VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
2017 MLS CUP FINAL
TORONTO FC vs. SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1:00 PM PST
BMO FIELD, TORONTO, ONT.
TV: TSN 1 ONLINE: TSN GO
Episode 232 – The AFTN Soccer Show (AB Positive) – AFTN
It might be the offseason, but what a busy week for Vancouver Whitecaps. There were new additions, players leaving, new deals being discussed, transfer rumours, and more.
All White striker Myer Bevan close to new MLS deal with Vancouver Whitecaps – NZ Herald
There could be good news on the horizon for All Whites striker Myer Bevan. The 20-year-old looks set to sign a MLS contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps, which would be a massive boost in the context of his career.
Diego Valeri cements Timbers, MLS legacy with MVP award – SBI
It’s hard to remember a time where Diego Valeri wasn’t synonymous with the Portland Timbers. Throughout his MLS career, Valeri has emerged as the premier Timber, a face for a franchise and a city with a long history and a passionate fervor for the game.
Pressure squarely on Toronto FC as MLS Cup rematch with Sounders looms large – SN
Are you nervous yet, Toronto FC fans? Despite TFC coming off the best regular season in MLS history and steamrolling opponents along the way, there is very real cause for concern.
Best ever? What if that title belongs to Sounders, not Toronto FC? – MLS
By now you’ve heard the GOAT talk about Toronto FC. So it would probably be ridiculous to even entertain the notion that Saturday’s other finalist might actually be the team of the ages, right?
Near miss in last year’s final motivates TFC’s Justin Morrow – Toronto Star
For Justin Morrow, the difference between Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders in last year’s MLS Cup final could be counted in inches.
A year after “The Save,” Sounders’ Frei hopes for quieter MLS Cup this year – MLS
No matter what happens in the 2017 MLS Cup rematch between the Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC at BMO Field on Saturday (1 pm PT | ESPN, UniMas in US; TSN, TVAS in Canada), Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei has already cemented his status in franchise lore.
Can Victor Vazquez be Toronto FC’s missing piece in MLS Cup final? – Waking the Red
Heading into the 2017 edition of the MLS Cup final, it is fair to say Toronto have found that missing piece. When the club acquired Victor Vazquez this summer, they not only added the creativity they needed, but also one of the best all-round players in the league.
All that money can buy: MLS Cup rematch underscores league’s evolution toward wealth, ambition – Four Four Two
Spend big, win big. It’s the way of global soccer, a well-beaten path through the big-boy leagues, certainly true of the dominant associations in Europe. A world of eyeballs watches every week as clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, etc., mostly brush past the valiant-but-small in what amounts to a two-tiered system.
Ashley Cole looking for return to LA Galaxy – Metro
Ashley Cole is hoping for a return to the LA Galaxy, this as the former English international’s contract is up at year’s end.
Stadium site emerges in Austin for possible MLS franchise – NBC Sports
With Columbus Crew owner Anthony Precourt reportedly pushing ahead for relocating the Crew from Columbus, Ohio to Austin, Texas, local reports state that a preferred stadium site has emerged for a potential new Major League Soccer franchise.
Detroit’s MLS expansion bid may hinge on Wednesday presentation in NYC – Detroit Free Press
Three billionaires are trying to bring Major League Soccer to Detroit.
The Business of Major League Soccer Ahead of MLS Cup – Nasdaq
MLS is also a corporate sponsors dream, given the ability to advertise directly on team jerseys. This is something Herbalife Ltd. HLF , Alaska Air Group, Inc. ALK , Target TGT , Microsoft MSFT , and many others have embraced. Home Depot HD , AT&T T , and Wells Fargo WFC are also all current MLS partners and sponsors. Still, despite all of these positive signs and real growth, many people around the U.S. question the current and long-term viability of the relatively young MLS.
BC SOCCER NEWS
BC Soccer Excited to Host Their First Technical Director Diploma Course – BCSA
With more than 80 individuals registered BC Soccer is excited to host their first Technical Director Diploma course focused on supporting individuals who are responsible for providing technical leadership for their soccer organization.
Comox Valley United earn crucial win against last-placed Vantreights – BC Local News
Comox Valley United earned a vital three points on Dec. 3 in an away match in Victoria against last-placed Vantreights FC.
Quinn Sam-Finlay earns Premier’s Award for Aboriginal Youth Excellence in Sport – Question
Mount Currie soccer and basketball star named alongside St’at’imc and Nisga’a’s Malia and Jaiden Terry.
Residency Report: U-17s conclude Winter Showcase against Red Bulls – Whitecaps FC
Whitecaps FC U-17 Residency concluded their play at the 2017 Winter Showcase with a hard-fought match against the second ranked New York Red Bulls, falling by a 3-2 final score.
Whitecaps FC name Reynold Stewart as associate Head Coach in Kootenays – Nelson Daily
Vancouver Whitecaps FC recently announced that Reynold Stewart has been appointed as associate head coach of the Kootenays Academy in Nelson supporting current Kootenay associate Head Coaches Sam Heap and Drissa Bouare and Whitecaps Academy Centre Associate Head Coach Brett Adams.
FSJSC seeking a Coaching Development Officer – EnergeticCity.ca
The Fort St. John Soccer Club is looking to fill the role of Coaching Development Officer.
Canadian legends Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil team up for Individualized Coaching Program – Dasovic-Neil Coaching
Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil have teamed up to provide training programs for players & coaches. The programs specialize in individual, positional, age, and gender specific training for players, with a combined technical and physical focus while providing education and mentorship opportunities for coaches to improve their skills and deepen their knowledge base.
BC Soccer Web’s 2017 Soccer & Sports Book Recommendations – BC Soccer Web
Over the years, there have been many books on soccer and sport that have given us joy, laughter, and much to think about. We’re happy to share these with you. We’ll be updating this list as new titles become available, so keep checking.
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.
2016-2017 BC Soccer Year in Review – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is proud to release their 2016-2017 Year in Review after another successful year of soccer. The #respectall initiative, High Performance License, Club Charter Program activity, along with the delivery of hundreds of coaching courses and referee clinics this past year highlight some of the successes.
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.
2017 VISL JACKSON CUP PHOTOS: Nanaimo Utd. 2 Cowichan LMG 1 (XT), April 2, 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
Canadian keeper Powley makes a Gute career choice – the11.ca
In January, Powley will move to the Swedish island of Gotland, home of fourth-tier side FC Gute. He will begin his one-year contract with the club. His contract calls for him to eat at the same restaurant — which is one of the club’s sponsors — daily. A meal plan will be submitted by the club.
Oakville Soccer Club expands female coaching staff – Inside Halton
The Oakville Soccer Club has expanded its female coaching staff with the addition of two coaches in the advanced development and rep development programs.
Athletes ‘stand together’ with sex assault survivors after players charged – City News
Some female athletes at St. Francis Xavier University have come up with a remarkable response to sex charges against members of the varsity football team. Soccer players have launched a solidarity campaign with sexual assault survivors, quelling a potential backlash that experts say can sometimes rise in the wake of damning allegations against powerful, popular male students on university campuses.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
FC Edmonton part ways with head coach Colin Miller and technical staff – FC Edmonton
Following the discontinuation of its professional franchise operations, FC Edmonton releases head coach Colin Miller and team technical staff.
Toronto FC II announce roster moves – Toronto FC
Toronto FC II announced Monday that it has exercised contract options on two players, while seven players are already under guaranteed contract for the 2018 season. The club has also re-signed midfielder Aidan Daniels and goalkeeper Angelo Cavalluzzo to USL contracts. The exercised options and re-signings are pending league and federation approval.
Cincinnati Inks Heinemann to Forward Line – USL
FC Cincinnati announced on Tuesday it had signed former SF Deltas forward Tommy Heinemann for the 2018 USL season. The signing is pending league and federation approval.
Nagamura promoted to head coach at Swope Park Rangers – Soccer America
Nagamura will be the third coach in three years after Marc Dos Santos, who left to become the San Francisco Deltas head coach, and Nikola Popovic, who was not retained for the 2018 season.
Evergreen Premier League considers major changes to competition format – GoalWA
The club operators and league volunteers of Washington’s Evergreen Premier League will meet via conference call Tuesday night December 5 to decide the 2018 competition format for the elite adult statewide men’s soccer league.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Path to 2019 Women’s World Cup will begin at home for U.S. team – Washington Post
The United States will host the CONCACAF Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament next fall, the Insider has learned.
Dash coach Vera Pauw brings unique training method to NWSL – Houston Chronicle
While the Dash were courting Vera Pauw to be their new coach, Pauw was actively involved in courtship of her own – the players already on the roster.
Andi Sullivan hoists trophy one year after major setback – The Equalizer
Life is rarely linear. Much like the mega coasters that line I-4 to the south of Orlando, every person’s journey is bound to have ups and downs. That made central Florida a fitting backdrop for the last ride for one of college soccer’s most accomplished players of recent vintage, Andi Sullivan.
How Colorado became an unlikely hotbed for U.S. women’s soccer development – Four Four Two
It’s the first stage of Denver’s dusk; evening is stealing the day’s last light. Late September in Colorado leaves only a couple of hours to practice after school lets out. Knifing winds rushing north over the open range leave kids covered to ankles and wrists as they ready themselves for the day’s session.
The Nigeria Football Federation says it will now switch focus to women’s team – BBC Sport
The president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has said that it will now concentrate on helping the women’s team.
Alex Morgan and Servando Carrasco Visit Tanzania – Orlando City SC
Around this time last year, Orlando Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris spent time out of her offseason to visit Liberia and the Monrovia Football Academy, promoting the growth of the game of soccer in Africa. This year, Alex Morgan and husband Servando Carrasco have taken the opportunity to visit four cities in Tanzania from now until December 9 as part of the U.S. State Department and U.S. Soccer Sport Envoy Program.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
UEFA Champions League Tuesday Preview: Bayern hosts PSG, Atletico travels to Chelsea, and more – SBI
The UEFA Champions League group stage concludes this week with several teams looking to clinch a spot in the knockout round.
Football fans’ attention turns to Abu Dhabi with Fifa Club World Cup to kick off – The National (UAE)
All eyes will be on Abu Dhabi as the 14th edition of the Fifa Club World Cup, an annual event pitting the respective champions from various continents against each other, kicks off in the emirate on Wednesday evening, with the Spanish giants Real Madrid looking to defend the crown.
Gremio target maiden Club World Cup crown – FIFA
As the winners of the Intercontinental Cup 34 years ago, Gremio know what it feels like to be crowned the best football club on the planet. O Tricolor Gaúcho now have a unique opportunity: to cap off an incredible 2017, during which they won their third Copa Libertadores, by lifting a trophy that they have not yet added to their cabinet – the FIFA Club World Cup.
Barcelona faces Celta Vigo in Copa del Rey, Madrid gets Numancia – Sportsnet
Barcelona will face Celta Vigo in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey, and Real Madrid will play second-division club Numancia.
Giuseppe Rossi signs for Genoa in return from latest injury – Sportsnet
Former Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi signed with Serie A club Genoa on Monday, completing his comeback from the latest in a series of serious knee injuries.
The most difficult role in officiating: assisting a poor referee – Soccer America
So I’ve officiated lots of games and realize what is my most difficult job as an official. And it’s not what you might think: A ref with two teams that do not like one another needs to control the game, which can be challenging, but very doable as long as the ref uses the letter of the law. Instead, the most difficult job in officiating is being an assistant referee when the referee is having a poor game.
Brazilian businessman details FIFA bribery at U.S. trial – ESPN FC
A Brazilian businessman testified on Monday that he participated in a bribery scheme to buy the influence of FIFA officials to win commercial rights to major tournaments, a decision he later regretted.
Sunil Gulati decides not to run for re-election as U.S. Soccer president – ESPN FC
Sunil Gulati, the longtime president of U.S. Soccer, will not seek another term as head of the federation, he told ESPN.
Soccer exec Kathy Carter announces bid as USSF President – Sportsnet
Carter’s announcement Tuesday came a day after Sunil Gulati said he will not seek a fourth term. He announced his decision after the U.S. men’s team failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in October.
Omar Abdulrahman: Is he the best footballer you’ve never heard of? – BBC Sport
He has almost a million Instagram followers, shared the front cover of a computer game with Neymar and once had a trial with Manchester City. They call him “the Arabian Messi” and his trademark hair has been copied by fans all over the region. Is Omar Abdulrahman the best footballer you’ve never heard of?
The film student who took up video analysis and ended up coaching Norway – The Guardian
Martin Foyston’s course in film studies helped him secure a job at Fulham, where he met Roy Hodgson and was inspired to take a risk and become a coach.
2017’s TOP SOCCER BOOKS