Match Picks of the Week

Selected games to watch from British Columbia's top senior men's and women's amateur leagues.
Please check league schedules for late changes.

BC SOCCER PROVINCIAL CUP

PACIFIC COAST SOCCER LEAGUE

tuesday may 14

Coquitlam Metro-Ford SC vs  TSS Academy (Women)
8:00pm Town Centre East

Wednesday May 15

Estrelle de Chile vs Coquitlam Metro-Ford SC
8:30pm Newton Athletic Park #3

Abbotsford FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC (Women)
8:00pm Simon Fraser University

Saturday May 18th

Victoria United vs Vancouver Thunderbirds
2:00pm Braefoot Park

Estrelle de Chile vs Kamloops Heat
3:00pm Burnaby Lake West #1

Sunday May 19th

NSGSC Eagles vs Okanagan FC (Women)
1:00pm Capilano University Grass

Support Our Home Team

Next home game...

Saturday May 18

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Portland Timbers
4:00pm PDT BC Place, Vancouver

Whitecaps next on TV...

Saturday May 18

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Portland Timbers
4:00pm CITYTV

Neither Vancouver Whitecaps FC nor Victoria Highlanders FC will field a USL W-League team in 2013. Both clubs however will play a full Pacific Coast Soccer League season again in 2013.

Canada's Other Teams

Waterfront Stadium

We can continue to dream!
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BC League Schedules

CIS Canada West - Men
CIS Canada West - Women
Fraser Valley SL - Men
Lower Island Women's SA
Metro Women's SL
Pacific Coast Soccer League
PACWEST
SFU Clan - Men (NCAA II)
SFU Clan - Women (NCAA II)
Vancouver Island SL - Men
Vancouver Metro SL - Men
BC Soccer Premier League
Youth Leagues - Boys
Youth Leagues - Girls

MLS, NASL, USL Schedules

Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Toronto FC
Montreal Impact
FC Edmonton

International Tournaments

Today in Football History

20 May 1992
Barcelona win the European Cup for the first time beating Sampdoria 1-0 in extra time at Wembley.
(Association of Football Statisticians)

monday, may 20, 2013- Victoria Day

Kenny Miller could make Rangers return - Scottish Sun
Kenny Miller could be within 72 hours of sealing a sensational move to Ibrox for a THIRD time. The Scotland star is on the list of priorities for Rangers boss Ally McCoist. SunSport understands a deal for the 33-year-old striker could be in place by Thursday. Miller’s set to be joined next season by Dundee United’s Jon Daly and Queen of the South’s Nicky Clark

Whitecaps surrender late goal, settle for draw with Timbers - CBC
Second-half substitute Jose Valencia's goal in the 83rd minute gave the Portland Timbers a 2-2 draw at Vancouver against the Whitecaps on Saturday in Major League Soccer action. Will Johnson also scored for Portland and assisted on the winner as the Timbers (4-1-7) extended their unbeaten strike [sic] to 10 games.

Despite controversial result, Camilo shines again up top for Vancouver Whitecaps - MLS
A couple of controversial refereeing decisions dominated the headlines after Saturday’s 2-2 draw between the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Portland Timbers, but it’s worth reflecting on the play of Camilo, who was a star for the ‘Caps in a rare spot as an out-and-out center forward.

Post Game Pint: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Portland Timbers - Pacific Boulevard
Reflecting back on the Whitecaps' unfortunate 2-2 draw with Cascadia rivals Portland, there were a lot of positives to review despite the frustrating result. The raucous crowd noise was inspiring with the Timbers Army only drowned out by the Southsiders, Curva Collective, and Rain City Brigade all in lockstep with each other.

Whitecaps FC Reserves draw 1-1 with Portland Timbers Reserves - Whitecaps FC
In front of a loud crowd at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium, Vancouver Whitecaps FC Reserves (2W-0L-1D) earned a 1-1 draw against Portland Timbers Reserves (3W-1L-1D). Tommy Heinemann had the lone goal for the 'Caps and Sal Zizzo scored for the Timbers in a hard fought, fiesty match.

Toronto FC loses again to the Columbus Crew, tries to find positives -  Metro
 Toronto FC loses again to the Columbus Crew, tries to find positives Toronto FC players said all the right things but their body language told a different story. Missed opportunities in front of goal and a defensive lapse extended Toronto's league losing streak to four and winless stretch to nine after a 1-0 MLS defeat at the hands of the Columbus Crew on Saturday afternoon. The patient may not be on life support but it is still sputtering.

TFC: Winless skid hits nine games - Toronto Sun
Like in many games so far this season, one mistake cost Toronto FC dearly. As a result, the club’s winless skid stretched to nine games following a 1-0 home loss to the Columbus Crew on Saturday afternoon.

Toronto FC a work in progress, and it’s tough to watch - Toronto Star
After the first of what will be many wrong endings in a Toronto FC strip, Scottish newcomer Steven Caldwell pronounced himself “bitterly disappointed.” He used that formulation three times. Caldwell will want to be more parsimonious with his negative-superlatives. He’s going to need a lot of them this year, and you don’t want to start firehosing them around on Day One.

Cahill's header in stoppage time lifts Red Bulls over Galaxy - TSN
Tim Cahill scored on a header off a crossing pass in second half stoppage time, lifting the New York Red Bulls to a 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday. It was the fifth win in the last six games for the Red Bulls (7-4-3).

Chivas USA coach Chelis philosophical following latest loss: "This is just our level" - MLS
Chivas USA have hit a tailspin, with a six-game winless streak and 11 goals conceded in their their last three games — all of them blowout losses — and even head coach José Luis “Chelís” Sánchez Solá isn't sure when, or if, his team can climb out of it.

Sporting KC struggle with wrongly disallowed goal vs. DC United: "Can they give us the two points? No" - MLS
Peter Vermes didn't mince words ] about the offside call that cost Sporting Kansas City two road points. Neither did the head of the Professional Referees Organization – or the official who made the call.

Major League Soccer and Windows 8 bring fans the smartest league experience - MLS
Microsoft Corp. and Major League Soccer (MLS) today announced a multiyear agreement to work together to bring MLS fans the best and fastest soccer content through the power of Windows 8. The announcement took place yesterday at the LA Galaxy versus New York Red Bulls game at Red Bull Arena, where the two companies showcased a new and improved MLS app and previewed the new in-stadium fan experiences powered by Windows 8.

MLS observers see improving quality of play - Yahoo!
"These guys" being some of the league's most influential decision makers and rivals in Mexico. Goal.com's Keith Hickey runs this one down for you, gathering insight from a variety of circles. What do you think? Are the players getting better? We already know the competition on the field is fierce.

Highlanders Win Third Straight Victory - Victoria Highlanders
The Victoria Highlanders remain undefeated as the offence once again exploded in a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders FC U-23, Sunday afternoon at Royal Athletic Park.  The Highlanders supporters were once again out in force, with 1376 fans cheering on their team.

Heat Garners First Points of Young PCSL Premier League Season
The Kamloops Heat are making a nice adjustment to the upper echelon of the Pacific Coast Soccer League’s Men’s Division.  After finishing 2012 atop of the U-21 Reserve Division, the Heat graduated to the Premier League.  Playing their second ever match, the Heat tied Estrella de Chile 2-2 at Burnaby Lake North Field on Saturday (May 18).

Langley FC Hires Technical Director
Steve Millar, has been appointed Technical Director of Langley FC effective immediately. Steve is a former Vancouver Whitecap 86  player in the APSL, and was Captain of the Winnipeg Fury, and Edmonton Brickman of the CSL. He has been on the Langley FC Executive Board and acting Technical Director for several months already.

youth soccer

Double success for Whitecaps FC Residency teams - Whitecaps FC
There were wins for both Whitecaps FC Residency sides against Cal Odyssey on Sunday in the teams’ penultimate matches of the current United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) season.

canadians abroad

Ross County beat Inverness CT for the first time since 2009 - BBC
Canadian defender Andre Hainault put the hosts in front with a fine 10-yard volley just before half-time. Billy McKay's opportunistic flick from David Raven's shot almost pegged back County, who had Iain Vigurs hit the post from a free-kick near the end.

world football

Alex Ferguson's managerial career ends with Man United drawing 5-5 at West Bromwich Albion - Canada.com
Alex Ferguson. Former Manchester United manager. At the end of his 1,500th game in charge of Man United on Sunday, the 71-year-old Scot bowed in front of thousands of applauding fans — and then bowed out of football for good.

Future of Premier League wide open after Alex Ferguson’s retirement, other coaching changes - National Post
Get ready for the Premier League like you’ve never seen it before. No Roberto Mancini. The expected return of Jose Mourinho. The likely influx of more world-class players on the back of a bumper new TV deal. Two Welsh teams for the first time. Don’t forget the introduction of goal line technology, either.

Arsenal grabs final Champions League berth: EPL - CBC
Arsenal qualified for the Champions League for the 16th straight season after edging Tottenham to fourth place in the Premier League, as Alex Ferguson bowed out as Manchester United manager with a 5-5 draw against West Bromwich Albion.

AC Milan secures spot in Champions League: Serie A - CBC
AC Milan secured third spot and a place in the Champions League after coming from behind to win 2-1 at Siena on Sunday in the final Serie A round of the season. Fiorentina crushed Pescara 5-1 but remained in fourth spot and will play in the Europa League next season.

Nicola Rizzoli of Italy to referee Dortmund-Bayern Champions League final - WFP
Nicola Rizzoli of Italy will referee the Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. The match at Wembley Stadium on Saturday will be the 41-year-old Rizzoli's highest-profile fixture since becoming an international referee in 2007.

As fireworks crackle, David Beckham plays last home game - Metro
 Never a stranger to the big stage, David Beckham was finally overwhelmed and reduced to tears as he went out in a burst of fireworks and cheers Saturday in his final home game for Paris Saint-Germain before retirement.

Organizers admit to problems during inauguration of stadium hosting Confederations Cup opener - WFP
Brazilian organizers acknowledge there were setbacks in the inauguration of the stadium which will host the opener of the Confederations Cup, vowing to try to fix the problems in time for the second and final test event at the venue next Sunday.

Slim, Mexico's biggest broadcaster take fight to soccer field - Canada.com
Mexicans often feel that billionaire Carlos Slim owns everything in their country, from telephone and Internet companies to banks and chain stores, but his latest acquisitive foray is meeting resistance after touching a national passion: soccer.

Cruz Azul, America to meet in Mexican Clausura final - WFP
Mexico City rivals Cruz Azul and America will meet in the final of Mexico's first division Clausura tournament after victories in weekend semifinals. Javier Orozco scored twice in the opening 25 minutes as Cruz Azul defeated Santos 2-1 on Sunday for a 5-1 aggregate victory, while America's 2-1 win over Monterrey on Saturday gave them a 4-3 aggregate win.

Prandelli: We can’t tolerate racism anymore - Sportsnet
Italy must adopt a zero tolerance policy towards racism in football if it is to eradicate the problem from the sport, national team coach Cesare Prandelli said Monday. A number of Italian clubs have been punished for racist incidents recently.

Romanian court orders retrial of 8 officials in tax evasion, money laundering case - WFP
Bucharest's highest court has ordered a retrial in the case of eight Romanian football officials who were sentenced to prison for tax evasion and money laundering in connection with the transfer of 12 players over a six-year period.

saturday - Sunday, may 18 - 19, 2013

Vancouver Whitecaps FC battle to 2-2 draw against Portland Timbers - Whitecaps FC
In front of a boisterous crowd at BC Place on Saturday, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (3W-4L-4D) were pegged back twice in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Cascadian rivals Portland Timbers (4W-1L-7D).

Portland Timbers rally again, finish in 2-2 draw at Vancouver - Oregon Live
The sign of a good team is being able to come away with a positive result despite not playing well.  The Timbers didn't possess their "A" game, but managed to overcome a number of significant obstacles to finish in a 2-2 draw against Vancouver in front of 19,823 at BC Place Saturday afternoon. 

Next on Vancouver Whitecaps' list of MLS accomplishments? Finally beating a Cascadia rival - MLS
Since Martin Rennie took the helm of the Vancouver Whitecaps before the 2012 season, he’s had his team achieving firsts. First road win, first playoff appearance – both achieved in his first season. Last weekend, the club accomplished a new first – finally scoring a win over the two-time defending champion LA Galaxy. Still left on the checklist? Winning a game against Cascadia opposition as an MLS team.

Know Thy Enemy - Portland Timbers - Pacific Boulevard
The Whitecaps are currently on a two match unbeaten streak and surely that’s something to celebrate - then again that may be premature given the ups and downs of the season so far. At least we are back at BC Place, the venue where we rarely fall to defeat.

Vancouver Whitecaps v Portland Timbers Preview - AFTN
The Whitecaps gave Camilo the midweek match against Montreal off which makes him one of the most rested attackers available for selection. He may start on the left side but expect the Brazilian to slide into the middle at certain points of the match. So far this season Camilo leads the team in shots and shots on target despite playing limited minutes as he has averaged about 45 minutes per appearance.

Tireless Andy O'Brien leads Whitecaps against Timbers - CBC
Andy O'Brien has had a busy week, but he is definitely not complaining. The Vancouver central defender is slated to play his third game in seven days as the Whitecaps host the Portland Timbers in MLS action Saturday at BC Place. "I'm looking forward to it, if selected," O'Brien said after practice Friday.

What to do with Mattocks? - 86 Forever
Despite the 'Caps riding a bit of an upswing lately, the focus, and much of the deserved criticism, has fallen at the boots of young striker Darren Mattocks. He lit the world on fire in his first season, but in his first year as a marquee player, he's failed to live up to expectations.

Two new faces at Whitecaps training - Back of the Net
Korean midfielder Kang-Jo Park and Sierra Leone-born right-back Mustapha Dumbuya were among the players training at B.C. Place on Friday. Caps coach Martin Rennie has been on the road with the team in Montreal so he’s getting his first look at the pair. He said Friday there wasn’t a specific timeline on either trialist.

Portland Timbers happy to bring new defender Pa Modou Kah aboard, expect "an immediate impact" - MLS
Reinforcements for the Portland Timbers injury-ravaged backline have arrived. Gambian center back Pa Modou Kah, who has played the last two seasons with clubs in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, joined Timbers camp Thursday. Needless to say, the big center back’s arrival was a welcome one. 

Whitecaps FC Reserves host Portland Timbers Reserves at Thunderbird Stadium - Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Reserves (2W-0L-0D) will look to continue their perfect start to the 2013 MLS Reserve League season when they take on Portland Timbers Reserves (3W-1L-0D) on Sunday. Kickoff will be 11a.m. PT at UBC Thunderbird Stadium. Follow live updates on Twitter with @WhitecapsMatch.

Too many 'Stupid errors,' TFC's captain says - Toronto Sun
Toronto FC’s what-ifs no longer hold weight. The Reds, cruelly at times, have dropped eight points from winning positions since the end of March.  “The table doesn’t lie,” Darren O’Dea said when asked if the Reds are better than their record. “We are what we are and that’s it. “We just need to cut out stupid errors and we’ll be higher up in the table. But, no, the table doesn’t lie.”

Struggling Toronto FC looks to unveil new talent against the Columbus Crew - Canada.com
Fresh from a weekend off and sporting player reinforcements, struggling Toronto FC returns to action Saturday against the visiting Columbus Crew. In recent days, Toronto has added Scottish defender Steven Caldwell, American midfielder Bobby Convey and New Zealand forward Jeremy Brockie. They join 21-year-old Argentine midfielder Matias Laba, who already has two league games under his belt.

Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew - The Battle For The Trillium Cup; Try Not To Get Too Excited - Waking the Red
Has it really only been 10 days since TFC last played? As usual it's been a tumultuous time in TFC Land and fans can be forgiven for thinking we've gone back to the beginning of the season. New players being brought in at the last minute, others being left on the bench or at home altogether, coupled with Kevin Payne's public calling out of the team for poor performances, well it's been a lot of fun. Or something.

Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew Match Preview - (In)stability - The 24th Minute
Eight to five. If success in football were measured in numbers of head coaches Toronto FC would be leading the Columbus Crew by a baseball score. (Granted, being TFC, they’d surely find a way to lose in the bottom of the ninth to a walk-off grand slam – “Tobiiiiaaaasss!” - but that’s another story!)

David Beckham talking to MLS about owning a new team - SLAM!
David Beckham could return to the United States as owner of a new club and his advisors have already held talks with Major League Soccer. Beckham announced his retirement from professional soccer on Thursday but has been tight-lipped about his future plans after ending the season with French club Paris St Germain.

Report: Chivas sporting director Dennis te Kloese calls sale rumors "totally false" - MLS
Not long after Major League Soccer shot down rumors surrounding Chivas USA that suggested the franchise would be sold, a similar message came down from the Chivas organization in Guadalajara.

Hughes leads Victoria Highlanders to victory - Times Colonist
The Victoria Highlanders faced a team Friday night with three players under MLS pro contracts. But that didn’t stop the Highlanders (2-0) from recording a 3-2 United Soccer League Premier Development League victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps Under-23 side (1-1) at UBC Thunderbird Stadium.

the women's game

NWSL Week 6 hits the weekend - The Equalizer
After a most intriguing Thursday that saw Sky Blue FC hand Portland Thorns FC their first loss of the season and the Washington Spirit put four goals on Seattle Reign FC, the matchups will switch this Sunday to conclude Week 6.  Saturday night the Breakers visit FC Kansas City at Verizon Wireless Field, the new moniker for the soccer pitch.

Sounders Women Face Whitecaps in Final Preseason Match - Sounders at Heart
The Vancouver Whitecaps have taken the year off from playing in the W-League, but they’ve thrown together a special team to play this exhibition match. It’s a team that is made up mostly of the club’s U-18 Girls Elite squad. Make no mistake, these players can play. They have been enjoying a great deal of success this year.

youth soccer

Split results for Residency teams against San Jose Earthquakes Academy - Whitecaps FC
It was all square between Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency sides and San Jose Earthquakes as the U-18s claimed a win whilst the U-16s fell to a narrow loss. A dominant performance from the U-18s saw them claim a 3-1 win in a match they never looked like losing before the U-16s lost 3-2.

No provincials for undefeated Belmont - Victoria News
The Stelly’s Stingers edged the Oak Bay Breakers 1-0 (3-2) in a penalty kick shootout to decide the Island AAA high school girls soccer champions at Hampton Park on Tuesday.

Revelstoke youth soccer teams enjoy winning weekend - Revelstoke Times Review
The Revelstoke Arrow Helicopters U16 boys soccer team came away with two wins this week against the Kamloops Orange team. On Wednesday, the team travelled to Salmon Arm to play and after losing two players to injury, still came away with a 1-0 win on a goal by Gabriel Laidlaw.

Kal Lakers bow to Mustangs in Valley final - Vernon Morning Star
The Kalamalka Lakers will go to the B.C. Senior AA Girls Soccer Championships in Courtenay feeling pretty good about themselves. The Lakers, who won the North Zone title over Fulton Maroons, lost 3-2 to the Princess Margaret Mustangs of Penticton in the Okanagan Valley final Wednesday

university and college soccer

Cascades duo to suit up for Whitecaps U23 - Abbotsford News
Colton O’Neill and Sasa Plavsic of the University of the Fraser Valley men’s soccer team will play for the Vancouver Whitecaps’ Premier Development League squad this summer.

the local game

Soccer teams gear up for May Classic in Penticton - Penticton Western News
Penticton U21 soccer teams will be pushing to work out early season kinks and for a chance to take the championship titles at the Pacific Western Brewery May Classic this weekend. The tournament, hosted by the Penticton Soccer Club, is in its 52nd year and organizer Charlie Goeckel said it is the longest running tournament in the country.

south of the 49th

Belgium to Bring ‘A’ Team to Play U.S. - New York Times
Belguim’s soccer team, which is having a renaissance under Coach Marc Wilmots (the former captain of the national team), is bringing a top-flight team to the United States for a friendly game in Cleveland on May 29.

world football

Atletico beats Real Madrid to win Copa del Rey - CBC
The Copa del Rey trophy was supposed to be coach Jose Mourinho's parting gift for Real Madrid, or at least a consolation prize after a season that will be remembered for his abrasive antics and his team's failure to win silverware. Instead, Atletico Madrid ended a 14-year winless run against its city rival by taking the title on Friday.

David Beckham: Soccer and Spice - CBC
I don't care how many boatloads of boxers he sold. I'm not interested in the volume of fragrances bought because his name was on the bottle.   His brand is global, his appeal universal. He sparked debate and polarized opinion. But underneath the gloss he was, first and foremost, a very good footballer.

Retirement tests if Beckham built lasting brand - Metro
David Beckham’s pecs are at least as much a part of his brand as his kick; his brand of shoes ultimately more lucrative than the game he’s giving up. Listed as the world’s highest-earning athlete for 2013, Beckham’s retirement from play still leaves him with valuable endorsements and unparalleled celebrity. The question is whether he can maintain it.

Criticism of Beckham pointless - Sportsnet
Not at all surprising that same word kept recurring as soccer bigwigs reacted to the news, FIFA uberboss Sepp Blatter among them. “Iconic.” That David Beckham is — and soon enough, “was”, as we revert to the past tense following his retirement announcement on Thursday, though lord knows it’s hard to imagine him ever fully disappearing from the public eye.

Brazil strengthens border security ahead of Confederations Cup tournament - Edmonton Journal
Brazil is using more than 20,000 troops along its borders with 10 South American nations to reinforce security ahead of the Confederations Cup soccer tournament in June.

Someone reportedly put a pig head in a Stoke player’s locker - National Post
Stoke has launched an internal investigation following reports that a pig’s head was found in the locker of one of the team’s players. The Premier League club says it “takes seriously reports of an incident” at its Clayton Wood training ground and “those responsible for any unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with in accordance with the club’s disciplinary procedures.”

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