WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Whitecaps FC announce 2016 MLS season TV schedule – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today their 2016 MLS regular season TV schedule. Canadian national television network TSN will once again broadcast all 2016 Whitecaps FC MLS matches live across Canada.
Preview: ‘Caps off to Portland for final tune-up before First Kick – Whitecaps FC
After opening the preseason with three straight wins in Tucson, Arizona, Vancouver Whitecaps FC are off to Portland today for three more matches as part of the 2016 Simple Invitational, which will serve as a final tune-up before First Kick on March 6.
Fire v Whitecaps – preseason match preview – Chicago Now
If this were a regular season contest, the odds would be stacked against the Fire. As it is, anything can happen in preseason when clubs are trying to regain fitness and work on different elements of the side. Martin Tomszak is back with a look at the Fire’s opponent on Sunday. (2:30 PT at Chicago-fire.com)
Will Tesho Akindele step up with the loss of Blas Perez? – Big D Soccer
A few offseason moves gives FC Dallas four current forwards: Tesho Akindele, Coy Craft, Carlos Lizarazo and Maximiliano Urruti. While that’s a formidable squad as a group, only two at most would play at a time and with that in mind, it’s somewhat of a hole in an otherwise solid roster.
EXCLUSIVE: MLS clubs ready to snap up Yaya Toure – The Daily Star
The unsettled Manchester City star is expected to leave the Etihad when Pep Guardiola takes over as boss in June. And Major League Soccer clubs are queuing up to land the midfielder.
VIDEO: Meet Gershon Koffie – New England Revolution
Jeff Lemieux sits down with midfielder Gershon Koffie, who was acquired via trade with Vancouver last week.
Orlando City sign Italian star Antonio Nocerino after trade with DC United – MLS
Orlando City announced the long-rumored addition of Italian midfielder Antonio Nocerino to the team on Thursday. As part of the deal, Orlando City sent an undisclosed amount of targeted allocation money and general allocation money to D.C. United, who initially held a discovery claim on the player.
Mansally’s impact at RSL was greater off the field than on it – RSL Soapbox
Yesterday, Real Salt Lake traded Abdoulie Mansally to Houston Dynamo. The response from vast swathes of fans was quick, and it was unhappy.
Montreal Impact Lose 1-0 to NYCFC in Split Squad Game – Mount Royal Soccer
IMFC are 0-1 one game into the Rowdies Suncoast Invitational preseason tournament. Coach Mauro Biello fielded two different lineups over the two halves.
MLS to Experiment with Instant Replay at Portland’s Simple Invitational – Northern Pitch
This past January sources reported that MLS commissioner Don Garber was open to instant replay. He said the league would try to adapt it experimentally in 2016. Northern Pitch has learned that MLS and PRO will make their first foray into video replay starting this weekend in Portland at the Simple Invitational tournament.
Philadelphia Union’s CJ Sapong aims for 20-goal season in 2016 – MLS
Despite dealing with injuries, a suspension and the natural adjustments that come with joining a new team, C.J. Sapong had a productive season for the Philadelphia Union last year, finishing with a team-leading nine goals and enjoying a scorching run of games over the summer.
After strong rookie season in MLS, Marquez appears ready to take next step in development – Philadelphia Union
Now 23, Marquez will be relied upon heavily to anchor the team’s defense. Curtin announced he’ll move Edu to the midfield to start the year, and with the Union moving on from Steven Vitoria and Ethan White, Marquez is now the elder statesman in the middle.
How the Toronto Argonauts 2016 Schedule Will Affect Toronto FC – Waking the Red
Maybe this odd roommate situation is going to work out after all for Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts. Much ink has been devoted to this odd BMO Field union, especially with regards to the impact it will have on the playing surface. There was worry that the Argos would tear up the pitch under Friday night lights, leaving Toronto FC with a mine field to play on shortly thereafter.
Follow @bcsoccerweb on Twitter and get news updates throughout the day!
BC SOCCER NEWS
United Div. 1 women win league table – Nanaimo News Bulletin
With a league title on the line, Nanaimo United’s top women’s side left no doubt. The team clinched first in the Lower Island Women’s Soccer Association’s Div. 1 with an 11-0 win over Cowichan on Saturday at Merle Logan Field.
KYSA Holds Spring Break Camps in Kamloops – KYSA
The Kamloops Youth Soccer Association (KYSA) is offering two, four-day “Get Ready For Soccer” indoor camps during Spring Break! The first camp will run from Monday, March 21 to Thursday, March 24. The second camp will run from Tuesday, March 29 to Friday, April 1.
MWSL Soccer Player Needs your Help – Go Fund Me
We are the Women’s SFC Rangers and we are asking for support from the general public as well as our fellow soccer communitee to help raise funds for our friend and teammate, Mariah. Mariah a 21-year-old female, came to Canada as a refugee from Africa in 2015. On Feb. 7, she was brutally assaulted at Newton Athletic Park. To help Mariah get back on her feet we have started a campaign to raise funds to assist in her recovery and are appealing to the public to help us.
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 vs. MEXICO, March 25, 2016 @ BC PLACE STADIUM. Buy Tickets Today!
CONCACAF WOMEN’S OLYMPIC QUALIFYING
SEMI-FINAL
CANADA 3 COSTA RICA 1
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016
BBVA COMPASS STADIUM, HOUSTON, TX.
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Rio bound! Canada qualifies for Olympic Games! –CSA
Canada will have the chance to defend their Olympic bronze medal this summer after they earned their third-straight qualification through a 3:1 win over Costa Rica. Canada qualified for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by winning their semi-final match at the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship on Friday night.
Preview: Canada to play Costa Rica in semi-final with Olympic qualification on the line – CSA
Canada’s Women’s National Team all important semi-final match at the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualification Tournament against Costa Rica is the game the team has been focusing on and planning for over the past few months. With a spot at the Rio Olympics on the line, nothing will be left to chance when the teams clash on Friday, February 19th at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas. (LIVE on Sportsnet ONE 17:15 ET/14:15 PT).
Rio Olympics on the line for Canada in CONCACAF semis – CBC
The all important semifinal match at the CONCACAF Olympic qualification tournament against Costa Rica is the game Canada’s senior women’s team has been focusing on and planning for over the past few months.
Next Generation Impressing For Canadian Women’s National Team at Rio Qualifiers – Waking the Red
The next Christine Sinclair has yet to emerge from Canada’s youth crop, but that hasn’t stopped the group from proving the women’s team has a promising future.
Canadian defender Kadeisha Buchanan named to FIFPro Women’s World XI – Toronto Sun
The 20-year-old from Brampton, Ont., has been named to the inaugural FIFPro Women’s World XI, as voted on by female players around the world. FIFPro is the global soccer players’ association.
Diana Matheson’s presence allows Canada to breathe – Toronto Star
Midway through the first half of an Olympic qualifying match against Trinidad and Tobago earlier this week, the Canadian women were looking tense. Pre-tournament criticism over a lack of prowess in front of the net was clearly in the back of the team’s mind. Canada needed something to turn the tide. Up stepped midfielder Diana Matheson.
Karina LeBlanc: Soccer made me fully human – CBC
Coach John Herdman said to me ‘If you think your purpose on this earth is to play soccer for Canada, then I have failed you.” In that moment, he switched my mindset because John always thought I was meant to do more. He made me reconsider my purpose on this earth.
Calgary Youth Soccer Club Inks Partnership Agreement With West Ham United North American Academy – Market Wired
Cal-glen Soccer Club, based in Calgary has just signed a partnership agreement with West Ham United’s North American Academy.
BC Youth Soccer Player Development
(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our new section on BC Youth Soccer Player Development; a new resource designed to help youth coaches and players. Throughout the week, we’ll feature news, drills and videos from the most noted professionals in the field of player development. If you have any articles or resources you enjoy, send them our way, and we’ll share them with the BC Soccer community.)
Ruth Fahy: Attitude reflects leadership – Continental Tyres Women’s National League
One can see it in the WNL. Strong teams have strong leaders, and it is clear to see from teams at the top of the league that this is the case. Playing against the likes of UCD Waves and Shelbourne Ladies, one can sense leadership in numbers, and this is taken into account when completing opposition analysis and game preparation.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
Whitecaps FC add Residency graduate goalkeeper Sean Melvin to WFC2 roster – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the addition of Victoria, BC native Sean Melvin to the club’s Whitecaps FC 2 roster for the 2016 United Soccer League season.
WFC 2 Top Trinity Western University 5-0 in Pre-Season – Eighty-Six Forever
The Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 earned their second win of the post-season in a lop-sided, 5-0 win against Trinity Western University on Thursday. While the USL team had gone with a hybrid lineup that included some MLS players in the first match of the pre-season, this lineup was wholly comprised of guys who will fight for time on WFC2 this season, and the club didn’t miss a beat.
Hellmann, Haber on Target as WFC2 Sweeps to Win – USL
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 got a pair of goals apiece from Chris Hellmann and Daniel Haber as it swept to a 5-0 victory against Trinity Western University on Thursday afternoon.
USL partners with Alianza de Futbol – Soccer America
The United Soccer League reached an agreement with Alianza de Futbol to become the exclusive domestic professional league partner of the leading promoter of youth and amateur Hispanic soccer in the United States that has developed its reputation for showcasing players to Mexican clubs.
Modern NASL all-time leading goal scorer signs with Miami FC – Miami FC
Miami FC announced the signing of Brazilian striker Pablo Campos today. The former Minnesota United forward has played in the North American Soccer League (NASL) since 2011 and became the first modern day NASL player to reach 50 career goals.
Fury FC forming new chemistry on and off field – Ottawa Citizen
For Ottawa Fury FC, what happens off the field may be every bit as important as what happens on it as the team looks for more North American Soccer League success.
Yasmani Duk confirms transfer to New York Cosmos – Empire of Soccer
For weeks, Bolivian striker Yasmani Duk has been rumored to join the New York Cosmos. On Thursday, he took to social media to set things straight.
Strikers Partner With Fort Lauderdale FC, Establish Youth Development Pyramid – Ft. Lauderdale Strikers
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers took a massive step forward in its youth development efforts by forming a partnership with premier youth soccer program Fort Lauderdale FC, the club announced today. The partnership creates a developmental pyramid and a direct path for Fort Lauderdale FC’s youth players to progress to Fort Lauderdale Strikers U-23, and ultimately, the club’s professional team that competes in the North American Soccer League.
Fort Worth Vaqueros Focused On Growing Soccer In DFW – Midfield Press
While the club has no immediate plans to create a professional team at the NASL or USL level, the long term vision for the Vaqueros is conducive to doing just that. However the priorities today are focused on youth talent development in the local area, including plans for a cost-free youth academy.
BC Soccer Web is on Facebook! Visit us Today!
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
FIFPro reveals first Women’s World XI – SI.com
FIFPro, the world union of soccer players, has revealed its first Women’s World XI to SI.com, and it’s a welcome step in the growth of women’s soccer around the world. FIFPro has released a men’s World XI since 2005, and this women’s list includes votes from women’s players of 33 different nationalities.
USWNT lead way with four on first Women’s World XI – The Equalizer
FIFPro announced the first-ever Women’s World XI on Thursday, a world all-star team selected by players from across the globe. Four players from the United States team which won the 2015 Women’s World Cup title are on the list.
US women aim to book their ticket to Rio with victory over downcast T&T – The Guardian
The US play Trinidad & Tobago in Houston on Friday night with an Olympic place at stake – and Carli Lloyd wants a fast start to allay any doubts of an upset.
My Letter to Jill Ellis – Midfield Press
I know a lot of people are upset about Heather O’Reilly and Whitney Engen being left off the roster and how they are not impressed totally by these young ones or how you are playing everyone, I believe they need to breathe.
How does Sauerbrunn keep getting snubbed? – The Equalizer
Another day, another snub for Becky Sauerbrunn. It’s baffling how Sauerbrunn, arguably the best defender in the world and linchpin to the United States team which won the 2015 Women’s World Cup, was left off yet another all-star team.
Arsenal Ladies sign Josephine Henning from Paris Saint-Germain – Sky Sports
Arsenal Ladies have completed the signing of Germany international Josephine Henning from Paris Saint-Germain.
A Day With: Manchester City and England captain Steph Houghton – Sport360
At just 27-years-old, Steph Houghton is reaching the peak of her career but she already has the honour of leading Manchester City and England women’s teams in her captaincy role.
Florence Omagbemi appointed interim coach of Super Falcons – Goal
The former Nigeria Women captain has been named as acting coach of the team ahead of its qualification games for the 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE 2016 SCHEDULE – NWSL
A sampling of some of the key matches fans can look forward to seeing this season.
Nixon takes Women’s Development role – New Zealand Football
New Zealand Football confirmed on Thursday the appointment of Holly Nixon to the position of Women’s Football Development Manager.
Manchester City Women thump sister club Melbourne City 3-0 in Abu Dhabi – Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: Manchester City Women Football Club cruised to a 3-0 victory over sister club Melbourne City FC in the Fatima Bint Mubarak Challenge in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday evening.
City slicker Asllani likes what she sees in Manchester – The Football League Paper
Swedish international Kosovare Asllani says she is 100 per cent sure she will enjoy her football this year after making the move to Manchester City Women last month. Asllani, 26, has played in some of the biggest leagues in the world, including the US and France, as well as last season’s Champions League final with former club Paris St Germain.
Connect Your Business to Soccer in BC! Advertise with BC Soccer Web
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Lenarduzzi: Gunners gunning for third straight FA Cup – The Province
The FA Cup fifth round kicks off on Saturday, starting with Arsenal hosting Championship side Hull City. The Gunners are gunning for their third straight FA Cup title, which hasn’t been done since 1886 with Blackburn Rovers.
European Weekend Preview: Chelsea-Man City; Napoli-AC Milan and more – SBI
Fresh off a tough 2-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, Chelsea hosts Manchester City in the biggest fixture of Round 5 of the FA Cup. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur-Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth-Everton also pit two Premier League clubs against another.
Man City will prioritise Champions League over FA Cup – Manuel Pellegrini – ESPN FC
The City boss has suggested he will play a young team for Sunday’s game with Chelsea with the club flying to Ukraine for their Champions League last-16 tie with Dynamo Kiev 24 hours later.
Louis van Gaal fighting for Manchester United future after humiliating defeat at FC Midtjylland angers fans and media – The Telegraph
Van Gaal, though, is a proud and stubborn man and, as he admitted before the game here in Denmark, he came to Manchester United to win silverware and the Europa League is certainly a competition this team should be good enough to win on paper.
As Manchester United tumble, there is no sign Louis van Gaal will get it right – The Guardian
United are drifting dangerously and questions regarding Van Gaal’s future as manager are not the only ones that need to be addressed at Old Trafford.
Manchester United: Computer games or watching your team? – BBC Sport
Plenty of Manchester United fans will wish they had played computer games rather than watch the club’s dismal 2-1 Europa League defeat at FC Midtjylland on Thursday. But for a player on their books, that’s exactly what happened – he was unaware that his club were even playing.
Klinsmann Looks Ahead to World Cup and Olympic qualifiers – Empire of Soccer
After a pair of wins to close out January camp, Jurgen Klinsmann and his staff are now focused on a crucial 2016 for the United States Men’s National Team.
Liga MX Talking Points: Enticing Clasico Joven, Chivas on the ropes – Goal
It’s almost like the Mexican soccer media talks about Chivas too much. Almost. It may be tiresome to have the league’s 15th-placed team, one of three without a win yet this campaign, continue to dominate the headlines. But the fact is Chivas is one of Mexico’s largest clubs and interest surrounding the team is huge.
Romanian football: Clubs in deep debts keep players as ‘slaves’ – BBC Sport
Under Romanian law, a club that enters administration does not have to pay or release players until it gets its finances in order. The players are considered assets of the club.
Exclusive: AFC cancels pre-FIFA Congress meeting fuels wild speculation – Inside World Football
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has scrapped its regional summit scheduled for the eve of next week’s FIFA presidential election in Zurich, fuelling the ever intriguing rumour mill and conspiracy theories over whether some kind of last-minute unexpected move is in the offing.
FFA chief executive David Gallop slams Tim Cahill over attack on A-League’s ‘vision’ – Sydney Morning Herald
Football Federation Australia chief executive David Gallop hit back at Tim Cahill’s suggestion football administrators lack vision for the A-League, claiming the Socceroos star turned down the chance to play in Australia in pursuit of more lucrative offers.
League Two Bristol Rovers taken over by Jordan’s Al-Qadi family – ESPN FC
Bristol Rovers have announced they have been taken over by the Al-Qadi family from Jordan. The family have taken a 92 percent shareholding in the League Two club, who are eighth in the table and only one point shy of the playoff places.
Analytics: Europa League vs. Champions League – Sportsnet
As a second-tier tournament, the public fandom and often times managers see the Europa League as a potential testing ground for youngsters, players who struggle for consistent minutes, formations and tactical strategies.
Armenian Premier League – The Smallest League in Europe – Futbolgrad
The Armenian Premier League is now the smallest national league in Europe, but that is not the only piece of bad news. According to the French newspaper L’Equipe, the league is also on the verge of losing its professional status, because there is no club to fill the gap from the First Division, and there are rumors that UEFA considers any league with less than eight teams as an amateur competition.