BC SOCCER WEB WORLD CUP CENTRAL
Every day, we’ll bring you all of scores, news and best writing from around the web from the 2018 World Cup.
Bob Lenarduzzi: Benjamin Pavard has been a surprise for tournament favourites – London Free Press
The semifinals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia kick off on Tuesday as France faces Belgium. Both teams advanced at the expense of South American sides, leaving the World Cup an all-European affair.
The good, bad and ugly from the World Cup quarterfinals – Sportsnet
With the knockout round at the FIFA World Cup set to kick off on Tuesday, this is the perfect time to look back and pick out the best and worst moments from the quarterfinals.
Goal-fest possible in France-Belgium World Cup semifinal – NBC Sports
Considering the attacking strength of France and Belgium, there’s potential for a goal-fest when the European neighbors meet in the World Cup semifinals.
Preview: France v Belgium – FIFA
Having both secured their seats at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia table until next weekend’s fight for medals, France and Belgium now have to see who will be pursuing gold and who is left searching for bronze. A potentially career-crowning Final is as little as an hour and a half of football away.
France ready for Belgium’s tactical surprises, says coach – Yahoo Sports
France coach Didier Deschamps is confident he has prepared his players for any tactical surprises his opposite number Roberto Martinez might spring when they face Belgium in the World Cup semi-finals in St Petersburg on Tuesday.
Giroud aims to prove countryman, foe Henry wrong at World Cup – NBC Sports
If only France’s young players had an outstanding ex-pro they could turn to for advice about how to beat Belgium in the World Cup semifinals, someone who won the World Cup himself in 1998 and who scored more goals than anyone in his stellar career with Les Bleus. Oh.
The questions that could define the World Cup semifinals – Toronto Sun
Thirty-two teams entered. Four teams remain at this World Cup.
World Cup semi-finalists: four success stories with one thing in common – The Guardian
Be it Croatia’s hero hailing from Switzerland or the 50% of French and Belgian players with African ancestry, immigration is at the heart of each squad.
Playing Croatia in semifinal is a harsh reminder for England – London Free Press
Croatia was there at England’s lowest ebb this century in international soccer, and it’ll be there as the English team tries to peak.
How a corruption scandal accidentally enabled England’s World Cup semifinal run – Yahoo Sports
If you were to trace most World Cup runs back to their source, the vast majority would take you back to a training field; or perhaps a meeting room; or a developmental initiative that birthed a generation of stars. England’s, however, begins elsewhere.
Russia receive rapturous welcome at FIFA Fan Fest – FIFA
The day after their hard-fought defeat at the hands of Croatia in the quarter-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Russia visited the FIFA Fan Fest in Moscow to personally thank the fans for their unbelievable support throughout the tournament.
FIFA warns Croatia’s Domagoj Vida over pro-Ukraine video – Sportsnet
FIFA has issued a formal warning to a Croatia player who praised Ukraine in a video after his team beat World Cup host Russia.
Reality Check: Do footballers get paid for internationals? – BBC
France’s Kylian Mbappe is donating his earnings from playing at the World Cup to a charity. But do all footballers get paid for representing their countries?
World Cup Diary – Day 23: 24 hours on a train – Futbolgrad
The free trains for fans and journalists have been one of the best parts of this 2018 FIFA World Cup. In many ways, the train encompasses the Soviet and post-Soviet experience.
Wimbledon 2018: Men’s final will not be moved despite World Cup clash – BBC Sport
The Wimbledon men’s singles final will not be moved even if England reach the World Cup final on the same afternoon.
FIFA convenes panel to share diversity and anti-discrimination learnings of Russia 2018 – Inside World Football
One of the big success stories of the World Cup so far has been the welcome the Russians have given to visitors regardless of nationality, colour or religion.
The ‘Neymar Challenge’ Is Spreading Laughter Across the World – Yahoo Sports
Even though world famous soccer great Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior may have lost his chance at leading Brazil to 2018 World Cup glory, he managed to win big in a different way: He became the most imitated player of the tournament, getting people across the world rolling the way he does.
There’s no contest: The World Cup towers over every other sports event on earth – The Star
If there has been one thing that’s become apparent to me over almost the last month — much of it in enforced idleness which has provided plenty of time to do nothing — it’s that the World Cup is the greatest sports spectacle on Earth. And I’m not sure the competition is remotely close.
BC NDP 2026 WORLD CUP SCANDAL
EXCLUSIVE: City of Vancouver documents disprove NDP “Blank Cheque” for Vancouver 2026 World Cup – BC Soccer Web
Documents obtained by BC Soccer Web show that the BC NDP never faced a “blank cheque” scenario on the 2026 World Cup bid, and that FIFA negotiations would be ongoing with all three governments through 2020.
CONCACAF boss ‘disappointed’ with B.C. bailing on 2026 tournament – Toronto Sun
“The BC NDP had assurances,” Montagliani added. “If things weren’t to their liking from a documentation standpoint (they could have walked away by 2020). The reality is they paid no attention to the file,” Montagliani suggested. “They put a junior person on the file. They didn’t pay attention until the eleventh hour.”
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 3 CHICAGO FIRE 2
MLS MATCHDAY #19
SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.
MLS PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps 3, Chicago Fire 2, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
Kamara bags brace in 3-2 win over Fire – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC (7W-7L-5D) claimed all three points against Chicago Fire (6W-8L-5D) on Saturday, holding on for a thrilling 3-2 victory in front of a sold-out BC Place crowd.
Kei Kamara scores twice to lead Whitecaps to win over Fire – Sportsnet
The Vancouver Whitecaps made earning a win tougher than it needed to be Saturday night, said the team’s head coach.
Fire see their unbeaten streak end in Vancouver – WGN
This has been a season of ups and downs for the Men in Red, but recently things had leaned towards the positive.
Around The League: Bastian Schweinsteiger on embracing life in MLS, the competitiveness of the league, and the “potential” of Alphonso Davies – AFTN
Major League Soccer has been a landing point for a number of the world’s top players in recent years. While it still may struggle to shake the “retirement league” tag in some quarters, there’s no denying that MLS is becoming a lure for more and more high profile players.
Vancouver Whitecaps welcome Schadenfreude to BC Place – Soccer Shorts
Against Chicago we saw the experienced trio of Juarez, Felipe and Mutch start together for the first time and while none of them contributed consistently to the attacking play it was Juarez and Mutch who combined for the goal at the start of the second half which recalibrated the Whitecaps after they had squandered the advantage of being the better team in the first.
New York Red Bulls loan Carlos Rivas to Colombia’s Atletico Nacional – MLS
The New York Red Bulls announced Monday that they have loaned forward Carlos Rivas to Atletico Nacional in his native Colombia for the remainder of the 2018. Reports out of Colombia last week had previously linked Rivas with a move back to the Medellin-based side, one of the country’s most successful.
MLS Roundup: Timbers unbeaten in 11 matches after topping Earthquakes 2-1 – Virginian Pilot
Samuel Armenteros scored two goals and the Portland Timbers extended their MLS unbeaten streak to 11 matches with a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.
Revs left frustrated by performance in listless draw with Sounders – SBI
Under different circumstances, the New England Revolution’s first shutout in over two months would have felt like cause for celebration. However, a forgettable performance at home against the Seattle Sounders left the Revs feeling like they left crucial points on the table.
Impact continue impressive run with 2-1 win over Colorado – National Post
Finally break through defensive wall in second half for their fourth straight win after Rapids tried to put Saputo Stadium fans to sleep.
Toronto FC snaps three-game skid in 2-2 draw at Sporting KC – St. Catherines Standard
Jordan Hamilton tied it in the 69th minute and Toronto Football Club held on for a 2-2 draw with Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer action Saturday night.
NYCFC beat Red Bulls on Maxi Moralez’s late goal – NBC Sports
The Domenec Torrent era has seen New York City FC hardly skip a beat, as Patrick Vieira’s former side has won two of their first three games under the new boss.
Torrent’s tactical adjustments key for NYCFC in win over Red Bulls – SBI
Several times over the last few seasons, New York City FC was exposed by the New York Red Bulls’ high press. At times, it got ugly. Even without taking into account the infamous seven-goal beatdown, NYCFC entered Sunday’s clash on the heels of two straight 4-0 embarrassments at the hands of their local rivals.
LAFC may be on the verge of blowing MLS away – Angels on Parade
The expansion team is on the verge of finally having a full-strength squad.
You Make the Call: Should Dom Dwyer’s strike have been allowed vs. LAFC? –MLS
In the 72nd minute of what ended up a 4-1 loss for Orlando City SC, it appeared as if Dom Dwyer had brought the Lions level against LAFC, but that goal was disallowed after Video Review. What do you think?
MLS watchability rankings: which teams are the best (and worst) to watch? – The Guardian
Los Angeles Galaxy have Zlatan, while Vancouver have arguably the league’s most exciting youngster. But which team is the best to sit back and watch?
What you need to know about the 2018 MLS secondary transfer window – Sporting KC
Major League Soccer’s secondary transfer window, the second of two periods on the calendar in which teams can register new players via international transfers or intra-league trades, will officially open on Tuesday.
Watch all 61 goals from Week 19 of the 2018 MLS season – MLS
From a late comeback in Houston to a 1-0 derby win in New York City, here are all 61 goals from Week 19 of the 2018 MLS season.
Beckham group unveils (another) new Miami stadium, park design – NBC Sports
1,614 days after David Beckham announced he intended to bring an MLS expansion franchise to Miami, Beckham still has every intention in the world of doing so as he and his group of potential owners unveiled on Sunday the first images of a(nother) proposed stadium complex — Miami Freedom Park — this time, near Miami International Airport.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Whitecaps FC U-19s fall 2-0 in extra time of Development Academy semis despite star showing from Thomas Hasal – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-19 Residency fought tooth and nail for 120 minutes but ultimately fell 2-0 to LA Galaxy U-19s on Sunday in extra time of the Development Academy semifinals.
HIGHLANDERS DROP TOUGH MATCH IN SUMNER, WASHINGTON – Victoria Highlanders
Victoria Highlanders FC (4-8-0) dropped a close match 3-1 versus Cascadia rivals Seattle Sounders U-23 (5-4-3), July 6, at Sunset Chevrolet Stadium in Sumner, Washington.
2018 BC Youth Provincial Cup Results – BCSA
Results are posted on each of the seperate Provincial Cup sites here.
Young soccer star off to Holland – Penticton Western News
Connor Moore, a member of the Penticton Pinnacles FC U15 boys, will attend a 10-day camp through the club’s partnership with the Dutch first division professional team Excelsior Rotterdam.
West Shore municipalities show support for the 55+ B.C. Games – Goldstream Gazette
All five West Shore municipalities have written letters of support to bid for either the 2020, 2021 or 2022 55 and over B.C. Games.
Call for interest for 2018 TD Diploma course – BCSA
Based on the level of interest, BC Soccer is planning to host a 2-day Technical Director’s course in late November or early December of 2018 (dates and location TBA). If you are interested in this course, please let BC Soccer know so they can update you.
PHOTOS: BC Provincial Men’s A Cup: BCT Rovers Tigers Utd. 5, Langley Utd. 2 (XT) – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
PHOTOS: 2018 BC Provincial Cup Parade of Champions – BC Soccer Web
See the winners from the 2018 BC Provincial Cup.
TSS Rovers release Season Tickets for the 2018 season – TSS Rovers
A great summer of soccer is in store at Swangard Stadium with the PDL & WPSL TSS Rovers. Season tickets are only $70.
Victoria Highlanders FC 2018 Season Tickets now on sale – Victoria Highlanders
Spend your summer with the PDL Highlanders at Centennial Stadium for only $75.
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
Second Half Lacava Strike Helps Unionville Sink Darby – League1 Ontario
Unionville Milliken S.C. recorded a 1-0 victory over Darby FC on home soil to move into third place in the League1 Ontario women’s standings on Saturday afternoon.
FC London Moves Into Third Position After 3-1 Win Over North Miss – League1 Ontario
It was an even game, but FC London was dangerous in attack and very organized in defence to neutralize North Mississauga S.C plans and finally managed a 3-1 win.
Vancouver Whitecaps invites ‘natural defender’ Facchineri to join soccer academy – Leader Post
When a precious invite to join the Vancouver Whitecaps’ soccer academy came around a second time, Windsor’s Gianfranco Facchineri jumped on it like a loose ball in the penalty area.
LFC teams topped at home – Lethbridge Herald
The Lethbridge Football Club men’s and women’s soccer teams lost at home last weekend.
Hurley signs on with Panthers women’s soccer squad – Journal Pioneer
A veteran of Prince Edward Island provincial soccer teams has committed to the UPEI Panthers.
Banner day for girls’ soccer squads – Chronicle Herald
It was a golden Sunday for Nova Scotia’s provincial soccer teams. All four girls’ squads won their respective Atlantic soccer championship tournaments. The Nova Scotia under-13 boys’ team also won gold on Sunday.
Pascal on the Pitch: Women’s league rocks on – Sudbury Star
Early July means that it’s time for the first tiering of the 11-team loop that is the Sudbury Women’s Soccer Club league.
Pitch perfect: Newfoundland and Labrador U16 boys claim Atlantic soccer gold – The Telegram
Three other teams from province come away with silver medals in regional competitions.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Caffa shines as Foxes take down Portland on the road – Fresno FC
Juan Pablo Caffa scored two goals and assisted a third as Fresno FC won 4-2 at Portland Timbers 2 to keep moving up in the Western Conference standings as the playoff race heats up.
Fury only the latest to fall to Pittsburgh – London Free Press
There had to be a reason why the Pittsburgh Riverhounds have been beaten only once all season. The Ottawa Fury FC now have a first-hand experience of why that is so.
A stroke of luck & a lengthy delay not enough for TFC II in Tampa Bay – Waking the Red
Toronto FC II dropped a second-straight match losing 3-1 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium on Wednesday night.
FC Cincinnati Transfers Daniel Haber to Ottawa Fury FC – FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati forward Daniel Haber has been sent to Ottaway Fury FC on a free transfer.
Reno 1868’s comeback win puts streak at 15 – Reno Gazette-Journal
Reno’s fourth straight win extended the club’s 15-match unbeaten streak and kept the team firmly in third place in the USL’s Western Conference standings.
San Antonio Strikes Late, downs Santos Laguna – USL
Guzman’s goal earns SAFC’s victory against Liga MX champions, first in an international exhibition.
Results: USL, Week 17 – Soccer America
Full results from USL Week 17.
‘I’m exhausted for them’: When North Carolina FC just could not score – video – The Guardian
Try as they may, when North Carolina hosted Charleston Battery in the United Soccer League they were unable to score a winner in the seventh minute of stoppage time, despite around six chances on goal.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Sam Kerr becomes the first player to score 50 goals in the NWSL with hat-trick against former club – Fox Sports
MATILDAS superstar Sam Kerr made history when she returned to haunt her former club in the US National Women’s Soccer League.
Megan Rapinoe makes history as Reign FC beat Houston Dash 3-1 – Sounder at Heart
A converted penalty makes Rapinoe the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.
No Kling, No Problem: Portland Thorns Blank Utah Royals – Last Word on Soccer
The Portland Thorns FC claimed a massive 4-0 victory against the Utah Royals at Providence Park without their regular-starting defender. Klingenberg served a one-game suspension against the Royals.
Washington Spirit can’t hold off Marta, Orlando Pride in 2-1 defeat – Black & Red United
The Spirit broke a long scoreless run, but Marta’s late strike handed them their 10th loss of the season.
Orlando Pride coach Tom Sermanni lauds team’s must-win mentality – Pro Soccer USA
For the Orlando Pride, Saturday night’s 2-1 victory over the Washington Spirit wasn’t necessarily a must-win game, but a match the Pride couldn’t afford to lose.
Paul Riley discusses the explosive NC Courage attack – Dirty South Soccer
The NC Courage are on pace to having a historic season in NWSL. So far this year, the team has lost one game and are sitting on 39 points out of 16 games played. That’s a torrid 2.4 points per match and will have the team an obvious favorite for winning the NWSL Championship in 2018.
Gemma Davison: Reading FC Women sign former Chelsea winger – BBC Sport
Winger Gemma Davison has joined Reading Women for next season’s Women’s Super League after leaving Chelsea.
FIFA World Cup a ‘landmark opportunity’ for brands to target women – Marketing Interactive
According to Nielsen’s World Football Report 2018, 31% of females are interested in football. Also, 70% of women find the men’s World Cup “very appealing”, while 58% share the same sentiment for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Spain appoints Luis Enrique as national team coach – Sportsnet
Former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has signed a two-year deal to take charge of Spain.
Brazil bid to keep Tite through to Qatar 2022– Inside World Football
The Brazilian FA (CBF) wants to maintain Tite as head coach of the Brazilian national team until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar even though Brazil crashed out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage following a 2-1 defeat against Belgium.
Wilshere leaves Arsenal for London rival West Ham United – Sportsnet
Free agent Jack Wilshere ended his long stay at Arsenal by moving to London rival West Ham on Monday.
Southhampton prepares for July 10 Champions League qualifer – BBC Sport
Southhampton Manager Scott Ruscoe has accused The New Saints’ Champions League first qualifying round opponents KF Shkendija of “disrespect”.
Preseason schedule for Premier League clubs – NBC Sports
Yes, the World Cup is still going on but plenty of Premier League clubs are already back in preseason training and several have already played at least one game.
Conte takes Chelsea training amid doubts over future – Four Four Two
Despite strong speculation the Italian would be sacked by the club, Chelsea’s return to training has been overseen by Antonio Conte.
Ademola Lookman: RB Leipzig want permanent return for Everton forward – BBC Sport
RB Leipzig want to sign Everton’s England Under-21 forward Ademola Lookman on a permanent deal.
Roma add 10th signing with Fuzato arrival – Four Four Two
Brazil Under-20 international Daniel Fuzato has become Roma’s 10th signing of the transfer window.
Nigerian Football Federation fears FIFA ban – African Football
The Nigerian Football Federation fears that World Governing body, FIFA may place a ban on the country following a tussle for leadership within the local organisation.
AC Milan in the wind again as Li misses interest payment to Elliott hedge fund – Inside World Football
AC Milan’s Chinese owner Yonghong Li has missed the deadline to repay €32 million of interest on the debt to US hedge fund Elliott Management which provided an estimated €335 million of the €740 million Li used to buy the club.
Paulinho leaves Barcelona after one season to rejoin Guangzhou Evergrande – The Guardian
The Brazil midfielder Paulinho has re-joined Guangzhou Evergrande after one season at Barcelona on a one-year loan, the Chinese club have announced.
Supercopa de Espana to be one-legged game, ‘probably in Tangier’ – Yahoo Sports
The 2018 Supercopa de Espana between Barcelona and Sevilla will be played as a one-off encounter, “probably in Tangier” and against the latter side’s wishes, Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has confirmed.
How a 25-year-old former monk kept the Thai soccer team alive – The Star
The head coach of the Thai soccer team spent the morning of June 23 preparing his young assistant for an important task: looking out for the boys by himself.