WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
MLS MATCHDAY #4
WHITECAPS FC 1 HOUSTON DYNAMO 0
SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016
B.C. PLACE, VANCOUVER B.C.
Morales scores league-leading fourth goal of the season in 1-0 win over Dynamo – Whitecaps FC
With their starting centre backs away on international duty, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2W-2L-0D) picked up their first clean sheet of the season in a 1-0 win over Houston Dynamo (1W-2L-1D) – the highest scoring team in MLS – on Saturday night at BC Place.
Post Match Review: Vancouver Whitecaps Beat Houston Dynamo 1-0. – Eighty-Six Forever
After starting the season with two losses, the Vancouver Whitecaps have bounced back with two wins, against Seattle Sounders last week and this evening at BC Place against Houston Dynamo. The Whitecaps now move into a tie for 3rd in the West; albeit with one extra game played. After leading the league in clean sheets last season, tonight brought about David Ousted’s, and the team’s, first clean sheet of this season.
Houston Dynamo vs Vancouver Whitecaps Final Score: Penalty the difference maker as Dynamo fall on the road – Dynamo Theory
Jalil Anibaba was called for a very questionable penalty as Masato Kudo went down in the box. The Vancouver player didn’t look like he had any chance reaching the cross that was headed his general direction but it didn’t matter as the referee blew for a penalty anyways.
Vancouver Whitecaps get much needed home win – Soccer Shorts
So the Vancouver Whitecaps came away with three points, a clean sheet and a home win from their Saturday evening game against the Houston Dynamo and, given the depleted nature of their squad, a 1-0 victory is a more than acceptable return.
Preview: Whitecaps FC return to BC Place to host high-flying Houston Dynamo – Whitecaps FC
After two weeks on the road, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (1W-2L-0D) return to BC Place on Saturday to host the all of a sudden high-flying Houston Dynamo (1W-1L-1D).
MLS preview: Houston hot in attack but league must fix its broken schedule – The Guardian
The pick of the games sees the free-scoring Dynamo take on Vancouver, but scheduling fixtures during international week undermines MLS’s credibility.
Goal-hungry Kudo could get first start for Whitecaps on Saturday vs. Dynamo – Vancouver Sun
Whitecaps fans could get their first good look at Masato Kudo on Saturday. With Blas Perez away with Panama and the Caps securing a win in Seattle with two forwards on the field, coach Carl Robinson will be tempted to play Kudo alongside Octavio Rivero against the Houston Dynamo at B.C. Place
Whitecaps vs. Dynamo Preview – Prost Amerika
The Vancouver Whitecaps are coming off a 2-1 win last Saturday in Seattle to get back in the winning bracket after dropping their opening two matches to Montreal 3-2 and Sporting KC 2-1. The upcoming match against Houston is expected to draw a sellout crowd of 22,120 at BC Place.
VIDEO: Rebound on the Road | The Next 90 – Houston Dynamo
Matt Pedersen and Ben Crook take a look at the Houston Dynamo’s road trip to Vancouver to take on Whitecaps FC in The Next 90.
MLS Week 4 preview: a sparse weekend – Empire of Soccer
Major League Soccer is still playing through international dates, but this weekend’s schedule is heavily reduced as a result of the international break. Only six teams are in action, and they will be hampered by the scheduling.
Sounders sign former USMNT striker Herculez Gomez – SBI
The club announced on Thursday the signing of former U.S. Men’s National Team forward Herculez Gomez, who most recently played with Toronto FC in 2015.
Herculez Gomez Calls out Toronto FC Front Office After Signing with Seattle Sounders – Waking the Red
The ex-Toronto FC striker had some choice words about the team’s management, and how they treated his situation.
‘Toronto FC is on the hook’ for Herculez Gomez’s contract – Sounder at Heart
“Toronto is on hook for the contract,” Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey said according to the Tacoma News-Tribune. “To be clear, all of our ability to sign a Designated Player and potentially even a player beyond that is still intact. It’s why I say it’s a good value signing for us, and a really good veteran.”
Miami Beckham United acquires land needed for new Miami soccer stadium – MLS
Miami Beckham United (MBU) announced on Thursday that the group has purchased land needed to build a stadium for a prospective MLS expansion team in the Overtown neighborhood of Miami.
Orlando City say new signing Julio Baptista “fills all the criteria” – MLS
If Didier Drogba can continue to be a major goal threat for Montreal Impact at the age of 38, Adrian Heath sees no reason why 34-year-old Julio Baptista shouldn’t be a success with his Orlando City team this year.
A Day With D.C. United’s District Ultras – Soccer Bible
Not short of energy, the red, black and white club colours of D.C. United offer a glow of a tenacious fire in the belly of the ‘District Ultras’. A vocal fan group supporting their team, photography student Satrio Prabowo paints the picture of these passionate fans.
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
FIFA 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFIYING
CANADA 0 MEXICO 3
FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2016, 7:00 PM
B.C. PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.
PHOTO GALLERY: CANADA 0 MEXICO 3, MARCH 25, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie
Canada blanked by Mexico in World Cup qualifier – Sportsnet
Goals from Javier Hernandez, Hirving Lozano and Jesus Manuel Corona sank Canada 3-0 on Friday at BC Place in front of 54,798 fans, ensuring a harder road ahead for qualification to the 2018 World Cup in Russia for coach Benito Floro’s side.
Mexico dominates Canada in World Cup qualifying – CBC
Javier (Chicharito) Hernandez, Hirving Lozano and Jesus Manuel Corona scored Friday as high-flying Mexico dismantled Canada 3-0 in World Cup qualifying.
Canada keeps second, prepares for Azteca – CSA
Canada will hold second place in the CONCACAF semi-final stage of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifiers, stuck on four points after the third of six matches in Group A. The series continues in four nights in Mexico before the last two matches conclude the round in September 2016.
Soccer Capital of Canada: It’s a ‘perfect storm’ for soccer in Vancouver – Whitecaps FC
Over the next two weekends, over 100,000 spectators are expected to walk through the doors at BC Place. All to watch the beautiful game. Let that sink in for a second.
BC SOCCER WEB MATCHDAY: CANADA VS. MEXICO, FRIDAY, MARCH 25 – BC Soccer Web
BC Soccer Web has the biggest list of previews, stories and match analysis leading up to Friday’s important World Cup Qualifier against Mexico. Keep coming back as we get closer to kickoff for the latest updates.
Canada goalkeeper Erin McLeod injured in Champions League quarter-final – Toronto Star
An injury forced the Canadian international goalkeeper out of FC Rosengard’s 1-0 loss to FFC Frankfurt in Wednesday’s UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final.
Victor Montagliani’s CONCACAF Presidency Manifesto – IMGUR
A summary of CSA President Victor Montagliani’s vision for CONCACAF as he runs for President of the confederation.
After another contract controversy, Tosaint Ricketts looks to MLS – the11.ca
You wouldn’t blame Tosaint Ricketts if he asked for his next contract to be written and signed in blood. The Canadian forward is listed as Unattached on the national-team roster. He had been with Turkish side Boluspor, but became a free agent because the club didn’t honour his contract. Read: It didn’t pay him.
Capture the game in HD using aerial video, book now at www.gamevision.ca!
BC SOCCER NEWS
Whitecaps high on Glennon – Vernon Morning Star
With every touch Connor Glennon makes, he seems to rate higher evaluation marks from the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Youth soccer registration deadline looms – Parksville-Qualicum News
Spring soccer registration for the upcoming Oceanside Youth Soccer Society season continues this week, with the final deadline for guaranteed placement fast approaching.
The Port Moody Gunners have punched their ticket to the under-21 Fraser Valley Soccer League championships after a 1-0 win over the Port Moody Reds. The two teams will meet up next weekend on Port Moody’s Trasolini Field to duke it out for regional supremacy, after a season that saw the Gunners finish first and the Reds second.
Victoria Highlanders 2016 Season Tickets Now Available – Select Your Seats
The Victoria Highlanders are ready to return to the PDL for 2016. BC Soccer Web encourages all soccer fans on Vancouver Island to get behind their team. Season tickets are now on sale and extremely affordable. Support Local Soccer!
BC Soccer Assoc. is Now Accepting Candidates for its Board of Directors – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors for terms commencing June 11, 2016. Prospective candidates are invited to review the information provided on the BC Soccer web site www.bcsoccer.net. Candidates who provide notice to BC Soccer Assoc. of their intent to stand for election by May 1, 2016 will have their applications circulated to the membership in early May.
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.
WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
ORANGE COUNTY BLUES FC 0 WFC 2 1
SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016
ANTEATER STADIUM, IRVINE, CA.
Greig, Melvin lead Whitecaps FC 2 to 1-0 win over Orange County Blues FC in season-opener – Whitecaps FC
A young and shorthanded Whitecaps FC 2 side kicked off their second USL season on the road on Saturday evening, earning an impressive 1-0 victory over last year’s Western Conference champions Orange County Blues FC at Anteater Stadium.
Tough start: Orange County Blues 0, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 1 – Goat Parade
The Orange County Blues opened the 2016 USL regular season on Saturday at Anteater Stadium, as they lost 1-0 to Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2. Former OKC Energy FC midfielder Kyle Greig scored the winner off a set piece for the visitors.
WFC2 Season Preview: ‘Caps set to showcase team talent in second season – Whitecaps FC
The 2016 United Soccer League (USL) regular season kicks off this coming Saturday, March 26 when Whitecaps FC 2 visit Orange County Blues FC.
USL Week 1 Preview: Looking For A Fresh Start – Empire of Soccer
The USL 2016 season is here and starts off with one of the league’s newest and most anticipated teams taking the field on Friday night in Bethlehem Steel FC. Also joining the fray are FC Cincinnati as they travel to South Carolina to play the Charleston Battery and Orlando City B hosting the Wilmington Hammerheads.
USL Preview: What’s new in 2016 – Soccer America
The USL kicks off Friday when Sacramento Republic FC travels to Seattle Sounders 2 and expansion Bethlehem Steel FC plays at FC Montreal. Bethlehem FC is one of six new teams as the USL has expanded to 29 teams. For a look at all the new teams, owners and stadiums as well as the new coaches.
LA Galaxy II kick off 2016 season motivated to win their first USL championship – LA Galaxy
Galaxy II forward Jack McBean can’t watch the match’s final 10 minutes because it’s simply too painful. Head coach Curt Onalfo said the memories remain unsettling even after five months have passed. Defender David Romney still is bitterly disappointed, and he didn’t even make the trip.
Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Seattle Sounders 2 – Indomitable City Soccer
It’s finally here, everyone. After a long and occasionally painful off-season and an exciting but hard-to-watch pre-season, the Sacramento Republic 2016 USL Regular Season starts today.
Riverhounds notebook: USL president eyes 2nd-division status for league – Trib Live
One day before the 2016 USL season kicks off with games in Montreal and Seattle, league president Jake Edwards spoke at length about the future.
NASL to sign TV broadcast deal with beIN Sports – The Telegraph
The North American Soccer League is about to significantly widen its reach with a TV broadcast deal with beIN Sports, The Telegraph has learned.
Follow BC Soccer Web on Twitter and get news throughout the day!
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Injuries forcing Sky Blue’s Cutshall to sit out 2016 NWSL season – Empire of Soccer
Defender Lindsi Cutshall, who was one of the top defenders in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), is the latest Sky Blue FC player who won’t be back this summer.
Defensive minded Red Stars: A preseason glance – Midfield Press
“Defense wins championships…” It’s a quote coined by famed college coach Bear Bryant and has been echoed throughout various sports scenarios since it has been uttered into existence. In soccer, a strong back line and a goalkeeper who can demonstrate leadership of that back line is essential to a successful team. When the Chicago Red Stars announced their preseason roster it featured several defenders and goalkeepers.
England women reach highest ever position in Fifa world rankings – The Guardian
England are officially among the world’s top four women’s sides for the first time, after moving up to fourth in the latest Fifa world rankings, which were released on Friday.
Johan Cruyff, who has died at the age of 68, was one of football’s greatest and most significant figures. The proof lies in two phrases with which he will always be synonymous.
‘One of the best:’ Lenarduzzi, ‘Caps mourn the passing of Dutch legend Johan Cruyff – Whitecaps FC
Dutch soccer great Johan Cruyff has passed away after battle with lung cancer, his website confirmed Thursday. Many consider Cruyff to be one of the greatest footballers of all time. And Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi is one of them.
Johan Cruyff Leaves Understated Legacy in American Soccer History – Soccer Nation
What was Cruyff’s time like in Southern California? Like subsequent stars who moved to the United States late in their careers, Cruyff and his family relished the sense of anonymity they felt in LA. At the same time, the team benefited from the Dutch star’s presence, as he became a draw and helped attendance reach its peak for the club at an average of more than 14,000 a game in 1979.
Jordi Cruyff has expressed thanks for the tributes to his father, Dutch footballing great Johan Cruyff. The former Barcelona and Ajax forward died of cancer, aged 68, on Thursday.
Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a 2-1 win over Chile in South American qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
Argentina and Colombia were victorious on their respective visits to Chile and Bolivia, in the process bunching together the standings in the South American qualifying competition for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia with all but one fixture from Matchday 5 having been played.
Saudi Arabia, Japan and Thailand progressed on the penultimate matchday, joining Qatar and Korea Republic in the next round. In the process, the Saudis and Japanese both won to secure at least a place among the four best runners-up. The Thais, for their part, sealed progression as clear group winners after they held hosts Iraq to a 2-2 draw.
Unfit and underwhelming: Man United’s Schweinsteiger gamble has backfired – Goal
The German midfielder’s season is over after his latest knee injury, but his return of only 13 league starts is consistent with his struggle to stay fit in recent years.
Pay to play going nowhere fast in Timbers Academy setup – Prost Amerika
The Oregonian’s Steve Duin recently wrote an article about the evolution over the past few years in youth soccer, primarily how the Portland Timbers and their parent company, Peregrine Sports, LLC are now in the driver’s seat for youth development in Oregon and SW Washington, for good or ill.
My Lunch with Santiago – Prost Amerika
In my head he’s the long haired young cat #25 who played for the Cosmos. At the pub I almost expect to see that guy… wearing a Cosmos jersey…walking in. But time waits for no man…but luckily, to quote John B. Priestly “A good holiday is one spent among who’s notions of time are vaguer than yours!” So I’m expecting a good time and a jolly good conversation. Santiago Formoso is a player that soccer fans in America should know about.