BC SOCCER WEB WORLD CUP CENTRAL
Every day, we’ll bring you all of scores, news and best writing from around the web from the 2018 World Cup.
Croatia heading to first World Cup final after beating England in extra time – Edmonton Sun
When the final whistle blew and they knew they were going to their first World Cup final, the Croatians ran to their jumping and cheering fans in their iconic red-and-white checkered jerseys.
‘History in the making’: Vancouver Croatian community goes wild after World Cup semifinal win – Global News
Vancouver’s Croatian community is buzzing in the wake of the country’s World Cup semifinal victory against England on Wednesday.
‘No one would give in’ for tired Croatia – Toronto Sun
France doesn’t just have the benefit of an extra day’s rest. Ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final, Les Bleus know they’ll meet a Croatian side that has played three consecutive extra-time games en route to the final.
Croatian resilience on, off the pitch leads to historic World Cup final – Sportsnet
In the end, the more tactically savvy and resilient side in Croatia advanced and it’s defined their entire World Cup campaign thus far.
England beaten by Croatia at World Cup: ‘It’s the what-ifs that hurt the most’ – BBC Sport
The disappointment comes in waves. Mario Mandzukic’s shot ripples the net and the first one hits. You come up for air. Seconds later, looking back up at the screen and those around you and understanding that it is real. That’s wave two. Then comes the realisation of what it means: time slipping, hope going, odds escalating.
England’s big World Cup pleasure was proving people wrong, says Kyle Walker – The Guardian
Kyle Walker believes England “brought the nation together” by reaching the World Cup semi-finals and proved their critics wrong in the process, with the Manchester City defender singling out Gareth Southgate as the man who deserves the credit for transforming the fortunes of a team that had been pilloried after losing against Iceland two years earlier.
66 reasons to feel proud, grateful and optimistic about this England team – The Telegraph
The World Cup dream is over for England for another four years. But the last few weeks have provided plenty of reasons to believe England may soon end their barren run which dates back to 1966. Sixty-six reasons, to be precise.
France-Croatia World Cup final invokes memories of infamous dive in 1998 – The Star
One of the most notorious dives in soccer history took place the last time France played Croatia in the World Cup.
Vancouver’s Croatian Cultural Centre expecting biggest party in history Sunday as team faces France in World Cup final – Vancouver Sun
Elation, frustration, desperation, elimination. England fans rode a helter skelter of emotions on Wednesday, buoyed by their side’s early lead in a World Cup semifinal which, had they won, would have advanced the country that invented soccer to the championship final for the first, and only, time since they won in 1966.
Saanich Croatian fans go wild as team reaches World Cup final – Goldstream Gazette
Croatian Canadians gather in the Croatian hall Gordon Head.
Results of the anti-doping testing programme for the 2018 FIFA World Cup – FIFA
As the 2018 FIFA World Cup draws to a close, FIFA can today announce that so far, the analyses of all doping tests conducted before and during the competition have yielded negative results.
Team player Pogba does the dirty work to help France flourish – Yahoo Sports
A towering physique and range of flashy hairstyles mean Paul Pogba rarely goes unnoticed but he has become emblematic of a French squad willing to sacrifice personal gain for World Cup glory.
FIFA to probe ‘possible discriminatory’ England chants during World Cup semifinal loss to Croatia – ESPN
FIFA are investigating chants of a “possible discriminatory” nature by England fans during their World Cup semifinal defeat by Croatia on Wednesday.
Socked. Down and out England fined by FIFA for wearing wrong ankle supports – Inside World Football
It will hardly register amid the disappointment of semi-final elimination but the English FA has been fined CHF70,000 after three players – Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Raheem Sterling – wore unauthorised equipment at the World Cup. The players wore branded ankle support socks over official Nike socks, ignoring a FIFA warning.
Green certification for all 2018 FIFA World Cup stadiums – FIFA
The aim of this FIFA requirement is to ensure that the construction and renovation of stadiums are carried out in a more sustainable manner, and that the design of stadiums considers key environmental and social concerns that will allow for more sustainable operation of the stadiums in the long term.
Will the World Cup finally change how Russia is portrayed? – The Guardian
Russia’s bad press is largely of its own making – for years, it has been easier for officials to bray about Russophobia than to show a different side of the country.
BC NDP 2026 WORLD CUP SCANDAL
EXCLUSIVE: City of Vancouver documents disprove NDP “Blank Cheque” for Vancouver 2026 World Cup – BC Soccer Web
Documents obtained by BC Soccer Web show that the BC NDP never faced a “blank cheque” scenario on the 2026 World Cup bid, and that FIFA negotiations would be ongoing with all three governments through 2020.
CONCACAF boss ‘disappointed’ with B.C. bailing on 2026 tournament – Toronto Sun
“The BC NDP had assurances,” Montagliani added. “If things weren’t to their liking from a documentation standpoint (they could have walked away by 2020). The reality is they paid no attention to the file,” Montagliani suggested. “They put a junior person on the file. They didn’t pay attention until the eleventh hour.”
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
D.C. UNITED vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
MLS MATCHDAY #20
SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2018, 5:00 PM PT
AUDI FIELD, WASHINGTON, D.C.
TV: TSN 1 RADIO: BNN/BLOOMBERG 1410 ONLINE: TSN DIRECT
DC United vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 2018 MLS Match Preview – MLS
At long last, Audi Field is open for business and D.C. United is hoping their sparkling new home will be the fortress needed to make a second-half playoff run.
Caps’ Kamara excited to play in United’s new digs, maybe face Rooney – The Province
DC United will debut their shiny new stadium, Audi Field, on Saturday. They might also roll out their new Major League Soccer designated player, Wayne Rooney. Enter the Vancouver Whitecaps, looking to play big spoiler.
Whitecaps are getting full value in Kamara’s productive leadership – Edmonton Journal
When you’re a management group that’s looking to build a strong Major League Soccer team on a budget, you can’t afford to miss.
‘Caps relish the challenge of facing Wayne Rooney: ‘You always want to measure yourself against the best’ – Whitecaps FC
Jordon Mutch has mixed memories of his first encounter with all-time Manchester United and England leading scorer Wayne Rooney.
As D.C. United opens Audi Field, some of its best-known fans remain bitter about ticket policy – Washington Post
At its peak, the Barra Brava supporters’ group filled seven flag-waving, Spanish-anthem-singing sections for D.C. United matches at RFK Stadium. “They’ve been with us all the way,” former United star Jaime Moreno said. So, as the club planned its relocation to Audi Field, Barra Brava founder Oscar Zambrana planned, too.
Robinson: Long list of international clubs eyeing Alphonso Davies – MLS
After his latest star showing in the Vancouver Whitecaps’ 3-2 win over the Chicago Fire in Week 19, Alphonso Davies’ stock continues to rise, as does the number of clubs worldwide that are taking notice of his performances.
Around The League: Deklan Wynne excelling in Colorado after “great move” from Vancouver – AFTN
There was a familiar face back in town two weekends ago when former Whitecap Deklan Wynne lined up for Colorado Rapids against his former side at B.C. Place. It was a happy homecoming for the Kiwi defender. One that saw him leaving with all three points after a hard fought 1-0 victory.
Ben Olsen is the constant in D.C. United’s season of change – Washington Post
Not long after D.C. United finished a recent practice and the Wayne Rooney-induced media circus left the premises, a few team staffers remained. In the summer heat, they hopped into cars to return to team offices less than a mile from the training field. Coach Ben Olsen, though, jogged back to RFK Stadium, the place that has been the club’s home base since the league began.
Impact’s four-game win streak comes to an end at Yankee Stadium – Montreal Gazette
Montreal loses 3-0 to New York City FC and fails to get a single shot on target while playing on the smallest field in Major League Soccer.
NYCFC youngster Jonathan Lewis finds new life under Domenic Torrent – MLS
Jonathan Lewis, New York City FC’s supersub? It may become a thing moving forward, after the 21-year-old put in two productive shifts in a row off the bench for NYCFC.
Philadelphia Union’s David Accam nets 95th-minute goal to seal win over the Chicago Fire – ESPN
David Accam scored the game-winning goal in the 95th minute to lift the Philadelphia Union to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Fire on Wednesday at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.
Toronto FC loans midfielder Ager Aketxe to Spanish club Cadiz CF – National Post
The Major League Soccer club made the announcement Wednesday.
Chicago Fire acquire Argentinean center back Nicolas Del Grecco – MLS
The Chicago Fire bolstered their back line on Thursday, announcing the signing of Argentinean center back Nicolas Del Grecco from Honduran side CD Olimpia.
Minnesota United auditions bench in 2-1 defeat to Saprissa – Pro Soccer USA
A week ago, following Minnesota United FC’s 4-3 win over Toronto FC, coach Adrian Heath was asked for his thoughts on playing an international friendly against Deportivo Saprissa in the middle of a crowded fixture list.
Columbus adds Mullins in bid to strengthen playoff stock – NBC Sports
Patrick Mullins has dropped down the DC United depth chart, and that’s just where Columbus was happy to see him.
Hell is Real: The Precourt Sports Venture – Columbus Crew Timeline – Cincinnati Soccer Talk
MLS has a chance to provide a homemade rivalry already in the making by pairing the soon-to-be expansion FC Cincinnati with the Crew. That rivalry, nicknamed “Hell is Real,” is already in jeopardy with the possibility of a Crew move to Austin for 2019. Below is a timeline of noteworthy articles detailing the story of the Crew’s possible departure:
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Wilson caps off 2018-19 recruiting class with versatile Hobson – UVic
One final name has been added to the list of incoming men’s soccer recruits for the 2018-19 season and head coach Bruce Wilson along with the University of Victoria Vikes are pleased to announce that name with the commitment of 17 year-old Matt Hobson of Surrey, B.C.
T-Birds welcome dynamic midfielder – UBC
The UBC men’s soccer team has landed yet another highly sought-after recruit as midfielder Nick Fussell has chosen to join the Thunderbirds in the fall of 2018.
Soccer Quest players make the grade again – Soccer Quest
Soccer Quest with approximately 2,000 members are pleased to announce that 6 of its 2006 academy players have made the TOFC 2006 intake program to play in the BCSPL.
Nelson soccer players score university scholarships – Nelson Star
Two local soccer players have earned university scholarships for their play on the pitch. Hanna Quinn is on her way to join the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, while Julia Burkart will study and compete at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.
United U14s sixth in province – Vernon Morning Star
Vernon Tolko Vernon finished sixth in the B.C. Les Sinnott Challenge Cup B Under 14 Boys Championships in Burnaby last weekend.
Call for interest for 2018 TD Diploma course – BCSA
Based on the level of interest, BC Soccer is planning to host a 2-day Technical Director’s course in late November or early December of 2018 (dates and location TBA). If you are interested in this course, please let BC Soccer know so they can update you.
PHOTOS: BC Provincial Men’s A Cup: BCT Rovers Tigers Utd. 5, Langley Utd. 2 (XT) – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
PHOTOS: 2018 BC Provincial Cup Parade of Champions – BC Soccer Web
See the winners from the 2018 BC Provincial Cup.
TSS Rovers release Season Tickets for the 2018 season – TSS Rovers
A great summer of soccer is in store at Swangard Stadium with the PDL & WPSL TSS Rovers. Season tickets are only $70.
Victoria Highlanders FC 2018 Season Tickets now on sale – Victoria Highlanders
Spend your summer with the PDL Highlanders at Centennial Stadium for only $75.
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
Victor Montagliani: Soccer Reformer – PanoramItalia
Since assuming the presidency of CONCACAF in 2016, Vancouver native Victor Montagliani has, among other things, attempted to rebrand the union after several scandal-plagued years.
CCAA Men’s Soccer Nationals return to Durham – CCAA
The 2019 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men’s Soccer National Championship will be hosted by Durham College in Oshawa, ON.
Sunderland AFC round-up: Cats target Liverpool forward for youth set-up as ex-coach hails youngsters – Sunderland Echo
The Black Cats are now on the verge of signing another Liverpool player, with forward Liam Millar tipped to be joining Elliott Dickman’s U23 squad. A Canada international striker, he won his first cap for the senior team in March 2018 against New Zealand.
Wits hand trial to journeyman Canada striker – Sport 24 ZA
Canada international Marcus Haber is reportedly on trial with Bidvest Wits as the Clever Boys look to strengthen their striking department ahead of 2018/19.
Whitecaps growing the game – Medicine Hat News
The Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club has embedded itself in the Gas City this week, aiming to grow the beautiful game while identifying some of Southern Alberta’s top talent on the pitch.
Competing proposals, new government clouds future of soccer dome – Sudbury.com
Some city councillors have some big concerns about plans to build a sports dome at Lasalle Secondary School.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay athletes travel to Labrador West for All Star Soccer Tournament – The Aurora
Over the past few weeks, players from the Shriners Indoor Soccer Program selected to represent Happy Valley-Goose Bay at the Under 10’s All Star Tournament in Labrador City, had been training relentlessly in preparation for a big weekend of soccer.
Fleming Knights hosting Canada’s first Canadian Nike Elite Training Soccer Camp – Peterborough Examiner
Fleming Knights soccer coaches and athletes and Sport Camp Canada are hosting Canada’s first Nike Elite Training Soccer Camp at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus in Peterborough this week.
Toronto FC and Special Olympics Ontario Unveil Unified Exchange Roster – Toronto FC
Toronto FC and Special Olympics Ontario announced today the 12-player roster that will compete in the 2018 Special Olympics Unified Sports Soccer Exchange Program at Toyota Park in Chicago, Illinois on Friday, July 20. The team will face off against a roster of Special Olympics athletes from the Chicago area, chosen by the Chicago Fire and Special Olympics Illinois.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Atlanta United 2 holds off Bethlehem Steel 2-1 – Gwinnett Daily Post
Atlanta United 2’s attack was a barrage of 20 total shots and a dominant first half that saw Atlanta United 2 out-possess Philadelphia Union affiliated Bethlehem Steel 62.4 percent to 37.6 percent. Shannon tacked on what would be the game-winner in the 50th minute of the match and the USL Stripes held on to win 2-1.
Reno 1868 FC extends 16-match unbeaten streak with win over Galaxy II – SJ Earthquakes
The longest active unbeaten streak in the USL continued its tour across the USL’s Western Conference Wednesday night as Reno 1868 FC took home another three points following a 4-1 drubbing of LA Galaxy II.
Results: USL, Week, 18 – Soccer America
Week 18 results & fixtures for USL.
Toros Defeat Liga MX’s Santos Laguna – USL
Rio Grande Valley FC defeated the reigning Liga MX Champions, Club Santos Laguna, 3-0 in a friendly exhibition played at H-E-B Park on Wednesday night as Pablo Aguilar, Jordan Jones, and Monday Etim all got on the score sheet for the Toros in the victory.
FC Cincinnati’s international players adjust to a new way of life in the United States – WCPO
FC Cincinnati forward Emmanuel Ledesma wasn’t sure how he would fit into the American culture when he first came to the United States last March.
Phoenix’s Schantz Named USL Coach of the Month – USL
Phoenix Rising FC’s Rick Schantz has been voted the USL Coach of the Month for June, having led Rising FC to an undefeated record during which the club recorded four consecutive shutouts after he took the reins from the departing Patrice Carteron early in the month.
Athletic’s Arrival Signals Proud Moment for Hartford – USL
Almost eight months after beginning the process of securing the rights to redevelop historic Dillon Stadium in Hartford’s Coltsville district, and three years after beginning the process overall, Wednesday morning marked a proud moment for the Hartford Sports Group and principals Bruce Mandell, Joe Calafiore and Scott Schooley as Hartford Athletic was officially unveiled as the newest member of the USL.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Utah Royals beaten in Seattle by the Reign, 1-0 – Salt Lake Tribune
U.S. national team star Megan Rapinoe scored on a header in the 54th minute and the Seattle Reign beat the Utah Royals 1-0 on Wednesday night in Washington in NWSL action.
North Carolina Courage rolls to 2-0 win over Washington Spirit – Pro Soccer USA
The North Carolina Courage insist it is tough to rack up win after win, especially when every team they face gives their best effort.
Daly’s brace leads Dash to victory over Orlando – Dynamo Theory
After a two-hour lightning delay, Rachel Daly scored a brace to lead the Houston Dash to a 3-1 victory over the Orlando Pride on Wednesday night at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Thembi Kgatlana scores maiden goal as Dash beat Pride – ESPN
Thembi Kgatlana will hope that her first goal for Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League is the first of many, as the South Africa international looks to fulfill her potential in the toughest league in women’s football.
AFF Women’s Championship: Westfield Young Matildas into the final – FFA
The Westfield Young Matildas are into the final of the 2018 AFF Women’s Championships in Indonesia after a 4-2 semi-final win over Vietnam.
Crystal Palace join Women’s Championship, Doncaster Rovers Belles withdraw – BBC Sport
Crystal Palace Ladies will play in the Women’s Championship after Doncaster Rovers Belles joined Sheffield FC in withdrawing from the league.
Women’s Under 17 National League launched – Irish WNL
The new 11-team league is set to begin on Saturday, July 14 and it will be the first under-age national league in women’s football in Ireland.
2018 WPSL Playoff schedule announced – WPSL
The 2018 Women’s Premier Soccer League playoff schedule, featuring 16 of the best women’s soccer clubs in North America, has been finalized, the league revealed Wednesday.
UN Women Announces Marta as Goodwill Ambassador – Orlando City SC
UN Women today announced the appointment of world-renowned Brazilian soccer player Marta Vieira da Silva as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for women and girls in sport. Ms. Vieira da Silva, popularly known by her fans as Marta, will dedicate her efforts to support UN Women’s work for gender equality and women’s empowerment across the world, inspiring women and girls to challenge stereotypes, overcome barriers and follow their dreams and ambitions, including in the area of sport.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Antonio Conte sacked by Chelsea, paving the way for Maurizio Sarri’s arrival – The Telegraph
Chelsea have finally sacked Antonio Conte and paved the way for Maurizio Sarri to replace him as the club’s new head coach.
Chelsea and Antonio Conte: A timeline of tension as manager finally departs – ESPN
Antonio Conte’s departure from Stamford Bridge has been a long time in the making. Tensions between the Italian and the Chelsea board over transfer policy have bubbled away for more than a year, compounded by clashes with senior players and a spectacular decline in form on the pitch in 2018.
Manchester United Gareth Bale transfer talks advance – Manchester Evening News
Man Utd transfer news includes an update on their attempts to prise Gareth Bale away from Real Madrid after the Cristiano Ronaldo transfer.
Riyad Mahrez ready to lead Champions League charge for Manchester City – The Guardian
Manchester City’s record signing, Riyad Mahrez, is confident he can not only break into the champions’ first team but also help improve it.
Sporting CP demand Wolves pay £52m over Rui Patricio transfer – Yahoo Sports
FIFA has confirmed an investigation is underway after Sporting CP complained about Rui Patricio’s transfer to Premier League new boys Wolves.
TRANSFERS: Mollet joins Montpellier – Ligue 1
Former FC Metz attacking midfielder Florent Mollet will remain in Ligue 1 Conforama next season, having signed for Montpellier HSC on Thursday morning.
Newcastle gets 2nd Kenedy loan, sells Merino to La Liga – NBC Sports
Kenedy is returning to Newcastle United. The Chelsea man will take a second loan season with Rafa Benitez after making a strong impression on Tyneside in the second half of the 2017-18 season.
Transfer roundup: Fulham sign £25m Jean Michaël Seri from Nice – The Guardian
Fulham have beaten off competition from several European clubs to sign the Nice and Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michaël Seri for a club-record fee in the region of £25m, on an initial four-year contract.
Poland name Brzeczek as new boss following World Cup failure – Four Four Two
Poland have turned to a former national team player to lift their spirits after failing to meet expectations in Russia.
FIFA promise legal action and urges Saudi Arabia to intervene in beoutQ piracy – Inside World Football
FIFA has stepped back into the beoutQ piracy debate ‘urging’ Saudi Arabia to support efforts to stop the copyright theft taking place in the country and saying that it will take legal action in Saudi Arabia to protect its rights. FIFA’s statement comes after every game of the 2018 World Cup in Russia has been pirated into the country by beoutQ for Saudi Arabian fans.
Fiat workers strike over Ronaldo signing – BBC
Workers at a Fiat Chrysler plant in Italy are to strike after its main investor decided to pay €112m (£99.2m) to sign footballer Cristiano Ronaldo for Juventus.
I hardly questioned American exceptionalism. Soccer changed that. – Washington Post
I have had a change of heart about one of my deepest and longest-held beliefs. No, I’m not referring to my view of the GOP, a party I belonged to my entire adult life until the election of President Trump. Even before I was a Republican, I was a soccer skeptic.