VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
2018 MLS SuperDraft: LAFC select Joao Moutinho No. 1 overall – MLS
With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, expansion franchise Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) selected Generation adidas defender Joao Moutinho from Akron.
Kei Kamara in Vancouver “to be a leader” and win a championship – AFTN
He’s only been in Vancouver for around 24 hours but already Kei Kamara is ticking all the right boxes, saying all the right things, and looking like a welcome addition to the Whitecaps.
Who’s it going to be? Three potential ‘Caps SuperDraft selections – Whitecaps FC
Now that the adidas MLS Player Combine is complete, all 23 Major League Soccer teams are preparing to select from a new crop of prospects in the upcoming SuperDraft, which will take place Friday morning in Philadelphia.
2018 MLS SuperDraft Stream, Picks, Full Results – SI.com
The draft is a four-round affair, with the first two taking place as part of the national soccer coaches’ convention, and the following two taking place over a conference call two days later.
Whitecaps FC honoured at 2017 MLS Club and Executive Awards – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC were honoured on Thursday with two 2017 MLS Club and Executive Awards, recognizing individuals and clubs for outstanding contributions off the field during the 2017 season. The ‘Caps collected the following awards:
VIDEO: Becoming Canadian: The Alphonso Davies Story – YouTube
In 2017, Alphonso Davies became a Canadian citizen and earned his first call-up to the senior men’s national team. This is his story. A story of hardship. A story of triumph. A story of Canada. (Editor’s note: This film won the Whitecaps Digital Team a MLS Award for best digital content experience.)
Kei Kamara has MLS Cup on his mind in Vancouver: “Bring on the pressure” – MLS
For all the rebuilding that Carl Robinson has done with his Vancouver Whitecaps side these past few years, the position that’s been a consistent thorn in his side has been that of striker.
Whitecaps arriving into 2018 with a whimper? – Soccer Shorts
It’s all a bit underwhelming really isn’t it? I’m talking about life in general of course but it also applies to what we’ve seen from the Vancouver Whitecaps during the off-season so far.
The Top Six Weirdest Vancouver Whitecaps Transfers in the MLS Era. – Eighty-Six Forever
Yesterday we learned that Nosa Igiebor won’t be back in a Vancouver Whitecaps shirt. According to AFTN the Whitecaps were willing to sign Nosa at his option price but Nosa and his camp decided to try to squeeze some extra money out of the Whitecaps and this caused negotiations to break down.
Vancouver adds versatile Juarez, formerly of Monterrey, Celtic – NBC Sports
Efrain Juarez is bringing his game to Major League Soccer.
TFC looks to find value in SuperDraft’s No. 23 spot – Toronto Star
GM Tim Bezbatchenko says Reds aren’t expecting to land a star with late pick, but to find a useful piece for future.
Opinion: It’s time to move on from the MLS Draft – MLS Multiplex
Once used as a fair and even way for college players to be spread to rosters, the MLS Draft is far from what it used to be.
Impact to sign defender Zakaria Diallo, Brest sporting director says – Montreal Gazette
French soccer club Stade Brestois has announced that it terminated the contract of Zakaria Diallo so the central defender can sign with the Montreal Impact.
Canadian international full-back Michael Petrasso joins Impact – Montreal Impact
The Montreal Impact announced on Thursday that it has come to terms on a two-year deal, with an option for 2020, with Canadian international right-back Michael Petrasso.
Lions deal Rafael Ramos for rising star midfielder Cam Lindley – Pro Soccer USA
Orlando City acquired touted young midfielder Cam Lindley from the Chicago Fire in exchange for Rafael Ramos, a veteran Lion who showed potential to be an elite defender but was hounded by hamstring injuries.
Chicago Fire GM Nelson Rodriguez explains Lindley to Orlando deal – MLS
In January 2017, Chicago Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez met with Academy product Cam Lindley about the prospect of leaving college after just one year. The University of North Carolina midfielder was coming off a standout freshman season – 21 starts, seven assists and ACC Freshman of the Year honors, among other awards – but said he wanted to stay with the Tar Heels for another year.
Dynamo acquire midfielder Darwin Ceren in trade with San Jose – Houston Chronicle
The Dynamo added some hustle and tenacity to their midfield on Friday by trading Darwin Ceren of the San Jose Earthquakes.
Is Providence Park a viable long-term home for the Portland Timbers? – Oregonian
The Portland Timbers began construction at Providence Park this offseason on a $55 million-plus expansion project that is set to add approximately 4,000 seats to the stadium.
Howard Webb replaces Peter Walton as boss of MLS referees – Sportsnet
Howard Webb is replacing Peter Walton as general manager of the Professional Referee Organization, which manages on-field officials for leagues in the United States and Canada, including Major League Soccer.
Atlanta boss believes US approach has helped MLS join global football economy – Shropshire Star
Atlanta United’s English president Darren Eales believes Major League Soccer has entered football’s “global village” and should not be “bashful about being American”.
MLS extends deal with Southern New Hampshire University – Mississauga.com
Tesho Akindele realizes a career as a soccer player can be fleeting at best. The FC Dallas forward went to college but never finished before he was drafted by the Major League Soccer team in 2014. A partnership between MLS and Southern New Hampshire University allowed him to wrap up his bachelor’s degree. But Akindele has taken it a step further. He’s about to start working toward his master’s in finance.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
VISL Division 1 Upcoming Matches & Standings – BC Soccer Web
As we head into the final stretch, the Division 1 standings are tight, but there is definitely some separation happening.
VMSL Round-up: Pegasus keep pressure on leaders Rovers Tigers as relegation battle gets tighter – AFTN
With the majority of teams having five games remaining, there are some exciting battles ahead in the run in to the 2017/18 VMSL Premier Division season, with the title, relegation, and Provincial Cup places still all very much up for grabs and there could be some dramatic movements in the weeks to come.
Cascades men’s soccer program signs seven B.C. standouts – UFV Cascades
The University of the Fraser Valley men’s soccer team has expanded its roster by seven, signing a talented group of local high schoolers.
Quest coaches give New Year’s fitness tips – Squamish Chief
What follows is some advice on how Joe or Jill Average can acquire the drive of a soccer striker along with the explosiveness of a basketball star.
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.
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
Huitema leads Canada to 3-1 win in CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championship opener – Whitecaps FC
Jordyn Huitema scored two goals and added an assist in Canada’s 3-1 win over Costa Rica on Thursday in their first match of the CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championship.
Canadians survive defensive howler, bizarre offside call – the11.ca
A first-half howler from Canadian defender Hannah Taylor put her team behind the eight ball in their opening match of the CONCACAF U-20 Championship.
Rebecca Quinn goes third overall in NWSL draft, highest Canadian ever taken – Hamilton Spectator
Duke defender-midfielder Rebecca Quinn became the highest Canadian ever taken in the National Women’s Soccer League draft when she went third overall to the Washington Spirit on Thursday.
Sunil Gulati says global perceptions of US could hit 2026 World Cup bid – The Guardian
The US is widely seen as a favorite to win the bid for the 2026 tournament, which it plans to co-host with Mexico and Canada. However, a new Gallup poll of 134 countries shows global approval for the US has fallen from 48% under Barack Obama’s presidency to 30% after one year of Donald Trump. According to the survey, Germany and China are now seen as more reliable world leaders than the US.
Did Trump’s ‘s***hole’ comments turn a 2026 ‘Dead Cert’ into football’s poisoned pill? – Inside World Football
The global perception of the United States under Donald Trump could pose a direct threat to the country’s bid to jointly stage the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico according to bid leader Sunil Gulati.
AUDIO: Clanachan: We are going to create a professional soccer economy – TSN
A feature chat with the commissioner of the Canadian Premier League, David Clanachan. The CPL is set to launch in April 2018 with between 8 and 10 clubs across Canada – it already includes teams in Winnipeg and Hamilton. David informs us interest in the league from markets right across the country is at an all time high.
John Herdman ready for challenge transition to men’s game presents – Sportsnet
Canadian soccer went through one of its biggest shake-ups ever last week when John Herdman replaced Octavio Zambrano as coach of the national men’s team.
74 Current And Former League1 Ontario Men’s Players Leave Mark In NCAA DI 2017 Season – League1 Ontario
Seventy-four current and former League1 Ontario players plyed their trade south of the border in the NCAA division I in 2018, with several making quite an impression.
Eight Yukoners play on Whitecaps regional teams – Whitehorse Daily Star
Yukon soccer players are on the national radar thanks to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC youth soccer academy.
Setters Place opens this Saturday – Red Deer Express
Setters Place at Great Chief Park is Red Deer’s brand new four-season sports park and pavilion, featuring a three story modern pavilion building overlooking the river and brand new synthetic sports field regulation sized for both soccer and football in the warmer months, and a 400m outdoor speed skating oval in the winter.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Canadian International Aleman Joins Republic FC – USL
Sacramento Republic FC announced on Thursday it had signed Canadian international Keven Alemán for the 2018 USL season, with a club option for the 2019 season, adding another strong piece to the club’s midfield for the upcoming campaign. The signing is pending league and federation approval.
Los Zorros add familiar faces in ex-Fuego standouts – Fresno FC
Fresno Football Club has announced the signing of three former Fresno Fuego players in goalkeeper Agustin Rey, midfielder Jose ‘Chiva’ Cuevas and forward Renato Bustamante, pending league and federation approval.
San Antonio Re-Signs Texas Native Tyrpak – USL
Texas native Kris Tyrpak will return for his second season with San Antonio FC in 2018 after the club announced on Thursday it had re-signed the midfielder pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
‘A shambles – nobody has thought about the players’: Irish contingent caught up in US chaos – The 42
A CIVIL WAR is being waged within US soccer and some Irish players are caught up in the crossfire.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
USWNT stars Carli Lloyd and Christen Press, league MVP Sam Kerr, swap teams in blockbuster NWSL trade – SB Nation
Three of NWSL’s biggest stars swapped teams in a draft-day trade on Thursday. Two-time FIFA World Player of the year, Carli Lloyd, has moved from the Houston Dash to Sky Blue FC, 2017 NWSL MVP, Sam Kerr, went from Sky Blue to the Chicago Red Stars, and USWNT forward Christen Press has swapped Chicago for Houston.
Rory Dames speaks on mega trade involving Press, Lloyd, and Kerr – The Equalizer
Over the years, the Chicago Red Stars have developed a reputation for dominating the NWSL draft and, surely, the 2018 edition will go down as no exception.
NWSL draft brings surprises, drama, and trades – ASN
In a day full of surprises, high drama, and a trade involving the game’s biggest stars, the National Women’s Soccer League conducted its annual draft on Thursday at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
Hope Powell: Being First – Coaches’ Voice
Why me? I asked myself that question over and over again. I didn’t get it. Why ask me to be the England manager? Did someone else say no and I’m second, or even third, choice? I needed to understand it.
Kyah Simon opens up on moving to Melbourne City and her role in the club’s Indigenous Recognition celebrations – Fox Sports
IT hasn’t taken Kyah Simon long to feel at home at Melbourne City. The Matilda attracted plenty of surprise when she elected to switch clubs ahead of the current season. After all, she’d been the face of Sydney FC for almost her entire W-League career.
Emma Hayes: My Calling – Coaches’ Voice
I knew the trophies would come. It was always going to happen, because this was absolutely my calling. I’ve been coaching since I was just 20 years old. At that age you think you can rule the world, and part of me was tempted to try.
Women football tournament sheds light on UN Sustainable Development Goals – Gulf News
A number of women from across the UAE came together on Friday to raise awareness on gender equality and UN Sustainable Development Goals by participating in the region’s first Global Goals World Cup tournament.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
European Weekend Preview: Lyon hosts PSG, Roma travels to Inter, and more – SBI
116 combined goals have been scored between Paris Saint-German and Lyon so far this Ligue 1 season which is the most between the top two sides in any of Europe’s top five leagues. The two free-flowing attacks will be on display again this weekend at the Parc OL as Lyon tries to catch up in the standings.
Bob Lenarduzzi: Crystal Palace turnaround one of big stories this season – The Province
One of the big stories of this Premier League season has been the turnaround at Crystal Palace under Roy Hodgson who took over in September.
Paris united for top-of-the-table Lyon clash – Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain versus Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday: A battle between first and second in Ligue 1 Conforama, and a chance for PSG to prove nothing can get in their way of a seventh French title.
The PSG-Neymar show rolls on – but is it more celebrity than sport? – The Guardian
An hour into Paris Saint-Germain versus Dijon at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday there was a scramble in the Dijon penalty area, the thrilling spectacle of three world-class players tussling over the ball in the tightest of spaces.
Real Madrid ends winless run with late Asensio goal in Copa del Rey – Sportsnet
Real Madrid took a small step toward ending its crisis by defeating Leganes 1-0 with an 89th-minute goal by Marco Asensio in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals on Thursday.
IFAB head to Zurich for crucial talks on whether to implement VAR at Russia 2018 – Inside World Football
Football’s lawmaking body, the International FA Board, has confirmed that video assistant refereeing will be the main focus of attention at Monday’s interim business meeting in Zurich.
Bayern signs Germany midfielder Goretzka from rival Schalke – NBC Sports
Bayern Munich signed Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka on Friday on a free transfer from Bundesliga rival Schalke effective from next season.
Fernandinho follows Otamendi in signing new deal at Man City – Metro
Brazil midfielder Fernandinho signed a two-year contract extension with Manchester City on Friday, two days after the Premier League leaders tied Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi to a new deal.
Tottenham favourites to sign Brazilian star Malcom from Bordeaux for £35m – The Telegraph
Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the favourites to sign the Brazilian winger Malcom from Bordeaux for an initial fee of around €40 million (£35.3m).
Han Kwang-Son – Juventus, North Korea and the Soviet Precedent – Futbolgrad
It is one of the more bizarre transfer stories involving an Italian Serie A club this season. Juventus Turin are interested in signing North Korean forward Han Kwang-Son from the Italian Serie B side Perugia. On loan from Cagliari Calcio, Han Kwang-Son has scored seven goals and three assists in 17 games for Perugia Calcio this season, and Juventus believe that the North Korean forward can help them secure a more significant market share in the growing Asian market.
Pele in hospital: Brazil legend ‘collapsed with exhaustion’ – BBC Sport
Brazil legend Pele is in hospital after collapsing on Thursday with exhaustion. The 77-year-old was due to travel to London this weekend for a dinner held in his honour by the Football Writers Association (FWA).
Chelsea accused in Fifa inquiry of breaking rules on signings of 25 minors – The Guardian
Chelsea have been accused, after an initial Fifa investigation, of breaking the rules on the signing of 25 foreign players under the age of 18. The number of cases could rise, with the matter now in the hands of the governing body’s disciplinary committee, which has the power to impose sanctions – chief among them a ban on transfers.
Premier League looks into growing fees pocketed by agents – The Telegraph
The Premier League and the EFL have launched reviews into the regulation of football agents amid growing concerns over the rising amount of money that is being paid to intermediaries who represent players, Telegraph Sport understands.
China reins in Tevez-like spending with view to World Cup success – The Guardian
Carlos Tévez has returned to Argentina and now China has started to focus on fewer big-money imports and more homegrown players.
La Liga’s Leganés plead with pushy parents with moving letter: “Mum, Dad, what are you doing?” – AS
The letter, which is displayed by the club at the entrance to the pitches used by its academy teams, seeks to stamp out a growing trend in the youth game: pushy parents’ abusive touchline behaviour towards players, coaches, match officials and fellow spectators as they watch their aspiring futbolista in action.