VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
‘Caps set for Friday’s SuperDraft: ‘There are finds to be had’ – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC have been one of the busier clubs this offseason. Already, the ‘Caps have secured the services of six new players, including strikers Kei Kamara and Anthony Blondell. And on Friday in Philadelphia, they’ll be looking to add a few more at the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.
Whatever happened to the teenage dream? – Whitecaps need to ask some searching questions around their youth development – AFTN
“If they’re good enough, they’re old enough” is one of Carl Robinson’s favourite mantras. But as another two Residency alumni move to pastures new without making much of a dent in the Vancouver Whitecaps first team mix, the message seems to be clear – the players the ‘Caps are developing in their youth system aren’t actually good enough. So is that the case, and if it is, why?
How Much Has the Rest of the West Improved? – Eighty-Six Forever
The Vancouver Whitecaps are being massively outspent! Yeah, but are they though?
Ryan Giggs named new Wales boss — and seriously, Carl Robinson was never an option – The Province
Asked last week what he thought of the noise in recent months about him being an option, Robinson laughed and said he’d never even been approached.
Farewell Bola: Whitecaps’ midfield left looking decidedly thin as square peg Bolaños returns to Costa Rican roots – AFTN
Bolaños’ departure hardly comes as a surprise, after the ‘Caps declined his contract option at the end of 2017. He was on the list of players Carl Robinson claimed to still be negotiating with (even this week the Whitecaps were supposedly still at the nebulous “in talks” stage), but it always seemed unlikely he would be back.
Orlando, Besiktas square off over who Canadian Cyle Larin is going to play for – The Province
Orlando City is insisting Cyle Larin remains under contract to them despite statements by Besiktas that the Canadian international striker is leaving Major League Soccer for the Turkish champions.
Orlando City SC Signs Paraguayan Midfielder Josué Colmán as Young Designated Player – Orlando City SC
Orlando City SC signs Paraguayan attacking midfielder Josué Colmán as a Young Designated Player to a five-year contract including Club options, pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 Visa.
Beckham’s Miami soccer team has been a dream for years. The reality may be days away – Miami Herald
David Beckham met with his business partners, Jorge and Jose Mas, and Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure, on Thursday and Friday in Kansas City, as the newly assembled group prepares for a late-January official launch of Miami’s long-awaited Major League Soccer team.
LAFC have received “multiple offers” for the No. 1 overall SuperDraft pick – MLS
LAFC have received multiple offers for the first overall pick in Friday’s SuperDraft, club GM John Thorrington told MLSsoccer.com on Sunday.
Don’t worry about Toronto FC’s transfer inactivity yet – Waking the Red
Ever since the Major League Soccer offseason started it has been a feeding frenzy in the transfer market. All the league had to do was throw in a little bait in the form of $4 million in discretionary targeted allocation money (TAM), and pieces have started shifting.
Reports link Impact to Marseille’s Rod Fanni, CanMNT’s Michael Petrasso – MLS
New media reports have linked the Montreal Impact to two potential signings from Europe, Olympique Marseille veteran Rod Fanni and Canadian international Michael Petrasso.
MDS to MLS: “I’ve really achieved all I can achieve in Division 2” – the11.ca
After the San Francisco Deltas won the 2017 NASL title and then dissolved, Canadian coach Marc Dos Santos was on the job market. What a résumé. Three years. Three different Division-2 teams. Three trips to championship games.
WMU’s Brandon Bye leads the way in MLS Combine performance tests – MLS
Western Michigan’s Brandon Bye led the way in performance testing at the 2018 adidas MLS Player Combine on Friday, clocking in as the only player to finish in the top 10 in the speed, agility and power tests at Orlando City Stadium.
MLS stars begin endorsing USSF candidates ahead of election – NBC Sports
Several of Major League Soccer’s top players are voicing their opinions about the next U.S. Soccer presidential election.
2018 MLS Mock Draft: 1st-Round Predictions and Full Selection Order – Bleacher Report
Read on for a first-round mock draft and a look at some of the key players set to be involved.
Landon Donovan Confounds Again with Surprise Move to Club León – SI
Donovan is two months shy of his 36th birthday. He and his wife, Hannah, have two young children. He’s a part of the Fox team that’ll be covering this summer’s World Cup in Russia, as well as an investor group aiming to bring an MLS franchise to his new hometown of San Diego. His financial future and legacy seem secure. So, naturally, he’s coming out of retirement again, this time to play for Mexico’s Club León.
Jozy Altidore fires back at Trump in tweet – Waking the Red
Jozy Altidore is the latest public figure to speak out against President Donald Trump’s alleged remarks earlier this week. Lashing out against the President’s reported comments about “shithole” countries, the Toronto FC striker tweeted a picture of himself, Nashville Predators defenceman P.K. Subban, and runner Usain Bolt.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
BCSPL launches pilot futsal program – BCSPL
The EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League is launching a winter pilot futsal program, starting January 21.
Canadian legends Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil team up for Individualized Coaching Program – Dasovic-Neil Coaching
Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil have teamed up to provide training programs for players & coaches. The programs specialize in individual, positional, age, and gender specific training for players, with a combined technical and physical focus while providing education and mentorship opportunities for coaches to improve their skills and deepen their knowledge base.
PCSL CHALLENGE CUP PHOTOS: Vancouver Utd. 3, Mid-Isle Mariners 1, July 30, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
2016-2017 BC Soccer Year in Review – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is proud to release their 2016-2017 Year in Review after another successful year of soccer. The #respectall initiative, High Performance License, Club Charter Program activity, along with the delivery of hundreds of coaching courses and referee clinics this past year highlight some of the successes.
BC PROVINCIAL WOMEN’S A CUP PHOTOS: Surrey United 1 NSGSC Renegades 0, May 13, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
2017 VISL JACKSON CUP PHOTOS: Nanaimo Utd. 2 Cowichan LMG 1 (XT), April 2, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
FVSL PHOTOS: Pakenham Cup Final, PMO Rangers 1 PMO Lordco Gunners 0, April 1, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
Becoming a BC Soccer Referee – BCSA
Whether you are an experienced referee new to British Columbia or if you are new to the discipline of refereeing BC Soccer Assoc. has a clinic and a pathway for you. The minimum age to become a referee is 12 years old (small sided) and 14 years old (11-a-side). Please enjoy the short video showcasing some Referee programs that BC Soccer offers and continue below for more on how to become a referee in BC!
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.
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canada Soccer names roster for CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship in Trinidad and Tobago – CSA
Canada Soccer has named the 20 players who will represent Canada at the CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championship in Trinidad and Tobago, which serves as the qualification tournament for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018 held later in the year.
Utah Royals add standout Canadian midfielder Desiree Scott from Kansas City – KSL
The club announced Monday that Canadian international Desiree Scott, who played at the now-defunct FC Kansas City last season in the National Women’s Soccer League, will join the NWSL’s newest side in time for the 2018 season.
Hosting part of 2026 FIFA World Cup to cost $35-$55 million: City report – Global
This week, Edmonton city councillors will discuss the next steps that must be taken if the city wishes to pursue a bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Clarifying “Investment” Of $500M In The New Canadian Premier And Spitballing Budget Numbers – Forbes
So to be clear, it should not be assumed that owners of teams in the Canadian Premier League will be investing $50M of their own money in the first 10 years of operation.
Iain Hume strikes again as Kerala Blasters FC pip Mumbai City FC – Hindustan Times
Canadian Iain Hume’s controversial strike gave Kerala Blasters a 1-0 win over Mumbai City FC in their Indian Super League encounter in Mumbai today.
John Herdman and the Risky Game Canada Soccer Is Playing – Vice
Herdman leaving Canada’s successful women’s program for the men’s squad is a bizarre move that could backfire for both teams.
A Vision For A Canadian League Pyramid – Northern Starting XI
Imagine your local club has just won promotion to the Canadian Premier League after dwelling in the lower leagues for the last fifteen years. That moment the final whistle goes and you know the club has done it. Everyone in attendance knows the club has done it. The stadium is in rapture. This is a concept that I hope will eventually move from imagination to reality for Canadian soccer.
Indoor Turf Facility Committee Rebrands – Bayshore Broadcasting
New name, same goal for a committee working to establish an indoor turf facility in Owen Sound.
How the mental skills needed to win hockey gold are used for all athletes – CBC
Elite athletes are not the only ones investing in their mental health. Barry Morrison, club head coach for the Fredericton District Soccer Association, said mental health and preparation plays an important role among athletes of all ages.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Fresno FC to open inaugural USL season on March 17 versus Las Vegas – Whitecaps FC
Fresno FC, the USL affiliate of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, will play their inaugural league match on Saturday, March 17 at home against fellow expansion side Las Vegas Lights FC.
New Fury FC coach Popovic excited about Ottawa club’s potential – Apt 613
It’s been a busy week for Ottawa Fury FC. They’ve announced the signings of Canadian internationals Nana Attakora and Maxim Tissot (a Gatineau native who previously played for Ottawa in 2016), the re-signing of key midfielder Gerardo Bruna, and we found out Ottawa’s quest for the 2018 Canadian Championship will start in late June.
Toronto FC II Announces 2018 Home Opener – Toronto FC
Along with conference alignment, the United Soccer League announced the full set of 2018 Home Openers on Friday afternoon.
Atlanta United 2 hires its first coach – AJC
Scott Donnelly will be the first coach of Atlanta United 2, the USL affiliate of MLS club Atlanta United.
Rangers sign former Orlando City SC striker Hadji Barry ahead of 2018 campaign – Sporting KC
The Swope Park Rangers have signed striker Hadji Barry, the club announced on Monday. Barry spent the last two seasons splitting time between MLS and the USL, representing both Orlando City SC and Orlando City B, and will join the Rangers roster pending league and federation approval.
USL Sets Course for 2018 with Home Openers – USL
The United Soccer League today announced the home openers for the 2018 USL regular season, with the league’s 33 clubs set to embark on a 31-week regular-season schedule that will open with a 14-game slate of contests the weekend of March 16-18.
Sports stadium proposed for downtown Colorado Springs – KOAA
It would be the future home of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, but also play host to other teams–ranging from the high school to Olympic caliber.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Westfield W-League Round 11 recap: Brisbane remains at the top with three weekends left – Vavel
Despite being on bye, the Brisbane Roar benefitted from their closest competitors losing, but Sydney FC looms on a seven-game unbeaten streak.
Arsenal’s incredible comeback, Chelsea’s frustration & Millwall sink Spurs – Women’s football round up – Football London
Despite Chelsea’s victory over Arsenal in the London derby last week, it will be the Gunners, not the Blues, representing London in this year’s Continental Cup final.
Emma Hayes: Chelsea boss wants Women’s Super League run by Premier League – BBC Sport
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes hopes the Premier League will one day run the top level of English women’s club football.
England women: Phil Neville on verge of manager role – BBC Sport
Phil Neville is on the verge of being appointed the manager of the England women’s football team, BBC Sport understands.
Andressinha dealt to Thorns for Savannah Jordan – The Equalizer
The new central midfielder promised by owner Merritt Paulson is Andressinha. The Thorns acquired the 22-year old from the Houston Dash on Friday in exchange for Savannah Jordan. A day earlier the reigning NWSL Champions gobbled up the rights to Caitlin Foord and sent Allie Long to Seattle.
Washington Spirit in talks to play at Audi Field, test demand for women’s soccer in D.C. – Washington Post
The Washington Spirit is in advanced talks with D.C. United about playing a National Women’s Soccer League match this summer at United’s new stadium, testing the waters for possibly multiple games at Audi Field in coming seasons.
Milwaukee Torrent Add WPSL Team, With Aim To Bring Pro Women’s Soccer To Wisconsin – Midfield Press
The Torrent will return to Hart Park for the 2018 and 2019 season, and starting this year they are adding a team in the WPSL.
At least Scotland’s women know how to play football – The Guardian
The SFA has a medieval attitude towards women’s football while failing to deliver in men’s tournaments. With real support, female players can shake up the sport.
It’s The World’s Game – We Should Treat It As Such – Backline Soccer
Men’s soccer and women’s soccer have a lot more in common than the fans and media are willing to acknowledge.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Ref suspended for kick at player: “Clumsy gesture was inappropriate” – NBC Sports
Ligue 1 referee Tony Chapron has been suspended from work and has apologized after kicking out at a player who knocked him over on Sunday.
Liverpool stun City, Messi sets record – UEFA
Liverpool handed Manchester City their first defeat of the Premier League season in a thrilling 4-3 victory, before Lionel Messi scored a record 366th Liga goal in a comeback win for Barcelona.
Liverpool hands Manchester City first EPL defeat – Toronto Star
City’s 22-match unbeaten start to the league ended after Liverpool, riding a raucous Anfield crowd, won 4-3 by the margin of three goals in a span of fewer than 10 minutes.
Week 20 Review: No Neymar no problem as PSG pull clear – Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain had to win ugly at FC Nantes, but win they did, with Angel Di Maria on target; Nearest challengers AS Monaco and Olympique Lyonnais lost ground while LOSC’s rejuvenation continued.
Bundesliga round-up: Aubameyang suspended for Dortmund stalemate – The Guardian
Borussia Dortmund misfired in the goalless draw against VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday after suspending their leading striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a disciplinary offence.
Barcelona forward Dembele injured again, out 3-4 weeks – Sportsnet
Barcelona says Ousmane Dembele is injured again and will be sidelined for up to a month.
Real Madrid booed after loss to Villarreal – Toronto Star
Spanish powerhouse has now gone four matches without a win, putting pressure on coach Zinedine Zidane.
Ryan Giggs takes Wales post – FIFA
Ryan Giggs has been appointed as the new Wales manager, the Football Association of Wales confirmed on Monday.
World Cup ref banned by FIFA had 6-year match-fixing history – Sportsnet
FIFA investigators said Joseph Lamptey of Ghana had “a history of being suspended for poor performances” before being banned for life and typically awarded more penalties than other African referees of his grade.
CAS decision on Lamptey is a landmark for FIFA in battle against match-fixing – Inside World Football
Ghanaian referee Joseph Lamptey, banned for life by FIFA for match-fixing, has had his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) turned down. The CAS ruling and their published reasoning mark a significant landmark for FIFA and football’s federations in their battle against match-fixing and their ability to enforce judgements.
Dortmund signs Swiss defender Manuel Akanji from Basel – Metro
Borussia Dortmund has signed Swiss defender Manuel Akanji from Basel. The Bundesliga club says the 22-year-old Akanji signed a deal through June 2022.
Cruz Azul win over Chivas shows Pedro Caixinha has building blocks for success – SN
Cruz Azul manager Pedro Caixinha will head into work this week knowing he has the pieces to build a team capable of competing in Liga MX. Prior to a 3-1 victory Saturday over Chivas, he had to have had his doubts.
FIFA sends whistleblower questions after doping intel review – Sportsnet
FIFA says it has assessed new information related to doping in Russia based on a review of fresh evidence and submitted questions for the key whistleblower.
Nicaragua’s Rocha dies in US before sentencing in FIFAGate case – Inside World Football
Two months after being banned for life, one of the highest profile figures in the FIFAGate corruption scandal, former Nicaragua Football Federation chief Julio Rocha has died after battling with cancer.
3 candidates named for Italian soccer federation vote – Metro
The candidates are: Gabriele Gravina, president of the Lega Pro (Serie C); Cosimo Sibilia, president of the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti (amateur league); and Damiano Tommasi, president of the Associazione Italiana Calciatori (soccer players’ association).
Piqué+ Suárez – The Players’ Tribune
Barcelona’s Gerard Piqué plays journalist in an interview with teammate Luis Suárez.
Russian racism back in spotlight after Spartak tweet melts global goodwill – Inside World Football
The tired claim by Russia’s World Cup organisers that racism is no worse in their country than elsewhere in football and only occasionally rears its ugly head has yet again been called into question by the latest distasteful incident involving Spartak Moscow. This time, even FIFA has got involved, condemning the club over Saturday’s racially-charged tweet that caused a social media outcry.
Martin Smith: Ken’s in the wrong camp with stance on sex and football – The Star (UK)
Poor old Ken Tomlinson. For all I know he may be a doting grandad, a considerate neighbour, an outwardly decent sort of bloke. But he’s also a man whose openly sexist views on female football commentators put him close to the same camp as the morons who chanted obscenities at a relative of Chris Wilder on Friday night.
Banter is football’s arrested development writ large – Football 365
Banter is one of the most frequently used words in football’s lexicon. Banter between players, fans, pundits and presenters, banter on social media. Banter was the Richard Keys and Andy Gray defence. Outside of football last week it was the John Humphrey’s defence. It was the Mark Sampson defence too, and hey, a coach talking to someone of African descent in a fake Caribbean accent, that’s gotta just be banter, right?
Cyrille Regis, pioneering black soccer player, dies at 59 – National Post
Cyrille Regis, a pioneer for black soccer players in England who endured racist abuse while forging a career with West Bromwich Albion and playing for England’s national team, has died. He was 59.
Cyrille Regis: West Brom say former player was an ‘iconic figurehead’ of the late 70s – BBC Sport
Cyrille Regis was “one of the great symbols of the fight against racism” and “a pioneer for black footballers” across the world, West Brom say.
Cyrille Regis obituary – The Guardian
Cyrille Regis, who has died aged 59 of a suspected heart attack, was a greatly admired centre-forward with West Bromwich Albion, Coventry and England and one of the first black footballers to make a significant impact on the British game.