WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
SuperDraft: Whitecaps FC select… – Whitecaps FC
Who will Vancouver Whitecaps FC select at 16th overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft? We won’t know for sure until Thursday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate. So here’s what some of the pundits are saying in their latest mock drafts.
Whitecaps have trade leverage heading into MLS SuperDraft – Vancouver Sun
Having already addressed key off-season needs by signing Japanese goal-scorer Masato Kudo and (supposedly) Costa Rican winger Christian Bolanos, right-back depth figures to be the Vancouver Whitecaps’ top priority in Thursday’s MLS SuperDraft. Or is it?
Victoria midfielder misses out on MLS Combine but still hopes to make mark – Times Colonist
Getting an invitation to the MLS Combine was “pretty surreal” for Victoria midfielder Josh Heard. Sadly the 21-year-old University of Washington senior didn’t get to experience it. An operation to repair an inguinal hernia kept Heard away from Florida this week as other Major League Soccer hopefuls showed off their skills.
PODCAST – Episode 141 – The AFTN Podcast – “There’s Still Time” (Back To Business with guest Carl Robinson) – AFTN
It’s been a busy time and we chat with ‘Caps coach Carl Robinson about how the signing of Masato Kudo came about and tapping into the Asian market, re-signing Cristian Techera, the TAM mechanism, his draft priorities and how he will approach Thursday’s SuperDraft in terms of possible trades and moving up, and more.
MLS SuperDraft 2016: what to watch for on Thursday as Chicago pick No. 1 – ESPN FC
Major League Soccer’s 2016 MLS SuperDraft takes place on Thursday afternoon in Baltimore, with the first overall selection airing live on ESPN’s SportsCenter at 10 a.m. PT. Here’s what MLS fans should know ahead of the event.
Toronto midfielder Richie Laryea expected to go high at MLS SuperDraft – Metro
On Thursday, the Canadian spotlight shines on midfielder Richie Laryea at the MLS SuperDraft. The five-foot-nine 151-pound sophomore from the University of Akron is expected to be a top-10 pick at the Baltimore Convention Centre.
A Canadian look at the 2016 MLS SuperDraft – Red Nation Online
The 2016 MLS SuperDraft is taking place this Thursday, January 14. and Kamal Hylton and myself have put a lot of work regarding this season’s draft on ProspectXI following the player throughout the 2015 season. From Kamal’s trip to Jamaica last spring, to following this summer’s PDL and League One Ontario closely, we’ve kept a consistent update of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Division 1 Soccer season including writing weekly scouting reports on players who we felt had the ability to play in the MLS.
Toronto FC looking for role player at MLS draft – Sportsnet
The Reds will select ninth overall—their only pick through the first two rounds—during Thursday’s event in Baltimore. Compare that to 2015 when they had three picks in the top 11, 2013 when they had the third-overall pick, or 2012 when they selected fourth.
Sounders FC Draft Preview: As Seattle looks for depth, all options on the table – Seattle Sounders
If there’s any image that endures from Sounders FC’s 2015 MLS SuperDraft, it’s that of Garth Lagerwey weaving through draft tables and quietly but passionately entreating with fellow general managers over a frantic period of about a half hour.
Drogba’s future looms over Impact ahead of draft – Sportsnet
It’s been nearly a month now that the uncertainty of Didier Drogba’s future—whether he will retire and return to Chelsea as an assistant coach or remain in MLS for one last season—has been the subject of much discussion in Montreal.
Rapids likely to address position of need in MLS Draft – SBI
The MLS Draft always comes down to one of two principal philosophies: Address a need or take the best player available. It seems likely that the Colorado Rapids will go with the former.
Sporting KC signs Daniel Salloi as Homegrown Player – Sporting KC
Sporting Kansas City announced on Wednesday the signing of 19-year-old forward Daniel Salloi as the fourth Homegrown Player in club history. Per club and MLS policy, terms of the agreements will not be disclosed.
MLS’ rejection of NYCFC’s HG claim on Jack Harrison shows a step towards progress – Once a Metro
In a league that’s known for making rules up as it goes, MLS HQ’s rejection of New York City FC’s homegrown claim to college star Jack Harrison shows the league moving away from arbitrary interpretation and towards consistency.
Seattle Sounders brass “hopeful” they can sign Jordan Morris after Werder Bremen heap praise on US national teamer – MLS
We don’t yet know where US national team striker Jordan Morris will begin his pro career, but it’s looking very possible that he’ll have a couple of offers to choose from if comments from a Werder Bremen executive are any indication.
Orlando City announces soccer stadium won’t open this year – Orlando Weekly
Orlando City Soccer Club founder and president Phil Rawlins says in a statement this morning that construction of the soccer stadium is taking longer than previously thought, so the team will play its 2016 season in the Citrus Bowl.
Federal Judge strikes blow to Peter Nowak case – The Brotherly Game
Just a few days after the Philadelphia region has had time to digest the unsealing of hundreds of documents from the Arbitration case against former Philadelphia Union coach Peter Nowak, a federal Judge has ruled in favor of the Arbitration panel’s decision.
Ex-Union coach Nowak takes job with Polish club – SBI
Polish club Lechia Gdansk has hired the 51-year old Nowak to manage the side. Nowak won’t be able to begin coaching his new team until June 30, after the completion of the necessary coaching qualifications.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Seven Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX players called up to National EXCEL camp – Whitecaps FC
Canada Soccer announced on Tuesday that seven players from the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX program, in partnership with BC Soccer, have been called up to a National EXCEL U-14 to U-17 development camp in Vaughan, ON.
Former Surrey soccer coach pleads guilty to sex crime in U.S. – The Province
Kuldip (Kelly) Singh Mahal now awaits sentencing, which is scheduled for early April. He faces a recommended sentence of six-and-a-half to nine years in prison, although a longer sentence of up to 30 years is possible.
FC Barcelona sending coaches to host soccer clinics in Kamloops – Kamloops This Week
Coaches who helped mould the likes of Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta will be teaching soccer clinics in Kamloops from July 4 to July 8. FC Barcelona is sending coaches from FCB Escola, its youth academy, to impart knowledge to players ages six to 17 on McArthur Island.
VIDEO: Turf war: Oak Bay parents fight against potentially toxic field – CTV
A group of concerned parents are asking the school district to not use a potentially toxic substance on the new sports field at Oak Bay High.
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
Additional upper bowl seats opened for Canada v Mexico at BC Place – CSA
Canada Soccer announced on Wednesday that additional seats will be opened in the upper bowl for the massive Canada v Mexico 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Qualifier on Friday, March 25 at BC Place in Vancouver building on the strength of initial ticket sales. Additional seats for the highly anticipated match, presented by Bell, will go on sale at 10:00 PT on Wednesday, January 13 via Ticketmaster.ca.
Canadian women get younger as they prepare for Rio qualifier – Toronto Star
Fresh faces make up much of the roster for the final Canadian women’s national team camp before February’s Olympic qualifiers, but the youngsters will have to prove they can handle the pressure to join the team on the road to Rio.
Canada Soccer brings U14-17 Girl’s National EXCEL Camp to Vaughan, ON – CSA
Canada Soccer National EXCEL 14-17 director Bev Priestman is getting a strong start to 2016, a women’s U-17 World Cup year, with a National Excel development camp in Vaughan, ON.
Forest City London puts down roots in OSA model – London Free Press
The soccer landscape is continuing to undergo change in Ontario and only time will tell whether the changes are good enough to convince every one to pull in the same direction.
West Island soccer dome reopens after collapse – CBC
A soccer dome in Baie-D’Urfé is back open, 11 days after it tore while being deflated for snow-clearing after Dec. 29’s record snowfall.
BC Youth Soccer Player Development
(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our new section on BC Youth Soccer Player Development; a new resource designed to help youth coaches and players. Throughout the week, we’ll feature news, drills and videos from the most noted professionals in the field of player development. If you have any articles or resources you enjoy, send them our way, and we’ll share them with the BC Soccer community.)
BBC Football Academy – A Guide to Learning Skills – BBC Sport
In recent years, BBC created videos and drills featuring some of the best players of this era. Many of these are simple drills your players can do at home on their own to improve their game.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
NASL & USL NEWS
FC Edmonton signs Canadian national soccer team fixture Nik Ledgerwood – Edmonton Journal
Canadian national soccer team mainstay Nik Ledgerwood is ready to bring his career back where it all began. FC Edmonton announced a deal today to bring the Lethbridge native into the fold for the 2016 North American Soccer League season.
“I want to be part of Alberta soccer, of Canadian soccer, moving forward”: Ledgerwood signs with FC Edmonton – the11.ca
Nik Ledgerwood felt the time was right to come back home. If he extended his career in Germany by a few more seasons, he’d be well into his 30s. But, right now, at 30 years of age, he can come to a young team and be both a role model and provide many quality minutes on the pitch.
Ottawa Fury Sign Jonny Steele, extend Alves and Paulo Jr – Midfield Press
Dalglish made the first of his additions for 2016 on Tuesday afternoon, when Fury announced they had signed former MLS and NASL midfielder Jonny Steele. Steele spent time playing with the New York Redbulls, while also featuring for Carolina, Puerto Rico and Minnesota.
Cosmos offered deals to MLS draft standouts Buescher, NYCFC target Harrison – Empire of Soccer
During a media round table Tuesday morning, New York Cosmos Head Coach and Sporting Director Giovanni Savarese revealed that the club attempted to sign a pair of Generation Adidas talents from this year’s MLS SuperDraft, but fell short of naming his targets. EoS has learned the Cosmos targeted former New York City FC Homegrown hopeful Jack Harrison and fellow Generation Adidas standout, Julian Buescher.
NASL team in Chicago wants to start at Soldier Field, says Peter Wilt – World Soccer Talk
Midwest native Peter Wilt has targeted Soldier Field as the temporary home field for a new NASL team that plans to play in downtown Chicago, according to an interview on Soccer Morning.
Louisville Signs Former TFC II Midfielder Kaye – USL
Louisville City FC announced on Wednesday it had signed former Toronto FC II midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye for the 2016 USL season. Kaye’s signing is pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.
USSF fails to rein in predatory practices of pro leagues – World Soccer Talk
While some critics of the North American soccer market claim it is the most tightly controlled and regulated on the planet, the opposite is in fact true. With no vertical integration in the pyramid and divisional designations largely meaningless, the leagues have engaged in a war against each other.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
2016 NWSL COLLEGE DRAFT PREVIEW – NWSL
Portland Thorns FC is poised to make several high-impact additions to its roster Friday at the 2016 NWSL College Draft. The Thorns hold the top two picks in the 2016 draft, which will take place Friday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. ET at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Convention in Baltimore.
Jennifer Gordon’s 2016 NWSL mock draft – Equalizer Soccer
Following is Jennifer Gordon’s mock draft covering the 1st round of Friday’s NWSL event. Note the 10th pick was given to Orlando Pride who are expected to acquire it from Portland Thorns FC following the allocation announcement.
Lloyd: We’re going after that gold – FIFA
It has been a long road to the top for Carli Lloyd. She took to the stage at the Kongresshaus in Zurich to receive her FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award on Monday over seven years after her match-winning performance and goal in the 2008 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament final in Beijing catapulted the midfielder into the women’s football elite.
Aaran Lines Named Vice President – WNY Flash
The Western New York Flash announced today that former head coach Aaran Lines has been named the club’s Vice President.
Durham: Wildcats sign defender Sarah McFadden from Sunderland – BBC Sport
Durham Women have signed defender Sarah McFadden from Sunderland Ladies. The 28-year-old spent four years at the Lady Black Cats, making 14 appearances for the WSL 1 side last season.
Sweetman-Kirk excited ahead of WSL 1 challenge – Vavel
Courtney Sweetman-Kirk has admitted she “can’t wait to get started” after seeing the new facilities that Doncaster Belles will have to offer. Their star striker spoke to the club about their state-of-the-art Project Phoenix plans for a training facility, as well as handing out full-time contracts to 10 Belles players.
Reading women: Melissa Fletcher and Harriet Scott sign new deals – BBC Sport
Reading Women’s Melissa Fletcher and Harriet Scott have signed new deals ahead of the 2016 Women’s Super League.
India clubbed with Afghanistan, B’desh – Shillong Times
The Indian women’s national football team has been clubbed with Afghanistan and Bangladesh for the 12th South Asian Games women’s football event, which will be held here from February 7-15.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Roma sack coach Rudi García after run of one win in seven Serie A games – The Guardian
Roma have sacked their coach Rudi García, and his assistants Frederic Bompard and Claude Fichaux, after a run of one win their past seven Serie A games.
Shortlists Announced for Third-Annual CONCACAF Awards – CONCACAF
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced today the shortlists and the opening of fan and media voting for the third-annual CONCACAF Awards, to honor the year’s standout performers and achievements from across Confederation events.
Jerome Valcke has been dismissed as secretary general of soccer’s governing body – Metro
FIFA has fired Jerome Valcke for the second time, cutting ties with the secretary general four months after he was suspended while under investigation for wrongdoing at the scandal-scarred governing body.
Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay and Peru fined over homophobic chants – The Guardian
Fifa has fined the football associations of Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay for homophobic chants by fans. The governing body said the “insulting and discriminatory chants” came during qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup.
Rooney scores two, Man United draws Newcastle – Sportsnet
So much for Manchester United being boring. In one of the most entertaining matches of the English Premier League, United squandered a two-goal lead, went back in front through an exquisite shot from Wayne Rooney, and then conceded a 90th-minute goal to draw at Newcastle 3-3 on Tuesday.
Aston Villa finally seal home league win thanks to Crystal Palace keeper – The Guardian
It has been a long time coming – 157 days to be exact – but the wait is finally over for Aston Villa supporters, who at last remembered what it feels like to win a Premier League match. Wayne Hennessey gave them more than a helping hand on a night when Joleon Lescott went some way to repairing the damage he did to his reputation in those unsavoury scenes at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.
Premier League living up to its hype, which should worry likes of Man Utd – ESPN FC
This has been the Premier League’s Candyman campaign. For more than 20 years, English football has marketed itself on a myth. It has proclaimed, long and loud, that it is here and only here that anyone can beat anyone, that anything can happen.
Neymar and his parents ordered to appear in court over his transfer to Barcelona – Metro
Neymar will appear before a judge to testify in an investigation into alleged irregularities involving his transfer to Barcelona, Spain’s national court said Wednesday.
Indian league beats La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1 for attendances, CSL and MLS close behind – Inside World Football
According to KPMG’s Football Benchmark team, the average gate at Chinese Super League (CSL) matches in 2015 was up an impressive 16.7% on the previous season. Average attendance at games exceeded 21,800, a level KPMG said was “just a few hundred spectators” behind 2014-15 figures for both Italy’s Serie A and Ligue 1 in France.
Former Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón in hospital – The Guardian
The former Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón was taken to hospital on Tuesday after reportedly attempting to kill himself.
FIFA sets February opening date for World Football Museum – Inside World Football
FIFA will open the doors to its World Football Museum to the general public on February 28, two days after the world governing body has elected a new president.