DAY 20 – FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
Thursday, June 25
No Matches
First FIFA Women’s Leadership course debuts in Vancouver before WC Final – Inside World Football
With the Women’s World Cup in Canada the focus of world football attention, FIFA has launched the first edition of the Female Leadership Development Programme with the first module scheduled to kick off in Vancouver July 4, just before the Women’s World Cup final.
FIFA launches new programme targeting representation of women in leadership – FIFA
FIFA has launched the first edition of the Female Leadership Development Programme – an initiative that will provide support to women across the globe who are looking to become future leaders in football.
Scholarships on offer to assist female coaches to obtain A licence – FIFA
A new scholarship programme that assists B-licensed female coaches to gain access to higher coaching education is now underway, with the first group of coaches already starting to benefit.
Canada unsettled as it prepares for England – Vancouver Sun
It now just might be the most intriguing lineup decision John Herdman will make. Who does he start at centre back Saturday alongside teenage star Kadeisha Buchanan?
No morale issues here: Team Canada – 24 Hours
All is well within the Team Canada camp ahead of Saturday’s FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinal against England. That was the message from players and coach John Herdman on Wednesday when responding to a U.S. television report that suggested otherwise.
Moscato, Herdman say team morale is fine – TSN
“I think some people are trying to create stories, they’re trying to fish for some stories,” she said. “This is the tightest team I’ve ever been a part of — players and staff. The way we celebrate goals, that’s how we are as a team on and off the field.”
Moscato says she was misrepresented by Latham – The Equalizer
As Canada prepares to take on Mark Sampson and England this Saturday afternoon at BC Place at the 2015 Women’s World Cup, a storm cloud has moved in over the team. During a pregame show on Sunday prior to the Canada-Switzerland match, Fox Sports pundit and former Canadian international Christine Latham made interesting comments regarding the morale of the team and its starting lineup.
Canadians criticize U.S. team: Focus on play, not drama – USA Today
“It is just getting tiresome around this U.S. team at the moment,” said Kristian Jack, soccer analyst for Canada’s tournament broadcaster TSN. “There’s far too many stories around this team. We’ve had the turf, we’ve had Hope Solo, we’ve had Wambach moaning that she can’t score a goal because it wasn’t on grass. They are not playing that well. That should be the story.”
Psychologist helping England show their mettle – FIFA
On Monday last, England checked into the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ – and they did it with a bang. The firecracker in question was provided by Lucy Bronze, who hammered a first-time strike into the top right-hand corner from 16 yards out. Such was its power and accuracy that Norway keeper Ingrid Hjelmseth could not keep it out, despite getting a hand to it.
Women’s World Cup: ‘Growing England can go all the way’ – BBC Sport
England reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after coming from behind to beat Norway in Ottawa. So what can England expect? And just how far can they go in the tournament?
Canada’s Carol Anne Chenard named ref for quarter-final – CBC
Canadian referee Carol Anne Chenard will take charge of the Women’s World Cup quarter-final between Germany and France in Montreal on Friday.
US women try to keep focus on field amid criticism – The Equalizer
With a quick, four-day turnaround to their quarterfinal match against China, United States women’s national team players say their focus is there and there alone. The United States advanced to the quarterfinals on Monday with a 2-0 victory over Colombia, a team which proved capable and managed to frustrate the Americans throughout a scoreless first half before seeing goalkeeper Catalina Perez sent off in the 47th minute.
Laudehr keen to create more special moments – FIFA
Laudehr is still part of the national squad and is currently playing her part for Germany at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™. While she may now be one of the team’s top performers rather than their rising star, she is still responsible for creating some special memories.
Australia’s Heyman: Artificial pitches like ‘hot coal’ – Goal
Australia striker Michelle Heyman has compared playing on the artificial pitches at the Women’s World Cup to “walking on hot coal”.
Solo quietly a big part of USWNT’s shutout streak – The Equalizer
The U.S. women totaled their lowest goal-scoring output in any group stage of a Women’s World Cup at this edition of the tournament, scoring four times, including three goals against Australia. The Americans aren’t playing particularly well; they’ve acknowledged as much. The team’s defense is the reason why the Americans are in Ottawa this week preparing for Friday’s quarterfinal against China.
Teddy bear takes place of Japan’s injured Ando – The Equalizer
Japan midfielder Kozue Ando broke her left ankle in the team’s opening match of the 2015 Women’s World Cup, ending her tournament after just 32 minutes. In her place on the Japan bench now sits a white teddy bear wearing Ando’s No. 7 jersey, her teammates’ way of keeping the 32-year-old with them even though Ando is back in Japan now.
No support for Marta, Brazil team back home – Sportsnet
The world’s most soccer mad nation goes out of its way to ignore its women’s team to a degree that’s maddening, even to impartial bystanders.
FIFA stays silent on Blatter’s visit to Canada – Sportsnet
FIFA continues to stay mum on whether president Sepp Blatter or general secretary Jerome Valcke will attend the final of the Women’s World Cup
Sponsor conflict, good intentions, big business: The USWNT’s fired kit man – SI.com
This is a story about a kit man, Chris Maxwell, who worked for the U.S. women’s national team from October 2013 until he was fired in February 2015, just four months before this World Cup. This is a story about sports and trust, about good intentions and unanticipated consequences, about an emerging U.S. star and the ruthless world of big business that now governs the U.S. women’s national team.
Chasing the Dream – NWSL Salaries – NBC Sports
The minimum salary for an NWSL player is $6,842 for the course of the six-month season; the maximum is $37,800, made primarily by international-level players. The team salary cap for 20 players is $265,000, which doesn’t include the top U.S., Canadian and Mexican players who play on club teams but whose salaries are paid by their respective federations.
The Official Book of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. On Sale Now at Amazon.ca
WHITECAPS FC & MLS
Whitecaps nursing injuries but Carl Robinson feeling good as team makes bus trip from New York to New England – The Province
News and notes from a conference call with Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson on Wednesday morning.
MLS Disciplinary Committee fines Vancouver Whitecaps’ Kendall Waston, Toronto FC’s Damien Perquis – MLS
The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Kendall Waston an undisclosed amount for embellishment in the 10th minute of Saturday’s match against New York Red Bulls (video above), it was announced Wednesday.
Octavio Rivero’s Understated Brilliance – Eighty-Six Forever
He hasn’t managed to sustain his exceptional goal-scoring production from the beginning of the regular season, yet Octavio Rivero is one of the most effective and most unique strikers in all of Major League Soccer right now.
Winning an MLS Cup the final ‘hurdle’ for soon-to-be 200 club member Jordan Harvey – Whitecaps FC
Turns out that this Saturday’s match vs. New England Revolution (4:30 p.m. PT kickoff on TSN2 and TSN 1040) will actually be Harvey’s 200th MLS game.
Robinson speaks to media ahead of Saturday’s match with New England – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson fielded questions from media on a conference call today ahead of Saturday’s match with New England Revolution.
Bradley fuels Toronto FC comeback win vs. Impact as Giovinco, Altidore shine – SBI
Michael Bradley is red hot, and Wednesday evening against the Montreal Impact, his form continued to flare. Toronto FC’s dynamic trio caused problems for the Impact all evening en route to a 3-1 comeback victory at BMO Field, and Bradley was the man to carry the torch through to the end, scoring the equalizer in the first half and assisting Jozy Altidore’s game-winning strike in the second half.
TFC bounce back with win over Montreal – Red Nation Online
Toronto FC had the exact type of game the team, and its fans, needed tonight. After being tactically outmatched against New York City FC last weekend, head coach Greg Vanney got the game plan right, as the Reds picked apart Montreal’s defence by using the wings and play penetrating through balls (often from behind the halfway line) overtop to Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco.
Toronto FC stars put on a show in win over Impact – Sportsnet
Forget about the rivalry. Forget about tactics. Forget statistics. Forget the story lines. Forget any narrative. None of that mattered on this night. All you really need to know is this was one damn entertaining soccer game to watch.
Toronto FC proves that money can buy happiness – Goal
How do you get over a bad result? If you’re Toronto FC, you put on a masterclass at home against your biggest rival. After a shaky start that saw the Montreal Impact get on the board first Wednesday, TFC’s biggest names took over and set the tone in a 3-1 win that effectively erased all memories of last weekend’s dreadful loss to New York City FC.
Robbie Rogers cherishes “special moment” in scoring his first goal for LA Galaxy on Pride Night – MLS
Robbie Rogers once believed he couldn’t be gay and pursue a professional soccer career, a misconception that evaporated once he joined the LA Galaxy two years ago and found an acceptance — among teammates, foes, and fans throughout MLS — that he hadn’t expected.
D.C. United keeps rolling with road win vs. Fire – SBI
D.C. United’s run of impressive form late in their games continued as they defeated Chicago Fire, 1-0, at Toyota Park on Wednesday. The Fire started the game positively, with most of the possession and a few chances, but seemed unable to find that final ball. A bullet of a strike by United’s Conor Doyle in the second half was all that could beat Sean Johnson, who was arguably the Fire’s best player.
Columbus Crew SC’s Kei Kamara, Ethan Finlay extend MLS-leading offensive stats in win over Revs – MLS
After yet another brace in a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution Wednesday, Columbus Crew SC striker Kei Kamara is pulling away as the league’s top scorer with 12 goals, already setting an MLS career high with more than half the season to play.
Orlando City SC 2, Colorado Rapids 0 | MLS Match Recap – MLS
Cyle Larin and Kaká turned on the second-half goal power for Orlando City who earned a comfortable home victory over Colorado Rapids. Orlando sits in the Eastern Conference top three at the halfway point of their season, while Colorado remains last in the west.
New York Red Bulls 1, Real Salt Lake 0 | MLS Match Recap – MLS
After enduring a month-long tailspin, the New York Red Bulls finally made a return to the win column with a 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night. Mike Grella scored a fourth-minute goal and the Red Bulls were able to comfortably see out their first win since May 10 as the visitors ended the match with nine men after red cards in each half to playmaker Javier Morales and Demar Phillips.
Philadelphia Union 1, Seattle Sounders 0 | MLS Match Recap – MLS
C.J. Sapong remained on fire, and the Philadelphia Union can breathe easier after a much-needed win. Fueled by a second-half goal from Sapong and a staunch defensive effort, the Union escaped with a 1-0 win over the depleted Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night at PPL Park.
Giovinco: Pirlo asked me about MLS – Goal
Sebastian Giovinco has revealed that former Juventus teammate Andrea Pirlo recently contacted him to inquire about playing in MLS. Italy midfielder Pirlo is set to leave the Serie A champion for New York City FC and he got in touch with his compatriot first to find out what the game is like in the USA.
Red Bull Notes: Shaun Wright-Phillips “just training,” trialist update, more – Empire of Soccer
Despite his continued presence in and around camp, the New York Red Bulls insist that Shaun Wright-Phillips, the better known half of the Wright-Phillips clan, is not trialing with the club. “He is just here to train,” Jesse Marsch told reporters Tuesday afternoon.
Former Major League Soccer player Matt Hatzke comes out as gay – Outsports.com
“If I have one regret,” former San Jose Earthquakes player Matt Hatzke writes, “it’s that I didn’t live my life and share the real me with my teammates when I had the chance.”
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WFC2 & USL
PDL Scouting Network Unveiled – USL
The PDL Scouting Network was unveiled today, with the top U-23 men’s league in North America embarking on a new initiative that will make it easier for elite talent in the PDL to be discovered by top professional clubs in leagues such as the USL and Major League Soccer.
Marco Bustos Named to USL Team of the Week – Eighty-Six Forever
Whitecaps FC2 midfielder Marco Bustos, who had an impressive outing against the Portland Timbers FC2 this past Sunday, has been named to the USL Team of the Week. Bustos scored his first professional goal, and was key in the Thundercaps’ 3-2 win over the Timbers.
BC SOCCER
USSDA Playoffs: Whitecaps FC U-18 and U-16 Residency secure all-important wins – Whitecaps FC
Both Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-18 and U-16 Residency sides won on Wednesday at the United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) playoffs.
Residency Week 2015: Whitecaps U16 coach Adam Day building on strong foundations with “excellent group” – AFTN
The number of UEFA Pro and A licensed coaches throughout the Vancouver Whitecaps system is impressive and has to be amongst the very highest in North American football. Residency Under-16 coach Adam Day is just the latest one within the club.
Hall of famer becomes Canadian legend – Nanaimo News Bulletin
Harry Manson was inducted last week into the legends category of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. It followed his induction into the Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame earlier this month, and the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame last fall.
Shootout sends soccer team to provincials – Prince George Citizen
To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. The PGYSA Under-18 Timberwolves girls were up to the challenge when they tackled the host Kamloops Blaze in youth soccer’s Interior A Cup qualifier on the weekend.
Young Sookies warm up for upcoming soccer season – Sooke News Mirror
Registration for 2015/16 is available for the next two weeks –June 18 and 25, Thursdays 6-8 p.m. at the clubhouse. Get it done before summer starts so we can have a smooth start to next season!
Sooke player escort chosen for 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup – Sooke News Mirror
Xanthe Evans of Sooke will escort a FIFA athlete hand in hand to the field on the Women’s World Cup Canada’s final match.
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WORLD OF SOCCER
Copa America: Chile shows stomach in new Battle of Santiago – Goal
La Roja won out on a physically demanding night in the Estadio Nacional and demonstrated that they have the guts to go all the way in the Copa America, writes Peter Staunton.
Uruguay star Edinson Cavani sent off for slapping Chile defender – The Telegraph
Bizarre incident sparks huge brawl as Copa America holders Uruguay fall to 1-0 defeat in Santiago.
Boca Juniors aim to present Carlos Tevez in July after Juventus talks – ESPN FC
Boca Juniors are hopeful that they will be able to present Carlos Tevez to the club’s fans on July 7. Tevez, who began his professional career at Boca, had been expected to return to the Argentine club when his current contract at Juventus expires next year, but they have been negotiating a transfer fee with the Italian champions this week.
UEFA U21 Championships: England out after losing to Italy – BBC Sport
England Under-21s’ European Championship campaign came to a dismal end as they lost 3-1 to Italy at the Ander stadium in the Czech Republic.
Mark Lawrenson: Young English players overpaid and not hungry – BBC Sport
Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson was at all three of England’s group games at the European Under-21 Championship. Here he tells BBC Sport that big wages have made young English players less hungry about playing for their country, but believes Gareth Southgate should keep his job as England Under-21 manager.
An Englishman abroad in football remains a peculiar and uneasy export – The Guardian
After the travails of Micah Richards and Ashley Cole in Serie A, is it a coincidence that England’s best World Cup performance since 1966 was in 1990, during a period when more of the nation’s coveted talent played overseas?
Indian FA calls for access to wider talent pool after loss to Guam – Inside World Football
In the wake of tiny island territory Guam (population 165,124) defeating India (population 1.252 billion) in a World Cup qualifier on June 16, attention has turned to the issue of people of Indian origin (PIOs) who may offer salvation for the country’s national team. However, the Indian government opposes their inclusion in the national team, setting up a potentially dangerous confrontation with FIFA.