VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 0 SEATTLE SOUNDERS 0
2017 MLS WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINAL, 1ST LEG
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2017
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC
MLS PLAYOFF PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps 0, Seattle Sounders 0, October 29, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Monique Lamoureux.
Whitecaps FC and Sounders FC play to scoreless draw in tension-filled first leg of Western Conference Semifinal – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Seattle Sounders FC played to a scoreless draw in the first leg of their Western Conference Semifinal series in front of a sellout crowd of 27,837 fans on a tension-filled Sunday evening.
No pre-Halloween Thriller as Whitecaps and Sounders play out Western Conference semi-final bore draw – AFTN
After an explosion of goals on Wednesday, Vancouver Whitecaps and Seattle Sounders finished the first leg of the Western Conference Semi-final in a scoreless draw.
Both the Caps and Sounders can claim victory from this draw – The Province
Like the Old Testament and Ingmar Bergman movies, the beauty of Major League Soccer’s two-game playoff series is the result of the first game can mean anything you want it to mean.
Vancouver Whitecaps defend cautious approach in scoreless draw vs. Seattle – MLS
Vancouver Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson said in the buildup to his side’s Western Conference Semifinal first leg clash with the Seattle Sounders that he was “expecting a chess match” at BC Place on Sunday evening. That’s what he got.
Shorthanded Whitecaps attack fails to muster a threat in playoff draw – SN
As soon as the Vancouver Whitecaps released their starting lineup for Sunday’s Western Conference semifinal first leg against Seattle, it was clear the Cascadia clash wouldn’t be a shootout.
Goals will be needed after Whitecaps and Sounders draw at BC Place – Red Nation Online
Whitecaps FC and Sounders FC will travel down Interstate 5 to Seattle for a match that will be determined by the goals scored Thursday night at CenturyLink Field following a nil-nil first leg western conference semifinal at B.C. Place. 27,837 fans were treated to a chess match as neither side showed much of anything going forward. This sets up a Cascadia clash with the victor heading to the conference finals against Portland or Houston.
Seattle leaves Vancouver happy after tense first leg – ESPN FC
The Seattle Sounders and the Vancouver Whitecaps opened their Western Conference semifinal series with a tepid 0-0 draw at BC Place on Sunday.
After road draw, Seattle’s Frei warns ‘Caps: We’re going to take it to them – MLS
Sunday’s 0-0 draw in the opening leg of their Western Conference Semifinal matchup with Vancouver Whitecaps FC was far from a pretty result for the Seattle Sounders.
Stalemate at BC Place: A case for ending MLS’s two-leg playoffs – Soccer America
The cautious play of two teams wanting to have everything to play for in Thursday’s second leg was a downer for Vancouver’s largest crowd of the season and made the case for abandoning the two-leg format for the conference semifinals and finals.
Whitecaps hold Seattle to a scoreless draw! – Soccer Shorts
Ha! That will teach all those fair weather fans who thought they’d go to an exciting game of playoff soccer a valuable lesson.
New York Red Bulls vs. Toronto FC | 2017 Conference Semifinal Preview – MLS
The New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC are two of MLS’s most hard-luck clubs, with neither having won an MLS Cup in a combined 31 years of existence.
Can in-form New York topple the Eastern champions Toronto FC? – ESPN FC
Fresh off a stunning 4-0 victory over the depleted Chicago Fire, the New York Red Bulls prepare for what might be their toughest test of the playoffs: a date with the Eastern Conference champs, Toronto FC. Here’s how the two teams shape up heading into their conference semifinal.
Red Bulls Are Confident, Not Cocky, for Series Against Toronto – Empire of Soccer
A four-game streak without a loss can do wonders for any team’s confidence, not to mention a 4-0 victory on the road in a knockout playoff game.
Houston Dynamo vs. Portland Timbers | 2017 Conference Semifinal Preview – MLS
The top seed in the Western Conference, the Portland Timbers, kick off their Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs campaign against the hottest team in the West in the Houston Dynamo. The Timbers timed their ascent to the summit just right, as they lost just three of their final 13 MLS regular season games, and with MLS MVP candidate Diego Valeri in fine form, the Timbers are right to be confident of their postseason prospects.
Go for goal: Caleb Porter insists high-scoring Timbers will aim to win in Houston – Soccer America
With all due respect to last year’s epic MLS Eastern Conference final in which 12 goals were scored during 210 minutes of play, most two-leg series are tighter, cagier affairs. Two teams that could crack that mold are paired in the Western semis that kick off Monday.
In his hunt for trophies, Kei Kamara to explore “what’s best for my career” – MLS
Ever since being traded from Columbus Crew SC to the New England Revolution amid controversy last year, Kei Kamara has made no secret that he’s never quite settled into his new surroundings.
Judge Wolff questions MLS over Columbus-Austin connection, asks Bexar DA to investigate –KSAT
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff is seeking clarification from Major League Soccer about San Antonio’s bid for a MLS expansion franchise after the owner of the Columbus Crew announced earlier this month his intention to relocate to Austin. The potential move would almost certainly end San Antonio’s chances of landing an MLS franchise during the next round of expansion.
Wolff asks DA to investigate MLS in Toyota Field deal – San Antonio Express
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff has asked Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood to investigate whether Major League Soccer officials violated any criminal or civil laws when they encouraged the county in 2015 to purchase Toyota Field and submit a bid for an expansion franchise in San Antonio — two years after Anthony Precourt, chairman of the Columbus Crew, had obtained a legal right in 2013 to relocate the Crew to Austin.
Major League Soccer is growing its product in stadiums first and hoping TV will follow – Seattle Times
The good news for MLS is that more people are attending its games in person. The bad news is that it’s struggling to get fans to tune into games on TV.
Canada WNT vs USWNT at BC Place, Vancouver – November 9 – Buy Tickets!
BC SOCCER NEWS
VISL Division 1 Halloween Weekend Results – BC Soccer Web
Some tricks, some treats – some great soccer over the weekend on the Island in top tiered Division 1 play.
WSOC: UBC off to Canada West Final Four with win over Huskies – UBC
The UBC Thunderbirds used two quick goals in the second half to seal a 3-0 win over the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in a Canada West quarter-final on a windy Sunday afternoon on Field 7 in PotashCorp Park.
WolfPack men’s soccer dominate Huskies to win first ever CW QF – TRU Wolfpack
The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack are onto the Canada West final four in men’s soccer. The WolfPack won their first ever playoff match as they downed the host University of Saskatchewan Huskies 5-1 Friday (Oct 27) afternoon at Potash Park.
Clan faces must-win games at home after draw with NNU – SFU
No. 9 ranked Simon Fraser University played to a 2-2 overtime draw with Northwest Nazarene University and dropped into second place in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Saturday afternoon.
WSOC: Vikes hold off Dinos, qualify for Final Four – Canada West
The UVic Vikes women’s soccer team scored a goal early and then weathered a fearsome Calgary Dinos attack to pick up a 1-0 victory inside Centennial Stadium on Oct. 28. With the victory, the Vikes qualify for the Canada West Final Four tournament that will be held in Langley, B.C. from Nov. 3-5.
MSOC: SPARTANS SCORE FIVE FIRST-HALF GOALS TO SPARK WIN OVER CALGARY – TWU
Trinity Western exploded for five goals in the first half, including four in a span of less than 12 minutes, to launch a decisive 6-2 win over Calgary in the Canada West Quarter-Finals Saturday at Chase Office Field.
MSOC: Thunderbirds get by Cougars in extra time – UBC
The UBC Thunderbirds (10-4-1) opened up their playoff run at Thunderbird Stadium Friday night with a hard fought 2-1 victory over the Mount Royal Cougars (4-4-6) in extra time.
Spartans edge Cascades on late goal in Canada West quarter-final – UFV
Rachel Hutchinson’s goal in the 76th minute was the difference as the Trinity Western Spartans edged the University of the Fraser Valley women’s soccer team 1-0 in the Canada West quarter-finals on Saturday.
Dickson scores late but SFU loses season finale 2-1 to Wolves – SFU
Simon Fraser University women’s soccer finished its season on a losing note, dropping a 2-1 decision to Western Oregon University in Great Northwest Athletic Conference soccer action on Saturday afternoon.
Surrey’s star forward Mikayla Hamilton leading the way for Douglas College – Peace Arch News
Hamilton was named PACWEST women soccer’s player of the year.
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!
PHOTOS: CANADA WEST WOMENS FINAL, UBC 3, TWU 0, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
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 WNT vs USWNT at BC Place, Vancouver – November 9 – Buy Tickets!
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
CANADA vs. UNITED STATES
WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017, 7:00 PM
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC
Durham Lords end 20-year soccer drought in Peterborough – Peterborough Examiner
The Durham Lords men’s soccer team ended a 20-year gold medal drought at the OCAA championships Saturday afternoon at the Fleming Sports Field Complex.
Huskies men’s and women’s soccer teams knocked out of Canada West playoffs – Star Phoenix
It was a weekend of upsets on their own pitch for the University of Saskatchewan men’s and women’s soccer teams after both squads lost their quarterfinal games to lower-ranked teams.
Capers on a roll – Cape Breton Post
So far, so good for the Capers two undefeated soccer teams. Although it could be argued that good is not a strong enough word to describe the seasons enjoyed thus far by the pair of Cape Breton University squads.
Memorial University soccer teams are playoff-bound – The Telegram
Sea-Hawks women’s side get bye into semifinal round; men will face UNB in quarter-final .
Erin McLeod: Inside the stars of the game – Women’s Football Stories
Erin McLeod grew up amidst hockey fever in 1983 in Edmonton, Canada. Local team the Edmonton Oilers would go on to the win the Stanley Cup six times by the close of the decade, largely thanks to the legendary Wayne Gretzky.
Fletcher appointed for pivotal World Cup Qualifier – CSA
Canadian FIFA List Assistant Referee Joe Fletcher has been named to the officiating crew for the pivotal inter-confederation playoff match between New Zealand and Peru on November 11 in Wellington, NZ. The winner will qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
Entrance into Canadian Championships will mean opportunity for League1 Ontario – League1 Ontario
Looking at what the chance to play for the Voyageurs Cup means for them, the league and the game.
Canada Soccer launches Ontario Regional EXCEL Super Centre to develop young female talent – CSA
Canada Soccer has partnered with Ontario Soccer, Own the Podium, Sport Canada, the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario, and Bill Crothers Secondary School in Markham, ON, to launch its third Regional EXCEL (REX) Super Centre in Canada. The Ontario Regional EXCEL Super Centre will launch in January 2018 and provide Canada’s top youth talent with a centralised daily training environment that supports Canada’s elite women’s youth players through advanced curriculum.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Eddies cap off 2017 campaign in rainy 2-1 defeat to Miami FC – FC Edmonton
A good effort on the road against the Fall Season champions and a goal from Fordyce ends the NASL campaign for FC Edmonton.
FCE finishes disappointing season by losing fall-season clincher to Miami FC – the11.ca
If Saturday’s game in Miami will indeed go down as FC Edmonton’s final NASL match, or, gulp, last contest ever no matter the league, it was at least nice to see that the club’s all-time leading scorer added to his tally.
The Miami FC claims NASL Fall Season title, defeats FC Edmonton 2-1 – Magic City Soccer
The Miami FC made history Saturday night, as the team defeated FC Edmonton 2-1 to claim the North American Soccer League’s Fall Season title. The team becomes the first squad to win the Spring and Fall title in the same year.
NASL Championship Field Is Set – Empire of Soccer
The final seeding for The Championship, the North American Soccer League’s four-team postseason tournament, came down to the final minute of the last match of the regular season.
Indy Eleven earn draw in season finale, await NASL’s uncertain future – Indy Star
Hankinson, who confirmed his contract expires at the end of November, faces an uncertain future — much like both the NASL and club. The league claimed it won’t be able to survive a demotion from Division II during a September conference call. Its divisional fate for 2018 likely will be determined at an Oct. 31 hearing regarding its federal antitrust lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Rangers Elated as Playoff Run Continues – USL
‘Training ground goal’ earns return trip to Western Conference Final.
Red Bull II Advances to Conference Final – Empire of Soccer
New York Red Bull II is one step, one win, one more road game, from playing to defend its United Soccer League title.
Louisville Edges Rhinos to Advance – USL
Ownby’s goal sends City into third consecutive Eastern Conference Final.
Nashville SC Surpasses 2,000 Season Ticket Holders – USL
2018 expansion club confident of USL-record first-year season ticket sales.
Zappos founder pulls plug on bid for San Francisco pro team – Soccer America
Plans to bring a second pro team to San Francisco collapsed when Swinmurn’s San Francisco Football Club withdrew its bid to become a USL team after it failed to find a home. With that decision, SFFC also pulled the plug on its PDL team, the Burlingame Dragons.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
NCAA Weekend Recap: ACC, SEC tournaments kick off; Stanford three-peats as Pac-12 champs – The Equalizer
The last weekend of October means one thing: the start of NCAA conference tournaments all around the country. Most conferences closed out the 2017 regular season Thursday night, with tournament play kicking off on Sunday.
W-League first round wrap up – Four Four Two
There were some phenomenal contests, cracking goals and defining upsets to kick off the first round of W-League 2017/18. Here’s how each team fared.
Division 1 Féminine Week 7 Review: Lyon thrash Lille to remain unbeaten – Vavel
Victories for Olympique Lyonnnais, Montpellier, PSG, ASPTT Albi and Bordeaux cap off an eventful week in the Division 1 Féminine.
Tom Sermanni Ready To Take Lessons Learned Into Year Three With Pride – Orlando City SC
It was a whirlwind 2017 for the Orlando Pride. In just their second season in existence, the team finished third in the NWSL standings and made the semifinals, falling just one game shy of the championship. Head Coach Tom Sermanni, who has been in charge of the team since its inception, has learned a lot from his two years with the team and is excited for year three.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Sunday European Rewind: Girona shocks Real Madrid, Leicester downs Everton, and more – SBI
Defending La Liga winners Real Madrid suffered their second shock of the season, falling 2-1 at Girona on Sunday. Despite having an early lead on the road, Zinedine Zidane’s men saw a pair of second-half goals by the hosts down them for their second loss of the year. Isco opened the scoring in the 12th-minute which saw Los Blancos up at halftime.
Title dream over? Real Madrid have never won La Liga after being eight points behind – SN
Real Madrid’s latest La Liga defeat has left the reigning champions trailing Barcelona by a deficit they have never previously overcome to win the title.
Serie A’s top five maintain frightening pace, with Milan no match for Juve – The Guardian
Juventus’s Gonzalo Higuaín proved the difference at San Siro as the top five teams’ dominance continued, as did talk of reducing Serie A from 20 teams.
Premier League: Big six are top six as Man United, Man City, Arsenal win – ESPN FC
It’s taken 10 fixtures but the Premier League has finally coalesced to form the top six we were all expecting back in August.
Week 11 review: Paris continue ruthless run – Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain stretched their unbeaten run to 19 matches in all competitions with a 3-0 win over OGC Nice to stay four points clear of nearest rivals AS Monaco, while troubles deepened for Marcelo Bielsa’s LOSC.
Bayern Munich back in customary spot but wait for real Bundesliga test – The Guardian
The returning Jupp Heynckes has breathed new life into Bayern, but with their rivals spluttering, it is hard to judge by exactly how much.
Morata: London is stressful; “I would never have left Juve” – NBC Sports
If you see Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata in a pub in London anytime soon, give him a hug. Morata, 25, has been talking about life in England’s capital city after his summer transfer from Real Madrid and it’s safe to say he is still adjusting.
Rafa Marquez impresses in return; Monterrey continue to dominate – ESPN FC
Playoff places are going down to the wire in Liga MX, with just two rounds of regular season matches to go in the 2017 Apertura following the weekend’s games.
Serbia’s World Cup qualifying boss Slavoljub Muslin loses his job – BBC Sport
Serbia have parted company with coach Slavoljub Muslin, despite him leading them to the World Cup in Russia above the Republic of Ireland and Wales.
U-17 WC: England make history as football takes over India – FIFA
“A new champion, a record and the stars of the future.” If you had to sum up the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 in one short sentence, this would be it, but the event brought much more besides.
‘World Cup triumph is just the start – nobody wants to be forgotten,’ says England U17 captain – The Telegraph
Manchester City defender Joel Latibeaudiere joined an elite list of players to raise a trophy as England captain as the Young Lions won the Under-17 World Cup on Saturday – but he wants to be remembered for more.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland request to wear poppies – BBC Sport
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will request permission from Fifa to wear poppies during November’s international matches.
Saudi Arabia to permit women inside stadiums for first time – SN
The Chairman of the General Authority for Sports in Saudi Arabia has announced that women will be allowed to attend sporting events for the first time starting in January 2018.
Fans of ‘world’s worst team’ celebrate loss in Brazil – Sportsnet
Fans of the self-proclaimed “world’s worst team” celebrated Monday after their team was eliminated from a soccer tournament in Brazil.
2017’s TOP SOCCER BOOKS