BC SOCCER WEB WORLD CUP CENTRAL
Every day, we’ll bring you all of scores, news and best writing from around the web from the 2018 World Cup.
Bob Lenarduzzi: Portugal and Uruguay square off in elimination round beauty – Edmonton Journal
The knockout stage at Russia 2018 kicks off this weekend. The group matches brought us many dramatic finishes and last-minute goals. What will the round of 16 offer?
France take on Argentina in a round of 16 clash of giants – Futbolgrad
The round of 16 kicks off provides viewers with one of the biggest matchups at the World Cup yet. One time world champion France will face two-time world champions Argentina.
Uruguay v Portugal: Soares backs Ronaldo to see off Suarez and Cavani – Four Four Two
Uruguay’s Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are aiming to end Portugal’s run at major tournament, with Cristiano Ronaldo in the other corner.
Players from Premier League, Spanish league scoring the most – Miami Herald
Players from the Premier League and the Spanish league scored nearly half of the goals at the World Cup in the group stage.
Belgium stay perfect, England finish second – FIFA
With both teams already through to the Round of 16 before a ball had been kicked and relatively little riding on this encounter, the England and Belgium coaches rang the changes compared to their previous fixtures. As a result, there was unsurprisingly a disjointed and somewhat subdued feel to the game right from the off, with many players struggling to find their bearings.
Tunisia wins its first World Cup game in 40 years – The Star
Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazri set up a second-half goal and then scored one of his own to help his side secure its first victory in a World Cup in four decades.
La Roja on red alert over defensive lapses – FIFA
Despite progressing to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 as group winners, La Roja have not had the same aura about them as during their warm-up friendlies. In particular, there are concerns in the camp over the number of goals they have conceded. Mindful that a single mistake in the knockout stage can mean packing your bags, they are desperate to find the solution sooner rather than later.
Spain coach Hierro backs de Gea – NBC Sports
Fernando Hierro has made it clear who he thinks will be starting in goal for La Furia Roja.
Japanese fans look beyond tactics to celebrate victory – London Free Press
Japanese soccer fans on Friday debated their team’s controversial tactics at the World Cup, with most accepting them as an inevitable outcome of the tournament’s tiebreaking format.
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse says he can’t ask players to avoid yellow cards – African Football
Senegal became the first team in World Cup history to be eliminated through FIFA’s fair play rules, but their coach remains adamant that he would not have instructed his players to play any differently.
FIFA to review fair play tiebreaker but unlikely to change – Sportsnet
FIFA plans to review a rule that resulted in Senegal being eliminated from the World Cup because it had more yellow cards than Japan, but is unlikely to remove the measure.
Africa’s early exits leave the World Cup a poorer place and a continent with work to do – Inside World Football
Over a generation has gone by since Pele famously predicted than an African team would win the World Cup by the year 2000. But if anything African football, which has long been clamouring for more World Cup slots, has gone backwards.
World Cup 2018: VAR system ‘fine-tuned’ after criticism – BBC Sport
VAR officials have been told to look out for certain incidents at the World Cup following criticism about unpunished off-the-ball shirt-pulling.
Iran striker retires from team at 23 after online insults – Delta Optimist
Online bullying has just cost Iran one of its top players. Forward Sardar Azmoun said Thursday that he’s retiring from the national team. The 23-year-old Azmoun was the target of numerous attacks on social media after failing to score in any of Iran’s three group matches at the World Cup.
Can the World Cup help elect controversial Mexico legend Cuauhtémoc Blanco? – The Guardian
Mexico’s love affair with football could help a politician with a dubious background become a very powerful man.
For Russia’s smallest World Cup city, moment of fame over too soon – Yahoo Sports
Saransk, the smallest of Russia’s World Cup venues, is adjusting to life without world-class football and the joie de vivre of enthusiastic foreign fans, after hosting its final game of the tournament. And for some, it’s all over too soon.
‘I love football because it’s the opposite of science: contradictory, primitive, emotional’ – The Guardian
At this World Cup, more than ever before, we want to know everything with mathematical precision, even though football is beautiful when two and two don’t make four. Or when South Korea beat Germany, say.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. COLORADO RAPIDS
MLS MATCHDAY #18
SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2018, 4:00 PM PT
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.
TV: TSN 1 & 4 RADIO: TSN 1040 ONLINE: TSN DIRECT
Episode 279 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Sideshow Meh – Vancouver v Colorado Preview Show plus World Cup chat) – AFTN
Joe and Gideon look ahead to the match, discussing such things as what threat Colorado pose Vancouver, whether the Rapids have turned things around after last week’s win, and what changes we might see to put some spark back into the Whitecaps.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Colorado Rapids | 2018 MLS Match Preview – MLS
The winless streak is no more for the Colorado Rapids, who dramatically defeated Minnesota United, 3-2, for their first victory since April 14 — an agonizing stretch of nine winless games. They head to BC Place to take on an angry Vancouver Whitecaps FC side that had a six-match unbeaten streak snapped Saturday night in a 4-0 drubbing by the Philadelphia Union.
Alphonso Davies named to 2018 MLS All-Star Team as commissioner’s pick – Whitecaps FC
Major League Soccer announced on Friday that the Homegrown midfielder has been named to the 26-man roster for the 2018 MLS All-Star Game, pitting the best of MLS against Italian giants Juventus FC on Wednesday, August 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Point to prove: Henry hoping to shed ‘injury prone’ label and rebuild career in Vancouver – Whitecaps FC
After mutually parting ways with English Premier League club West Ham United FC in December, Doneil Henry knew his next move would have to be his “biggest one.”
‘Big Man’ Kendall Waston back on campus with the Whitecaps – The Province
The Vancouver Whitecaps’ training room at UBC erupted in cheers and joy Wednesday morning, triggered into a jubilant, chaotic mass of players after seeing their captain score for Costa Rica at the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls | 2018 MLS Match Preview – MLS
For the first time since a contentious Eastern Conference Semifinal series and that now infamous halftime tunnel tussle, Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls meet at BMO Field. Both teams, though, look vastly different several months removed from that incident.
Savarese pleased with progress, but knows form won’t matter vs. Seattle – MLS
“It’s important that we struggle now,” Portland Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese said following a 4-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls in early March. Since those early hard times, it’s become somewhat of a fair question to wonder whether Savarese’s men will ever struggle again.
Orlando City winger Justin Meram released by club for three days due to ‘personal reasons’ – Pro Soccer USA
Embattled Orlando City winger Justin Meram has been released by the club for three days due to “personal reasons,” a club official confirmed Friday morning.
DC United: What Wayne Rooney brings to MLS’ bottom club – MLS Multiplex
It’s official, Wayne Rooney is headed to Major League Soccer as a member of DC United. So, what is he going to bring to a club that seems destined for another bottom of the table finish?
Minnesota United’s Collin Martin Announces He’s Gay Ahead of Team’s Pride Night – Bleacher Report
Martin added that he has been out to his family, friends and teammates for many years and that their support made coming out publicly “that much easier.”
Calendar: MLS, Week 18 – Soccer America
Complete listings for MLS Week 18.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Call for interest for 2018 TD Diploma course – BCSA
Based on the level of interest, BC Soccer is planning to host a 2-day Technical Director’s course in late November or early December of 2018 (dates and location TBA). If you are interested in this course, please let BC Soccer so they can update you.
U13 girls team wins title – Tri-City News
It was a happy ferry ride home from Vancouver Island for the Coquitlam Metro-Ford U13 girls soccer team.
P.G. Sports Hall seeking nominations – Prince George Citizen
Our city is blessed with sports heroes who have brought national and international attention to Prince George.
PHOTOS: BC Provincial Men’s A Cup: BCT Rovers Tigers Utd. 5, Langley Utd. 2 (XT) – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
PHOTOS: 2018 BC Provincial Cup Parade of Champions – BC Soccer Web
See the winners from the 2018 BC Provincial Cup.
TSS Rovers release Season Tickets for the 2018 season – TSS Rovers
A great summer of soccer is in store at Swangard Stadium with the PDL & WPSL TSS Rovers. Season yickets are only $70.
Victoria Highlanders FC 2018 Season Tickets now on sale – Victoria Highlanders
Spend your summer with the PDL Highlanders at Centennial Stadium for only $75.
Canada’s College ID Camps set for Shawnigan Lake & Kingston, Ontario – Canada College ID Camps
Our purpose is to provide a space where players grade 9-12 can connect with college coaches from all levels in Canada and the USA. We hope to assist in the promotion of youth players into environments which will challenge them academically and athletically after high school.
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
Stephen Hart named head coach of Halifax Wanderers – Chronicle Herald
One of Nova Scotia’s most recognizable soccer figures will guide the new Halifax Wanderers Football Club.
Hart to lead Halifax Wanderers as the club’s first coach and GM – the11.ca
The Canadian Premier League’s silly season for coaching announcements continued Thursday, as Halifax Wanderers unveiled former Canadian national-team boss Stephen Hart as the man who will lead the club in its inaugural season.
Stephen Hart Returns to the Halifax Sideline with Deep City Roots – Halifax Wanderers
It took a nudge of encouragement from fellow Trinidad and Tobago student Geoff Agostini to convince a young Stephen Hart to leave home and join him in Halifax, where the man who would one day lead soccer in Nova Scotia first donned the shirt of the Saint Mary’s Huskies in the early 1980s.
AS Blainville Raise the Bar in Canadian Championship Run – The Link
PLSQ Champions “Paved the Way” for Amateur Teams, Says Macagno.
Sigma’s Smith Goal Separates Sigma From North Miss In Local Derby – League1 Ontario
https://www.league1ontario.com/news_article/show/930617
Sigma FC earned a hard fought three points after defeating North Mississauga Panthers 1-0 during the Mississauga derby.
Toronto FC to open Canadian Championship defense vs. Ottawa Fury – MLS
Toronto FC will seek to lift the Voyageurs Cup for a second straight year and seventh time overall when they open defense of their Canadian Championship against the Ottawa Fury FC in a two-legged semifinal series beginning July 18.
Jordan Jeffery to Take Over as Technical Director with MJS – Discover Moose Jaw
Jordan Jeffery is hoping to make some changes to soccer in the Friendly City after taking on the role of Technical Director with Moose Jaw Soccer this month.
Youth soccer coming to La Ronge – MBC Radio
A group bringing soccer to the La Ronge area made a presentation last night to La Ronge town council. Autumn Carlson is with the Lac La Ronge Tri-Community Soccer Association, she says youth soccer will begin this summer.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Match Preview | Ottawa Fury FC at FC Cincinnati – Ottawa Fury
Bring it on! That’s the attitude that Ottawa Fury FC players seem to have adopted as they continue to tackle their demanding playing schedule. Fury FC are back on the road again as they face FC Cincinnati this weekend. This will mark their sixth game in just 18 days, with five of those being away games. But Fury FC haven’t let the strenuous timetable get to them and have put on a strong show.
NYRB II Visit Louisville in Eastern Conference Finals Rematch – NYRB
New York Red Bulls II return to the road as they face Louisville City FC on Saturday, June 30th.
Cowlishaw Leaves Huge Legacy with Kickers, USL – USL
When Leigh Cowlishaw arrived in Richmond, Virginia, almost 30 years ago as a freshman on the University of Richmond’s Men’s Soccer Team, it would have seemed inconceivable as to the influence the native of Burton-on-Trent in England would have on the city’s soccer community in the years that followed. He stepped down after 19 seasons as the Head Coach of the Richmond Kickers on Tuesday to focus on his role as the club’s Director of Soccer.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
The Week in Women’s Football: African Women’s Cup of Nations/World Cup second round qualifiers – Tribal Football
This week we review the 7 Confederation of African Football second round ties held earlier this month for the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, which doubles as the 2019 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. These two leg ties were held from June 7 through June 12, which saw one 2015 WWC finalist fail to the make the African Finals in November in Ghana.
Houston Dash steal a victory at Orlando Pride in the NWSL opening match of the week – Vavel
Late goals from Kealia Ohai and Sofia Huerta lift the Houston Dash over the Orlando Pride in Orlando, Florida Wednesday night.
Sky Blue FC draws Portland Thorns, sets mark for longest NWSL winless streak – Pro Soccer USA
Sky Blue FC got a late goal from star Carli Lloyd, but it wasn’t enough to avoid taking over the record for the National Women’s Soccer League’s longest winless streak.
Christen Press Makes Utah Royals FC Debut in Scoreless Draw – Last Word on Soccer
The veteran forward made her debut for the Royals against Seattle Reign FC on Wednesday night. Despite sending seven shots in, with four ranging on goal, the Royals couldn’t capitalize. Instead, the Royals settled for a scoreless draw with Seattle.
NC Courage makes long-anticipated move, brings home former Tar Heel Heather O’Reilly – Charlotte Observer
The North Carolina Courage acquired the rights to Heather O’Reilly and a 2019 NWSL second-round draft pick from the Utah Royals in exchange for Makenzy Doniak and a 2019 third-round pick.
Lights, camera, soccer action: Expansive docuseries about NC Courage in the works – WRAL Sportsfan
Within the genre of sports documentaries, those chronicling women’s soccer typically focus on national teams and players, often in preparation for the World Cup or Olympics.
New Zealand football boss quits after player mutiny – Charlotte Observer
New Zealand Football chief executive Andy Martin resigned on Friday ahead of an investigation into the conduct of national women’s team coach Andreas Heraf which led to complaints by team members.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Athletic to sign €20m Berchiche – Football Espana
Athletic Club Bilbao will complete the signing of Paris Saint-Germain defender Yuri Berchiche today, according to reports.
Mohamed Elyounoussi signs for Southampton from Basel for reported £16m – BBC Sport
Southampton have signed attacking midfielder Mohamed Elyounoussi for a reported £16m from Basel.
Fellaini signs new deal to stay at Man United – NBC Sports
After months of speculation, Marouane Fellaini has tied himself down to Manchester United, at least for the near future.
Calum Chambers: Arsenal defender set for new four-year contract – BBC Sport
Arsenal defender Calum Chambers is set to sign a new four-year deal with the club – and boss Unai Emery wants him to compete for a starting position at centre-back.
Casanova returns to Toulouse ‘full of ambition’ – Ligue 1
At the dawn of his second stint with the south-western club, Alain Casanova spoke of his ambitions with Toulouse FC before announcing the arrival of ‘keeper Baptiste Reynet.
Besart Berisha leaves Melbourne Victory as an A-League great – The Guardian
The A-League has lost perhaps its greatest striker after Besart Berisha secured a lucrative move to Japan. Nearly two months after hinting at a move abroad, the competition’s most prolific scorer has joined J-League leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Serbia soccer official and ex-player Bunjevcevic dies at 45 – London Free Press
Serbia soccer official Goran Bunjevcevic, a former Red Star Belgrade captain and Tottenham defender, has died. He was 45.
Beach Soccer strikes landmark live-streaming deal with mycujoo – Inside World Football
BSWW is the organiser of the European Beach Soccer League (now called the Euro BS League) and the Pro Beach Soccer Tour, and has been a trailblazer for beach soccer, working closely and organising the Beach Soccer World Cup for FIFA.
Kevin Ellison: Morecambe midfielder gives depression advice to fellow professionals – BBC Sport
Morecambe midfielder Kevin Ellison says three fellow footballers have already visited him seeking advice since he revealed he is living with depression.