WHITECAPS FC 0 NY RED BULLS 1
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC.
Vancouver Whitecaps lament missed chances in latest home loss to Red Bulls – MLS
One could almost write the storyline of Vancouver Whitecaps games in advance these days, as an inability to take chances and defensive mistakes continue to cost the team points and hinder their chase for a place in the postseason.
NY Red Bulls content to “win ugly,” keep unbeaten streak alive vs. Caps – MLS
The New York Red Bulls extended their league unbeaten streak to 10 matches with their first-ever win over the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place on Saturday.
Preview: Whitecaps FC host New York in ‘most important match of the season’ – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC continue their playoff push with a “vital match” vs. New York Red Bulls on Saturday afternoon at BC Place
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. New York Red Bulls | 2016 MLS Match Preview – MLS
Whitecaps FC had their winless streak extended to seven matches, the club’s longest in league play since the 2013 season, though they snapped a four-game losing skid following a goalless result with the LA Galaxy on Saturday evening at StubHub Center.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs New York Red Bulls preview: Red Bulls look to end road woes – Vavel
The New York Red Bulls are undefeated over their last nine matches but have only won one road game all year.
Do Vancouver Whitecaps have the locker room leaders to take the club forward into the playoffs? – AFTN
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Billy Ocean is a wise man. And the going is certainly tough for Vancouver Whitecaps right now if they’re to claim a playoff spot in the West. Four points off the pace, they’re going to need to raise their game dramatically in these final few weeks and be prepared to fight and scrap for every single point.
Vancouver Whitecaps: Get 12% off 2017 full season tickets! – Whitecaps FC
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver, from $36/month.* This offer is only valid during the 12-day 12% window (Sept. 22 – Oct. 3).
MLS Week 26 Preview: International Week – Empire of Soccer
Major League Soccer continues its practice of allowing teams to play during international breaks. There are six games this week (one already having taken place), which is six more than many people think the league should be playing. The teams in action will be without some of their best players as a result.
New York City FC 3, DC United 2 | 2016 MLS Match Recap – MLS
A subdued 75 minutes gave way to a breakneck final 15 minutes on Thursday night at Yankee Stadium, as a brace from Frank Lampard capped off four late goals in a 3-2 New York City FC win over D.C. United.
Lampard celebrates Lampard Day with timely brace – Empire of Soccer
After the Mayor’s Office proclaimed Sept. 1 to be Frank Lampard Day in honor of his 300th career goal, Lampard scored twice in the second half to give New York City FC a vital win Thursday evening. Lampard was presented with an honorary jersey by sporting director Claudio Reyna before the game and said he felt honored by the club.
Lampard truly makes Thursday his own with another standout performance – SBI
According to Mayor Bill de Blasio, Thursday was Frank Lampard Day in New York City, even if the man himself wasn’t quite sure what it meant. It was perhaps the most unusual honor bestowed upon a player that has had a career full of them, but it was one that Lampard himself admitted was a bit foreign to an Englishman still adjusting to the American way of doing things.
MLS weekend preview: LA Galaxy and Red Bulls adapt to life without stars – The Guardian
Plus: FC Dallas look to stay on top in the West; Union look climb and win East, Chicago just want it all to end; how far can Mastreoni take Colorado?
FEATURE: Western Conference clubs to watch during Week 26 of MLS action – SJ Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes are among the teams that do not play this weekend due to the FIFA international break, but that doesn’t mean a few key matches in the Western Conference aren’t taking place with potentially large playoff implications. Let’s examine which teams are taking the field and what results Quakes fans should be rooting for.
Toronto FC left in the international lurch without some of its big contributors – Metro
It’s the catch-22 of Major League Soccer. Sign high-end designated player talent like Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley and they’re likely to leave your club for significant swaths of the season to play for their national teams.
MLS Moves: Timbers sign Ridgewell to new deal – Soccer America
Targeted Allocation Money gives teams greater flexibility in compensating their highest-paid players, and by that method Portland has signed centerback and captain Liam Ridgewellto a contract extension.
Chicago Fire GM: Nantes offer for David Accam rejected – ESPN FC
Chicago Fire designated player David Accam will remain with the Major League Soccer club after an unsolicited deadline-day approach from French side Nantes, general manager Nelson Rodriguez said on Thursday.
Toronto FC, Montreal Impact and four players fined for mass confrontation – MLS
The MLS Disciplinary Committee has issued fines to a total of four players from Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact, as well as both clubs, for actions taken during Week 25 of the MLS season.
Independent Review Panel rescinds red card to Montreal’s Calum Mallace – MLS
On Friday, the Independent Review Panel rescinded the fine and one-game suspension issued to Montreal Impact midfielder Calum Mallace after the midfielder was ejected from the Impact’s 1-0 win against Toronto FC. Mallace saw red in the 43th minute, after a hard collision with Steven Beitashour after the whistle.
MLS fines Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes for criticizing referee call that was later reversed – Kansas City Star
Sporting Kansas City coach Peter Vermes was fined Thursday by MLS commissioner Don Garber for publicly criticizing the referees after Saturday’s loss to Philadelphia. Vermes disagreed with head referee Juan Guzman’s decision to eject midfielder Roger Espinoza in the 87th minute Saturday — a call that was later reversed by an independent review panel.
TFC’s Vanney still fighting against history of the club – Sportsnet
On the date of his two-year anniversary as Toronto FC coach, Greg Vanney sat down for a lengthy, one-on-one chat with Sportsnet.ca earlier this week to discuss a variety of subjects, including: how he got the job, his managerial style, Sebastian Giovinco’s influence.
Capture the game in HD using aerial video, book now at www.gamevision.ca!
BC SOCCER NEWS
BC Soccer Assoc. Unveils their New High Performance License – BCSA
The High Performance License will provide player’s and parents the assurance that BCSPL franchise clubs are delivering their programming to the agreed standards which are aligned with Canada Soccer and the Whitecaps FC.” Said Carlos Grosso, BC Soccer High Performance Committee Chair. “The set standards will challenge clubs to raise their programming and we really look forward to supporting each BCSPL franchise club through the implementation and monitoring process as we work to ensure all standards are met and kept.”
FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence Inaugurated in Vancouver – FIFA
The University of British Columbia’s Allan McGavin Sport Medicine Centre was inaugurated as a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence on Thursday September 1, 2016, one of only two centres in Canada to attain the designation from FIFA.
Camara, Clan open NCAA season with 3-0 win over San Bernardino – SFU
The SFU Clan men’s soccer team accomplished their primary goal in their NCAA season opener on Thursday night, taking down the Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes 3-0. Sophomore forward Mamadi Camara bagged a goal and assist, while Pascal Schmidt and Adam Jones also scored for Simon Fraser. In goal, senior keeper Brandon Watson bagged his first clean sheet of the campaign.
Season preview: UBC enters 2016 as preseason favourites – Canada West
With the Canada West women’s soccer season slated to kick off this Friday, the coaches have tabbed the defending conference and national champion UBC Thunderbirds as the preseason favourites.
POWERHOUSE SPARTANS SET TO MAKE ANOTHER RUN AT NATIONAL TITLE – TWU
For the past decade, the Trinity Western women’s soccer team has been unquestionably the most consistently dominant program in the country and this year’s expectations are no different than any other season in recent memory. The goal is to win it all and there’s no reason to believe this year’s team can’t do just that.
WolfPack Men’s Soccer Hit Road For First Time In Regular Season – TRU
The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team has another stiff test this weekend in the Canada West. The WolfPack (1-1) will hit the road for the first time this young 2016 campaign as they pay a visit to the Trinity Western University Spartans on Friday (Sept 2) and the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades Saturday (Sept 3).
Season Primer 2016/2017: For men’s soccer, “the bar is set high.” – Ubyssey
Although the Thunderbirds missed out on the CIS national championship finals — due to their 5-4 penalty shootout loss in the semi-finals — last season was anything but a failure. Now entering the 2016 season, expectations remain elevated.
T-wolves tackling T-birds – Prince George Citizen
The UNBC Timberwolves know they are miles ahead of where they were at this time last season. Two close losses on home turf to the Trinity Western Cascades last weekend showed the T-wolves they are on the road to respectability after suffering through a 1-10-1 season in 2015.
Jasmin Dhanda and the Thunderbirds open Canada West season in Victoria – UBC
The Canada West women’s soccer season gets started for real this weekend, as the reigning CIS champion UBC Thunderbirds travel across the Salish Sea to battle their arch rivals, the University of Victoria Vikes.
PREVIEW: A trip into the Fraser Valley looms for the Heat – UBCO
This week marks the second week of regular season games for the Heat men’s soccer team. Coming off of their home opener with a win against the Victoria Vikes and followed that up with a tie against UBC, the Heat are looking to keep their momentum alive as they hit the road to face off against Trinity Western and Fraser Valley.
SPARTANS HOST UBCO, TRU IN HOME-OPENING WEEKEND – TWU
Coming off a weekend sweep of UNBC on the road, the Trinity Western men’s soccer team returns to Langley for its home-opening weekend, which will see the Spartans host UBC Okanagan Friday and Thompson Rivers Saturday.
Imports impacting WolfPack – Kamloops This Week
International recruits aren’t new to the WolfPack — Barcelona’s Oriol Torres played five years for the club before graduating at the end of last season and Manchester’s Ashley Raynes had a four-year career with the club — but the size of this year’s contingent is.
Accelerated Physio wins soccer title – Prince George Citizen
Lori Maki and Lisa Walters each scored twice Wednesday evening to lift Accelerated Physiotherapy to a 4-1 win over Myatovic Construction in the Prince George Women’s Soccer Association Recreation Division championship game.
Corner Kicks: Canada West soccer hits full swing – Canada West
To get you set for this weekend’s Canada West men’s soccer action, here are some storylines from around the conference in the latest edition of Corner Kicks.
All change for Vancouver Whitecaps U18s as they look to build upon last season’s successes – AFTN
It’s only been seven weeks since Vancouver Whitecaps U18 side lost an agonising USSDA Championship game 2-1 in extra time to FC Dallas. It was a heartbreaking end to a fantastic season that saw the ‘Caps win another Northwest Division title and reach their second national championship game in five years.
Canada West to livestream over 100 Soccer matches in 2016-17 – Canada West
With the 2016-17 Canada West regular season set to open later this week, Canada West is proud to launch passes for Canadawest.tv – the official streaming home of the conference.
BC Soccer Assoc. Releases their 2015-2016 Year in Review – BCSA
After another successful year of soccer in British Columbia, BC Soccer Assoc. is pleased to release their 2015-2016 Year in Review. The creation of the BC Soccer Club Charter Program, delivery of a FIFA Live Your Goals Festival, along with the numerous Grassroots Festivals across the province and Coach Education highlight some of the major successes this past year.
BC Soccer Assoc. Delivery of Coach Mandate – BCSA
IMPORTANT: If you are coaching in the ages U6-U12 you are required to complete the age appropriate course(s) even if you have a higher level of certification (ie. Soccer for Life, B pretest, C License, B License or A License). In order to enable our membership to deliver on the coaching mandate, BC Soccer Assoc. will be scheduling Learning Facilitator training sessions to assist organizations to have qualified individuals to deliver in-club coach certification courses to their coaches.
2016 BC Soccer Provincial Cup Photo Galleries – BC Soccer Web
Westhills Stadium & Goudy Park in Langford hosted the 2016 BC Soccer Adult Provincial Cup Finals. It was a thrilling weekend of soccer on Vancouver Island that saw seven champions crowned. Richmond FC & Surrey Pegasus qualified for the National Championships this Fall in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Both Coquitlam Metro-Ford Masters & Classics sides qualified for the Western Canadian Masters Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In all, it was a clean sweep for teams from the VMSL & MWSL. Monique Lamoureux & Bill Currie from BC Soccer Web were on location that weekend, capturing the all the action.
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.
Connect with Soccer in British Columbia! Advertise on BC Soccer Web today!
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
2018 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
HONDURAS 2 CANADA 1
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016
ESTADIO OLIMPICO, SAN PEDRO SULA, HON.
CANADA vs. EL SALVADOR
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016, 7:00 PM PT
TICKET INFO
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC
TV: TSN LIVESTREAM: TSN GO
Canada fall short in 2:1 loss to Honduras in 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifiers – CSA
Canada remain in contention to advance to the “Hex” round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifiers but will need all three points when they meet El Salvador on Tuesday 6 September at BC Place in Vancouver, BC in their final match of the semi-final stage.
The Route to World Cup Goes Through Vancouver Whitecaps and BC Place – Eighty-Six Forever
The Canadian Men’s National Soccer Team will face off against their nemesis Honduras, in San Pedro Sula, in a match that could decide whether they make it to The Hex. Lose and it is unlikely that they finish second behind already-winner Mexico. Draw (yes!) or win (ha!) and Canada has a very strong chance to advance, given their final match is at BC Place against El Salvador and Honduras’ is AT Mexico.
Canada could find result in Honduras if team executes – Toronto Sun
If “Hell” formed a soccer squad, it would host fixtures inside a venue resembling Honduras’ Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano, a rusty monstrosity that looks like a relic from another time.
Canada in tough vs. Honduras in World Cup qualifying – Sportsnet
Under scorching conditions on Thursday, the Canadian men’s team made a brief appearance at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in preparation of Friday’s massive World Cup qualifier.
Canada vs Honduras: Match Preview – Mount Royal Soccer
On Friday at 2pm PT, the Canadian national soccer team will once again play in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Their opponents in this Friday’s match will be the Central American nation of Honduras. The Canadians have a history of facing Honduras in the group stage of FIFA qualifying.
Honduran coach suspended for qualifier vs. Canada – Toronto Sun
There will be a Canadian connection on Honduras’ bench during Friday’s World Cup qualifier. In an interview with Diez, Honduran manager Jorge Luis Pinto said ex-Toronto FC midfielder Amado Guevara will lead Honduras during the match. Pinto was suspended following an in-game incident with Salvadoran manager Ramon Maradiaga when the two sides met back in March.
Canada braces for intense test in Honduras World Cup qualifier – Yahoo Sports
The locals grin with the littlest bit of glee when they know they’ve met a Canadian. The first thing out of their mouths is usually “ocho-uno,” as in 8-1.
AUDIO: Arfield: It’s up to us now to write our own story – Sportsnet
Canadian midfielder Scott Arfield joined Dan Riccio to preview Canada’s World Cup qualifier against Honduras.
David Edgar ready for Canada’s biggest World Cup qualifier in a generation – MLS
David Edgar wants badly to make history with the Canadian national team – and he isn’t alone.
VIDEO: Behind the scenes: de Jong, Edgar travel to Honduras with canMNT – Whitecaps FC
Watch as Vancouver Whitecaps FC defenders Marcel de Jong and David Edgar travel to Honduras ahead of Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifier (2 p.m. PT on TSN).
Canada m20 face Costa Rica in pair of international matches – CSA
Canada play a pair of international matches this week during an away Men’s U-20 camp in Costa Rica, host country for next year’s 2017 CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Championship. Canada fell 1:2 in the opening match on Thursday and will face Costa Rica again on Saturday 3 September.
New soccer boss Jason deVos all about development – London Free Press
You have a Canadian soccer player who was raised, trained and played in Canada; has beaten what was then the longest odds to play professionally overseas successfully; captained Canada’s national team; studied the game and understands what it takes to develop Canadian players; has tried to change the system in Canada; and has recently earned his coaching licence enabling him to coach any team, anywhere in the world.
Hutchinson named to Besiktas’ Champions League roster – Goal
The veteran Canadian midfielder was among the 22 names submitted by the Turkish champion for the regional tournament.
Christine Sinclair is ‘100 percent ready’ to play for Portland Thorns on Sunday – Oregonian
Thorns coach Mark Parsons spoke after training on Wednesday about having Sinclair back and about how hard it can be to ease the former University of Portland star back into training.
CIS men’s soccer friday roundup – CIS
Previews & Results from CIS Men’s Soccer.
Laurentians were first to compete in national Challenge Cup – The Telegram
This year will be the 50th for Newfoundland and Labrador’s participation in national Challenge Cup soccer play.
Honouring Toronto Metros-Croatia – Toronto FC
On Friday, August 25 Toronto FC honoured Toronto Metros-Croatia at the KIA Training Ground. Metros-Croatia captured the 1976 Soccer Bowl in stunning fashion. The team was 15-9 and won their last four matches to qualify for the playoffs where they went through the opposition to win seven straight, including the regular season & playoffs, to lift the 1976 Soccer Bowl.
Train With Champions TWU Spartan Female Soccer Academy
WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
SOUNDERS 2 2 WFC2 1
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016
STARFIRE SPORTS COMPLEX, TUKWILA, WA.
Greig scores but WFC2 concede added-time winner to Sounders FC 2 – Whitecaps FC
Kyle Greig broke his 11-match scoreless streak but Whitecaps FC 2 (11W-7L-8D) suffered a late 2-1 loss to Seattle Sounders FC 2 (9W-11L-6D) at Starfire Sports Complex on Friday evening. Darwin Jones scored the game-winner in the final minute of added time for the home side.
Derby Double: Whitecaps FC 2, Sounders FC 2 kick off home-and-away series in Tukwila on Friday – Whitecaps FC
It’s double derby time as Whitecaps FC 2 (11W-6L-8D) square off with Seattle Sounders FC 2 (8W-11L-6D) at Starfire Sports Complex on Friday evening for the front end of a home-and-away series with their Cascadia rivals.
USL Preview: Seattle Sounders FC 2 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 – USL
Seattle Sounders FC 2 and Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 open a home-and-home series on Friday night at Starfire Stadium with WFC2 looking to close in on a playoff berth, and S2 looking to keep its playoff hopes alive. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.
VIDEO: S2 play its last home match of 2016 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 – Seattle Sounders
In this edition of the S2 Review, Cam Rizzardini previews the match-up against Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 and we hear from Jordan Schweitzer about his debut season and what it’s like playing in his home state.
USL Push for the Playoffs: Labor Day Weekend Edition – USL
As action over the past two nights saw the Eastern Conference field for the 2016 USL Playoffs come close to set, attention this weekend will switch to a Western Conference race that has also seen some resolution in the past week. Here’s what to watch for over the Labor Day Weekend, as the playoff race nears its conclusion.
FC Edmonton to take on Ottawa Fury in all-Canadian NASL tilt – Edmonton Sun
Facing the Ottawa Fury is as close as FC Edmonton get to playing a local derby. As the only two Canadian teams in the North American Soccer League, a match between Edmonton and Ottawa takes on special significance.
Ottawa Fury FC plans to stick around in 2017 – Ottawa Sun
Take a deep breath, Fury FC fans. There were shockwaves on Twitter Thursday when it was suggested that the professional soccer franchise was going to pull out of the North American Soccer League at the end of the 2016 season.
Opinion: The NASL Must Change Course To Avoid Collapse – Fifty Five One
It’s been a bad year for NASL — Rayo OKC is on life-support, Fort Lauderdale pays its players late, Minnesota is leaving, Ottawa is rumored to be leaving — Alex Schieferdecker argues that the only way to save the league is to change course.
Follow BC Soccer Web on Twitter and get news throughout the day!
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
WSL Cup semi-final – London Bees vs Birmingham City Ladies preview: Can the hosts make more history? – Vavel
After making history by defeating Sheffield in the quarter finals and becoming the first WSL 2 side to reach the semis of the Continental Tyres Cup, the London Bees are looking to go one better and be the first-ever second-tier team to make it all the way to the final.
Sky Blue FC goalkeeper Caroline Stanley isn’t afraid to make her own destiny – Once a Metro
As her own journey into the NWSL proves, Stanley is a master of making her own destiny. Who better to guide the future athletes of the NWSL than someone who forged her own path into the league?
What Could Have Been: The 2016 NWSL All-Star Game That Wasn’t – Backline Soccer
Some leagues, like Major League Baseball, put some importance on the game by using it to award home field advantage in the World Series. Some leagues, like the National Football League, use it to give their players a vacation to Hawaii each year. Now, I’m not saying that a hypothetical NWSL All-Star Game should be used for either of those purposes, but with the proper attention given, it could make a great televised promotion (just an idea for next season). However, with no actual all-star game taking place, I am forced to imagine one for myself.
WSL 1 – Week 12 round-up: The night of the goalkeeper – Vavel
Keepers were at their best as Chelsea, Sunderland and Liverpool all claimed important wins.
Duke women’s soccer eyes historic second straight win against North Carolina – Duke Chronicle
After a breakthrough win against North Carolina last year and a national title game appearance, the Blue Devils have the unique chance to notch a historic win in just the third week of the regular season.
Women’s football: Nigeria may withdraw from U-17, U-20 World Cups – Nigeria Today
There are strong indications that Nigeria might withdraw from the women’ s Under-20 and Under-17 World Cup tournaments in Jordan next month and Papua New Guinea later in the year, if fillers emanating from the Glass House in Abuja are anything to go by.
Can Female Football Fans Ever Just Be Football Fans? – The Titlehurst End
Have you ever noticed that a high proportion of womenswear in club shops contains the colour pink? It really grinds my gears. Just because I’m a woman doesn’t mean that my favourite colour is pink, or that I have to wear pink all the time just in case anyone was unsure of my gender. I understand that some clothes may want to be more feminine, but apart from the goalkeeper kit, where has pink ever fitted in with our club colours?
Find a Team or Find a Player with BC Soccer Web FREE Classifieds!
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
US coaches body revamps education courses to fit new national thinking – Inside World Football
The US overhaul of its youth training and playing structures have continued with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), the world’s largest coaches organisation, unveiling a suite of new coaching education programmes and qualifications that focus on small-sided games.
Bob Lenarduzzi: Joe Hart hoping to prove Guardiola wrong – The Province
Dropped by Manchester City, the England keeper is looking to make an impact in Sunday’s World Cup qualifying game against Slovakia.
Sergio Aguero: Man City striker banned for three games for elbow – BBC Sport
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero will miss Saturday’s derby against Manchester United in the Premier League after being banned for three games.
Lionel Messi scores great goal in first game back with Argentina national team – Yahoo Sports
Lionel Messi was back in an Argentina shirt with the captain’s armband strapped around his left arm, and it took just one half of soccer in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay to remind Argentine fans what they would’ve missed had he stayed retired.
Gabriel Jesus, Brazil dominate Ecuador in WC qualifying – Sportsnet
Gabriel Jesus scored twice in his debut and Neymar notched the other, giving Brazil a 3-0 victory over Ecuador on Thursday and making it a perfect start for new coach Tite in his first match in charge.
International football: 10 things to look out for in World Cup 2018 qualifying – The Guardian
Roberto Martínez is a risky choice for Belgium, the Dutch are in disarray and will Raheem Sterling’s club form translate on to the national stage with England?
Mario Balotelli to Nice: has it really come to this? – ESPN FC
Mario Balotelli’s intention was always to be in France this summer. When the draw was made for the Euros, he posted on Instagram that he couldn’t wait for it. Antonio Conte’s reaction was withering. What does he mean he can’t wait? Can’t wait to watch it on TV? As expected, Balotelli was nowhere near the Italy squad, but he has still ended up in France all the same. Just later than he thought.
Gianluigi Donnarumma: AC Milan goalkeeper makes Italy debut at 17 – BBC Sport
Teenager Gianluigi Donnarumma said he was “quite emotional” after becoming Italy’s youngest-ever goalkeeper. The 17-year-old replaced World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon in Thursday’s 3-1 defeat by France in Bari.
How will Mexico line up against El Salvador? – Goal
Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio has some decisions to make – and some options – ahead of his team’s qualification match in San Salvador.
World Cup Qualifying European 1st round fixtures – Yahoo Sports
Fixtures from the World Cup Qualifying European 1st Round matches on Friday.
Viktoria Plzen to face Roma behind partly-closed doors in Europa League – ESPN FC
Viktoria Plzen will play their Europa League game against Roma with a partly-closed stadium because of the racist behaviour of some fans.
The Impact of the Champions League Reforms – Futbolgrad
With the beginning of the 2018-19 season, the UEFA Champions League will see major reforms. The Champions League reforms that were announced on August 26 will guarantee four starters in the group stage of the Champions League for the top four European leagues—Spain, Germany, England, and Italy. Previously the top three countries—Spain, Germany, and England—were guaranteed three starters in the group stage, as well as a place in the Champions League qualification playoffs.
FIFA president says ‘football history’ made as video used in France vs. Italy – ESPN FC
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said “football history” was made with a successful test of video replays in France’s 3-1 win over Italy in a friendly on Thursday.
Premier League loans: a way to polish diamonds or a mat to hide bad buys? – The Guardian
Chelsea, who have 38 players on loan in eight countries, argue it is about nurturing but some say it is lazy housekeeping.
China’s football revolution kicks into overdrive – Yahoo Sports
As coaches take notes, teenagers dribble footballs through a course of cones on Ritan Middle School’s gleaming artificial field in eastern Beijing, part of a massive program to promote soccer as a pillar of China’s rise to global prominence.
Refereeing: the key part is to start — and to be fit – Soccer America
Every beginner is a winner! If you are just starting out officiating, then you have not made anywhere near the number of mistakes I’ve made on the field, and hopefully you never will.