FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
Sunday, July 5
FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FINAL
UNITED STATES 5 JAPAN 2
BC PLACE STADIUM, VANCOUVER
USA thumps Japan in Women’s World Cup final – Sportsnet
A remarkable hat trick from captain Carli Lloyd propelled the United States to a 5-2 win over Japan in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final at BC Place on Sunday evening in front of 53,341 fans.
Carli Lloyd nets hat trick as U.S. routs Japan for first WWC title since ’99 – ESPN FC
Carli Lloyd lives for the big moment. She had her biggest on Sunday night and gave the United States its record third Women’s World Cup title.
Clutch Carli: Lloyd proves hero in World Cup final – The Equalizer
Carli Lloyd waited her entire life for this moment. The United States women’s national team waited four years for a second crack a World Cup title.On Sunday, Lloyd needed only five minutes to emphatically secure her and her team’s fate.
Lloyd: It’s a historic performance – FIFA
Having spent four years dwelling on their painful penalty-shootout defeat to Japan in the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™, USA needed just five minutes to sweep away the frustration when the two sides met again in Sunday’s Canada 2015 showpiece.
Women’s World Cup: Wambach sees long journey end in triumph – Goal
It was a long journey for Abby Wambach, one that ended with not as influential of a role as she might have desired. Yet, on a warm, hazy Sunday afternoon in downtown Vancouver, one of women’s soccer’s greatest players finally became a World Cup winner with the United States.
Finally, Abby Wambach gets her World Cup title – The Equalizer
Prior to the start of Sunday’s World Cup final, both the United States and Japan stayed in their pregame huddles long enough that center referee Kateryna Monzul had to blow her whistle several times to get them to take their positions
U.S. celebrates World Cup championship, turns attention to Olympics – Washington Post
Roster changes await as Jill Ellis begins looking to Olympics in Rio next year. But first, the team will embark on a 10-game victory tour.
US overcame growing pains to peak when it mattered – The Equalizer
After months of uncertain buildup to the World Cup, and then a group stage and Round of 16 filled with angst and question marks, the United States finally kicked things into gear to close out the 2015 Women’s World Cup.
Pride and pain for dethroned queens – FIFA
Japan may have lost their title as FIFA Women’s World Cup™ champions but they maintained their pride, displaying trademark characteristics of resilience and mental fortitude in the Canada 2015 decider. Japan made an unthinkably bad start in Vancouver falling four goals behind inside 16 minutes, a period which included a 13-minute Carli Lloyd treble, before eventually suffering a 5-2 defeat.
England team return from Women’s World Cup to start new chapter – The Guardian
The scattering of flags that lined the walkway into Heathrow terminal two’s arrivals lounge indicated that something was afoot, as did the small but expectant throng of supporters who had set their alarm clocks to meet Air Canada flight 864 at 7.30am. There were a couple of banners, a young girl wearing a Bristol Academy shirt, a few family groups waiting with cameras and autographs books handy.
A tournament that broke all records – FIFA
The seventh FIFA Women’s World Cup™ began in record-breaking style, with 24 teams lining up for the very first time in the competition’s history, and ended on a similarly momentous note, as USA became the first nation to lift the Trophy three times. Just for good measure, Canada 2015 also yielded an all-time-high of 112 goals, one more than the previous best, set at Germany 2011.
Canadian success story on the international stage – CSA
“We are very proud of our national team and how they represented our country at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™,” said Victor Montagliani, President of Canada Soccer and Chair of the National Organising Committee for the final competition. “There was tremendous pressure on them to perform at home. They showed Canadians and the world that they are true role models.”
World Cup proves Canada not just a hockey nation – Sportsnet
The idea that Canada is a hockey nation is one of this country’s great sporting mistruths. Not because Canadians don’t love hockey—they do. But the idea of Canada being a hockey nation is misleading because it suggests that’s all we are.
A World Cup to remember – TSN
Well Canada, how was it for you? Let me help. It was the greatest Women’s World Cup that has ever taken place. That’s not an opinion, it is a fact.
Canada closes triumphant Women’s World Cup, Men’s next? – Inside World Football
As the United States celebrated their first women’s World Cup triumph since 1999 amid euphoric scenes in Vancouver following their 5-2 thrashing of Japan, attention immediately turned to the 2026 men’s version which is due to be CONCACAF’s turn.
Women’s World Cup: Crowds, keepers & heroic England – BBC Sport
Interest may have been mixed in Canada, but with record TV audiences across the globe and 24 teams competing for the first time, Fifa has succeeded in taking the game to new frontiers. So what were the highs and low aspects of the seventh World Cup?
Blatter blather tarnishes Women’s World Cup trophy – The Province
On Sunday, just before Japan met the U.S. in the deciding match of their epic three-act rivalry, a story was making the rounds in which outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter blamed the former presidents of Germany and France for delivering the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. Think about this for a minute. Think of what it says about FIFA and world soccer. On a day that should have celebrated the finale of a successful Women’s World Cup and two great champions, FIFA couldn’t stay out of the way long enough for Japan and the U.S. to have centre stage to themselves.
Turf at Women’s World Cup may have been a one-and-done proposition – The Province
The United States’ 5-2 dethroning of Japan in Sunday’s Women’s World Cup at B.C. Place Stadium was the first senior FIFA final on artificial turf — and possibly the last.
The Official Book of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. On Sale Now at Amazon.ca
WHITECAPS FC & MLS
Vancouver Whitecaps suffer more altitude sickness in Colorado – AFTN
The ‘Caps long road stretch finally came to an end in Colorado on Saturday night and their five game spell ended as it began, with a 2-1 defeat. It always had a potential to be a banana skin game. The Western Conference leaders, heading to the team rooted at the bottom. The form team on the road against a side in no sort of form at all. Factor in Vancouver never having won in Colorado and this game had all the making of a bad end to their life on the road for the Whitecaps.
Vancouver Whitecaps at Colorado Rapids: Match Report – Eighty-Six Forever
In classic trap-game fashion, the Vancouver Whitecaps found yet another way to lose to the last placed (in the west) Colorado Rapids. Less than two minutes in, Vicente Sanchez slotted a shot past David Ousted, eliciting a collective groan from across the Lower Mainland. The goal knocked the wind out of the ‘Caps sails for the next ten minutes, and at times it was difficult to see how 17 points were separating the two teams prior to the match.
Whitecaps find themselves in another ‘Wild’ West – Vancouver Sun
They won’t get 55,000 people watching them at BC Place next Sunday, not unless they all put their hair in ponytails and call themselves Christine, Abby or Aya. But the Vancouver Whitecaps will finally be home again in front of their dedicated, full roar supporters’ groups.
LA Galaxy 4, Toronto FC 0 | MLS Match Recap – MLS
The LA Galaxy introduced their newest legend to their fans Saturday night, but not until their reigning legend had his say. Robbie Keane scored two first-half goals en route to his second hat trick in two and a half weeks as LA (8-6-7) posted their fourth straight blowout victory at StubHub Center, a 4-0 triumph over Toronto FC.
Toronto FC’s lack of depth opens the door for Galaxy win – Red Nation Online
Anyone who continues to support Toronto FC must have a selective memory. This will come in handy today as last night’s game against the Los Angeles Galaxy was one to forget. TFC rolled into LA coming off two stellar games against Montreal and D.C. United. But the Galaxy have always proved trouble for the Reds. To remember Toronto’s last league victory against LA, you have to go all the way back to 2008.
San Jose Earthquakes nearly hold off Portland Timbers in loss: “That’s not good enough from us” – MLS
With Chris Wondolowski and Cordell Cato on Gold Cup national-team duty, Matias Perez Garcia and Innocent both out due to injury, Sanna Nyassi suspended because of yellow-card accumulation and Ty Harden recently traded, the remaining members of the San Jose Earthquakes could boast of a grand total of four goals and five assists heading into Sunday night.
Andrea Pirlo to Join New York City FC as Third Designated Player – NYC FC
New York City FC are delighted to announce the signing of World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner Andrea Pirlo. One of the most decorated and respected midfielders in soccer, Pirlo will become the team’s third Designated Player and arrives to New York City FC on a free transfer from Juventus, 2015 UEFA Champions League Finalists.
An artist in an era of athletes – Andrea Pirlo is Italy’s greatest midfielder of all time – Goal
The playmaker’s 20-year European career is over after signing for New York City – he will go down as the best ever in his role in his country, says Carlo Garganese.
Orlando City make move for Portugal international Rúben Amorim – Orlando Soccer Daily
Rumors of Rúben Amorim heading to the U.S.A. have gained traction in recent weeks with several outlets reporting an MLS club is courting the Benfica midfielder. Orlando Soccer Daily has confirmed that Orlando City SC has made an offer for the Portugal international.
MLS keeps changing its rules for the LA Galaxy, and that’s not a bad thing – Soccer Gods
The LA Galaxy is the most successful club in MLS, having won the MLS Cup five times and the Supporters’ Shield four. The Galaxy is also able to get the league office to bend rules, or even invent new ones altogether. That’s created a belief that Major League Soccer’s glamour club plays a different game than the rest of the league.
PPL Park in Chester is still carving its own niche as a venue for soccer and much more – McCall.com
It may not be as famous as its sports neighbors to the north, but both PPL Park and its primary tenant, the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer, are becoming better-known entities.
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CANADA – 2015 CONCACAF GOLD CUP
Hunt on for CONCACAF crown – FIFA
USA’s Stars and Stripes can book a direct spot at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup by winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which kicks off this week. The Americans, led by German icon Jurgen Klinsmann, boast a raft of players who starred at the FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil last year and go in as the team to beat, having won the tournament two years ago.
Osorio feeling confident heading into Gold Cup – Red Nation Online
With the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament kicking off this week, the Canadian Men’s National Team now has the opportunity to make a splash in a major competition and possibly even seal a spot in the Copa América Centenario.
Will USA win the Gold Cup? Germany’s best seem to think so – The Guardian
One of England’s greatest gifts to the world is soccer. Football, as some of you still call it. Yet for large parts of the English-speaking world, the game is far closer to a curiosity than the obsession it is everywhere else. It’s one of the strange anomalies of the game’s situation, and it applies from the antipodes to North America, via the subcontinent.
Gold Cup: Costa Rica claim the favorite tag but Canada and Jamaica are in the mix | Group B Preview – MLS
The “infallible” FIFA rankings would suggest the Canadians come in as the poor, bedraggled David while Costa Rica — fresh off an amazing run in last summer’s World Cup — play the imposing Philistine warrior (that’s Goliath, by the way).
Gold Cup: Will Mexico’s cadre of stars lead EL Tri to title after 2013 disappointment? | Group C Preview – MLS
It’s Mexico and everyone else in Group C. El Tri will be expected to cruise through the group and all the way to the final.
Gold Cup: Expectations high as USMNT face tricky task vs. Panama, Honduras, Haiti | Group A Preview – MLS
The United States are the winningest side in Gold Cup history, edging Mexico in total wins (48 to 41) despite trailing in titles (six to five), and it will be a shock to everyone in CONCACAF if the Americans don’t finish atop the group after going undefeated in the 2013 tournament.
WFC2 & USL
USL Match Report: WFC2 3 – 1 S2 – Eighty-Six Forever
It may have been Independence Day in America on Saturday, but for fans of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC2 (W5-L8-D4, 9th position) the fireworks were provided by a young Spaniard by the name of Victor Blasco.
BC SOCCER
Highlanders begin crucial weekend on a high – Times Colonist
With just two games to go in the Pacific Coast Soccer League regular season, Victoria Highlanders head coach Dave Dew likes where his team stands — at the top of the table.
NASL
Hit the North! Eddies rout nine-man San Antonio – the11.ca
This game offered plenty of talking points. Playing the first of two “home” games in Fort McMurray, the Eddies set a new CONCACAF standard; hosting the northernmost professional game in the region’s history. As well, the play of the Eddies’ young players — thrust into more prominent roles because of the injuries to the vets — had to be noted. Sadi Jalali scored on a penalty, Hanson Boakai scored a goal while on his back, and Allan Zebie put in another yeoman’s performance at fullback, neutralizing the threat of Scorpions speedster Billy Forbes.
Eddies open fall season with decisive 4-0 victory – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton kicked off the 2015 North American Soccer League Season (NASL) against San Antonio Scorpions, July 5 at Shell Place in Fort McMurray with authority, capitalizing on an early penalty kick from Sadi Jalali and never looking back en route to a 4-0 victory.
Fury FC Sink Armada In Front of Record Crowd at TD Place – Ottawa Fury FC
The trademark defence of Ottawa Fury FC was once again in fine form, but Sunday’s Fall Season opener at TD Place saw Fury FC find their scoring boots as Mason Trafford’s first-career goal with Ottawa Fury FC and Tom Heinemann’s second of the season powered Ottawa to a 2-0 victory in front of their largest crowd of the season.
FCE promotes Canadian midfielder Bruno Zebie on an emergency basis – the11.ca
The team announced Friday, just hours before the players are to take the five-hour bus trip north to Fort McMurray, that it has promoted 19-year-old midfielder Bruno Zebie from the academy to the senior club. Bruno is the younger brother of FCE fullback Allan Zebie.
NASL Announces Television Partnership With ONE World Sports – NASL
ONE World Sports, which is available in over 30 million homes nationally, will air one game per week live with NASL Wednesday Night Soccer on ONE World Sports as well as NASL This Week, a comprehensive highlight show, on Tuesday nights from 6:00-6:30 p.m. ET.
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WORLD OF SOCCER
CONCACAF Announces Reform Framework – CONCACAF
CONCACAF announced today that its Executive Committee has approved an expansive Reform Framework that seeks to substantially strengthen the Confederation’s governance, management, and operations. The Reform Framework was unanimously approved by CONCACAF’s Executive Committee at an in-person meeting on Saturday, July 4, 2015 in Vancouver, Canada.
CONCACAF surprise leaders in quest for global soccer reform – Prost Amerika
By making their financial statements and Executive Committee member compensation both publicly available on its website along with the administrative structure that will be put in play, CONCACAF has extended a strong olive branch to the soccer community in re-building trust with not only other confederations, but the entire global soccer community.
Fifa World Cup: Key official banned for seven years – BBC Sport
A Fifa official who assessed the bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups has been banned from all football-related activity for seven years. Football’s world governing body said Harold Mayne-Nicholls, 54, had been suspended by its ethics committee.
Blatter points to political power playing by France and Germany – Inside World Football
Sepp Blatter has long maintained that politics played a part in the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. But now he has named names in terms of the supposed guilty governments: France and Germany.
Mascherano: Argentina’s barren international trophy run cuts deep – The Guardian
Losing a second major final in a year was absolute torture for Argentina, midfield general Javier Mascherano said after Chile beat them on penalties to win the Copa América on Saturday.
How USA was chosen to host World Cup 94: the inside story of a historic day – The Guardian
In retrospect, Fifa’s decision to award its 15th World Cup to the USA looked like a slam dunk, but it was far from it. The United States was not considered a soccer country, not by a long shot.