WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Kudo hoping to trailblaze for Japanese talent with debut MLS season – Whitecaps FC
Other teams have hit the transfer market hard this offseason. But Vancouver Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson has concentrated on re-signing his core, only adding two new faces so far: experienced Costa Rican midfielder Christian Bolanos and Japanese striker Masato Kudo.
Whitecaps players hungry for successful 2016 – Red Nation Online
The Vancouver Whitecaps held an eventful media day at the University of British Columbia on Friday afternoon. One by one, Whitecaps players climbed the stairs of the UBC Rugby Centre to answer insightful questions from the throng of assembled media.
Chris Serban with Vancouver Whitecaps FC as camp opens at UBC – UBC Thunderbirds
The Vancouver Whitecaps FC senior squad took to Woods Field at UBC Monday for their inaugural training session of 2016, and former Thunderbirds defender Chris Serban (Calgary) was amongst them. Serban has spent the last two seasons with Whitecaps FC 2 and is now getting a golden opportunity to try and stick with the big club.
Toronto FC players benefit as Canadian dollar goes down in value – Yahoo Sports
“First day in the locker-room that’s what everybody’s talking about,” said defender Drew Moor, who like his Toronto teammates are paid in U.S. dollars.
Montreal Impact’s Joey Saputo speaks out on Didier Drogba return: “I’m happy that he decided to honor the contract that he has” – MLS
“He’s a professional,” Saputo told reporters, insisting on his “excellent” relationship with the player. “I expect him to come back with the right intentions. At the end of the day, we’ll see when he does come back.”
Toronto FC quietly confident as camp opens – Toronto Sun
There’s more “certainty,” as head coach Greg Vanney put it. The Reds know who they are. They know where they’re going. And, as Drew Moor added, they now believe they have the right mix of personalities and veterans to get them there.
TFC’s depth will create battle for starting spots – Toronto Star
This year’s off-season didn’t include the marquee signings Toronto FC became known for in recent years, but the utility pieces brought in have given the Reds a more complete look as the team kicks off its pre-season training this week.
TFC notebook: Camp opens, no drama for a change – Sportsnet
Toronto FC officially opened its pre-season training camp this past weekend, and Monday was the first opportunity for local reporters to attend practice, and talk to coach Greg Vanney and GM Tim Bezbatchenko and a select few players about the 2016 Major League Soccer campaign.
Crew SC signs free agent forward Conor Casey – Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has signed free agent forward Conor Casey. In addition to tenures in the Bundesliga as well as with the United States Men’s National Team, Casey brings nine years of Major League Soccer experience to Crew SC. With 71 career tallies in MLS, Casey ranks sixth among all active League players in career regular-season goal-scoring.
MLS MVP finalist Kei Kamara in contract dispute with Columbus Crew – Washington Post
Kei Kamara, an MVP finalist who led Columbus to the MLS Cup final last month, is in a contract dispute with the Crew, the Insider has learned.
NYCFC’s Jack Harrison to miss part of preseason – Empire of Soccer
Jack Harrison missed the MLS Combine due to a groin injury. That same injury, which was downplayed at the time of his selection, is set to sideline him for some of New York City FC’s preseason.
New York Red Bulls extend contracts of Luis Robles, Mike Grella and Sal Zizzo, bring back Shaun Wright-Phillips – MLS
The New York Red Bulls made a slew of roster moves on Monday, announcing that they’ve re-signed Luis Robles, Mike Grella and Sal Zizzo to multi-year contract extensions and that they’ve agreed to a deal to bring back Shaun Wright-Phillips for the 2016 season.
Atlanta United signs goalkeeper Tambakis as club’s first player – SBI
More than one year away from the club’s debut, Atlanta United has officially added the club’s first-ever player to its roster. On Monday, Atlanta United announced the signing of 23-year-old goalkeeper Alexander Tambakis, who previously featured for Greece’s Panathinaikos. Tambakis will spend 2015 with the Charleston Battery, Atlanta United’s recently announced USL affiliate.
Jake Reid, 33, named Sporting KC president – Soccer America
Sporting Kansas City has named 33-year-old Jake Reid as its new president, promoting him for the position of chief revenue officer, which he assumed in 2012. He will oversee all business operations.
Colorado’s on track to become the laughing stock of Major League Soccer – World Soccer Talk
The 2015 Colorado Rapids were depressing. They finished last in the Western Conference, last in goals scored and last in attendance. They continued to replace young talent with veteran mediocrity. Even technical director Paul Bravo, amidst all the spin, acknowledged that the team was a mess once the ball crossed midfield.
Copa America Centenario tickets go on sale to general public on February 3 – MLS
The Copa America Centenario Local Organizing Committee announced on Monday that tickets for this summer’s tournament will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, Feb. 3.
The NFL has left a gap but money is a brake on St Louis’ MLS ambitions – The Guardian
When the St Louis Rams announced earlier this month that they were moving to Los Angeles, the knock-on effect on soccer revolved primarily around two questions: how will this move impact the fledgling Los Angeles FC and storied LA Galaxy? (Barely, according to most reports.) And what does the move mean for the MLS prospects of St Louis – a city with one of the richest soccer heritages in the country, yet one that has never hosted a top-tier franchise in MLS’s 20-year existence?
Follow @bcsoccerweb on Twitter and get news updates throughout the day!
BC SOCCER NEWS
Vikes star Hundal to showcase talents for MLS teams – Times Colonist
Cam Hundal’s speed on the soccer pitch, during five exceptional seasons with the University of Victoria Vikes, was nearly blinding. But not so much so, he hopes, that pro scouts can’t see him. The 2015 Canada West and CIS national MVP has been invited to scrimmage in the annual Major League Soccer pre-season tournament in Tucson, Arizona, and leaves Friday. Hundal will be with tournament host FC Tucson of the USL Premier Development League.
BCSPL Info & Training Night for Match Officials, Feb.3 – BCSPL
As part of preparing for the upcoming 2016 BCSPL season, the league’s Referee Manager Igor Cvetkovski is holding an information and training night for match officials. Past, present and future BCSPL officials are invited to attend.
Residency Report: ‘Caps split matches with rivals Sounders FC – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency teams split their matches on the road Saturday at Cascadia rivals Seattle Sounders FC Academy.
From PACWEST Soccer to the NLL – PACWEST
It’s amazing how much life can change in three months, just ask Jordan Gilles, formerly of the Langara Falcons men’s soccer team.
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 vs. MEXICO, March 25, 2016 @ BC PLACE STADIUM. Buy Tickets Today!
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canada Soccer names roster for CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship Texas 2016 – CSA
With just over two weeks until Canada’s opening match of the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, Canada Soccer Women’s National Team Head Coach John Herdman has named the 20 players who will represent Canada in Texas. Canada will be looking to secure its spot at this summer’s Olympic Games through a victory in the semi-final knockout round, but the team’s goal for this competition is to take home CONCACAF’s top spot.
Canada announces roster for Olympic qualifier – Sportsnet
Herdman has infused youth into his squad with seven players 20 years old and under. Players range in age from 16-year-old midfielder Deanne Rose to 34-year-old forward Melissa Tancredi.
Out of favour with Canada, Osorio has competition at retooled Toronto FC – Yahoo Sports
As the Canadian Soccer Association announced yet another roster on Friday that was missing the name Jonathan Osorio, a new wave of confusion roiled Canadian soccer circles.
Canucks Abroad Interviews: Stephen Hart – Red Nation Online
For more than 30 years, Trinidadian/long-time Halifax resident Stephen Hart was a part of Canadian soccer, from playing with the Saint Mary’s Huskies to coaching the Men’s national team. Among his other positions he held included technical director for Soccer Nova Scotia, head coach of Saint Mary’s women’s team and revered Nova Scotia amateur side Halifax King of Donair.
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.)
What is Your Club’s D.N.A.? – Changing The Game Project
How many clubs actually ask the tough questions? How many clubs conduct a simple DNA test to check if all players, coaches, parents and administrators share the ideals of the organization? Very few in my experience. Most are so busy executing that they leave no time to examine. Many are too busy running to reflect.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
NASL & USL NEWS
Furious Off-Season: Troubling Forecast – Total MLS
It’s not difficult to imagine that in the Ottawa Fury’s incredible 2015 run into the higher echelons of the NASL table and subsequent appearance in the Championship Final, some members of Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) could have turned to one another in a dark corridor and, against a backdrop of cheering fans, said: “Uh-oh. We’re in trouble.”
The Swope Park Rangers sign two-time MLS Cup champion Tommy Meyer – Sporting KC
The Swope Park Rangers have signed defender Tommy Meyer, the club announced today. Meyer is currently in Tucson, Arizona with Sporting KC and will link up with the Rangers at the start of the club’s preseason in February.
Montreal Brings Experience to Second Preseason – USL
FC Montreal may enter its second season in the USL a little bit younger than its inaugural season, but while that may be the case, its players are certainly wiser to the league and how best to find success.
Soccer backers see bright future for Charlotte: Sport growing, but can it support pro team? – Charlotte Post
Charlotte wants to join soccer’s elite. The city has housed numerous minor league franchises over the last 35 years, which have faced varying challenges, financial and otherwise, which forced them to scale back or fold. Soccer’s local supporters, though, feel the market is ripe for a breakthrough, perhaps to Major League Soccer, North America’s top level.
Louisville City FC’s future tied to soccer stadium – Insider Louisville
As the local pro soccer club, Louisville City FC, prepares for its second season, club and city leaders hope to build on the inaugural season’s unexpected success. But the club’s long-term prospects in Louisville and in the United Soccer League may hinge on the construction of a local soccer-specific stadium.
BC Soccer Web is on Facebook! Visit us Today!
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Sydney Leroux’s summer plans change – Soccer America
Less than two weeks after she was traded to two-time NWSL champion FC Kansas City, U.S. world champion Sydney Leroux announced she is expecting her first child with husband Dom Dwyer in September and will miss the 2016 season. She’s the second FC Kansas City forward on the U.S. national team after Amy Rodriguez who announced she’ll be unavailable for the Olympics because she is pregnant.
THORNS FC TO PLAY HOST TO PRESEASON TOURNAMENT – NWSL
Portland Thorns FC today announced details for a preseason tournament at Providence Park. Taking place from March 27-April 2, the tournament will feature Thorns FC, the Houston Dash and Seattle Reign FC of the NWSL, and Oregon State University.
New Zealand heads to Rio after opponent withdraws – The Equalizer
Papua New Guinea — the Football Ferns’ opponents for the berth to the Rio Games — withdrew from the second leg of the Oceania Olympic playoff after the team’s players did not receive the required visas to enter New Zealand for the return match on Tuesday. New Zealand won leg one of the playoff, 7-1 in Papua New Guinea.
Village beckons for Champions League winner – FIFA
After a dream is realised, and the initial elation subsides, a nagging question can often emerge. ‘Where do I go from here?’ For Colin Bell, this was a dilemma that consumed him after he led Frankfurt to UEFA Women’s Champions League glory last May. And of all the options swirling, staying put seemed the least appealing.
High-school dropouts: Will U.S. Soccer’s new girls Development Academy bar school play?– Soccer Wire
The federation is set to roll out its vision for a new elite girls national competition at some point in the next week, the fruit of many months of conversations and consideration among U.S. Soccer officials eager to forge a lasting legacy from the U.S. Women’s National Team’s 2015 World Cup championship run. While many details are still to be sifted and settled, the general outlines of this dramatic shift for elite player development are slowly taking shape.
ECNL seeks balance with USSF in future – Top Drawer Soccer
While America waits to see what the program entails and how it takes shape in the firmament of American girls soccer, one organization waits with particularly baited breath. How exactly would the ECNL, the current forerunner of the ‘girls Development Academy model,’ fit into a landscape with another league for top girls players?
SWPL 1 AND 2 FIXTURES ANNOUNCED – Scottish Women’s Premier League
We are very excited that fixtures have been announced for the inaugural season of SWPL 1 and SWPL 2.
Connect Your Business to Soccer in BC! Advertise with BC Soccer Web
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Louis van Gaal: Man Utd boss did not offer to resign after defeat – BBC Sport
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal did not offer to resign at the weekend, despite reports to the contrary.
Sixty managers, players and agents in Italy investigated for alleged tax evasion – The Guardian
Reports in Italy are suggesting that around 60 managers, players and agents involved with 35 Serie A and B clubs are being investigated for alleged tax evasion and false invoices.
Jerome Champagne backs U.S. for 2022 World Cup if Qatar is stripped – ESPN FC
The United States should directly be made the 2022 World Cup host if Qatar is stripped of the tournament, according to FIFA presidential candidate Jerome Champagne.
Liverpool must forget semi-final failures against Stoke: Jürgen Klopp – The Guardian
Jürgen Klopp has described a cup final appearance at Wembley as the “best thing you can do in football” but said the prospect of an all-Merseyside contest for the Capital One Cup cannot distract Liverpool from their task against Stoke City.
CONCACAF calls for term limits, independent members – ESPN FC
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football will consider a reform package when it holds an extraordinary congress in Zurich on Feb. 25.
Andros Townsend: Newcastle agree fee with Tottenham – BBC Sport
Newcastle have agreed a fee, believed to be about £12m, to sign Tottenham’s England winger Andros Townsend. The 24-year-old has made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season.
Dutch TV show ‘RamBam’ criticised for Eredivisie and Jupiler fixing sting – ESPN FC
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) is considering legal action after a Dutch television show was traced as the source of match-fixing attempts in the Eredivisie and Jupiler League. An investigation was subsequently launched, leading the prosecutors to reporters from an investigative journalism show called RamBam.
Chelsea’s Ramires to join Jiangsu Suning in £25m move – BBC Sport
Chelsea’s Ramires is close to a £25m move to Chinese side Jiangsu Suning. The 28-year-old Brazil midfielder, signed from Benfica for about £17m in 2010, agreed a new four-year deal in October but has only started seven Premier League games this season.
Den Haag put up walls as Chinese investor asks where his money went – Inside World Football
When wealthy Chinese businessman Wang Hui took over Dutch club Ado Den Haag last year there were promises of substantial investment and new sporting glory. But the promises have gone unfulfilled.
Ledman Title Sponsors Portugal’s Segunda Liga and Starts Chinese Players Overseas Study Plan – Ledman
Ledman becomes the first Chinese company that title sponsors the European football league; Ledman will send 10 players and 3 assistant coaches to play football in the top 10 clubs of Segunda Liga, and devotes to enhancing the level of Chinese players.
Sponsor of Portuguese second division drops demands for 10 Chinese to start – The Guardian
A Chinese company that agreed to sponsor the Portuguese second division has been forced to row back on its demands that 10 Chinese players be included in the starting line-ups of the top teams following a national outcry.
Mozambique appoint Abel Xavier as new national coach – BBC Sport
Former Liverpool and Portugal defender Abel Xavier has been appointed as the new national team coach of Mozambique.
Xbox FIFA bill refunded after teen racked up $8K in charges to dad’s dismay – CBC
On Dec. 23, he got a bill for $7,625.88 after his 17-year-old son used his credit card to make in-game purchases for one of the FIFA series of soccer games. He later noticed previous Xbox charges, bringing the total to $8,206.43.