MLS MATCHDAY #3
SEATTLE SOUNDERS vs. WHITECAPS FC
SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2016, 7:00 PM
CENTURYLINK FIELD, SEATTLE, WA.
TV: TSN1 RADIO: TSN1410 LIVESTREAM: TSN GO
WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Training report: Mattocks moves on, Jacobson joins the team, ‘Caps not panicking – Whitecaps FC
“To panic now would be immature as a team,” Whitecaps FC goalkeeper David Ousted told reporters. “There are still eight months left, hopefully. That’s a long way to go. That’s a lot of games. As leadership group, we’ll be in the ear of the young guys, calming them down, and just making sure that we’re ready for Saturday.”
Whitecaps working to regain stingy defensive form from last season – Metro
Untimely and uncharacteristic mistakes have cost the Whitecaps in both games to begin the 2016 MLS campaign.
Are the Whitecaps already dealing with a headache at the back? – Red Nation Online
The Vancouver Whitecaps are not exactly off to a hot start to the 2016 season. After losing their home opener 3-2 at the hands of The Montreal Impact, the warning sirens were heard loud and clear. After their 2-1 loss away to Sporting Kansas City, the fan base has been sent into a bit of a fury.
From the Pigeon Loft: Supporting in hard times – AFTN
It’s bad times, eh? It seems like years since we have won a match. To listen to the dull moan of Vancouver football supporters you’d think we’ve been languishing in the basement of the league for decades, not good enough to win anything, but stuck in a league with no relegation to put us out of our misery.
Darren Mattocks — the good, bad and ugly – The Province
Darren Mattocks’ tenure in Vancouver — which officially came to an end Monday — could be described in many ways. Dull isn’t one of them. So as Mattocks heads off to Portland — undoubtedly to grow a beard and seek out Oregon’s best artisanal jerk chicken recipe — we take a look back at some memorable moments.
Seattle Sounders dealing with new injuries to Erik Friberg and Nelson Valdez – Sounders FC
Midfielder Erik Friberg did not train on Monday after suffering an MCL strain in his right knee over the weekend, the latest setback for a Seattle Sounders team already dealing with a host of early-season injuries.
Houston Dynamo’s Andrew Wenger voted MLS Player of the Week for Week 2 – MLS
Wenger was voted Major League Soccer Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) for Week 2 of the 2016 MLS season after he recorded a goal and two assists in the Dynamo’s 5-0 blowout of Texas Derby rival FC Dallas at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday.
Crew faces tough task to fix slow start – Columbus Dispatch
The only time a Major League Soccer team started the season 0-2 and went on to win the MLS Cup, the clock counted down, there were no ties, Kansas City Wizzed and Dallas Burned.
NYCFC newcomer Ronald Matarrita focused on building on bright start – SBI
Ronald Matarrita was considering leaving his homeland for teams in Europe this past winter, but ultimately chose to pass that up so as to sign with an MLS club that he believed had plenty to offer him at this early stage in his career.
FC Dallas “Eager to Move On” Against Montreal – FC Dallas
FC Dallas went back to the basics on Tuesday. After Saturday night’s loss to the Dynamo, head coach Oscar Pareja held a “brutally” intense practice in the team’s first training of the week – all in the name of preparing for Montreal.
MLSsoccer.com Injury Report – MLS
The latest injury report for all teams from MLS.
Getting to Know New Designated Player Diego Rubio – Reporting KC
Sporting Kansas City signed their new Young Designated Player, Diego Rubio, last week. While I don’t anticipate him debuting at least until after the bye week (there is a bye after this Sunday’s game against Toronto FC) it seems like as good of time as any to get to know the new young striker.
Didier Drogba will be in Dallas – Montreal Impact
The Impact is getting reinforcements in Dallas indeed. Head coach Mauro Biello confirmed, after Tuesday’s training session, that Didier Drogba would join up with his team in Dallas, this Thursday, ahead of Saturday’s game against FC Dallas. Drogba will train twice with the Impact in Texas, Biello said.
Joey Saputo still worried about attendance numbers for the Impact – Mount Royal Soccer
In a recent interview with Pierre Durocher of the Journal de Montreal, Joey Saputo ” wants to understand” why it is seemingly difficult for the Montreal Impact to attract bigger crowds. 24 hours before the Impact’s massive 3-0 win over the New York Red Bulls, the owner/president of the Bleu-Blanc-Noir sounded exasperated that the Olympic Stadium lower bowl would not be filled.
‘Totti wants to play for an MLS team in Miami’ – Goal
Roma president James Pallotta has revealed that Francesco Totti wants to play for an MLS team based in Miami. The 39-year-old’s contract expires this summer but Roma’s president insists he wants the midfielder to become part of the club’s management team.
Third Time A Charm? Kenny Cooper training with Red Bulls – Empire of Soccer
Jesse Marsch says Kenny Cooper is not on trial with the club. Then again, that’s what he said about Shaun Wright-Phillips last season – and we all saw how that turned out. Nevertheless, Cooper is back with the Red Bulls this week in what is being described as a “training” function.
Gillette Stadium, turf the elephants in the room for MLS’ lofty ambitions – Four Four Two
MLS once had bigger problems, but to be a top league in the world by 2022 – as Don Garber has stated as a goal – playing surfaces must be addressed.
Why can’t the United States develop a soccer star? – The Guardian
ESPN estimates nearly a third of young Americans play soccer, so why can’t a sports powerhouse of 320m people produce a Messi – or even a João Moutinho?
Getting Stuck In: The American definition of “world class” – MLS GB
When will the U.S. produce a world-class soccer player? It’s a fair question. We haven’t come close and probably won’t unless we get some of our best athletes from American football (throwball) and basketball to make the switch to soccer. We need the Stephen Curry’s and Russell Wilson’s of the world to fall in love with the game at six years old, see the financial potential of soccer (MLS would likely need to trash the salary cap), and then maybe, just maybe, we could produce a world-class player.
2016 Generation adidas Cup sees MLS teams facing international competition – MLS
On Tuesday, MLS announced the details for the 2015-16 Generation adidas Cup, hosted by FC Dallas. The 10-day elite youth competition featuring MLS and top international youth academies will kick off on Friday, March 18, at the Toyota Soccer Center in Frisco, Texas. Select matches, including the semifinals and final, will be streamed live on MLSsoccer.com.
Capture the game in HD using aerial video, book now at www.gamevision.ca!
BC SOCCER NEWS
BC Soccer Assoc. Completes 80 Percent of 2012-2015 Strategic Plan Objectives – BCSA
In March 2016, BC Soccer Assoc. will announce its new Strategic Plan covering 2016-2019. The final duty with the 2012-15 Plan is to report on which objectives were achieved, which are in progress and which were not successfully completed.
Spring means university showcase time for BCSPL players – BCSPL
As part of the Whitecaps FC partnership with the BCSPL, the league’s U15 through U18 teams will once again be competing in the 2016 Whitecaps Showcase at Newton Athletic Park from March 25-27. With over 100 university coaches attending from Canadian and US university programs, and with teams participating from across Canada and the Northwest US, this event is one of the largest university showcase opportunities in Canada.
SFU 50th Anniversary Hall Of Fame Class Revealed – SFU
SFU will welcome Canadian Olympians Ruky Abdulai and Justin Abdou, legendary men’s basketball head coach Jon-Lee Kootnekoff, the 1976 NAIA national champion men’s soccer team and business leaders and philanthropists Keith and Betty Beedie into its Athletics Hall of Fame.
Victoria Highlanders 2016 Season Tickets Now Available – Select Your Seats
The Victoria Highlanders are ready to return to the PDL for 2016. BC Soccer Web encourages all soccer fans on Vancouver Island to get behind their team. Season tickets are now on sale and extremely affordable. Support Local Soccer!
Sad News from TOFC – TOFC
It is with great sadness and emotion that we would like to inform you of Neil McPhie’s passing this past weekend. Neil was a coach with the TOFC program for many years and a familiar face with the Whitecaps and Vernon soccer community.
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
Let it Raine: Easton to join reloading Panthers soccer team – The PEI Guardian
Raine Easton is one step closer to accomplishing a childhood goal of playing Canadian Interuniversity Sport soccer. The Grade 12 student at Rothesay Netherwood School will be attending UPEI in September to be part of the Panthers women’s soccer team.
Wikipedia: The Canadian Premier League – Wikipedia
Forget that the league doesn’t exist yet. It now has it’s own Wikipedia page.
Under-16 boys silver at indoor soccer provincials in Edmonton – Medicine Hat News
The Rattlers Academy Soccer Club under-16 boys made it to their Tier 3 final in Edmonton Sunday, falling t5-2 to the Sherwood Park Phoenix but still on the podium.
EPIC presents the 2016 Western Canada College ID Camp
WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
Eddies earn second victory of Scotland trip with 2-1 win over Airdrieonians FC – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton (2-0-0) captured the second win of their Scotland preseason trip, Mar. 15, defeating Airdrieonians FC, 2-1 at Excelsior Stadium. For the second-straight-match, the Eddies played virtually every player on the squad, allowing Eddies head coach Colin Miller and staff an opportunity to view multiple players prior to the team’s 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) Season Opener.
Adam Eckersley Prepared To Fight For Title With FC Edmonton – NASL
FC Edmonton defender Adam Eckersley recently signed with the Canadian side from Scotland. Now, Eckersley is already headed back to the UK to take part in the Eddies’ preseason trip.
Rowdies Linked to Former Chelsea Midfielder Joe Cole – The Unsubs
The Tampa Bay Rowdies have been testing the waters with a well-known name in the world of English soccer — former West Ham United and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole. The 34-year-old former English international was in attendance for today’s 1-1 draw between the Rowdies and a Stoke Citty XI at St. George’s Park.
Michael Nanchoff Carries Family Name Back Into The NASL – NASL
Michael Nanchoff joined the Tampa Bay Rowdies this offseason. The Nanchoff name, though, isn’t new to the NASL. George (Michael’s father) and Louis (Michael’s uncle) both played in the NASL. George played for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Atlanta Chiefs, while Louis played for the Caribous of Colorado and the Chiefs. Both had successful careers in the league in the late 70s, early 80s.
2016 USL Preview: Real Monarchs SLC – USL
Real Monarchs SLC provided a glimpse late last season of its potential to be a force in the Western Conference. Clubs still in the running for the USL Playoffs ran into a locomotive at Rio Tinto as the Monarchs won their final five games – four of them in Sandy, Utah. Freddy Juarez’s side finished last in the Western Conference despite the run, but after enduring an extensive learning curve, the youthful club cannot be taken lightly heading into its second season.
Understanding Loans Between MLS and USL Teams – Reporting KC
When it was announced that Sporting Kansas City would have their own USL team, the Swope Park Rangers, everyone had to be thinking about all the opportunities it brings. When the MLS released their roster rules last week, some of those became more clear.
Councilman wants Louisville’s pro soccer stadium built off River Road – WDRB
“When we see stadiums built these days, the league managers want that walk ability,” Schmitt said. “They want people to be able to walk to attractions and restaurants.”
The Cosmos, the preseason, and the possibilities – Midfield Press
It’s hard not to notice what has been the slowest Cosmos preseason since the club re-booted. They have put together a compelling squad that could push for the third title in the modern era and make a deep run in the Open Cup. They’ve signed a deal with Under Armour that should bring a level of cooperation and distribution ability they never secured with Nike. Stadium buzz remains alive and it appears that a decision could come shortly.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
The Lowdown: NWSL kicks off fourth preseason – The Equalizer
The NWSL keeps knocking down barriers. Another one fell Monday with the opening of the league’s fourth preseason. Here is a look inside each team’s first day of camp plus preseason schedules for each.
Sixth FA Women’s Super League season looming large – The FA
Stars from FA Women’s Super League (FA WSL) clubs gathered at St. George’s Park today as they geared up for their season openers.
Glenn excited by new FA Women’s Super League campaign – The FA
FA Chief Executive Martin Glenn believes the upcoming FA Women’s Super League campaign will be the most exciting to date.
GoFundMe Campaign for Washington Spirit Players Raises More Than $36,000 in Three Days – My MC Media
A GoFundMe page to raise money for two Washington Spirit players, who escaped a house fire in Boyds, has raised more than $36,000 since it was created on Sunday. On the night of March 10, just days before reporting to training camp, ahead of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, Washington Spirit players Tori Huster and Tiffany Weimer were forced out their host home because of a massive house fire.
Hit or Miss: NWSL looking at Sky Blue FC – Washington Spirit rivalry? – Once a Metro
Each team will face off against one team, usually a team that is close in proximity, four times throughout the season instead of just two. This appears to be the league’s attempt at creating rivalries within the league, something that is currently lacking with the exception of the steadily-growing Seattle Reign FC v FC Kansas City and deep-seated Portland Thorns FC v Seattle Reign rivalries.
Turkish women’s football team: ‘This is our game too’ – Daily Sabah
Founded six years ago, the Kireçburnu Sports Club Women’s Football Team is successfully competing in the Turkish Women’s First Football League with dedicated players who all say football is not merely a sport but a life-time passion.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
FIFA seeks millions from defendants named in US investigation – FIFA
FIFA today submitted documents to the US authorities in an effort to reclaim tens of millions of dollars pocketed illegally by corrupt FIFA members and other football officials.
FIFA, Embracing Role as Victim, Seeks to Collect Millions in U.S. Case – NY Times
Organizations reeling from scandal rarely ask the government to reimburse them for their employees’ crimes. More often, they pay penalties. But FIFA, the ruling body of global soccer at the center of a sprawling corruption case in the United States, is out to reclaim tens of millions of dollars.
UCL Preview: Bayern, Barcelona clear favorites ahead of second legs – SBI
The final two spots in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are up for grabs on Wednesday, and there are two clear favorites to advance.
City through, Atleti outlast PSV on penalties – FIFA
Manchester City and Atletico Madrid are the latest two teams through to UEFA Champions League quarter-finals this season, joining the four sides who advanced from the previous week, and the English club and Spanish side progressed to the last eight in polar opposite fashions.
Manchester City’s gang of four sense this could be their defining year – The Guardian
Uncertain of their futures once the Pep Guardiola era begins, City’s ageing quartet sense a chance to achieve what has always been beyond the club.
Like Sinatra, Atletico Madrid does it their way – Sportsnet
Atletico Madrid is not flashy. They have creative and dynamic attacking players, but they’re not the type of side that overwhelms you in the final third of the pitch. Instead, Atletico waits opponents out, patiently grinding away, wearing you down. They play the long game.
Mexican quartet vie for ticket to Japan – FIFA
Four teams, just one dream: to represent the North, Central America and Caribbean Zone at the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016. Whatever happens, however, it will be a Mexican club – with all four of the semi-finalists in the 2015/16 CONCACAF Champions League hailing from the Azteca nation.
CCL: Queretaro and Tigres play to scoreless draw – Soccer America
The semifinals of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League opened on Tuesday when Queretaro played to a 0-0 tie with Tigres in the first of two all-Mexican affairs. Americans played for both teams: Jonathan Bornstein, who started at left back for Queretaro, and Jose Torres, who played the last half hour for Tigres.
Manchester United vs. Liverpool: Smalling expects Old Trafford response – Goal
Chris Smalling expects a response from Manchester United when the club hosts Liverpool in the Europa League last-16 second leg on Thursday.
Cash crisis forces Twente to point of no return as Eredivisie threatens to pull license – Inside World Football
FC Twente is facing expulsion from the Dutch top-flight, the Eredivisie, next season as the institutional and financial crisis continues to grow at the club. The Dutch FA, the KNVB, is threatening to revoke Twente’s professional license.
Hull City to scrap season tickets and introduce new membership scheme – The Guardian
Hull City have announced plans to scrap season tickets next season and replace them with a new membership scheme that they claim could save fans up to £282. The club said the new Earn Your Stripes Season Membership will ensure they are one of the cheapest clubs to watch in the Premier League should they win promotion with savings of up to 47% if they remain in the Championship.
German court ruling is big win for player agents over DFB, with wider ramifications – Inside World Football
In a suit brought by a commercial player agency against the German Football Federation (DFB), the Court of Appeal sitting in Frankfurt has struck down various provisions of the governing bodies regulations on player agents.