TFC or Vancouver will get Nicaraguan champ in CONCACAF Champions League qualifier 18 May 2011 As Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps prepared for Wednesday night’s first leg of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship final, they learned who the winner will play in the CONCACAF Champions League qualifier. The draw was held Wednesday for the 2011-12 CCL, and the Canadian championship winner will play a Nicaraguan side, either Real Esteli or Walter Ferreti, for the right to advance to the group stage.
Whitecaps prepare for Canucks to go to Game 7 17 May 2011 The Vancouver Whitecaps are making way for the Canucks’ playoff run… just in case. The club announced Tuesday that the kickoff for the May match date against the New York Red Bulls has been moved up to 2:30 p.m. local time. The game was originally set for 4 p.m. May 28 is also the scheduled date for Game 7 of the NHL’s Western Conference Final — if needed.
Whitecaps’ reserves beaten in New England by Joseph PK 15 May 2011 But Thordarson decided to use Saturday’s date in New England as a chance to test his squad players. Striker Long Tan, who any Whitecaps fans would be forgiven for not remembering still played for the club, got the start with attack partner Omar Salgado, the teenager chosen first overall in the 2011 Superdraft. The Revs won 1-0, as Shalrie Joseph converted a penalty kick after Whitecap Blake Wagner was adjudged to have stepped on the foot of Rev Benny Feilhaber just inside the box.
Another stirring Whitecaps comeback, but another poor draw at home 12 May 2011 Once again, the cardiac kids struck late. Davide Chiumiento’s 90th minute cross into the San Jose penalty area eluded a series of charging Whitecaps and, more importantly, keeper Jon Busch. The ball nestled in the corner of the goal, giving the Whitecaps a 1-1 draw with the Earthquakes.
Hart: Only one TFC player to get Gold Cup call 10 May 2011 Only one member of Toronto FC is expected to be named to Canadian national team coach Stephen Hart’s roster for the upcoming Gold Cup. Hart confirmed that he has only one Red on his list during a conference call Tuesday.
Gerba’s gaffe sends fortunate Whitecaps to NCC final 5 May 2011 But, the Montreal Impact should be the one going through. All Gerba had to do was convert what was a pretty automatic scoring chance in the dying seconds of extra time. But, with Whitecaps keeper Jay Nolly at his mercy and no defender in sight, Gerba's header crashed off the post. The Whitecaps escaped with a 2-1 aggregate win; a 1-1 draw on the night.
Stephen Hart chats about Jackson, DeRo and NASL 3 May 2011 Canadian men’s national team coach Stephen Hart held a conference call Tuesday to discuss the team’s preparation ahead of the Gold Cup and the June 1 friendly against Ecuador at BMO Field. Hart touched on a number of topics, from mixed messages over the availability of attacking midfielder Dwayne De Rosario for the Gold Cup, where Simeon Jackson will play in the Canadian lineup and the possibility that Montreal Impact or FC Edmonton players could get call-ups.
Whitecaps dull for 70, inspired for 20, in loss to Crew 1 May 2011 The final 20 minutes of the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 loss Saturday in Columbus — which saw the visitors throw everything they had at Crew keeper Will Hesmer in a wild attempt to pull another game out of the fire — wasn’t enough to erase 70 minutes of indifferent play. Don’t let the Whitecaps’ frantic attempt to come back from a two-goal deficit fool you; the Caps came into this game with a very negative mentality.
Too early to panic, but Impact’s start is cause for concern 29 Apr 2011 That concern is extended to what’s happening at Stade Saputo. Or, more accurately, what’s not happening at Stade Saputo. Through two home dates, there have been a concerning number of unused blue seats.
Mullan gets record suspension; no action taken on Leathers 28 Apr 2011 Major League Soccer has issued the longest suspension in league history. Colorado Rapid Brian Mullan is the new owner of this dubious mark, after MLS lengthened his red-card suspension to a total of 10 games after last weekend’s studs-up challenge that broke the leg of Seattle’s former No. 1 overall draft pick, Steve Zakuani, in two places.