WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
LIVE STREAM: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Houston Dynamo at 5 p.m. PT – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC are set to take on Houston Dynamo at 5 p.m. PT in their third and final preseason fixture in Tucson. The match will be divided into four, 30-minute quarters.
Armchair Analyst: The Vancouver Whitecaps continue to climb — and the peak is in sight – MLS
Carl Robinson’s now in his third year in charge, and while he’s added numerous pieces each season, much of what he has on hand heading into 2016 is what he went to battle with in 2015, and 2014. The ‘Caps will return 9 of 11 starters from last season, and the two guys they lost — Steven Beitashour and Mauro Rosales — both have natural, younger replacements.
Holdovers, newcomers suddenly provide Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson with options galore – Vancouver Sun
If there is one thing Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson wants more of in the 2016 MLS season – besides goals of course – it is options.
The Good, The Average and The Bad: The Mouse Is In The House Edition – AFTN
After revealing the news on January 29th that Blas Pérez’s move to Vancouver was close to being a done deal, and after Perez joined the ‘Caps down in Tucson for their preseason friendlies, playing against New England on Saturday, all the necessary paperwork was completed on Monday afternoon and the Panamanian international is a Whitecap.
Whitecaps FC sign 2016 MLS SuperDraft pick Cole Seiler – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Monday that the club has signed centre back Cole Seiler. The defender from Georgetown University was the 16th overall selection in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft last month. Seiler will be added to the team’s roster pending receipt of his Canadian work permit.
Mom is with Whitecaps’ Levis all the time – The Province
Brett Levis wears a white band around his left wrist. It reads IN MEMORY. He’s worn it since his mom’s funeral eight years ago. Once, it broke. Maybe twice. He has spares. This one’s lasted a few years. He wears it day and night and he tapes it down for soccer games, in case a referee might ask him to remove it.
10 Things About Kendall Waston: Don’t doubt the Vancouver Whitecaps star who bet on himself – MLS
With 1 1/2 seasons of MLS play under his belt, Waston continues to go from strength to strength for both club and country, and 2016 could be a big year for the big defender. Here are 10 things to help you get to know Waston a little bit better.
New England Revolution signing Xavier Kouassi leaves FC Sion game with injury – MLS
New England Revolution signing Xavier Kouassi left a club match with an unspecified injury in the 57th minute on Sunday; the extent is currently unknown.
Impact rookie Fisher wise beyond his years – Sportsnet
There’s still an entire semester of courses left to pass if Kyle Fisher wishes to finish his undergraduate degree in Business Management at Clemson University in South Carolina.
Impact goalkeeper Crepeau hungry for MLS action after first start for Canada – Yahoo Sports
Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau says he’s ready to start playing real games for the Montreal Impact.
India football team eyes a trip to the US to gain experience – Hindustan Times
Should Stephen Constantine pull it off, the senior India football team could tour the USA on work for the first time this August. Sunil Chhetri and his mates could play between three and five games including international ties in a country that is a favoured pre-season destination of top European clubs.
The View From 202: Designated Players – Worth The Hype? – AFTN
Major League Soccer is a wonderland of blasts from the past, unbelievable amounts of travel, and rules that are announced when the ink has barely dried on the napkin it was written down on. Trying to explain Discovery Rights, Targeted Allocation Money or Generation Adidas Players to a stranger to the league is a near hopeless task, but the most famous of all these rules is the “David Beckham rule” – Designated Player roster spots.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
PHOTO GALLERY: Imperial Cup – Rino’s Van SC 3 Guildford SC 1, February 6, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Monique Lamoureux.
VISL Jackson Cup Kicks Off – VISL
Only 3 games this upcoming weekend to kick start the Sir John Jackson Cup Tournament.
Introducing BC Soccer Web Syndication – BC Soccer Web
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Send your Soccer News to BC Soccer Web! – BC Soccer Web
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CANADA vs. MEXICO, March 25, 2016 @ BC PLACE STADIUM. Buy Tickets Today!
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canada Soccer’s Victor Montagliani: I’m running for CONCACAF president – The Province
On Monday, Canada Soccer president Victor Montagliani announced he is running to be the next president of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). The organization is currently a rudderless ship, with interim president Alfredo Hawit having been indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice in early December as part of the ongoing investigation into corruption at FIFA. Hawit had been placed temporarily in charge of CONCACAF in May, 2015, when the president at the time, Jeffrey Webb, was arrested as part of the same investigation.
Victor Montagliani, Canada Soccer boss, to run for CONCACAF presidency – CBC
The head of the Canadian Soccer Association is running for president of CONCACAF, the scandal-ridden governing body of soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Statement from the Canadian Soccer Association – CSA
The Canadian Soccer Association Board of Directors fully supports Canada Soccer President, Victor Montagliani, in his candidacy for CONCACAF President.
Montagliani heads North American push for power at CONCACAF – Inside World Football
That Montagliani is running is no surprise as lobbying of member associations had already begun with US president Sunil Gulati being a powerful supporter. Both are understood to have been calling Caribbean members for their vote including rival candidate Larry Mussenden, president of the Bermuda FA, who it has been suggested should withdraw his candidacy.
On ambition and Victor Montagliani running for CONCACAF President – 24th Minute
Yesterday, Canadian Soccer Association President Victor Montagliani confirmed what had been rumoured in soccer circles for some time – that he will be seeking to become the next CONCACAF President. The last three men to hold the role — Alfredo Hawit of Honduras, Jeffrey Webb of the Cayman Islands and Jack Warner of Trinidad and Tobago have all been arrested. So, it’s clearly a position that is in need of new direction.
If Montagliani succeeds in presidential bid, it would continue CONCACAF’s Canadian shift – the11.ca
It could be a groan-inducing grade-school-level joke. How can Victor Montagliani be the best president CONCACAF has ever had? By not getting arrested.
Canada eyes third straight Olympic soccer berth – Sportsnet
For Canada, the Road to Rio begins in Texas. Coming off a bronze-medal performance four years ago in London, the Canadian women’s team will try to book a ticket for its third straight Olympics later this month at the CONCACAF qualifying competition in Houston and Frisco.
Canadian women’s soccer team turns to youth for Olympic qualifier – CBC
It is a big week for the Canadian women’s soccer team as they make their way to Houston, Texas, for the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament. The team looks a little different than the one Canadians cheered on during the World Cup last June.
EXCEL program paying off for Canadian soccer – Sportsnet
After a number of years of predominantly relying on experienced veterans, coach John Herdman has infused youth into his roster for this month’s CONCACAF qualifying tournament for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Canadian Players for 2016 Season – CSA
Canada Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) have announced the official list of allocated players for the 2016 NWSL regular season. Eleven Canadian internationals have been allocated to six different teams.
Forward Christine Sinclair returns to Thorns FC through allocation process – Timbers.com
As part of today’s announcement of Canadian allocated players by the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Canada Women’s National Team forward Christine Sinclair returns to Portland for her fourth season with the club, while defender Rhian Wilkinson is no longer an allocated player and will not be back for the 2016 season, it was announced today.
Desiree Scott returns to Kansas City via allocation – The Equalizer
The Canadian Soccer Association and NWSL announced a list of 11 players that have been allocated by the federation to the league. The bombshell was the return of Desiree Scott to FC Kansas City after two seasons at Notts County. Scott was a regular starter for Kansas City as an allocated player in 2013 but left the league to sign in England.
Canadian striker Hume signs with SD Ponferradina – Sportsnet
Canadian striker Iain Hume has signed for Spanish second division side SD Ponferradina. Hume, who announced his move via social media, said his contract runs through the end of the season.
London Youth Whitecaps win U-18 Boys Ontario Indoor Cup – Whitecaps FC
London Youth Whitecaps brought home their first piece of silverware this weekend, capturing the U-18 Boys Ontario Indoor Cup.
Selaidopoulos named as Canada Soccer’s National Futsal coach – CSA
Kyriakos (Kyt) Selaidopoulos has been appointed Canada Soccer’s National Futsal Coach for the upcoming cycle of CONCACAF and FIFA competitions. Coach Selaidopoulos will lead the program for both the CONCACAF Futsal Championship and the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016.
BC Youth Soccer Player Development
(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our new section on BC Youth Soccer Player Development; a new resource designed to help youth coaches and players. Throughout the week, we’ll feature news, drills and videos from the most noted professionals in the field of player development. If you have any articles or resources you enjoy, send them our way, and we’ll share them with the BC Soccer community.)
U9-11 Practice: Check Space To Play – Touchtight Coaching
With a focus on players ability to play on the half turn and, this practice provides opportunities to challenge players of varying abilities in terms of movement off the ball, decisions in possession and many.
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WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
Yallop Remaining Patient as United Builds Squad – USL
As he builds his squad for Arizona United SC, new head coach Frank Yallop is looking for two qualities in a player. In addition to the standard requisite – bringing a level of quality to the side – Yallop is also looking for players who are going to buy into what United is building, on and off the field.
FC Edmonton solidifies defence with signing of Papé Diakité – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton inched closer to filling out their roster, Feb. 8, with the club announcing the signing of Senegalese defender Papé Diakité. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Fury FC Unveil 2016 Pre-Season Schedule – Ottawa Fury
Ottawa Fury FC will begin their quest for the 2016 NASL Championship exactly three months from the day that they squared off against the New York Cosmos for the 2015 title. The reigning NASL Fall Season Champions will opening their training camp February 15 at the Complexe Branchaud-Briere in Gatineau, QC for the third year running.
Charleston Battery taken over by new ownership – Dirty South Soccer
Atlanta United’s USL affiliate is getting new ownership. The Charleston Battery made it official on Monday announcing that locally owned B Sports Entertainment (BSE) have purchased the club.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
CONCACAF OLYMPIC QUALIFYING KICKS OFF ON WEDNESDAY – NWSL
The U.S. Women’s National team will be seeking its sixth consecutive Olympic appearance when CONCACAF qualifying for the 2016 Rio games kicks off Wednesday in Frisco, Texas.
United States Women begin new era Wednesday against Costa Rica – Empire of Soccer
For the first time since July, the United States Women’s National Team will take the field with something on the line. After a shortened Victory Tour marred by bad artificial turf and off-field troubles, including their own federation filing a law suit against them, the American women finally get to concentrate on soccer.
U.S. soccer player Crystal Dunn turns snub into motivation – Seattle Times
After she was left off the U.S. roster for the Women’s World Cup last year, Crystal Dunn says there were days she didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning. Dunn, 23, turned her disappointment into drive and said she has improved as a player.
Round 3: U.S. Soccer sees clear women’s team strike threat – Philly.com
The U.S. Soccer Federation’s response to the U.S. women’s soccer players union’s view of the sides’ legal dispute makes it clear that the governing body sees a real possibility of a strike occurring before the Olympics.
Young Lionesses squad named for La Manga Tournament – The FA
Mo Marley has named her England Women’s Under-19s squad to compete in the La Manga Tournament in March.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
PSG beating Chelsea in UCL ‘more difficult without Mourinho’ – Motta – ESPN FC
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Thiago Motta has reiterated his view that it will be harder to beat Chelsea in the Champions League now that Jose Mourinho is no longer at the club.
Guardiola has work cut out with flat Man City – Sportsnet
Pep Guardiola can’t arrive soon enough. That was the lasting impression following Manchester City’s dismal capitulation on Saturday. At home to Leicester City, this was a chance for the Blues to make a statement, affirm themselves as the title favourites and knock the Foxes off their perch. It required maximum effort. Instead, City looked flat in losing 3-1 to Leicester City, a score line that actually flattered the hosts.
Lionel Messi: Barcelona striker has tests after kidney problems – BBC Sport
The Argentina international sat out December’s Fifa Club World Cup semi-final after being diagnosed with renal colic, a type of abdominal pain commonly attributed to kidney stones.
Does Mexico have a goalkeeper problem? – Goal
What was once a deep position for the Mexican national team could be a spot of concern for manager Juan Carlos Osorio.
Premier League launches new ‘visual identity’ for 2016-17 season – The Guardian
There may be an unfamiliar look to this season’s Premier League table but the division’s appearance will take on another new sheen from the 2016-17 campaign onwards. The league unveiled a new “visual identity” on Tuesday morning, including a badge that marks a considerable departure from the current emblem, a version of which has always been in place since its inception in 1992.
Everton closer to takeover after talks with American consortium – BBC Sport
Everton are moving closer to a £200m takover by an American consortium and a deal could even be concluded by the end of the month.
Premier League tickets: fans have been taken for granted for too long – The Guardian
The mind-boggling TV deal offers a glorious chance for the Premier League to give something back to supporters who cannot change their team as simply as they could switch supermarkets for a cheaper tin of beans.
Football fans plot mass stadium walkout in protest over rising ticket prices – The Telegraph
Exclusive: Football Supporters’ Federation confirms it will convene meeting with fans from all 20 Premier teams to discuss ways to express anger over mounting costs.
Carragher hits out at Liverpool ticket prices – Goal
The former Reds defender joined protests on Saturday and says the club’s owners are asking supporters to pay too much to watch their team.
Brazilian football feeling the impact of Chinese Super League millions – ESPN FC
Football fans in Brazil are used to seeing top players leave the domestic league but at the start of 2016, there’s a growing trend to worry about. The country’s best players are being snapped up with ever-increasing regularity — and no longer just by the grand old clubs of Europe, but by the rising powerhouses of Asia. For supporters, it is a concerning trend; the laughs mask frowns and furrowed brows.