CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
WHITECAPS FC vs. SEATTLE SOUNDERS
MATCHDAY #1, GROUP F
(SPORTSNET ONE & WORLD, TSN RADIO 1410)
7:00 PM WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015
B.C. PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.
CONCACAF Champions League: Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps trade barbs ahead of CCL clash – MLS
Not that they should need it, but the goal-starved Seattle Sounders have a bit of additional motivation as they gear up for Wednesday night’s CONCACAF Champions League group play opener against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Match Preview: Whitecaps meet Sounders for CCL debut – Eighty-Six Forever
There’s a unique energy to every occasion in which the Whitecaps face the Sounders. Saturday’s comprehensive rout at CenturyLink Field was nothing short of spectacular – a statement to the rest of the league updating everyone on what the Blue and White are capable of at present. Seattle, meanwhile, were engulfed in scrutiny in the aftermath of the emphatic 3-0 defeat, remarkably losing seven of their last eight fixtures. The only signal their performance broadcast was that help was needed. Badly.
Tensions high in ‘massive’ moment for Whitecaps – 24 Hours
It’s a whole new ball game for the Vancouver Whitecaps against a familiar foe. And tensions between the ‘Caps and the Seattle Sounders are even higher than usual heading into their Wednesday-night CONCACAF Champions League clash at BC Place.
Picture this: Whitecaps, Sounders FC renew rivalry in CONCACAF Champions League match – Metro
The focus of the latest controversy between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Seattle Sounders FC has nothing to do with a vicious or dirty challenge, but apparently a photograph.
Whitecaps coach eyes complete lineup switch for CCL match against Sounders – The Province
The Whitecaps made a convincing case Saturday that they’ve not just caught up to their standard-setting neighbours to the south, but that they’ve passed them. Wednesday at B.C. Place, the Caps can add to that argument because it’s certain to be a game that reveals the relative depth of these rival clubs.
Whitecaps’ depth will be tested in CONCACAF – Sportsnet
A crowded August fixture—the Whitecaps will play eight games in three different competitions—means Robinson will make plenty of changes to the starting lineup on Wednesday. His counterpart, Sounders coach Sigi Schmid, likely will, too.
CCL: Sounders motivated for pay-back against ‘Caps – Soccer America
Just four days after the Vancouver Whitecaps celebrated — a little too much to their opponent’s liking — a 3-0 win over the Seattle Sounders, they meet again, this time at Vancouver’s B.C. Place. The Cascadia rivalry moves from MLS to the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League in which the ‘Caps are making their debut.
Adekugbe eyes expanded role as Whitecaps face rival Sounders in CONCACAF play – Canada.com
After being sidelined with an ankle injury since May, the 20-year-old Calgary native is slated to see action Wednesday as the Whitecaps host the Seattle Sounders in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League series at B.C. Place Stadium.
CSD Municipal 0, Real Salt Lake 1 | CONCACAF Champions League Recap– MLS
Real Salt Lake celebrated their return to the CONCACAF Champions League in fine fashion – if not by the skin of their teeth – thanks to some jaw-dropping saves from the one and only Nick Rimando and an early goal from Joao Plata.
CCL: Plata and Rimando star in Real Salt Lake win – Soccer America
Real Salt Lake ended its six-game losing streak on the road when Joao Plata’s goal in the second minute held up for a 1-0 win over Municipal in Guatemala City’s Mateo Flores Stadium to open its Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League campaign. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando preserved the win with two big saves.
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WHITECAPS FC & MLS
Whitecaps could be fine-tuning for postseason soon – 24 Hours
Vancouver Whitecaps FC kicked off their busy August in fine form – beating up on Seattle Sounders FC 3-0 over for the weekend in Major League Soccer action. It was a good start to the month and one that could carry the ‘Caps through to some exciting prospects when September rolls around.
Energized by Gold Cup run, Mattocks looking to ‘win everything’ with Whitecaps FC – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Darren Mattocks has been clocking up the air miles these past two months. Road trips with the ‘Caps to New England and Colorado were interspersed with trips to Copa America and the Gold Cup with Jamaica.
New York Red Bulls Sign Gonzalo Veron – NYRB
The New York Red Bulls have completed the transfer of winger Gonzalo Veron from Club Atletico San Lorenzo in the Argentine Primera Division, pending receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Veron joins the Red Bulls as a Designated Player and he may be eligible to appear in an official game as early as Sunday at Red Bull Arena vs. New York City FC.
Sounders FC signs midfielder Andreas Ivanschitz – Sounders FC
Seattle Sounders FC today announced the signing of attacking midfielder Andreas Ivanschitz. The 31-year-old Austrian international comes to Seattle from Spanish club Levante, and is being added to Sounders FC’s roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate. Per MLS and club policy, additional terms of the deal are not being disclosed.
Hubbub roils StubHub for Dos Santos introduction – Soccer America
A huge throng at LAX when his plane landed Sunday, dozens of cameras and reporters at his first training session Monday, and a packed press conference Tuesday to officially introduce him and the No. 10 jersey formerly worn by Landon Donovan.
LA’s next Landon? Galaxy, Gio Dos Santos excited for Mexican star to make his “own history” in MLS – MLS
The Mexican star was officially introduced as the defending MLS Cup champions’ newest big-name player on Tuesday afternoon at StubHub Center, and in a Stadium Club packed with media and team staff, he addressed Donovan’s legacy – and the qualities the legendary attacker brought to the field during a decade with the Galaxy.
Will LA Galaxy’s Giovani Dos Santos ignite Mexican American support for MLS? – The Guardian
Weeks before touching a ball for his new club or even donning its training gear, Giovani Dos Santos made an immediate impact for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Two days after the Galaxy announced the Mexico international’s signing July 15, the team store featured a navy blue T-shirt with his name and number on the back.
Challenges remain in second half of season for LA Galaxy’s star-studded cast – SBI
The LA Galaxy have made a habit in recent years of kicking things into another gear during the second half of their seasons. Like a light switch that they just turn on, the Galaxy tend to find results on a more consistent basis, make a deep playoff run, and usually find a way to lift an MLS Cup trophy when the games get more intense and important.
Countdown: Toronto FC v Orlando City – Red Nation Online
Toronto FC will be glad to be back at BMO Field on Wednesday after suffering an awful month of road results and specifically defending. The Reds welcome Orlando City, local boy and MLS Rookie of the Year candidate, Cyle Larin, who has been red hot of late scoring in bunches and keeping the expansion side competitive, win or lose.
Toronto FC will have hands full with Kaka, Larin – Sportsnet
Toronto FC continues its busy week—with the second of three matches in eight days—when it hosts Orlando City on Wednesday night at BMO Field.
Toronto FC source shoots down rumors of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer taking over as club’s manager – MLS
A report claiming that Toronto FC are in talks with former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about becoming the club’s next manager is “100 percent not true,” a club source told MLSsoccer.com.
Toronto FC Waives Bright Dike – Toronto FC
Dike, 28, has appeared in 11 matches, registering one goal and one assist for Toronto FC in MLS league play. He was originally acquired in a trade with the Portland Timbers on September 9, 2013.
So long, La Gata: Timbers part ways with Gaston Fernandez – Prost Amerika
The Portland Timbers this afternoon announced a mutual agreement to part ways with Argentine forward Gaston Fernandez, effective immediately. Fernandez has reportedly returned to Argentina to rejoin his former club, Estudiantes.
Orlando City SC stretched thin for Wednesday’s big Eastern Conference clash at Toronto FC – MLS
Aurelien Collin and Seb Hines are going to have to hold the defensive fort for just a bit longer for Orlando City, as it looks like it’ll take at least another week before reinforcements arrive for the Lions.
New York Red Bulls’ Jesse Marsch plays down Montreal Impact return ahead of Wednesday’s match – MLS
Jesse Marsch is no stranger to controversy. Now in his second go-round as an MLS head coach, the former USMNT assistant has seen first-hand the drama that can surround both an exit from and appointment to an MLS club’s top job. And on Wednesday, the past will meet the present as his New York Red Bulls head north of the border to take on the Montreal Impact side he once lead into North American soccer’s top flight just three years ago.
MLS Strength of Schedule: Which teams have the easiest road to the 2015 postseason?– MLS
With three months to go in the regular season, all 20 teams still have at least an outside chance of finishing in the top six places in their respective conference and thus keeping their MLS Cup hopes alive.
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BC SOCCER
Outgoing Football Club Executive Director Demands Suspensions Be Lifted to Enable 2,800 Surrey Kids to Play Soccer– Central City Breakers FC
The outgoing executive director of the Central City Breakers Football Club (CCB), which is currently under suspension by the South District Girls’ Soccer Association (SDGSA) and Surrey Metro Soccer Association (SMSA), is asking the British Columbia Soccer Association to intervene so its 2,800 members can play soccer next season.
Open letter to BCSA from outgoing Executive Director – Central City Breakers FC
“The outgoing Executive Director has written an open letter to BCSA and to the soccer community to clear up the mis-information that has been spreading about the Club.”
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CANADA
Canadian Exports: Tosaint Ricketts signs with Turkish club Boluspor ahead of tough World Cup qualifying stretch – MLS
Tosaint Ricketts is heading back to Turkey. The Edmonton-born attacker, who turns 28 on Thursday, has signed a one-year deal with Boluspor, taking him back to the country where he had a productive 2013-14 campaign with Bucaspor.
League 1 Ontario Cup Finals at Soccer Centre on Sunday – OSA
The League1 Ontario Cup finals will take place Sunday, Aug. 9 at the Ontario Soccer Centre Stadium. Both games will be broadcast on the League1 Ontario livestream channel.
DeLuca referee assessor for Gold Medal Pan Am Men’s game – OSA
Ontario’s Amato DeLuca was assigned to assess the Gold Medal Pan Am Men’s game. DeLuca has honoured by the assignment. “This was an excellent experience these are rare opportunity for a lot of people,” DeLuca said. “I was glad I took part in these games as this was my second time at the Pan Am games. Back in 2003 I was there as a referee this time as an assessor.”
NASL
Laing reflects on Gold Cup experience as Eddies prepare to make push for playoffs – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton midfielder Lance Laing played in two international competitions this summer with Jamaica: CONMEBOL Copa América and CONCACAF Gold Cup. Laing arrived in Edmonton last week and is getting ready to for the stretch run of the North American Soccer League (NASL) Fall Season with the Eddies.
Ceballos Signs with Indy Eleven – Indy Eleven
Indy Eleven’s Fall Season signing-spree continued today with the inking of Guatemalan international midfielder Marvin Ceballos to a contract for the remainder of the 2015 NASL campaign. Per club policy, financial terms of the contract will not be released.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
U.S. women’s coach Jill Ellis gets new contract – Goal
After winning her first Women’s World Cup, the United States women’s national team coach has agreed to a contract extension.
Man Utd should have women’s team, says sports minister – BBC Sport
Manchester United should “rectify” their lack of a women’s team, says Sports Minister Tracey Crouch. “It is incredibly disappointing that one of the biggest clubs in the world doesn’t have a ladies’ football team,” said Crouch.
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WORLD OF SOCCER
Ajax out of Champions League, Monaco through – FIFA
Four-time European champions Ajax have been eliminated at the third qualifying round stage of the UEFA Champions League after a humiliating 3-2 second-leg defeat to Rapid Vienna as Monaco advanced with a 4-0 win over Swiss side Young Boys.
Copa Libertadores: D-Day beckons for River & Tigres – FIFA
The last act of the 2015 Copa Libertadores is upon us. The stage is set for a riveting climax between River Plate and Tigres, one befitting the prize at stake. Having already met three times in this year’s tournament, the teams know each other well and have so far proven impossible to separate, with all three encounters ending in draws. There will have to be a winner this time round.
Angel Di Maria: Manchester United midfielder ‘happy’ to join PSG – BBC Sport
Angel Di Maria says he is “very happy” to be joining Paris St-Germain from Manchester United, a year after the Old Trafford club paid a British record £59.7m for him.
Thai tycoon pays reported €480m for a piece of AC Milan – Inside World Football
Asian investors’ increasing involvement in snapping up Europe’s most glamorous clubs has taken another significant leap after AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi agreed to sell a 48% stake to Thai property tycoon Bee Taechaubol.
Premier League: BBC Sport asks ‘who will be the champions?’ – BBC Sport
The Premier League starts again on Saturday, with Chelsea defending the title they won by eight points last season.
2015-16 Ligue in 1 — five burning questions that will shape the season – ESPN FC
Ligue 1 returns on Friday, as champions Paris Saint-Germain travel to Lille. The Parisians are again favourites in France, as they take aim at a fourth consecutive league title.
He’s an American success story . . . but it’s a difficult path to citizenship – Washington Post
There might not be another U.S. pro athlete with the legal status of the D.C. United rookie Miguel Aguilar, who left Mexico at age 11.
Palestinian breakthrough as Gaza and West Bank teams cleared for AFC Cup play-off – Inside World Football
A symbolic breakthrough in Middle East football relations will take place on Thursday when a Palestinian team from the Gaza Strip will host West Bank opposition for the first time in 15 years after Israel gave permission for the latter to cross its territory.
Get fit for the season – like Gerrard, Gotze, Ings, Carroll & Aluko – BBC Sport
Pre-season training methods were once a guarded secret, locked away behind training ground doors. So with the help of Jamie Kennedy – a personal trainer to Liverpool’s Danny Ings, Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier and Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez – BBC Sport shows you what top players do so you can sharpen up before the new season. Be careful, but give it a go.
1860 Munich fans face Bayern Munich shopping trip or jail – BBC Sport
“I wanted to show that football is football and not a battlefield.” These are the words of judge Karin Jung, who gave two 1860 Munich fans the choice to buy Bayern merchandise for a fan they attacked – or spend 15 months in jail.