BC SOCCER NEWS
Thunderbirds Women claim national title with dominant 3-0 win over Spartans – UBC
The UBC Thunderbirds stand atop CIS women’s soccer for the sixth time in program history, as they claimed the Gladys Bean Memorial Trophy with a 3-0 win over their British Columbian rivals, the Trinity Western Spartans, on Sunday evening at Thunderbird Stadium.
A championship to remember for UBC women’s soccer – Vancouver Sun
Coaching stability and a chance to play for a national title on home turf brought out the best in the UBC women’s soccer program in 2015.
UBC claim record-breaking sixth CIS Women’s Championship – “We were here to win the big one, and we won the big one” – AFTN
Does it get any better than winning a national title in your home stadium? If you ask anyone connected with the UBC Thunderbirds women’s soccer team tonight, they’ll tell you, no it doesn’t.
SPARTANS SETTLE FOR CIS SILVER AFTER FALLING TO THUNDERBIRDS IN FINAL – TWU
Playing in a record fourth straight CIS final, the Trinity Western women’s soccer team was forced to settle for a silver medal for the second straight year, after falling to UBC 3-0 Sunday at Thunderbird Stadium.
T-Birds Men finish season with CIS bronze – UBC
The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds defeated the UQAM Citadins by a score of 2-0 to win the bronze medal at the 2015 CIS men’s soccer national championship at York Stadium in Toronto.
CapU Blues take home silver medal at CCAA National Championships (PDF)– Capilano College
Capilano edged out by 9-man Humber College on penalties.
CIS men’s soccer championship: McMaster edges UVic, to play for fifth – CIS
In the first consolation semifinal match of the 2015 CIS men’s soccer championship, the McMaster Marauders edged out the Victoria Vikes with a 2-1 victory on Friday afternoon at York Stadium in Toronto.
VISL Week 10 Results & Upcoming Matches – VISL
Week 10 is complete and Cowichan remains at the top of Division 1 – undefeated, with Comox grabbing 2nd place – while Lakehill and Vic West are now the last 2 in the division.
BC Soccer Assoc. High Performance Program Evolves in 2016 to strengthen and further support the EA Sports BCSPL – BCSA
The BC Soccer Assoc. High Performance Program is continuing to evolve to further strengthen and support the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL) and to better prepare players for Whitecaps FC and Canadian Soccer Association programs. The 2016 High Performance program will see key initiatives put in place which will support the BCSPL and enhance the promotion of players along the player pathway.
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
FIFA 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
EL SLAVADOR vs. CANADA
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2015, 5:30 pm
ESTADIO CUSCATLAN, SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR
PHOTO GALLERY: Canada 1 Honduras 0, 2018 World Cup Qualifier, Nov.13, 2015 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie
El Salvador vs. Canada: Canucks target successive wins – Goal
A Canada team with QPR’s Junior Hoilett finally in its ranks will seek to make it two wins from two when it visits El Salvador.
El Salvador next up for Canada in WC qualifying – Sportsnet
El Salvador is in Canada’s CONCACAF qualifying group for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and host the Reds on Tuesday. While Canada beat Honduras 1-0 in its opening game on Friday in Vancouver, El Salvador lost 3-0 away to Mexico.
Canada arrives in El Salvador to freshen smelly past – Toronto Sun
After arriving via an 10-hour charter flight from Vancouver, the Canadians boarded a bus that navigated a narrow, curvy, four-lane highway before the half-hour drive came to an end at the heavily-barricaded Intercontinental Hotel.
Trio of veterans still key figures for Canada – Sportsnet
“It’s been a long time coming for us, from the last round to right now,” said midfielder Will Johnson, looking both elated and relieved, after Canada defeated Honduras 1–0 at BC Place on Friday night, an important win to kick off the fourth round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
El Salvador vs. Canada | CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Match Preview – MLS
For Canada, the road to Russia 2018 is looking a little clearer after a 1-0 win over Honduras in Vancouver on Friday. Sure, the path is still very long, very difficult and one that few are expecting the team to see to its conclusion. But the win over Honduras, in the opener of the semifinal round in CONCACAF, has once again boosted hopes among fans of Les Rouges that, perhaps, this is the qualification cycle.
Avid Vancouver soccer fans may have just ensured a Mexico-Canada game in March – The Province
Canada claimed victory at B.C. Place on Friday. So did Vancouver. The attendance and atmosphere for Canada’s crucial 1-0 win over Honduras had coach Benito Floro and his players talking up a return to the Dome for their next home qualifier.
CIS men’s soccer championship: York Lions repeat for first time in history, claim fifth Davidson Trophy overall – CIS
The York University Lions hoisted the Sam Davidson Memorial Trophy for the second year in a row after a 2-0 victory over the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds in the gold-medal final of the 2015 CIS men’s soccer national championship at York Stadium, Sunday afternoon.
UNB Varsity Reds bring back soccer silver from CIS final – CBC
The University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds lost 2-0 to the York Lions on Sunday afternoon in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport men’s soccer championship in Toronto.
SHORTHANDED HUMBER HAWKS CAPTURE 2015 CCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP – Humber College
Humber and Capilano, two of the strongest programs in CCAA men’s soccer history, were going toe to toe for the first time in a national title game. Capilano entered the match, winners of a record six CCAA crowns, while Humber came into the game seeking its fifth title, and third in the last four years.
Canada ties Mexico 1-1 in U20 soccer – Hamilton Spectator
Calgary-born defender Fikayo Timori scored to lift Canada’s under-20 soccer team to a 1-1 draw with Mexico in a friendly Sunday.
OPDL Charity Shield draws in big numbers, notable faces- OSA
The first-annual OPDL Charity Shield took place Saturday in front of a boisterous crowd and veritable who’s who in Canadian soccer.
2015 Inter-Provincial Cup: CS Mont-Royal Outremont Griffons 2 – Oakville Blue Devils 2 (3-5 Agg.) – League 1 Ontario
A second half surge by Blue Devils – led by goals from Chris Mitchell (55′) and Anthony Novak (85′) – handed League1 Ontario champs Oakville the 2015 Inter-Provincial Cup after a 2-2 draw in the second leg, and an overall aggregate score of 5-3.
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WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Keeping Ousted, Waston are priorities for Whitecaps – The Province
With Matias Laba locked up for the long term, Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson will turn his attention to re-signing centre-back Kendall Waston and goalkeeper David Ousted.
Vancouver Whitecaps striker Octavio Rivero disappointed with streaky debut season, vows to improve in 2016 – MLS
The Vancouver Whitecaps striker hit the ground running, with five goals in his first six games. But the Uruguayan was only able to add another five goals in his next 28 matches in MLS, and three of those were penalties. The ‘Caps eventually fell to rival Portland Timbers in the Western Conference Semifinals of the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs, failing to score a goal in the two-leg series.
News and notes: Robinson fields wide range of questions at year-end media day – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson met with the media for the final time earlier this week and discussed a wide range of topics.
The 2016 Vancouver Whitecaps and International Duty – Eighty-Six Forever
International call-ups are a mixed blessing for clubs in Major League Soccer. As MLS does not honor international breaks, players end up missing league games to play for their country. At the same time, international call-ups mean that players are succeeding at their club and the Whitecaps are acquiring notoriety as a result. We examine the potential international impacts for the Whitecaps roster going forward.
Giovinco’s agent confirms Barcelona interest, denies possible loan move – NBC Sports
Sebastian Giovinco’s stellar season for Toronto FC has put his name towards the top of the rumor list.
Orlando City falls to Brazilian side Flamengo in friendly at Maracanã – Orlando Sentinel
Orlando City wrapped up its 2015 competitions nearly 4,400 miles from home. The Lions lost to Flamengo, 1-0, in a friendly at the famed Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Montreal: 11 players under contract for 2016 – Montreal Impact
The Montreal Impact announced on Monday following the league’s confirmation that 11 players are under contract for the 2016 season.
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NASL & USL NEWS
Cellerino Hat Trick Propels Cosmos To Soccer Bowl Championship – Empire of Soccer
The final scoresheet of Saturday’s NASL championship suggests that the battle to lift this year’s Soccer Bowl trophy was a close one.
RECAP: Fury Fall 3-2 Despite Championship Effort – Ottawa Fury
Ottawa Fury FC’s tremendous record-breaking season came to a close with a 3-2 loss to the New York Cosmos in the 2015 NASL Championship Final on Sunday night. The Cosmos captured the 2015 NASL Championship with the victory in New York, despite Tom Heinemann scoring twice for a commendable 10-man Fury side.
Fury falls to Cosmos in NASL championship – TSN
Gaston Cellerino supplied all the offence for New York as the Cosmos downed the Ottawa Fury 3-2 on Sunday to win the North American Soccer League title for the second time in three seasons.
The Soccer Bowl loss stings for Fury fans — but the ref got that red-card call right – the11.ca
If you’re an Ottawa Fury fan looking for solace, for a shoulder to cry on, don’t read this. Because you might not like what you read; it might feel like salt in the wound.
Raúl And Marcos Senna Close Storied Careers As Champions – NASL
A pair of storied careers was coming to an end, and The Championship Final was the finale. “This team has a big history, and this one win was amazing,” Raúl said after the match. “We played with passion and there is a lot of good feeling in the locker room. I could not ask for more. It is like a dream. The Cosmos — they have a big part of my heart.”
Set to depart the club, Dos Santos proud to see Fury FC lose as “champions” – SBI
As preparations were being made for the title celebration of the New York Cosmos, the players of Ottawa Fury FC lined up together one-by-one to ascend to a stage to receive their runners’ up medals. Awaiting them was head coach Marc Dos Santos, who took the chance to hug the members of a team so close to his heart just one more time.
Ottawa loses to New York in NASL Soccer Bowl – Sportsnet
The Ottawa Fury boasted the best defensive record during the North American Soccer League regular season, its back line winning plaudits for its stinginess and organization.
WFC2 Bringing Back 5 Residency Grads for 2016 – Eighty-Six Forever
The Vancouver Whitecaps FC2 inaugural United Soccer League (USL) season was memorable for many reasons, but the professional debuts made by a number of young Canadian players, who all graduated from the Whitecaps’ residency program, is a yet another exciting development of local players working their way up into the ranks of professional soccer.
NASL commissioner Bill Peterson talks MLS and the potential to coexist – ESPN FC
Last week NASL commissioner Bill Peterson talked to ESPN FC about the positive influence players like Raul, as well as coaches like Alessandro Nesta and owners like Paolo Maldini and NBA star Carmelo Anthony, can have on the league.
NASL Commissioner: Rayo OKC “could be a top club in this country” – Empire of Soccer
It’s safe to say that the NASL’s announcement that Rayo OKC would join the league for the 2016 Spring Season was met with heavy skepticism. Foreign ownership and branding usually does. NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson, though, believes that the dogged nature of this ownership group could set them up for success in the short run up to their inaugural year.
Rapidly rising: An oral history of the United Soccer League – Star News Online
The USL operated with two divisions when, in 2009, NuRock Soccer Holdings, led by Rob Hoskins and Alec Papadakis, purchased it from Nike. Papadakis, an attorney and former professional soccer player, became CEO and laid out a vision for the direction of the league. At the same time, however, a group of owners fed up with the league decided to break off and form their own organization.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
UEFA Women’s Champions League: Chelsea, Atlético and Co seek away comebacks –UEFA
Chelsea’s four ex-Arsenal players are looking for a good omen as they go to Wolfsburg, one of five teams defending last-16 second-leg leads at home, including Frankfurt and Lyon.
Zvezda look to Slavia Praha after league triumph – UEFA
WFC Zvezda 2005 sealed the Russian league title on Sunday to wrap up a domestic double, but coach Goran Aleksić said they have “the most important match of the year looming”.
NCAA Weekly: Blowouts and thrills in first round – The Equalizer
The first weekend of the 2015 NCAA Division I women’ soccer tournament is in the books. There were some blowouts, some upsets and some stunning individual performances. Here’s a look at some of highlights from the first round of action.
Westfield W-League 2015/16 Round 5 Review – Westfield W-League
Melbourne City have further extended their lead at the top of the Westfield W-League to eight points after just five rounds of the competition.
Hope Solo: Why Carli Lloyd should be SI’s 2015 Sportsman of the Year – SI.com
What makes an athlete great? We always talk about how it takes hard work when there is nobody watching. I’m sure we have all heard the many stories about Carli Lloyd and her dedication to her training with the help of her long term mentor and coach, James Galanis.
Not with team, Waldrum in limbo as T&T coach – The Equalizer
When Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s national team takes the field on Friday as part of the 2016 Olympic qualification process, Randy Waldrum won’t be there.
Kirby: I couldn’t have asked for any more – FIFA
The status of role model is one to which many women’s footballers have now become accustomed. With Fran Kirby, though, the influence of her inspirational example extends far beyond young, aspiring female players. Hers is a remarkable story, and one which can only bring comfort and courage to anyone battling to overcome mental health problems or personal tragedy.
Brighton & Hove Albion close gap after Cardiff victory – The FA
Goals in either half from Kate Natkiel and Amy Taylor saw Brighton & Hove Albion cut Cardiff City’s lead in the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division to just one point.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Mexico, USA eye more of the same – FIFA
CONCACAF giants Mexico and USA head into Matchday 2 of group-stage qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ hoping for more of the same after easy wins on Friday night. Panama and Costa Rica meet in a clash for sole leadership in Group B, while Jamaica attempt to revive their fortunes after a surprise opening defeat at home in Kingston.
Juan Carlos Osorio’s first Mexico test will be Honduras, not El Salvador – ESPN FC
Friday night’s World Cup qualifying game between Mexico and El Salvador had all of the makings of a serious and significant match.
Calm before the storm: All quiet as US national team prepare for World Cup qualifier in Trinidad & Tobago – MLS
Sunday saw a quiet afternoon in the Caribbean country’s largest city, with few signs pointing toward Tuesday evening’s vital 2018 World Cup qualifier between the home side and the United States men’s national team.
Paris attacks: France-England soccer match takes on new tone – CBC
The Wembley Arch will be illuminated in the red, white and blue of the French flag. The French motto, “Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite” will be projected onto the front of the stadium. The words of La Marseillaise, France’s national anthem, will be shown on giant screens so that England fans can sing along with their French counterparts.
England vs. France go-ahead my call alone – FFF president Noel Le Graet – ESPN FC
French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet says the decision to go ahead with Tuesday’s friendly against England was made by him alone because it is the right response to last week’s terror attacks in Paris.
Why England vs. France should be a game to savor – Goal
The FFF has decided to go ahead with the fixture at Wembley on Tuesday despite the terror attacks in Paris on Friday night in which 129 people died and hundreds more were injured.
Wayne Rooney: ‘England will give everything to make France proud’ – The Guardian
England will be at pains to show their solidarity with the French team in their friendly on Tuesday night with the captain Wayne Rooney insisting: “All the players will give everything they can to make France proud.”
England hoping to avoid past mistakes with new generation – ESPN FC
An international manager can only work with the tools he’s given, and the quality of footballers any country produces varies significantly from one era to the next, even for those nations currently admired by the rest of Europe.
France bombings will not stop Euro 2016 finals, say organizers – Inside World Football
Organisers of next summer’s European Championship finals in France say they will not be deterred by the Paris terrorist onslaught and that the tournament will go ahead and not be re-allocated.
Everton pay tribute to French supporter who was killed in Paris attacks – The Guardian
Everton have paid tribute to the administrator of one of the club’s French supporters’ groups who was killed in the Paris attacks on Friday.
Hungary beats Norway to qualify for Euro 2016 – Sportsnet
Hungary secured a spot at next year’s European Championship by beating Norway 2-1 Sunday, ending a 30-year absence from major tournaments.
World Cup 2018: African giants eager to avoid upsets – BBC Sport
Egypt head a number of African heavyweights with plenty to do to advance from the second round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
Messi training with Barca B and nearing full fitness ahead of the Clasico – Goal
Barcelona B coach Gerard Lopez revealed the Argentina international has been training with his squad ahead of a possible return against Real Madrid this weekend.
US U-23s smashed 5-1 by rampant Brazil in dispiriting friendly – MLS
The US U-23s started brightly and had their moments, but their Brazilian counterparts showed no mercy in coming back to take a dominant 5-1 win down in Belem.
Does Europa League participation harm a team’s domestic form? – ESPN FC
Living your dream can be a bit of a nightmare. FC Augsburg, a small(ish) club with a minuscule budget and only four years of Bundesliga football under their belt, recently beat AZ Alkmaar 4-1 in the Europa League to keep alive their hopes of qualification for the knockout stage.
FIFA bans FA presidents of Nepal, Laos – Sportsnet
In yet another case of FIFA election bribery, the president of Nepal’s soccer federation was banned for 10 years on Monday. In a related case Monday, the top soccer official from Laos was suspended from soccer for two years by FIFA’s ethics committee.