BC SOCCER WEB WORLD CUP CENTRAL
Every day, we’ll bring you all of scores, news and best writing from around the web from the 2018 World Cup.
Bob Lenarduzzi: Croatia’s depth will be tested against tough England squad – The Province
It’s England against Croatia on Wednesday in the World Cup’s second semi-final, to decide who will face Tuesday’s winner between Belgium and France. England is the favourite after what proved to be a fairly comfortable 2-0 win over Sweden.
Les Bleus take on neighbours for final place – Ligue 1
France are at full strength as they attempt to beat neighbours Belgium in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday evening to qualify for the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Belgium comes full circle ahead of World Cup semifinal – Ottawa Sun
Felipe Scolari recalls the “final” before the actual final when he reflects back on Brazil’s last World Cup title.
France v Belgium: World Cup semi-final, European battle of world stars – BBC Sport
It has been billed as the “derby between pals”. BBC Sport takes a look at a fascinating battle both on and off the pitch.
England primed for midfield battle royale – FIFA
England have proven themselves as an attacking force, smashing the nation’s previous goalscoring record at the FIFA World Cup, spearheaded by current top scorer, Harry Kane. They have also shown versatility in defence, with their three-man backline anchored by the impressive John Stones, in front of their fearless, agile goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford.
Scotland is split on England at the World Cup – incensed or indifferent – The Guardian
Ally McCoist caused ripples after showing delight at England’s progress, but from pub cheers for England to drinkers wearing opposition shirts, varied attitudes are on display.
World Cup semi-finals: a triumph for Europe’s clubs – UEFA
All four of the teams in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals are European, and only three of the 91 players left in the running do not play for UEFA-affiliated club sides.
The World Cup needs to send a different message to women – SB Nation
FIFA’s broadcast contractor is sending a message to women fans: You are there to be seen, not to participate.
Russians catch the football bug. The world catches the Russia 2018 virus – Inside World Football
Whether Russian football will revert to its pre-World Cup domestic issues of racism and fan violence once the tournament is over remains to be seen. But for the last four weeks the country has bent over backwards to be as welcoming and accommodating to the thousands of foreign visitors attending games.
Croatia bars former player from World Cup delegation over pro-Ukraine video – The Star
Croatia expelled former player Ognjen Vukojevic from its World Cup delegation on Monday for making a pro-Ukraine video with defender Domagoj Vida.
Montrealers dance the Bhangra to celebrate the World Cup – Global News
Sporting their favourite World Cup team jerseys, a group of eight kicked their legs and broke a sweat on the soccer field without ever touching a soccer ball. The Montreal dance troop called Power Bhangra took to the pitch to produce a World Cup-inspired dance video.
How the psychology of the England football team could change your life – The Guardian
England players seem happier and more grounded – and much of the credit goes to psychologist Pippa Grange. What can the team’s approach teach us all about facing fear and failure?
BC NDP 2026 WORLD CUP SCANDAL
EXCLUSIVE: City of Vancouver documents disprove NDP “Blank Cheque” for Vancouver 2026 World Cup – BC Soccer Web
Documents obtained by BC Soccer Web show that the BC NDP never faced a “blank cheque” scenario on the 2026 World Cup bid, and that FIFA negotiations would be ongoing with all three governments through 2020.
CONCACAF boss ‘disappointed’ with B.C. bailing on 2026 tournament – Toronto Sun
“The BC NDP had assurances,” Montagliani added. “If things weren’t to their liking from a documentation standpoint (they could have walked away by 2020). The reality is they paid no attention to the file,” Montagliani suggested. “They put a junior person on the file. They didn’t pay attention until the eleventh hour.”
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 3 CHICAGO FIRE 2
MLS MATCHDAY #19
SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.
Episode 282 – The AFTN Soccer Show (First Big Weekend featuring Bastian Schweinsteiger, Stefan Marinovic, Vancouver v Chicago analysis, and World Cup chat) – AFTN
Just like a never ending game of snakes and ladders, Vancouver Whitecaps got themselves off a two match slippery slope, finding a rung to take their trajectory upwards again in a match between two teams that feel like they would struggle to find consistency in the dictionary.
DC United’s new Audi Field is officially open for business: “We are home” – MLS
“Today’s the day we’ve been waiting for,” said club co-owner and managing partner Jason Levien. “A landmark day in a landmark year for D.C. sports. It’s difficult to overstate the magnitude of what today represents.”
Audi Field could emerge as the catalyst for Buzzard Point, but only time will tell – WTOP
D.C. United marked the ceremonial ribbon-cutting Monday for its new home at Audi Field in Southwest D.C., where it will take on the Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday.
Union, Fire press for success after cooling off – Fox Sports
The Chicago Fire will try to get back to their winning ways when they host the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.
Jesse Marsch is taking a risk moving to RB Leipzig, but it is one worth taking – SBI
There’s nothing safe about the choice Jesse Marsch has made. The safe decision would have been to stay in New York, continue to build a reputation and go from there. Safe would have been to continue the path he was on and someday take the leap on different terms.
New York Red Bulls Add C.J. Brown to Coaching Staff – NYRB
The New York Red Bulls have added C.J. Brown to the coaching staff, the club announced today. Brown, a longtime MLS player, joins Chris Armas’ staff with nine years of coaching experience, including eight seasons as an assistant in MLS.
NYCFC prepares for quick turnaround against Impact – Fox Sports
There were other more ascetically pleasing wins at Yankee Stadium this season, but for New York City FC defender Ben Sweat, Sunday night’s 1-0 victory over the rival New York Red Bulls in the 13th edition of the Hudson River Derby was the gold standard for how the team needs to play in the Bronx.
Versatility proving huge for Atlanta’s Julian Gressel in second MLS season – SBI
Atlanta United’s Julian Gressel is thriving in his second season with the club, featuring in new positions under head coach Tata Martino. The 24-year-old had a strong debut season in MLS last year, scoring five goals and registering nine assists as an attacking midfielder.
Real Salt Lake set to host German club Eintracht Frankfurt – Salt Lake Tribune
Real Salt Lake will host German club Eintracht Frankfurt in an exhibition match Tuesday night at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy.
MLS 2018 Secondary Transfer Window officially opens on Tuesday – MLS
Teams in Major League Soccer haven’t been resting on their laurels since the close of the 2018 Primary Transfer Window in May, but get ready for more activity ahead and plenty of MLS player debuts with the official opening of the Secondary Transfer Window on Tuesday.
MLS PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps 3, Chicago Fire 2, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Champions! Nelson U18 Selects win provincial gold – Nelson Star
Nelson soccer is golden once again. Chantal Gammie scored a hat trick as the Nelson Selects under-18 team defeated the Kamloops Blaze 3-0 to capture the Girls B Cup provincial gold medal Sunday in Kamloops.
West Coast team wins provincial A title – Maple Ridge News
The West Coast Metro Selects became the first Alouette district female soccer team in 26 years to win a provincial A cup championship on Sunday, defeating Fraser Valley in a shootout to take the under-16 title.
Provincial Cup honour roll – Richmond News
The youth soccer season concluded on the weekend with Richmond successfully hosting the Provincial “A” Cup Championships.
The Sounders Women beat TSS Rovers, go undefeated into West Regional – Sounders Women
The Seattle Sounders Women started the year undefeated and they maintained the perfect record dispatching TSS Rovers on Saturday night July 7th at Sunset Stadium in Sumner, Washington.
Highlanders Travel South For Final Road Trip Matchup – Victoria Highlanders
Victoria Highlanders FC (4-8-0) travel south of the border to take on Portland Timbers U-23 (3-8-2) in Week 11 of the Premier Development League (PDL) regular season, July 11 (6:30 PM PST KO) at McCulloch Stadium in Salem, Oregon.
Prince Rupert Football Club finishes third in Kitimat tournament – Northern View
Prince Rupert Football Club (PRFC) was on the road on July 7 and 8 where they competed in the Kitimat Open Soccer Tournament.
Whitecap players hope to impact Indigenous youth with Hope and Health event – National Post
Each week Vancouver Whitecaps winger Alphonso Davies pits himself against some of the best players in Major League Soccer. On Monday the speedy teenager found himself playing against some opponents who made up in enthusiasm what they lacked in skill. Many barely reached Davies’ waist. Others wore jerseys that hung to their knees. In the end there were high fives and big smiles.
Call for interest for 2018 TD Diploma course – BCSA
Based on the level of interest, BC Soccer is planning to host a 2-day Technical Director’s course in late November or early December of 2018 (dates and location TBA). If you are interested in this course, please let BC Soccer know so they can update you.
PHOTOS: BC Provincial Men’s A Cup: BCT Rovers Tigers Utd. 5, Langley Utd. 2 (XT) – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
PHOTOS: 2018 BC Provincial Cup Parade of Champions – BC Soccer Web
See the winners from the 2018 BC Provincial Cup.
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 tickets 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.
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’s Women’s National Team to play Brazil 2 September in Ottawa – CSA
Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team will welcome Brazil to Ottawa on 2 September for an International Friendly ahead of Canada’s FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ qualification campaign set for October at the 2018 Concacaf Women’s Championships. Canada, ranked fifth in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, will play the 2016 Rio Olympic hosts, ranked seventh, at 2pm ET on Sunday 2 September at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa.
Canadian women’s soccer team hosts Brazil Sept. 2 in Ottawa – Ottawa Sun
When the Canadian women’s national soccer team hosts Brazil Sept. 2 at TD Place for an international friendly, there’s much more than pride on the line.
Stephanie Labbé: What Happened When I Tried to Play Men’s Professional Soccer – Players’ Tribune
“When you’re the only woman playing on a men’s pro soccer team, and you also happen to be a goalkeeper, here’s how things go down. If you’re really, really lucky, your coach isn’t going to care if you’re from Venus or Mars. He’s not going to worry about things like if you prefer pink, blue, or yellow, or whether or not you pee standing up. But he will expect you to prove you’re just as talented as the male keepers on the team.”
International friendly to help gauge local talent for HFX Wanderers brass – Halifax Today
Halifax’s newest football club will be taking part in an international soccer friendly match this month in hopes of finding some local talent.
Hosting World Cup in 2026 an opportunity to push development of Canadian soccer – Winsdor Star
The 2026 World Cup seems many miles and a lifetime away for the youngsters happily training in Friday’s more pleasant temperatures on the soccer fields at Tecumseh’s Green Acres Park. The reality is it isn’t, so preparations now will help the Canadian men’s team avoid a face plant on one of the world’s largest sporting stages.
2018 League1 Ontario Young Stars v REX Rosters Announced – League1 Ontario
On Wednesday July 11 at the Ontario Soccer Centre, League1 Ontario’s Young Stars will take on the Canada Soccer Regional Excel Program (REX), offering a unique opportunity to see the current cream-of-the-crop of Canadian and Ontario women’s players.
Island squads make Atlantic soccer finals in Halifax – Journal Pioneer
Prince Edward Island soccer teams captured two silvers, three bronzes and three fourth-place finishes at the Atlantic all-star championships during the weekend.
Second soccer bubble slated for Sacre Coeur – Sudbury Star
Sudbury will get two sports bubbles. Following news this spring that a year-round venue for soccer and other activities will go up in New Sudbury, the French-Catholic school board announced Monday that another dome will take shape in the Flour Mill.
Western Halifax blanks Halifax City 2-0 – Chronicle-Herald
Enrico Rodriguez and Nyle MacLeod scored as Western Halifax Durty Nellys blanked Halifax City 2-0 in Nova Scotia Soccer League men’s premier league action on Sunday night.
Ontario court ruling focuses on sports-related liability – Canadian Lawyer
The Ontario Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling that found a soccer team and its officials were not negligent after a soccer player was punched at a game in 2010.
Edmonton soccer fans: See the World Cup semis and final on the big movie screen – the11.ca
For those in the Edmonton area, come to the Garneau Theatre to watch the World Cup semifinals and finals in larger-than-life fashion.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Ottawa Fury ups its eh game with addition of striker Daniel Haber – Edmonton Journal
Ottawa Fury FC has acquired Canadian International striker Daniel Haber in a free transfer from FC Cincinnati, another United Soccer League club.
What Goes On? Ottawa Fury at Seventeen-and-a-Half – Northern Starting XI
While there may have been fewer fire and brimstone Ottawa Fury performances this past month or so, there was more than just a touch of thunder and lightning.
PENN FC’S UNBEATEN STREAK ENDS AGAINST RICHMOND– Penn Live
Penn FC’s unbeaten streak ended at six matches as the Richmond Kickers earned a 2-1 win at FNB Field Monday night.
Why FC Cincinnati will target South, Central America for building MLS roster – Cincinnati.com
No accounting of Major League Soccer history is complete without mentioning the history of prominent South and Central American players that have graced the league. The same could soon be true for Futbol Club Cincinnati’s own history.
Building A Better Mousetrap For Pro Soccer In The USA – Part I – Why It Is Needed – Midfield Press
It is fair to say that 2018 is something of a lost year for the New York Cosmos, Miami FC and Jacksonville Armada. While the clubs are participating in the semi-pro National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), their experienced, professional squads are misfits in the short season competition that in large part is filled with teams of college players.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Sam Kerr’s subdued Sky Blue return: ‘I felt like I was going to cry at some points in the game’ – The Equalizer
As ESPNews showed the score of the Chicago Red Stars-Sky Blue FC match on Saturday, Jenn Hildreth relayed that Sam Kerr had scored all three goals for the Red Stars and remarked that there must have been lots of backflips at Yurcak Field. There were not.
Pride Begin Two-Game Road Trip Wednesday in Houston – Orlando City SC
hree days after its last match the Orlando Pride (7-5-4, 25 points) will begin a two-game road stint that starts with the Houston Dash (4-6-5, 17 points) on Wednesday, July 11. NWSLSoccer.com will carry the game for international viewers.
Casey Stoney: ‘There’s no bigger club to work for than Manchester United’ – The Guardian
The former England international has a grand vision as first manager of United’s women’s team.
NWSL Week In Review: What say you, Disciplinary Committee? – The Equalizer
The Portland Thorns did not seem to miss Meghan Klingenberg on Friday night as they blitzed Utah Royals FC without her. If you’ve been in a cave to hide from fireworks, Klingenberg was serving a one-game suspension for a pretty malicious kick of former teammate (both in NWSL and on the U.S. women’s national team) Allie Long away from the ball on June 30, leaving a nice welt on Long’s leg in the process.
Sunderland Ladies duo depart for Liverpool and Birmingham – Sunderland Echo
Sunderland Ladies have seen two players depart the club ahead of the new campaign.
Jill Ellis: “My father’s footsteps” – Coaches’ Voice
“Part of what I will do is make this journey uncomfortable for you, because the greatest teacher is adversity.” It was my first meeting with the players after I had been hired as head coach of the United States Women’s National Team. And that is what I told them.
Matildas coach Stajcic to take historic trip to view Indigenous football talent in remote NT – SBS
Matildas’ head coach Alen Stajcic will become Australia’s first national football coach to take a look at remote regional Indigenous talent when he visits the tiny town of Borroloola in the Northern Territory for two days starting on July 11.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Thai Cave rescue: Boys and football coach free from Tham Luang – BBC
Their plight and the massive, dangerous three-day-long operation to free them gripped the world’s attention.
Thai cave rescue: Fifa, Man Utd & Kyle Walker offer support to young players – BBC Sport
The 12 young footballers freed from a cave in Thailand have been offered the chance to attend the World Cup final but are too ill to travel, Fifa says.
Ronaldo signs for Juventus from Real Madrid – Yahoo Sports
Five-times world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo has signed for Italian champions Juventus from Real Madrid, the La Liga club said in a statement on Tuesday.
Madrid pay Ronaldo tribute – Football Espana
“Today, Real Madrid wants to express its gratitude to a player who has proved to be the best in the world and who has marked one of the brightest times in the history of our club and world football.”
The inside story of Cristiano Ronaldo’s move from Real Madrid to Juventus – ESPN
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move from Real Madrid to Juventus isn’t just the second biggest transfer in history — the deal, once you factor in wages, transfer fee and commissions, will be comfortably north of $350 million, surpassed only by Neymar — it’s also an enormous gamble for everyone involved.
Arsenal sign Uruguay midfielder Lucas Torreira – Sportsnet
Arsenal signed Uruguay defensive midfielder Lucas Torreira from Sampdoria on Tuesday.
Patrick Vieira wants to be mix of Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho as Nice boss – ESPN
Patrick Vieira hopes to be “a mix” of former bosses Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger as the new Nice coach prepares for his first season in charge of a European club.
Rangers: Lassana Coulibaly is Steven Gerrard’s latest signing – BBC Sport
New signing Lassana Coulibaly was worried he was the victim of a prank call when Rangers boss Steven Gerrard phoned to discuss a move to Ibrox. The 22-year-old Mali midfielder is Gerrard’s eighth summer signing.
Former Spain striker Fernando Torres to play in Japan – Sportsnet
Former Spain striker Fernando Torres signed to play for Sagan Tosu in the J1 League on Tuesday, dashing the hopes of Australian football that he might become a marquee attraction for its struggling A-League.
Wellington Phoenix sign former Newcastle united defender Steven Taylor – News.com.au
In a bid to improve on their torried campaign last season, the Wellington Phoenix have signed a former Newcastle United captain.
Facebook adds LaLiga to fast-growing live football rights roster – Inside World Football
Reports are that Facebook has snapped up its second major European league with a live TV rights deal with LaLiga for the Indian subcontinent.
Sevilla denounce Spanish FA decision – Football Espana
Sevilla have expressed their ‘absolute disagreement’ with the decision of the Spanish FA (RFEF) to play the Spanish Supercopa over just one leg.
Hack explains CAF purge of match officials found guilty of taking bribes – ESPN
The chairman of the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) disciplinary committee, Raymond Hack, has detailed the unprecedented action against 22 match officials on the continent accused of various forms of taking bribes. The organisation hope that the action will send a strong message of their zero tolerance on the issue.
Match-fixing: 397 matches show suspicious betting patterns in 2017 – Inside World Football
A total of 397 matches in 2017 showed suspicious betting trends – 32 of those matches were friendlies, including international friendlies. Perhaps even more worryingly is that 62 youth matches showed signs of being fixed, according to a new football betting monitoring report. The report – compiled by the Perform Group, Starlizard Integrity Services and TXODDS – analysed 54,757 matches in more than 500 competitions and across 90 countries, and gives a sobering snapshot of the trends in match-fixing.