VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
2018 CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
MONTREAL IMPACT vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
VOYAGEURS CUP SEMI-FINAL, 1st LEG
WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2018, 4:30 PM PT
STADE SAPUTO, MONTREAL, QC.
LIVESTREAM: CANADASOCCER.COM / YAHOO CANADA SPORTS
Episode 283 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Capital Punishment – DC v Vancouver analysis, World Cup, Dale Mitchell, Colin Elmes) – AFTN
Vancouver Whitecaps’ seesaw of a season continued this past weekend as they went down to a 3-1 loss at the hands of D.C. United in the US capital. We analyse the main talking points to come out of the game, hear from ‘Caps coach Carl Robinson, and ponder where the team can go from here.
‘Caps open Canadian Championship Wednesday in Montreal – watch live on CanadaSoccer.com – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC open the 2018 Canadian Championship on Wednesday, facing longtime rival Montreal Impact in the first leg of the semifinal at Stade Saputo.
Montreal Impact vs Vancouver Whitecaps | 2018 Canadian Championship Preview – MLS
For the fifth time in the last eight years, the Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps FC meet in either the Canadian Championship final or semifinals as their aggregate semifinal series kicks off at Stade Saputo Wednesday night.
Canadian Championship a chance for Whitecaps’ Teibert to shine – Sportsnet
Vancouver returns to action on Wednesday on the road when they take on the Montreal Impact in the first leg of the Canadian Club Championship semifinals.
Ottawa Fury FC vs. Toronto FC | 2018 Canadian Championship Match Preview – MLS
For a second straight year, Toronto FC meet the Ottawa Fury in the Canadian Championship semifinals with the first leg set for TD Place Stadium in Canada’s capital Wednesday night.
Help on the way for Toronto FC, but is it too late? – Toronto Sun
Toronto FC is keeping the faith, and as Kevin Garnett famously said after winning the NBA championship, “anything is possible,” but the math indicates Toronto is in a dark place, with faint hope of digging out of a five-foot hole.
U.S. Open Cup: Breaking down tantalizing quarterfinals – MLS Multiplex
After a full week of Major League Soccer, the U.S. Open Cup makes its return as the quarterfinals will reveal who will are contenders and who are pretenders. Here is a breakdown of each matchup.
Houston Dynamo vs. Sporting Kansas City | 2018 US Open Cup Match Preview – MLS
For the fourth year in a row, the Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City will meet in the U.S. Open Cup, with a berth in the semifinals on the line Wednesday night at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Orlando City focused on Open Cup match against Philadelphia Union – Pro Soccer USA
Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Toronto FC was the first step toward the Lions getting back on track in league play. The club was already making strides in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, notching wins over Miami United and D.C. United to reach the quarterfinals.
Chicago Fire vs. Louisville City FC | 2018 U.S. Open Cup Match Preview – MLS
After knocking off Atlanta United in front of the largest crowd in U.S. Open Cup history on a Nemanja Nikolic goal in the 54th minute, the Chicago Fire return home for their 14th quarterfinal appearance in club history, good for third most in USOC history.
Rooney’s arrival provides new tactical flexibility, dynamism for DC United – MLS
Ever since Wayne Rooney’s arrival at D.C. United, head coach Ben Olsen had maintained that his high-priced new signing would play as close to goal as possible.
Sounders linked to Argentinian forward – Sounder at Heart
Another name has surfaced as the Seattle Sounders continue to pursue another summer signing. The Sounders are reportedly pursuing a loan for 23-year-old Argentinian forward Nicolás Stefanelli, according to Swedish website Fotbol Direkt. Stefanelli is currently playing for AIK Selna, of the Swedish first division.
As MLS agrees on a name for the Beckham Miami team, Croatian star expresses interest – Miami Herald
Major League Soccer owners have agreed on a name for David Beckham’s Miami team, and it will be revealed “very soon” in an unconventional way. The unveiling of the shield and team colors are also imminent.
Better pizza, better partners: Papa John’s will no longer be available at CenturyLink Field – Sounder at Heart
CenturyLink Field will no longer be serving Papa John’s Pizza per a spokesperson with First & Goal Hospitality. “No, it will not be offered,” they said via email to Sounder at Heart. This follows a long line of sports organizations ending their relationships with Papa John’s after the now-former CEO and Chairman, John Schnatter, used a racial slur on a conference call in May.
The protracted battle between Marvell Wynne and MLS that led to the end of his career – ESPN
Marvell Wynne is still coming to grips with how his professional soccer career ended. The MLS veteran and former U.S. international announced his retirement from the game in a Twitter post back on April 20. It wasn’t aging legs or a decline in ability that ended his career, but rather a heart defect that despite being corrected by surgery, resulted in him not being cleared to play.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
CPL Vancouver Island Launch Party – Eventbrite
It is our pleasure to invite you to an important announcement regarding the future of professional soccer on Vancouver Island. Please join us at the Roundhouse on July 20th for a celebration of soccer in true Island manner including the announcement of our new Canadian Premier League Club team name, logo and colours.
Vancouver Island waves over UNBC with second soccer recruit – My Prince George Now
Vancouver Island Wave striker Michael Henman has committed to the Timberwolves, who says Head Coach Steve Simonson was a reason why he’s decided to move to the Northern capital.
Riptide, CVUSC paved the way for varsity soccer players – Comox Valley Record
Several graduates of the Upper Island Riptide soccer program have moved onto the varsity level of university women’s soccer. Olivia Bates, Abbie Simms, Danielle Robertson and Camryn Curts all started their rookie season last fall at Thompson Rivers University. Curts, a midfielder, was a finalist in the newcomer-of-the-year category for TRU.
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.
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 soccer mission turns to 2026 – Times Colonist
There hasn’t been a post-World Cup period harbouring greater promise for Canadian soccer than the current one.
How a free soccer program in Edmonton helped Alphonso Davies launch his career – Eighty-Six Forever
Growing into a promising talent in MLS and a composed speaker just didn’t happen and if it wasn’t for Free Footie, an organization based in Edmonton that gives kids like Davies from underserved communities a chance to play soccer for free, it’s possible that it never would have.
Player Exporting: Thoughts On Canada’s Future Football Factory – Northern Starting XI
Some might say there isn’t much credence in players playing outside their home nation for having much to do with their overall development – it has likely already occurred for the most part due to their training with which ever club they came up through. I would go further with this and say players only get better as they join clubs in different countries. This is why I hope the Canadian Premier League does everything in its power to showcase the top Canadian talent from the league to the rest of the world to see those players move on to new clubs outside the country.
Pro Stars And Oakville Battle To 1-1 Stalemate – League1 Ontario
Pro Stars FC welcomed reigning men’s division champions Oakville Blue Devils to Victoria Park Stadium, Brampton on Saturday evening of Matchweek 9, with both teams having earned confidence-building results the week before.
Perfect weekend for United under-18 team wins tournament in Moncton – PEI Guardian
The Summerside United capped a perfect weekend in impressive style. The United went undefeated – winning all five games in impressive fashion while outscoring their opposition 21-1 – en route to claiming the Under-18 Premier Division of the Codiac First Touch FC annual soccer tournament on Sunday afternoon.
Digby U15 girls triumphant in Gunn Baldursson soccer tournament – Nova News Now
It was a great weekend for the Digby Tigers U15 girls, who went undefeated to win the championship of their division at the Gunn Baldursson memorial soccer tournament in the valley.
Former Hurricanes women’s soccer player returns to fold as coach for 2018 season – PEI Guardian
A long-time staple of the Holland College Hurricanes women’s soccer program is coming home. Laura Younker, who played for the Hurricanes from 2012-15, will return to Holland College this fall as an apprentice in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) female apprentice coach program.
RESPECT IN SPORT PARENT CERTIFICATIONS SURPASS 10,000 IN ONTARIO – Ontario Soccer
The Respect in Sport Parent Program is a one-hour online module for parents and guardians, reinforcing their role in their child’s activities, encouraging positive sport behaviors, and providing insight into the various roles other individuals play, such as coaches and officials.
The story of the Metros-Croatia soccer championship win – CBC
The pro soccer team that struggled to draw fans and make money won it all in 1976.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Fury inks another Canadian – Edmonton Sun
Fresh off signing Toronto native Daniel Haber last week, the Fury FC officially inked Sherbrooke, Que., defender Jeremy Gagnon-Lapare Monday to bring the number of Canadians to 17 on the Fury’s 26-man roster, just a shade under two-thirds.
USL’s Week Ahead – Louisville, Ottawa face MLS showdowns – USL
The 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and 2018 Canadian Championship are joined by a special edition of the Queen Cities Cup that will air on ESPN2 to kick off Week 19 of the USL regular season as Wednesday night brings must-see contests across all three competitions in a big week of action around the league.
Preview: Rangers host Orange County on Wednesday in clash of top scorers in USL – Sporting KC
The Swope Park Rangers (9-6-4, 6th place) will host Orange County SC (10-6-3, 5th place) at 7:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday at Children’s Mercy Park in a mid-week match that could feature two of the top scorers in the USL this season.
Steel FC Seeks Series Win Against Rival Red Bulls II – Philadelphia Union
Playing its fourth match in 13 days, Bethlehem Steel FC looks to continue its winning ways when it makes the short trip north to battle rival New York Red Bulls II on Wednesday, July 18.
2018 Eastern Conference Championship Preview – PDL
Set to be hosted by Reading United AC at Gurski Stadium in Reading, Pennsylvania, from July 20-21, the 2018 Premier Development League Eastern Conference Championship will feature the hosts, Black Rock FC, the Myrtle Beach Mutiny and New York Red Bulls U23.
Force Sports’ lofty goal is return of Cleveland Force – Crain’s Cleveland Business
In the last 13 months, Force Sports has acquired two of the largest soccer clubs in Northeast Ohio. Greg and Shaw Abrams — brothers who operate six facilities that offer sports programming and training in the region — believe the next step is bringing men’s professional soccer back to Cleveland.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
The next senior World Cup is in France, not Qatar – Midland Daily News
The “next” World Cup got plenty of hype in Russia. A massive cube was alight with video images of “Qatar 2022” in Gorky Park, while the ground floor of the high-end shopping mall at Red Square was devoted to displays touting the event. But apart from a social media campaign, there was little attention on the (actual) next senior World Cup: the women’s tournament next year in France.
Sounders Women win WPSL Western Conference Championship, head to nationals – Sounders Women
The Sounders Women continued their undefeated season with a busy weekend at Starfire Sports in Tukwila, Washington. Hosting the WPSL Western Conference Finals, the Sounders Women beat LA Villa FC and FC Tucson to win the Western Conference Championship and book their ticket to the WPSL National Final Four.
NWSL Week in Review: Is the USL a legitimate option for the NWSL? – The Equalizer
Rumors, particularly unsubstantiated ones, are not really something to go in depth on — because why waste our time, right? But there are some rumors floated to make a point and it would appear that a USL takeover of the National Women’s Soccer League in the not-so-distant future appears to be just that.
A DUBIOUS RECORD GETS CLOSER: Sky Blue FC (0-12-3) will try to avoid finishing with worst-ever NWSL record – Front Row Soccer
With the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs all but out of the question, Sky Blue FC still has plenty incentive to register points the reat of the season.
‘We go with the ambition to win it’: Stajcic declares Tournament of Nations priority – FFA
Westfield Matildas coach Alen Stajcic has declared his excitement at the opportunity that lies ahead for his squad as they head into the 2018 Tournament of Nations.
Interview with Samantha Johnson – IRAIW
Samantha Johnson is an American soccer player with newly founded NWSL club, the Utah Royals. After loan spells in Australia with Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory, the California-born defender is stateside again, acquired by the fledgling club in a swap deal with Chicago Red Stars. The Royals play in the National Women’s Soccer League and share Rio Tinto Stadium with Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake.
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Cristiano Ronaldo: Juventus newcomer makes ‘The Myth’ become a reality – BBC Sport
It was the day ‘The Myth’ became reality. ‘CR7 Day’. The day Italian football’s most expensive signing – and one of the top four of all time – showed off his new colours.
‘Age isn’t important’ for new Juventus signing Cristiano Ronaldo – Toronto Sun
At the age of 33, many football players are past their peak. Cristiano Ronaldo vows to show he is not one of them.
Iceland coach steps down after 7 years at helm – Sportsnet
The Icelandic Football Association says Heimir Hallgrimsson has decided to leave at his own request, ending seven years in the role.
Alisson: Liverpool make offer to sign Roma goalkeeper – BBC Sport
Liverpool have made an offer to sign Roma’s Alisson for a reported £62m, a world record fee for a goalkeeper.
Blind returns to Ajax after four years at Man United – Yahoo Sports
Dutch international Daley Blind has completed a return to Ajax Amsterdam from Manchester United on a four-year contract, the clubs said on Tuesday.
Madrid reject Man City on Kovacic – Football Espana
Manchester City have been priced out of a move for Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic, according to reports.
Man City reveal squad for US tour – NBC Sports
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City have announced their squad for their U.S. tour this summer.
Pogba, signings and sparkle: Mourinho’s key issues at Manchester United – The Guardian
As United start their US tour with the aim of building up to a Premier League title challenge, we address some of the manager’s principal challenges
CAF Champions League: Etoile Du Sahel too strong for Mbabane Swallows – African Football
Etoile Sportive du Sahel showed their quality when they defeated Mbabane Swallows 3-0 in a CAF Champions League, Group D match on Tuesday afternoon.
Nigeria on the brink of expulsion as government minister says even FIFA must obey the law – Inside World Football
Nigerian authorities are digging in their heels over who runs the national FA despite a warning from FIFA president Gianni Infantino that the country risks being thrown out of international competition.
Thierry Henry leaves TV job to focus on managerial career – NBC Sports
Thierry Henry has walked away from his lucrative television punditry job in the UK in order to focus all of his time and energy on his “long-term ambition to become a football manager.”
Australia striker Tim Cahill retires from international football – Sportsnet
Australia striker Tim Cahill has announced his retirement from international football aged 38 and after his fourth World Cup.
Champions return home to joyous celebrations – FIFA
The images went right around the world: rain pouring down from the Moscow sky as France skipper Hugo Lloris and his team-mates lifted the FIFA World Cup Trophy, before a deluge of golden confetti mixed in with the raindrops at the Luzhniki Stadium. It was an unforgettable moment.
What lies ahead of World Cup runners-up Croatia? – Futbolgrad
When the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off, the Futbolgrad Network was among the only outlets that gave Croatia a shot at the title. In the end, Croatia did not only replicate their 1998 World Cup performance but went one step further as the Vatreni came close to winning their first ever FIFA World Cup.
Arsenal caught up in fraud probe at carmaker sponsor – BBC
Premier League club Arsenal is helping a Chinese investigation, after it was potentially caught up in a fraud around its sponsorship deal with carmaker BYD.
AS Roma stream pre-season friendly live on Twitter – Inside World Football
Twitter, which has ruthlessly axed hundreds of football accounts without explanation or recourse to appeal, has broadcast its first full match live with a team from Italy’s Serie A. With Twitter holding all the cards in terms of who can use its platform, the axing of accounts has raised questions over how safe the platform is for clubs and brands in terms of building a secure business platform around its social media.
Record income revenue for Barcelona as club tops €900 million – Yahoo Sports
Barcelona announced a record income for the club with the board of directors closing the accounts corresponding to the 2017-18 season at €914 million (£809m/$1.07b).
Pussy Riot pitch invaders jailed for 15 days for human rights protest – Inside World Football
Four members of the Russian punk activist group Pussy Riot have been jailed for 15 days for disrupting the World Cup final by running on to the pitch.
FIFA’s World Cup legacy in Russia should be measured by the people, not the politics – ESPN
In this line of work, you’re taught to be cynical and contrarian. So when Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President, says “Today I am a happy man … as far as I am concerned, we all fell in love with Russia,” you want to blow holes in it.
Statelessness a hurdle for some rescued Thai boys – CP24
The 12 boys and coach of the Wild Boars soccer team who were rescued from a cave in Thailand last week share a characteristic with many of the professional European clubs its youthful members idolize: They are a multiethnic, cross-border crew. But while the stars of the major European leagues, no matter what their origins, can stake a claim to fame and fortune, some of the Wild Boars cannot even count on a permanent home.
BC NDP 2026 WORLD CUP SCANDAL
(Editor’s note: In March, 2018, Vancouver unexpectedly & shockingly dropped out of the running to be a host city for the United 2026 World Cup bid. For the next eight years, BC Soccer Web will continue to cover this story of mismanagement by the BC NDP that denied our province and our children this once in a lifetime opportunity.)
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.”