VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
CASCADIA CUP / MLS MATCHDAY #30
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2017, 7:30 PM
CENTURYLINK FIELD, SEATTLE, WA.
TV: TSN 1 RADIO: TSN 1040 ONLINE: TSN GO
Match Preview: Seattle Sounders v Vancouver Whitecaps – AFTN
Welcome back to the Cascadia Cup. Although the Whitecaps have had difficulties in this tournament this season, perhaps now will be the time to rocket to the top of the Cascadia Cup standings and cement their place on top of the Western Conference (and clinch a playoff spot).
Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps | 2017 MLS Match Preview – MLS
There will be plenty on the line when the first-place Whitecaps, unbeaten in their last seven, travel to face rivals Seattle in a match that could see the ‘Caps clinch a playoff berth and solidify their current No. 1 seeding placement in the West. But the defending champion Sounders, who are winless in five, will still have aspirations for the top spot and will be hoping to take advantage and reduce the four-point gap separating them in the standings.
Montero set for emotional return as Whitecaps visit Sounders – Sportsnet
Fredy Montero isn’t sure what to expect Wednesday night. One of the catalysts for the resurgent Vancouver Whitecaps, the striker will be making his return to Seattle to take on the rival Sounders — the club that gave him his start in Major League Soccer and allowed him to eventually fulfil a dream of playing in Europe.
Prematch: Whitecaps vs. Sounders – Eighty-Six Forever
Vancouver follows their impressive home stand with a challenging road trip against the top teams in the Western conference.
Episode 221 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Seattle v Vancouver Preview Show featuring Steven Agen, Fredy Montero, and Kendall Waston) – AFTN
Vancouver Whitecaps are still top of the West, with five games remaining. With four of those matches on the road, the ‘Caps will need to be at their best to stay there and it gets off to a tricky start with a trip to Seattle on Wednesday evening.
VIDEO: Rave TV Preview: Sounders ready to face Cascadia rival Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Sounders FC
In this edition of Rave TV we hear from Head Coach Brian Schmetzer on the match-up against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Midfielder Ozzie Alonso on stopping Fredy Montero and we take a look at this week’s scouting report with Steve Zakuani.
Cascadia Cup | Timbers will clinch cup if Sounders, Whitecaps end in a draw on Wednesday – Timbers.com
The Portland Timbers could clinch their fourth Cascadia Cup tomorrow night if Seattle Sounders FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC end in a draw Wednesday at CenturyLink Field.
MLS Week 30: A Midweek Look Ahead – SBI
Major League Soccer continues their busy September schedule with eight matches on the docket for Wednesday evening.
Playoff Scenarios: How Atlanta, Chicago, Vancouver can clinch berths – MLS
It’s a busy Week 30 with eight midweek games and a full slate on the weekend. Three teams – Atlanta, Chicago and Vancouver – can all clinch berths in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs on Wednesday while Toronto FC could clinch the Supporters’ Shield without even playing. Scroll below to see what scenarios your team face.
San Jose looking for playoff boost vs. Chicago (Sep 27, 2017) – Fox Sports
Major playoff implications are on the line when the Chicago Fire take on the San Jose Earthquakes at Avaya Stadium on Wednesday night.
Orlando City SC vs. New England Revolution | 2017 MLS Match Preview – MLS
Well, who’da thunk? The Revs, in their post-Heaps match, indeed pulled out a win with the chips down, topping no less than the mighty, league-leading Toronto FC 2-1. Was that a fluke for TFC? A new leaf for New England? Either way, Revs faithful can take heart in standout performances from both Lee Nguyen and Kei Kamara, set up properly to do what they do best.
Preview: Playoff-Bound NYCFC Eyes Second Place – Empire of Soccer
New York City FC goes from Connecticut to Quebec and back into Eastern Conference play for the rest of the week and the season with a game Wednesday night against the Montreal Impact. It’s a welcome return for NYCFC, which won only one of four games against Western foes and have seen their second-place standing in the conference come under threat.
Impact’s playoff hopes ride on win over NYC – Montreal Impact
The seventh-place Impact (11-13-6) must find a way to beat second-place New York City (15-8-7) when they meet Wednesday at Saputo Stadium.
Tyler Adams is enjoying his long drive to Major League Soccer success – ESPN FC
THE ROADS BETWEEN WHIPPANY, N.J. AND WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. — Tyler Adams’ favorite part of the 75-mile drive between the New York Red Bulls’ training facility in Whippany, New Jersey, and his childhood home in Wappingers Falls, New York, is the view from the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. You can see the Hudson River down below, the town of Beacon off to the right and a backdrop of forest as far as one can see.
FC Dallas looks to end slide vs. Rapids (Sep 27, 2017) – Fox Sports
The road ahead of FC Dallas is not a daunting one, but the swooning defending Supporters Shield champion must go to work and win matches now, beginning its contest with the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
MLS Playoff Race: Dynamo hopes ride on home dominance – Soccer America
Many of the 16 teams that play twice this week are in dire need of points in the playoff chase, yet the stakes are probably highest for Houston.
Houston Dynamo vs. LA Galaxy | 2017 MLS Match Preview – MLS
With one eye on their plummeting playoff position, he Houston Dynamo return home attempting to build on Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Eastern Conference contender NYCFC. Having led the West after an August 12 victory, the Dynamo have gone winless since (0-3-2) – at a time other teams are rising, which has left Houston below the playoff line.
Tosaint Ricketts heating up just when Toronto FC need him most – Waking the Red
Having the Canadian confident going into the playoffs is crucial.
Toronto FC Refuses to Rest on What They’ve Clinched – MLS Multiplex
By last weekend, first place East Toronto FC clinched just about everything this season but the Supporters’ Shield for best MLS record. That makes midfielder Michael Bradley mad.
Clean sheets vital for Portland. – Prost Amerika
Diego Valeri breaking all-time MLS scoring records has taken all the headlines, but just as importantly over the last 6 games the Portland Timbers have finally been finding some defensive fortitude.
MLS assistant referee Matthew Nelson reveals he is gay to “help others” – MLS
Assistant referee Matthew Nelson on Tuesday became the first MLS official to publicly reveal that he is gay. Nelson, who came out to friends and family in June, detailed his decision to come out in a post on OutSports.com, stating that he decided to go public in part to ease his mind and be more open with his fellow officials.
MLS, Players Union react to ongoing conversation regarding right to protest – MLS
In the wake of comments by United States President Donald Trump about NFL players and the national anthem, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber issued a league-wide memorandum indicating support of players’ collective and individual right to freedom of expression.
MLS PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps 2, Colorado Rapids 1, September 23, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
Canada WNT vs USWNT at BC Place, Vancouver – November 9 – Buy Tickets!
BC SOCCER NEWS
Eight Whitecaps FC Super REX players called to Canada U-17 camp – Whitecaps FC
Canada Soccer announced on Tuesday that eight players have been called into the women’s U-17 National EXCEL (NEX) program from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX Super Centre in partnership with BC Soccer. The camp will take place in Burnaby, BC from Setpember 28 to October 5.
Too much pressure costs Cowichan LMG – BC Local News
Pushing too hard for the win ended up biting Cowichan LMG in a loss at home against Comox on Saturday evening.
Jasmin Dhanda named Canada West ‘First Star of the Week’ – UBC
Jasmin Dhanda’s scoring prowess has earned the fifth-year striker Canada West first star honours.
Mountain United U15 team chasing national title – North Shore News
Five North Shore players suit up for squad heading to Canadian championships.
From Campeche to Capilano – Capilano Courier
Adrian Sahagun looks to exhibit his scoring talent in the PACWEST.
Spartans take down top-ranked Golden Bears – Langley Times
While his team posted an impressive victory in knocking off the previously-unbeaten and top-ranked team in the country, the Alberta Golden Bears, Trinity Western Spartans coach Mike Shearon was happy his team showed no let-down the following afternoon.
Vikes take two from Heat – Vernon Morning Star
The UBC Thunderbirds swept the host UBC Okanagan Heat 2-0 and 1-0 in weekend university women’s soccer play at Nonis Field in Kelowna.
BC Soccer Web’s 2017 Soccer & Sports Book Recommendations – BC Soccer Web
Over the years, there have been many books on soccer and sport that have given us joy, laughter, and much to think about. We’re happy to share these with you. We’ll be updating this list as new titles become available, so keep checking.
PCSL CHALLENGE CUP PHOTOS: Vancouver Utd. 3, Mid-Isle Mariners 1, July 30, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
2016-2017 BC Soccer Year in Review – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is proud to release their 2016-2017 Year in Review after another successful year of soccer. The #respectall initiative, High Performance License, Club Charter Program activity, along with the delivery of hundreds of coaching courses and referee clinics this past year highlight some of the successes.
BC PROVINCIAL WOMEN’S A CUP PHOTOS: Surrey United 1 NSGSC Renegades 0, May 13, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
2017 VISL JACKSON CUP PHOTOS: Nanaimo Utd. 2 Cowichan LMG 1 (XT), April 2, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
FVSL PHOTOS: Pakenham Cup Final, PMO Rangers 1 PMO Lordco Gunners 0, April 1, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
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!
PHOTOS: CANADA WEST WOMENS FINAL, UBC 3, TWU 0, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
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 WNT vs USWNT at BC Place, Vancouver – November 9 – Buy Tickets!
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
What is bio-banding, and can it help level the playing field for kids in soccer? – the11.ca
Proponents of bio-banding include the English Premier League, which is now regularly backing soccer festivals that highlight players who may have previously been ignored by scouts and academies because of their birthdates.
USports Top Ten Soccer Rankings – USports
Alberta holds on to #1 on the Men’s side, while Laval retains the top spot in Women’s Soccer.
UOIT Ridgebacks women’s soccer team knocking on door of No. 1 in Canada – Durham Region
Ajax’s Taijah Henderson leads team to ninth straight OUA victory.
Iranian Reza Nafar finding success on the soccer pitch – Western Gazette
The minute he stepped off the plane from Tehran, Iran in 2015, Reza Nafar was homesick. He’d traveled over 10,000 kilometres to come to Canada, leaving his family back in Iran.
Another step up the soccer ladder for St. Thomas native, Kaila Novak – Global
The first time Kaila Novak found out she had been invited to a selection camp to represent her country on the soccer pitch, she heard the news from her mom. To be more accurate, Novak just heard her mom.
Marilena Spagnolo standout on pitch for Brock women’s soccer team – St. Catherines Standard
Spagnolo, a second-year kinesiology major, had a strong weekend in goal for the women’s soccer team. In two games, she posted a 0-1-1 record allowing just one goal on 16 shots for a .938 save percentage.
Alphonso, Waters claim weekly AUS honours – Chronicle Herald
Cape Breton Capers first-year soccer forward Charlie Waters earned AUS male honours, collecting three points in CBU’s two weekend wins. Waters had an assist in the 1-0 win over Acadia Friday and two assists Sunday as the Capers topped Memorial.
High Drama in over 35’s opener – Whitehorse Daily Star
The 2017/18 over 35’s soccer season kicked off this weekend with two games, which had a little bit of everything in it. Tony’s Pizza and Klondike Business Solutions opened proceedings with a 3-3 tie. Arnold Hedstrom scored the first goal of the season, with a nicely placed effort, only for John Macphail to reply.
Former Canada ‘keeper, Toronto FC defender ask for hurricane relief help – CFJC
Former Canadian goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc, who spent her early years in Dominica, has added her voice to those asking for urgent help for the hurricane-devastated Caribbean island. LeBlanc, now retired from soccer, is a UNICEF Canada ambassador.
Rivalry Renewed: Tickets on sale today for Canada v USA at BC Place on 9 November – CSA
Individual tickets to the Canada v USA Women’s International Friendly on 9 November in Vancouver are now on sale via Ticketmaster.ca.
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WFC2, USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
WFC2 vs. TIMBERS 2
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 3:00 PM
BUY TICKETS
McLEOD FIELD, LANGLEY, BC
ONLINE: WHITECAPSFC2.COM
TFC II vs. Louisville City FC: Preview & stream – Waking the Red
The Young Reds are back home for the first of three matches to close the 2017 USL season.
Match Preview: Harrisburg City Islanders Host Ottawa Fury FC – Penn Live
With only three games remaining on the schedule, the Harrisburg City Islanders look to make a final push to grab one of the last spots in the USL Playoffs.
Four left for Fury – Ottawa Sun
As they near the end of their eight-hour, 719-kilometre bus right south on Interstate 81 to Harrisburg, the Ottawa Fury FC may notice a sign on the side of the highway welcoming all visitors to the Pennsylvania capital. No team in the United Soccer League is more welcome around the league than the Fury FC.
USL Race for the Playoffs – Sept. 27 – USL
Race for the USL Regular Season Championship features on Wednesday.
Real Monarchs SLC vs. Sacramento Republic FC: Midweek trip to Papa Murphy’s Park – RSL Soapbox
A number of Monarchs return to the scene of the 4-1 Open Cup defeat earlier this season in search of redemption.
Commisso Outlines NASL’s Case Against USSF – Empire of Soccer
Insight into the North American Soccer League‘s antitrust case against the United States Soccer Federation has come to light thanks to a declaration in a court filing from New York Cosmos majority owner Rocco Commisso. Commisso, who also serves the chairman of the NASL’s Board of Governors, is alleging the federation intended to sabotage the league by denying its sanctioning application earlier this month.
Differentiate, Or Die: NASL Must Evolve Dramatically If It Survives Its Latest Challenge – Midfield Press
The USSF’s decision not to give NASL more time to secure these additional clubs has thrown the league again into chaos. Commisso’s Declaration suggests that by requiring the NASL to reapply for Division III sanctioning rather than offering it based on the Division II application, USSF sought to put NASL in a limbo state where its clubs could be enticed to leave the league to join what the lawsuit suggests is the USSF’s preferred Division II, USL.
Brooklyn court to hear NASL and FIFA cases days apart – Soccer America
The Federal court at 225 Cadman Plaza East in Brooklyn will be the place to be for soccer watchers this fall.
FC Cincinnati’s ‘Build It Here’ faces competition – Soccer America
Of the 12 MLS expansion candidates, none currently draws more fans than FC Cincinnati. It has shattered all kinds of USL and Open Cup attendance records in 2017, but it has one big problem. It is a tenant at its home field, the University of Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium, and needs a home of its own.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Canada international Adriana Leon wins NWSL player of the week award – Timmins Today
Canadian international Adriana Leon has won player of the week honours in the National Women’s Soccer League.
The FA have announced a major revamp of women’s football with the introduction of a full-time top flight next season – ITV
The Football Association has announced a major revamp of the women’s club pyramid, with a top tier of 14 full-time teams planned for the start of next season.
Orlando Pride defender Steph Catley savors surge in support for Matildas – Orlando Sentinel
It has been a magical year on the pitch for defender Steph Catley. In addition to the euphoria of helping the Orlando Pride clinch the first National Women’s Soccer League playoff bid in franchise history, Catley has been part of a historic surge in support for the Australian women’s national team better known as the Matildas.
Run of Play: NWSL Team-by-Team Defender of the Year – The Equalizer
Continuing my team-by-team awards series, today I look at defenders. Collectively thus far this season, defenses have given up 317 goals. 24 of those have been scored by players who play primarily as defenders. Modern defenses are expected to contribute on both ends of the pitch, and balancing the act is an art that not all manage. Those below have done just that, and several are in contention for Defender of the Year.
Matt Beard will stay on as Breakers coach in 2018 – The Bent Musket
The Boston Breakers are currently ninth in the league with a 4-12-7 record; in 2016 they were last in the league with a 3-15-2 record. But the argument for keeping Beard requires a lot more context than the bald W-L-T figures or standings, like last year’s -33 goal differential over 20 games and this year’s current -10 GD over 23 games.
VIDEO: Refugee soccer star: From Afghanistan to US – BBC
Nadia Nadim fled Afghanistan as a child. Now she plays for Denmark and Portland.
A soft sexism continues to run through women’s soccer unchecked – Yahoo Sports
It seems that for every step the women’s soccer game lumbers forward, the sport finds a way of tackling it back to the ground. With a subtle sort of challenge. Not with its studs up, or with two feet. The delicate kind of tackle. The sort that the referee is unlikely to notice, let alone punish.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
UEFA Champions League Wednesday Preview: PSG hosts Bayern, Chelsea visits Atletico, and more – SBI
The UEFA Champions League resumes on Wednesday with another eight matches on tap.
Champions League review: Cristiano Ronaldo at it again – Sportsnet
Cristiano Ronaldo is making up for a lack of offensive production in La Liga with a glut of goals in the Champions League.
Ronaldo enters top ten for all-time UEFA club appearances – UEFA
Cristiano Ronaldo has made his 150th UEFA club competition appearance, placing him joint tenth on the all-time list but with a long way still to go to catch Iker Casillas.
No Neymar, no Suarez? Has Barcelona goal machine lost his bite? – SN
The MSN trident is no more at Barcelona. Lionel Messi has remained the main man for the Blaugrana following the departure of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. But Luis Suarez is somewhat out of sorts at the Catalan club right now.
Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer: I play with metal plate in right foot – ESPN FC
Bayern Munich’s injured captain Manuel Neuer has told Sport Bild he has played with a metal plate in his right foot for the past nine years.
Werner ‘asked to be subbed due to noise’ of Besiktas fans – SN
RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner was replaced in the 32nd minute of his side’s Champions League fixture against Besiktas, with home coach Senol Gunes claiming that the Turkish side’s fans made so much noise they caused the player to feel unwell.
Football League roundup: Ipswich pile pressure on Sunderland’s Grayson – The Guardian
Ipswich romped to a 5-2 victory over struggling Sunderland, who are now without a win in eight.
Shanghai and Urawa share the spoils – FIFA
2007 winners Urawa Red Diamonds earned a key away draw in their 2017 AFC Champions League semi-final first leg at Shanghai SIPG on Wednesday. Yosuke Kashiwagi’s goal on 28 minutes cancelled out Hulk’s emphatic opener from range, ensuring Urawa enter the second leg on home soil with an away goal.
Lobos’ Amaury Escoto scores early Puskas Award contender for 2018 – ESPN FC
The Puskas Award shortlist for 2017 may have only been revealed last week, but Lobos midfielder Amaury Escoto has already filed a very strong contender for 2018.
Fifa and Uefa accused of being ‘enablers’ of tax evasion in football by MEPs – The Guardian
Members of a European Parliament inquiry has accused Fifa and Uefa officials of being “enablers” of a corrupt system that permits players and agents to avoid paying tax, with Barcelona’s social media campaign after Lionel Messi’s conviction for tax fraud described by one MEP as “immoral”.
Morocco ready to step in to host 2018 CHAN – Inside World Football
Morocco have reportedly moved into pole position to take over from Kenya as hosts of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the regional tournament for domestically based players.
Thousands of Qatar World Cup workers ‘subjected to life-threatening heat’ – The Guardian
Many thousands of migrant workers on construction sites in Qatar, including those building stadiums for the 2022 World Cup, are being subjected to potentially life-threatening heat and humidity, according to new research on the extreme summer conditions in the Gulf.
Epic fail: Soccer refs banned after match-fixing goes wrong – Sportsnet
Four soccer referees in the southern African country of Malawi have been banned for life for match-fixing after they received just $20 between them to fix a game and returned $15 to the team doing the bribing because it still lost.
Review: EA Scores With FIFA 18 – Empire of Soccer
In the early part of this decade, EA Sports’ FIFA games were regularly criticized for putting too much emphasis on speed and dribbling, and games rarely resembled soccer as it is actually played. EA Sports seems to have taken these criticisms to heart, because in the last few years its game has slowed things down, putting its focus on patient attacking build-up and clever passing rather than raw pace.
2017’s TOP SOCCER BOOKS