BC Soccer News, Monday, August 22, 2016

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

WHITECAPS FC vs. SPORTING KANSAS CITY

TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016, 7:00 PM

BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC

TICKET INFO

TV: NONE   LIVESTREAM: TBD

Whitecaps are sinking, and it looks like they don’t want to swim – Sportsnet
On Saturday, the team extended its Major League Soccer winless streak to six matches with a 2-0 road loss to Sporting Kansas City. More worrying, it’s the first time that coach Carl Robinson has lost four consecutive league matches since taking over the reins ahead of the 2014 season.

Is it time for Whitecaps to focus on Champions League? – The Province
On Tuesday, the Whitecaps will face the same opponent in a different competition, and a big question looms. Should the CONCACAF Champions League now be the Caps main focus?

As the fans grow more and more restless, just where do Vancouver Whitecaps current problems lie? – AFTN
As I sit here in front of my laptop, staring at the blank screen, my mind is wandering. It was another lacklustre heart-free game by the struggling Vancouver Whitecaps. I have lost track of how long it has been since I have been excited to watch this team. I know it is the dog days of summer, but it is really hard week after week, and game after game, to write about this team.

Vancouver Whitecaps v Sporting Kansas City – CONCACAF Champions League Match Preview – FN
Vancouver Whitecaps are aiming to avenge their weekend defeat by Sporting Kansas City when the two MLS sides lock horns in Group C of the CONCACAF Champions League at BC Place.

Whitecaps looking for confidence boost in Champions League match vs. Sporting KC – North Delta Reporter
With his team battling for its Major League Soccer playoff life, Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson was asked if Tuesday nights’ CONCACAF Champions League match was a distraction. “Can I talk to you Wednesday?” Robinson replied.

Three points in the bag, Sporting Kansas City look ahead to CCL rematch – Sporting KC
Sporting Kansas City’s shutout victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday night should portend good things for Tuesday night’s CONCACAF Champions League match between the two sides, right?

Vancouver Whitecaps find themselves in Blue Hell as KC loss sends playoff hopes up in flames – AFTN
There’s a plumpish lady in the corner clearing her throat. She’s waiting for the sign to stretch her vocal chords. That sign isn’t coming just yet, but she knows she won’t have to wait too much longer.

Whitecaps fail when the chips are down – Soccer Shorts
Perhaps the worst thing to happen to Carl Robinson at the start of his career as head coach was that so many of his early signings produced positive results on the field.

Seattle Sounders 3, Portland Timbers 1 | 2016 MLS Match Recap – MLS
The Seattle Sounders took crucial points off the Portland Timbers with a rematch looming, as Clint Dempsey’s brace — and a goal and an assist from Cristian Roldan — lifted Seattle to a resounding 3-1 victory against their Cascadia rivals at CenturyLink Field on Sunday.

Seattle turn Western Conference play-off race into a fight to the death – The Guardian
Plus: Red Bulls collapse on the road again ; NYC FC find home comforts; an unenviable streak ends; FC Dallas paying the price for not signing a striker.

Impressive Road Performance Has Toronto FC Sitting Pretty in MLS East – Waking the Red
Toronto FC served notice to the rest of MLS after a big win over the Philadelphia Union, their sixth straight undefeated.

Fire shock struggling Impact 3-0 for first away win in more than two years – Montreal Gazette
Luis Solignac, David Accam and Matt Polster scored as the Chicago Fire posted their first away victory in more than two years with a shocking 3-0 win over the Montreal Impact on Saturday night.

MLS week 24 recap, highlights: Seattle’s big win, more – Empire of Soccer
The past weekend in Major League Soccer was filled with surprises. In a season that has been dominated by home sides, four away teams won their games over the weekend. Three teams got their first. But it was a home team making the biggest statement, as Seattle reinserted themselves into the playoff race.

‘You’ve got to win your home games’ – Comeback draw still leaves D.C. United unsatisfied – Goal
Ben Olsen’s side battled back to earn a 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls on Sunday but finished a four-game homestand with just six points.

Red Bulls lose lead, settle on draw vs. DC United – Empire of Soccer
The New York Red Bulls drop yet another lead, this time to rival DC United, and leave RFK with a 2-2 draw. Despite losing by two goals, DC United managed to claw back with two goals of their own in a three minute span to take a share of the points.

It’s Official: Minnesota United FC to Enter MLS in 2017 – Fifty Five One
Almost a year and a half after Don Garber announced that Minnesota United would be joining Major League Soccer, the league and the team held another major event in Saint Paul on Friday night to make it official. Minnesota United FC will be joining MLS next season, playing its first season in the league at the University of Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium.

MLS Expansion: Minnesota United FC fans win day – Soccer America
Less than seven months before it kicks off its first game, MLS has given the green light for the expansion team Minnesota United FC to begin play in 2017.

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BC SOCCER NEWS

Help wanted for BC Aboriginal Youth Soccer Championships – My Prince George Now
The BC Aboriginal Youth Soccer Championships are taking place next weekend in Prince George.

Defence and goaltending dominate pre-season Vancouver derby – UBC
After UBC dropped a pair of 3-1 decisions to NCAA teams to start their exhibition season, a renewed commitment to team defence is what Head Coach Mike Mosher pushed upon his players. Mosher got his wish in what’s becoming an annual derby game with the crosstown rivals the SFU Clan at Thunderbird Stadium on Friday evening.

Jasmin Dhanda’s two goals pace UBC’s offensive explosion against UNBC – UBC
It was a dominant performance for Jesse Symons and his UBC women’s soccer team Saturday afternoon in Surrey. Striker Jasmin Dhanda’s two goals paced the ‘Blue and Gold’ in a 7-0 trouncing of UNBC at South Surrey Athletic Park.

Cascades close out road trip with victory over Pacific Lutheran – UFV Cascades
The University of the Fraser Valley women’s soccer team wrapped up a successful exhibition trip through Washington state with a 2-0 triumph over the Pacific Lutheran University Lutes on Sunday afternoon in Tacoma.

WolfPack Men’s Soccer Lose Final Exhibition Match To Huskies – TRU Wolfpack
The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack ended their Canada West men’s soccer pre-season with a strong effort. However, against one of the league’s top squads, the WolfPack fell short.

Vancouver has become a sporting-event and tourism destination – The Province
To take advantage of future sporting opportunities, the city has created Sport Hosting Vancouver. It’s a partnership between the city, Tourism Vancouver, PavCo, the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association and the University of B.C., and it began operating in December.

BC Soccer Assoc. Releases their 2015-2016 Year in Review – BCSA
After another successful year of soccer in British Columbia, BC Soccer Assoc. is pleased to release their 2015-2016 Year in Review.  The creation of the BC Soccer Club Charter Program, delivery of a FIFA Live Your Goals Festival, along with the numerous Grassroots Festivals across the province and Coach Education highlight some of the major successes this past year.

BC Soccer Assoc. Delivery of Coach Mandate – BCSA
IMPORTANT:  If you are coaching in the ages U6-U12 you are required to complete the age appropriate course(s) even if you have a higher level of certification (ie. Soccer for Life, B pretest, C License, B License or A License). In order to enable our membership to deliver on the coaching mandate, BC Soccer Assoc. will be scheduling Learning Facilitator training sessions to assist organizations to have qualified individuals to deliver in-club coach certification courses to their coaches.

2016 BC Soccer Provincial Cup Photo Galleries – BC Soccer Web
Westhills Stadium & Goudy Park in Langford hosted the 2016 BC Soccer Adult Provincial Cup Finals. It was a thrilling weekend of soccer on Vancouver Island that saw seven champions crowned. Richmond FC & Surrey Pegasus qualified for the National Championships this Fall in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Both Coquitlam Metro-Ford Masters & Classics sides qualified for the Western Canadian Masters Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In all, it was a clean sweep for teams from the VMSL & MWSL. Monique Lamoureux & Bill Currie from BC Soccer Web were on location that weekend, capturing the all the action.

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.

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CANADA SOCCER NEWS

2016 RIO OLYMPICS WOMEN’S SOCCER

BRONZE MEDAL MATCH

CANADA  2  BRAZIL  1

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Canada’s soccer women called ‘inspiration’ after making history – CBC
Not only did the Canadian women’s soccer team win the bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Summer Games, but the squad captivated many hearts around the world Friday.

Canada WNT striker Christine Sinclair showing she still has plenty to offer – MLS
The most surprising moment of Canada’s medal-winning journey through the Rio Olympics didn’t come in Friday’s match for bronze.

Sigma See Off Sanjaxx 2-0 After Goals From Stoddart, Alfazy – League1 Ontario
Justin Stoddart (19′) and Mansoor Alfazy (60′) scored for Sigma FC while the clean sheet was maintained by Triston Henry in a 2-0 win over Sanjaxx on Saturday.

London Youth Whitecaps applying to join Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Wednesday that London Youth Whitecaps are applying for a license to enter the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL). Teams would begin play in 2018 at the U-13 level for both males and females.

Soccerfest helps recreational players remain competitive – Global
Soccerfest is the largest recreational soccer event in the Province of Québec. As Matt Grillo reports, in spite of a rainy day, over 150 teams participated in the event dedicated to the recreational player.

Train With Champions TWU Spartan Female Soccer Academy

Sanner Saves WFC2 with Late Hat Trick – USL
Playing up a man, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 eventually took full advantage as Thomas Sanner scored three goals in the final 10 minutes and second-half stoppage time to lead WFC2 to a 3-1 victory against Arizona United SC on Sunday at McLeod Athletic Park. Arizona’s Tyler Blackwood netted his eighth goal of the season in the first half and it was looking good for the visiting side until Blair Gavin picked up his second yellow card in the 58th minute.

Koch’s Korner: Late hat-trick heroics and “courage to take risks” give WFC2 huge win in ever-tightening USL playoff chase – AFTN
It’s amazing how just a few minutes can change your mood and the whole narrative of a game of football. The closing moments of Vancouver Whitecaps 2’s dramatic late 3-1 win over Arizona United, may also change the course of their season. If nothing else, it gives them a fantastic springboard of confidence for the USL run-in and playoffs.

Whitecaps FC add Chilean right back Christopher Diaz to WFC2 roster – Whitecasp FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday that Chilean right back Christopher Diaz has been added to the club’s Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) roster for the remainder of the 2016 United Soccer League (USL) season.

FC Edmonton rises to first place overall with 1-0 win over Rowdies – FC Edmonton
Daryl Fordyce scored the lone goal of the match Saturday night, while Eddies goalkeeper Matt VanOekel collected his tenth clean sheet of the season. The Eddies shutout streak has now extended to 444 minutes.

All alone in first place: Magical Matt leads FC Edmonton fifth win in a row – the11.ca
Top of the table. NASL fall season. Top of the table. NASL combined standings. Five wins in a row. Nine home wins in a row. And, with Saturday’s 1-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies on a waterlogged pitch, FC Edmonton has won two in a row on the road.

Keeper a key to FC Edmonton’s success this season – Edmonton Journal
It’s hard to imagine where FC Edmonton would be without goalkeeper Matt VanOekel. Likely not first in the North American Soccer League standings.

Montreal Stuns Steel Late to Take Victory – USL
Two goals in final 10 minutes lead FCMTL to dramatic 3-2 win.

Fury FC edged 3-1 in Fort Lauderdale – Ottawa Fury
Carl Haworth’s career year continued Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale as the Canadian striker netted his 7th goal of the season for Fury FC, but despite pulling his team level at the time, Fury FC dropped a 3-1 decision in South Florida. The Strikers prevailed thanks to a pair of goal coming from former Italian international Amauri.

Robbie Rogers says he was target of homophobic slurs during USL match – SBI
Robbie Rogers’ return from injury was marred by verbal abuse regarding the the LA Galaxy fullback’s sexual orientation.

Cosmos Seal Win Over Puerto Rico in Stoppage Time – Empire of Soccer
It may still be too early to say they’re back in full force, but the ‘Cardiac Cosmos’ are finally showing signs of life in 2016.

Minnesota United draws even with Armada in Jacksonville – MLS Multiplex
Minnesota United gained a much needed point in the NASL standings on the road in Saturday’s “heated” matinée.

Republic FC just fine with where it is  – Sacramento Bee
A new way of thinking appears to be taking hold with Republic FC, born from the realization that four years is an awfully long time for soccer fanatics to put their passion on hold. We’ve been tantalized by the prospect of joining Major League Soccer, but it looks more and more as if that won’t happen until 2020 at the soonest.

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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS

Germany tops Sweden to win first Olympic gold medal – The Equalizer
Dzsenifer Marozsan played a role in each of her team’s goals as Germany defeated Sweden, 2-1 on Friday at the Maracana Stadium to win the gold medal in the Rio 2016 Olympics women’s soccer tournament. The Olympic gold medal is a first for Germany in women’s soccer after three consecutive bronze medals at the turn of the millennium.

CBF could end Brazil WNT’s residency program – The Equalizer
The Brazilian federation is reportedly considering ending the funding of a permanent residency program for its women’s national team following a fourth-place finish on home soil at the 2016 Olympics.

Women’s Champions League kicks off – UEFA
The nine UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying round groups kick off on Tuesday with first Kosovan entrants and the likes of Twente aiming for knockout berths.

Fylde enjoy opening day success over Leicester City – The FA
Last season’s runners-up Fylde showed no rustiness on the opening day of the FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division as they beat Leicester City 4-0 on Sunday.

SWF launch new look newsletter, iFootball – Scottish WPL
The SWF have launched a new look newsletter called iFootball. With i meaning “she” in Gaelic, the fortnightly newsletter will bring you features from all levels of the women’s game.

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WORLD SOCCER NEWS

How to Watch 2016-17 EPL Matches on TV or Online in Canada – BC Soccer Web
The 2016-17 English Premier League season is upon us. For many, that means waking up bright and early on Saturday and Sunday mornings to watch your favourite club or marquee matchup.

Neymar the shootout hero blasts Brazil to Olympic football gold against Germany – The Guardian
Well, the Olympics have turned up. What a night this was in the Maracaña, as Brazil’s long-nursed dreams of a first Olympic football gold medal were stretched thin, wrung out a little more and then finally delivered via Neymar’s winning kick in the decisive penalty shootout.

For Brazil, it was always about football – Yahoo Sports
The Rio Games featured 28 sports but, deep down, host nation Brazil only really cared about one of those: football.

European Weekend Rewind: Barca, Real dominate; Liverpool falls and more – SBI
A few surprising results headlined action around Europe over the weekend. Some giants fell to weaker opposition while others dominated in typical fashion.

Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action – The Guardian
Sean Dyche looks to build on Burnley’s big win, Danny Drinkwater commits his future to Leicester City and Watford return to their bad old ways.

Sunderland’s sinking feeling again as David Moyes faces crisis – ESPN FC
In some respects you have to hold a certain admiration for Sunderland’s apparent commitment to having more or less the same season, year after year. The pattern goes: early season struggle, the manager leaves, his replacement saves them with varying degrees of panic, then it all starts again the following campaign.

Gonzalo Higuaín lends weight to dreams of repeat Juventus glory in Serie A – The Guardian
The €90m Argentina striker responded to barbs regarding his early season girth with the winning goal against Fiorentina from only his third touch for the club.

Werder Bremen’s Max Kruse out for ‘foreseeable future’ with knee injury – ESPN FC
Werder Bremen have suffered their second setback in as many days with the news that new signing Max Kruse has torn knee ligaments.

Bale ensures Real Madrid makes winning start, Atletico draws – Yahoo Sports
Gareth Bale scored twice to help Real Madrid start the Spanish league with a 3-0 victory at Real Sociedad, while Atletico Madrid was held 1-1 after conceding a last-gasp goal to Alaves on Sunday.

Week 2 review: Trio break clear as OM’s woes continue – Ligue 1
Lyon, Paris and Nice all made it two wins from two matches to streak ahead of the pack, while a struggling Olympique de Marseille remain winless, showing signs that the difficulties of last season may not have passed.

Referee stops La Liga match because of racist chants – Sportsnet
A referee briefly stopped Sunday’s Spanish league match between Sporting Gijon and visiting Athletic Bilbao because of racist chants aimed at Bilbao player Inaki Williams.

Liverpool owners open to selling stake in club amid Chinese interest – The Guardian
Fenway Sports Group declares club is not for sale, but it would consider a potential proposal from China-backed consortium.

Allardyce joins calls for British football politicos to end their Olympic politics – Inside World Football
England manager Sam Allardyce has backed calls for an all-British team in future Olympic football tournaments after the short-sighted and backward decision not to enter teams for Rio.

FA Cup: Ex-Man Utd player Jonathan Greening helps non-league team – BBC Sport
When Jonathan Greening collected his Champions League winner’s medal at the Nou Camp in 1999, little did he know that 17 years later he would be in his wellington boots clearing fish from Tadcaster Albion’s flooded pitch.