VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
Budget-minded Robinson rebuilds Whitecaps on the fly, again – The Province
Sports fans in Vancouver can be forgiven if the “rebuild” word sounds tiring, but it’s a way of life for the Vancouver Whitecaps and Carl Robinson, who don’t remain married to their mistakes or experiments.
Who is Alphonso Davies? The MLS teen sensation invited for a trial by Man Utd – SN
On the pitch, Canada international Alphonso Davies is a chaotic blur. Blink and you might miss him.
What to do with Alphonso Davies in 2018 – Eighty-Six Forever
The Vancouver Whitecaps have a potential superstar on their hands. Whether he achieves that stardom or not depends on what the club does with him next. Manchester United trial is a good start, but what about MLS 2018 and beyond?
59 players eligible for Stage One of MLS Re-Entry Draft – MLS
Major League Soccer today announced the players eligible for the 2017 MLS Re-Entry Process. A total of 59 players are eligible for selection in the 2017 MLS Re-Entry Draft, with Stage 1 to be conducted at 12 p.m. PT on Friday, Dec. 15.
LA Galaxy acquire defender Jorgen Skjelvik – LA Galaxy
The LA Galaxy have acquired central defender Jorgen Skjelvik on a free transfer, the club announced today. Skjelvik, 26, has represented Rosenborg BK and Stabæk in Norway and Kalmar in Sweden, in addition to representing the Norwegian national team throughout his career, most recently helping Rosenborg to a first-place finish in Norway’s Eliteserien. He will officially join the Galaxy’s roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC and will occupy an International roster spot.
MLS champion Toronto FC starts work on shaping 2018 roster by opening up space – Times Colonist
MLS champion Toronto FC started work on next season’s roster Thursday, declining contract options on eight players.
Seattle Sounders acquire Columbus Crew defender Waylon Francis, re-sign goalkeeper Bryan Meredith – Sounders FC
On Thursday, the Seattle Sounders acquired the rights to veteran defender Waylon Francis from Columbus Crew SC in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money. The 27-year-old fullback made 83 MLS appearances in four seasons with Columbus. Additionally, the Sounders have re-signed veteran goalkeeper Bryan Meredith.
LAFC confirms second DP signing with Uruguayan Diego Rossi – NBC Sports
It’s been a fast and furious few days for Los Angeles FC, and that continued on Thursday with the signing of the organization’s second Designated Player.
With help from Angel, new LAFC DP Diego Rossi fits “new narrative of MLS” – MLS
At last, LAFC confirmed the long-rumored Designated Player signing of attacker Diego Rossi from Uruguayan side Peñarol on Thursday. After seeing some video clips of Rossi’s play, LAFC GM John Thorrington and head coach Bob Bradley made the trip to Montevideo to watch him live.
Stuart Holden: Houston – Players’ Tribune
I still remember the day my parents told us kids we were moving from Aberdeen, Scotland, to Houston, Texas. The two of them gathered the whole family around the dinner table and my mom said, “Hey, we’re going to go on a family vacation to Disney World this summer!” But my parents weren’t quite finished. Unbeknownst to us, my dad had just secured a new job in the oil industry. And that meant that we were going to America for more than just a summer vacation.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
VISL Division 1 Upcoming Matches – December 15-17, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
A quiet weekend ahead as we almost get into our Xmas break.
Councillor admonishes staff – Castanet
West Kelowna staff were tasked to take over a proposed soccer dome in the city. Coun. Duane Ophus provided much of the tongue-lashing over the pace of negotiations, of lack therein, with the Westside Youth Soccer Association.
Canadian legends Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil team up for Individualized Coaching Program – Dasovic-Neil Coaching
Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil have teamed up to provide training programs for players & coaches. The programs specialize in individual, positional, age, and gender specific training for players, with a combined technical and physical focus while providing education and mentorship opportunities for coaches to improve their skills and deepen their knowledge base.
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!
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 SOCCER NEWS
Canada Soccer announces Kadeisha Buchanan wins second Canadian Player of the Year award – CSA
Kadeisha Buchanan of the Women’s National Team has been named Canadian Player of the Year for the second time in three years as part of the 25th edition of the Canada Soccer Player Awards. Buchanan from Brampton, Ontario was honoured from a vote shared by Canadian coaches and media as she continues her rise as one of the game’s most dominant centre backs in the world.
Kadeisha Buchanan caps remarkable year with top Canadian female player award – Medicine Hat News
Defender Kadeisha Buchanan capped a remarkable campaign overseas Thursday with a domestic triumph, earning Canadian female soccer player of the year honours for the second time in three years.
Canadian women finish 2017 at No. 5 in FIFA world soccer rankings – Globe & Mail
The Canadian women’s soccer team will finish the year unchanged in fifth place in the FIFA world rankings.
Canada Soccer holds final National EXCEL U-20 camp ahead of CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship – CSA
Canada Soccer has invited 28 players to the final U-20 women’s camp of 2017 from 10 to 17 December in Burnaby, BC. The camp is a key touchpoint ahead of January’s CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championship in Trinidad and Tobago, which serves as the qualification tournament for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018 held later in the year.
Provincial soccer association honours Harbour Grace’s Don Coombs – The Compass
A pivotal player in the Conception Bay North soccer scene is receiving a special honour for his ongoing commitment to the sport.
State of the game in Canada: 2017 season in review – Red Nation Online
It cannot be denied that the 2017 Canadian Soccer Season was an extraordinary year. This description is appropriate as the word for the season, even moreso than remarkable.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
USL Austin franchise hitting make-or-break point as MLS talks delayed – Statesman
As the Austin City Council puts off a discussion regarding Major League Soccer, a scenario could unfold that leaves Austin with no professional soccer club in 2019.
North Carolina FC Welcomes Former Liga MX Goalkeeper Austin Guerrero to 2018 Roster – North Carolina FC
North Carolina FC has bolstered its goalkeeping position with the signing of former Liga MX goalkeeper Austin Guerrero. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
All-League Selection Forbes Flips to Phoenix – USL
Midfielder recorded 10 goals, nine assists for SAFC in 2017 season.
Orange County SC bring back Zach Kobayashi, Richard Chaplow for 2018 season – Angels on Parade
Orange County SC announced this week the first two players returning to the roster for the 2018 season, midfielders Zach Kobayashi and Richard Chaplow.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Costa Rica win women’s football gold at Central American Games – Inside the Games
Costa Rica beat hosts Nicaragua in the women’s football final as action continued today at the 2017 Central American Games in Managua.
FIFPro women’s football survey published – FIFPro
FIFPro today publishes the 2017 FIFPro Global Employment Report on working conditions in professional women’s football. The report covers pay, tournament prize money, education, childcare, discrimination and match-fixing.
Pregnant Chelsea Ladies manager calls lack of childcare support for players ‘an absolute disgrace’ – The Telegraph
The manager of Chelsea Ladies has said the lack of childcare support received by women in professional football is an “absolute disgrace” after it was revealed that she is pregnant with twins.
Sky Blue job no stepping stone for Jersey girl Denise Reddy – The Equalizer
When Denise Reddy took the head coaching job at Sky Blue FC she was not only returning to the club she helped found in 2008. Denise Reddy was coming home to New Jersey.
How the Juventus women’s team is shaking up Italian football – The Local
After 120 years, Juventus Football Club — also known as The Old Lady of Turin — has finally opened its doors to an elite women’s team, which is shaking up the world of women’s football in Italy.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Bob Lenarduzzi: ‘Spurs forced to kick it up a notch to upset Man City – The Province
Manchester City hosts Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, and the question on everyone’s mind is, can anybody stop City?
Manchester City-Tottentam tilt highlights European soccer weekend – Toronto Star
City looking for a record-extending 16th consecutive win in English Premier League play, in Italy, Serie A leader Inter Milan faces a potential giant killer.
Lyon and Marseille clash in Olympico – Ligue 1
Olympique Lyonnais and Olympique de Marseille meet on Sunday in a game that could decide which of them is on the Ligue 1 Conforama podium come Christmas.
Bundesliga Matchday 17 Preview: Fall Finale – Prost Amerika
With the midweek matchday 16 in the bag the final matches for the Hinrunde, the fall season finale of the Bundeslgia is finally here.
Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad ready to renew a special Basque derby rivalry – ESPN FC
It will all start around 11 o’clock on Saturday morning — derby day — at one of the most emblematic locations in central Bilbao. Athletic fans in red-and-white-striped shirts will confront Real Sociedad fans in blue and white and try to wind them up, get the better of them, by going through a catalogue of carefully-crafted put-downs of their rivals and eulogies of their own cause. When they’ve had a go, la Real’s fans will have a go back.
FIFA corruption trial ends with closing arguments: ‘They have a theory that everyone in soccer is dirty’ – Toronto Star
Closing arguments at the U.S. corruption trial of three former South American soccer officials concluded Thursday with deliberations set for Friday.
FIFA-gate closing: Marin, Napout and Burga argue that Burzaco and the agencies are the real crooks – Inside World Football
As the three former South American football powerbrokers who have been on trial in New York for their alleged roles in the FIFA-gate scandal nervously await the jury’s verdict, the lawyer for one of them, former Brazilian FA boss Jose Maria Marin, wound up his defence Thursday by claiming his client had little idea about the $200 million bribery and corruption scheme.
FIFA suspends Brazilian soccer president Marco Polo del Nero – Sportsnet
Marco Polo del Nero was suspended Friday as the head of the Brazilian soccer confederation, a move that could bring him closer to facing trial in the United States on charges of racketeering and money laundering.
World Players Association launches Universal Declaration of Player Rights – Uni Global Union
Today, the world’s leading player associations unveiled the Universal Declaration of Player Rights (the Declaration) to protect players from ongoing and systemic human rights violations in global sport. The Declaration, the first comprehensive articulation of athletes’ rights, sets a benchmark for international sporting organisations to meet their obligations to protect, respect and guarantee the fundamental rights of players.
Herrera’s rebuilding of America among biggest takeaways from Liga MX draft – ESPN FC
Wednesday’s Liga MX draft provided more bang for the buck than originally anticipated. Winter meetings in Mexican football usually feature a smaller number of transfers as teams have a shorter amount of time to gear up for the following season. But this time around, the shortened transfer window was no impediment to a few blockbuster deals getting done.
VAR technology takes another hit as trust in video refs waivers – Inside World Football
The International FA Board will decide in early March whether to give the green light to Video Assistant Referees (VARs) but findings of the initial test phase suggest an over-reliance on the technology.
Rab Douglas emerges from ‘scary, lonely’ place of bankruptcy – BBC Sport
There’s a fair sprinkling of acceptance in Rab Douglas’ voice as he dissects his career; one littered with success and crushing lows. These extremes have been mirrored in Douglas’s off-field life, too.
Paulo Wanchope on ‘secret’ to Costa Rican success, why kids should play multiple sports, and USA’s qualifying failure – Soccer America
Costa Rica was Concacaf’s most successful team at the last World Cup. Drawn into a group with three former world champions – Uruguay, Italy and England – the Ticos won the group, and their round of 16 game against Greece before falling to the Netherlands on penalty kicks in the quarterfinals.
VIDEO: On the road with Grêmio and Lanús fans at the Copa Libertadores final – The Guardian
Nothing in South American football tops a Copa Libertadores final. With that in mind, we set off to Porto Alegre and Buenos Aires to make two short films
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle to marry on same day as FA Cup final – SN
The couple will tie the knot at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, but Prince Harry may well hope that his beloved Arsenal do not reach the showpiece at Wembley.
2017’s TOP SOCCER BOOKS