BC Soccer News, Weekend, April 7-9, 2017

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

 REAL SALT LAKE  vs.  VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC

MLS MATCHDAY #5

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2017, 6:30 PM PT

RIO TINTO STADIUM, SANDY, UT

TV: TSN 1   RADIO:  TSN 1410  ONLINE: TSN GO

 ‘Caps visit Salt Lake Saturday night – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver’s historic run in the CONCACAF Champions League came to a heartbreaking end on Wednesday night at BC Place. It was not the storybook ending Whitecaps FC had in mind, but if there’s any consolation it’s that the ‘Caps can now focus their attention squarely on MLS play. Last weekend, Vancouver picked up their first win of the season in a thrilling 4-2 win over LA Galaxy – can they keep things rolling Saturday night in Utah?

Preview: Real Salt Lake vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake (0-3-2, 11th West) kicks off a new era under new Head Coach Mike Petke Saturday at home against Vancouver Whitecaps FC with a 6:30 p.m. PT kickoff at Rio Tinto Stadium.

Whitecaps midfielder Brek Shea could miss up to 12 weeks – Sportsnet
The veteran was hurt five minutes into Wednesday’s second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League semifinal against Tigres UANL when he came together with an opponent on a challenge.

Bet on tired, injury-riddled Whitecaps doing the Sandy shuffle Saturday – Vancouver Sun
Vancouver’s visit to Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah — to face Real Salt Lake on Saturday night in Major League Soccer action — comes hot on the heels of the Whitecaps’ 2-1 CONCACAF Champions League semifinal loss on Wednesday to Mexican powerhouse Tigres at B.C. Place. It should mean some shuffling of troops for coach Carl Robinson.

Vancouver Whitecaps injury woes hand Kyle Greig a massive opportunity – AFTN
It’s been a wild and meteoric rise for Whitecaps striker Kyle Greig these past couple of seasons. April 4th 2015, and Kyle Greig was part of an Oklahoma Energy side that won 2-1 at Colorado Springs Switchbacks in front of just under 3,000 fans. Twelve months earlier Greig was scoring for the Energy in their 2-0 win over Orange County Blues in front of 1,221 supporters at Anteater Stadium in Irvine, California.

Bolanos finding his form and looking to shape the Vancouver offence – Red Nation Online
Christian Bolaños is a difference maker, he is a dynamic footballer that has the ability to carry the offence for his team. When he is fit and healthy, he’s without a doubt, the most talented player on the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Real Salt Lake players pleased with new coach Petke’s hard-nosed approach – MLS
New head coach, new approach. In the first week leading Real Salt Lake, new head coach Mike Petke has been working on remaking the team in his own image.

RSL vs. Vancouver: Tactical Preview – RSL Soapbox
RSL will usher in a new era against an old foe, with a couple of new shiny additions.

Galaxy, Impact hope to get on track – Yahoo Sports
Two teams trying to regain last year’s form will face each other Friday night when the LA Galaxy meet the Montreal Impact at the StubHub Center.

Happy and healthy after heart scare, Dempsey starring again in Seattle – MLS
After missing the latter half of 2016 due to an irregular heartbeat, Dempsey has two goals in Seattle’s first four MLS matches. He’s also coming off a ballistic showing for the US men’s national team that saw him score four times across two World Cup qualifiers against Honduras and Panama last week.

MLS Look Ahead: Week 6 – SBI
The first full slate of matches in April for Major League Soccer presents a wide variety of intriguing storylines and matchups.

Set pieces and leads prove to be kryptonite for Impact – Montreal Gazette
The Montreal Impact have only played four regular-season Major League Soccer games this season, yet have already taken their fans on an emotional roller-coaster. The winless Impact certainly had a chance to seize victories in at least two games, including last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with the Fire in Chicago.

How can Toronto FC break out offensively against Atlanta United? – Waking the Red
Toronto FC have kept three clean sheets in four games this season, but they have also been shut out twice themselves. Getting back among the goals should be more of a case of ironing out a few imperfections, though, rather than solving any major issues, and they have also suffered from a bit of bad luck.

MLS clubs have resolution over qualifying for future CCL after format change – SI.com
The day after Major League Soccer’s participation in the 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League concluded, the confusion over how its clubs will qualify for subsequent editions of the revamped competition finally has been cleared up.

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PHOTOS: Whitecaps FC 1 Tigres UANL 2, April 5, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

3v3 Live Soccer Tour Comes to Canada

BC SOCCER NEWS

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.

Fraser Valley Soccer League Cup Finals – FVSL
Full recap of last Saturday’s FVSL Cup Finals by Dave Hleucka, President FVSL.

VMSL round-up: Horsemen flying high after Imperial Cup and still a lot of drama to come – AFTN
The heavily weather disrupted VMSL 2016/17 season is finally coming to an end. A lot of the promotion and relegation battles have been settled, but there’s still a lot left to play for in some of the divisions and with the BC Provincial Cups kicking off later this month.

Highlanders add offence to roster – Times Colonist
Teams need to score goals to win soccer games, something the Victoria Highlanders did not do with regularity last season in missing the USL Premier Development League playoffs. “We lacked the pointy end of the stick,” said head coach Dave Dew. So he started whittling a sharper point of attack for this season and has signed a United Nations of talent from England, Northern Ireland and Japan.

Highlanders attend Sport & Exercise Career Fair as club prepares for 2017 season – Highlanders FC
Victoria Highlanders FC were on hand at the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence’s (PISE) 2017 Sports & Exercise Career Fair Thursday, meeting and conversing with the local student body who will represent the future of sports professionals in Canada.

WolfPack Men’s Soccer Add International Player For 2017-18 Season – TRU Wolfpack
The WolfPack have signed 21 year old holding midfielder Juan Calles from Doha, Qatar to a USport letter of intent. Calles was born and raised in El Salvador and moved to Qatar two years ago.

KYSA Spring Academy / Pro D Day Camp – KYSA
Players in the U5 to U13 age groups who are looking to polish their skills in a professionally coached environment are invited to register for the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association’s Spring Development Academy.

Earl Marriott Mariners to host international rugby, soccer squads – Peace Arch News
Visitors to the South Surrey school continue this Tuesday, when the Mariners senior boys soccer team hosts Epping, an Australian team, and on Wednesday, April 12, EMS will host under-14 and under-15 soccer teams from Kenilworth, England.

Kimberley Academy set to expand, add soccer for 2017-18 – Cranbrook Townsman
In addition to expanding the hockey program up to 30 to 40 players, with a U-19 prep team for the top athletes, the Academy will also be branching out into soccer with a group of approximately 36 players for a new full immersion soccer academy.

REVIEW: The Miracle Mile. Stories of the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games – BC BookLook
Author Jason Beck is curator of the BC Sports Hall of Fame in BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, and convenor two years ago of an excellent exhibition about the 1954 Games. In his first book, he proves to be a meticulous researcher, a compelling story-teller, and a crafty realist who knows how to hook his readers. Watch how, two pages into the book, he uses filmic technique to evoke the arriving athletes’ youthful buzz and give period colouring and costuming, but then smartly moves his camera in to introduce his stars.

TSS Rovers launch website & 2017 Season Ticket Campaign – TSS Rovers
TSS FC Rovers play their inaugural season in the PDL at iconic Swangard Stadium. Season Tickets are $70 for Adults, $49 for U12 Youth.

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!

To our Readers: A Choice – BC Soccer Web
Soccer has brought us to the United States many times. It’s a great place with decent people. We especially look forward to our Cascadia trips to Seattle and Portland. They’re incredible cities with wonderful supporters. That’s why it was so disheartening to see chaos and fear take hold in the airports and borders of our neighbours to the south.

Victoria Highlanders 2017 Season Passes now on sale – Highlanders FC
Support local soccer on Vancouver Island. Join the excitement of Highlanders FC PDL Soccer!

PHOTOS: CANADA WEST WOMENS FINAL, UBC 3, TWU 0, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

2016 BC Soccer Provincial Cup Photo Galleries – BC Soccer Web
Westhills Stadium & Goudy Park in Langford hosted the 2016 BC Soccer Adult Provincial Cup Finals. It was a thrilling weekend of soccer on Vancouver Island that saw seven champions crowned. Richmond FC & Surrey Pegasus qualified for the National Championships this Fall in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Both Coquitlam Metro-Ford Masters & Classics sides qualified for the Western Canadian Masters Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In all, it was a clean sweep for teams from the VMSL & MWSL. Monique Lamoureux & Bill Currie from BC Soccer Web were on location that weekend, capturing the all the action.

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.

 Premium Classified Advertising on BC Soccer Web Starting at 50 cents per day!

CANADA SOCCER NEWS

Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team defeat Sweden 1-0; prepare to take on Germany 9 April – CSA
Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team defeated Sweden 1-0 in Trelleborg, Sweden 6 April, in its first of two international friendlies in Europe. Canada’s lone goal came in the 34th minute when Janine Beckie received a perfectly placed pass from Sinclair, and slipped the ball past the keeper.

Janine Beckie lifts Canada past Sweden in women’s friendly – Sportsnet
Facing its biggest challenge since last summer’s Olympics, Canada dispatched Rio runner-up Sweden 1-0 in a women’s soccer friendly Thursday.

Canada’s three-headed monster strikes against Sweden – the11.ca
The goal that gave the Canadian women’s national team a 1-o win in Sweden Thursday was a perfect example of the three-pronged attempt that coach John Herdman will have at his disposal over the next few years.

Jessie Fleming’s fancy footwork a weapon for Canada – Toronto Star
Teenager has produced some highlight-reel moments with her ball-handling skills on the pitch.

State of the game in Canada: CMNT U17 and our centres of excellence – Red Nation Online
With the CONCACAF U-17 Championship being held in late April, Canada Soccer has recently made their player pool announcement for the tournament. As has become more common, and like we saw for the recent Canadian Men’s U-20 side, most players are from either Toronto FC or Vancouver Whitecaps Academies.

LTOD creating stronger partnerships with member clubs and districts – Ontario Soccer
The Ontario Soccer Match Officials Development Program is pleased to announce the start of an exciting new training opportunity for Ontario Match Officials as part of the Long Term Officials Development (LTOD) program, which was introduced in January 2017.

Charlottetown native Kelly Green receives Barb C. Mullaly memorial athletic award – PEI Guardian
Kelly Green, a member of the UPEI women’s soccer team, is the first recipient of the Barb C. Mullaly memorial athletic award.

Keough, Pritchard named CBU’s top athletes – Cape Breton Post
thletes that led their teams to Atlantic University Sport banners earned top honours at the 43rd annual Capers Athletic Awards Banquet at Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, Thursday. Women’s basketball star Alison Keough of Albert Bridge took the female athlete of the year award, while Daniel Pritchard of the men’s soccer team won the top male athlete honour.

Provincial soccer celebrating the past season, past greats – The Telegram
The Newfoundland Labrador Soccer Association will honor its best for the 2016 season, and greats from years gone during the organization’s annual awards and Hall of Fame ceremony tonight in St. John’s.

MASL ANNOUNCES TORONTO EXPANSION – Major Arena Soccer League
In a Press Conference on Thursday Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) Commissioner Josh Schaub discussed the future of the league, including the first MASL franchise in Canada. The MASL will kickoff in Toronto, Canada for the 2018-2019 season.

Ancaster Soccer Club gives school plan red card – Hamilton News
The Ancaster Soccer Club wants Hamilton public school board trustees to give the boot to a proposal to rebuild C.H. Bray Elementary School at Ancaster High School. John Simeonidis, the club’s competitive director, says if the plan does move forward, it will displace several of the 10 soccer fields behind the Jerseyville Road high school presently used by 2,400 players on rep and house league teams.

Desperate Housewives returning to World Masters Games – Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune
On April 21-30, the Desperate Housewives, a local women’s masters soccer team, will be making their fourth appearance at the World Masters Games in Auckland, New Zealand.

Register for the UBCO High-Performance Summer Training Camp in Kelowna

UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE

WFC2  vs.  SOUNDERS FC 2

SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017, 3:00 PM

BUY TICKETS

McLEOD ATHLETIC PARK, LANGLEY, BC

LIVESTREAM: WHITECAPSFC2.COM

Cascadia home opener: WFC2 host Sounders FC 2 in Langley on Saturday – Whitecaps FC
Whitecaps FC 2 open their home slate of the 2017 season when they take on Cascadia rivals Seattle Sounders FC 2 in their home opener at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley on Saturday. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. PT.

Campbell revels in USL field time –  Burnaby Now
The biggest test was one of patience. When Terran Campbell pulled on the Vancouver Whitecaps FC2 jersey for the first time for a game in 2015, he knew there’d be an adjustment period. Things have gotten a lot easier since then, but the Burnaby Central grad still recalls the difficulty that comes with sitting.

FC Edmonton dedicate first 2017 home match to late Karl Weidle as inaugural Pioneer Project honouree – FC Edmonton
A 43-year veteran in the Edmonton minor soccer community, Weidle played a critical role in the growth of the beautiful game in Alberta’s capital.

FCE’s Straith looks forward to his first league game on Canadian soil – the11.ca
As a member of the Canadian national side, he’s played on this country’s soil many times. But Saturday’s home opener against the Jacksonville Armada will mark the first time he’s been part of a professional club match played in his home and native land. His family is making the trip from Victoria to Edmonton to take in the game.

Toronto FC II vs. Rochester Rhinos: Preview – Waking the Red
Mere days removed from the end of that tricky road trip in Florida, Toronto FC II must shake off a pair of tough defeats ahead of their home opener on Friday night at the Ontario Soccer Centre against the Rochester Rhinos. The match is set to kick off at 4:30 pm PT.

NASL Week 3: What to Watch For – Empire of Soccer
imagesMiami FC and the Jacksonville Armada enter the third week of the NASL Spring Season as the only teams to have registered wins. All eight teams will be in action this weekend as the San Francisco Deltas and North Carolina return from their week off.

North Carolina FC finally ready for their West Coast Road Trip – Soccer ‘n Sweet Tea
A look back at the opener, NASL is crazy town, and a look forward to Saturday in San Francisco.

Real Monarchs roll over Reno 1868 in 5-3 victory – RSL Soapbox
The Monarchs started came out of the gate with the same 10 field players as their first two games and spent the bulk of the first half in the Reno side of the field. Sebastian Velasquez looked sharp as he provided an engine for the offense and factored in the first three Monarch goals.

USL Productions Expands National Coverage – USL
The USL announced it has expanded its relationship with ESPN for the 2017 USL season. The USL’s telecast agreement with ESPN enters its second year with expanded coverage that will see more USL games – the Tampa Bay Rowdies and FC Cincinnati on July 6 at Al Lang Stadium, and San Antonio FC and OKC Energy FC at Toyota Field on July 14 – as well as the USL Cup in November – aired on ESPNU.

Marta set to sign with Orlando Pride – SI.com
Sources say Marta, Brazil’s five-time FIFA World Player of the Year, is nearing a deal to join the NWSL’s Orlando Pride.

USA-Russia: Early goals spark easy U.S. victory – Soccer America
The USA got two goals each from Crystal Dunn and Allie Long and won the first game of a two-game series against Russia, 4-0, before a sold-out crowd of 15,191 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. It opened up a 2-0 lead after 18 minutes and led 3-0 at the half.

The US women’s soccer team achieved their goal – and perhaps a bit more – The Guardian
There are still many unanswered questions about the new agreement between team and federation, but the deal is done, and much of the anger is gone.

Washington Spirit season preview: Keeping things blue collar – The Equalizer
On the strength of its roster depth, the Washington Spirit recorded its best season to date winning 12 games and finishing second in the league standings. After beating Chicago in the semifinals, Washington moved onto its first league final in club history. Unfortunately, the Spirit would come up just short.

S. Korea women’s football coach satisfied with draw vs. N. Korea in Pyongyang – Yonhap News
South Korea played to a 1-1 draw with North Korea at Kim Il-sung Stadium in Pyongyang, where the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup Group B qualifying matches are being staged. North Korea first took the lead with Sung Hyung-shim’s goal in the first half, but South Korean Jang Seul-gi scored an equalizer in the second half to save the visitors from a defeat.

Thailand win to qualify for 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup – AFC
Thailand beat Chinese Taipei 1-0 on Friday to seal top spot in Group C and secure their ticket to next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Jordan.

Hosts face holders in Women’s Under-17 finals draw – UEFA
Women’s Under-17 EURO hosts the Czech Republic will face holders Germany and former champions Spain after the draw for May’s tournament was made in Pilsen.

European Weekend Preview: Real Madrid hosts Atletico, Dortmund travels to Bayern, and more – SBI
Following midweek domestic action across Europe’s top leagues, weekend coverage rolls on as some mouth-watering fixtures take centerstage.

Premier League weekend preview: What will and won’t happen – Four Four Two
Chelsea and Spurs duel at the top of the table, while West Ham and Swansea battle for survival at the London Stadium.

Madrid v Atlético: All you need to know about Saturday’s derby – UEFA
Real Madrid host a massive capital derby on Saturday, trying to preserve a two-point lead at the top of the Liga, with Atlético eager to make amends after a 3-0 loss to the Merengues in November.

Lyon looking to roar past Lorient – Ligue 1
Olympique Lyonnais are refusing to give up on the third and final UEFA Champions League qualifying place, with resurgent FC Lorient next on the menu as Les Gones chase down the 13-point gap on OGC Nice.

CONCACAF close to agreeing new ‘League of Nations’ – Reuters
Plans for a new league competition for national teams in North and Central America and the Caribbean are set to be agreed on this weekend, the region’s football chief has told Reuters. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani has been privately sounding out the 41 federations within the region regarding the ‘League of Nations’ plan, which would effectively eliminate friendlies.

Palencia’s Pumas in spotlight, America back in Tijuana and more ahead of Liga MX Round 13 – SN
For the ninth straight season, the CONCACAF Champions League has left it clear, Liga MX is the best league in the region.

Cruz Azul has become the laughing stock of Liga MX — now, it must rebuild – ESPN FC
The time has come for Cruz Azul to rebuild itself, to be reborn from its own ashes.

Tim Cahill magic earns Melbourne City A-League win over Adelaide – The Guardian
Melbourne City are within touching distance of a home A-League final after Tim Cahill’s stunning header earned them a well-deserved 1-0 win over Adelaide United. Yet again, Cahill produced the goods for City, elevating his side above above the Reds in a fiery contest on Friday night.

Agents’ fees paid by English clubs up by 38% for 2016-17 – BBC Sport
The amount paid by English clubs to agents has risen by 38% – up from £160m to £220m.

CONCACAF President Talks About Trump’s Effect on 2026 World Cup Bid: “Soccer Is Above All of That” – Remezcla
Ahead of the federation’s XXXII Ordinary Congress on April 8, Montagliani spoke exclusively to Remezcla about the challenges facing CONCACAF and what he hopes for in the future, specifically with regards to the federation’s joint 2026 World Cup bid.

FIFA financial report reveals losses of $369 million in 2016 – ESPN FC
FIFA finances showed a loss of $369 million last year as American and Swiss corruption investigations added legal costs to the governing body’s budget and scared off sponsors.

Referees’ road to Russia continues – FIFA
The Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano in Florence, Italy hosted some of the world’s top referees as part of a week-long seminar for prospective match officials at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

YNWA: How You’ll Never Walk Alone became a Liverpool FC anthem – SN
You’ll Never Walk Alone is perhaps the most famous song in football, and is heard before kick-off at every Liverpool match at Anfield. It has travelled around the world as the Reds have toured Europe and even further afield as five-time European champions. But how did it become such a huge part of the club’s identity?