BC Wildfire Disaster Relief – Donate to the Canadian Red Cross
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VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
2017 MLS ALL-STAR GAME
MLS ALL-STARS 1 REAL MADRID 1 (2-4 Penalties)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017
SOLDIER FIELD, CHICAGO, IL.
MLS All-Stars unfazed by shootout loss to Real Madrid on memorable night – MLS
Stefan Frei had already turned around to wave to the fans and say thank you, thinking he had helped the MLS All-Stars to a 1-1 draw against the champions of Europe, when he was all of a sudden informed that “no, no we’re going to PKs” and there had to be a winner in the 2017 MLS All-Star Game.
Chicago Fire All-Stars revel in “unbelievable” atmosphere, experience at Soldier Field – Chicago Fire
As the spine of one of Major League Soccer’s best teams thus far in 2017, the Chicago Fire’s All-Star quartet — striker Nemanja Nikolic, central midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Dax McCarty, and centerback Johan Kappelhof — also were in the middle of the action throughout an entertaining 2017 MLS All-Star Game in their home city.
Pars snap up winger Fraser Aird – Dunfermline Press
Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston has bolstered his side’s wide options with the signing of Canadian winger & former Vancouver Whitecap Fraser Aird.
Struggling Impact close to signing Canadian midfielder Piette – Sportsnet
The expected signing of Canadian national team midfielder Samuel Piette is about the only thing anyone on the Montreal Impact has to smile about lately.
How Samuel Piette Can Improve Montreal – Mount Royal Soccer
Following a solid Gold cup tournament outing produced by Canadian international Samuel Piette, many Impact fans have been clamoring for a transfer involving the French Canadian. Due to his resounding performances in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, an abundance of teams from Europe and North America alike have tabled offers to the defensive midfielder. The Montreal Impact are among the teams in the hunt for the ‘Bulldog’.
Passed over by 13 teams, Toronto FC’s Marky Delgado has become impossible to ignore – Waking the Red
In under three years, the midfielder has gone from last player taken in a dispersal draft to potential USA international of the future.
Major League Soccer sees influx of African players flocking to America and finding success – Oregon Live
The number of African-born players in MLS jumped from 16 in 2006 to 28 in 2007 when the league expanded its salary budget. That number has continued to rise as MLS has increased its international roster spots and become a more desirable option for foreign players, including Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba, who competed in MLS for two years after a celebrated career at Chelsea. This season, a record 45 African-born players are competing in MLS, many of whom are finding significant success in the league.
MLS Moves: Sounders use TAM to sign Spanish winger – Soccer America
The second coming of Alvaro Fernandezto Seattle didn’t turn out very well, and six weeks after his contract expired the Sounders have signed a replacement. Spanish winger Víctor Rodríguez, 28, comes to MLS from Sporting Gijon, one of many clubs he’s played for in his native country since starting his pro career with CF Baladona.
MLS and Adidas Extend Deal – Empire of Soccer
Players in Major League Soccer and its affiliates will be decked out in uniforms with three stripes through 2024 — and perhaps beyond — after the league and Adidas extended their current partnership for six years.
A closer look at video review in MLS: Goals and penalty decisions – Whitecaps FC
Video review is coming to Major League Soccer. Leading up to Saturday’s league-wide launch, whitecapsfc.com is digging deeper into the four match-changing situations eligible for review.
Radio Cascadia – Episode 119 – AFTN
We’re pleased to announce that this month starts the official partnership of the AFTN Soccer Show and Radio Cascadia. The two shows have worked closely together these past seasons, but as we look to expand the listenership of both podcasts to wider audiences, AFTN Soccer Show episodes will now appear on the excellent Prost Amerika website, with Radio Cascadia episodes appearing here. Here’s the latest offering from the Radio Cascadia. Give it a listen below.
Stoke City FC Coaches at Kamloops Youth Soccer High Performance School
BC SOCCER NEWS
Penelakut Island twin brothers win soccer gold at North American Indigenous Games – Ladysmith Chronicle
Twin brothers from Penelakut Island have returned back home after capturing soccer gold at the North American Indigenous Games in Ontario last month.
Indigenous Games a growing experience for PoCo soccer players – Tri-City News
A pair of Port Coquitlam soccer players are back from the 2017 North American Indigenous Games in Toronto with more than just gold medals. Aubrey Sparvier and Tahlaela Marks also have a new appreciation for their First Nations’ heritage and culture.
TRU Men’s soccer preparing for biggest season in U Sports – CFJC
Training camp is underway for the WolfPack men’s soccer team ahead of the Canada West season. A program on the upward curve the WolfPack will host U Sports nationals in November — the best university soccer teams in Canada will gather at Hillside Stadium to compete for the Canadian University Championship.
WolfPack Men’s Soccer Adds Big International Component – TRU
The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team will have a big international component when they step on the field later this month to open their 2017-18 Canada West season.
Kamloops minor sports feeling the effects of wildfire smoke – Infotel
Both the Kamloops Minor Baseball Association and the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association have had to keep players off the field due to the cloud of smoke that has been plaguing the area.
‘We are going forward’ — Kamloops Invitational Soccer Tournament organizer says show will go on – Kamloops This Week
Rob Piva wants to make it abundantly clear the 27th Kamloops Invitational Soccer Tournament (KIST) is a go. “The impression is Kamloops is on fire,” said Piva, tournament co-ordinator. “I’m trying to explain to people — it’s not on fire. “Yes, we are a little bit concerned about the smoke, but I’m looking at the forecast and it’s looking super. It’s going to be hot, but it’s going to be clear.”
16 youth soccer teams to travel to Mexico for the Scotiabank CONCACAF Under-13 Champions League tournament – Cision
Under-13 academy players from Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC will be vying for the prestigious tournament cup, competing against players from nine other CONCACAF countries, including: Costa Rica; El Salvador; Honduras; Jamaica; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Trinidad; and, the USA, with 16 teams participating in total.
Mihai Hodut signs with UBC Thunderbirds – UBC
The UBC men’s soccer program have added to their midfield corps by signing Burnaby, BC native Mihai Hodut. Hodut was a standout player, especially during the latter years of his youth career for both Mountain FC, under the tutelage of former Canadian National Team defender Nick Dasovic. He has most recently been named to Team BC for the 2017 Canada Summer Games.
Saanich soccer team has a kick at Gothia Cup – Victoria News
Flight delays. A last-minute victory. Two victories through penalty shoot-outs. Those were just some of the memories that the players of Alma Libre Futbol Club youth soccer team playing under the team Gorge FC brought home from their trip to Europe last month, where they played in the Gothia Cup, the world’s largest youth soccer tournament held in Gothenburg, Sweden.
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
Thunder Bay Chill eager for shot at second championship – TB Newswatch
The Thunder Bay Chill are one win away from its first PDL title since 2008.
Hamilton to rename Ancaster soccer field after Olympian Melissa Tancredi – Hamilton News
Ancaster native and Olympian Melissa Tancredi will be getting a field named in her honour.
Yukon soccer team cements landmark finish with win over N.W.T. – Yukon News
Yukon’s first soccer goal of this week’s Canada Summer Games turned out to be a history maker. With the goal, Yukon took a 1-0 win over rival territory N.W.T. in female soccer Aug. 1 in Winnipeg. It’s Yukon’s first win in female soccer at the Canada Games since beating N.W.T. in 2005.
Two Manitoba players join Whitecaps FC Residency program – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Wednesday that two players from Manitoba have been selected to join the full-time boys Residency program, set to move to the new National Soccer Development Centre (NSDC).
Fort McMurray to host youth soccer provincial championships – My McMurray
Fort McMurray has once again received the honour to host a provincial sports event. This time the Fort McMurray Youth Soccer Association placed a successful bid to host the 2017 U14 Tier II boys and girls outdoor provincial soccer championships on Aug. 11 – 13, 2017 at the Syncrude Athletic Park.
Kingston Soccer park back in action – Whig-Standard
The sound of young children kicking a ball around, referees blowing whistles and shouts of encouragement from parents and coaches on four soccer fields at John Machin Soccer Park will be heard again by early next week. The east end soccer pitches were silenced last month after a Kingston youth took a joy ride on the fields in his parents’ pickup truck on Canada Day night.
Development Week: Does climate limit soccer progress in Canada? – Whitecaps FC
Is Canada’s climate a disadvantage? Or is it a positive? On the one hand, you can point to our country hosting big international matches in less than rosy weather as an advantage. Look no further than the September 1985 match that qualified Canada for our lone appearance in a men’s World Cup, beating Honduras 2-1 at cold little King George V Park in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador. On the other hand, Canada’s sometimes frigid, rainy, and snowy conditions make it difficult to foster a soccer culture among our youth.
Rivalry Renewed: Tickets on sale today for Canada v USA at BC Place on 9 November – CSA
Individual tickets to the Canada v USA Women’s International Friendly on 9 November in Vancouver are now on sale via Ticketmaster.ca.
Connect with Soccer! Advertise today with BC Soccer Web
WFC2, USL, NASL & NPSL NEWS
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
WFC2 3 RIO GRANDE VALLEY FC 3
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017
THUNDERBIRD STADIUM, VANCOUVER, BC
USL PHOTOS: WFC2 3, Rio Grande Valley FC 3, August 2, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
Whitecaps FC 2, Rio Grande Valley FC draw in wild nooner at Thunderbird Stadium – Whitecaps FC
Whitecaps FC 2 (4W-10L-6D) drew the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (6W-10L-4D) 3-3 in a thrilling matinee goalfest at UBC Thunderbird Stadium on Wednesday.
Late Goal Earns Toros Draw with WFC2 – USL
A stoppage-time penalty kick by Ruben Luna earned Rio Grande Valley FC a 3-3 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on Wednesday afternoon at Thunderbird Stadium in a game that saw both teams hold the lead, but neither find a way to end their current winless streaks.
Ameobi hits century mark with FC Edmonton – Edmonton Sun
Tomi Ameobi had never spent more than a year with a professional soccer club before arriving to play in Canada. Four seasons later, Ameobi, 28, celebrated his 100th appearance with FC Edmonton, scoring a goal in a 2-1 loss to the Indy Eleven on Sunday.
FC Cincinnati uses second-half winner to edge Miami FC in U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal – SBI
Coming into Wednesday’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal at Riccardo Silva Stadium, both sides knew what was stake. The winner of the all second-tier showdown would host the New York Red Bulls in one of two semifinals slated for August 9.
Kempin Shines as Los Dos down OCSC – USL
The LA Galaxy II’s Jon Kempin notched an eight-save shutout as Los Dos took a 1-0 victory against Orange County SC in the third and final 405 Derby of the season on Wednesday night at StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium. The win saw the Galaxy II extend their undefeated streak to four games.
Two US clubs bring action to international sports court to force pro/rel – Prost Amerika
Two American soccer clubs, Kingston Stockade and Miami FC are taking US Soccer to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to force promotion and relegation into US Soccer, per a joint press release.
A Tech Executive’s Latest Start-Up Has Cleats, Jerseys and Goals – NY Times
It was the most important game in the brief history of Kingston Stockade F.C. First place was on the line. So was the first real chance to draw 1,000 fans.
LA Galaxy II make history by signing 15-year-old Efrain Alvarez – SBI
LA Galaxy II has made USL history with the signing of 15-year-old Efrain Alvarez, the youngest player to pen a contract in the league’s six-year existence.
USL provides big boost to young pro prospects – Soccer America
Thirteen years ago, Michael Orozco was one of the most talented young players in Southern California. The Los Angeles Galaxy invited the 18-year-old to training. Though Orozco impressed, he wasn’t ready for first team play on a squad full of seasoned veterans that in following year became 2005 MLS champs.
Palmer’s Armada plans: Get more fans watching – Jacksonville Daily Record
Robert Palmer, founder and CEO of Robert Palmer Companies — which include RP Funding, HomeValue.com and Listing Power Tools — purchased the Jacksonville Armada FC. The purchase was announced July 18.
USL PHOTOS: WFC2 1, Reno 1868 FC 1, July 15, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
Connect with Soccer! Advertise today with BC Soccer Web
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Women’s Euro 2017: Two favorites in one semifinal – DW
The 2017 Women’s Euro has been a huge success on and off the pitch. As the semifinals approach, the tournament gears up towards a record-breaking finish. But who will be left standing at the end of it all?
England feeling confident ahead of Euro semis – The Equalizer
England is busy getting set to play the Netherlands on Thursday, a spot in the European Championship Final on the line. The Lionesses are finding new ways to win and showing improvement in each and every match.
Lieke Martens adds magic to Holland as they prepare for England semi-final – The Guardian
Barcelona’s brilliant winger will come up against Lucy Bronze in a duel that could help decide a potentially thrilling semi-final.
Euro 2017: Denmark vs Austria Preview – An unexpected semi-final – Vavel
The Danes and Austrians are set to meet in a last four tie that few, if any, had predicted before the tournament started.
AUDIO: Women’s EURO podcast: Semi-final Thursday – UEFA
Our expert panel previews the semi-finals with help from Jodie Taylor, Vivianne Miedema and Theresa Nielsen in the latest official UEFA Women’s EURO podcast.
VIDEO: UEFA TV Streaming all Women’s EURO 2017 Matches – YouTube
You can watch the entire Euro 2017 tournament live on Uefa’s YouTube Channel.
Culture Shift? Tournament of Nations has 3 women coaches – Red Deer Advocate
An ongoing shift in women’s soccer has been apparent at the Tournament of Nations — not on the field but on the sidelines. Three of the four teams participating in the international event have female coaches, a rare majority in soccer.
FC Kansas City Signs Sydney Miramontez – FC Kansas City
FC Kansas City announced today the signing of Sydney Miramontez. The rookie defender has been training with the Blues this season, as well as playing for the WPSL’s GSI Pride. Per team and league policies, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
UCD Waves bolster squad with three new signings – Irish WNL
UCD Waves have bolstered their ranks with three new signings as they head into the final stages of the Continental Tyres Women’s National League.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
La Liga refuses to accept €222m from PSG for Barcelona’s Neymar – ESPN FC
La Liga has confirmed to ESPN FC it has refused to accept a €222 million payment from Paris Saint-Germain to trigger Barcelona star Neymar’s buyout clause.
Qatar-backed PSG pushes the envelope with Neymar deal – Soccer America
The Gulf boycott of Qatar doesn’t prevent Qatar Sports Investments from investing money abroad in soccer, and it’s set to spent almost $500 million — yes, half a billion dollars — on one player.
PSG signing Neymar a PR coup for isolated Qatar – Metro
By signing the Brazilian star for its flagship sporting asset, Qatar would be projecting a business-as-usual image to foreign allies and investors after two months locked in a bitter diplomatic dispute with its neighbours .
From new Messi to new Figo: Neymar’s behaviour has ruined his legacy at Camp Nou forever – SN
He was supposed to be the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne. Signed to complement the world’s best player, but ultimately to succeed him, Neymar was to be Barcelona’s next superstar. But instead, he leaves as another Luis Figo.
Your Neymar XI: Buy your Premier League summer transfer XI with £198m – BBC Sport
Neymar or four Kyle Walkers? Or how about an entire Premier League XI? Armed with £198m – the world record fee Paris St-Germain are set to pay for Barcelona forward Neymar – we want you to buy a team made up of Premier League players who have moved this summer.
Transfer window 2017 – every deal in Europe’s top five leagues – The Guardian
All the moves in the top leagues of England, Spain, Italy, France and Germany as well as club-by-club guides for all the ins and outs this summer.
Watch the 2017-18 Bundesliga season live on Sportsnet – Sportsnet
Sportsnet has announced it broadcast schedule for the 2017-18 Bundesliga season. Viewers can watch the German Supercup and Bundesliga matches on Sportsnet’s family of channels.
Portsmouth sold to former Disney chief executive Michael Eisner – The Guardian
The former Disney chief executive Michael Eisner has completed his takeover of Portsmouth. The Tornante Company, headed by Eisner, had been conducting its due diligence since May but has now finalised a deal to purchase the League One club reported to be worth £5.67m.
United Soccer Coaches is new name for NSCAA – Soccer America
United Soccer Coaches is the new name for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. The name was introduced in Chicago at an event featuring Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Fire president Nelson Rodriguez, United Soccer Coaches president Charlie Slagle, United Soccer Coaches CEO Lynn Berling-Manuel and Amanda Vandervort, MLS’s vice president of social media and CRM.
Premier League bans elaborate pitch designs for 2017-18 season – ESPN FC
The Premier League has announced that unusual pitch patterns and designs are no longer permitted. Leicester City — who cut a club badge into the pitch last season — and Southampton have produced a number of unique patterns in recent years.
Ligue 1 duo in Europa League action – Ligue 1
Girondins de Bordeaux and Olympique de Marseille will hope first-leg victories in their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round ties will pave the way to the play-offs when they head into Thursday’s second leg games.
UCL: Nice eliminate Ajax, Young Boys upset Dynamo Kyiv – UEFA
Fourteen of the 15 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round ties concluded on Wednesday, with Nice and Young Boys eliminating Ajax and Dynamo Kyiv respectively on away goals.
Mario Balotelli joins fans in a bar to watch Nice progress in Champions League – SN
Mario Balotelli may have been forced to sit out Nice’s Champions League qualifier with Ajax, but the Italian striker joined fans in a bar to take in the action.
National Fans’ Survey: Two-thirds of fans asked say clubs do not care about them – BBC Sport
An influential supporters’ group says there is a “worrying disconnect between clubs and fans”, and most feel ignored on issues such as ticket prices.
Ronaldo: The Life of “Dadado” – The Players’ Tribune
“When I think about the World Cup, the first thing that comes to my mind is paint. Little tin cans of paint, in blues and greens and yellows. The brightest colors you could imagine. In Brazil, there’s this tradition every four years before the tournament starts. You go out and you paint the streets of your town. It’s sort of a competition to see who ends up with the most beautiful murals and pavements”
Grounds for optimism: a photo essay from the first day of the football season – The Guardian
When the season kicked off last August, a photographer and a writer visited Cowdenbeath, Dunfermline, Alloa, Falkirk, Gorgie and Perth in search of action.
Forest Green Rovers shake up league with big dreams — and a vegan menu – ESPN FC
It began with a hippy, a way-out idea and a windmill at the top of a hill and has mushroomed into an outlandishly new way of footballing life. This is the odyssey of Forest Green Rovers, a little sports club with big dreams like no other, the repository of two fantastically improbable stories.
2017’s TOP SOCCER BOOKS