Sweden edges Canadian women in Rome friendly 2 Apr 2011 Sweden got an early goal, and some outstanding goalkeeping, and hung on to a 1-0 win over the Canadian women’s team Saturday in a Rome friendly. Swedish coach Thomas Dennerby started his “A” lineup, save for one position. He wanted to have a look at Sofia Lundgren, usually the No. 2 keeper in the set-up. She ended up being huge in the match, making a series of saves.
Gulp! Canada’s U-20s to face Mexico in quarter-final 2 Apr 2011 Canada lost twice Friday at the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Guatemala. The Canadians were overwhelmed 3-0 by Costa Rica in their final group-stage match. And, if not for some wonderful saves from Julien Latendresse-Levesque, the scoreline could have been much, much worse.
Red Bulls, De Rosario would discuss new contract: Sources 1 Apr 2011 wayne De Rosario is in the process of bring traded from Toronto FC to the New York Red Bulls. But it is not official, yet. But sources indicate De Rosario’s camp is still working out a new, improved deal with the Red Bulls, one that could possibly make TFC’s all time leading scorer and the four-time MLS Cup winner a Designated Player in New York. No deal is in place at this time.
FC Edmonton ready to unleash its 4-3-3 31 Mar 2011 When Toronto FC and FC Edmonton meet April 27 in the first leg of their Nutrilite Canadian Championship semifinal series, fans will likely see 4-3-3 vs. 4-3-3. While FCE will be the heavy underdog, there will be similarities in the Dutch influenced style it plays with that of TFC. After all, FCE coach Harry Sinkgraven and TFC technical director and head coach Aron Winter were classmates when they went to get their coaching certificates.
FC Edmonton unveils new road kits, shirt sponsor 31 Mar 2011 FC Edmonton unveiled its new all-white road kits and its sponsor, Sears Financial, at a media event Thursday. A new blue home kit is still to come, and there are plans to work on a special third jersey. Toronto FC used its grey kit as a third jersey in Nutrilite Canadian Championship games last season. The Montreal Impact tried a pink jersey during NCC games.
Teibert’s inspired play saves Canada’s U-20s from embarrassment 29 Mar 2011 Russell Teibert’s inspired second-half performance helped save Canada from an embarrassing opening to the CONCACAF U-20 Championship. The Vancouver Whitecaps’ winger set up both second-half goal as Canada rallied to beat Guadeloupe 2-1. Guadaloupe is so tiny, it’s not a FIFA member — so it can’t qualify for the U-20 World Cup even if, by some great upset, got to the semis of this tournament in Guatemala.
Manchester United… or the CONCACAF Champions League? You decide! 28 Mar 2011 MLS confirmed that Manchester United, which thrashed the MLS All-Stars last season, will be back for more. Manchester United will provide the opposition for the All-Stars July 27 at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, a year after the Red Devils dominated the best in MLS in Houston. But, will the game resonate with Canadian fans? That’s up for debate.
Morales wins battle of the Javiers for MLS Player of the Week 28 Mar 2011 Javier Morales’ performance was judged to be superior to that of Javier Martina. The Real Salt Lake midfielder was named the MLS player of the week by the North American Soccer Reporters on Monday. Morales scored twice and set up another goal as RSL decimated the Los Angeles Galaxy 4-1, only adding to Rio Tinto’s reputation as being the toughest place for a road team to go in all of North American pro sports.
FC Edmonton signs Sam Lam, Matthijs injured in friendly 28 Mar 2011 FC Edmonton announced that it has signed Sam Lam, the former University of Alberta standout — and brother of Matt Lam, who returned to Japan this weekend to resume training with JEF United. Sam Lam spent the winter with the Edmonton Drillers of the Canadian Major Indoor Soccer League. He was an FCE target — in fact, he was encouraged by FCE to play in the CMISL this season, as he retained his eligibility as an amateur.
Harmse returns to Whitecaps 26 Mar 2011 Kevin Harmse’s career has come full circle. The South Africa-born, Coquitlam B.C.-raised midfielder and defender has signed with the Whitecaps, after spending camp with the club. He was in the team’s dressing room after the 4-2 opening day win over Toronto FC. “Kevin is a physical player with MLS experience,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson in a release. …