VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. MINNESOTA UNITED FC
MLS MATCHDAY #1
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2019, 3:00 PM
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC
TV: TSN 1 & 4 RADIO: TSN RADIO 1040 ONLINE: TSN DIRECT
An offseason roundup, table predictions, and how Vancouver Whitecaps stack up in the 2019 Wild, Wild West – AFTN
It’s taken me by surprise but as we’re less than a week away from the first kick of the 2019 MLS season, it seemed like an appropriate time to analyze the rest of the Western Conference and how Marc Dos Santos’s rebuild (or expansion side as some have coined it) stacks up against the opposition. No side has seen as big an overhaul as the ‘Caps but, even though I’ll probably pay for this later, by analyzing coaching, strength of XIs, and acquisitions, I offer my best attempt at how the Western Conference will look come October: and where our ‘Caps fit into it.
Korean star Inbeom Hwang settling in with Whitecaps – The Province
Fredy Montero expects to score more goals, and Inbeom Hwang just expects more and more good things from his new club, the Vancouver Whitecaps.
A message to fans from ‘Caps head coach Marc Dos Santos – Whitecaps FC
Dear ‘Caps fans and supporters, I am truly honoured to be the new head coach of this club. In the short time that I’ve been here, I have already seen how much you care for this team. It’s something I already knew, having seen the atmosphere at BC Place during Whitecaps games and how you support our Canadian national teams, but it’s even more than I anticipated.
AUDIO: Fine Lines: Vancouver Whitecaps season preview – Sportsnet
On the debut of Fine Lines, Sportsnet 650’s new soccer show dedicated to the Vancouver Whitecaps, midfielder Felipe joins hosts Dan Riccio and J.J Adams to look ahead to the new Whitecaps’ season.
Minnesota United counting on Ike Opara to be leader and defensive upgrade – TwinCities.com
As one of Minnesota United’s five new veterans, Ike Opara has been trying to navigate between deferring to other leaders with reasserting himself as the demanding defender he was known as with Sporting Kansas City.
Jozy Altidore finalizing contract extension with Toronto FC – sources – ESPN
United States forward Jozy Altidore is in the process of finalizing a contract extension with Toronto FC that would keep him with the Reds through the 2022 season, sources confirmed to ESPN FC.
Toronto exits CONCACAF Champions League at first hurdle, beaten 5-1 on aggregate – National Post
Trailing 4-0 on aggregate and playing in frigid conditions, Toronto FC’s hopes of a Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League comeback died Tuesday on a field that was a long way from adequate.
Houston Dynamo 2, Guastatoya 1 | 2019 Concacaf Champions League Recap – MLS
Despite some nervy moments, the Houston Dynamo advanced to the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals following a 2-1 second-leg win over Guastatoya at a rain-soaked BBVA Compass Stadium Tuesday night.
Tall task in Toluca: Sporting preps for highest-elevation match in club history – Sporting KC
Last Thursday at Children’s Mercy Park, Sporting Kansas City played their earliest competitive match ever. Krisztian Nemeth, Gerso Fernandes and Ilie Sanchez provided goals in a Feb. 21 victory over Deportivo Toluca FC, giving the club a 3-0 aggregate lead heading into Thursday’s decisive second leg of the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16.
Report: Carlos Vela listed as “day to day” with knee injury – Angels on Parade
Carlos Vela exited Los Angeles Football Club’s last preseason game, a 1-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps at home on Saturday in which he scored the game’s lone goal, with a knee injury. After Bob Bradley said the team would need to wait and see how bad the injury was after the game, the initial news on it appears to be positive.
Sounders waive McCrary, sign defender Abdul-Salaam – GoalWA
Sounders FC today announced that it has signed defender Saad Abdul-Salaam. Prior to signing the deal, Seattle acquired his rights from New York City FC in exchange for $50,000 in Targeted Allocation Money (TAM). Abdul-Salaam had been with Sounders FC during 2019 preseason as a guest player prior to signing a contract.
KC is in for some cold days ahead. Sporting KC’s new field is ready like never before – KC Star
A snowstorm hit Kansas City last week, nearly half a foot of flakes falling to the ground and then blanketed with ice. Fewer than 48 hours before Sporting Kansas City’s season opener, Dan Lolli arrived at Children’s Mercy Park before 7 a.m., eager to find out how much work he had ahead of him.
Allianz Field a transitional moment for Minnesota United’s lofty ambition – MLS
On April 13, a vision years in the making will come to fruition for Minnesota United. The club will play their first-ever match at Allianz Field, their new 19,400-seat home. It’s Year Three of the club’s oft-discussed three-year plan and MNUFC are ecstatic with the year ahead.
FC Dallas sign 15-year-old Dante Sealy, club’s 25th Homegrown signing – MLS
FC Dallas have signed forward Dante Sealy to a Homegrown Player deal, the club announced Tuesday. He will be loaned to North Texas SC and is the club’s league-leading 25th Homegrown signing.
Atlanta United raised the bar for everybody in MLS last season; can the rest of the league keep up? – Salt Lake Tribune
The perceived notion of haves and have-nots in Major League Soccer has been quashed quickly by a club that has changed the complexion of the league in just two short seasons.
MLS 2019 predictions: A new champion and a record-breaking Zlatan Ibrahimovic – The Guardian
The new season kicks off this weekend. Our panel of writers deliver their verdicts on the MVP, MLS Cup champions and white shirts.
MLS’ new app combines highlights, fantasy soccer and merch – Engadget
Major League Soccer is launching a new flagship app today ahead of the 2019 season that will let fans get highlights, tickets, merchandise and fantasy info in one place.
Orlando City Soccer Club-themed Pub at Orlando International Airport – Fox 35
City Pub is a full-service restaurant and bar featuring game day-inspired cuisine and a festive venue celebrating the City Beautiful’s teams – Orlando City in Major League Soccer (MLS) and Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
BC SOCCER NEWS
PACIFIC FC vs. HFX WANDERERS FC
CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHDAY #1
SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019, 4:00 PM
WESTHILLS STADIUM, LANGFORD, BC
BC Soccer Assoc. responds to Ciara McCormack’s article (PDF File) – BCSA
BC Soccer has become aware of a recent blog post containing serious allegations of misconduct against organizations and individuals inside and outside the British Columbia soccer community. The behaviour described in the blog post is contrary to the values of player safety, inclusion and respect that are central to BC Soccer’s mandate. (Editor’s note: This is in response to yesterday’s article A Horrific Canadian Soccer Story – The Story no one wants to listen to, but everyone needs to hear).
Vancouver Island goalkeeper Nolan Wirth signs with Pacific FC – CHEK News
Vancouver Island goalkeeper Nolan Wirth is the latest signing to Pacific Football Club. The Comox-raised goalkeeper has played for Canada’s U20 team and the Phoenix Rising FC in United Soccer Championship (USL) and is the first true Islander to sign with the Island-based club.
Comox-raised soccer keeper returns to professional ranks – Comox Valley Record
Nolan Wirth of Comox has signed a professional contract with Pacific FC, a Victoria-based soccer team that will compete in the newly-formed Canadian Premier League.
City council endorses Balment for indoor facility – E-Know
City of Cranbrook council last night (Feb. 25) passed a motion to support Balment Park as the location for Kootenay East Youth Soccer Association’s (KEYSA) indoor sports facility.
Vancouver United FC joins Metro division for 2019-20 – Vancouver United FC
VUFC, for the first time ever, has the opportunity to apply to enter teams in the Metro division for the 2019-20 season. Our District, VYSA, has changed the model by which they will affiliate teams in the Metro division from the Single Club Model to Multi-Club model. Under this approach, all clubs that have achieved BC Soccer Club Charter Standard One can apply to put Metro teams into BCCSL.
Power Soccer in BC – SportAbility BC
We believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to participate in physical activity. We currently have programs in Vancouver, Surrey, Nanaimo, Penticton, and are still looking to expand. We are always looking for more athletes, officials, volunteers, and sponsors. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Pacific FC now accepting memberships for 2019 Canadian Premier League season – Pacific FC
Join Vancouver Island’s new CPL club! Become a Member of Pacific Football Club for first access seat selection and tickets.
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 vs. FRENCH GUIANA
CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2019, 3:00 PM
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC
Canadian international Janine Beckie looks to add to silverware collection – The Star
Janine Beckie has already lifted one trophy this week. Plenty more await this year.
Canadian women’s soccer team set for World Cup tune-up – TSN
The Canadian women soccer team is preparing for its last tournament before stepping onto the world’s biggest stage.
Watch Canada’s Women’s National Team at the Algarve Cup – BC Soccer Web
Canada’s Women’s National Team is back at the Algarve Cup. You’ll have to get up before dawn to watch on the west coast, but the matches are available online at canadasoccer.com.
Forge FC adds Senegalese international Cisse, Canadian international Johnny Grant – Canadian Premier League
Forge FC announced Tuesday the signing of Senegalese international midfielder Elimane Oumar Cisse and Canadian right-back Jonathan Grant.
Cavalry FC to produce ‘most unique’ soccer experience in Canada – Canadian Premier League
A world-renowned equestrian facility will bring one of the most attractive professional soccer experiences to Alberta. Situated on the southern edge of suburban Calgary, Spruce Meadows quite literally has one foot in cattle country.
USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Perez in ‘Perfect Position’ at North Carolina FC – USL
For United States U-20 international Manny Perez, signing with legendary Scottish club Celtic FC before starting his professional career on loan in the USL Championship with North Carolina FC is proving a seamless, but powerful way to transition towards his dreams of playing in Europe.
Anchorage’s Froehle signs with USL soccer league – KTUU
On Monday, Anchorage’s Lorenzo Froehle signed with the Albuquerque Sol of the USL Championship soccer league.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Izzy Christiansen gets her big chance with England after taking a risk on Lyon – The Equalizer
The true mark of a footballer is the journey along the way to growth and development to achieve that next level. It can be easy to settle into a familiar routine in a comfortable environment. England midfielder Izzy Christiansen faced that decision last summer.
Contender or pretender? Assessing England after one year under Phil Neville – The Equalizer
Eyebrows were raised, monocles dropped into flutes of champagne, and a few folks were said to have dramatically fainted when Phil Neville was announced as the new England women’s national team manager 13 months ago. Okay, maybe it wasn’t that dramatic, but it was a seriously surprising day in the soccer world.
Brazilian women’s soccer star Marta makes rare visit to Philadelphia ahead of what could be her last World Cup – Philly.com
Ask most women’s soccer players around the world who the best of all time is, and you’ll probably get a range of American answers: Mia Hamm, Michelle Akers, Kristine Lilly, or others. Ask who the best non-American of all time is, though, and the answer is likely to be unanimous: Marta.
‘Proud’ Kerr vows to lead with her actions after captaincy honour – Matildas.com.au
New skipper Sam Kerr believes the number of leaders in the Westfield Matildas squad will make her job easy and she’s vowed to lead by her actions on the pitch.
As national team heads for the World Cup, women’s soccer languishes in sponsorship doldrums – Daily Maverick
Despite the consistent successes of South Africa’s women’s national soccer team, Banyana Banyana, the team has had only one sponsor for the past 10 years. With their first qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, things need to change if South Africa wants more success from the team, Parliament heard on Tuesday.
USWNT late bloomer McCall Zerboni has shot at making World Cup team – Philly.com
McCall Zerboni is so dedicated to her soccer career that she once hawked random products to beachgoers in Southern California to make ends meet.
Women’s World Cup 2019: all you need to know with 100 days to go – The Guardian
It is now only 100 days until the Women’s World Cup kicks off in France on 7 June. Preparations are advancing apace and our guide can help you navigate the tournament.
Dash acquire MF Christine Nairn in trade with Orlando Pride – Houston Dash
The Houston Dash acquired midfielder Christine Nairn from the Orlando Pride in exchange for one 2019 international roster spot and the club’s natural third- and fourth-round picks in the 2020 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft, the clubs announced today.
Tragedy that prepared E-League’s first female competitor to silence the critics – A-League
Newcastle Jets’ Liz Varley may be the E-League’s first female competitor, but she’s already shown why she deserves to contend with Australia’s best EA Sports FIFA players.
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Di Maria double gifts PSG place in French Cup semi-finals – France 24
Holders Paris St Germain eased into the French Cup semi-finals after two goals from Angel Di Maria and another by Thomas Meunier gave them a 3-0 home win over Dijon in an action-packed last-eight clash on Tuesday.
Brendan Rodgers watches on as new team Leicester ends winless run – Sportsnet
Barely an hour after being hired as Leicester’s manager, Brendan Rodgers took a seat in the stands at King Power Stadium to have a first good look at his new team.
Newcastle beats Burnley 2-0, boosts survival hopes in EPL – London Free Press
Newcastle secured a fourth straight home win by beating Burnley 2-0 on Tuesday to further ease its relegation concerns in the Premier League.
Milan draws at Lazio in 1st leg of Italian Cup semifinal – Sportsnet
Just like last year, nothing could separate AC Milan and Lazio in the Italian Cup semifinals on Tuesday.
Premier League Preview: Chelsea v. Spurs – NBC Sports
Two managers embroiled in weekend controversy look to put a positive spin on the drama when Chelsea hosts Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.
U.S. Soccer Invites South American Teams for Rich New Tournament in 2020 – NY Times
U.S. Soccer has invited South America’s 10 soccer federations to bring their national teams to the United States in 2020 for a new intercontinental championship that would run concurrently with that summer’s European Championship.
Cordeiro flying solo? Concacaf says Gold Cup is safe and is ‘positive’ on Conmebol talks – Inside World Football
For the second time in a week Concacaf has been moved to issue a statement over the communications of US Soccer Federation (USSF) president Carlos Cordeiro, and to reassure members, sponsors and the region’s football community that the Gold Cup is not under threat of being disbanded.
The January signings who are proving big hits across Europe – The Guardian
The transfer window hasn’t changed much in the Premier League but some new signings are impressing on the continent.
Abramovich’s Chelsea confronts anti-Semitism problem – London Free Press
Gathered with his Chelsea directors, Roman Abramovich stopped the football talk to raise deep concerns.
Manchester City: FA investigates ‘banned £200,000 Jadon Sancho payment’ – BBC Sport
The Football Association is investigating claims that Manchester City made a banned payment of £200,000 to Jadon Sancho’s agent when the England winger was 14 years old.
FIFA bans referee from Tanzania for life for taking bribes – London Free Press
FIFA says its ethics committee imposed a life ban on referee Oden Charles Mbaga of Tanzania for taking bribes.
Cut petty fines, improve technology and use 21st century means of communication: A five-step plan to modernise grass-roots football – The Telegraph
One of the themes that the campaign identified was an ongoing issue with excessive bureaucracy sapping the life out of team secretaries and managers.
Hakeem al-Araibi: thank you Australia for bringing me home – but my fight is not over – The Guardian
Bahrain will do anything to hunt down dissident athletes and their families. International sporting bodies must step up to protect the helpless.