MLS MATCHDAY #2
SPORTING KANSAS CITY 2 WHITECAPS FC 1
SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2016
CHILDREN’S MERCY PARK, KANSAS CITY, KS
WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Timbers acquire striker Darren Mattocks from Whitecaps – Goal
The Jamaican striker will be reunited with his college coach as he swaps one Pacific Northwest franchise for another.
Mattocks pens goodbye letter to Whitecaps FC: ‘I’ve enjoyed every moment’ – Whitecaps FC
When I look back at my journey years from now, I can tell my kids I’ve enjoyed every moment I spent in Vancouver. A beautiful city, beautiful people, and a great club.
Like many of his goalscoring chances in Vancouver, Darren Mattocks will be missed – AFTN
It was the day we’ve preparing three years for but, deep down, we never thought it would come. Darren Mattocks has been traded! In a case of GAM, TAM, thank you bam, Caleb Porter has reunited with his old Akron alumni and taken the Jamaican striker to Portland.
The Mattocks Deal: A Measured Bet – Stumptown Football
Perhaps the most important thing to know about the deal from the Whitecaps end is that it happened before the second week of the season, when teams are trying to finalize their rosters as the regular season begins. Moreover, with addition of Christian Bolanos in the midfield and Blas Perez and Masato Kudo up top, it was hard to see how Mattocks fit into Carl Robinson’s 2016 setup considering his 2015 struggles. In short the Whitecaps are dealing Mattocks not out of opportunity but because they have to as a salary dump.
The Good, The Average and The Bad: Kansas City weren’t very sporting to the Whitecaps edition – AFTN
Where do we begin? Well we could start with why was Deybi Flores starting over Kianz Froese? Or perhaps, are Jordan Smith or Fraser Aird better right backs than Tim Parker? Or maybe even, moving forward, should Blas Perez be starting alongside Octavio Rivero? The only one with answers that actually matter for all those questions is Carl Robinson.
The Texas Derby: How the Houston Dynamo dismantled FC Dallas – The Score
In a wild second week of action in MLS, no match was quite as entertaining as the Houston Dynamo’s 5-0 thrashing of Texan rivals FC Dallas. This Texas Derby fixture proved a huge upset for Dallas, while the Dynamo celebrate a big win of their own.
You have to like TFC’s compete level – Toronto Sun
Toronto FC’s response was the most impressive part of Sunday’s fixture. The Reds looked likely to steal maximum points with 10 minutes remaining.
Robles: Red Bulls “need to get our act together” – Empire of Soccer
The New York Red Bulls haven’t won a match nor scored a single goal in their opening two encounters of the season. That is a surprise — especially considering how many have penciled in the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions as MLS Cup contenders this season.
Portland Timbers’ Liam Ridgewell sidelined by hamstring injury – MLS
Portland Timbers defender Liam Ridgewell did not play in Portland’s 2-1 loss at the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday, and the team captain indicated in a tweet prior to kickoff that it was due to a hamstring injury suffered in training.
MLS Counter Attack: The Drogba issue – Sportsnet
Toronto taking four points out of six on the road to begin the season? Montreal a perfect 2-0 without Didier Drogba? Vancouver leaking goals and winless after two games?
Former USMNT forward Herculez Gomez practicing with Sounders – Seattle Times
Though Gomez is 33 and three years removed from his most recent double-digit-goal season, he would provide veteran depth for Seattle at the right price.
NYCFC comfortable in unconventional formation – Empire of Soccer
Patrick Vieira fielded New York City FC in an ageless W-M formation Sunday, and although the club blew a two-goal lead, the tactic received positive reviews from the coach and his players for limiting Toronto FC‘s chances Sunday afternoon.
Zoning commissioner’s first take on D.C. United stadium: ‘This reminds me of a prison’ – Washington Business Journal
The D.C. Zoning Commission on Monday had its first review of the planned D.C. United stadium at Buzzard Point, and while the panel indicated its support for the project, its members did offer some reservations about the design.
Major League Soccer as a Case Study in Complexity Theory – an Academic Paper (PDF File) – SSRN
Major League Soccer has long been criticized for its “Byzantine” roster rules and regulations, rivaled only by the Internal Revenue Code in its complexity. Is this criticism fair? By delving into complexity theory and the unique nature of the league, this Article argues that the traditional complaints may not apply in the context of the league’s roster rules.
Capture the game in HD using aerial video, book now at www.gamevision.ca!
BC SOCCER NEWS
VISL Jackson Cup Semi-Finals – VISL
4 teams left in this year’s Jackson Cup chase. 2 upcoming games will determine who will face off in the Final at RAP on Sunday April 3/2016 at 2:30 pm.
Dramatic draw and sound win for division-leading Whitecaps FC Residency – Whitecaps FC
A dramatic late draw and a win on Saturday saw both Whitecaps FC Residency teams stay at the top of their divisions.
PoCo win Coastal Girls Soccer League championship – Tri City News
The Port Coquitlam Euro-Rite FC United are B.C. Coastal Girls Soccer League under-13 champions after taking down the Royal City Strikers 1-0 last weekend. All it took was one goal from Jordana Bowser for the PoCo club to defeat the New Westminster team, with strong defensive play keeping the opponents out of scoring territory.
JDF teams claim Island titles – Goldstream Gazette
In Vancouver Island Premier League soccer play, the Juan de Fuca under-18 boys team defeated Saanich last weekend to take the Island A Cup title and earned an invite to play at the provincial championships in Burnaby, starting on July 7.
BC Soccer Assoc. is Now Accepting Candidates for its Board of Directors – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors for terms commencing June 11, 2016. Prospective candidates are invited to review the information provided on the BC Soccer web site www.bcsoccer.net. Candidates who provide notice to BC Soccer Assoc. of their intent to stand for election by May 1, 2016 will have their applications circulated to the membership in early May.
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 vs. MEXICO, March 25, 2016 @ BC PLACE STADIUM. Buy Tickets Today!
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Q&A: Benito Floro on upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mexico –Red Nation Online
The Canadian Men’s National Team’s next World Cup qualifying match against Mexico is less than two weeks away. While Canada will be facing off against the undisputed favourite in their qualifying group, the matches nonetheless provide a fantastic opportunity to build up on the progress that has been made under Head Coach Benito Floro and to test the squad against the best opposition the CONCACAF region has to offer.
Canadian Women to Play Netherlands in April Friendly Ahead of Rio 2016 Olympics – Waking the Red
Another week and another friendly announced. The Canadian Soccer Association released that the Women’s National team will travel to Eindhoven in the Netherlands for a friendly against the Dutch national side on April 10.
Quebec’s Two Professional Women’s Soccer Teams Forced to Shut Down in 2016 – The Link
When the W-League announced it would shut its doors in 2016, it meant the Laval Comets and Dynamo de Québec would have to find a new place to play. Then, suddenly, hopes of joining United Women’s Soccer went up in flames. The Canadian Soccer Association sent letters to both clubs letting them know their requests to join the U.S.-based league were denied.
Lack of volunteers forcing Edmonton community league to fold – Global News
Londonderry Community League’s skating rink hasn’t been flooded in years and the soccer fields have sat empty for even longer. Without volunteers to run events and sell memberships, the community ran out of money.
Ottawa’s Arielle Kabangu finds her soccer home at Saint Leo – Toronto Observer
Division II All-American forward looking for repeat success in senior year.
EPIC presents the 2016 Western Canada College ID Camp
WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
Match Preview vs. Airdrieonians FC – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton (1-0-0) returns to the pitch for their second preseason match in three days, facing Scottish Professional Football League’s Airdrieonians FC, Mar. 15 at Excelsior Stadium. Kick-off in the match is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. MT. It’s the second of four matches the Eddies will play in a total of 12 days.
Toronto FC II Adds Taintor to Squad – USL
oronto FC II has announced the signing of 2016 MLS SuperDraft selection Mitchell Taintor for the 2016 USL season. A former player at Rutgers, Taintor performed impressively in both Toronto FC and TFC II’s preseason camps, with his versatility a plus for TFC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko.
LA Galaxy II sign defender John Neeskens – LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy II, the 2015 USL Western Conference Champions, has signed 22-year-old defender John Neeskens, the club announced today. Neeskens comes to Los Dos after spending one season each with New York Cosmos B in 2015 and Colorado Rapids in 2014.
2016 USL Preview: Portland Timbers 2 – USL
The Portland Timbers 2 underwent a coaching change with Andrew Gregor heading the club, and the move appears to be a seamless transition because of his assisting role last year and involvement with Portland’s Academy. With an MLS Championship squad underway with its defense, a number of players are waiting in the wings. T2 will be the beneficiary of fielding those on the fringe, and in turn, the USL side hopes to add a few more first-team players down the road.
NASL International Push Making Noise – Prost Amerika
While much of the American soccer media has long acted as if NASL either doesn’t exist or simply doesn’t matter, more and more foreign press is paying attention to NASL – and perhaps seeing it as an alternative to the peculiar American institution of Major League Soccer. The columns of the likes of Bob Williams of The Telegraph which have brought NASL to life for the English football fan have enhanced the footprint and profile of the league in key international markets.
What to Make of the San Francisco Deltas – Midfield Press
It’s been nearly nine years since the California Victory took the field. Since then, the soccer landscape in San Francisco has been desolate. I’m all for the return of a professional team that personifies the spirit of this great city, but I do have some concerns with the proposed NASL franchise.
New York Cosmos: Florida Camp Roundup – Empire of Soccer
The New York Cosmos are home again after spending the past week training in Florida. In that brief trip to the Sunshine State, the club played Miami United FC of the NPSL and Boca Raton FC from the APSL, posting identical 3-0 victories in both maches.
FC Cincy surpasses 4K season tickets sold, USL ‘pleased’ – Cincinnati.com
FC Cincinnati is likely to be among the United Soccer League leaders in season tickets sold for the 2016 season, according to the team.
Follow BC Soccer Web on Twitter and get news throughout the day!
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
NWSL: Teams announce preseason rosters – Soccer America
With the opening of preseason training on Monday, all NWSL clubs announced their training camp rosters. The league kicks off the 2016 regular season — its fourth season — on April 16.
Reign FC opens training with 27 players – The Olympian
Seattle Reign FC today announced the start of Health Warrior Training Camp, which began at 10:00am PT today at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. At total of 27 players, including unsigned draft picks and non-roster invitees, are expected to participate in pre-season training for the club.
Sky Blue opens training camp with plenty of questions – and some answers – Empire of Soccer
Sky Blue FC opened up its preseason camp as it readies for the fourth season of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). There are many questions facing the New Jersey side. There’s a new coach, an interesting crop of draft picks and a charismatic player from the 2009 championship team, along with the traditional names of United States and Australia’s national team players. There’s key missing players through trade – Nadia Nadim – as well as retirement — Katy Freels and Hayley (Haagsma) McCall.
Orlando Pride have realistic goals on first day of training – Orlando Sentinel
There were no championship promises or specific goals set for the Orlando Pride as players reported to their first day of training Monday in Sanford.
Despite new faces, first day of preseason is “already on the right foot” for Houston Dash – Houston Dynamo
The beginning of preseason brought smiles, renewed optimism and many new faces to Houston Sports Park for the start of the Houston Dash’s third season in the NWSL.
VIDEO: A Boston Breakers Documentary : The Breakers Story – YouTube
A One Hour Documentary on the Boston Breakers. The Boston Breakers are the longest serving professional women’s soccer team in America. Founded in 2000, the Breakers have played in all 3 US-based professional leagues, Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA – 2001-03), Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS – 2009-11) and they are heading into the fourth season of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL – 2013-Present).
Lyon extend lead as Spanish title race remains wide open – FIFA
After an international break where the remaining places at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament at Rio 2016 were booked and the well-attended SheBelieves Cup joined the Algarve and Cyprus Cups on the women’s football calendar, action resumed in several European leagues. FIFA.com takes a look at the latest news from France, Italy and Spain.
#SWPL16 – Game 1 Round Up – Scottish Women’s Premier League
Glasgow City started their defence of their SWPL 1 title with a tricky away win against Stirling University. The only goal of the game came in the first half when a City free-kick routine saw Leanne Ross’ shot hit the crossbar, and defender Cheryl McCulloch reacted quickest to score.
BT Sport chooses its live opening-day FA WSL fixtures – The FA
BT Sport has chosen the first round of games for live broadcast ahead of the start of the new FA Women’s Super League (FA WSL) season.
PODCAST: Women’s Soccer Zone – FAWSL 2016 Preview: Arsenal Ladies – AudioBoom
The first of our nine shows in nine days as we preview the upcoming FA Women’s Super League season. First up, we focus on Arsenal Ladies.
Nottingham firm launches first goalkeeping gloves for women – Nottingham Post
Notts County Ladies goalkeeper Carly Telford has launched the first ever goalkeeping gloves designed specifically for women – after they were manufactured by a Nottingham firm.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
UCL Preview: Atletico-PSV battle in Madrid; Man City hosts Kiev – SBI
Two more teams will qualify for the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday, and while one matchup is seemingly already over, the other is sure to be a thriller.
Champions League last escape for Manchester City – Sportsnet
At the beginning of this season, if you’ll remember, Manchester City came out with a string of high-powered deconstructions of lesser opponents.
Someone call Mother Teresa! Juventus needs a miracle against Bayern after Dybala injury – Goal
On the day it was announced that the miracle-working Catholic nun Mother Teresa will be made a saint, Juventus has been left praying for its own divine intervention against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Leicester continues improbable journey toward Premier League title – Toronto Star
Shinji Okazaki’s overhead kick gave leader Leicester a 1-0 victory over Newcastle on Monday, a goal as spectacular as his team’s improbable Premier League title challenge.
Italy coach Conte to step down after Euro 2016 – Sportsnet
Without mentioning Chelsea or any other team, Antonio Conte has decided to step down as Italy coach after this year’s European Championship.
Barcelona’s Luis Enrique says coaches should only get six-month contracts – The Guardian
The Barcelona manager, Luis Enrique, has expressed his admiration for Arsène Wenger’s 20-year managerial career at Arsenal, insisting “that would be impossible here” and admitting that he would be in favour of coaches getting only six-month contracts at their club.
U.S.-eligible Kenny Saief accepts Israel call-up – SBI
Months after expressing his interest in being called into the U.S. Men’s National Team, Kenny Saief is keeping his options open. Interim head coach Alon Hazan named his roster for Israel’s upcoming friendly against Croatia on March 23, and American-born Saief was among those called in. The KAA Gent midfielder accepted the call-up after previously venting his frustration with not being included to Israel’s past rosters.
South African trio banned for fixing 2010 World Cup warm-ups – Inside World Football
Two weeks after the South African authorities accused FIFA of not acting decisively enough following a lengthy match-fixing investigation, three officials have been banned over their role in rigging a string of international friendlies in the build-up to the 2010 World Cup which the country hosted.
Neil Lennon leaves Bolton Wanderers ‘by mutual consent’ – The Guardian
In a statement on their website, the Championship’s bottom club said: “Bolton Wanderers can announce that the club have today, Tuesday 15 March, parted company with manager Neil Lennon by mutual consent.
Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley ordered to appear before MPs – BBC Sport
MPs have decided to issue a formal summons ordering Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley to give evidence to them about the treatment of his workers.
Ayre to quit Liverpool at end of 2016/17 season as Anfield build keeps growing – Inside World Football
Ayre was an important figure in the sale and stability of the club following the takeover by Fenway Sports Group takeover in October 2010, and has led an aggressive overhaul of the club’s commercial structure since then, as well as a key role in the redevelopment of Anfield.
N’Golo Kanté to Mattia Destro: what Europe’s top signings teach us about how to spend – The Guardian
Almost £3bn was shelled out by clubs from Europe’s top five leagues last summer, but what makes a good transfer these days? We look at the best signings in these leagues in search of clues on how to find value in the market.