It’s that special time of year when (hopefully) we all wind down a bit to spend time with family and friends. We’re taking a bit of a breather over the holiday season at BC Soccer Web. We’ll continue to update the site sporadically over the holidays, but our news section will just quickly summarize major news stories that break over the next two weeks. Full service resumes Monday, January 4, and we’ll even have a few special surprises for you then.
All the best to you and yours this holiday season from us at BC Soccer Web!
CANADA vs. MEXICO, March 25, 2016 @ BC PLACE STADIUM. Buy Tickets Today!
Monday, December 28, 2015
The Vancouver Whitecaps have done little this offseason apart from trimming the herd of of a few squad players, but in advance of the January transfer the rumour mill is heating up. To save the casual fan from hours of scouring Twitter and foreign news outlets, eightysixforever has compiled a list of all the potential new Whitecaps.
It was a banner year for Canadian clubs in 2015, with Impact Montréal FC reaching the Grand Final of 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League, Vancouver Whitecaps FC winning their first Amway Canadian Championship, all three Canadian Major League Soccer clubs making the playoffs (including Toronto FC for the first time), and Ottawa Fury FC winning the NASL Fall Season Championship.
Andrea Pirlo has vowed to see out his contract with New York City FC and not return to Europe this winter as he is confident that he can convince Italy coach Antonio Conte to pick him for Euro 2016 without the need for a loan move.
It is though well accepted that once Drogba’s playing days were behind him, the Chelsea legend would immediately return home to the club he helped secure their fourth title during the Abramovich era back in May. It was reported at that time Drogba had told the Chelsea hierarchy he believed he still had two more seasons of football in his boots before he would then return to SW6 in some capacity.
Louis van Gaal says he is still capable of lifting his Manchester United players but knows that defeat against Chelsea on Monday evening at Old Trafford will likely result in his sacking.
The 33-year-old defender, El Salvador’s most-capped international, played for the Red Bulls on loan from CD FAS in 2009. Pacheco made 14 appearances for New York, totaling 1,180 minutes with 9 fouls committed and 8 suffered. The loan was canceled prior to season’s end, and Pacheco went on to play for Águila (2010) and Isidro Metápan (2011-13).
Melbourne City are the W-League premiers in their foundation season after claiming a gripping 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar. Kim Little’s early goal set City on their way to a 10th successive victory since joining the league.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Montreal Impact say they’re “willing to accommodate” Didier Drogba, but want him back in 2016 – MLS
Didier Drogba has played two stints with Premier League champions Chelsea. Is the allure of the club pulling him back for another spell in West London?
LA Galaxy transfer midfielder Juninho to Club Tijuana – LA Galaxy
The LA Galaxy have transferred midfielder Juninho to Club Tijuana in Mexico’s Liga MX, the club announced today. Juninho, who joined the Galaxy in 2010, made 187 MLS Regular Season appearances during his six seasons with LA. Per MLS and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Don Howe obituary – The Guardian
Don Howe, who has died aged 80, made a bigger name for himself in football as No 2 to a succession of managers than most have done from being in the hot seat itself.
The ultimate Christmas and New Year’s football guide – Goal
On Boxing Day, Manchester United and Arsenal face testing trips to Stoke City and Southampton, respectively, but the standout match is Jurgen Klopp’s high-pressing Liverpool side against fast and frantic league leader Leicester City.
The 100 best footballers in the world 2015 – The Guardian
Welcome to the Guardian’s choice of the world’s top 100 footballers for 2015. Led by Zico, Javier Zanetti and Gheorghe Hagi, our panel of 123 experts from 49 nations compiled a countdown of the greatest male players on the planet. Today we reveal the top 10 to complete this year’s list.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Whitecaps FC to host Montreal Impact in 2016 MLS season opener – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club will begin their sixth season in Major League Soccer by hosting Canadian rivals Montreal Impact on Sunday, March 6 at BC Place. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on TSN1 and on TSN 1410 radio in Vancouver.
Holiday office hours for the BC Soccer Association– BCSA
“BC Soccer would like to thank the volunteers, players, coaches, parents and the entire BC Soccer Membership for the countless hours they dedicate to help support and promote this beautiful game. We are excited for 2016 and we look forward to continuing to work with everyone on some great upcoming initiatives. Happy Holidays!”
VIDEO: Former Huskies striker Brett Levis ready for 2nd pro soccer season – Global Saskatoon
Brett Levis’ lifelong goal has always been to play professional soccer. This summer that dream came true when the Saskatoon born midfielder suited up for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.
BC Place is the Province’s Crown Jewel – BC Business
“In the last two years, BC Place generated $267 million in economic benefits to the province,” says Ken Cretney, CEO and president of PavCo, a Provincial Crown Corporation that owns and operates BC Place. “Besides the economic benefits to the city of Vancouver and the province of B.C., the pride that the staff here, as well as Vancouverites feel, is priceless … as are our visitors’ experiences.”
Frank Yallop named Arizona United head coach – SBI
On Wednesday, Yallop was named head coach and president of soccer operations for USL side Arizona United SC. His contract is for three years.
LA Galaxy transfer defender Omar Gonzalez to Mexico’s CF Pachuca – MLS
The LA Galaxy announced on Tuesday that they have transferred defender Omar Gonzalez to Mexican outfit CF Pachuca. Per league and club policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Canadian forward Belanger had breakout in 2015 – Sportsnet
Aside from playing meaningful minutes in her first FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 29-year-old forward suited up professionally overseas for the first time in her career, scoring a hat trick in the UEFA Women’s Champions League action for Swedish outfit FC Rosengård.
Toronto FC’s Michael Bradley named US Soccer’s Male Player of the Year – MLS
US and Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley has been voted the 2015 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, it was announced Tuesday on ESPN’s SportsCenter.
Man United boss Louis van Gaal slams media, walks out of news conference – ESPN FC
Louis van Gaal stormed out of a news conference, blaming the media for stories that he is on the brink of losing his job as Manchester United manager.
Why German soccer wants American players – The Guardian
Europe’s top leagues envy the Premier League’s impressive stateside inroads, but the Bundesliga offers a mutually beneficial opportunity for US players abroad.
AUDIO: FC Santa Claus – It’s Snow Joke! – BBC Sportsworld
Did you know Santa Claus has his own football team?! Meet FC Santa Claus, the Finnish second division football team based in the Artic Circle in Lapland.
What’s Going On In The NASL? – Bloody Shambles
This NASL off-season has a different feel to it. There are always massive roster changes at the end of the Fall, but even that is not what I mean. Three new teams will begin NASL play for the first time in 2016, but even that isn’t where I am getting this feeling from. Something has changed with pace of the off-season activity and the flurry of signings is causing more reactions from fans.
Tampa Bay Rowdies 2 Joins the National Premier Soccer League – Tampa Bay Rowdies
The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Wednesday they will field a team in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) starting in the 2016 season. The club will compete in the South Region’s Sunshine Conference.
The 100 best footballers in the world 2015 – The Guardian
On Wednesday we continue the countdown as far as No11, before the top 10 is revealed on Christmas Eve to complete this year’s list.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Football talent spotting: Are clubs getting it wrong with kids? – BBC Sport
Scouting football players as young as five, persuading an 11-year-old to sign a contract with private school education or offering a teenager’s parents a house. These are some of the things English clubs are doing to secure the country’s best youngsters in an increasingly desperate fight to beat rivals to sign potential stars.
Canada Soccer awaiting word on injury to veteran goalkeeper Erin McLeod – Times Colonist
The Canadian Soccer Association is awaiting word on the extent of an injury that forced veteran goalkeeper Erin McLeod off the field in Sunday’s final of an international women’s soccer tournament in Natal, Brazil.
Women’s Roundup: No let-up from league leaders – FIFA
As the battle to reach Australia’s knockout finals comes to a head, Germany and France’s top teams are settling in at the summit of their respective championships, with one seasoned striker scoring goals aplenty.
Spurs Sports & Entertainment Closes In On USL Club – USL
The United Soccer League has received, accepted and tentatively approved an application that will see Spurs Sports & Entertainment operate a USL franchise at Toyota Field in San Antonio, Texas for the 2016 USL season.
An Elegy for a Scorpion – Northern Pitch
An elegy begins with a lament and I am here, dear friends–garments rended, hair pulled, weeping, gnashing teeth–I am hear to bury a friend, the San Antonio Scorpions. It was a team too young, too laughably silly to be boxed up and shipped off to Las Vegas (if the rumors are to be believed). So as the San Antonio Spurs look to wrap up the Scorpions’ body in a rug while they announce a new USL team, let us take a moment to reflect.
New era to see Fifa run as a corporation rather than a fiefdom – The Guardian
Domenico Scala is bringing modern business practices to Fifa in bid to sweep aside the culture the disgraced Sepp Blatter embodied during his years in power.
Arsenal boosts title hopes with win vs. Man City – Sportsnet
Arsenal boosted its Premier League title hopes and dented Manchester City’s with a 2-1 victory over its rival at the Emirates Stadium on Monday.
Ancelotti: Mourinho paid price for Chelsea players’ loss of motivation – Goal
The Italian has empathized with the Portuguese following his sacking last week, while he looks forward to his next job at Bayern Munich.
Damien Duff Retires – Shamrock Rovers
Irish International Damien Duff has today announced his decision to retire from professional football after a career lasting 20 years.
The 100 best footballers in the world 2015 – 70-41 – The Guardian
On Tuesday we continue the countdown as far as No41, on Wednesday we reveal 40-11, before the top 10 on Christmas Eve completes this year’s list.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini given eight-year bans by FIFA – ESPN FC
Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini were each banned for eight years by FIFA’s ethics committee on Monday in a stunning takedown of world football’s most powerful leaders.
Michel Platini: fall of a smooth operator who thought he played by different rules – The Guardian
Platini’s effortless rise looked set to culminate in his ascent to Fifa president but the former France international’s career and reputation are in tatters after he was given an eight-year ban from football
Preseason Tournament in Portland for Vancouver Whitecaps – Eighty-Six Forever
Once again the Vancouver Whitecaps will begin their MLS season with the 2016 Simple Invitational in the Rose City. Other participants include Chicago Fire, Minnesota United FC, and host Portland Timbers. Tournament is set for February 21st to 27th.
Calm down Whitecaps fans. Things will only get Beita. – AFTN
Looking at how previous seasons, and offseasons, have panned out, you’d think that Whitecaps fans wouldn’t be pushing the panic button quite yet at the lack of player acquisitions, but a cursory glance at Twitter the last few days (always that accurate bastion of public opinion) tells a different story.
Year-in-Review: Take the 2015 ‘Caps Quiz! – Whitecaps FC
From Marco Bustos’ MLS debut to Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s first-ever Voyageurs Cup, we’ve put together 20 different questions about the season that was for the Blue and White.
Atiba Hutchinson named 2015 Canadian Male Player of the Year – MLS
The 32-year-old Besiktas midfielder was unveiled by the Canadian Soccer Association on Friday as the top vote-getter for 2015 Male Player of the Year (chosen by Canadian media and coaches), adding to his previous wins in 2014, 2012 and 2010.
Canada’s women’s soccer team falls to Brazil in international tourney – CBC
Janine Beckie scored the first goal but host Brazil responded with three of its own, including two from Monica, for a 3-1 victory over Canada on Sunday in the final of the international women’s soccer tournament in Natal.
Striker Prince looks to make her mark for Canada – Sportsnet
Nichelle Prince is ready to make her mark. After standout play at youth level, particularly at last year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, the Canadian striker is embarking on solidifying a spot with the senior team.
Application process open for FIFA’s Female Leadership Development Programme – FIFA
FIFA is looking for emerging female leaders to take part in the second edition of the Female Leadership Development Programme that will kick off in mid-2016.
Rebecca Quinn ready to make her mark with Canada – The Equalizer
Canada coach John Herdman has been tinkering with his roster as he looks to integrate younger players into the national team program. The firm veteran presence that Canada is known for having is still there, but now Herdman and his staff are moving forward with a potential pipeline of youthful players who should grow and develop into the next generation of great Canadian internationals.
Hiddink confirms Chelsea wants Drogba – TSN
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink confirmed on Sunday that the club plans to bring back Didier Drogba as assistant manager.
Orlando City Acquires Goalkeeper Joe Bendik from Toronto FC – Orlando City SC
Orlando City SC has acquired goalkeeper Joe Bendik from Toronto FC in exchange for a conditional fourth round selection in the 2017 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft. Per club and league policy, additional terms were not disclosed.
Rapid’s sign Marco Pappa from Seattle – Prost Amerika
It was another busy week in the Mile High City as the Rapid’s announced more big personnel news. On Tuesday the Rapid’s announced the acquisition of midfielder Marco Pappa from Seattle Sounders FC in exchange for general allocation money.
Messi happy to be pain-free in Club World Cup triumph – Goal
Barcelona star Lionel Messi had to recover from a painful bout of illness to help his club secure a third Club World Cup in seven years.
European football: Barca lose count, Massimo’s pint, Seville-war – BBC Sport
It has been another eventful weekend of European football, with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez inspiring Barcelona to a third Club World Cup title.
Internazionale’s Serie A lead cut to one point after defeat by Lazio – The Guardian
Internazionale lead Serie A heading into the Christmas break but a 2-1 defeat by Lazio means their advantage is only one point.
Ancelotti to replace Guardiola at Bayern after current season – SBI
The Spanish manager that led FC Barcelona to 24 trophies in four seasons will once again be on his way this summer, Bayern announced on Sunday ahead of the Bundesliga winter break. Taking his place on July 1, 2016, will be experienced European manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The 100 best footballers in the world 2015 – 71 to 100 – The Guardian
Welcome to the Guardian’s choice of the world’s top 100 footballers for 2015. Led by Zico, Javier Zanetti and Gheorghe Hagi, our panel of 123 experts from 49 nations compiled a countdown of the greatest footballers on the planet. Today we reveal Nos100-71, on Tuesday 70-41, Wednesday 40-11, before the top 10 on Christmas Eve completes this year’s list.