Stats show link between number of draws and playoffs; are there lessons there for MLS? 31 Jul 2014 But if MLS wants to see more exciting games, more late match-winners, especially with its new TV deals in the United States, it could look at reducing the number of teams that make the playoffs. As it becomes more competitive to get a playoff spot, coaches and players may not be as willing to settle for draws.
Will Shaun Saiko return to Edmonton this weekend? Colin Miller says “I couldn’t care less” 29 Jul 2014 “I couldn’t care less about Shaun Saiko anymore. We don’t pay his wages anymore. He left our club and it’s history. I have no interest in San Antonio or Shaun Saiko. I’m interested in the guys that are here. This is how I feel. These are our players, the club has moved on, the club is evolving and we’re in a good place. Unfortunately, we’re where we are in the league, but progress is being made.”
Eddies find baffling new ways to not score in loss to Indy 27 Jul 2014 But, as Eddies coach Colin Miller put it at halftime, the way the Eddies attackers find ways to turn chances in front of goals into shot attempts that didn't even trouble the keeper is a “physical impossibility.”
FCE’s Boakai and Jalali to join national U-20 side for the Milk Cup 22 Jul 2014 “I’m going a year up, so it’s a big achievement for me, again,” said Boakai. “So, I’m really proud of myself for that. I’m happy that the coach picked me, it’s a big tournament. A lot of people are going to be watching, and we’ll have to see what happens.
FCE raves about new longer and wider pitch at Clarke Stadium 22 Jul 2014 The FIFA approved surface means that Clarke can be used as a training facility for the upcoming U-20 Women’s World Cup and the Women’s World Cup in 2015. The World Cup matches happen next door at the 56,000-seat Commonwealth Stadium. FCE General Manager Rod Proudfoot said that the club must vacate Clarke Stadium between May 26 and July 8 of next year, as FIFA takes over the venue and does not allow it to be shared. Likewise, FIFA has informed the CFL Eskimos that they won’t be allowed to be in Commonwealth (or train at Clarke) during that window.
Fury’s start to the NASL fall season mirrors that of FC Edmonton 20 Jul 2014 So the question remains, how will TD Place look when the Fury hosts NASL games later in the season? The one danger of playing in large multipurpose stadiums is that even if you get a crowd of 7,000 or 8,000 — which is excellent by modern NASL standards — the stadium looks and feels kinda empty.
Atlanta gets its first NASL clean sheet of 2014… against FC Edmonton 20 Jul 2014 It took until the 82nd minute for the Eddies to force Atlanta keeper Joe Nasco into a meaningful save. Just two minutes after coming in as a late sub, FCE teenager Hanson Boakai won a physical battle with Atlanta’s Kwadwo Poku at the top of the box, and then left-footed a curling shot towards the top corner that forced Nasco into a fingertip save.
CSA hopeful that Women’s World Cup will spur NWSL to expand to Canada 16 Jul 2014 “Absolutely. We believe that, after 2015, the interest will be there for at least one city to be a part of NWSL,” said Montopoli. “The interest will merit it…. It certainly presents an opportunity for an owner (in Canada) to be part of NWSL. We have had those initial discussions with NWSL but we’re currently waiting to see the success of 2015 before we get there.”
Montopoli: Canada has no plans to share World Cup 2026 bid with another nation 16 Jul 2014 “It’s a single bid. It’s Canada, at this moment. It’s Canada, the Canadian Soccer Association that will be bidding, and we will continue along that line. There really have been no discussions on joint bids, either Mexico or the United States. It’s not a position we’re taking. It is a straight bid from the Canadian Soccer Association.”
Beckie’s move from American program to Canadian program highlights U-20 roster 16 Jul 2014 Over the past two NCAA seasons, Janine Beckie has scored at a torrid pace for Texas Tech. Now, her addition to the Canadian team ahead of the U-20 Women's World Cup provides coach Andrew Olivieri with an interesting trump card.