BC Soccer News, Thursday, February 14, 2019

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS

Expansion-like Whitecaps increase work ahead of L.A. leg of preseasonVancouver Sun
There might be a few players who have never seen snow on the Whitecaps, but it’s just one of many adjustments the team will make as it tries to establish a new identity.

As Whitecaps learn path to lifting the Voyageurs Cup, Dos Santos acclaims expanded tournament: “It looks like a Canadian Championship now”AFTN
Vancouver Whitecaps learned their path to lifting the 2019 Voyageurs Cup yesterday when the draw was made for this year’s competition.

Toronto FC returns home from California camp, still looking to fill big holesThe Star
Toronto FC left the California sunshine Wednesday for its wintry home and final phase of a tumultuous training camp.

A new force out West? Dynamo feel more balanced after tough 2018MLS
The Houston Dynamo don’t have the star power, deep pockets or the same levels of recent success as the four other MLS teams preparing for the start of the Concacaf Champions League, but they do have the top-end talent to make some serious noise in the competition and in league action this year.

FC Cincinnati acquires winger Kekuta MannehCincinnati Soccer Talk
FC Cincinnati acquired the rights of 24-year-old left winger Kekuta Manneh from Columbus Crew SC for $300K in allocation money. Manneh most recently played for the Swiss Super League club FC St. Gallen 1879, and his transfer from that club will be a free one. Manneh will not take up an international spot either.

Five incoming MLS players who provide litmus testsNBC Sports
Even with a name like Pogba in the running, it will not make the list of most intriguing MLS transfers so far this offseason (and there may be more to come, especially with Toronto FC holding a Designated Player spot and reportedly chasing a star in the Belgian top flight).

Portland Timbers renegotiate transfer fee for Aljaz Ivacic after physical reveals leg injuryOregon Live
The Portland Timbers have renegotiated the terms of their deal to acquire Aljaz Ivacic from Slovenian PrvaLiga side NK Olimpija Ljubljana after determining that the 25-year-old goalkeeper would need corrective surgery on his leg.

Sounders FC edged 2-1 by Cascadia rival Portland in preseason friendly in TucsonSounders FC
Fielding a rotated team after last Saturday’s opening fixture in Tucson versus Houston, Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer’s Sounders FC suffered a late 2-1 loss to Cascadia rival Portland Timbers under the lights at Kino Sports Stadium in Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday evening.

Fire, Section 8 Reach New AgreementHot Time in Old Town
With this deal, Section 8 have ended their boycott of Fire home matches, which began as a response to the club’s banning of Sector Latino. As part of the agreement, a new auxiliary supporter section has been designated in Section 137, directly behind the south goal.

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BC SOCCER NEWS

Sukunda and Serban’s USL experiences helped set them on their path to the CPLAFTN
When the Canadian Premier League got the go ahead, a lot of questions arose about the makeup of the rosters. What will the standard of player be? What will the squad sizes look like? How many international spots will each team get? Another question was how much influence the three existing Canadian MLS teams would have on the seven inaugural rosters.

Pacific FC could face Whitecaps in Canadian Championship mixTimes Colonist
Pacific FC is two rounds away from playing the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer.

Snow creates chaos for outdoor sportsLake Cowichan Gazette
“I wouldn’t want to be the [Vancouver Island Soccer League] scheduler right now,” Cowichan LMG head coach Glen Martin said on Monday. “It’s not looking good.”

New WolfPack soccer coach looks to build culture and identityCFJC
WolfPack women’s soccer hired a new head coach this week. Mark Pennington will be the teams third head coach in six seasons when the Canada West 2019 campaign begins next fall.

Power Soccer in BC SportAbility BC
We believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to participate in physical activity. We currently have programs in Vancouver, Surrey, Nanaimo, Penticton, and are still looking to expand. We are always looking for more athletes, officials, volunteers, and sponsors. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact us.

BC Soccer hosts its second Technical Director Diploma CourseBCSA
Registration is now open for the BC Soccer Technical Director Diploma held at the FORTIUS Sport & Health Complex in Burnaby February 22-23, 2019.

Pacific FC now accepting memberships for 2019 Canadian Premier League seasonPacific FC
Join Vancouver Island’s new CPL club! Become a Member of Pacific Football Club for first access seat selection and tickets.

PHOTOS: 2018 BC Provincial Cup Parade of Champions – BC Soccer Web
See the winners from the 2018 BC Provincial Cup.

Becoming a BC Soccer RefereeBCSA
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 SyndicationBC 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

‘We’ll be up for it’: Underdog Vaughan states CanChamp intentionsCanadian Premier League
The York Region Derby will have to wait. Vaughan Azzurri, last year’s League1 Ontario champs, were drawn against HFX Wanderers in Round 1 of the expanded Canadian Championship on Tuesday night, sending the semi-pro side east for the opening stage of the competition.

Canada Soccer continues to provide expanded international opportunities with two spots on the path to Scotiabank Concacaf Champions LeagueCSA
In 2019, Canada Soccer will use the home and away matches in the Canadian Premier League regular season between FC Edmonton, Forge FC, and Valour FC to determine who advances to the Preliminary Round of the 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf League.

FC Edmonton, Valour, Forge to battle for spot in 2019 CONCACAF LeagueCanadian Premier League
Canada Soccer revealed Tuesday it will use the home and away matches in the Canadian Premier League regular season between FC Edmonton, Forge FC, and Valour FC to determine who advances to the Preliminary Round of the 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf League.

FINAL FOUR ONTARIO INDOOR CUP CHAMPIONS CROWNEDOntario Soccer
The Ontario Indoor Cup finals took place Sunday at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan.

Das ist Gut!Calvary FC
Cavalry FC is excited to announce the signing of German footballer Julian Büscher (GER) to the 2019 roster.

Bishop’s Women’s Soccer to join RSEQ indoor league beginning in January 2020Bishop’s University
The Bishop’s Gaiters women’s soccer program continues to take steps forward. Beginning in January 2020, they will compete in the RSEQ University 11-on-11 indoor league.

2019 Canada Soccer Active Start Soccer Festival Hosting Applications Now OpenCSA
Canada Soccer is pleased to announce that hosting applications are now being accepted for the 2019 Active Start Soccer Fests program. As Canada’s largest national grassroots soccer program, community soccer club administrators, coaches and volunteers are encouraged to apply online today to host a fun-filled event to your community. With the festival schedule expected to fill-up quickly, prospective hosts are encouraged to submit their applications early to secure their desired festival date.

Saskatoon soccer side heads to Ireland for five-game stintStar Phoenix
O’Neill — a coach and instructor for the Vancouver Whitecaps Soccer Academy in Saskatoon — is taking Saskatoon’s under-17 squad over to Northern Ireland for a five-game stint during the upcoming February break.

Liam Hughes brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Kingston United soccerGlobal
The new technical director for the Kingston United Soccer Association just loves a challenge. Liam Hughes knows it won’t be easy, but he looks forward to improving the game in the Limestone City.

USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS

Ottawa Fury FC sign two trialists, take Montreal Impact defender on loanGlobal
Ottawa Fury FC has signed trialists Thiago De Freitas and El Hadji Mour Samb and taken Daniel Kinumbe back on loan from the Montreal Impact.

Orange County SC defeat Club Tijuana 5-1 in preseasonAngels on Parade
Orange County SC played their second game of the preseason on Tuesday night, when they defeated a Club Tijuana squad 5-1 at Orange County Great Park.

Kelly Lifts Indy Past FC CincinnatiUSL
Dane Kelly scored his first goal in Indy Eleven’s colors to lift the side to a 3-2 victory against expansion Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati at Grand Sports Park on Tuesday afternoon as the Eleven earned their first win of the preseason.

RENO 1868 FC ACQUIRES FORWARD COREY HERTZOGReno 1868 FC
Forward Corey Hertzog has signed with Reno 1868 FC pending league and federation approval, the club announced Wednesday.

Loudoun United FC Unveils First Two SigningsUSL
Loudoun United FC unveiled its first signings in club history on Tuesday, with goalkeeper Calle Brown and midfielder Omar Milton Campos joining the club for its inaugural season in the USL Championship this March. The signings are pending league and federation approval.

NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS

W-League semifinal review: Sydney FC, Perth Glory advance to Grand FinalThe Equalizer
The 2018/19 Westfield W-League Grand Final will pit No. 3 seed Sydney FC against No. 4 Perth Glory, as both sides went on the road to dispatch the higher seeds: No. 2 Brisbane Roar and No. 1 Melbourne Victory, respectively, on Feb. 10.

TABLE TOPPING CELTIC BAG FOUR IN SWPL1 OPENERScottish WPL
Celtic strolled to a 4-0 victory and the top of the table during the opening weekend of the Scottish Women’s Premier League 1, putting in a performance where manager Eddie Wolecki Black “couldn’t ask for much more”.

The Nine Unanswered Questions For Sky Blue FC And Tammy MurphyForbes
The announcement on Tuesday, via a tweet from Sky Blue FC’s account, that Tammy Murphy will “take an active role in club activities moving forward” provided many more questions than answers.

Hailie Mace won’t play for Sky Blue FC, eitherThe Equalizer
Hailie Mace, the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s National Women’s Soccer League College Draft, has followed in the footsteps of fellow draftee Julia Ashley in rejecting Sky Blue FC and heading to Sweden after signing a short-term contract with Malmo-based FC Rosengard.

Somali FA hits back at accusations of theft of funds from women’s gameInside World Football
The Somali FA has hit back at claims by Shaima Mohamed that funds were being embezzled by officials and not being used for football in the country.

WORLD SOCCER NEWS

Wednesday UCL Rewind: Tottenham tops Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid outlasts AjaxSBI
Tottenham Hotspur strongly held off Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday at Wembley Stadium in their opening game of the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.

Europa League: Chelsea starts toughest stretch of seasonNBC Sports
Maurizio Sarri’s seat at Chelsea has never been hotter, and according to multiple reports this week, his fate at Stamford Bridge rests on how Chelsea does in the UEFA Europa League.

Marek Hamsik: Napoli midfielder agrees move to Chinese side Dalian YifangBBC Sport
The Slovakia midfielder, 31, scored 121 goals in 520 games for the Serie A side, after joining the club in 2007.

How might Brexit affect teams in the Premier League?The Guardian
Brexit-anxiety has engulfed businesses across the UK over the past few months, and when it comes to English football, the Premier League is not shielded from the uncertainty.

‘We just want to watch football’: Derry City caught in Brexit chaosThe Guardian
League of Ireland’s only Northern Ireland-based club kick off their season on Friday uncertain what the future holds.

Arsene Wenger rejected Real Madrid ‘more than once’ while at ArsenalSky Sports
Arsene Wenger has revealed he rejected the opportunity to become Real Madrid manager “more than once” while in charge of Arsenal.

Bundesliga clubs post record €4.42bn of revenue, says DFLInside World Football
Germany’s DFL is reporting a 14th consecutive annual uplift in professional football revenue to €4.42 billion for the 2017/18 season, an impressive average annual growth of 8.6%.

Scottish Premiership players ‘unanimous’ in call for artificial surface ban – PFA ScotlandBBC Sport
Scottish Premiership players are urging a ban on artificial surfaces in the top flight, according to players’ union PFA Scotland. Hamilton Academical, Kilmarnock and Livingston play on artificial surfaces.

Ryan Mason: Children should be banned from heading footballsBBC Sport
Former Tottenham, Hull and England midfielder Ryan Mason has called for a ban on children heading footballs to be introduced.

Refugee footballer thanks Australian leader for freedomOttawa Citizen
A refugee soccer player who was detained in Thailand for three months under threat of extradition to Bahrain came to the Australian capital on Thursday to thank the prime minister for his freedom.

In France, footballers fight workplace bullying in courtLondon Free Press
Excluded from the first team, distanced from teammates, players subjected to the most extreme forms of “lofting” have described themselves as being suddenly ostracized, ordered to train with youth teams, the reserves or alone, and subjected to petty humiliations including the loss of access to lockers, parking places, showers and other facilities.

Manchester United reveal £19.6m payoff for José Mourinho and his staffThe Guardian
Manchester United have revealed that José Mourinho and his staff received a £19.6m payoff following the Portuguese’s sacking at Old Trafford.

Eric Harrison, Manchester United’s Class of 92 coach, dies aged 81The Guardian
Eric Harrison, the coach credited with producing Manchester United’s famous Class of 92 youth side, has died at the age of 81.

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