WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Home playoff in doubt for slumping Whitecaps – Sportsnet
There’s only so much a club can do with so many of its best players are missing. While critics will be piling on to what was a fairly uninspiring performance by the Vancouver Whitecaps in a 2-0 road loss to FC Dallas on Wednesday night, the reality is that if you’re without four or five players who would be in contention for starting spots, there’s going to be a struggle.
Shorthanded ‘Caps fall 2-0 to FC Dallas Wednesday night at Toyota Stadium – Whitecaps FC
A shorthanded Vancouver Whitecaps FC (15W-13L-5D) side fell 2-0 to FC Dallas (16W-10L-6D) on Wednesday in their penultimate regular season match at Toyota Stadium.
FC Dallas 2, Vancouver Whitecaps 0 – MLS
And just like that, FC Dallas is tied for the Supporters’ Shield lead. In the second game of a home-and-away sequence played in a week, Dallas topped the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-0 at Toyota Stadium on Wednesday to pull level with the New York Red Bulls for the regular-season hardware.
Dallas 2 Whitecaps 0: Caps limping to the finish line – The Province
The MLS playoffs didn’t start Wednesday and they don’t start next week, either. Actually, not until Oct. 28.
Whitecaps limp out of Dallas empty handed – Red Nation Online
The Vancouver Whitecaps have never won a match against FC Dallas in Texas and the challenge of doing so was made harder by the Whitecaps current slew of injuries. The home-side was too strong for the Whitecaps as FC Dallas took full advantage and came away with a 2-0 win at Toyota Stadium before 11,848 fans.
Whitecaps’ slide continues with loss in Dallas – 24 Hours
The Vancouver Whitecaps can no longer win the Supporters’ Shield or be best in the west after dropping another decision on Wednesday.
Whitecaps Fall to FC Dallas 2-0 – Eighty-Six Forever
The Vancouver Whitecaps continue to struggle late in the season, as they fell 2-0 to FC Dallas on Wednesday night. It means the team has still never won in Frisco, and couldn’t score a win against their rivals from Texas in back to back matches.
Depleted and defeated, Vancouver Whitecaps’ Texan troubles continues – AFTN
When you saw who was available to travel to Dallas for this one, you knew it was going to be a tough task for Vancouver to get anything from this game. Then when you saw the starting line-up, you knew it was going to be a tough task to get much going creatively in the midfield.
Whirlwind 24 hours sees two “dreams come true” for Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Marco Bustos – AFTN
The Whitecaps seem stuck in a dark tunnel but one of the few lights shining at the end of it comes in the shape of a 19-year-old Canadian.
Finally! Toronto FC book first playoff berth in club history with 2-1 win over Red Bulls – MLS
On Wednesday night Toronto FC finally gave their devoted fans the moment they’ve been lusting for since they arrived in Major League Soccer with a splash in 2007, edging the Eastern Conference-leading New York Red Bulls 2-1 at BMO Field to clinch their first-ever trip to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
TFC clinches playoff spot with exclamation point – Sportsnet
Even with all three designated players missing from the starting lineup, Toronto FC earned a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night to clinch a playoff berth for the first time in franchise history.
TFC clinch postseason berth with fourth straight win – Red Nation Online
After a 10 day break, Toronto FC were back in action on Wednesday night for a home fixture against the New York Red Bulls at BMO Field. With the Reds on the verge of clinching an MLS Cup Playoff spot for the first time in the club’s history, TFC needed only a point to clinch a spot in the postseason.
YYZ: Three letters on a boarding pass that led to a magical night for TFC – TSN
It could have gone the way you may have thought if you read the score or had a quick check at a headline. Yes, Toronto FC made the playoffs after an impressive 2-1 win over New York Red Bulls, but that’s not how the story should be told. Oh no. Not on this night.
Real Salt Lake 0, Portland Timbers 1 – MLS
In a battle between two teams fighting for a 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs spot, it was the Portland Timbers who came out on top thanks to a major defensive error from Real Salt Lake.
Real Salt Lake ‘dejected, frustrated’ after crippling loss to Timbers – Goal
RSL is on the verge of missing the postseason for the first time since 2007 after suffering a controversial 1-0 defeat to Portland.
Sam, Poku earn first caps for Ghana in Canada encounter – Empire of Soccer
New York Red Bulls midfielder Lloyd Sam and New York City FC’s Kwadwo Poku made their international debuts for Ghana in a 1-1 draw against Canada.
A NEW HOME – Plans unveiled for Soccer Hall, musuem in Dallas – Big Apple Soccer
FC Dallas, along with U.S. Soccer, Frisco Independent School District and the City of Frisco, unveiled plans Wednesday for a $39 million Toyota Stadium project. That will feature more than 100,000 square feet of renovated space, new locker rooms, premium seats, a private club and the National Soccer Hall of Fame Museum.
October 2015 Atlanta United season ticket deposit update – Dirty South Soccer
Atlanta United President Darren Eales announced this morning on local sports radio, 92.9 The Game, that over 26,000 fans have now put down a deposit on season tickets. This is 2,000 more than the 24,000 deposits in July, just three months ago and 7,000 more since February.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
PREVIEW: T-Birds look to clinch Pacific Division – UBC
The UBC Thunderbirds men’s soccer team, ranked second in Canada, will head to the Okanagan this weekend to face off against the Thompson Rivers WolfPack (1-5-2) and the UBC Okanagan Heat (3-4-3). The ‘Birds will look to extend their impressive seven-game win streak and add to a stellar 7-0-1
SPARTANS FIND STRIDE IN CONVINCING WIN OVER FRASER VALLEY – TWU
In what seemed to be a repeat opening half from Friday’s win over Fraser Valley, Krista Gommeringer (Calgary) once again started the game off with a goal in the 16th minute, which set the tone for the No. 9 Spartans, as they beat the No. 10 Cascades 5-0 Tuesday at Rogers Field, knocking off for the second time in five days.
ROXBURGH SCORES LATE TO HELP SPARTANS EARN TIE WITH CASCADES – TWU
Trinity Western’s Matthew Roxburgh (Surrey, B.C.) scored in the 85th minute to salvage a critical 2-2 draw with Fraser Valley Tuesday at Rogers Field.
Surrey United wins U16 boys title, Coastal FC girls place 4th – Surrey Leader
Cloverdale-based Surrey United gave their hometown fans plenty to cheer about Monday, after capturing a national U16 boys soccer championship at South Surrey Athletic Park.
Riptide U15 girls still undefeated – Campbell River Mirror
Six games into the VIPL season, and the Marine Harvest Riptide U15 Girls soccer team remains undefeated. The team played Saanich in Victoria Saturday in what felt like an “epic battle” atmosphere; intense competition topped off with pelting rain that forced drenched players to dig deep until the end.
Kelowna U15 boys golden in Richmond – Kelowna Capital News
The Kelowna United U15 boys celebrated the October long weekend with a gold medal victory at the Richmond FC Thanksgiving Tournament.
FIFA World Cup Qualifying – Canada vs. Honduras at B.C. Place, Fri. Nov.13 – Buy Tickets Here
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Revealed: Entire ‘rogue league corrupted by match-fixing’ – The Telegraph
The 31-page document, entitled Canadian Soccer League (CSL) 2015 Season, alleges that all 12 top-flight teams have played in “suspicious” games this year on at least three occasions each. In the fallout the Canadian Soccer Association decertified the CSL, which has been played as an unsanctioned semi-professional competition for the past two years. (Editor’s Note: We want to make it very clear to our readers that the “Canadian Soccer League” is not sanctioned by the CSA and operates entirely outside of FIFA. It is a private semi-pro league that, despite its name, operates solely in Ontario.)
Canada survive late surge to earn draw against Ghana – Prost Amerika
For years the question of Canadian soccer was not a matter of if but when . When would Canada turn the page and become a power in CONCACAF? When will Canada make the World Cup again? Although these questions were not answered on Thursday some light was shed on the strides that the team has made in recent years. Thanks to an early goal and stout defending Canada held on to a 1-1 draw with Ghana at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.
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NASL & USL NEWS
10-man Eddies concede 2-1 decision to RailHawks – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton (7-4-7) faced Carolina RailHawks (5-3-9), Aug. 14 at Wakemed Soccer Park, dropping a 2-1 decision in the second of a three-game road trip. Nazmi Albadawi and Nacho Novo tallied for the RailHawks, while Daryl Fordyce collected the lone goal for the visiting Eddies.
After Laing-less FCE loses to Carolina, Miller has harsh words for the Jamaica Football Federation – the11.ca
On a night when many Canadian sports fans were in ecstasy thanks to the heroics of Jose Bautista and/or Sebastian Giovinco, FC Edmonton’s supporters came to grips with the fact that the playoffs became a super long shot.
NASL Fall Week 16 Preview: Carolina the Unlikely Deciding Factor – Empire of Soccer
Only three weeks of action remain in the NASL regular season and every single club has something to fight for.
Strikers, Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen among field for 2016 Florida Cup – SBI
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers will get a chance to represent the United States on an international soccer stage. The team will take part in the 2016 Florida Cup — set for January — against eight other teams from four other countries, according to a statement made by general manager Caio Zanardi on Wednesday.
Real Madrid legend Raul set to rescind New York Cosmos contract – Tribal Football
AS says Raul has informed Cosmos directors and coaching staff that he plans to hang up his boots next month, once the NASL season ends.
USL Championship: Fast Starts Key For Los Dos, Rhinos – USL
If there’s one key to how the 2015 USL Championship will be decided, it’s likely to emerge quickly. Throughout the season, the Rochester Rhinos have used a proactive style to try and put their visitors to Sahlen’s Stadium on the back foot early. High pressure up the field, with the goal of creating turnovers and disrupting their opponents’ rhythm has been a key for Bob Lilley’s side over the course of their outstanding season.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Wolfsburg, Lyon and Paris march on to last 16 – UEFA
Former winners Wolfsburg and Lyon progressed, Paris won 9-0 and debutants Chelsea forged on, but the trail went cold for Bayern in Wednesday’s round of 32 closers.
Wambach to decide on future in ‘next couple weeks’ – The Equalizer
“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Wambach said when asked about retirement while speaking at the annual espnW summit. “You know, I think in the next couple weeks, a decision will be made. I want to keep talking with my coaches and family.”
NWSL TO HOLD OFFSEASON WAIVER PROCESS NEXT WEEK – NWSL
The National Women’s Soccer League’s will hold the offseason waiver process next week where any NWSL player not under contract at the conclusion of the season will be made available on the waiver wire. The Waiver Process was originally scheduled to be held on Oct. 12.
Price of Football: How much is the Women’s Super League? – BBC Sport
Match-day admission for £3? Season tickets for £15? Attendances up by 48%? Welcome to the Women’s Super League.
The girl who played boys’ football – The Guardian
As a 12-year-old girl playing boys’ football Niamh McKevitt was unique – and targeted. The defender, now with Huddersfield in the Women’s Premier League, recalls her rude awakening in this extract from her book.
Mean Boys Can’t Keep Girls Off The Soccer Field: #15Girls – NPR
It’s a place where girls can play volleyball. They can do ballet (of course). But soccer is a no-no. That’s the way it goes in Brazil, the country that famously loves soccer. There was once a legal ban — from 1941 to 1979 — noting that “women will not be allowed to practice sports which are considered incompatible to their feminine nature.”
The Lowdown: XI tweaks for an improved NWSL – The Equalizer
Last year, I rolled out a list of 11 ideas for a better NWSL. One of them was to make the final into an event by putting it in a pre-determined stadium announced in advance. I won’t take the credit for it, but I was glad to see it happened.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Santos seek 6-month ban for Neymar over Barcelona transfer – report – ESPN FC
Brazilian club Santos have asked FIFA to hand Neymar a six-month suspension for what they are calling non-compliance of contract terms during his transfer to Barcelona, according to Brazilian daily O Globo.
UEFA nations in Nyon for Emergency session to decide leadership – Inside World Football
European football’s full membership is meeting in emergency session at UEFA headquarters today to decide whether to drop support for their leader’s bid to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in February – and what to do about the immediate future of their own organisation.
Chelsea Manager Jose Mourinho fined almost $80,000 for trash-talking referees – Washington Post
Chelsea Manager Jose Mourinho is having a poor season, but on Wednesday, it got expensive, too. The controversial figure was fined £50,000 (roughly $77,000) by England’s Football Association for comments he made against match referees while speaking to the media after the Premier League team’s 3-1 loss to Southampton on Oct. 3. In addition, the FA imposed a suspended one-match stadium ban on the 52-year-old should he become a repeat offender in the next year.
Will an American ever coach in one of Europe’s top leagues? – The Guardian
Plenty of Americans play abroad, but far fewer have made careers as coaches of top sides outside MLS. Could former USA coach Bob Bradley break that pattern?
Euro 2016 draw: Seeding pots for finals now beginning to take shape – ESPN FC
The pots for Euro 2016 finals draw are almost known with 20 of the 24 qualifiers confirmed.
Gordon Strachan: Scotland coach expected to continue in role – BBC Sport
Gordon Strachan is expected to stay on as Scotland manager, BBC Sport has learned.
Liverpool’s Danny Ings out for rest of season after rupturing ligaments – The Guardian
Jürgen Klopp has suffered another grievous setback in his first week as Liverpool manager after Danny Ings suffered a knee injury that will rule him out for the rest of the season and effectively ends the striker’s hopes of playing in Euro 2016.
CONCACAF Watch: Five thoughts from the window on teams not named the U.S. or Mexico – Goal
While the CONCACAF Cup stole the show, there was plenty to learn throughout the region ahead of World Cup qualifiers.
Carlo Ancelotti’s shadow looms large over Rafa Benitez at Real Madrid – ESPN FC
“My holidays will last at least until the end of the year and then I’m going to get back into coaching,” Carlo Ancelotti declared last Monday. With that statement, a few coaches in top-level football clubs must have felt a few drops of sweat going down their foreheads.
Sam Allardyce slams West Ham supporters and calls them brainwashed – The Guardian
Sam Allardyce has lashed out at supporters of his most recent club, West Ham United, accusing many of them of being “deluded” and “brainwashed”.
Nepal national team footballers arrested on charge of match-fixing in national and international games – The Himalayan Times
Three members of Nepal national football team, including captain and vice-captain, and two former national players have been arrested in the Kathmandu Valley on charge of match-fixing in national and international games and their alleged nexus with bookies on Wednesday.
Bayern Munich fans to protest Arsenal prices at Emirates Stadium – ESPN FC
A group of Bayern Munich fans are to boycott the first five minutes of their side’s Champions League clash with Arsenal next week out of protest at ticket prices.
Italian ref suspended after halting U14 match due to 31-0 scoreline – ESPN FC
A referee has been suspended in Italy after he abandoned a game with the score of 31-0 because it was too one-sided. The game between two under-14 sides was brought to a premature conclusion after less than an hour by the 20-year-old referee once the 31st goal was scored for guests Persiceto 85, without any reply from the hosts Ponte Ronca.