SPORTING KANSAS CITY vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
MLS MATCHDAY #8
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018, 6:00 PT
CHILDREN’S MERCY PARK, KANSAS CITY, KA.
TV: TSN 2 RADIO: TSN RADIO 1040 ONLINE: TSN GO
Episode 259 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Bad Weekend with guests Jordan Harvey and Russell Teibert) – AFTN
Sick of teams from LA yet? I know we are.
Whitecaps striker Kei Kamara out for several weeks with groin injury – Sportsnet
The Vancouver Whitecaps will have to pull themselves out of a two-game losing skid without the services of star striker Kei Kamara.
‘Caps welcome ‘raw and exciting’ Blondell back to training with Kamara sidelined – Whitecaps FC
More than a few heads were turned an hour before kickoff on Friday night when Kei Kamara was absent from Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s teamsheet.
With Kamara injured, Whitecaps focused on improving home form – Red Nation Online
The paying customer always has the right to make their voices heard. They’re paying hard-earned dollars to watch a side that’s void of entertaining football at home. The road warrior Whitecaps FC haven’t yet found form at home, like they have on the road.
Commentary: Reflecting on a foundation for success – Whitecaps FC
For 40 consecutive MLS matches, the ‘Caps hadn’t lost twice in a row. Every good streak must come to an end, and it did on Friday the 13th. But those 40 games speak to something greater. It’s a foundation for success that’s been built by Carl Robinson and his staff. Only NYCFC’s current 42-match streak compares to the ‘Caps recent run. The Red Bulls are next at 30 games, with no one else close to Salt Lake’s 21 matches.
Toronto FC Cultivates Winning Formula to Put Club on Cusp of Historic CCL Title – SI.com
The formula is complex, difficult to replicate and, as expected, includes several variables and a lot of zeros. It’s also clearer than ever, thanks to a historic run by Toronto FC that has led to the Concacaf Champions League finals and the threshold of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Bradley on Bradley: Bob “proud of the role” son Michael has played in TFC’s success after not getting respect in Europe – AFTN
Love him or loathe him, there is no doubting that Michael Bradley has been a key component of Toronto FC’s success these past couple of seasons.
FINISH THE JOB: Toronto FC fully focused on overcoming last CCL hurdle in pursuit of history – Toronto FC
Now comes the tricky part. Navigating to the final is necessary, but insufficient. Lifting that trophy is the ultimate goal. Having achieved the first, the second is exactly what Toronto FC have their sights set on as the first leg of the 2018 Concacaf Champions League final gets underway on Tuesday night at BMO Field.
Abysmal playing conditions could hurt Toronto FC in Champions League final – Toronto Sun
Hell hasn’t frozen over. But BMO Field has.
Chivas Guadalajara: Who are they, anyway? – Waking the Red
The common tagline heading into tomorrow night’s CONCACAF Champions League final opener is that Toronto FC have now beaten “the best team in Mexico and the most successful team in Mexico,” and now only “the most popular team in Mexico” stands in their way.
I’m not rooting for Toronto FC – Once a Metro
Major League Soccer will tell you that you have an interest in collectively supporting another team. There’s some validity to that. A rising tide lifts all boats. Higher television ratings and social media conversation will bring increased attention to the league, which will in turn benefit your team financially (a better television deal) and on the field (better players will be exposed to the idea of playing in America). However, this “one for all, all for one” mentality is in direct contrast with the tribalism constantly being pushed by the league.
Deklan Wynne is just getting started – Burgundy Wave
Deklan Wynne has been a quiet mainstay in the Colorado Rapids’s revamped 3-man back line this year after making the move from Vancouver in the off-season.
Is USMNT forward Bobby Wood coming to MLS this summer? – Washington Post
Bobby Wood, the U.S. national team forward employed by a relegation-threatened Bundesliga club, is exploring the possibility of moving to MLS this summer, multiple sources told the Insider on Monday.
Report: New York City FC plan stadium in Harlem River Yards – NBC Sports
New York City FC’s search for a permanent home could be drawing closer as a report states the Major League Soccer franchise could be heading to a 26,000 capacity venue which is part of the $700 million Harlem River Yards project.
Timbers owner Merritt Paulson fined for comments on officiating – SBI
Timbers owner Merritt Paulson was fined an undisclosed amount by MLS on Monday following his negative comments towards referee Baldomero Toledo. Toledo was in charge of the Timbers match against Orlando City back on April 8th, in which Portland lost, 3-2.
Union sign Olivier Mbaizo, Cameroon-born defender, from Bethlehem Steel – Philly.com
The Union signed 20-year-old Cameroonian defender Olivier Mbaizo to an MLS contract Tuesday, after initially signing him to a USL contract with Bethlehem Steel in January.
The Impact will play with a recycled jersey on Saturday – Montreal Impact
The Montreal Impact will wear a novelty jersey on Saturday for its first game this year at Stade Saputo. To highlight Earth Day, the Bleu-blanc-noir will wear a jersey made of recycled plastic waste recovered from beaches and coastal communities.
MLS PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps 0, LAFC 2, April 13, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
PCSL reveals teams & schedule for the 2018 season – PCSL
Seven teams will compete in the 2018 Pacific Coast Soccer league season.
Residency Report: Clean sweep in Portland – Whitecaps FC
Whitecaps FC Residency teams were in Portland on the weekend, facing the Timbers in Development Academy action.
Campbell River’s Carihi boys lace up for football tour of England – Campbell River Mirror
Carihi Senior Boys Soccer squad enjoyed a wonderful spring break on a football tour of England. It proved to be a “trip of a lifetime” for these local lads where they were able to take in a culture somewhat different than their hometown of Campbell River.
B.C. supports 2020 North American Indigenous Games Bid – Vernon Morning Star
Despite a wet and dreary day outside the Parliament Buildings, spirits were high inside following an announcement British Columbia earmarked $3.5-million in funding for the Songhees Nation Games bid. In addition to cultural programs to be added as a lasting legacy to the games.
Soccer tournament brings best teams together – Powell River Peak
Bragging rights in youth soccer are on the line at the 54th Island Invitational Cup on April 28 and 29 in Powell River. Four Powell River Youth Soccer Association (PRYSA)teams will be competing.
Heat duo to play in women’s premier league – Kelowna Capital News
UBC Okanagan Heat teammates Erica Lampert and Andrea Stinson will suit up this summer with the TSS FC Rovers of the Women’s Premier Soccer League.
PHOTOS: VMSL IMPERIAL CUP SEMIFINAL, Rino’s Tigers 3, Club Inter 2 (PKs), March 17, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Monique Lamoureux.
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 yickets 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.
Canada’s College ID Camps set for Shawnigan Lake & Kingston, Ontario – Canada College ID Camps
Our purpose is to provide a space where players grade 9-12 can connect with college coaches from all levels in Canada and the USA. We hope to assist in the promotion of youth players into environments which will challenge them academically and athletically after high school.
PCSL CHALLENGE CUP PHOTOS: Vancouver Utd. 3, Mid-Isle Mariners 1, July 30, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
BC PROVINCIAL WOMEN’S A CUP PHOTOS: Surrey United 1 NSGSC Renegades 0, May 13, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
FVSL PHOTOS: Pakenham Cup Final, PMO Rangers 1 PMO Lordco Gunners 0, April 1, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
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
Canada Soccer supports a multi-sport approach to physical literacy – CSA
Canada Soccer has partnered on a new parent education campaign promoting a multi-sport approach for children. Built around a captivating video PSA and a companion website it features elite Canadian athletes who support the multi-sport approach.
Former CBU soccer coach Robbie Chiasson remembered as family man and influential sports mentor – Cape Breton Post
Robbie Chiasson is being remembered as a caring family man and influential mentor to the many athletes he coached over the years. The 49-year-old married father of three died early Sunday following an all-terrain vehicle accident in his hometown of New Waterford. He is survived by wife Amanda and children Conor, Catie and Justin.
Memorial Sea-Hawks men’s soccer team adding English standout – The Telegram
The Memorial Sea-Hawks have gone overseas for their latest men’s soccer recruit. Sean Ray of East Peckham, England is joining the team for the 2018-19 season.
How soccer saved MRU student Yusuph Kalenga – CBC
Soccer sheltered Yusuph Kalenga as a young boy amidst the trauma of a Tanzanian refugee camp. Now his traumatic past gives him the internal strength necessary to excel with the Mount Royal University Cougars and to pursue a professional soccer career.
‘It would be very devastating’: Competitive soccer team made up of newcomers struggling to pay fees – CTV Winnipeg
A competitive soccer team made up mostly of newcomers to Canada is worried about having to fold before the spring season even gets underway.
Bronze Medal for GU16 Wolfpack in Provincials – Cochrane Now
Members of the Wolfpack GU16 team have bronze medals dangling from their necks from the provincial Tier II championship hosted in Calgary in March.
Churchill alumnus leads boys’ soccer team – Canstar Community News
Josh Vandenberg-Molina graduated from Churchill High School in 2009, where he enjoyed playing soccer for the school. After graduation he decided that he’d like to give back to his community as a coach and he began coaching the very next season.
Darrin MacLeod-The Life of a Canadian Keeper – Northern Starting XI
Darrin MacLeod is a Canadian keeper who grew up in Waterloo dreaming of becoming a professional soccer player. This is never an easy road for Canadians, and MacLeod is no exception. I had the chance to talk with MacLeod about his path to the professional ranks, as well as his view on where Canadian soccer needs to grow.
Poor weather delays soccer season – Global Regina
League play was set to kick off across Regina and other parts of southern Saskatchewan in the next two weeks. Instead, everyone is now playing the waiting game- and it’s cutting into playing for nearly 1000 athletes in Regina’s east zone alone.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
MLS expansion hopeful Cincinnati receive City Council approval for stadium – MLS
Cincinnati’s expansion bid is spearheaded by FC Cincinnati ownership, whose team have regularly led the USL in attendance since entering the league in 2016. They currently play at Nippert Stadium, a 40,000-seat outdoor stadium located on the University of Cincinnati’s Clifton campus.
FC Cincinnati’s Garrett Halfhill departs for New York Cosmos, NPSL – Cincinnati.com
Garrett Halfhill was one of the feel-good stories featured by Futbol Club Cincinnati over the last year.
NPSL PRIORITIES: Expansion, sponsorships, getting the word out, and of course, day-to-day operations – Front Row Soccer
When you’re the managing director of any league, there’s plenty on your plate. And you don’t have to remind Cindy Spera, who assumed the role with the National Premier Soccer League last week, about that.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Orlando Pride’s Slow Start Is Not Something to Worry About – The Mane Land
It is safe to say that the Orlando Pride are off to a slow start. Orlando currently sits in eighth place with just one point from three games. Not only is Sky Blue the only team sitting lower in the table than Orlando, but the Pride also have the worst goal differential in the NWSL at -3. Ashlyn Harris has just eight saves through the first three games and a poor save percentage of just 62% to go along with it.
NWSL Week In Review: Rules are rules for all – The Equalizer
We are a nation of laws, we’re told, and while some may have their doubts about that at the moment, there is no mistaking that sports leagues, from your local co-ed volleyball to the professional ranks, need clear and consistent rules to exist fairly for all involved.
Chelsea and Manchester City could be victims of their own success – The Guardian
The clubs head into their Champions League semis hampered by the demands of moving from a summer to winter season.
Millwall Lionesses: Women’s Super League 2 club on verge of administration – BBC Sport
Women’s Super League 2 club Millwall Lionesses may be forced to go into administration. A statement via social media informed supporters of “significant financial discrepancies”.
Korean Republic secures 5th AFC spot at France 2019 Women’s World Cup – Inside World Football
The South Koreans join China PR, Thailand, Australia and Japan at France 2019. Those four nations compete in the semi-finals of the Women’s Asian Cup today with China facing Japan and Australia up against Thailand.
Rooney delighted with Limerick early-season progress – Irish WNL
Limerick WFC manager Dave Rooney is delighted with the progress his side has made so far in the Continental Tyres Women’s National League.
Colchester United Women are leading the way in the sport – Gazette-News
Women’s Football Week is taking place across the country next week, and clubs like Colchester United are taking the opportunity to attract more females to the game.
‘Ideas about women in sport must change’ – Supersport
A “sea change” in perceptions is needed to convince girls they can play any sport they want, says a Football Association official as interest in women’s sport soars.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero reveals keyhole surgery on knee – BBC Sport
The Argentine, 29, has been troubled by the problem for the past five weeks and missed Saturday’s 3-1 win at Tottenham.
European leagues oppose plan for 48-team 2022 World Cup – Sportsnet
Top European leagues are set to oppose FIFA plans for adding more teams and playing days at the 2022 World Cup.
Man City avoid transfer ban after being cleared of wrongdoing in signing Benjamin Garre – The Telegraph
Manchester City are believed to have been cleared of breaching rules around the signing of a teenage Argentine footballer in news that will clear the way for the club to keep spending this summer as they bid to build on their extraordinary title success.
Previewing Tuesday’s CAF Confederation Cup matches – African Football
Tuesday, April 17, will see four teams book their place in the group stage of the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
AFC Champions League Review: Sydney FC out after stalemate – Four Four Two
The final round of the 2018 AFC Champions League group stage continued on Tuesday, with Sydney FC a notable casualty.
VAR chaos strikes again as Bundesliga referee hands Mainz ‘half-time’ penalty – The Telegraph
A bizarre video assistant referee (VAR) decision caused mayhem in a Bundesliga game on Monday night when two teams were ordered back on to the pitch at half time because the referee decided to award a penalty after watching a replay on TV.
Kenny Miller & Lee Wallace: Rangers suspend pair after Graeme Murty argument – BBC Sport
Kenny Miller and Lee Wallace have been suspended by Rangers pending an investigation into an angry exchange with manager Graeme Murty.
Morocco masks homosexuality ban in World Cup bid submission – Sportsnet
A FIFA task force arrived in Morocco on Monday to inspect a World Cup bid that obscures one potential impediment to hosting the 2026 soccer showpiece: Homosexuality is a criminal offence in the north African country.
FIFA 2026 scrutineers land in Morocco as human and animal rights questions raised – Inside World Football
Morocco’s bid to stage the 2026 World Cup has reached its most crucial phase to date with the arrival of FIFA’s evaluation panel for a three-day visit that could make or break the north African country’s chances.
FIFA charges 2018 World Cup host Russia over racist slurs against Black French players – The Star
Monkey chants were aimed at Black French players during France’s 3-1 friendly win over Russia in St. Petersburg last month.
The Question of Legacy – World Cup Stadiums open in Rostov and Nizhny Novgorod – Futbolbrad
Staying in the league will be vital for Rostov this season given that the club will be calling the Rostov Arena their new home going forward. Critiques have feared that the selection of World Cup host cities will create several white elephants once the World Cup moves on to Qatar.
Russian prosecutors reveal plot to disrupt World Cup – Sportsnet
Russia’s chief prosecutor says law enforcement agencies have thwarted an alleged plot by right-wing soccer fans to derail events at the World Cup.
Animal rights groups are upset because a bear handed a ball to a referee before a Russian soccer match – Edmonton Journal
Animal rights groups have condemned the use of a bear that performed before a Russian soccer match.
Full schedule released for ICC 2018 games – NBC Sports
The 2018 International Champions Cup is coming to the United States of America once again, with the schedule released on Tuesday. Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool will all be heading on US tours this summer.
Panathinaikos settle debts with Michael Essien, two others in effort to avoid points deduction – ESPN
Panathinaikos say long-delayed payments have been made to Michael Essien and two others in an effort to avoid losing nine points as the Greek club struggles with mounting debts and the threat of relegation.
AFC Wimbledon: EFL drop charges after club refused to use MK Dons’ full name – BBC Sport
The English Football League has dropped charges against AFC Wimbledon after they did not mention MK Dons on the front cover of the matchday programme when the two teams met in September.