MLS unveils new unbalanced scheduling format 20 Nov 2011 Under the new format, each Eastern Conference team will play each Western Conference opponent only once in a season. The home and road dates alternate from season to season. So, for example, if TFC hosts the Whitecaps in 2012, TFC will go to BC Place in 2013.
De Rosario makes history with MVP nod 18 Nov 2011 Major League Soccer announced Friday that DeRo is the league’s MVP. He becomes the first Canadian to ever win MLS’ highest individual honour. He becomes the first player in North American pro sports history to take an MVP award in a season in which the winner played for three teams. He’s the first player from a non-playoff team to ever win the MLS MVP.
Chencinski enjoys breakout season in Finland, hopes for Hart’s call 18 Nov 2011 The question is, to where will Chencinski go next season? Will it be VPS, the Finnish club where he’s become the undisputed No. 1? Or will it be Swedish side Orebro SK, where he trialed right before he came back to Toronto?
FC Edmonton confirms one-year deal for ex-Impact defender Kevin Hatchi 17 Nov 2011 Kevin Hatchi made the announcement on Facebook a couple of weeks ago, but FC Edmonton made it official on Thursday. The French defender has agreed to a one-year deal with the NASL club.
Whitecaps’ forward Salgado to train with Fulham until Dec. 4 17 Nov 2011 The Vancouver Whitecaps confirmed Thursday that 2011 top draft pick Omar Salgado is already in England to train with Fulham of the English Premier League.
Alderson promoted to Vancouver’s senior roster, gets Generation Adidas tag 17 Nov 2011 With the announcement that reigning Canadian U-17 player of the year Bryce Alderson has been promoted from the Whitecaps Residency to the MLS roster, the club has given its most exciting teen prospect the chance to step up — and also helped silence the critics who noted the lack of Canadians on the first team through the 2011 season.
Hassli’s wonder strike doesn’t take MLS Goal of the Year 16 Nov 2011 Vancouver Whitecap Eric Hassli’s wonder strike against the Seattle Sounders didn’t win the Goal of the Year honour. Instead, rookie Darlington Nagbe got the award for his volley-and-shoot effort against Sporting Kansas City.
Hassli finishes third in MLS Newcomer of the Year balloting 16 Nov 2011 Vancouver’s Eric Hassli, who is likely to win the Goal of the Year for his stunning volley against Seattle, and who scored 10 times this year, finished third in voting, behind Rosales and New York Red Bull Luke Rodgers.
Toronto teen Oliver Spring set for third stint with Feyenoord academy 15 Nov 2011 Oliver Spring is a name that Canadian soccer fans need to have on their radars. The 15-year-old Toronto native has been invited back to the Netherlands for a third spell with Feyenoord’s academy.
Christine Sinclair named to USL Hall of Fame 15 Nov 2011 Christine Sinclair has received yet another honour. On Tuesday, the United Soccer Leagues announced that the all-time leading scorer in Canadian women’s national team history will be inducted into the USL Hall of Fame.