoles – SBI
The main course is not here yet, but EA Sports has provided a tasty appetizer for those anxiously awaiting FIFA 16. EA Sports released the much-anticipated demo for the latest version of its hit soccer video game on Tuesday, dropping it on the Xbox One, Xbox 360, Playstation 4 and Playstation 3 consoles. The demo, which has to be downloaded, comes per the usual two weeks prior to the release of FIFA 16.
ECA urges FIFpro not to take transfer rules challenge to CAS – Inside World Football
The head of the European Club Association (ECA) has urged football’s world players’ union FIFPro not to carry out its threat to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in its bid to rip up the existing transfer system.
China’s focus on football could tilt the global game on its axis – The Guardian
China’s national team have long been seen as a joke, and the domestic league has never truly taken off – but all of that, and much more, could be about to change
Mihir Bose: We need transparency not just at FIFA, but also in club football – Inside World Football
If there is one subject everyone agrees on is that FIFA needs to be more accountable and transparent. Yet even as there is unanimity on this subject in one area of football there is so little transparency and information is so tightly controlled that it makes those who run the politburo in China look liberal and media friendly. This is in the area of how clubs communicate to the world.
Playing under Pinochet: how Chile’s stars of the 1970s feared for their lives – The Guardian
The general’s coup of 1973 brought terror and death, but for footballer Leonardo Véliz, a Communist sympathiser, salvation came from continuing to represent the national team.
Mongolia puts faith in futsal – FIFA
One of football’s most formidable adversaries is of course the climate, and there can be few better examples than Mongolia. Landlocked between China and Russia in central-east Asia, its winters can last up to six months and generate temperatures as low as -45 C°. In fact, no other country has a lower annual mean temperature.