WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
2015 Vancouver Whitecaps Season Review – Red Nation Online
In my season review of Toronto FC, I asked whether we should be satisfied with the team results during the 2015 MLS season. The same question could be asked about the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2015 and it’s interesting that fellow RNO writer Harjeet Johnal was able to have a season ending interview with Whitecaps President Bob Lenarduzzi and asked him tough questions, including his overall opinion on the season.
MLS announces first-ever class of free agents – MLS
Major League Soccer announced its first-ever class of free agents on Monday, with 26 players eligible to negotiate new contracts with any of the league’s 20 clubs beginning on Tuesday afternoon.
MLS Releases Names of Inaugural Free Agent Class – Eighty-Six Forever
Thanks to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Major League Soccer now has for the first time in its history a type of free agency. It’s not perfect. It could be improved. However, it gives us something to talk about in #OffseasonMode, so let’s have at it!
MLS announces 60 players eligible for 2015 Re-Entry Draft – MLS
Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Draft will take place at 3 pm ET on Friday. Out-of-contract players who are at least 23 and have a minimum of three years of MLS experience or are at least 25 with a minimum of four years of league experience are eligible for Re-Entry.
MLS 101: Learn more about the Re-Entry Draft, Waiver Draft, and Free Agency – Whitecaps FC
There’s a lot going on this week in Major League Soccer so I thought it’d be a good time to explain some of the various mechanisms in play, including Free Agency, the MLS Re-Entry Draft, and the MLS Waiver Draft.
MLS trades finalized on first day of offseason – Empire of Soccer
Less than 24 hours after MLS Cup, the league opened its doors to the wheeling and dealing of the offseason. Several players are now free agents for the first time in league history, while several teams were quick to finalize deals for those players still under contract. The Philadelphia Union were the big movers on the first day of the offseason.
Houston Dynamo get Cristian Maidana as Philadelphia Union makeover continues – MLS
Nine teams have had Cristian Maidana on their roster in the decade the Argentine enganche has been a pro. Eight of those teams have cut bait with him after less than 60 games, and the ninth — the Houston Dynamo — just acquired him today.
Impact exercises 2016 options on 10 players– Montreal Impact
The Montreal Impact announced on Monday that the club exercised options on 10 players and re-signed two players to new deals, bringing its total to 23 players under contract for the 2016 season.
2016 MLS off-season tracking – 24th Minute
This article will act as a catch-all to all MLS transactions in off-season. It will be chronologically updated, with newest news at bottom.
Portland Welcomes the 2015 MLS Cup Champions – Prost Amerika
Images of the Portland Timbers return to PDX with the MLS Cup in hand.
MLS gets good report card leading way in gender diversity but not so strong on race – Inside World Football
Major League Soccer (MLS) has had a glowing report card sent home in respect to its progress in gender diversity. The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport delivered the league a solid B for gender diversity, which is a two-footed leap from 2014 when the league was brandished with a must-improve C+.
adidas and Major League Soccer unveil new official match ball for 2016 season – Whitecaps FC
The NATIVO’s design continues to be inspired by MLS’ three pillars of Club, Country and Community. Infusing the flags of the league’s two home countries, the United States and Canada, NATIVO features new stars, stripes and maple leaf decals across the paneling.
Recalling the best and worst of Major League Soccer’s 20th season – ESPN FC
With the 2015 MLS season having come to the close as the Portland Timbers took home MLS Cup, we asked our panel of league writers to sum up the league’s 20th season.
The Importance of Being Andrea – 8 by 8 Magazine
Andrea Pirlo has made a career out of being unfailingly cool. We take a brief glimpse at the New York life of football’s original hipster.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
BC Soccer Web Feature Matches December 8-14 – BC Soccer Web
Just two weekends remaining before the senior leagues take a brief holiday break. We have action from the top leagues, as well as Devon Rowcliffe’s pick of the lower divisions. Tis’ the season to bundle up, stay dry & bring a hot beverage while enjoying some local football. Get out there!
Another Referee Entry Clinic – VISL will sponsor members (with conditions) – VISL
So you might wonder where some of that fine $ may go – here is 1 place where we like to spend it. (Besides Executive trips to resorts in Cuba) An Entry Level Referee Clinic is being hosted by the Gorge Soccer Association on Jan 8-10th. Upon completion, passing, and proof of payment submitted – we will reimburse VISL members who take this course 50% of the cost.
Whitecaps FC U-16 Residency fall 2-1 to Philadelphia Union in USSDA Winter Showcase finale – Whitecaps FC
Whitecaps FC U-16 Residency fell 2-1 to Philadelphia Union U-16 on Monday to close out their 2015 USSDA Winter Showcase weekend.
Whitecaps prospect Naomi Perkins makes a name for herself – Nelson Star
Naomi Perkins wanted to make an impression. Six goals later, Perkins may be the only player anyone remembers.
Argyle scores silver at AAA soccer championships – North Shore News
There were more than a few surprised onlookers when the very young Argyle Pipers senior boys soccer team made it all the way to the provincial AAA championship final last weekend in Burnaby.
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CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canada’s World Cup bid could start as early as next summer – Toronto Sun
The “political will” is strong in Canada to host the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Canadian Soccer Association president Victor Montagliani has mentioned Canada’s intention to bid for the biggest sporting event in the world.
Canada looks to build CU20W momentum – CONCACAF
Even after it had been announced Saturday that Canada’s last game at the CONCACAF Under-20 Women’s Championship against Jamaica was going to be postponed a day, the team was out on the running track at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano doing a few quick sprints.
Canada Soccer A Licence course underway in Montréal – CSA
Canada Soccer’s A License coaching course is underway in Montréal, QC, with the Association’s highest level of education program running 11 days from 7 to 17 December 2015. This year’s course features 24 coaches that can learn and improve the environment for players in clubs across the country.
League1 Ontario Proving to Be Important Stepping Stone for Young Canadians – Waking the Red
Players can already see the impact the league has had on their development, and why it will continue to be an important outlet for Canadian talent going forward.
The spirit of giving: MUN student-athlete impresses on and off the soccer pitch – CBC
As one of the top strikers in Atlantic University Sport soccer, Jessie Noseworthy is used to getting her share of goals. The third-year Sea-Hawk led Memorial University with nine goals in 13 games this year, helping the team to a 9-3-1 record and the semifinals of league play.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Lyon held as Potsdam beat Wolfsburg – FIFA
While a stalemate provided the weekend’s biggest shock in France, one of Germany’s most successful clubs of recent years finally got their championship campaign back on track. Elsewhere, Spain’s top three teams continue to rack up the wins, while derbies in Sydney and Melbourne generated excitement in Australia.
Legal dispute brewing between state, U.S. Soccer Federation over cancelled soccer match – KHON
The soccer turf war between the U.S. Women’s National Team and the U.S. Soccer Federation continues, and now with possible legal action.
ORLANDO PRIDE SIGNS MONICA HICKMANN ALVES – NWSL
Orlando Pride’s National Women’s Soccer League team has signed Brazilian defender Monica Hickmann Alves, the team announced today. Monica will occupy an international roster spot for the squad’s inaugural season in the NWSL. Per Club and league rules, additional details were not disclosed.
London and Yorkshire derbies in SSE Women’s FA Cup draw – The FA
The draw for the second round proper of the SSE Women’s FA Cup has been made at Wembley Stadium.
Andy Spence: Everton Ladies boss returns six months after departure – BBC Sport
Andy Spence has been re-appointed as Everton Ladies manager just six months after leaving the job.
Same rules, same game: FIFA to make referee training gender neutral – Inside World Football
FIFA’s refereeing chief Massimo Busacca wants male and female referees to have the same level of expertise and a deeper knowledge of the game.
FFA audit confirms football participation boom – Westfield W-League
For the first time, the number of registered female players in outdoor club competitions has passed 100,000.
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NASL & USL NEWS
Austin Berry returns home to FC Cincinnati – Soccer America
Austin Berry, the 2012 MLS Rookie of the Year, has signed with FC Cincinnati, his hometown team that begins USL play in 2016. Berry, 27, spent the 2014 season in South Korea with second division FC Anyang on loan from the Philadelphia Union. Other signings include Kenny Walker, who spent the last four years with MLS’s LA Galaxy, and Andrew Wiedeman, who starred last season for NASL runner-up Ottawa.
Roy Mehl Introduced As New City Islanders President – USL
The Harrisburg City Islanders announced the appointment of Roy Mehl as the club’s new President on Monday night. A local business consultant, Mehl has accumulated almost 30 years of experience with small businesses, business analysis and project management in his career.
Tony Meola playing for keeps after being handed first head coaching role at NASL side Jacksonville Armada – The Telegraph
Former US stopper discusses struggle to break free from game’s goalkeeper coach stigma and how Bruce Arena convinced him to take the job.
STADIUM VIEWING | Where The Newest NASL Teams Call Home – NASL
Three teams – Miami FC, Rayo OKC, and Puerto Rico FC – will begin play in the NASL during the 2016 season. Here’s an introduction on where the NASL’s three new teams will play in 2016
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Carlo Ancelotti open to Manchester United job as he targets Premier League return – The Independent
Carlo Ancelotti is prepared to wait until the summer of 2017 to return to management at a club with a “good project” – opening up the prospect of a move to Manchester United.
UCL Preview: Seven knockout phase spots up for grabs as group stage closes – SBI
Seven remaining spots in the knockout phase, that’s what’s at stake for 13 prospective clubs in the UEFA Champions League this week as the group stage comes to a close.
UCL: Team news ahead of Tuesday’s games – UEFA
Who is in, who is out and who is a doubt? Need to ring the Fantasy changes? We run through the predicted lineups, suspensions and injury news ahead of Tuesday’s fixtures.
Man United boss Van Gaal: Wolfsburg clash my biggest game at club so far – ESPN FC
Louis van Gaal has described Manchester United’s crucial Champions League clash with Wolfsburg as the biggest game of his time at Old Trafford.
Arsenal’s trip to Olympiakos has familiar feel but needs an unfamiliar ending – The Guardian
Arsène Wenger’s side have a habit of glorious failure when it comes to repairing damage inflicted in home matches in the Champions League. They must change the story line in Athens.
Juventus start to close the gap – Football Italia
The Old Lady gained more ground on the title contenders, while Napoli drop points in a shock defeat.
Footballers in Greece set for strike action, says PSAP – BBC Sport
Footballers in Greece are set to go on an indefinite strike, says the country’s players’ association (PSAP).
Neymar makes La Liga history – Goal
The Brazilian’s stunning November displays have seen him become the first ever Barcelona player to win the Spanish top flight’s player of the month award.
Leicester City: Laughing stock to league leaders – TSN
Through the tough times the band stuck together and they’ve been rewarded this season as the club flies high at the top of the charts with some absolute blockbusters.
Nevilles riding populist wave at Valencia – Sportsnet
Valencia managers rarely go quietly. That is, it tends to get noisy before they’re gone.
Ambitious River Plate touch down in Tokyo – FIFA
River Plate arrived in Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup on two separate flights, and the excitement expressed by Uruguayan forward Rodrigo Mora to FIFA.com at Narita Airport was shared by the rest of his team-mates.
FIFA Club World Cup 2015: Who’s Who in Japan – AFC
The 12th edition of the FIFA Club World Cup is set to get underway on Thursday with continental champions from around the planet converging on Japan to do battle.
How Chelsea striker flops have been outshone by jettisoned Lukaku, Sturridge and De Bruyne – The Telegraph
Since Romelu Lukaku signed in 2011, three Chelsea rejects have departed and outscored the ten strikers to come and go at Stamford Bridge
Western Sydney defender Scott Jamieson calls on fans to end boycott – ESPN FC
Western Sydney Wanderers defender Scott Jamieson is urging fans to return to matches after a supporter boycott saw A-League crowds slump last weekend.
Neil Doncaster: Celtic v Dundee in America has merit for SPFL – BBC Sport
Playing Premiership matches abroad “could be part of an exciting future”, says Scottish Professional Football League chief executive Neil Doncaster.
Concacaf will go without a president for now – Soccer America
With its last three presidents indicted on bribery charges in the last six months, Concacaf’s executive committee has decided to go without a president until May when a new president can be elected by the confederation’s 41 members.
CONCACAF Watch: Governing by committee smart, but more good decisions needed – Goal
The CONCACAF Executive Committee will govern by group, but a new group of officials is needed for real change to happen.
Councillors apologise after being caught watching Crystal Palace during debate – The Guardian
Two Croydon councillors have apologised after they were caught watching coverage of Crystal Palace’s draw with Everton on Monday during a debate about the future of a local theatre.