VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. COLUMBUS CREW
MLS MATCHDAY #28
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2017, 4:00 PM
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BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC
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MLS PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3, Minnesota United FC 0, September 13, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Columbus Crew SC | 2017 MLS Match Preview – MLS
After months toiling near the playoff line, the Vancouver Whitecaps moved into first place in the Western Conference on Wednesday night. Now they’ll look to maintain their spot atop the West on Saturday night against Columbus Crew SC.
West-leading ‘Caps look to stay hot – Whitecaps FC
It’s a battle between two of the hottest teams in MLS on Saturday afternoon at BC Place, as Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps FC continue their homestand against Columbus Crew SC.
The Whitecaps are in first place. Now what? – The Province
At the beginning of the long and winding road that this Whitecaps season has proved to be, not many were suggesting first place as a possibility for Vancouver’s soccer team.
Kekutah Manneh embraces a team-first approach as he returns to the Vancouver Whitecaps – Massive Report
Until last March, the Vancouver Whitecaps were the only Major League Soccer team Kekuta Manneh had ever played for. Six months after the trade that sent him to Columbus Crew SC the 22-year-old winger will face his former club for the first time this Saturday as the Black & Gold plays against the Whitecaps at the BC Place.
Manneh reflects on the trade that sent him to Columbus – Red Nation Online
Kekuta Manneh will return to B.C. Place on Saturday afternoon with Columbus Crew SC. The former Vancouver Whitecaps FC fan favourite was traded to Columbus earlier this season on March 30. While fans, pundits, and MLS followers might have been shocked by the departure of Manneh, he wasn’t all that surprised.
MLS Weekend Preview: Atlanta United hosts Orlando City, Toronto FC travel to LA – NBC Sports
One of Major League Soccer’s youngest rivalries may also be one of its fiercest right now, as Atlanta United is set to host a rematch with Orlando City SC.
3 Things to Watch This Weekend: How High Will Vancouver and Atlanta Climb? – MLS Multiplex
There are plenty of matchups that will help decide playoff spots this weekend. Dallas hosts Seattle, San Jose and Houston square of, and Vancouver takes on Columbus. Those aren’t the only big matchups this weekend. All across the country big matches are being played. Here are three big things to watch this weekend.
MLS week 28 preview: 5 underappreciated players who could have a major effect on the playoff race – Fansided
In this week’s MLS weekend preview, we go through five players you may not know about and discuss why they are key to the MLS playoff race.
Sporting Kansas City vs. New England Revolution | 2017 MLS Match Preview – MLS
Even though it’s Sporting Kansas City who enter Saturday looking to prolong their club-record home unbeaten stretch of 22 league matches, most neutrals may be more intrigued to see how the New England Revolution respond from their recent embarrassment in another tough away venue.
Sporting KC signs 17-year-old, continues youth movement – NBC Sports
Sporting Kansas City has signed 17-year-old Jaylin Lindsey a month after the MLS club agreed to a similar homegrown contract with 15-year-old Gianluca Busio.
Neither in Slump, Nor Streak, Red Bulls Enter Critical Week – Empire of Soccer
Three straight draws – two on the road – is hardly a slump, but it’s certainly not the streak the New York Red Bulls want to be on heading into a week where they’re sitting in the last playoff berth in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference and playing in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final for only the second time in club history.
FC Dallas vs. Seattle Sounders | 2017 MLS Match Preview – MLS
A free-falling FC Dallas side will be looking to arrest their traditional summer slide, one that this year has imperiled their playoff chances. It won’t be an easy task, however, as to do so they’ll they have to snap a nine-game winless streak against a Seattle Sounders side that hasn’t lost since June 17 (12 games).
A closer look at the problems plaguing struggling FC Dallas – SBI
There’s something wrong with FC Dallas. The reigning Supporters’ Shield winners’ current issues are not just a blip or a cold spell anymore. The team is facing a legitimate problem, and it’s threatening to derail their playoff hopes after entering the season as legitimate MLS Cup contenders.
VIDEO: RSL faces a must-win contest at home – KUTV
Real Salt Lake is two points out of the last playoff berth in the west, so Saturday’s game with the Portland Timbers is enormous.
Independent Panel rescinds red card for Seattle’s Roman Torres – MLS
The Independent Panel, consisting of one representative each from the United States Soccer Federation, Canadian Soccer Association, a Professional Referee Organization, has unanimously rescinded one-game suspension and accompanying fine for the red card issued to Seattle Sounders defender Roman Torres for denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity in the 89th minute of Seattle’s match against the LA Galaxy on September 9.
Slumping Impact can’t waste chance for win against expansion Minnesota – Metro
It is desperation time for the Montreal Impact. Sitting five points out of a playoff spot with seven games to go, victory is vital when the Impact play host to lowly Minnesota United on Saturday night.
Chasing history: What does Toronto FC need to do to set the all-time MLS points record? – SN
Toronto FC has frequently been on the wrong side of history during its 11-year existence, but 2017 could see the club set several positive records for a change.
Atlanta reaches ‘different’ level while creating more momentum at new stadium – SBI
There’s no other way to describe it. Atlanta United’s 7-0 win over the New England Revolution was special and different in its own weird way.
Pistons vice-chairman: Detroit MLS franchise bid will boost young players – ESPN FC
Detroit Pistons vice-chairman Arn Tellem, one of the leaders of the city’s bid for an MLS franchise, has said he believes a rising appetite for the game in Michigan means it will be a success.
Ranked! The 11 most in-demand MLS players hitting free agency – Four Four Two
Becoming a free agent in MLS isn’t easy. Will these players cash in this offseason?
Canada WNT vs USWNT at BC Place, Vancouver – November 9 – Buy Tickets!
BC SOCCER NEWS
Victory Shumbusho shrugging off attention and pressure to focus on firing UBC Thunderbirds to championship glory – AFTN
It was a somewhat different UBC Thunderbirds team last season to what we’ve been used to from Mike Mosher’s men in years past.
VISL Division 1 Preview – Sept.15-17 – BC Soccer Web
The Division 1 weekend ahead will have an exciting lineup of games, here is what we have to look forward to:
Burns and Jordan playing in Whitecaps charity game – Richmond News
A couple of well-known Richmond soccer standouts will be participating in Saturday’s Whitecaps FC Charity Alumni Match at B.C. Place Stadium.
Pinnacles FC to take time replacing HC, executive director – Penticton Herald
Pinnacles FC plans to do due diligence before deciding how they will replace Ezra Cremers, who resigned Aug. 30 after six years as the local youth soccer association’s executive director and head coach.
Why Adam Jones has helped revolutionize the recruiting process for SFU men’s soccer – Varsity Letters
In mid-November of last year, on the heels of the program’s fifth GNAC championship title and yet another run to the NCAA playoffs, the Simon Fraser men’s soccer program received one of the biggest individual honours in its sport.
Polisi pair powers pitch for SFU soccer – Tri-City News
They’re not twins and they don’t really follow hockey, so any comparison to the Sedin twins pretty much falls flat with Coquitlam’s Polisi brothers, Marcello and Matteo. But the way they’re firing the offence for Simon Fraser University’s men’s soccer team, it’s hard not to evoke the Vancouver Canucks’ superstar siblings.
Vikes soccer teams look to gain momentum at home – Times Colonist
The University of Manitoba Bisons women’s soccer team knows exactly where it will be Nov. 9-12. It will be right at home. The Bisons are hosting the U Sports national championship tournament for the first time. The University of Victoria Vikes would like to be there, too. But they won’t get an automatic bye into the nationals like the Bisons. There’s no home cookin’ for the Vikes, who will have to earn their way in.
UFV partners with BC Summer Games, PacificSport to launch new fitness space – UFV
The UFV Department of Athletics and Campus Recreation is pleased to unveil an expansion to its fitness facilities, created in partnership with the 2016 Abbotsford BC Summer Games and PacificSport Fraser Valley.
Coaching can have life-long impact – Comox Valley Record
Each year we process through the VIPL Riptide U14-U18 Youth Soccer Trials where more than 160+ players will seek selection for a place on one of eight teams. The “Blind Audition” for the players starts with a series of training sessions where they hope to draw a coach’s attention. Once they’ve been selected, the mentoring process begins.
BC Soccer Web’s 2017 Soccer & Sports Book Recommendations – BC Soccer Web
Over the years, there have been many books on soccer and sport that have given us joy, laughter, and much to think about. We’re happy to share these with you. We’ll be updating this list as new titles become available, so keep checking.
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!
PHOTOS: CANADA WEST WOMENS FINAL, UBC 3, TWU 0, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
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 WNT vs USWNT at BC Place, Vancouver – November 9 – Buy Tickets!
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
New-look FC Edmonton REX returns with same optimism and determination – FC Edmonton
The program begins a new cycle with plenty of fresh faces and even more determination, welcoming 17 new players.
Acadia soccer defender ready to play against friends at UPEI – PEI Guardian
South Winsloe native Zach Visser is hoping to come away with bragging rights this weekend.
Carelton Men’s soccer remains undefeated after high scoring weekend – The Charlatan
Following a difficult previous week where the Carleton Ravens men’s soccer team tied two top Ontario University Athletics (OUA) teams, the Ravens were able to get back on track, securing two important wins.
City takes precaution to better secure soccer nets – CTV Winnipeg
Winnipeg has taken a number of steps to better secure soccer nets. In May, an Ontario teenager was killed when a portable net fell on his head. Following the tragedy a new report at City Hall says all 421 portable nets in Winnipeg were inspected for proper anchoring.
BYSC becomes BSC with new look for 50th anniversary – Belleville Intelligencer
On the eve of its 50th anniversary, the Belleville Youth Soccer Club has kicked off a bold new look — and, a new name too.
Keystone Centre rolls out new turf – Westman Journal
Wheat City athletes who love summer sports now have a better avenue to keep their game sharp during the winter months with the Keystone Centre’s improved Canada 150 turf.
Rivalry Renewed: Tickets on sale today for Canada v USA at BC Place on 9 November – CSA
Individual tickets to the Canada v USA Women’s International Friendly on 9 November in Vancouver are now on sale via Ticketmaster.ca.
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WFC2, USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
WFC2 vs. ORANGE COUNTY SC
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017, 4:00 PM
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THUNDERBIRD STADIUM, VANCOUVER, BC
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Whitecaps FC sign American centre back Danny Barbir to USL contract – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Thursday that the club has signed American centre back Danny Barbir to a contract with Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) for the remainder of the 2017 USL season.
Will Bustos be part of a lost generation of MLS prospects? – Red Nation Online
As long as I have been aware of Marco Bustos, I have had excitement for his potential. I’ve gone as far as penciling him in as a next generation Canadian National Team player with expectations to join only a handful of Canadians as a regular starter in MLS. Given his current playing situation, one would assume he’s now taken a step backwards in his career, as the 21 year old hasn’t played a first team minute with the Whitecaps this season.
Match Preview: Toronto FC II at Harrisburg City Islanders – Toronto FC
The Young Reds hit the road for the final time this season as they travel to Harrisburg to take on the City Islanders.
Match Preview: Fury FC @ Charlotte Independence – Ottawa Fury
The marathon to the USL playoffs that began April 1 for Fury FC is now a sprint with six games remaining in the USL regular season. Finding themselves five points back of both Cincinnati and Orlando with a game in hand on both clubs, Ottawa travels to Charlotte for a Saturday night contest where they will look to replicate their 3-1 performance over the Independence at TD Place on August 12.
Republic FC Bolsters Midfield with Espino – USL
Sacramento Republic FC announced on Thursday the club had signed midfielder Luis Espino for the remainder of the club’s 2017 season.
NASL Fall Season Week 8: What to Watch For – Empire of Soccer
After forcing the postponement of three of four North American Soccer League matches scheduled for last weekend, Hurricane Irma’s impact is still being felt. Miami FC (5-2-1, 16 Fall; 16-4-4, 52 Combined) and the San Francisco Deltas (2-1-3, 9 Fall; 9-5-8, 35 Combined) will once again have to wait to take the field again as Riccardo Silva Stadium remains closed while South Florida recovers from Irma’s damage.
Lang Joins S2’s Goalkeeping Corps – USL
Seattle Sounders FC 2 announced on Thursday the club had signed goalkeeper Cody Lang. A four-year starter at Seattle Pacific University from 2013-2016, Lang officially joins the club after training with S2 for most of the 2017 campaign. He is eligible for selection on Saturday evening against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Starfire Stadium.
Last-Gasp Meeting to Shape Future of NASL–and U.S. Soccer’s Club Landscape – SI.com
The U.S. Soccer board wasn’t convinced two weeks ago that the NASL had a viable plan to meet the standards established for second-division professional leagues. So this Friday in New York City, where the federation denied the NASL’s request for 2018 sanctioning in a September 1 vote, owners will gather and attempt to come up with one.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
FIFA approves Huerta’s switch from Mexico to USWNT – SN
The 24-year-old forward, who has been training with the U.S. squad this week, is now eligible to play in friendlies against New Zealand on Friday in Commerce City, Colorado, and Tuesday in Cincinnati.
Hungary Women 0-3 Scotland Women: Kerr kicks off reign with win in friendly – BBC Sport
Shelley Kerr was given a comfortable first win as Scotland head coach when her side beat Hungary 3-0 at the hosts’ training base just outside Budapest.
Biggest Westfield W-League off-season signings – W-League
Ahead of the upcoming Westfield W-League campaign, we look at some of the biggest signings for the 2017/18 Season.
NCAA Week Five: Conference play begins (well, sort of) – The Equalizer
Week five of the college season marks the beginning of conference play for some teams, while others round out their nonconference slate. On tap for the week are some intriguing conference match ups as well as a storied rivalry match that took on added significance after last season. Here’s a look at a few of the matches to watch this week.
Pioneering Dick, Kerr Ladies Football Club recognised at national awards – Ealing Times
Stars, coaches and players from the world of women’s football paid tribute to one of the sport’s pioneering clubs last week at the FA Women’s Football Awards, in London.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Bob Lenarduzzi: Rooney’s return to Old Trafford will likely be a rough one – The Province
There are several big games in the Premier League this weekend including undefeated sides Watford and Manchester City clashing on Saturday, and a London derby on Sunday between Chelsea and struggling Arsenal. Sunday’s final match, though, is something special, as Wayne Rooney returns to Old Trafford to face his old club when Everton visits Manchester United.
Rooney set for tough return to United with Everton wobbling – Toronto Star
Wayne Rooney endured a tough final year at Manchester United while his status at the club was slowly eroded, and his first return to Old Trafford since his off-season departure might be just as uncomfortable.
Bayern vs Mainz – Bundesliga Preview – Fussballstadt
There is an odd atmosphere at the Säbener Straße these days. Bayern lost to Hoffenheim on matchday 3 and in many ways looked like a side sliding towards a crisis. Bayern then won their midweek game against RSC Anderlecht in the UEFA Champions League. At the same time even though the 3-0 result was convincing the performance was not.
Arsenal, AC Milan start with big wins in Europa League – Sportsnet
Crowd disorder marred Cologne’s return to European competition after 25 years as the German team’s fans caused havoc in London and forced the Europa League game against Arsenal to be delayed on Thursday.
Arsenal 3-1 Cologne: Arsene Wenger surprised game went ahead – BBC Sport
Arsene Wenger was surprised Arsenal’s Europa League game went ahead after crowd problems caused by ticketless Cologne fans delayed kick-off.
Juventus still a work in progress but no need to overreact to Barca defeat – ESPN FC
Fabio Capello tells a story about a conversation he had with Frank Rijkaard at the Camp Nou in 2005. Capello was in charge of Juventus at the time and they were in Catalunya at Barcelona’s invitation to play the annual Gamper Trophy match. A teenage Lionel Messi had given Juventus the runaround and made a big impression on “Don Fabio”.
FIFA changes World Cup draw criteria to seed by world ranking rather than confederation – Inside World Football
FIFA have announced a new format for the 2018 World Cup draw with teams to be grouped by their places in the world rankings rather than by Continent.
Welcome to the Wanda Metropolitano! Atletico set to start life at their spectacular new stadium – SN
Relocation is often a stressful affair. There were tears and emotional scenes as Atletico Madrid bade farewell to the Vicente Calderon in May after just over 50 years down by the Manzanares river, but now it is time to settle into a new home.
Revamped Monaco ready for Strasbourg – Ligue 1
Leonardo Jardim has admitted he will dig deep into his Monaco squad as the Ligue 1 Conforama champions welcome RC Strasbourg Alsace to the principality on Saturday.
Barca launch build of new €19m stadium named after Cryuff at training ground – Inside World Football
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu led a ground breaking ceremony yesterday for the club’s new Johan Cruyff stadium that will house its second team, women’s team and European matches for its U19 team.
Lobos BUAP’s first-season struggles pose a problem for Liga MX to solve – ESPN FC
The warning signs for Lobos BUAP were there before the 2017 Apertura season started. Back on June 5 in Cancun at the Liga MX draft, the coach of the Puebla-based university club Rafa Puente was already operating under a cloud of uncertainty.
Jorge Celico to lead Ecuador in qualifying climax – FIFA
The Ecuadorian Football Federation have confirmed that Argentinian coach Jorge Celico will take the reins of the senior side as they aim to clinch a last-gasp spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
Andre Villas-Boas investigated after accusing Evergrande over car crashes – ESPN FC
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has said it will investigate comments made by Andre Villas-Boas after the Shanghai SIPG coach saw his side defeat Guangzhou Evergrande to qualify for the semifinals of the Asian Champions League.
Taiwan to build six stadia to kick-start pro league – Inside World Football
Taiwanese sports officials outlined plans to build six soccer stadiums to help kickstart a professional league during a visit by a delegation from Japanese club Vegalta Sendai to the Legislative Yuan in Taipei on Thursday.
‘Did you not have a TV last year?’ – Mendy unhappy with FIFA 18 rating – SN
It must be like exam results day for footballers as they discover their FIFA 18 rankings. Some are left delighted, some disappointed and some downright dumbfounded.
French city to send misspelled Montpelier jerseys to Vermont – CTV Montreal
Vermont’s capital city is saying merci to a French city it’s named after for plans to send some misspelled soccer jerseys its way.
2017’s TOP SOCCER BOOKS