CANADA vs. MEXICO, March 25, 2016 @ BC PLACE STADIUM. Buy Tickets Today!
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
FIFA 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFIYING
CANADA vs. MEXICO
FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2016, 7:00 PM
B.C. PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.
TICKET INFO
TV: TSN 2
BC SOCCER WEB MATCHDAY: CANADA VS. MEXICO, FRIDAY, MARCH 25 – BC Soccer Web
BC Soccer Web has all of the previews, stories and match analysis leading up to Friday’s important World Cup Qualifier against Mexico. Keep coming back as we get closer to kickoff for the latest updates.
Former Acadia, Valley keeper MacRae getting pro opportunity in Ottawa – Kings County News
During his soccer career, Andrew MacRae has been a player, assistant coach and head coach at various levels. Now the 25-year-old Coldbrook native is hopefully on the road to a professional career in the sport.
WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
MLS MATCHDAY #4
WHITECAPS FC vs. HOUSTON DYNAMO
SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016, 7:00 PM
TICKET INFO
B.C. PLACE, VANCOUVER B.C.
TV: TSN 2 RADIO: TSN 1040 LIVESTREAM: TSN GO
Whitecaps face Dynamos’ attack without Waston, Parker – The Province
The Vancouver Whitecaps will be without their first-choice centre-backs — Kendall Waston and Tim Parker — due to international call-ups.
Test of depth: ‘No excuses’ for ‘Caps despite international absences – Whitecaps FC
It’s been a buzzword for Vancouver Whitecaps FC over the past few seasons – this year in particular. Many believe they have one of the deepest rosters in Major League Soccer.
Vancouver Whitecaps get more than just the points – Soccer Shorts
Gottfried Leibniz developed his “Law of Continuity” partly as an attempt to evaluate the validity of any new theory by arguing that all natural changes are produced in small increments and that there is a degree of continuity within the natural world which precludes the possibility of disconnected leaps.
From the Pigeon Loft: Stealing points in a stinky fishing village – AFTN
If absence makes the heart grow fonder then the proximity from Vancouver to Seattle must have the contrary effect. In recent years the rivalry between our two teams has been characterized by all sorts of things, large and small, that would otherwise be meaningless if they happened in such far off places where supporters never go except in small numbers.
What’s ailing LA Galaxy star Robbie Keane? Not enough touches on the ball – MLS
The Galaxy captain, playing in an unfamiliar role as the advanced striker, has two goals in three MLS games, from late penalty kicks in home victories over D.C. United in the league opener and San Jose last weekend. He’s not had many chances – one per game – to challenge opposing defenses from the run of play.
Orlando City goalkeeper Joe Bendik silences doubters with performance against NYCFC – Orlando Sentinel
Facing doubtful fans was nothing new for Joe Bendik. The Orlando City goalkeeper did it with his last club in Toronto when he took over for then-starter and fan favorite Stefan Frei in 2013. And he had to do it all over again when Orlando City signed him to take of the place of former goalkeeper Tally Hall, who had gained the city’s love and respect last year before tearing his meniscus and parting ways with the club.
Orlando City confirms Baptista signing – Four Four Two
Kaka welcomed him to the club Tuesday, and now Orlando City has announced that Julio Baptista has joined the MLS franchise.
Italy coach Conte offers Euros hope to Toronto FC ace Giovinco – Tribal Football
Italy coach Antonio Conte has offered Euros hope to Toronto FC ace Sebastian Giovinco. Conte says Giovinco could make his squad for France, though he has his selection almost settled.
Jerome Boateng, Kevin-Prince Boateng linked to MLS – MLS
The Boateng brothers have already faced off in the Bundesliga and in two separate World Cups – could they meet next in MLS? Reports have surfaced recently linking half-brothers Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng and AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng to the league.
MLS commissioner discusses the future of American soccer at University Lecture – Daily Orange
Don Garber licked his finger and pointed it in the air. “You don’t just go like this and come up with something smart,” he said. For Garber, the commissioner of Major League Soccer, research is required to devise strategies for how to manage the highest level of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. With 17 teams in the U.S. and three in Canada, MLS soccer has grown mightily since its inception in 1993.
Tim Howard’s Salary Isn’t the Problem – MLS Multiplex
By now, you have probably heard the big news that was announced over the weekend: Longtime Everton stalwart and USMNT hero Tim Howard is returning home to Major League Soccer, signing a Designated Player deal with the Colorado Rapids for $8 million over 3.5 years, effective once the summer transfer window opens.
LAFC Get Their “Wings?” Expansion Club Trademarks Nickname – Empire of Soccer
Empire of Soccer has discovered that Major League Soccer has trademarked the terms “LAFC Wings” and “The Wings,” both featuring the side’s art deco angel wing logo above the trademark name.
67% of players say an MLS team would survive the Premier League. Are they right? – The Guardian
In January, during the MLS off-season, Liam Ridgewell, the Portland Timbers captain, gave an interview to the Independent and said that the weather and travel are the biggest challenges in the MLS, where the quality of football “is like the [English] Championship”.
North American Soccer Sponsorship Up Over 9% This Year – MediaPost
Brands are expected to spend $333 million sponsoring Major League Soccer, U.S. Soccer and other North American soccer leagues, teams and events this year — up 9.2% from 2015.
Capture the game in HD using aerial video, book now at www.gamevision.ca!
BC SOCCER NEWS
SPARTANS OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE RECRUITS SHORT, SAKAKI – TWU
Trinity Western coach Graham Roxburgh officially announced the signing of his first two recruits for the 2016 season, as both striker Gabi Short (Calgary) and defender Kristen Sakaki (Surrey, B.C.) will join the Spartans this fall.
LMG headed back to Jackson Cup final – Cowichan Valley Citizen
The player whose goal propelled Cowichan LMG to the Jackson Cup final for the sixth time in the last seven years won’t be able to play in the championship soccer game.
Powell River Villa end season with final-minute loss – Powell River Peak
A loss in the last minute of play in its final game of the season was indicative of Powell River Villa’s season in Division 2 of the Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL.
VIDEO: CFJC Midday – Kamloops Youth Soccer – CFJC
A short video featuring the Kamloops Youth Soccer Assoc.
Victoria Highlanders 2016 Season Tickets Now Available – Select Your Seats
The Victoria Highlanders are ready to return to the PDL for 2016. BC Soccer Web encourages all soccer fans on Vancouver Island to get behind their team. Season tickets are now on sale and extremely affordable. Support Local Soccer!
BC Soccer Assoc. is Now Accepting Candidates for its Board of Directors – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors for terms commencing June 11, 2016. Prospective candidates are invited to review the information provided on the BC Soccer web site www.bcsoccer.net. Candidates who provide notice to BC Soccer Assoc. of their intent to stand for election by May 1, 2016 will have their applications circulated to the membership in early May.
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.
WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
ORANGE COUNTY BLUES FC vs. WFC 2
SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016, 7:00 PM
ANTEATER STADIUM, IRVINE, CA.
LIVESTREAM: YOUTUBE
Whitecaps FC add midfielder/striker Fatawu Safiu to WFC2 roster – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the addition of midfielder/striker Fatawu Safiu to the club’s Whitecaps FC 2 roster for the 2016 United Soccer League season. Safiu joins on a season-long loan from Ghanaian club Inter Allies FC – pending receipt of his international transfer certificate.
VIDEO: Out of words: Safiu’s best goals of 2015 – Whitecaps FC
Top 2015 goals from WFC2’s latest addition to the roster.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 2016 USL Season Preview – Eighty-Six Forever
WFC 2 have brought back a large number of personnel rom 2015, including Head Coach Alan Koch. Perhaps the most intriguing new addition is 15 year old Alphonso Davies, who at the time of his signing in February, was the youngest player in the USL. He played with the Whitecaps in some pre-season matches and looked raw, but was dripping with potential. As well, 23 year old Canadian Daniel Haber joins the squad up top, and the team has also given high praise to midfielder Fatawu Saifu.
USL Announces Competitions Rules for 2016 – USL
The United Soccer League announced today its official competitions rules for the 2016 Season, with the most significant change coming in the league’s standings tiebreakers.
Charlotte Independence eyes ‘unfinished business’ – making USL playoffs – Charlotte Observer
Enzo Martinez is more than ready to get the Charlotte Independence’s 2016 season underway. But Martinez also doesn’t want to forget last year, when a rough start and strong finish kept the Independence from making the United Soccer League playoffs.
NASL expecting expansion as league evaluates new, old markets – SBI
Speaking on a conference call on Tuesday, Peterson said the league is expecting several expansion-related announcements throughout the year. One of those announcements is expected to come in the next few weeks with the official unveiling of a new club.
MARCEL DE JONG TO OTTAWA WAS LATEST IN TREND OF CANADIAN INTERNATIONALS JOINING NASL – Ottawa Fury
Recent Ottawa signing believes “it’s only the beginning” of more Canadian players plying their trade in the country
One World Sports Lifts NASL Paywall, League Closing in on New TV Partner – Empire of Soccer
The North American Soccer League revealed today that the second year of its broadcast partnership with One World Sports will see coverage expand to the league’s Spring Season.
Who’s got next? These USL stars could be next to make jump to MLS – MLS
There’s more to USL than youth development. Current MLS stars such as Osvaldo Alonso, Dom Dwyer and Luke Mulholland either got their start or their break in the lower divisions. But with so many players to watch in the 29-team league, who has a realistic shot at making the jump to the first division? Here are five who could be coming to an MLS pitch near you.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
US players headed to Lyon next season: club chair – The Equalizer
Perhaps the National Women’s Soccer League won’t be United States women’s national team players’ only option moving forward amid a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the team’s collective bargaining agreement. Olympique Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas tells French outlet Le Monde that Americans are headed to his French dynasty of a club next season.
Barcelona hold Paris as Frankfurt, Wolfsburg, Lyon win – UEFA
FFC Frankfurt won 1-0 at Rosengård, Wolfsburg beat Brescia 3-0 and Lyon put nine past Slavia Praha, but the quarter-final first leg between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain ended all-square.
Arsenal boss says trip to Seattle too good to pass on – The Equalizer
Arsenal Ladies Head Coach Pedro Martinez Losa says the opportunity to take his side to the Pacific Northwest for glamour friendly against Seattle Reign FC was too good an opportunity to turn down.
Arsenal sign Lionesses star Jodie Taylor from Portland – The FA
Arsenal Ladies have signed England striker Jodie Taylor from Portland Thorns in the American National Women’s Soccer League.
Women’s Super League One: Arsenal 3-1 Reading – BBC Sport
Asisat Oshoala marked her Arsenal arrival with a goal to help them overcome Women’s Super League One newcomers Reading.
Manchester City Women 1-0 Notts County Ladies: Cometh the hour, cometh the captain – Vavel
Manchester City Women opened their WSL 1 campaign up with three points on Wednesday night; Steph Houghton’s stoppage time free-kick breaking Notts County hearts at the death.
Women’s Super League One: Liverpool 1-0 Birmingham City – BBC Sport
Shanice Van De Sanden’s first goal in English football helped Liverpool Ladies win with 10 players as Birmingham City missed two penalties.
Referee in Focus – Rebecca Durcau – Westfield W-League
Rebecca Durcau has been a Westfield W-League referee since 2009 and also refereed in the Japanese Women’s National League in 2010. She shares some of her insights on being an elite referee in the Westfield W-League.
Houston Dash release Lauren Sesselmann – Keeper Notes
The Houston Dash have released Lauren Sesselmann from their preseason training roster. Sesselmann was not under contract with the Dash after being deallocated by the Canadian national team during the off-season. After two seasons with the Dash, she decided to come in uncontracted and compete for a roster spot with the team this season.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Johan Cruyff, Dutch football legend, dies at the age of 68 – The Guardian
The Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff has died of cancer at the age of 68. The Dutchman, who on three occasions was voted the world player of the year, guided Holland to the World Cup final in 1974 and as a manager he spent eight years in charge of Barcelona.
World mourns passing of Dutch legend Johan Cruyff – Inside World Football
Genius is an over-used word in football – but few have laid claim to that description with more justification than Johan Cruyff. The football world was stunned into collective grief today with the announcement that the great Dutch icon had died of lung cancer aged 68.
VIDEO: The Genius of Johan Cruyff – YouTube
Compilation of dribbling excellence from the Dutch master.
International football: 10 things to look out for in the upcoming matches – The Guardian
Roy Hodgson has chance to determine Joe Hart’s understudy, Germany are still searching for a true nine, and Canadian football is in rude health
Champions League shake-up: Uefa ‘consider new format’ – BBC Sport
The Champions League may feature fewer teams in the group stages under proposals being considered by Uefa.
Luis Suarez: Uruguay striker to make return after biting ban – BBC Sport
Luis Suarez says he has been working on controlling his “anxiety and nerves” as he prepares for his first competitive Uruguay game since biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
Adam Johnson jailed for six years for sexual activity with schoolgirl – The Guardian
The former England footballer Adam Johnson has been jailed for six years for sexual activity with a child.
Danish win as video gamers battle for FIFA Interactive World Cup title in New York – Inside World Football
Any Americans still smarting from the loss of the 2022 World Cup hosting to Qatar can take solace in the fact that they are still in the international football picture after having hosted the finals of the FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) in New York.