BC Soccer News, Thursday, March 16, 2017

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC  vs.  TORONTO FC

MATCHDAY #3
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2017, 1:00 PM
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Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco ruled out for Vancouver clash  – Toronto Sun
Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco has been ruled out for Saturday’s match in Vancouver due to a contusion to his illiotibial band, sustained midway through last weekend’s 2-2 draw in Philadelphia.

Match Preview: Toronto FC at Vancouver WhitecapsToronto FC
Toronto FC makes their first trip to BC Place since their incredible Voyageurs Cup victory this weekend. Here is everything you need to know. .

Toronto FC takes notice of the rise of teenage Whitecap Alphonso DaviesMetro
“Regardless of age, I think he’s a very talented player,” said Toronto head coach Greg Vanney. “I think he’s dangerous, he’s aggressive, he runs at you … Obviously he’s got good size and athleticism and pace to go with what I think is good technique.

Episode 181 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Natural Disasters with guests Brek Shea and Carl Robinson)AFTN
Four days, two matches, two different competitions, two defeats. That’s been Vancouver Whitecaps’ week, but the performances and circumstances of the games against San Jose Earthquakes and Tigres in ‘the Volcano’ were very different natural disasters.

Tigres and Liga MX Teach Whitecaps and Major League Soccer a Major LessonFutebolcidade
The playoffs in Major League Soccer make it difficult for MLS teams to compete in early March. Vancouver, for example, were eliminated in the MLS regular season which ended in late October. It could, therefore, be argued that Vancouver were still trying to find their legs in the first leg against Tigres.

Toronto FC looks like top Canadian MLS team through two weeks; Impact, Whitecaps have struggled  – Toronto Sun
Entering Week 3, Canada’s MLS teams are winless, having collected four points from a possible 18.

FC Dallas 2, Pachuca 1 | 2016-17 CCL Semifinal RecapMLS
FC Dallas overcame an early deficit to take the advantage in their 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League series against Mexican side Pachuca on Wednesday, winning 2-1 at Toyota Stadium in the semifinal first leg.

Is an aging Zlatan Ibrahimovic really worth the money for the LA Galaxy?Four Four Two
Zlatan Ibrahimovic fancies himself as a deity, but he can’t turn back the clock: He’s getting old. Does MLS need him?

MLS Disciplinary Committee suspends Roman Torres, fines Alex, CharaMLS
The MLS Disciplianry Committee has issued an undisclosed fine to Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara after finding him guilty of simulation/embellishment during the 31st minute of the Timbers’ match against the LA Galaxy on March 11.

Rewind That: A Blueprint to Stop Minnesota United’s BleedingFifty Five One
After a thrashing in the opener against the Portland Timbers, Minnesota United FC was taken to task once again. Fellow expansion side Atlanta United went to work immediately, and the bleeding continued for the Loons. So what can be done to fix this?

New Yorkers Plead Not Guilty to Charges in Orlando MeleeEmpire of Soccer
Two of three people arrested for their involvement in a March 5 melee outside the Orlando City Stadium have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Safe standing, canopies, tight sidelines mark evolution of MLS stadiumsFour Four Two
Soccer-specific stadiums started nearly 20 years ago. Now, they are finally growing up.

Twellman: Time to evolve the way we deal with brain injuriesSN
Taylor Twellman scored 100 MLS goals quicker than anyone else, but his 96th came at the expense of a concussion which would ultimately end his career. Now he wants to see football evolve the way it deals with brain injuries.

Atlanta United suggests new chant: ‘Hey Ya!’AJC
Atlanta United is asking its supporters to use a lyric from one of the Atlanta-based rap duo Outkast’s most popular songs during its games at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium. The first opportunity will be Saturday against Chicago.

MLS PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0 Philadelphia Union 0, March 5, 2017BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

Train With Champions TWU Spartan Female Soccer Academy

BC SOCCER NEWS

Amanda, Bustos score for WFC2 as they fall 3-2 in weather shortened preseason finaleWhitecaps FC
In a match delayed and shortened by thunder and lightning, Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) eventually fell 3-2 to Fraser Valley Soccer League (FVSL) All-Stars in their final preseason match at Port Moody Town Centre’s Trasolini Field on Wednesday night.

VISL Upcoming MatchesVISL
The upcoming weekend is full of Semi Finals for respective Cups within the VISL. There will be some great games, some would even consider the likes of a FINAL !

PREVIEW: Keg Cup heralds the return of both spring and soccer UVic
The Annual Keg Spring Cup hosted by the UVic Vikes men’s and women’s soccer teams returns for yet another year this weekend, March 18-19 on the grass at Centennial Stadium in Victoria.

Yukon squad fares well at Lower Mainland soccer tournamentWhitehorse Star
The Whitehorse FC U11 boys’ soccer team clawed their way to a perfect 3-0 record at the recent 8-a-side South Burnaby Soccer Tournament, producing 6-2, 7-0 and 2-0 victories over three Lower Mainland teams.

TWO LOCAL BUSINESSES INCREASE THEIR SPONSORSHIP OF KYSAKYSA
The Kamloops Youth Soccer Association (KYSA) has announced that two of its current sponsors have chosen to increase their financial support of the organization for the coming (2017) season.

TSS FC Rovers Open TryoutsTSS Rovers
Vancouver’s newest team, TSS FC Rovers, is looking for Canada’s best up and coming players to play for their first squad in 2017. If you are a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant, could possibly play for our national team one day, and meet the age requirment of 23 and under, we want to see you play! (Note: Pre-registration required. No walk-ons).

BC Soccer Assoc. Scholarships BCSA
BC Soccer is proud to award scholarships every year to players and referees proceeding on to post-secondary education. The Scholarships are presented at a special Scholarship Celebration at a Whitecaps FC match in June/July each year. Applications must be received by the British Columbia Soccer Association Office by March 31st.

REVIEW: The Miracle Mile. Stories of the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games BC BookLook
Author Jason Beck is curator of the BC Sports Hall of Fame in BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, and convenor two years ago of an excellent exhibition about the 1954 Games. In his first book, he proves to be a meticulous researcher, a compelling story-teller, and a crafty realist who knows how to hook his readers. Watch how, two pages into the book, he uses filmic technique to evoke the arriving athletes’ youthful buzz and give period colouring and costuming, but then smartly moves his camera in to introduce his stars.

TSS Rovers launch website & 2017 Season Ticket CampaignTSS Rovers
TSS FC Rovers play their inaugural season in the PDL at iconic Swangard Stadium. Season Tickets are $70 for Adults, $49 for U12 Youth.

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!

To our Readers: A Choice BC Soccer Web
Soccer has brought us to the United States many times. It’s a great place with decent people. We especially look forward to our Cascadia trips to Seattle and Portland. They’re incredible cities with wonderful supporters. That’s why it was so disheartening to see chaos and fear take hold in the airports and borders of our neighbours to the south.

BC Soccer Assoc. is Now Accepting 2016-2017 Awards NominationsBCSA
We are pleased to inform everyone that BC soccer Assoc. is currently accepting Awards nominations until the submission deadline date of March 31, 2017. Selection of the award recipients is based on many factors including the individual’s commitment, community involvement and willingness to give back to the game. This year any BC Soccer Assoc. member and their affiliate clubs may submit a nomination.

2017 BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors for terms commencing June, 2017 (following the BC Soccer Annual General Meeting).

Victoria Highlanders 2017 Season Passes now on saleHighlanders FC
Support local soccer on Vancouver Island. Join the excitement of Highlanders FC PDL Soccer!

PHOTOS: CANADA WEST WOMENS FINAL, UBC 3, TWU 0, NOVEMBER 6, 2016BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

2016 BC Soccer Provincial Cup Photo Galleries BC Soccer Web
Westhills Stadium & Goudy Park in Langford hosted the 2016 BC Soccer Adult Provincial Cup Finals. It was a thrilling weekend of soccer on Vancouver Island that saw seven champions crowned. Richmond FC & Surrey Pegasus qualified for the National Championships this Fall in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Both Coquitlam Metro-Ford Masters & Classics sides qualified for the Western Canadian Masters Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In all, it was a clean sweep for teams from the VMSL & MWSL. Monique Lamoureux & Bill Currie from BC Soccer Web were on location that weekend, capturing the all the action.

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.

3v3 Live Soccer Tour Comes to Canada

CANADA SOCCER NEWS

Sources: Octavio Zambrano to be named Canadian men’s soccer team coachSportsnet
The Canadian men’s soccer team has finally found a new coach. Multiple sources confirmed to Sportsnet on Wednesday that Canada Soccer has hired Ecuadorian Octavio Zambrano to take over as manager of the men’s side.

Octavio Zambrano new Canadian men’s soccer coach: reportsCBC
Octavio Zambrano is reportedly Canada’s new men’s soccer coach. The reports surrounding the 59-year-old from Ecuador seem to have originated in Italy with a ripple effect quickly spreading to Canada.

TFC academy side ties defending champ Juventus at Viareggio Cup Sportsnet
Substitute Kunle Dada-Luke scored in the 72nd minute to give Toronto FC’s senior academy side a 1-1 tie with defending champion Juventus at the Viareggio Cup youth tournament Wednesday.

Gord Dunphy stepping down from NLSA rolesSouthern Gazette
Gord Dunphy has announced he is stepping down as Challenge Cup commissioner and senior men’s vice president with the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA).

Canada Soccer looking for candidates to serve on the Board of Directors starting May 2017CSA
Deadline for application is 4:00 pm ET on Wednesday, 22 March 2017.

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WFC2, USL, NASL & NPSL NEWS

Whitecaps FC 2 theme days for 2017 announced, single match tickets now on sale Whitecaps FC
Whitecaps FC 2 single match tickets are now on sale, the club announced on Wednesday ahead of their April 8 USL home opener at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley.

Orange County SC beat Real Monarchs 3-1 in preseason Angels on Parade
It’s just preseason but…is it time to get a little excited about Orange County SC? The jury will remain out until the USL regular season begins March 25, but Orange County remained perfect on the preseason on Wednesday, after beating fellow USL side Real Monarchs 3-1 at Orange County Great Park.

2017 USL Preview: Orange County SC USL
Entering its first offseason under the leadership of new Owner James Keston, Orange County SC underwent a facelift on and off the field, but after earning postseason berths in each of the past two seasons the club will hope its on-field success continues as it enters a new era. With Oliver Wyss still part of the Technical Staff alongside new Head Coach Logan Pause, and a partnership with 2018 MLS expansion club Los Angeles FC in place, there is definite room for optimism despite some notable offseason departures.

USL Ignites Fans’ Passion with ‘Raise Your Game’ Campaign USL
The United Soccer League, the largest Division II league in the world, today unveiled a robust marketing campaign for the 2017 season, setting the stage and inviting fans, partners, players and teams to “Raise Your Game.”

Around the World of WoSo: Morgan Hat-Trick, Sweden Gains a KiwiBackline Soccer
After five years at the University of Tennessee, New Zealand International Hannah Wilkinson has signed her first professional contract. The 24-year-old striker is now in Sweden to play for Vittsjo GIK, a respected club in the Damallsvenskan league.

Becky Edwards couldn’t say no to SwedenThe Equalizer
Former Orlando Pride midfielder Becky Edwards said the chance to return to Sweden and play in a league that better suits her style of play was too good an opportunity to turn down. Edwards was speaking to The Equalizer after making her first appearance for new club Kristianstads DFF in a pre-season friendly against Chelsea Ladies, six months after announcing her retirement from professional soccer.

#SWPL17 – Game 1 Round upScottish WPL
The opening goal of the 2017 SWPL season took just five minutes, and then, there were eight exciting games that showed that we are in for an extraordinary eight months.

English female footballers ‘need more athleticism’ says FA’s Baroness CampbellBBC Sport
Women players in England are technically excellent but need to be more athletic, says the Football Association’s head of women’s football.

FC Barcelona is one of the most popular men’s soccer teams in the world. So how can the women’s side reach similar heights?Excelle Sports
The scene at Mini Estadi last Saturday in Barcelona, Spain wasn’t anything like the one that took place across the street three days earlier. That Wednesday, nearly 100,000 bellowing fans filled up the stands at Camp Nou—home of FC Barcelona men’s soccer team—to watch the Blaugranas pull off arguably the greatest comeback in Champions League history. But for the FC Barcelona women’s team, and Spanish women’s soccer in general, that type of support from fans is just the stuff of dreams.

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WORLD SOCCER NEWS

Monaco seals comeback vs. Man City, Atletico advances past LeverkusenSBI
After letting a lead slip in their first leg in Manchester, AS Monaco fought back for a place in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals with a 3-1 second leg victory over Manchester City on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola deserves criticism after Man City’s sad Champions League exitESPN FC
At the end of every season, Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak delivers his assessment of the campaign that has just concluded, and he tends not to hold back, which might not be good news for Pep Guardiola after the club’s Champions League last-16 elimination against AS Monaco.

Goetze’s season over – DortmundSupersport
Borussia Dortmund admitted on Wednesday the season is over for Germany’s fallen star Mario Goetze as the World Cup winner continues his battle against an unspecified metabolism disorder.

Lyon ready to rip into RomaLigue 1
Olympique Lyonnais will not sit on their first-leg lead when they face AS Roma in their UEFA Europa League Last 16 tie on Thursday.

Romelu Lukaku questions Everton’s ambitions to ‘win big trophies’The Guardian
Romelu Lukaku has questioned whether Everton share his ambitions to win trophies and play Champions League football after informing the club this week that he has no desire to sign a new contract at Goodison Park.

Aitor Karanka: Middlesbrough sack manager after three and half yearsBBC Sport
Middlesbrough have sacked manager Aitor Karanka after three and a half years at the club.

Brazil court halves tax fine for Barcelona’s Neymar after appeal ESPN FC
Neymar’s 188.8 million Brazilian reals (€56.7m and $60.8m) fine for tax fraud was halved on Wednesday when a Brazilian tax appeals court ruled in his favour.

Madagascar FA chief Ahmad elected as new Caf presidentBBC Sport
Madagascar Football Association chief Ahmad has been elected Confederation of African Football president, ending Issa Hayatou’s 29-year reign. Ahmad won 34 of the 54 votes in the election, which was held in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa on Thursday.

AC Milan sale: €200m down, €540m to pay, but is the Chinese gold mine exhausted?Inside World Football
It would be the biggest Chinese acquisition of a European football club to date, but it now looks like it could end up the most expensive €200 million football folly of all time.

FFA fighting to keep lid on reform as demands come from all quarters for a say in running of the gameDaily Telegraph
John O’Neill, when he was CEO of Football Federation Australia, used to talk of the “barbarians at the gates” in terms of football’s leadership. Those words could be ringing in the ears of FFA chairman Steven Lowy when he contemplates the meeting on Friday that will shape the future of football in Australia.

Miami Clasico ticket prices soaring – before they’re even on sale!SN
If you’re hoping to score tickets to July’s Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Miami, you’d better be ready to fork over a hefty chunk of cash.

Things you learn from going to football matches with a 10-year-oldThe Guardian
When my son agreed to come and watch Queen of the South with me it was one of those skip-down-the-street-when-you-think-nobody-is-looking moments.

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