VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announce new USL affiliation with Fresno FC – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday a new affiliation agreement with USL expansion team Fresno FC. With the new affiliation, the club also announced that Whitecaps FC 2 will not be returning for the 2018 USL season.
Can the Vancouver Whitecaps change their ways? (Part One) – Soccer Shorts
Almost from the moment the final whistle sounded the official line has been that Vancouver did very well to be where they were and were actually (if you squint a bit, tilt your head to one side and then press your fingers against your temples really hard) quite close to getting a result. We all saw the games.
Can the Vancouver Whitecaps change their ways? (Part Two) – Soccer Shorts
Last time out we wondered if maybe, just maybe, the way the Vancouver Whitecaps dealt with the manner in which their season ended could have been handled in a more effective manner. This time out we’ll look at the thing most of us care about a little bit more. What happens on the field.
MLS Playoffs: Can the Crew stop historically good Toronto FC? – Fansided
Toronto FC face the Columbus Crew in the MLS Eastern Conference finals. Here’s what to expect from the tie.
Toronto FC have no room for doubt against the Columbus Crew – Waking the Red
Toronto FC have one road game, one home game and then, all being well, another at BMO Field left between them and a first MLS Cup.
Short-handed TFC won’t take conservative approach vs. Crew – Sportsnet
Can Toronto FC win without Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore? It’s an important question TFC will attempt to answer when they take on the Columbus Crew in the first leg of their Eastern Conference final series.
Toronto FC preparing to deal with ‘dangerous’ Crew talisman Higuain – SN
For Toronto FC, the key to stopping the Columbus Crew is starving Federico Higuain of the ball.
Changing of the guard in Toronto FC goal happened without a ripple – CTV
It speaks volumes about Toronto FC’s smooth path this year that it made MLS history with a 69-point regular season while manoeuvring a changing of the guard in goal that barely made a headline.
Toronto FC supporters concerned about CFL logos; Groundsman responds ‘we wouldn’t allow something to happen’ – Toronto Sun
It sounds insane, but BMO Field groundskeeper Robert Heggie has had more interview requests since 2015 than most GMs in this league.
2017 MLS Playoffs, Houston Dynamo vs Seattle Sounders Preview: Dynamo ready to wreak playoff brackets as they host Seattle in leg 1 of the Western Conference Championship – Dynamo Theory
What good is a pre-ordained narrative if you can’t completely wreak it? After all it was supposed to be the Seattle Sounders facing the Portland Timbers to see who would represent the Western Conference in the MLS Cup.
MLS Spotlight: Ex-Arsenal defender Senderos capitalizing on Houston Dynamo gamble – SN
Given the circumstances, few people would have been surprised if Philippe Senderos had settled into a nice rotation role with the Houston Dynamo.
Patrice Bernier to join Academy technical staff – Montreal Impact
The Montreal Impact announced on Friday that former first team captain Patrice Bernier will begin his new position as an assistant coach to the Academy teams as of January 4, 2018.
MLS could be big loser if Columbus moves to Austin – AP
In the end, MLS will be as big a loser in this affair as the good people of Columbus. For the league’s growing fan base, who chant and sing and tell themselves that MLS is different than those other American leagues, this should be a clear sign that it’s not. Money rules, not loyalty.
NYCFC’s David Villa to fight retirement; denies return to Europe – ESPN FC
David Villa has played down talk of a return to European football and said he is focused on postponing retirement as long as possible.
Report: LAFC to add Egyptian international Omar Gaber – Angels on Parade
With 2018 MLS expansion team Los Angeles Football Club just weeks away from the start of their inaugural training camp, the transfer rumors should be coming at a rapid clip. In that vein, a report emerged from KingFut.com on Saturday, a reputable English-language blog on Egyptian soccer, that LAFC will be signing defender Omar Gaber from FC Basel.
MLS Players Likely to Be In World Cup – MLS Multiplex
The USMNT Won’t Be In Russia, But MLS Could Be Well Represented.
With Caleb Porter out in Portland, here’s how long each MLS coach has been in his job – Philly.com
Caleb Porter’s stunning exit in Portland this week marked the seventh MLS head coach to leave his position this calendar year, either by choice or force. He was the third longest-serving boss in the 22-team (soon to be 23-team) league behind Peter Vermes and Ben Olsen. Only five current coaches have guided the same club without interruption for four full seasons.
BC SOCCER NEWS
VISL Results & Standings – Nov. 20 – BC Soccer Web
Week 11 proved to be an exciting one. Some big games had big results, and the division placements for teams had some movement.
Congratulations to all BCSPL League Cup Champions! – BCSPL
BCSPL League Cup finals took place over the weekend.
BCSPL announces Referee of the Year, enhanced 2018 referee development plans, and referee assignments for League Cup Finals – BCSPL
The EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League is pleased to announce the 2017 award for “BCSPL Referee of the Year” to Inan Bakan. Following on the heels of the inaugural 2016 award winner, Mahmoud Ektefaie, the BCSPL is proud of Inan’s work officiating in the BCSPL over the course of the 2017 season. The BCSPL is also pleased to outline the enhanced Referee Development program that will be in place for 2018.
Valentine: ‘I felt vulnerable and alone’ – Whitecaps FC
On Thursday night, I completed a couple of firsts in my life: sleeping outside and sleeping in a sleeping bag as part of the annual Covenant House Sleep Out. I knew it was going to be tough physically and mentally. And I was right.
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.
BC Soccer Web’s 2017 Soccer & Sports Book Recommendations – BC Soccer Web
Over the years, there have been many books on soccer and sport that have given us joy, laughter, and much to think about. We’re happy to share these with you. We’ll be updating this list as new titles become available, so keep checking.
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
The CONCACAF League of Nations Through Canadian Eyes – We Are Red In the 6ix
CONCACAF has just announced that it will be forming a League of Nations (much like the model that UEFA will be adopting) to complement its World Cup qualifying cycle. Much of the reasoning behind this plan is to give weight to the other dates on the international calendar – the “meaningless friendlies” so to speak.
Sorrentino’s restaurant family steeped in soccer tradition – Edmonton Journal
Three of the couple’s four son are retired soccer players and the plan to make sure they all have bright business futures began in 2015 with the opening in St. Albert of Buco Pizzeria and Vino Bar.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
The ThunderCaps are Officially No More – Eighty-Six Forever
While we have known about the move for about a month now, the Vancouver Whitecaps made the official announcement Friday that they have entered into an affiliation agreement with USL Fresno FC for next season.
Fresno FC GM Frank Yallop on partnership with WFC: ‘This is the perfect scenario’ – Whitecaps FC
Whitecaps FC announced on Friday a new affiliation agreement with USL expansion side Fresno FC, allowing the club’s prospects a new opportunity and challenge as they work their way up to the first team.
NO SETTLEMENT: NASL, USSF agreement unravels – Front Row Soccer
The North American Soccer League and U.S. Soccer Federation had agreed to an out-of-court settlement that would have given the league Division Two status before the agreement unraveled this past week, according to a source in the U.S. soccer community.
Work on USL Austin at “Dead Stop”– Sports Stadium Digest
As the effort to lure Columbus Crew SC to the city continues, the leader behind a relaunched USL Austin club says work on his plan is at a “dead stop.”
Technical director Graham Smith steps down at expansion hopeful Sacramento – MLS
Sacramento Republic FC technical director Graham Smith has stepped down for the USL side, a club that is one of 12 groups in the running to secure one of four MLS expansion franchises.
NASL Struggles Have Massive Impact on Professional Soccer in Florida – The Mane Land
The recent turmoil with the NASL has shaken up the American soccer landscape, and could have an impact on Orlando City.
Four TFC II players complete training stint in Denmark – Toronto FC
Four Toronto FC II players have returned from a training stint with Danish side HB Køge. Liam Fraser, Malik Johnson, Luca Uccello, and Aidan Daniels were all with the club from November 7th to 19th.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Women’s World Cup race resumes in Europe – FIFA
While all 32 berths at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia have now been filled, qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 has only recently begun.
W-League week 4 review: Sydney FC grab their first win of the season – Vavel
It was a thrilling round of fixtures in the W-League this week as two of the four games were decided with late winners, with both Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar grabbing last-gasp victories.
Emily Gielnik talks keeping sharp in Europe and rising with the Matildas – Vavel
Australian international doing her best to keep warm in Norway.
NCAA Tournament second round recap – The Equalizer
All 16 matches in the 2017 NCAA Tournament took place on Friday night, with the field being cut in half in advance of Sunday’s third round. Here’s a quick recap of all of Friday night’s win-or-go-home excitement.
Division 1 Féminine Week 9 Review: PSG remain unbeaten after a second-half comeback – Vavel
The would-be challengers for the league title put in an inspired second half performance to stay in touch with league leaders Olympique Lyonnais and keep Olympique de Marseille rooted at the bottom of the standings.
The referee breaking unseen barriers for women in soccer – CTV
Having made the breakthrough, the first woman referee in any of Europe’s top soccer leagues is asking how long it will take for other countries to follow Germany’s example.
Video: 100 Women: ‘We invaded the football pitch to win the right to play’ – BBC
Women were banned from playing football in Brazil for more than 30 years, and girls can still struggle to be taken seriously on the pitch. A team from BBC 100 Women is working on helping girls feel more integrated in Brazil’s football culture.
VIDEO: Young girls pull off slick dance moves to show ‘there’s more to football than football’ in FA’s latest film – The Drum
The Football Association (FA) rolled out the second phase of its ‘For All’ campaign to promote equality within the sport.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Sunday European Rewind: Sampdoria shocks Juventus, Schalke defeats Hamburg, and more – SBI
Sampdoria provided the shock of the weekend across European action, as the hosts downed Juventus 3-2 at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium.
Arsenal approach stops Spurs, Madrid derby helps Barcelona, Juventus slump – ESPN FC
Never mind those Arsenal/Tottenham combined XIs that were all the rage or that Arsene Wenger’s sporting obituary has been written many times over; Saturday’s North London derby was a reminder that fitness matters and tactics matter and that, while Mesut Ozil may be inconsistent, when he’s on a high he’s a difference-maker.
Arsenal downs Tottenham, Manchester City stays unbeaten – Toronto Star
Arsenal chipped away at Tottenham’s recent north London supremacy with a derby victory. Catching the Manchester City juggernaut, though, is looking harder by the week in the English Premier League.
West Brom consider Alan Pardew and Nigel Pearson after sacking Tony Pulis – The Guardian
West Bromwich Albion are prepared to take time to consider their options after Tony Pulis was relieved of his post on Monday following a poor run of results that culminated in the 4-0 home thrashing by Chelsea on Saturday, with Nigel Pearson, Alan Pardew and Martin O’Neill among the potential candidates to succeed him.
WEEK 13 REVIEW: PARIS PULL CLEAR AS CHASERS HELD – Ligue 1
Paris, 4-1 winners over Nantes, stretched their lead atop the Ligue 1 Conforama standings to six points as Monaco, Lyon and Marseille were all held. Meanwhile LOSC got a second win in a row, trumping Saint-Etienne 3-1.
Pressure builds on Borussia Dortmund manager Peter Bosz – NBC Sports
Borussia Dortmund has fallen to fifth in the Bundesliga table thanks to a trio of consecutive losses in league play, and suddenly there is loads of pressure on manager Peter Bosz.
Insigne runs Napoli show on uplifting Serie A weekend laced with regret – The Guardian
The striker granted just 15 minutes of Italy’s play-off defeat against Sweden continued the scintillating club form that made his omission so controversial.
Copa Libertadores final: Argentina’s Lanus v Brazil’s Gremio – Metro
It’s Argentina vs. Brazil in the final of the Copa Libertadores, but with clubs of very different dimensions.
Antonio Conte is first choice for Italian Football Federation boss – BBC Sport
Italian Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio has hinted that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte would be his first choice to be the new Azzurri coach.
Jonathan Gonzalez’s Monterrey, William Yarbrough’s Club Leon headline Liga MX Liguilla field – SBI
Several Americans will have hopes of leading their team to a major trophy as the Liga MX Apertura Liguilla field has been finalized.
Monterrey caps brilliant regular season as Liga MX playoffs set – ESPN FC
Atlas and Cruz Azul both confirmed their places in the 2017 Apertura playoffs this weekend, with Necaxa losing out in the final round of matches in the regular season.
Italy soccer chief Carlo Tavecchio resigns after failing to qualify for World Cup – Toronto Star
After Sweden’s playoff win over Italy, there have been calls for a complete overhaul of the nation’s most popular sport, from amateur leagues right up to Serie A and the national teams.
AFC Champions League: AL HILAL’S DOMINANCE BREAKS AT NISHIKAWA WALL – AFC
Al Hilal left King Fahd International Stadium wondering what more could they have done to get a win as Urawa Red Diamonds came away from Saudi Arabia with a valuable 1-1 draw to hand them a slight, but important advantage ahead of the second leg of the AFC Champions League in Saitama.
NCAA Division I Men’s Tournament: Six seeds fall at home in second round – Soccer America
Colgate, which won its first ever NCAA Division I Men’s Tournament game in seven appearances dating back to 1959 on Thursday, rallied from two games to beat No. 13 seed Michigan, 3-2 in the second round on Sunday night.
U.S. Soccer might not hire a coach until after the World Cup – Washington Post
The U.S. Soccer Federation is not planning to hire a men’s national soccer team coach before the organization’s presidential election in February, and with no major competitions in the near future, it might wait until the pool of potential candidates grows after next summer’s World Cup, multiple people familiar with the situation said over the weekend.
Scottish Cup: Derbies in fourth round, Celtic v Brechin, Fraserburgh v Rangers – BBC Sport
Holders Celtic will meet Brechin City in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup while Hearts will host Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.
Aberdeen: US businessman makes six-figure investment in stadium project – BBC Sport
American businessman Tom Crotty has invested £775,000 into Aberdeen after buying up a tranche of shares.
Hassan Al Thawadi on FIFA Trial: ‘There is no evidence against Qatar’ – SN
With just five years left for the 2022 World Cup, Hassan Al Thawadi, the Secretary General of Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), has quashed suggestions of the country possibly losing the opportunity to host the mega football event.
World Cup bribes, death threats: Corrupt world of FIFA – Medicine Hat News
Hour after hour in a New York City courtroom, the schemes to corrupt world soccer are spilling out. The millions of dollars in “inducements” to secure contracts to televise matches. The bribes sought by FIFA executives with the power to determine World Cup hosts. The death threats for co-operating with investigators.
Successful first run for anti-discrimination monitoring system – FIFA
With the last match of FIFA World Cup qualifiers played and the 32 teams headed to Russia confirmed, FIFA has also concluded that the first ever anti-discrimination monitoring system for the qualifiers was successful.
Why we over-coach, why we shouldn’t, and how not to – Soccer America
While returning the player cards to a coach of the 9-year-olds I’d been reffing, I told him I noticed he had coached throughout the entire game, that he had not gone one minute without yelling something from the sidelines. This was a friendly guy who didn’t get defensive about what he could have taken as criticism. So we talked for a while.
2017’s TOP SOCCER BOOKS