VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
MLS MATCHDAY #7
REAL SALT LAKE 1 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 0
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2016
RIO TINTO STADIUM, SANDY, UTAH
BC Soccer Web MLS Matchday #7: Real Salt Lake vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, April 16, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Whitecaps look to rebound after last week’s 4-0 thrashing at the hands of DC United. They have an even tougher test on the road as they travel to Utah to face the only undefeated team in MLS. Get ready with all of the match news and previews here!
MLS Disciplinary Committee suspends LA Galaxy’s Nigel de Jong – MLS
The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined and suspended LA Galaxy midfielder Nigel de Jong for 3 games for his tackle on Portland Timbers’ midfielder Darlington Nagbe in the second-half of the 1-1 draw between the teams at StubHub Center on Sunday.
MLS previews: LA Galaxy travel to Houston without naughty Nigel de Jong – The Guardian
Xabi Alonso. Hatem Ben Arfa. Stuart Holden. Now we can add to the Darlington Nagbe to list of Nigel de Jong’s injury victims: the LA midfielder’s reckless tackle on the Portland star during last Sunday’s 1-1 draw led to much hand-wringing, a three-match ban for De Jong, and a mini-crisis in MLS.
Ultimate Guide to MLS Weekend: Wondolowski 1 Strike Away from Goal Milestone – Bleacher Report
Major League Soccer prides itself on week-to-week unpredictability and parity from top to bottom, but the one constant that hasn’t changed over the last seven seasons is Chris Wondolowski’s knack for scoring goals.
VIDEO: MLS WEEK 6 PREVIEW: DROGBA SET TO START FOR IMPACT – Sportsnet
Eric Thomas is joined by James Sharman to discuss Montreal Impacts’ game against Chicago Fire, Toronto FC playing their 6th straight road game and the Vancouver Whitecaps looking to score goals.
Match Preview: Houston Dynamo vs. LA Galaxy – Houston Dynamo
MLS Cup opponents three times in the last seven years, the Houston Dynamo and LA Galaxy renew their rivalry when the Western Conference foes face off at BBVA Compass Stadium on Viernes de Fútbol. The Dynamo saw their winless run extended in cruel fashion at home last weekend, Seattle Sounders FC hitting for a late, late equalizer in a 1-1 draw. The Galaxy were able to come away with a point from their match at StubHub Center, getting a late own goal for a 1-1 draw with the defending MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers.
Countdown: Toronto FC @ DC United – Red Nation Online
Toronto FC can see the lights of BMO Field approaching as there are now only a few road games left in their grueling start to the 2016 season. Now into fixture six of eight away from home, the Reds travel to face a familiar Eastern Conference rival in DC United on Saturday afternoon. A team where despite having a more storied and successful history, DC have been close competition for Toronto for several years, and RFK stadium has been a venue where all points have been taken, as recent as last year.
Impact is unbeatable at home under coach Mauro Biello – Montreal Gazette
After suffering two consecutive road losses, a home date was just what the doctor ordered for the Impact. The fact that it was a match against the team that knocked Montreal out of the playoffs last season was extra incentive for coach Mauro Biello’s side to snatch the three points up for grabs at Olympic Stadium last Saturday.
Union wary of struggling Sounders, focused on consistency, depth in cross-country match – Philadelphia Union
Even with the possibility of Brian Carroll’s 350th career league appearance, the headlines around Saturday’s match seem hinged on the ever topsy-turvy MLS, which will showcase two of the bigger surprises from the first six weeks of the 2016 season at CenturyLink Field.
Impact give rookie Salazar time off after reported extortion attempt – Sportsnet
The Montreal Impact have given Michael Salazar some time off after the rookie forward reportedly was targeted in an extortion attempt on social media.
Commissioner Don Garber visits Sacramento to survey MLS expansion quest – MLS
Sacramento Republic FC supporters gathered Thursday afternoon for a block party thrown by the soccer club in downtown Sacramento, where hundreds of fans packed closed-down L Street between 15th and 16th in hopes of influencing MLS’s expansion decision.
Garber: Sacramento leads field for MLS expansion to 28 – SBI
On Thursday, MLS Commissioner Don Garber envisioned the future of the league, and it included at least 28 teams. Speaking in downtown Sacramento, Garber explained his vision for expansion to a large crowd of Sacramento Republic FC supporters, and even Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. Republic FC could be officially announced as the next expansion team within the next year, according to the Sacramento Bee. Garber also revealed cities in the running for the remaining three spots, including San Diego, Detroit, St. Louis, San Antonio and Austin.
Don’t ruin my beloved Orlando City, Orlando fans – The Mane Land
I do not want to be sitting here in six months reading about how a reader poll in the Orlando Sentinel suggest City fans aren’t happy with how Kaka is playing given how much money he’s making, so he decides Orlando isn’t that great after all, and bolts to Tampa Bay.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Turnout for Mexico match gives Vancouver a September qualifier –Vancouver Sun
The Canadian men’s national team is coming back to B.C. Place for a September World Cup qualifier against El Salvador. It could mean everything; it could mean nothing.
Keith Millar Cup Action Opens BC Provincial Championships – BC Soccer Web
The road to the BC Provincial Cup kicks off the weekend with the first knockout matches in the Keith Millar Men’s B Cup. BC Soccer Web will be providing coverage all the way through the final weekend in Victoria May 14-15.
Comox Valley United draws top-seed Pegasus in Province Cup – Comox Valley Record
The luck of the draw isn’t always good luck. Such was the case for Comox Valley United on April 5 in Victoria when BC Soccer held the Adult Provincial Cup draw. United will face top-seed Pegasus FC of Surrey in the first round of the Province A Cup on the April 23-24 weekend – and must travel to the Lower Mainland for the match.
Drame decides on the Timberwolves – UNBC
The UNBC men’s soccer Timberwolves have added some international flare to their roster for the upcoming season. Defender Emmanuel Drame, originally from Passama, Liberia, has committed to the Timberwolves, having transferred from Red Deer College to begin his UNBC studies in January.
Drame bolsters defence for UNBC – Prince George Citizen
The six-foot-two defender has been in Prince George studying political science at UNBC since the start of the semester in January after transferring from Red Deer College. Drame, a native of Passama, Liberia, moved to Canada from Ghana two years ago and he’s looking forward to demonstrating his soccer skills on the pitch in Prince George.
Burnaby Selects slip past Pegasus – Burnaby Now
Familiarity can breed contempt, but in the case of the Burnaby Metro girls under-18 Selects, it brought knowledge. Against a team they’d faced two times before, the Selects rolled out to an early lead and held on to top Surrey Pegasus 3-1 to advance to the Coastal A Cup semifinals.
Blues teams off to Coastal Cup semis – Delta Optimist
U17 Tsawwassen Blues worked overtime to advance to B.C. Soccer’s 63rd annual Coastal “B” Cup Championships semi-finals for the first time in three years. The girls rep team struck twice in the extra 30 minutes to produce a 3-1 victory over the Aldergrove Vipers last Sunday at Dugald Morrison Park.
United soccer season in full swing – Kelowna Capital News
Kelowna United teams piled up their share of wins on the second weekend of the 2016 Thompson Okanagan Youth Soccer League season.
Whitecaps FC welcome new immigrants and refugees to Thunderbird Stadium – Whitecaps FC
This coming Sunday, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will welcome new members of our community to Thunderbird Stadium. In partnership with the Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC), S.U.C.C.E.S.S., and MOSAIC, the ‘Caps have donated 500 tickets to new immigrants and refugees.
EPIC presents the 2016 Western Canada College ID Camp
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canada to host El Salvador qualifier in Vancouver – Goal
After receiving great support for the Honduras and Mexico home matches, Benito Floro’s side has opted to play the Central Americans at BC Place in September.
Canada must exorcise demons versus Honduras before looking ahead to World Cup qualifier in Vancouver – Metro
The Canadian men’s national team, which is coming off consecutive shutout losses to Mexico, will face El Salvador on Sept. 6 at BC Place, with the potential to claim a spot in CONCACAF’s final round of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying. But before they can look ahead to that home match, Benito Floro’s squad will need to exorcise the demons from four years ago and get a positive result on the road in Honduras at the beginning of September.
Canada Soccer ready to deliver summer of soccer across the nation – The Suburban
It has already been a strong start to the 2016 Canadian soccer season, but it is about to get bigger as Canada Soccer prepares for an incredible summer of soccer. Canada Soccer will help deliver the world’s game to Canadians from coast to coast to coast across the nation, with the Road to Rio Series, the Amway Canadian Championship, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Qualifiers all part of the summer schedule.
TSN Extends TV Deal with Canada Soccer, Will Broadcast Voyageurs Cup – Waking the Red
Canada Soccer announced today that it has extended its TV partnership with TSN. The deal includes upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, friendlies for the women’s national team and broadcast of the Voyageurs Cup. The length of the deal’s extension was not announced.
Commentary: Why playing home friendlies will benefit Canada in long run – MLS
Centralizing national team games in one place might make logistical sense for fans in many other countries. As for a place the size of Canada, well… not so much.
Canadians to play big role in historic NWSL season – Sportsnet
Five matches highlight the National Women’s Soccer League’s opening weekend, which will feature 11 Canadian players in action.
Tania Singfield helps Canada qualify for 2016 U-17 Women’s World Cup – Go Ravens
For seven seasons, Ravens women’s soccer goalkeeping coach Tania Singfield has been an invaluable member of the team’s personnel department, providing wisdom and guidance to the individuals who have worn the gloves in Carleton’s last line of defence.
Australia match could be crucial for Canada at the Rio Olympics – the11.ca
There was absolutely no way that the Canadian Women’s National Team was not going to be in a Group of Death.
Problems with under-18 soccer championship prompt changes next season – CBC PEI
The P.E.I. Soccer Association is meeting with member clubs from across the Island this weekend to talk about big changes coming to the game.
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WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
WFC2 vs. OKC ENERGY FC
POSTPONED
WFC2 captain Kyle Greig looks forward to battle against former team – Whitecaps FC
Fans often see familiar faces at Whitecaps FC 2 matches, whether it’s ‘Caps legends or current players in the stands. But this Sunday, captain Kyle Greig will be facing off against some familiar faces on the other team when his undefeated WFC2 side takes on Oklahoma City Energy FC at Thunderbird Stadium.
FC Edmonton looks to rebound in Tampa – Edmonton Journal
A few days after an uninspired performance in their home opener, FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller was trying to rally his troops ahead of another tough North American Soccer League encounter.
Richmond Kickers take first place after defeating Rochester Rhinos – Black & Red United
Cold temperatures didn’t slow the action at City Stadium as the Richmond Kickers faced off with 2015 USL Champions Rochester Rhinos. A bundled up crowd of 5,000 looked on as the two perennial conference favorites traded jabs.
Toronto FC II aims to take strong start into home opener – Vaughan Citizen
When Vaughan’s professional soccer team take the field Sunday for their second season, they’ll do so on the strength of a hot road start.
Match Preview: TFC II vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds – Toronto FC
Home Opener! TFC II are at the Ontario Soccer Centre this Sunday to battle the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at 4PM ET.
Sacramento Republic FC vs Portland Timbers 2, a History – Indomitable City Soccer
This Sunday, Sacramento Republic FC continue their two-game road trip of the Pacific Northwest. Next stop, Merlo Field at the University of Portland to take on the winless Portland Timbers 2. Last season, the Republic took two out of three matches against a T2 team that finished in eighth place in the Western Conference.
Surely we can’t draw forever? – Indy Eleven V New York Cosmos Preview – Bloody Shambles
Indy Eleven enter their third game in the 2016 NASL season without a win or a defeat. With two points from as many games the Eleven are still trying to find their rhythm. They will be tested to the full as last year’s Soccer Bowl Champions the New York Cosmos come to town.
Republic FC players keep MLS hoopla in perspective – Sacramento Bee
Athletes are notorious for living in the moment. The focus is on the next play, the next practice, the next game. But second-year Republic FC forward Cameron Iwasa admits occasionally thinking about what it might be like to play in Major League Soccer – and how sweet it would be as a member of his hometown team.
Sounders’ Sigi Schmid: USL prepares players better than NCAA – ESPN FC
Seattle Sounders coach Sigi Schmid says Oalex Anderson’s experience at the club’s USL affiliate has prepared him for MLS better than Jordan Morris’ time in college.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
‘We can challenge for medals’: Matildas coach happy with Rio Olympics draw – The Guardian
Matildas coach Alen Stajcic believes his side can make their mark on the world stage at the Rio Olympics after being drawn in Group F with Germany, Canada and Zimbabwe.
The NWSL kicks off its fourth season, and Portland and Seattle look good – The Guardian
The Portland Thorns have the talent to make a run, the expansion Orlando Pride should be worth watching, and expect big things from Kim Little
Women’s soccer league claims its first victory of the year: a fourth season – NWSL
The National Women’s Soccer League will make history Saturday before the first goal, first save, first yellow card, even the first successful pass. A few minutes after 7 p.m., at a lovely little venue in a Maryland suburb, referee Margaret Domka will sound her whistle, signaling the start of a match between the Washington Spirit and Boston Breakers. And at that moment, the 10-team NWSL will become the first top-tier U.S. women’s pro venture to begin a fourth season.
NWSL has survived longer than any other women’s soccer league. When do players get paid? – SB Nation
The ever-elusive fourth year has arrived. NWSL’s players have done their part in helping the league establish itself and start growing. Now they wait for a living wage.
NWSL Nabs TV Deal – Midfield Press
The National Women’s Soccer League announced yesterday that they have agreed to a television deal with Fox Sports for the 2016 NWSL season. Six games—three regular season, three playoff—will be aired on Fox Sports 1.
Celtic Women v Rangers Ladies (14/04/2016) – Highlights and match report – SWPL
Celtic Women’s first ever match at Celtic Park saw them beat their rivals Rangers 5-1 to return to the top of the SWPL 1 table.
Southampton make a commitment to return to women’s football after an 11 year absence – Southern Daily Echo
Saints have made a formal commitment to jump back into women’s football as part of their deal with Under Armour.
China ’91, 25 years on: Celebrating the Nigeria Super Falcons – Unusual Efforts
The first national team to represent the country in her first World Cup at senior level did so in 1991. The Super Falcons, the Nigeria senior women’s national team, participated in the first-ever Women’s World Cup, in China.
Women Kick Up A Storm in Syrian Football – Institute for War & Peace Reporting
When Sulin Murad told her parents that she wanted to join a women’s football team, they were surprisingly enthusiastic. This reaction, she told Damascus Bureau, was a result of social changes brought about by the Syrian revolution. “I don’t know why some people think football is a sport for men only,” said Murad, now a committed team member. “We shall become pioneer players in our country.”
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren sinks Borussia Dortmund in stirring comeback – The Guardian
One of the great European comebacks, one of the great European ties and when it was all over Anfield was a scene of delirium, disbelief and, in the Borussia Dortmund corner, utter despair. Klopp’s Liverpool have their Istanbul moment.
Liverpool 4-3 Borussia Dortmund: Famous European Night Sees Reds Through To The Semi-Finals – Vavel
A dramatic three goal comeback by Liverpool stuns Dortmund as Dejan Lovren scored in the 91st minute to send the Reds to the semi-finals.
Liverpool-Villarreal, Sevilla-Shakhtar in Europa League – Sportsnet
Liverpool will play Villarreal in the Europa League semifinals and two-time defending champion Sevilla will face Shakhtar Donetsk.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp turning doubters into believers – BBC Sport
When Klopp was introduced as Liverpool manager as successor to sacked Brendan Rodgers in October, he revealed one of his priorities was to “turn doubters into believers”.
Real Madrid-Man City, Atleti-Bayern revealed as UCL semifinal pairings – SBI
Only four teams remain in this year’s UEFA Champions League competition, and those left learned the road they must take in order to claim the title.
10-0 in CL titles, 32-4 in league trophies: The huge gap between Real Madrid & Manchester City – Goal
This is only Manchester City’s sixth appearance in the Champions League or European Cup, while Real Madrid is involved in the competition for a record 46th time.
Lenarduzzi: Healthy Sunderland looking to avoid relegation – Vancouver Sun
Sunderland visits Norwich in a huge relegation clash to kick off Saturday’s Premiere League action, as the Black Cats look to catch the Canaries. Norwich is four points clear just above the relegation zone, but Sunderland has a game in hand.
Why Leicester City must win the English Premier League title – Sydney Morning Herald
Leicester City have kept me waiting a long time. My role in the club’s success began at Christmas 1993, when I went with friends to see the Foxes at the old Filbert Street ground to play Watford, who were struggling to hold even Elton John’s attention. If we’d gone a few years earlier, we’d have seen Leicester’s Gary Lineker against Watford’s John Barnes. But by 1993 both teams were resolutely second-tier providers of raw material to the Premier League.
Leicester City vs. West Hame Match Preview – The Guardian
Five games to go. Leicester can afford to slip up in two of them and still win their first title but on current form it looks like they might secure the trophy with time to spare.
Rafael Benitez wants to kick-start Newcastle United revival vs Swansea City – Vavel
The Magpies welcome Francesco Guidolin’s Swansea to St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon with the hosts playing for their Premier League status.
A-League finals: Brisbane Roar’s Thomas Broich scores at the death to send Melbourne Victory packing – Sydney Morning Herald
Brisbane Roar have done it again, clawing back from a goal down with just minutes remaining to beat Melbourne Victory 2-1 and keep their A-League finals hopes alive.
IFAB announces law changes, softening punishment for fouls inside the box – Sky Sports
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has published changes to the laws of the game for the 2016/17 season, the most notable altering sending-off and cautionable offences inside the penalty area.
How West Ham turned London’s white elephant Olympic Stadium into its own magic financial unicorn – National Post
Arsene Wenger compared it to winning the lottery even before the true size of West Ham United’s jackpot at being given the keys to the Olympic Stadium was finally revealed yesterday. The contract confirms that West Ham will pay just £2.5 million ($3.5 million) a year in rent during the 99-year lease and not a penny towards the operating costs of its new home, which includes policing and stewarding, pitch maintenance, and even goalposts, goal nets and corner flags. Those bills will be footed by the taxpayer.
West Ham deal exposes the moral vacuum at the heart of UK politics – Inside World Football
The great gift the London Legacy Development Corporation, chaired by Boris Johnson, has given West Ham football club is the sort of gift that makes the money that David Cameron’s mother gave him to help avoid inheritance tax look like chicken feed. It also exposes the fact that when it comes to the national game not only are our political masters grossly unfair, favouring some clubs while penalising the vast majority, but there is also a huge question of whether football has lost its moral compass.
Premier League clubs’ pre-tax profits fall 37% as wage costs reach £2bn – The Guardian
The aggregate pre-tax profits of English Premier League clubs fell nearly 37% last season due to a spike in wages, according to Deloitte. Pre-tax profits for the 2014-15 season went down to around £120m ($169.8m) from £190m in 2013-14, Deloitte said, as wage costs rose 6% to a record £2bn.
Premier League must not become ‘NBA of football’, says La Liga president – BBC Sport
Spain’s top flight must close the financial gap on the Premier League to stop it becoming “the NBA of football”, says La Liga president Javier Tebas.
Liga MX Talking Points: Tigres on the hunt, Clasico Tapatio headline Round 14 – Goal
The reigning champion looks to get back into the playoff places while Guadalajara’s top-division sides meet in the latest installment of their rivalry.
Report urges FIFA to add biting human rights clauses to its hosting contracts – Inside World Football
FIFA must in future make human rights a priority when awarding countries the World Cup according to an independent report produced by a senior United Nations official commissioned four months ago by football’s world governing body as part of its reform programme.
Hillsborough: Final Anfield memorial service held – BBC
The final Anfield memorial service for the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster has been held in Liverpool. The annual event had been staged at Liverpool’s stadium since the tragedy in Sheffield on 15 April 1989. In January, relatives of the victims said they had “unanimously agreed” this year’s service would be the last.