WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Whitecaps FC re-sign Kendall Waston to multi-year contract extension – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has re-signed defender Kendall Waston to a multi-year contract extension. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Kendall Waston commits future to the Whitecaps – Goal
Costa Rican international follows Pedro Morales and Matias Laba in signing a multi-year contract extension with Vancouver.
Waston staying with Whitecaps long-term – 24 Hours
The Vancouver Whitecaps can be sure they’ll remain one of Major League Soccer’s top defensive clubs with the knowledge that Kendall Waston is sticking around.
‘A leader on and off the pitch:’ How Kendall Waston became the man he is today – Whitecaps FC
“Now that I’m a father and a husband, I want to change a lot of things that I didn’t have,” Waston told whitecapsfc.com. “I never had a close father … I don’t blame him. I know they were trying to do what was best for me. But on the other side, the emotions and love and affection, it was missing. It was tough. That’s why I am trying to be a different dad.”
The Case for David Ousted – Eighty-Six Forever
David Ousted is not the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. No, that was not a typo and no, your eyes did not deceive you all season long. What you read, sadly, is that despite another stellar season between the sticks for the Vancouver Whitecaps, Ousted has been denied the top honour for a second year running.
Get to know the Great Dane – Whitecaps FC
David Ousted may not be the 2015 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year – it was announced today that he finished second in voting. But he’s still a really, really good goalkeeper. One of the best in the league, no doubt. And as you can see below, he’s also a really, really interesting dude.
MLS conference final first legs preview – Goal
The MLS playoffs resume with the Columbus Crew hosting the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas paying a visit to the Portland Timbers.
MLS conference finals preview: Kei Kamara ready to take leap against Red Bulls – The Guardian
There are two finely balanced finals to look forward to this weekend but have fans been let down by the schedule?
MLS Playoffs: Timbers welcome focused FC Dallas down two key attackers – SBI
The challenge for the last two Western Conference teams standing is similar while also distinct. Both FC Dallas and the Portland Timbers enter their series with the goal of advancing to the MLS Cup final, but the former has to move on from an emotionally-draining match while the latter has to play without two of its top players.
Portland Timbers plan to use lessons from 2013 playoff run in quest for MLS Cup – MLS
Now that Portland are headed back to the conference championship series, where they will play host to FC Dallas in Sunday’s first leg at Providence Park (4:30 pm PT, TSN5 in Canada), the lessons from 2013 still resonate.
Robles Surprised, Humbled by Winning 2015 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year – Empire of Soccer
When Robles found out that he was named MLS’ Goalkeeper of the Year, the news caught him a bit off guard. “I’m not gonna lie, it’s a surprise, but it’s a pleasant surprise,” he said. “I thought I played better last year! We were in a lot of difficult games and I felt that I made some key saves at big moments to keep us in the playoff race, and last year I wasn’t even a finalist.”
Sporting Kansas City’s stadium will be named Children’s Mercy Park – Kansas City Star
On a Saturday night in June, 21,505 fans crammed into a soccer stadium in Kansas City, Kan., and watched Sporting KC defeat the first-place Seattle Sounders. The crowd established a new regular-season attendance record inside Sporting Park, which hasn’t left a seat open for an Major League Soccer match in three seasons.
Re-signed Morales ‘encompasses everything’ about RSL – Soccer America
Javier Morales, first signed with Real Salt Lake in 2007, will return for a 10th MLS season. RSL club has re-signed the 35-year-old Argentine, the club’s all-time assist leader, on a multi-year contract extension. He finished the 2015 season with team-leading totals with eight goals and 12 assists.
2015-2016 Off-Season Wants and Needs for the Impact by Position – Mount Royal Soccer
After a season that saw generally positive results for the Montreal Impact, the personnel management team at Stade Saputo have the winter to tinker with the roster and build on last season’s success.
Premier League games in North America ‘would harm MLS’ – BBC Sport
The boss of Major League Soccer (MLS) believes any move to play competitive Premier League games in North America would threaten his league’s future.
MLS commissioner Don Garber takes an ill-advised cheap shot at an amateur soccer club – Twice a Cosmo
The subject of promotion and relegation in the United States is a topic which never fails to get fans arguing, as the US is one of the few places on Earth in which that system isn’t put into practice. Regardless, people on both sides of the argument occasionally say some very stupid things, and I get to have a good laugh out of said comments. Today, that laughter was provided by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
How FC Dallas and their homegrown model could revolutionize US soccer – The Guardian
While other clubs chase overseas stars on lucrative contracts, FC Dallas are quietly developing players in their own academy. Why aren’t more clubs doing the same?
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Whitecaps FC Residency play home matches on Saturday and Sunday – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency teams return to United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) action this weekend against Juventus Sport Club and San Jose Earthquakes.
Canadian shot-stopper stays on in Norway – Goal
After one season with Strømmen IF, Canadian international goalkeeper Simon Thomas will continue his club career in Norway with Bodø/Glimt.
The EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League’s Fourth Season Finishes up this Weekend – BCSA
After another successful season The EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League phase two will finish up this weekend with the league cup finals. The EA Sports BCSPL is in its fourth season and falls within the High Performance stream of soccer which includes the BCSPL, BC Soccer High Performance Program (HPP), Whitecaps FC Residency, and Whitecaps Rex Program in Partnership with BC Soccer, all in support of Canada Soccer National Team programs.
Two TOFC teams on to finals – Kelowna Capital News
Two teams from the Thompson Okanagan Football Club will compete this coming weekend for B.C. Soccer Premier League titles.
UBC midfielder caps final soccer journey – Burnaby Now
The expression on her face says it all. In a photo snapped virtually at the final whistle last Thursday, Burnaby’s Kym van Duynhoven shouted in celebration of a rare goal that guaranteed her team another game at the Canadian Interuniversity Sports women’s soccer championships.
Kids get their kicks with soccer – Nanaimo Daily Bulletin
With the cold and wet fall weather now firmly upon us, you have to know that another youth soccer season is underway. It has now been three years since the Nanaimo Youth Soccer Association was rebranded as Harbour City Football Club and there have been ongoing changes to the organization during that time. Acting president is club treasurer Jason Coates and association secretary is Gunnar Myhrer.
LMG answers back with eight – Cowichan Valley Citizen
Cowichan LMG may not have scored the first goal in their Vancouver Island Soccer League match against Westcastle last Friday, but they made sure to score all the rest of them as they rolled to an 8-1 victory.
Maude Hunter’s stop Gorge FC – Saanich News
Nils Webber’s hat-trick helped power Saanich Fusion FC Maude Hunter’s division one men to a 6-1 win over Gorge FC. Leo Falzon netted a pair and Cardin Davis scored one for Maude Hunter’s.
Key women’s Div. 1 soccer match on tap for Juan de Fuca – Goldstream News Gazette
The Juan de Fuca Div. 1 women are looking to extend their unbeaten streak to five games when they visit undefeated Nanaimo United in Lower Island Women’s Soccer Association play Sunday.
Juan de Fuca soccer men can gain ground with victory – Goldstream News Gazette
Juan de Fuca’s Div. 3B men look to improve their standing in the Vancouver Island Soccer League play when they host the cellar-dwelling Bays United this Sunday at 2:15 p.m. at the West Shore Parks and Recreation field.
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CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canada’s de Guzman: “We’ll become harder to beat” – CONCACAF
Canada’s Julian de Guzman has experienced his share of disappointments and thrills over the course of a 14-year international career. One of the stumbling blocks for his Les Rouges’ side has been achieving consistent success on the road.
Location, Location, Location: Why Canada Shouldn’t Have a Home Field – Waking the Red
It has long been debated among Canadian supporters what cities the national teams should call home, boiling over into the fourth round of World Cup Qualifying. With many viable playing locations across the country it has been a struggle for the Canadian Soccer Association to please Canadian fans and players alike.
Ontario gives notice on PDL in province – CSN
The Ontario Soccer League has informed FC London, K-W United, Toronto FC Academy and the Thunder Bay Chill that 2016 will be the last year they will be permitted to play in the USL PDL.
2015 League1 Ontario Men’s All-Stars – League1 Ontario
League1 Ontario’s 2015 Men’s All-Stars list has been released, and it reflects a true depth of talent in the second year of the provincial league.
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NASL & USL NEWS
New Fury FC coach will be Paul Dalglish – Ottawa Sun
Ottawa Fury FC will hire Paul Dalglish as its second head coach. The Sun confirmed the retired Scottish forward and former Real Salt Lake (Major League Soccer) assistant coach will be named to the post during a press conference on Friday at TD Place.
Marc Dos Santos Has Made the Ottawa Fury an Exemplary Canadian Club – Waking the Red
After the final whistle of Sunday’s NASL championship loss. The Ottawa Fury FC players led by their head coach Marc Dos Santos, headed over to the away supporter’s section to thank the 200 supporters who made the long trip down from Ottawa to Long Island NY.
FC Edmonton announces re-signing of captain Watson – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton announced, Nov. 19, the re-signing of defender and captain Albert Watson, pending league approval. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
After “disheartening” 2015 season, FCE captain Watson says things have to change next year – the11.ca
At the end of the NASL season, Albert Watson had a lot to think about. His wife and him were expecting a child. After spending three years with FC Edmonton, he was a free agent. And he was frustrated that the team had yet to make a playoff breakthrough in that time.
NASL Championship Final: Ottawa to New York, The Journey to the Soccer Bowl – Copa 90
Bleary-eyed and barely coherent but shaking with an excited nervous energy, we gathered at the ungodly hour of 5:30 am on Sunday morning. 120 fans on two buses, 20 hours of driving time there and back, bound for New York to witness North American soccer history. Many others were making the journey by car or plane. The bus was quiet with sleep early on but once we crossed the US border, we could contain our excitement no longer.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
2016 NWSL COLLEGE DRAFT TO BE HELD ON JAN. 15 – NWSL
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) will hold the 2016 NWSL College Draft on Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Convention in Baltimore.
Breakers acquire midfielder Angela Salem from Washington – Boston Breakers
The Boston Breakers announced today the team has acquired midfielder Angela Salem from the Washington Spirit in exchange for two second-round picks (Nos. 12 and 20 overall) in the 2016 NWSL College Draft.
Champions League: Rosengård and Slavia complete quarter-final lineup– UEFA
Swedish champions Rosengård are through to their fourth quarter-final in five seasons while Slavia Praha have made the last eight for the first time as the round of 16 ended.
Meet the Women’s Champions League last eight – UEFA
The quarter-final lineup is complete; meet the eight teams in next Friday’s draw, streamed live at 13.30CET: Barcelona, Brescia, Frankfurt, Lyon, Paris, Rosengård, Slavia Praha and Wolfsburg.
Westfield W-League 2015/16 Round 6 Preview – Westfield W-League
Squad news for this weekend’s round six action in the Westfield W-League, highlighted by the TV match featuring Adelaide United against Newcastle Jets.
W-League: Canberra United may miss three Matildas stars for Wanderers encounter – Sydney Morning Herald
The importance of Canberra United’s clash with Sydney FC this weekend has been magnified with up to three of their stars to miss the following week’s game with Matildas commitments.
Bristol Academy to rebrand as Bristol City Women’s FC – BBC Sport
Women’s Super League side Bristol Academy are to be rebranded as Bristol City Women’s FC for next season.
FIFA Needs More Women – NY Times
After enduring months of corruption scandals, FIFA, the governing body of global soccer, is under intense pressure to reform. While popular interest swirls around the February FIFA presidential election, a more important vote will take place on the same day over institutional reform. The organization’s reform committee is meeting in Switzerland this week to decide on the package of reforms that will be voted on in February. As corporate sponsors and law enforcement authorities watch closely, there is one obvious change that could improve global soccer on multiple fronts: more women.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Ten Metropolitan Areas from Across the United States Selected to Host Copa America Centenario – CONCACAF
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Copa America Centenario Local Organizing Committee (LOC) have determined the 10 U.S. metropolitan areas that have been selected to host matches during the historic Copa America Centenario to be played from June 3-26, 2016, in the United States.
Sounders CenturyLink Field to host Copa America Centenario – Prost Amerika
After months of turmoil and indecision the Copa America Centenario appears to finally be taking form. On Thursday CONCACAF and CONMEBOL announced the ten sites that will host the 100th anniversary of the Copa America which will take place next year between June the 3rd and June the 26th.
Latest ‘Clasico’ not about Messi vs. Ronaldo – Sportsnet
El Clasico has reliably meant three things for the last six or so years. It’s meant the best two teams in the world are playing each other, the best two players, in Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, are being matched against each other, and everyone else is sitting quietly, watching to see which combination of those four contenders comes out on top.
Neymar transforms from Lionel Messi’s butler to Barcelona’s lord of the manor – The Guardian
Lionel Messi has been injured since September but Neymar has taken over his mantle and leads Barça into Saturday’s clásico three points clear of Real Madrid.
Raheem Sterling will face Liverpool fans’ vitriol feeling he made right move – The Guardian
Sterling’s start at Manchester City has been solid and, although far more is required to justify a £49m fee, the forward will brush off the abuse on Saturday sensing his career choice has been justified
Bayern Munich’s best and worst so far – Goal
The season has been almost perfect for the Bavarians so far but disappointing results against Eintracht Frankfurt and Arsenal have blotted the copybook.
Manchester United facing injury crisis as Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial out to leave Louis van Gaal without striker – The Independent
Wayne Rooney will miss Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Watford this weekend after manager Louis van Gaal revealed he has something of an injury crisis on his hands as the Premier League resumes following the international break.
UEFA won’t sanction Man City for booing anthem – Sportsnet
Manchester City will not be sanctioned by UEFA for fans booing the Champions League anthem. UEFA says its disciplinary panel closed the case on Thursday.
UEFA EURO 2016 final tournament draw details – UEFA
The 24 teams will be drawn into six groups of four teams each. The finals will start on Friday 10 June 2016, with the showpiece taking place at Stade de France on Sunday 10 July. The draw takes place December 12.
How pursuit of better English players has led to FA fixing its focus on the coaches – The Guardian
The advanced youth award (AYA) is the only qualification of its kind and seen 110 academy coaches flock to St George’s Park with the aim of creating better and more balanced young talent.