BC Soccer News, Weekend, August 17-20, 2017

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. HOUSTON DYNAMO

MLS MATCHDAY #23
BUY TICKETS
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2017, 7pm
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC
TV: TSN 1 & 4 RADIO: TSN 1040 ONLINE: TSN GO

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Houston Dynamo | 2017 MLS Match PreviewMLS
Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Houston Dynamo both missed out on the MLS Cup Playoffs last season, but with turnarounds in 2017, both seem on their way to making it back this season.

Let the fun begin: Opportunity lies for Whitecaps FC with six of next seven matches at BC PlaceWhitecaps FC
That’s what separates Vancouver Whitecaps FC from Houston Dynamo, who they host on Saturday night at BC Place. The ‘Caps are currently seventh in the Western Conference, just below the red line, while the Dynamo are tied for first.

Whitecaps must be better without their best playerVancouver Sun
As the Vancouver Whitecaps contemplate the six months that have brought them to this place, there is one word which describes their 2017 season thus far.

Gone Laba Gone? Soccer Shorts
There was a time when losing Laba would feel like a hole being blown right through the heart of the team but now his salary hit and the acquisitions of Tchani and Ghazal would make his loss feel a lot less painful.

What Does the Future Hold for Matias Laba?Eighty-Six Forever
News of Laba’s injury coupled with transfer rumors and the arrival of Ghazal have some wondering about the future of Matias Laba in Vancouver.

Ignacio Piatti scores two goals as Impact blow out FireSBI
For the second time this season, the Montreal Impact scored three goals in the first half, helping lead the Canadian side to a blowout win over the struggling Chicago Fire.

Impact confidence rising on win streak: “We can compete against everybody”MLS
The Montreal Impact are moving closer and closer to getting above the playoff line in the Eastern Conference standings, but they are wary of getting ahead of themselves in talking about making a run in the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Op-ed: A promise from the Colorado Rapids front officeDenver Post
The Colorado Rapids’ interim general manager and chief business officer outline the club’s vision.

Orlando City Playoff Charge Must Start with a Return to Home GloryThe Mane Land
Remember when Orlando City Stadium was a fortress? That mystique has faded along with the Lions’ overall form as the summer has progressed, and suddenly Orlando finds itself without a home win since May 31 and coming into the weekend’s match vs. Columbus on a two-game home losing streak.

Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable TeamsForbes
The LA Galaxy is now the league’s most valuable team with a value of $315 million, a 19% increase from last year. The five-time MLS Cup winners generated an estimated $63 million in revenue last season, far and away the most of any team.

Are the Whitecaps Cheap?: An Examination of the Finances and Spending of the Vancouver WhitecapsEighty-Six Forever
A new report by Forbes sheds some light on the finances of MLS teams. How are the Vancouver Whitecaps spending their money?

Struggling Galaxy likely to make final playoff push without captain Jelle Van DammeLA Times
It’s been more than a decade since Sigi Schmid coached a team to the end of an MLS season without reaching the playoffs. It’s been nearly as long since the Galaxy missed the postseason.

Toronto FC breaks new ground, but MLS still has player development issueESPN FC
Toronto FC has found a unique way — at least in the world of Major League Soccer — to compensate local area youth clubs for developing players.

All in the Family: Timbers keep former players in the foldMetro
Even though they retired after last season, three Portland Timbers didn’t ride off into the sunset. They moved from the field to the cubicle, so to speak.

How an elevated field will give Minnesota a proper stage for soccerFour Four Two
Minnesota United is about to move from one of the worst MLS venues to one of the best.

Canada WNT vs USWNT at BC Place, Vancouver – November 9 – Buy Tickets!

BC SOCCER NEWS

North American soccer boss says potential for World Cup games in Vancouver — his hometown — ‘a salivating prospect’The Province
There’s a long way to go, but North America’s top soccer official says Vancouver’s potential to be a World Cup host city is a very big deal for his home town.

‘This is my field of dreams.’ Karina LeBlanc Field unveiled in Maple RidgeCBC
Karina LeBlanc calls it her field of dreams: the place where she transformed from a shy and bullied girl into a confident young athlete.

‘Birds upended by Clan in exhibition playUBC
A slow start derailed the UBC Thunderbirds Wednesday night as they dropped a 2-0 decision to their crosstown rivals, the SFU Clan in exhibition play. The Metro Vancouver derby pitted a UBC side who finished fifth overall in U SPORTS last season against a SFU team ranked 13th in the NCAA Division 2 pre-season rankings.

WolfPack women’s soccer open pre-season with a lossCFJC
It’s just days away from the start of another Canada West University sports season, starting with soccer.

Solid showing on stateside swing for Cascades men’s soccerUFV
The University of the Fraser Valley men’s soccer team launched its 2017 campaign on a promising note, posting a winning record on a four-game exhibition jaunt through the northwest United States.

#TheNewWest: Canada West unveils fresh look, new digital assets Canada West
Canada West (CW) unveiled its new look Wednesday, releasing a fresh set of marks as part of the conference’s rebrand.

2017 Canada West Men’s Soccer ScheduleCanada West
Complete schedule for all Canada West Men’s Soccer teams.

2017 Canada West Women’s Soccer ScheduleCanada West
Complete schedule for all Canada West Women’s Soccer teams.

Memorable experience for KU/Junior Heat Kelowna Capital News
The Kelowna United/Junior Heat U13 and U14 soccer teams are back home after the trip of a lifetime.

Powell River Villa prepares for upcoming seasonPowell River Peak
Major changes are in store for Powell River Villa soccer club as it opens training camp for the 2017/2018 Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) season. The team has a new coach and is making a concerted effort to develop a youth movement as it will play in a lower division this year.

‘Caps players visiting Nanaimo for Hope and Health event on ThursdayWhitecaps FC
Hope and Health is an annual event that utilizes soccer to build resilience and connection amongst Aboriginal children and youth. More than just an event, Hope and Health is a movement to inspire hope, as well as improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and life conditions for Aboriginal children and youth.

Tracksuit Tales: For the love of the gameAFTN
Growing up in Squamish, soccer was my entire life. My family helped shaped the game here. My uncle played for the ‘Caps and the national team at the World cup. I put pressure on myself to get there too.

BC Soccer Web’s 2017 Soccer & Sports Book RecommendationsBC 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, 2017BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.

2016-2017 BC Soccer Year in ReviewBCSA
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, 2017BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.

Becoming a BC Soccer RefereeBCSA
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, 2016BC 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 SyndicationBC 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

Meet the Canadians leading the Summer Universiade medal chargeCBC
Roy-Petitclerc is a key member of Canada’s women’s soccer team for the Summer Universiade, which will be looking to build on its fourth-place finish from two years ago.

United Bid Committee Commences Outreach for Potential Official Host Cities in Bid for 2026 FIFA World CupCSA
The United Bid Committee of Canada, Mexico and the United States officially started its outreach for cities to declare their interest to serve as Official Host Cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ by sending Requests for Information (RFIs) to 44 cities across the three nations. The RFI asks each city to declare its interest to take part in the bid process by September 5, 2017.

Regina could be a ‘dark horse’ in 2026 World Cup bid: Sask. Soccer AssociationCBC
“The reality is from an outsider’s point of view, would they say Regina, a city of a couple hundred thousand is going to be the first choice for a FIFA bid for a world class event? Probably no,” Doug Pederson said Wednesday.

Fredericton Picaroons Reds win NB Cup men’s provincial finalCSA
Fredericton Picaroons Reds have rolled into the men’s Challenge Trophy finals in qualifying for the 2017 Toyota National Championships. The Fredericton club won 6:1 over Moncton Codiac in the New Brunswick men’s provincial championship.

League1 Ontario Week 15 Match ReportsNorthern Starting XI
Results and details from selected League1 Ontario Matches in Week 15.

NSSL women’s playoff preview: Halifax Dunbrack look to repeatChronicle Herald
Halifax Dunbrack is the reigning Nova Scotia Soccer League (NSSL) women’s playoff champion and on Aug. 18 the team will strive to cap off what has been a stellar two-year run in the domestic league.

Raheem Edwards embodies young and fearless Canadian teamCSA
Raheem Edwards is part of a growing group of young footballers eager to put Canada on the international soccer map. This summer, soccer pundits have been speaking highly about the 22-year old midfielder, who has earned plenty of minutes for his hometown Toronto FC, the best side in the MLS Eastern Conference.

No limits: Volunteers drive success of soccer group for kids with autismCBC
No Limits Soccer, a group in Fredericton for children with autism, is reaching new goals this summer with the help of two new leaders.

Connaught Series: Hamilton Westinghouse were first champions from OntarioCSA
http://www.canadasoccer.com/connaught-series-hamilton-westinghouse-were-first-champions-from-ontario-p161077
Albert Thombs was a Dominion of Canada Championship winner with Hamilton Westinghouse FC, captaining his side to the 1920 title at age 38. He was both the top scorer and hero of the 1920 Championship. As noted by the Montréal Gazette after a Thombs hat trick in the 1920 playdowns, he “still has all his old tricks at his toes and a fast-thinking brain in action.”

Rivalry Renewed: Tickets on sale today for Canada v USA at BC Place on 9 NovemberCSA
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 & NPSL NEWS

UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE

RIO GRANDE VALLEY vs. WFC2

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2017, 5:30 PM
H-E-B PARK, EDINBURG, TX.

USL suspends Myer Bevan three matchesWhitecaps FC
The United Soccer League announced on Wednesday that they have handed Whitecaps FC 2 striker Myer Bevan a three-match suspension after receiving a red card for violent conduct against Seattle Sounders FC 2 this past Sunday, August 13.

Fury falls in OrlandoOttawa Citizen
After the most tumultuous 72 hours in franchise history, the Ottawa Fury FC had to be relieved to spend 90 minutes back on a field and temporarily forget all the off-field distractions.

Head Coach Paul Dalglish resigns from Ottawa Fury FC; Julian de Guzman named interim Head CoachOttawa Fury
Ottawa Fury FC today announced that Paul Dalglish has resigned as GM and Head Coach. Julian de Guzman has been named interim Head Coach and GM.

Farago the latest Eddies keeper to earn starting spotlight FC Edmonton
It’s been a unique year for FC Edmonton goalkeepers this season, with all three keepers earning extended stretches as the club’s go-to between the pipes in 2017.

Charlotte’s Mizell Shuts Door on Steel FCUSL
Enzo Martinez had the only goal and Cody Mizell recorded a seven-save shutout as the Charlotte Independence took a 1-0 victory against Bethlehem Steel FC on Wednesday night at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Late call frustrates Armada in Puerto Rico loss Jacksonville.com
On Wednesday night, volleyball season came to the soccer field, and the Jacksonville Armada was the victim.

US Open Cup: Cinderella undone as Red Bulls rally to oust CincinnatiMLS Multiplex
NY Red Bulls advance to US Open Cup final with win over FC Cincinnati.

Republic FC Head Coach Paul Buckle Calls Sacramento the Land of Opportunity CBS Sacramento
To say that the Sacramento Republic FC have been in top-form as of late would be an understatement. Unbeaten in their last seven USL matches, the Republic are marching up the Western Conference standings with only 12 matches remaining this season.

The Miami FC Adds Italian Defender Alessandro Lambrughi in Fall Season PushMiami FC
“As I mentioned before, we have been looking to add some support in our defense,” said Head Coach Alessandro Nesta. “I think that Alessandro will do exactly that. He’s a player with years of experience in Italy and helped his team accomplish a lot. We hope that he can bring that passion and athleticism to our team.”

FCC coach sets sights on big leagueXavier Newswire
FC Cincinnati is nearing the final two months of regular season play in the United Soccer League (USL), and head coach Alan Koch has high hopes for his squad moving forward down the stretch.

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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS

Ten nominated to be The Best FIFA Women’s Player 2017FIFA
The winner of this award, as at the last edition when Carli Lloyd was named The Best FIFA Women’s Player 2016, will be chosen by a process involving the four main stakeholders involved in football: national team coaches, captains, selected media and the fans.

FA urged to publish full findings of Mark Sampson ‘racial’ remark probeESPN FC
The Football Association is facing growing pressure to disclose details of the investigation into former England Women striker Eni Aluko’s claim that a teammate faced a “racial and prejudicial” remark from coach Mark Sampson.

Ten names in the running to be The Best FIFA Women’s Coach 2017FIFA
A panel of women’s football experts have shortlisted ten head coaches for The Best FIFA Women’s Coach 2017 award.

A late Goal Gives FC Kansas City the Victory over Houston Prost Amerika
The Houston Dash lost more than just three points in their match against FC Kansas City on Sunday night. US National and Team Captain Carli Lloyd left the match during the first half due to an ankle injury. This adds another key player to the injury list, where Morgan Brian, Lydia Williams, and Kealia Ohai, have been for several weeks now.

Holly Quits as Sky Blue CoachEmpire of Soccer
In a sudden and unexpected move, Sky Blue announced that second-year head coach Christy Holly is stepping down.

VIDEO: One on One with Elaine Fleming Scottish WPL
Mark Gillespie goes one on one with Elaine Fleming covering a career retrospective, future aspirations and much more.

Women’s football tackling big issues in IndiaFIFA
In exactly 50 days time, the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 kicks off in New Delhi. As this is the first time a FIFA tournament will be held in India, it is no surprise that the event has been a hot topic among local media for several months. Yet youth football is not the only part of the beautiful game hoping for a boost in the world’s second most populous city.

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WORLD SOCCER NEWS

Real blanks Barcelona without Ronaldo to win Super CupSportsnet
Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-0 to complete a 5-1 victory on aggregate in the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday, dominating its fiercest rival without the need of Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale.

Barcelona Star Forward Luis Suarez Out for 4 Weeks With Knee InjurySI.com
Luis Suarez is facing up to a month on the sidelines after he suffered a knee strain during Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup defeat to bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Napoli takes first leg over Nice in Champions LeagueToronto Star
Dries Mertens started this season where he left off the last, setting Napoli on its way to a 2-0 win over nine-man Nice in the first leg of their Champions League playoff on Wednesday.

Europa League preview: Everton, Milan, Marseille take next stepsNBC Sports
The UEFA Europa League playoff round takes full flight Thursday, a day after Utrecht struck a blow for the Eredivisie with a 1-0 win over Zenit Saint-Petersburg in a Wednesday first leg.

2017/18 SBI Bundesliga Season PreviewSBI
As we near the beginning of another Bundesliga campaign, the main question is simple: can anybody stand in the way of Bayern Munich and their quest for a sixth consecutive league title?

First female ref set for German soccer top flightSportsnet
After a decade in Germany’s second division, Bibiana Steinhaus will make Bundesliga history this season by becoming the first woman to referee in the country’s top flight.

Echte Liebe (True Love): Nuri ŞahinThe Players’ Tribune
The drive from the hotel to the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund is just a few minutes. Just enough time to have a quick chat with whoever you’re sitting next to. I was sitting with Marcel, and I remember him asking for a bottle of water from the shelf next to me right after we had started moving. I reached over and then … BANG! An explosion blew in our window.

A dozen shortlisted to be The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2017FIFA
A panel of FIFA Legends have shortlisted 12 head coaches for The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2017 award.

Man City lay the groundwork for CFG acquisition of La Liga’s Girona Inside World Football
Manchester City owners City Football Group (CFG) look poised to complete the acquisition of their sixth club. La Liga’s Girona, promoted to Spain’s top flight this season, are currently hosting Man City and their management in a four-day training camp that ends today.

Turner Will Create New Streaming Service for UEFA Champions League in U.S.NY Times
Turner Broadcasting was a surprise winner earlier this year in the bidding for U.S. rights to the UEFA Champions League, Europe’s top club soccer competition. But what the company plans do with the rights may be even more surprising: Launch a stand-alone sports streaming service next year that will broadcast the vast majority of the games.

Letter to My Younger Self: Arjen RobbenThe Players’ Tribune
Dear 16-year-old Arjen, It’s Thursday afternoon, and mom’s been phoning your school. And phoning. And phoning. At first, you’re going to think something is wrong. Why wouldn’t you? Mom’s never tried to get a hold of you while you’re in class.

Why Arsenal legend Thierry Henry remains unique, as ex-striker turns 40 ESPN FC
Henry celebrates his landmark birthday on Thursday and his status as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever players remains unchallenged — especially in an era when most of the game’s biggest stars are playing in other countries. In honour of the French striker’s milestone, here’s a look at five things that made him so unique.

2017’s TOP SOCCER BOOKSAmazon.ca

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