VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. MINNESOTA UNITED FC
MLS MATCHDAY #1
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2019, 3:00 PM
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC
TV: TSN 1 & 4 RADIO: TSN RADIO 1040 ONLINE: TSN DIRECT
Versatile Inbeom Hwang makes strong first impression for Whitecaps – MLS
Of the many signings new Vancouver head coach Marc Dos Santos has made as he builds his Vancouver Whitecaps squad ahead of the 2019 MLS season, perhaps the most intriguing one is South Korean midfielder Inbeom Hwang.
How the hiring of Marc Dos Santos and a new model of play led to Vancouver’s offseason roster transformation – Whitecaps FC
It’s been an offseason of change – or rather, complete transformation – for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who open their 2019 MLS regular season on Saturday at BC Place.
Overhauled Vancouver Whitecaps ‘hungry’ going into new MLS season – London Free Press
Marc Dos Santos has been scouring the globe for talent and crafting a new style of play as he worked to rebuild the Vancouver Whitecaps this off-season.
2019 Preseason Roundtable Part I – Eighty-Six Forever
The Vancouver Whitecaps begin their 2019 season in a few days. We asked our writers their thoughts about what has transpired since 2018 and get some of their predictions. This is Part I of a two-part series.
Minnesota United’s lurking issue: defensive midfield depth – TwinCities.com
Minnesota United enters the 2019 season in the precarious position of lacking depth at defensive midfielder. It’s also familiar: In three MLS seasons, the Loons have started in similarly dangerous spots.
CONCACAF Champions League: Red Bulls cruise, Monterrey survives – NBC Sports
It’s not a surprise that the New York Red Bulls handled their business in New Jersey considering how well they dealt with Atletico Pantoja in the Caribbean.
LA Galaxy complete transfer of Ola Kamara to China’s Shenzhen FC – MLS
The LA Galaxy have completed the sale of striker Ola Kamara to Chinese Super League club Shenzhen FC, a source told MLSsoccer.com on Wednesday night.
For The Fire, It’s Time For a New Generation To Make Their Mark – Hot Time in Old Town
Who is next in line to lead the Fire after Dax McCarty and Bastian Schweinsteiger are gone?
Who won the offseason? Rapids, Loons, Columbus all have a case – MLS
MLSsoccer.com spoke to a cohort of club executives to get a feel for who they think won the 2018-19 offseason. Some answered with the teams they felt made the biggest improvements this winter, others responded with those who they felt best weathered some turbulent times to stay in position to contend in 2019.
2019 MLS Western Conference Preview – Portland Mercury
With the MLS season set to begin in just three days, here is a breakdown of the 12 teams in the Western Conference — including lineups, analysis, and a look at how the Timbers stack up.
Concacaf Champions League provides concerning prologue for 2019 season – Waking the Red
Last year, the Concacaf Champions League was the highlight of Toronto FC’s season. This year, they will be hoping their short campaign is just a footnote.
‘I EXPECTED MUCH BETTER’: Ex-TFC star Giovinco’s words still have bite – Edmonton Sun
Last week, the Atomic Ant told Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport that Toronto’s offer to keep him with the Reds was “ridiculous.”
LAFC sign midfielder Alejandro Guido – Angels on Parade
Los Angeles Football Club announced on Wednesday they have signed midfielder Alejandro Guido. The 24-year-old joins the club after a successful trial this preseason.
Kendall Waston Named Club Captain – FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati center back Kendall Waston has been named club captain for the 2019 season, head coach Alan Koch announced today. Waston joined Cincinnati in the offseason with a wealth of experience in Major League Soccer, in his native Costa Rica and at the international level.
SBI 2019 MLS Preview: FC Cincinnati – SBI
FC Cincinnati has been preparing for MLS life since May, 2018. After officially being invited to join the league, the club wasted no time constructing its inaugural MLS roster, evidenced by the signing of designated player Fanendo Adi from Portland Timbers the very next month, something never done by a USL club before or since.
Major League Soccer’s greatest sign of progress? Producing famous names, not importing them – Yahoo Sports
On the eve of the 2019 season, the league’s 24th, which kicks off Saturday, it’s become evident that something fundamental has changed again. Because to the casual soccer fan, there are fewer recognizable names in the league than there have been in a long time. Yet MLS is also quite obviously in the best shape it’s ever been.
MLS commissioner Don Garber will closely monitor Robert Kraft case – ESPN
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber refused to comment on the charges facing Robert Kraft in an interview with ESPN’s Taylor Twellman but reaffirmed that the league has a conduct policy that all members must adhere to.
BC SOCCER NEWS
PACIFIC FC vs. HFX WANDERERS FC
CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHDAY #1
SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019, 4:00 PM
WESTHILLS STADIUM, LANGFORD, BC
The 2019 BC Soccer Web Super Schedule of Soccer in BC – BC Soccer Web
With so much soccer happening in BC this year, it’s getting tougher to keep track of the big matches and your favourite teams. BC Soccer Web has you covered! Here, in one spot, are the combined schedules for the Vancouver Whitecaps, Pacific FC, TSS Rovers and Highlanders FC. We’ll also be adding the WPSL teams, along with the marquee matches from the amateur ranks as those dates become set, so keep coming back for the latest updates.
B.C. soccer coach suspended after former player shares her story – The Province
Coastal FC spokesman Chris Murphy said the club had suspended the coach Tuesday, less than a day after the blog post went viral, racking up 17,000 views in 24 hours. The club said it will conduct its own investigation, but the shape and breadth of it has yet to be determined until board members meet later this week.
Youth soccer coach suspended amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour – CTV News
Coastal Football Club executive director Chris Murphy told CTV News the program wasn’t aware of the allegations when the coach was appointed to his current position, and that board members acted swiftly after learning of the blog post on Monday.
Pacific FC, CPL hope split season equals more excitement – Times Colonist
The Canadian Premier League has borrowed a format commonly used in minor-pro baseball. The CPL will feature a split season with the first-half champion meeting the second-half champion in the league final.
Mira Laurence joins Pacific Football Club management team – Pacific FC
Pacific Football Club added Mira Laurence, long-time BC sportscaster, to their management team today. Laurence will take on the position of Director of Communications and Community Partnerships with the club for the inaugural 2019 season.
Cowichan 49ers open defence of Tony Grover Cup – Cowichan Valley Citizen
The two-time defending champion Cowichan 49ers kicked off their bid for a third straight Tony Grover Cup last Friday with a 5-0 win over Bays United FC at Oak Bay High School.
John Buchanan named recipient of the Daryl Thompson Award (PDF File) – Sport BC
When the men’s soccer team was elevated to varsity status in 1975, he was asked to take the full time coaching position. Buchanan declined the offer and countered by saying that he was willing to coach the men’s team for free as a volunteer. The SFU’s men’s soccer team immediately heralded a run of six-straight NAIA Regional Championships from 1975-81. This included an NAIA National Championship in 1976, which was played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
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.
Pacific FC now accepting memberships for 2019 Canadian Premier League season – Pacific 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 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
CANADA vs. FRENCH GUIANA
CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2019, 3:00 PM
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC
Canada opens 2019 Algarve Cup with 0:0 draw against Iceland – CSA
Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team drew Iceland 0:0 to take a point from its first match of the 2019 Algarve Cup. Canada dominated possession and had multiple chances in the first half and continued their commanding play into the second half but Iceland was able to hold off Canada. Canada Soccer’s WNT will face Scotland next at the Algarve Cup on 1 March.
Canada fails to find net in dominating performance at Algarve Cup – Edmonton Sun
The Canadian women’s national soccer team did everything but score in a dominating performance at their opening game of the 2019 Algarve Cup in Parchal, Portugal, on Wednesday.
CPL unveils 2019 inaugural season schedule – Canadian Premier League
The 2019 Canadian Premier League schedule is finally here. The inaugural season of Canada’s new tier-one soccer league sees seven founding clubs square off over two distinct halves to crown winners that will advance to the 2019 Canadian Premier League Championship.
Canadian Premier League schedule to be split into spring and fall campaigns – Sportsnet
The Canadian Premier League season will be split in two, with spring and fall champions meeting to decide the year’s overall winner.
Cavalry FC game-dates set, club signs Canadian Trafford – Montreal Gazette
Cavalry FC is bringing Canadian International footballer Mason Trafford to Calgary.
Protecting young athletes from abusive coaches – let’s get it right – The Conversation
The federal government has announced new initiatives aimed at keeping young athletes safe from abuse and harassment. The announcement by Minister of Sport Kirsty Duncan follows a CBC investigation that revealed more than 200 coaches have been convicted of sexual offences against 600 victims under the age of 18 in the past 20 years.
Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod pledges one per cent of her salary to charity – Kamloops Matters
Canadian international goalkeeper Erin McLeod is joining Manchester United’s Juan Mata, Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini, U.S. international Alex Morgan and other soccer stars in digging into their pockets to help others.
USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
USL Championship Midfielders to Watch in 2019 – USL
It’s nine days until the 2019 USL Championship season officially gets underway. After previously looking at the goalkeepers and defenders that could step up to lead their teams to success this year, now it’s time to cast our eye over the midfielders who could be key figures in the upcoming nine months.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
SheBelieves Cup: Gorgeous goals dot opening matches; USWNT draws – NBC Sports
The United States women’s national team began its search for a third SheBelieves Cup title in four tries with a draw versus tournament debutantes Japan.
England beats Brazil, 2-1, to open SheBelieves Cup with come-from-behind win – Philly.com
Playing a brand of soccer that was both attractive and determined, England came from behind to beat Brazil 2-1 in the opening game of Wednesday’s SheBelieves Cup doubleheader at Talen Energy Stadium.
Cup of Nations: Australia beats NZ, SKorea thumps Argentina – Leader Post
Forward Emily Gielnik scored a minute before halftime and substitute Hayley Raso clinched the match for Australia in the 75th as the Matildas beat New Zealand 2-0 in Cup of Nations women’s soccer on Thursday.
Gone are days when only Germany or USA could win Women’s World Cup – The Guardian
Preparations for France 2019 are stepping up and at least six teams can win it, England and Australia among them.
Reign FC sign midfielder Morgan Proffitt – Sounder at Heart
With NWSL pre-season less than a week away, Reign FC added to their roster today with the announcement that the team has signed midfielder Morgan Proffitt for the 2019 season.
Washington Spirit waives defender Whitney Church – Washington Spirit
Church spent her first four professional seasons with the Spirit since being drafted No. 30 overall in the NWSL College Draft out of Penn State University in 2015.
Mauritania looks to break socio-cultural barriers with women’s football push – Inside World Football
The Mauritania Football Federation (Ffrim) has said it plans to grow the women’s game by accelerating the development of its women’s national team. The move comes as the women’s game gears up to this year’s Women’s World Cup in France.
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Chelsea blanks Tottenham, extending shutout streak – The Star
Maurizio Sarri reasserted his authority on the sideline, and so did Chelsea on the field.
Liverpool, City win to set up duel for EPL title – Delta Optimist
The Premier League title race looks to be a duel between Liverpool and Manchester City after the top two collected contrasting home wins on Wednesday and third-place Tottenham lost at Chelsea for a second defeat in five days.
LYON JOIN RENNES IN COUPE DE FRANCE SEMI-FINALS – Ligue 1
A heavily rotated Lyon proved too good for Ligue 1 Conforama rivals SM Caen, with Jason Denayer (26′), Maxwel Cornet (49′) and Memphis Depay (83′) scoring in a 3-1 win at the Groupama Stadium.
Man City Leaves Nike for Puma in Kit Deal Worth Reported £650M – SI.com
Manchester City have formally announced the signing of a ‘long-term partnership’ with Puma, a long-rumored deal that will see Nike replaced as the club’s kit suppliers starting in July 2019.
Pique believes Barca’s Copa del Rey record will never be beaten – Four Four Two
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique believes his side’s record of reaching six successive Copa del Rey finals will never be matched.
Hearts 1-2 Celtic: Police Scotland look into sectarian singing & coin throwing – BBC Sport
Police Scotland are investigating reports of sectarian singing at Tynecastle, as well as coin throwing from Celtic fans, during the league leaders’ Scottish Premiership win on Wednesday.
Premier League relegation picture in focus – NBC Sports
Six teams are within six points of the final relegation place following big wins for Newcastle United and Southampton at midweek in the Premier League.
Notts County issued with winding-up petition by HMRC over missed payment – The Guardian
Notts County have been issued with a winding-up petition by Revenue & Customs. The club said in a statement on their website that “supporters are assured the matter will be settled in good time”.
Nantes take Cardiff to FIFA over £15m transfer fee claim – Inside World Football
Amidst the global outpouring of sympathy and grief over the untimely death of Emiliano Sala, the player’s transfer fee is hanging over the tragedy with FIFA now investigating after Nantes made a claim against Cardiff City.
Russia outlines plan for football fan ID cards – London Free Press
Russian soccer fans may need government-issued ID cards next season to buy tickets for league games.
Prince William criticises football clubs over mental health – BBC Sport
Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, accused clubs that fail to support players of a “dereliction of duty”.
UEFA Europa League final ticket sales begin on 7 March – UEFA
Want tickets for the 2019 UEFA Europa League final in Baku, Azerbaijan? Apply on UEFA.com from 7 to 21 March.
OWNAFC: Non-league football club could be run by supporters using a phone app – BBC Sport
This weekend, an English non-league club could have new owners – more than 2,500 of them.
50 GOALS – MBAPPÉ: ‘I’M NOT GOING TO STOP NOW’ – Ligue 1
Kylian Mbappé now has 50 Ligue 1 Conforama goals – a total he reached faster than any other player in French footballing history. Check out what Arsène Wenger, Thiago Silva and others – including the man himself – had to say.