COLUMBUS CREW vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
MLS MATCHDAY #5
SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2018, 12:00 PM, PDT
MAPFRE STADIUM, COLUMBUS, OH.
TV: CTV, TSN 4, TSN 5 RADIO: TSN RADIO 1040 ONLINE: TSN GO
Columbus Crew SC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 2018 MLS Match Preview – MLS
Heading into the final games of the first month of the 2018 season, Columbus Crew SC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC currently find themselves tied atop their respective conferences with Crew SC sharing the lead in the East with NYCFC with 10 points apiece, while the Whitecaps FC and Sporting Kansas City each have seven points to top the West.
Whitecaps will look to use Crew’s strengths against them – The Province
The prospect of a Whitecaps win in Columbus on Saturday is a 50-50 proposition.
Who Starts at Centerback for Vancouver Whitecaps Beside Kendall Waston? – Eighty-Six Forever
With the departure of Tim Parker just prior to the start of the 2018 season, a hole opened up in the Vancouver Whitecaps centerback pairing. While we know that Kendall Waston will be starting most matches, who should occupy the position beside him?
Crew Cuts: Berhalter: Zack Steffen ‘fine’ after USMNT friendly – Columbus Dispatch
Zack Steffen appeared to land awkwardly on his ankle late in the second half of the United States men’s national team’s Tuesday friendly against Paraguay and limped near the goal moments after the final whistle. Worry not, Crew fans. Steffen is ‘fine,’ according to Crew coach Gregg Berhalter.
Whitecaps aren’t firing on all cylinders — and Carl Robinson knows it – Vancouver Sun
Asked Wednesday about what his team was missing in last weekend’s tepid 0-0 draw with a woefully understaffed LA Galaxy squad, Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson was blunt.
Kamara keeping controversial departure from Columbus behind him: ‘That’s way gone’ – Whitecaps FC
As Vancouver Whitecaps FC head to Columbus this Saturday to face an undefeated Crew SC side, many eyes will be on the return of Kei Kamara to the team that drafted him in 2006. As Kamara said this week, “there’s a lot of history” there.
Whitecaps loan Myer Bevan to Swedish club – The Province
The New Zealander has been loaned to Sweden’s Husqvarna FF, the Whitecaps announced Wednesday afternoon.
Radio Cascadia – Episode 145 – Border Crossing – AFTN
Well, that was technically an unbeaten weekend for our Cascadian sides — it just didn’t feel like it!
Minnesota United fans welcome club’s to-be first designated player, Darwin Quintero – Jamestown Sun
Darwin Quintero was stopped by soccer fans every few feet for autographs and photos while walking though Mexico City’s airport terminal to his departure gate Wednesday, March 29. Nicknamed “the scientist” after his namesake, 19th-century scientist Charles Darwin, the 30-year-old Colombian has built up a strong following in Latin America.
Toronto FC vs. Real Salt Lake | 2018 MLS Match Preview – MLS
No one is pushing the panic button yet in Toronto, especially with the Concacaf Champions League semifinals against Club América on the horizon, but Toronto FC would like to avoid opening the season in too deep of a hole in the ultra-competitive Eastern Conference. They will also look to avoid becoming the first defending champion to open the season with three straight losses, per Elias Sports Bureau
Rivalry Or Not?: Even Altidore Is on the Fence – Mount Royal Soccer
A statement made by Jozy Altidore of Toronto FC leaves the Impact community a little on edge.
FC Dallas sign forward Maxi Urruti to new three-year contract – MLS
FC Dallas’ top striker should be staying in the role for the foreseeable future.
Two-striker formation presents challenge for young Philadelphia Union back line – The Brotherly Game
Colorado Rapids first Union opponent this year that employ two players up top.
Kljestan looking forward to first match against former team when Red Bulls visit Orlando – SBI
Sacha Kljestan and Orlando City are still very much in an adjustment phase. The veteran midfielder is still getting familiar with his new home after missing the season’s opening matches due to suspension while the Lions have struggled to find much cohesion on the field.
Portland Timbers have tough lineup decisions at center back after impressive debut by Bill Tuiloma – Oregonian
Bill Tuiloma is only 23-years-old, but he has already competed alongside some of the world’s most elite players after spending five years with French club Olympique de Marseille. And that might be why Tuiloma looked like a seasoned pro in his debut for the Portland Timbers Saturday.
LA Galaxy vs. LAFC | 2018 MLS Match Preview – MLS
The anticipated first-ever meeting between the LA Galaxy and expansion side LAFC will be a high noon (Pacific time) kickoff in Carson and the stars are expected to be out for both sides for this sold-out showdown at the StubHub Center.
Houston Dynamo extend contracts of SVP/GM Matt Jordan and head coach Wilmer Cabrera – Houston Dynamo
The Houston Dynamo have extended the contracts of Sr. Vice President and General Manager Matt Jordan and Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera, the club announced today. Both Jordan and Cabrera are now under contract through the 2020 Major League Soccer season.
Buying Into the System: Colorado Rapids Trust the Process – Last Word on Soccer
The Colorado Rapids have yet to win a competitive match in 2018. They have made incremental improvements in many aspects, but have yet to play a complete 90 minutes. Head Coach Anthony Hudson isn’t concerned about results this early in the season. The Colorado Rapids trust the process. And that’s ok right now.
Wondo embarks on 14th MLS season chasing Donovan’s record – Tuscon.com
Early in his 14th season in Major League Soccer, Chris Wondolowski no doubt knows the question is coming. About Landon Donovan. About the record. And about whether he’ll break it.
How does a soccer club keep its identity? – US Soccer Players
A club’s identity is mostly a function of tactical approach and success. Winning and losing is the simplest measures of any team and a natural place to begin with identity. Win consistently over a long enough period of time, and identity takes care of itself. Win in a specific way – say, with a stingy defense and a penchant for physical play, to name just one possible approach – and it’s easy to pin down a club’s character.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
VMSL Round-up: Last ditch heroics see Campo Atletico avoid the drop (with video highlights) – AFTN
The Vancouver Metro Soccer League (VMSL) Premier Division title may have been wrapped up weeks ago, and the Provincial Cup berths sorted out earlier this month, but the relegation battle went right down to the wire with a dramatic last set of matches that saw three teams with ability to control their own fates.
Hello, Yellow Brick Road: SFU Clan soccer recruit Trasolini finds his path up Burnaby Mountain paved by trip to Kansas outback – Varsity Letters
For a goalkeeper who has already played for his country and spent time in residency with Whitecaps FC, the so-called yellow brick road to a collegiate soccer career seemed pre-paved for Luciano Trasolini.
Highlanders Announce PCSL Head Coach – Victoria Highlanders
Victoria Highlanders Football Club are pleased to announce the selection of Nico Craveiro as the Head Coach of the VHFC Reserves competing in the 2018 Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL). Nico takes over the reins of the Highlanders reserve team for the summer.
Academy to host teams from across globe this Easter – West Ham United
The Academy of Football will host the West Ham United Football Cup this Easter as young teams from across the globe gather in east London for the tournament. The Hammers are pitted against the only Asian team in Group A, along with Canadians Vancouver Whitecaps, Norwegian club Sandefjord Fotball and an Irish FA squad.
UBCO Award Winners for the 10th Annual Athletics Awards Banquet – Kelowna Now
UBC Okanagan hosted the 10th annual Heat Athletics Awards Banquet at the Coast Capri Hotel Tuesday night in Kelowna. The 2017/18 season’s standout performers were honoured with a range of awards, both academic and athletic, given out throughout an evening that highlighted the campus’ vibrant student-athlete community.
VISL PHOTOS: 2018 JACKSON CUP FINAL, Gorge FC 3, Lakehill FC 2, March 25, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Monique Lamoureux & Bill Currie.
PHOTOS: VMSL IMPERIAL CUP SEMIFINAL, Rino’s Tigers 3, Club Inter 2 (PKs), March 17, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Monique Lamoureux.
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.
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.
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.
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
Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) – A New Sports Enterprise Now Represents Premier Soccer Properties in Canada – CSA
The Canadian Premier League (CPL) announced today the launch of Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) – a new sports enterprise representing commercial assets and inventory for marquee soccer properties in Canada.
Canadian Premier League hopes new business entity will pour untold funds into all of Canadian soccer – National Post
The CPL’s new marketing wing says the entity could not only boost an upstart league bolstered by big investors, but also Canada’s national teams.
Teammates in NASL, teammates in Ireland: Farago credits Keegan for helping open the door at St. Patrick’s – the11.ca
Jake Keegan: If you’re reading this article, know that, during the course of the interview, Tyson Farago said that he’d take you out for a “nice dinner.” Hold him to it! For everyone else reading: Why does Canadian goalkeeper Tyson Farago owe Keegan dinner?
World Cup 2026: Morocco splits Europe with Russia dissing US, Mexican football heritage – Inside World Football
As the two contenders to stage the 2026 World Cup await the all-important inspection visit from FIFA’s evaluation team next month, clear evidence has emerged that Europe will be split when the actual vote takes place on June 13.
AUS releases fall sports schedules – Chronicle-Herald
Atlantic University Sport released its 2018 fall sports schedules on Wednesday, including women’s rugby and men’s and women’s soccer and cross country.
Dallas Recap: TFC III drop final group match to Tigres – Toronto FC
Toronto FC III closed out its group stage at the 2018 Dallas Cup with a loss at the hands of Mexican side Tigres UANL.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Foxes beat Sounders 2 for first win in franchise history – Fresno FC
It took an away day for Fresno Football Club to collect its first win in franchise history, defeating Seattle Sounders FC 2 1-0 on Wednesday night at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Washington.
USL’s Week Ahead – Super Saturday Makes USL History – USL
The United Soccer League will host the biggest day of games in its history on a Super Saturday of action across North America this week, with 16 regular-season contests that include some high-profile contests between early-season contenders in both the Eastern and Western Conference.
Toronto FC II Match vs. Ottawa Fury FC Postponed – Toronto FC
Toronto FC II announced that the Saturday, March 31 match against Ottawa Fury FC has been postponed. The match will be rescheduled and played on a date to be determined.
Original striker Keita among two Armada additions – Jacksonville.com
The Jacksonville Armada re-signed its all-time leading scorer Wednesday, announcing that Alhassane Keita will join the club for the National Premier Soccer League season.
FC Cincinnati ready to battle new and improved Indy Eleven – WCPO
FC Cincinnati coach Alan Koch has continually noted how much more competitive the United Soccer League seems to get each year.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Portland Thorns defender Emily Sonnett has taken her game to a new level in last year – Oregonian
Portland Thorns defender Emily Sonnett sprinted into the box and made a tremendous sliding tackle to knock the ball away from Crystal Dunn and prevent the North Carolina Courage from earning a dangerous shot on goal Saturday.
Chelsea Ladies boss Emma Hayes: English clubs ‘no longer second class in Europe’ – BBC Sport
Chelsea Ladies boss Emma Hayes says English clubs are “no longer second class in Europe” after the Blues and Manchester City both reached the last four of the Women’s Champions League.
How US women’s soccer is trying to make this revolution last – NY Post
While the American men’s national soccer team enters the great unknown in 2018, with a new president and a World Cup hiatus for the first time since 1986, the women’s game is historically stable.
Is NWSL in year six more talented than ever? – The Equalizer
A recurring refrain throughout the months leading up to the start of this NWSL season, from commentators to coaches alike, has been one of reassurance that nothing we’ve seen so far will match the final vision for these teams as the season progresses. As we all know, 2018 is a World Cup qualifying year, with its own range of international duties, and more than a few high profile players are nursing both short and long-term injuries.
Becky Sauerbrunn lauds the professionalism of her team – Vavel
Becky Sauerbrunn, one of the best defenders in the women’s game today, shared her thoughts to VAVEL USA about a seesaw start to the 2018 NWSL season and about how the Utah Royals team is developing.
UEFA Women’s Champions League: Linkoping 3-5 Manchester City – Rampant Citizens send a clear message – Vavel
The English side was superior to their opponents over the two legs as they reach the last four for the second straight time.
Gender pay gap in English Premier League soccer is bigger than HSBC or Goldman Sachs – Toronto Star
Manchester City, the runaway leader on the field, said women earn 88 per cent less than men on an hourly basis. However, in a move copied by other teams, the club said that if the first-team players and senior coaching staff are excluded, the gap comes down to 16 per cent, which is below the national average of 17.4 per cent.
What to watch in Europe’s top soccer leagues this weekend – Metro
What to watch in the leading soccer leagues in Europe this weekend.
Antonio Conte spells out why Chelsea have to beat Tottenham in showdown – The Guardian
Antonio Conte has conceded Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League may hinge on beating Tottenham on Sunday.
Memphis shining as Lyon welcome Toulouse – Ligue 1
After outshining Cristiano Ronaldo on international duty, Memphis Depay is hitting form at the right time as Olympique Lyonnais look to solidify their UEFA Champions League credentials against Toulouse FC on Sunday.
Ben Arfa confirms PSG exit – Four Four Two
Almost a year since his last appearance for Paris Saint-Germain, Hatem Ben Arfa has confirmed he is leaving the club.
FIFA leaves countries using video review off World Cup refs list – Metro
Four of the eight countries whose national leagues use FIFA-approved video review will not have match officials working at the World Cup. FIFA confirmed on Thursday the 36 referees and 63 assistants who will work the 64 games in Russia. The same referees were provisionally selected in November.
World Cup 2018: No British referee chosen for tournament – BBC Sport
Fifa has chosen 36 officials for the tournament in Russia but none from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Mark Geiger, Jair Marrufo named as World Cup officials – SBI
Mark Geiger and Jair Marrufo were both named to the list of officials to work the upcoming World Cup in Russia.
PAOK owner banned, team docked points for violence – NBC Sports
The owner of Greek soccer club PAOK Thessaloniki has been banned for three years for his part in violence that occurred during a match against AEK Athens, including running onto the field with a holstered pistol on his hip.
South African FA backs president Danny Jordaan over rape claim – BBC Sport
The South African Football Association (Safa) has come out in support of its president Danny Jordaan over a charge of rape made against him.
FA sexual abuse inquiry head ready to investigate any clubs who fail to cooperate – The Guardian
The QC leading the Football Association’s independent inquiry into child sexual abuse in football is prepared to launch his own investigation into clubs at the centre of the scandal if he finds that they did not respond adequately to his request for information.
Sydney FC clinch Premiers’ Plate with win at Perth Glory – ESPN
Sydney FC have secured a second straight A-League Premiers’ Plate with a 3-2 win over Perth Glory at nib Stadium.
A-League’s two incoming clubs will be announced in October as FFA criteria becomes clear – Fox Sports (AUS)
THE A-League’s two incoming clubs will be announced in October after the long- awaited start of the formal expansion process by Football Federation Australia.
Liverpool fans to witness safe standing in action at Celtic Park – BBC
A group of Liverpool fans will visit Celtic’s stadium on Saturday to witness safe standing in action during a match.
Lazio reportedly fall for £1.75m email scam and pay transfer instalment to fraudsters – The Telegraph
Lazio have reportedly been duped by online scammers and paid the final instalment of defender Stefan de Vrij’s transfer fee to fraudsters rather than Dutch club Feyenoord.