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Friday, December 27, 2013

UNO News Net: EPL 2013-14: Manchester City gana a Liverpool 2-1 en entretenido duelo y se candidatea al título en la Premier League

UNO News Net: EPL 2013-14: Manchester City gana a Liverpool 2-1 en entretenido duelo y se candidatea al título en la Premier League

UNO News Net: FUTBOL DE ARGENTINA 2013: Argentinos deliran con el Sumo Pontífice fundando el "Club Deportivo Papa Francisco"

UNO News Net: FUTBOL DE ARGENTINA 2013: Argentinos deliran con el Sumo Pontífice fundando el "Club Deportivo Papa Francisco"

UNO News Net: FUTBOL DE BRASIL 2013: Tribunal deportivo confirma sanción a Portuguesa y salva del descenso a Fluminense

UNO News Net: FUTBOL DE BRASIL 2013: Tribunal deportivo confirma sanción a Portuguesa y salva del descenso a Fluminense

A successful year on the road to Canada 2015 Women's World Cup


 

It has been another successful year for the National Organising Committee for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 and FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. With the first of two major tournaments now just eight months away, we look back at some of the highlights of the past calendar year.
Qualifiers for both competitions kicked off in 2013, with the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 Qualifiers to be completed in late January 2014. For the National Organising Committee, the next major milestone in 2014 will be the Official Draw at Le Windsor Hotel in Montréal on 1 March 2014.
2 January 2013 – National Organising Committee offices officially open in Ottawa
4 March 2013 – Six Venue General Managers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 gather for the first time for meetings in Ottawa
21 March 2013 – Match schedule for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 unveiled
4 April 2013 – Qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 kick off in Lithuania and Malta
16 April 2013 – FIFA delegates visit Montréal and Moncton
2 June 2013 – Host Cities and Official Emblem unveiled for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014
6 June 2013 – Two-year countdown to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015
6 August 2013 – Match schedule for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 unveiled one day after one-year countdown to the opening match
13-17 August 2013 – FIFA delegates visits Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver
8 October 2013 – National Organising Committee launches National Volunteer Programme for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 and FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 on Parliament Hill
28 November 2013 – Tickets to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 go on sale

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup tickets go on sale

Venue pack tickets for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 are now on sale. Purchasers of venue packs will receive price discounts of up to 20 per cent over prices of individual match tickets.
“The National Organising Committee for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 is excited to offer venue ticket packages at discounted rates,” said Victor Montagliani, Chair of the National Organising Committee for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 and president of the Canadian Soccer Association.“By making this competition affordable and accessible for all, we are hoping to do our part to help build a legacy for women’s football around the world.”
Of note, purchased venue packs in host cities that will also be part of the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™ will give purchasers an opt-in opportunity to be placed on a priority list for venue packs to the 2015 competition in the same official host city.


FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™
The FIFA Women's World Cup is held every four years, with the next edition to be played in Canada in 2015. It marks the first major sporting event hosted in Canada from coast to coast, with matches to be played in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montréal and Moncton. The FIFA Women's World Cup will feature the 24 best women's football teams in the world.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ will be preceded one year earlier by the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, one of two FIFA women’s youth tournaments. The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup returns to Canada for the first time since 2002. The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Canada 2014 will feature 16 teams featuring players born 1994 or later.
The National Organising Committee for the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 features Victor Montagliani (chair), Steven Reed, Janine Helland, Doug Redmond, Clare Rustad, Walter Sieber and Peter Montopoli.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

COSTA RICA 2014 WOMEN'S U-17 WORLD CUP: Hosts face Venezuela, Germany test for Korea DPR and Canada


Hosts face Venezuela, Germany test for Korea DPR
© LOC
Costa Rica will play Venezuela in the opening match of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014 on 15 March 2014. The Official Draw took place on 17 December, at the Antigua Aduana in San Jose, Costa Rica.
The standout section is arguably Group B, which pits the 2012 runners-up Korea DPR - champions of the inaugural edition in 2008 - against Germany, Ghana and Canada.
The tournament will be played across four stadiums, three in San Jose and another in Liberia, between 15 March and 4 April 2014.
Full draw
COSTA RICA 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP WOMEN'S U-17: Team's Profile: TEAM CANADA

Canada

Canada
The past
Canada are the only team from North, Central America and the Caribbean to have taken part in every edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The North American powers reached the quarter-finals last time out in Azerbaijan, where they were narrowly edged by eventual runners-up Korea DPR. They reached the same stage in New Zealand in 2008 at the tournament’s first instalment, while Trinidad and Tobago 2010 proved a disappointment as they went out in the group stages after eliminating mighty USA in the qualifying rounds.

The presentThe Canucks strolled through the qualifying tournament once again in Montego Bay, Jamaica. They crushed Guatemala 8-0 before seeing off Trinidad and Tobago by the remarkable scoreline of 11-0. A 5-0 win over hosts Jamaica followed to send the Canadians through to the semi-final round without conceding a goal. They did not concede in the final against Mexico, either, but were edged in a penalty shoot-out to miss claiming the CONCACAF crown.
The future
With a stingy and organised rearguard, Canada forego the short-passing game in favour of a direct approach. Route-one football suits striker Marie Mychele Metivier, who was top-scorer in the qualifying competition with six goals in three games. Coach Bev Priestman is in confident mood and believes her team deserve their position in Costa Rica. “We stuck to our game-plan for the whole of the qualifying campaign and we deserve exactly what we got. This team is the future of our national team and now we have to keep up the great work we’ve done.”

Facts and Figures

Key Players
Marie Mychele Metivier, Simmrin Dhaliwal, Easther Mayi Kith, Jessie Fleming

​The stat
14 – Number of goals scored by Canada in their four qualifying games for Costa Rica 2014. And while that’s an incredible amount of attacking output, it is worth nothing that they conceded zero goals in that same stretch of time.

FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP U17: F.A.N.S. to perform the official song of Costa Rica 2014

 

 
F.A.N.S. to perform the official song of Costa Rica 2014
Lula, Carla, Joanina and Macarena who make up the quartet F.A.N.S. from Argentina, recently released their first album Despegamos in Latin America, captivating audiences with the first single Nave Espacial (Spaceship), already a hit in several countries. The video of this song has more than 1.3 million views on Vevo.
Pasion Total, the Official Song of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Costa Rica was written by Michel Zitron, Didrik Thott and Johan 'Jones' Wetterberg. The Spanish adaptation was produced by Afo Verde and Alejandro Landa.
Executive Director of the Local Organizing Committee, Federico Rojas, commented: “It is of outmost importance for the Women’s World Cup to have an Official Song. It represents a historical event for our youth, football and Central America. It will bring happiness to our families. We will host the first FIFA tournament in Central America with hope and pride.”
F.A.N.S. released the Official Song for the first time on Tuesday 17 December in Costa Rica, with a performance at the Official Draw of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup taking place at the Antigua Aduana in San Jose.
Pasion Total is a song with strength and energy. “Just as the name implies, we feel an immense joy when singing it. We hope this song will inspire each and every one of the players who participate in this great tournament. We are proud to share our music at this unique and hopefully unforgettable time" said the members of F.A.N.S.
F.A.N.S. were recently in Argentina and Uruguay promoting the new album and are now travelling to Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and New York. On 8 December, F.A.N.S. performed live for the first time in the Love of Music festival at the Nassau Coliseum, which includes performances by Ricky Martin, Ricardo Montaner and Franco De Vita.
F.A.N.S. will promote their first album Despegamos during their stay in San Jose, Costa Rica

COSTA RICA 2014 WOMEN'S U-17 WORLD CUP: Costa Rica 2014 receives national backing


http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/08/57/59/fu17wwc2014_matchschedule_18122013_neutral.pdf
Costa Rica 2014 receives national backing
© Getty Images
Banco de Costa Rica, Banco Nacional, Banco Popular of Costa Rica, The Costa Rican Tourist Board, INS and Kölbi have all signed on to become National Supporters of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014. The competition has gained the support of an impressive 6 institutions from varied industries such as Finance and Banking, Telecommunications and Energy Solutions, Insurance and Tourism, that are sure to be an integral part of the success of the competition.
Founded 136 years ago, the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) is the oldest Costa Rican financial institution. Its state support gives it widespread coverage of branches throughout the country. It works with clients from institutions, corporations, businesses, small businesses, and individuals, remaining focused on its mission of boosting social development, competition, and sustainability in Costa Rica. The BCR believes that sports are an effective way to promote values such as competition, commitment, and the constant striving towards excellence. These are also institutional values that help shape their customer service philosophy and social impact program, and believe that this competition represents these same values.
Banco Nacional is presently the largest commercial bank in Central America, being 100% state-owned; it also operates as a development bank in terms of public infrastructure and social interest financing. Banco Nacional concentrates its operations in Costa Rica, with over 170 offices serving its entire territory. Banco Nacional became a national supporter of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in order to help the Government of Costa Rica in its efforts towards the development of sports and tourism in the country.
Banco Popular of Costa Rica is a financial institution of the state banking network with almost 45 years of experience in the industry. As National Supporter, Banco Popular wants to support all of the young women under 17 years old that are eager to take the women’s football to next level, and help the young, rising football stars to have more and equal professional opportunities regardless of their gender.
Established in 1955, The Costa Rican Tourist Board governs tourism activities in the country, while it develops strategies and tactics to ensure the quality of the destination, as well as develop projects and procedures that will continue to make the Costa Rica tourism competitive while maintaining its position in the international market. This unprecedented event will offer the country a strategic positioning as a tourist destination and as a model regarding sustainable tourism, which is one of the reasons the board has chosen to support this high-profile international competition. This represents an opportunity to spearhead the visibility of the country’s attraction for tourists and to position Costa Rica into new markets.
INS insurance is proud to be part of this important global event that takes place in Costa Rica. By supporting the event, they aim to contribute to the development of the national sport and women's participation in these world class competitions.
Kölbi is a company with a leadership position in Costa Rica which offers telecommunications and energy solutions for the improvement of the quality of life of the country’s population. The production of most of their energy makes use of clean and renewable sources throughout the country. Kölbi is a brand that supports and represents the highest values of the Costa Rican society, and its products reflect the Costa Rican people’s entrepreneurial spirit and attitude for success. Sport event sponsorships are a way for the company to support the national sport, and celebrate with fans, but mostly with the aim of being close to their clients.
FIFA’s Marketing Director, Thierry Weil commented on the agreements, saying: “It gives us great pleasure to welcome these companies as National Supporters of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica. The fact that so many Costa Rican brands are committing to the event is great news for us and highlights the appeal of the event within the host nation, and we look forward to working with them."

COSTA RICA 2014 WOMEN'S U-17 WORLD CUP: Hosts face Venezuela while Canada face Germany at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014

 

19 December 2013

Costa Rica will play Venezuela in the opening match of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014 on 15 March 2014. The Official Draw took place on 17 December, at the Antigua Aduana in San Jose, Costa Rica.
The standout section is arguably Group B, which pits the 2012 runners-up Korea DPR - champions of the inaugural edition in 2008 - against Germany, Ghana and Canada.
The tournament will be played across four stadiums, three in San Jose and another in Liberia, between 15 March and 4 April 2014.
Group A: Costa Rica, Venezuela, Italy, Zambia
Group B: Ghana, Korea DPR, Germany, Canada
Group C: New Zealand, Paraguay, Spain, Japan
Group D: Mexico, Colombia, China PR, Nigeria

F.A.N.S. to perform the official song of Costa Rica 2014
Lula, Carla, Joanina and Macarena who make up the quartet F.A.N.S. from Argentina, recently released their first album Despegamos in Latin America, captivating audiences with the first single Nave Espacial (Spaceship), already a hit in several countries. The video of this song has more than 1.3 million views on Vevo.
Pasion Total, the Official Song of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Costa Rica was written by Michel Zitron, Didrik Thott and Johan 'Jones' Wetterberg. The Spanish adaptation was produced by Afo Verde and Alejandro Landa.
Executive Director of the Local Organizing Committee, Federico Rojas, commented: “It is of outmost importance for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to have an Official Song. It represents a historical event for our youth, football and Central America.”
F.A.N.S. released the Official Song for the first time on Tuesday 17 December in Costa Rica, with a performance at the Official Draw of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup taking place at the Antigua Aduana in San Jose.


Sinclair is the female selection for 2013 BMO Canadian Players of the Year award
Canada Soccer announced that Christine Sinclair is the female selection for the 2013 BMO Canadian Player of the Year award. The Portland Thorns FC captain was honoured in a vote shared by Canadian media (50%) and Canadian coaches and clubs (50%).
Sinclair of Burnaby, BC is one of two winners of the 2013 BMO Canadian Players of the Year award. Sinclair shares the 2013 award with Portland Timbers captain Will Johnson.
Sinclair is now an 11-time winner of the Canadian Players of the Year award. Runners up included Diana Matheson (second), Erin McLeod (third) and Desiree Scott (fourth). The list of previous award winners is identified below.
Also announced last week, Liam Stanley was selected Canadian Para Soccer Player of the Year on Monday, Marco Carducci and Sura Yekka were announced Canadian U-17 Players of the Year on Tuesday, and Dylan Carreiro and Kadeisha Buchanan were announced Canadian U-20 Players of the Year on Wednesday.


Signeul's Scottish success story
For Scotland fans, these are dark days. No major tournaments in 15 years tells its own, damning story, and fresh ignominy accompanied their team's latest failure, as the first European nation eliminated from the race to Brazil.
Yet amid the gloom, there has been one ray of sunshine. It has been provided by the Scots' ever-improving women’s side, whose rise from international obscurity to the world top 20 has been one of the female game’s most striking success stories.
Anna Signeul’s team have not been immune to heartbreak themselves though. Last October, a place at the UEFA Women’s EURO seemed all but assured until Spain struck in the 120th minute, with the final kick of a spirit-crushing encounter. But while such blows have flattened weaker teams, the response of Signeul's Scots has simply been to raise the bar yet further.
A look at the standings in Europe’s FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign underlines that continued improvement, with four straight wins having been racked up by an aggregate score of 20-2. Recently, Signeul’s role in that ascent was recognised when she was named on the initial ten-strong shortlist for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football award; “fantastic recognition," she said, "for the progress we have made as a team”.
PLUS: FIFA.com


Olympian and Canada Soccer Board Member invested to Order of Canada
Five-time Olympian and Olympic silver medalist Charmaine Crooks, also a member of the Canadian Soccer Association Board of Directors, was recognised on Friday 13 December for her outstanding achievements, dedication to the community and service to the nation by being invested to the Order of Canada.
“On behalf of the Canadian Soccer Association and the entire Canadian soccer community, I would like to congratulate our own Charmaine Crooks on the appointment,” said Victor Montagliani, President, Canadian Soccer Association. “It is a real honour to have an extraordinary Olympian, woman and pillar of our sport community as part of our team. We are all proud of her accomplishments, contribution and her receiving this recognition.”
The Order of Canada investiture ceremony was held at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, ON on Friday 13 December and presided by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. The Governor General bestowed the honour on 39 recipients. The Order of Canada was created in 1967 and since its creation, more than 6 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.


National Women’s Soccer League awards club to Houston
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today the founding of its ninth club and first expansion team, the Houston Dash. The Dash is owned and operated by the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer (MLS) and will begin play with the start of the 2014 NWSL season.
“We’re proud and excited to welcome the Houston Dash to the NWSL as the first expansion team in league history,” NWSL Executive Director Cheryl Bailey said. “The creation of the Dash will mean enhanced opportunities for female soccer players at the professional level as well as the chance for fans from another part of the country to watch and interact with some of the world’s most talented players. We are thrilled at being able to add an organization as strong as the Houston Dynamo as we work towards continuing to build a sustainable league.”

FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™
The FIFA Women's World Cup is held every four years, with the next edition to be played in Canada in 2015. It marks the first major sporting event hosted in Canada from coast to coast, with matches to be played in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montréal and Moncton. The FIFA Women's World Cup will feature the 24 best women's football teams in the world.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ will be preceded one year earlier by the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, one of two FIFA women’s youth tournaments. The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup returns to Canada for the first time since 2002. The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Canada 2014 will feature 16 teams featuring players born 1994 or later.
The National Organising Committee for the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 features Victor Montagliani (chair), Steven Reed, Janine Helland, Doug Redmond, Clare Rustad, Walter Sieber and Peter Montopoli.

FIFA Strategic Committee supports goal-line technology, which was successfully deployed again at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup and is much appreciated by referees, was praised by the committee, including European Club Association


 

FIFA President Blatter, chairman of the FIFA Strategic Committee. Photo/FIFA.com
MARRAKECH, December 21, 2013 - On the eve of the FIFA Club World Cup 2013 final, FIFA’s Strategic Committee met in Marrakech yesterday under the chairmanship of FIFA President Blatter.
The use of goal-line technology, which was successfully deployed again at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup and is much appreciated by referees, was praised by the committee, including European Club Association (ECA) Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and FIFPro Secretary General Theo van Seggelen.
Furthermore, the two outstanding items of FIFA’s governance reform process – limits on age and terms of office, both of which will be on the agenda at next year’s FIFA Congress – were discussed at today’s meeting.
An important part of the meeting was devoted to areas relating to the protection of the game, in particular the fight against discrimination and racism, match manipulation and doping.
Among the other topics discussed today were the use of video evidence for disciplinary matters – only possible after the game – and the promotion of women’s football.
FIFA's Strategic Committee brings together most of football’s stakeholders, including the confederations, member associations, clubs, coaches, players, leagues, commercial affiliates and broadcasters.

Hosts face Venezuela while Canada face Germany at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014

19 December 2013

Costa Rica will play Venezuela in the opening match of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014 on 15 March 2014. The Official Draw took place on 17 December, at the Antigua Aduana in San Jose, Costa Rica.
The standout section is arguably Group B, which pits the 2012 runners-up Korea DPR - champions of the inaugural edition in 2008 - against Germany, Ghana and Canada.
The tournament will be played across four stadiums, three in San Jose and another in Liberia, between 15 March and 4 April 2014.
Group A: Costa Rica, Venezuela, Italy, Zambia
Group B: Ghana, Korea DPR, Germany, Canada
Group C: New Zealand, Paraguay, Spain, Japan
Group D: Mexico, Colombia, China PR, Nigeria

F.A.N.S. to perform the official song of Costa Rica 2014
Lula, Carla, Joanina and Macarena who make up the quartet F.A.N.S. from Argentina, recently released their first album Despegamos in Latin America, captivating audiences with the first single Nave Espacial (Spaceship), already a hit in several countries. The video of this song has more than 1.3 million views on Vevo.
Pasion Total, the Official Song of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Costa Rica was written by Michel Zitron, Didrik Thott and Johan 'Jones' Wetterberg. The Spanish adaptation was produced by Afo Verde and Alejandro Landa.
Executive Director of the Local Organizing Committee, Federico Rojas, commented: “It is of outmost importance for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to have an Official Song. It represents a historical event for our youth, football and Central America.”
F.A.N.S. released the Official Song for the first time on Tuesday 17 December in Costa Rica, with a performance at the Official Draw of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup taking place at the Antigua Aduana in San Jose.


Sinclair is the female selection for 2013 BMO Canadian Players of the Year award
Canada Soccer announced that Christine Sinclair is the female selection for the 2013 BMO Canadian Player of the Year award. The Portland Thorns FC captain was honoured in a vote shared by Canadian media (50%) and Canadian coaches and clubs (50%).
Sinclair of Burnaby, BC is one of two winners of the 2013 BMO Canadian Players of the Year award. Sinclair shares the 2013 award with Portland Timbers captain Will Johnson.
Sinclair is now an 11-time winner of the Canadian Players of the Year award. Runners up included Diana Matheson (second), Erin McLeod (third) and Desiree Scott (fourth). The list of previous award winners is identified below.
Also announced last week, Liam Stanley was selected Canadian Para Soccer Player of the Year on Monday, Marco Carducci and Sura Yekka were announced Canadian U-17 Players of the Year on Tuesday, and Dylan Carreiro and Kadeisha Buchanan were announced Canadian U-20 Players of the Year on Wednesday.


Signeul's Scottish success story
For Scotland fans, these are dark days. No major tournaments in 15 years tells its own, damning story, and fresh ignominy accompanied their team's latest failure, as the first European nation eliminated from the race to Brazil.
Yet amid the gloom, there has been one ray of sunshine. It has been provided by the Scots' ever-improving women’s side, whose rise from international obscurity to the world top 20 has been one of the female game’s most striking success stories.
Anna Signeul’s team have not been immune to heartbreak themselves though. Last October, a place at the UEFA Women’s EURO seemed all but assured until Spain struck in the 120th minute, with the final kick of a spirit-crushing encounter. But while such blows have flattened weaker teams, the response of Signeul's Scots has simply been to raise the bar yet further.
A look at the standings in Europe’s FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign underlines that continued improvement, with four straight wins having been racked up by an aggregate score of 20-2. Recently, Signeul’s role in that ascent was recognised when she was named on the initial ten-strong shortlist for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football award; “fantastic recognition," she said, "for the progress we have made as a team”.
PLUS: FIFA.com


Olympian and Canada Soccer Board Member invested to Order of Canada
Five-time Olympian and Olympic silver medalist Charmaine Crooks, also a member of the Canadian Soccer Association Board of Directors, was recognised on Friday 13 December for her outstanding achievements, dedication to the community and service to the nation by being invested to the Order of Canada.
“On behalf of the Canadian Soccer Association and the entire Canadian soccer community, I would like to congratulate our own Charmaine Crooks on the appointment,” said Victor Montagliani, President, Canadian Soccer Association. “It is a real honour to have an extraordinary Olympian, woman and pillar of our sport community as part of our team. We are all proud of her accomplishments, contribution and her receiving this recognition.”
The Order of Canada investiture ceremony was held at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, ON on Friday 13 December and presided by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. The Governor General bestowed the honour on 39 recipients. The Order of Canada was created in 1967 and since its creation, more than 6 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.


National Women’s Soccer League awards club to Houston
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today the founding of its ninth club and first expansion team, the Houston Dash. The Dash is owned and operated by the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer (MLS) and will begin play with the start of the 2014 NWSL season.
“We’re proud and excited to welcome the Houston Dash to the NWSL as the first expansion team in league history,” NWSL Executive Director Cheryl Bailey said. “The creation of the Dash will mean enhanced opportunities for female soccer players at the professional level as well as the chance for fans from another part of the country to watch and interact with some of the world’s most talented players. We are thrilled at being able to add an organization as strong as the Houston Dynamo as we work towards continuing to build a sustainable league.”

FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™
The FIFA Women's World Cup is held every four years, with the next edition to be played in Canada in 2015. It marks the first major sporting event hosted in Canada from coast to coast, with matches to be played in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montréal and Moncton. The FIFA Women's World Cup will feature the 24 best women's football teams in the world.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ will be preceded one year earlier by the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, one of two FIFA women’s youth tournaments. The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup returns to Canada for the first time since 2002. The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Canada 2014 will feature 16 teams featuring players born 1994 or later.
The National Organising Committee for the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 features Victor Montagliani (chair), Steven Reed, Janine Helland, Doug Redmond, Clare Rustad, Walter Sieber and Peter Montopoli.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

SERIE A: Former AC Milan and Italy midfielder Gattuso defends his innocence as Italian matchfixing probe continues



 
Gennaro Gattuso formerly of AC Milan, now under investigation for matchfixing in Italy. Photo/Getty Images
By Luca Bianchin, La Gazzetta dello Sport, AIPS Young Reporter
MILAN, December 19, 2013 - “I’m angry and offended. I have never gambled in my life. If something was proven I would be willing to go out into the street and - I know this is a strong thing to say - I would kill myself.”
Gennaro Gattuso chose the most impressive way to deny his alleged involvement in match-fixing after being placed under investigation by the Cremona prosecutor's office.
Gattuso is suspected of “associating with criminals with intent to commit sporting fraud”.
In Italy, it was Tuesday’s news of the day. Four people were arrested on Monday, December 16, and accused of being involved in a betting ring that fixed 30 Italian games between 2009 and 2013.
According to investigators, Gattuso and his former teammate and roommate Cristian Brocchi, now a youth team coach at AC Milan, both had telephone contacts with Francesco “Civ” Bazzani, one of the people arrested Monday. Gattuso and Brocchi were placed under investigation.
Gattuso received 13 text messages, never answered and never talked via phone with Bazzani, who had a stronger connection with Salvatore Pipieri, Gattuso’s friend and factotum.
“Gattuso and Brocchi were connected to the case by the use of phone taps,” said Roberto Di Martino, Cremona prosecutor and symbol of the investigation.
Nevertheless, Gattuso is considered a victim in the public’s opinion. “Gattuso non c’entra!” (“Gattuso has nothing to do with it!”), was the front page headline of Thursday’s Corriere dello Sport.
“I cannot comment on things I do not know, but I am sure about Rino and Cristian’s honesty,” said AC Milan vice president and CEO Adriano Galliani.
“I am confident that Gattuso will clear himself of all suspicion,” added Giancarlo Abete, president of FIGC, the Italian football federation.
“The last ten games in any Serie B campaign are terrifying. Too many interests coexist. I do not have proof but I think these matches are fixed,” said Maurizio Zamparini, owner of Palermo, the team that Gattuso managed for the first six games of the season before being sacked. “I could give Rino my wallet, I know he is a serious person,” added Zamparini.
Bazzani and the other three men taken into custody (Salvatore Spadaro, Fabio Quadri and Cosimo Rinci) are charged with sporting fraud as part of the “Last Bet” operation, an investigation that began in 2010 and that has already led to 54 arrests, including Giuseppe Signori and other current and former Italian players.
According to Thursday’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian police seized a diary owned by a Chinese man under investigations, Qiu Wangyi. The diary should contain the names of many players and executives that used to bet on fixed games.

Friday, December 13, 2013

PICKERING SOCCER CLUB ACCEPTED INTO OPDL, 19 Organizations to Take Part in 2014







PICKERING SOCCER CLUB ACCEPTED INTO OPDL
19 Organizations to Take Part in 2014


 
VAUGHAN, ON (December 13, 2013) -- Pickering Soccer Club will be joining the Ontario Player Development League for its inaugural 2014 season. Initially not accepted by the Assessment and Selection Committee, the club initiated an appeal. At its recent December meeting the Ontario Soccer Association Board of Directors determined that it should be included in the league.

The addition of Pickering Soccer Club brings the number of license holders selected for a two-year period to 19. In 2014, teams will take to the pitch in the U13 age group. The OPDL will add the U14 age group in 2015, and will continue to add an age group in each successive year.

“At our most recent meeting, the OSA Board of Directors determined that, due to certain communication issues that arose during the selection process specifically relating to their club, we would support the Pickering Soccer Club application,” OSA President Ron Smale said. “We are looking forward to their involvement in the league and upholding our commitment to developing elite players in Ontario.” The OPDL members for the inaugural 2014 season are as follows:
Aurora Youth Soccer Club
Burlington Youth Soccer Club
Forest City London
Glen Shields Futbol Club
Hamilton United Elite Soccer Club
Kleinburg Nobleton Soccer Club
Markham Soccer Club
Nepean Hotspurs Soccer Club
North Toronto Soccer Club
Ottawa Fury Soccer Club
Ottawa South United Soccer Club
Pickering Soccer Club
Richmond Hill Soccer Club
Toronto FC Academy
Unionville Milliken Soccer Club
Vaughan Soccer Club
West Ottawa Soccer Club
Whitby Iroquois Soccer Club
Woodbridge Soccer Club
Player selection and training are ongoing. The OPDL competitive season kicks off in April 2014.

CONTACT:

Stephanie J. Geosits
Director, Marketing & Communications
sgeosits@soccer.on.ca
Ph: 905 264 9390, x275
C: 647 228 7667
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Christine Sinclair is the female selection for 2013 BMO Canadian Players of the Year award




Christine  Sinclair is the female selection for 2013 BMO Canadian Players of the Year award

13 December 2013
Canada Soccer announced that Christine Sinclair is the female selection for the 2013 BMO Canadian Player of the Year award. The Portland Thorns FC captain was honoured in a vote shared by Canadian media (50%) and Canadian coaches and clubs (50%).
Sinclair of Burnaby, BC is one of two winners of the 2013 BMO Canadian Players of the Year award. Sinclair shares the 2013 award with Portland Timbers captain Will Johnson.
NOTE: Canada Soccer will hold a media call with Christine Sinclair, 2013 BMO Canadian Player of the Year, this Friday, 13 December at 14.00 ET / 11.00 PT.
Contact
mdion@canadasoccer.comto confirm your participation and obtain call-in details.
In 2013, Sinclair led the Portland Thorns to the NWSL championship, in fact book ending the professional season with both the team’s first and final goals of the winning campaign. She earned NWSL Player of the Month honours in April. The 30-year old captain scored eight goals in 20 matches.
Sinclair has now won professional championships in each of her three past league seasons: 2010 with FC Gold Pride, 2011 with Western New York Flash, and 2013 with Portland Thorns FC.
At the international level, Sinclair participated in her 14th season with Canada, most recently making her 200th career appearance on Thursday 12 December. She earned player-of-the-match honours in October in a 3:0 win over Korea Republic.
Also in 2013, Sinclair was again a finalist for the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award. She was also honoured on Canada’s Walk of Fame
Sinclair is now an 11-time winner of the Canadian Players of the Year award. Runners up included Diana Matheson (second), Erin McLeod (third) and Desiree Scott (fourth). The list of previous award winners is identified below.
“BMO is proud to recognize players such as Christine Sinclair, whose impact on the landscape of Canadian soccer has proven to be outstanding and inspirational," said Justine Fedak, Senior Vice President, Brand Advertising, Sponsorships & Merchandising, BMO Financial Group. "The BMO Canadian Players of the Year Award serves to highlight exemplary performance at a professional level, attracting young athletes to the sport at the grassroots level. We congratulate Christine on her tremendous accomplishment."
Also announced this week, Liam Stanley was selected Canadian Para Soccer Player of the Year on Monday, Marco Carducci and Sura Yekka were announced Canadian U-17 Players of the Year on Tuesday, and Dylan Carreiro and Kadeisha Buchanan were announced Canadian U-20 Players of the Year on Wednesday.

BMO Players of the Year on Wednesday.

BMO CANADIAN PLAYERS OF THE YEAR


2013 – Will Johnson & Christine Sinclair
2012 – Atiba Hutchinson & Christine Sinclair
2011 – Dwayne De Rosario & Christine Sinclair
2010 – Atiba Hutchinson & Christine Sinclair

2009 - Simeon Jackson & Christine Sinclair

2008 – Julian de Guzman & Christine Sinclair

2007 – Dwayne De Rosario & Christine Sinclair

2006 – Dwayne De Rosario & Christine Sinclair

2005 – Dwayne De Rosario & Christine Sinclair
2004 – Paul Stalteri & Christine Sinclair
2003 – Pat Onstad & Charmaine Hooper
2002 – Jason deVos & Charmaine Hooper
2001 – Paul Stalteri & Andrea Neil
2000 – Craig Forrest & Christine Sinclair
1999 – Jim Brennan & Geraldine Donnelly
1998 - Tomasz Radzinski & Silvana Burtini
1997 – Mark Watson & Janine Helland
1996 - Paul Peschisolido & Geraldine Donnelly

1995 - Alex Bunbury & Charmaine Hooper

1994 - Craig Forrest & Charmaine Hooper

1993 - Alex Bunbury

About the Canadian Soccer Association

The Canadian Soccer Association, in partnership with its membership and its partners, provides leadership in the pursuit of excellence in soccer, both at the national and international levels. The Canadian Soccer Association not only strives to lead Canada to victory, but also encourages Canadians to a life-long passion for soccer. For more details on the Canadian Soccer Association, visit CanadaSoccer.com
For our most recent photographs, please visit our Flickr Photostream
 

Sinclair earns 200th cap as Canada defeats Scotland

"I think she's probably got another 200 more in her."

In a game that will be known for Christine Sinclair making her 200th appearance for her country, Canada’s women’s national team put out what was probably their top performance of 2013.
Canada looked comfortable from start to finish and was rarely troubled by Scotland on a hot, humid night in Brasilia, Brazil. In the end, Canada came away as 2-0 winners in their Torneio Internacional de Futebol Feminino opener on Thursday.
Adriana Leon got Canada off on the right foot within the first 10 minutes with a volley into the corner and from there the rest was an assured performance by a team that’s looking to head into 2014 with momentum.
“They were fantastic tonight,” said head coach John Herdman. “A really solid night tonight and I’m proud of the players. A month and a half of work and they came through. If this was the first round of the World Cup, I’m sure Canada would be happy.”
It was supposed to be Sinclair’s day but nobody told Scottish goalkeeper Gemma Fay, as she dove to her right to deny a penalty kick that Sinclair had won right on the stroke of halftime.
“I’ve missed a few. It happens,” Sinclair said with a smile. “I think it’s my third or fourth miss with the national team. [Herdman] said, ‘You didn’t want to score with a penalty anyway, you wanted a real goal.’”
Sinclair would have her revenge 13 minutes into the second half when she was played in on the left side and had plenty of time to put the ball past Fay, who was one-on-one against Sinclair. The goal was Sinclair’s 147th at the senior level.
Next up for Canada is a game against Chile on Sunday.
 

Christine Sinclair makes her 200th appearance for Canada

12 December 2013

Christine Sinclair celebrated her 200th international appearance in style as she scored her 147th career goal in a 2:0 win over Scotland. Sinclair marked her milestone at the 2013 Torneio Internacional in Brasilia, Brazil. She is the first Canadian to reach the milestone.
Canada, Scotland, Chile and host Brazil are the four teams competing in this year’s Torneio Internacional. This marks Canada’s second participation in the tournament, having won the 2010 edition thanks to a terrific Sinclair goal that made highlights around the world.
In the 12 December match, Sinclair had to wait until the second half to get her goal on her special night after she was played in alone on goal on the left side and coolly put away her chance.
Sinclair is Canada’s all-time leader in appearances, goals and assists. With Sinclair in the lineup, Canada’s record is 103 wins, 29 draws and 68 losses.
MORE on SINCLAIR : CANADASOCCER.com |FIFA.com

16 teams ready for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014
The field of teams is complete for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014, with the Official Draw to take place next week on 18 December 2013. The fourth edition of the competition will take place from 15 March to 4 April 2014.
Italy was the last team to qualify, joining Germany and Spain out of Europe. Also qualified are: China PR, Korea DPR and Japan out of Asia; Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia out of Africa; Canada and Mexico out of CONCACAF; New Zealand out of Oceania; Colombia, Paraguay and Venezuela out of CONMEBOL; and Costa Rica as host.
Italy and Zambia are first-time participants, increasing the field to 29 different countries that have participated in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since 2008. Seven countries have participated in every edition (through 2014): Canada, Germany, Ghana, Japan, Korea DPR, New Zealand, and Nigeria.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 Qualifiers in Africa
The second round of African qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 are underway. This round will advance four teams to the next round, from which only two teams will qualify for Canada 2014.
South Africa won 4:1 over Tanzania in the first leg of one series while Equatorial Guinea won 2:0 over Zambia in the first leg of another series. The Nigeria-Tunisia two-leg series will kick off on 14 December.
Ghana, meanwhile, has already advanced to the third round after Uganda’s withdrawal.
Sixteen teams will participate in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014. Already qualified are: China PR, Korea DPR and Korea Republic out of Asia; England, Finland, France and Germany out of Europe; and Canada as host.

Jordan and South Africa awarded FIFA women’s tournaments
FIFA has picked Jordan and South Africa as future hosts of FIFA women’s youth tournaments in 2016, with Jordan to host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and South Africa to host the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The announcement was made as part of the FIFA Executive Committee meetings in Brazil last week.
Also announced for men’s youth tournaments in 2017, India will host the FIFA U-17 World Cup while Korea Republic will host the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Erceg: Football Ferns have come a long way
Take a closer look at the squad of FF USV Jena and it would appear that the club from the German Women’s Bundesliga has something of a penchant for players from New Zealand. Following in the footsteps of Ria Percival and Amber Hearn is Abby Erceg, the third New Zealand international to sign for the Thuringian outfit.
“It’s great to already have a few Kiwis in the team. That makes it a lot easier for me,” says Erceg with a smile in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com. “In New Zealand there is not a lot of money for football so we have a lot of passion for the game.
"When we come over [to Germany] we work really hard, we really appreciate the game and we don’t take it for granted. We really enjoy it and we all work hard for each other,”says Erceg of the Kiwi mentality.
READ MORE on FIFA.com/Canada2015
MORE on ERCEG : FIFA.com

FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™
The FIFA Women's World Cup is held every four years, with the next edition to be played in Canada in 2015. It marks the first major sporting event hosted in Canada from coast to coast, with matches to be played in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montréal and Moncton. The FIFA Women's World Cup will feature the 24 best women's football teams in the world.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ will be preceded one year earlier by the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, one of two FIFA women’s youth tournaments. The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup returns to Canada for the first time since 2002. The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Canada 2014 will feature 16 teams featuring players born 1994 or later.
The National Organising Committee for the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 features Victor Montagliani (chair), Steven Reed, Janine Helland, Doug Redmond, Clare Rustad, Walter Sieber and Peter Montopoli.

Johnson is male selection for 2013 BMO Canadian Player of the Year award

12 December 2013
Canada Soccer announced that Will Johnson is the male selection for the 2013 BMO Canadian Player of the Year award. The Portland Timbers captain was honoured in a vote shared by Canadian media (50%) and Canadian coaches and clubs (50%).
Johnson of Toronto, ON is one of two winners of the 2013 BMO Canadian Players of the Year award. While Johnson is announced a winner on Thursday, his co-winner (the female selection) will be announced on Friday 13 December.
NOTE: Canada Soccer will hold a media call with Will Johnson, 2013 BMO Canadian Player of the Year, this Thursday, 12 December at 15.30 ET / 12.30 PT.
Contact mdion@canadasoccer.comto confirm your participation and obtain call-in details.
In 2013, Johnson led the Portland Timbers to a first-place finish in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference (14 wins, 15 draws and five losses). The 26-year old captain scored nine goals in 28 matches and was selected to the MLS Best XI.
In the MLS Playoffs, he scored in back-to-back matches for the Timbers, both against Seattle Sounders in the quarter-final series and against Real Salt Lake in the semi-final series.
In what was his ninth international season, he recorded one assist in three appearances for Canada. In July, he was part of Canada’s CONCACAF Gold Cup squad.
Johnson is the 14th different men’s player to win the Canadian Players of the Year award. Runners up this year included Atiba Hutchinson (second), Patrice Bernier (third) and Russell Teibert (fourth). The list of previous award winners is identified below.

BMO CANADIAN PLAYERS OF THE YEAR


2013 – Will Johnson & TBA
2012 – Atiba Hutchinson & Christine Sinclair
2011 – Dwayne De Rosario & Christine Sinclair
2010 – Atiba Hutchinson & Christine Sinclair

2009 - Simeon Jackson & Christine Sinclair

2008 – Julian de Guzman & Christine Sinclair

2007 – Dwayne De Rosario & Christine Sinclair

2006 – Dwayne De Rosario & Christine Sinclair

2005 – Dwayne De Rosario & Christine Sinclair
2004 – Paul Stalteri & Christine Sinclair
2003 – Pat Onstad & Charmaine Hooper
2002 – Jason deVos & Charmaine Hooper
2001 – Paul Stalteri & Andrea Neil
2000 – Craig Forrest & Christine Sinclair
1999 – Jim Brennan & Geraldine Donnelly
1998 - Tomasz Radzinski & Silvana Burtini
1997 – Mark Watson & Janine Helland
1996 - Paul Peschisolido & Geraldine Donnelly

1995 - Alex Bunbury & Charmaine Hooper

1994 - Craig Forrest & Charmaine Hooper

1993 - Alex Bunbury

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Dylan Carreiro and Kadeisha Buchanan named 2013 Canadian U-20 Players of the Year


 

11 December 2013
Canadian teenagers Dylan Carreiro and Kadeisha Buchanan have been named Canadian U-20 Players of the Year for the 2013 soccer season. The two stars were honoured in a vote shared by national-team coaches (50%) and Canadian clubs and coaches (50%).
Carreiro of Queens Park Rangers has been a member of Canada's national youth program since 2010. This past year, he represented Canada at the at the CONCACAF Men's Under-20 Championship and also earned his first call up to the national "A" squad.
Buchanan of West Virginia University has been a member of Canada's national youth program since 2010, although she has been a regular with the national "A" squad throughout the 2013 season. She earned Canada's player-of-the-match honours in five international matches in 2013.
Attacking midfielder Carreiro of Winnipeg, MB finished first in voting ahead of Samuel Piette (Fortuna Düsseldorf II / Le Gardeur, QC) and Samuel Adekugbe (Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency Program / Calgary, AB). Centreback Buchanan of Mississauga (who also played for Toronto Lady Lynx in 2013) finished first in voting ahead of Ashley Lawrence (Toronto Lady Lynx & West Virginia University / Calendon East, ON) and Kailen Sheridan (Toronto Lady Lynx & Clemson University / Whitby, ON).
In the coming days, the Canadian Soccer Association will announce the 2013 BMO Canadian Players of the Year, with the two co-winners to be announced on Thursday (male) and Friday (female).

CANADIAN U-20 PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

2013 - Dylan Carreiro & Kadeisha Buchanan
2012 - Doneil Henry & Sabrina D'Angelo
2011 – Ashtone Morgan & Amelia Pietrangelo
2010 – Ethan Gage & Jonelle Filigno
2009 – Nana Attakora & Chelsea Stewart
2008 – Nana Attakora & Jonelle Filigno
2007 – Asmir Begovic & Sophie Schmidt
2006 – David Edgar & Jodi-Ann Robinson
2005 – Ryan Gyaki & Kara Lang

About the Canadian Soccer Association

The Canadian Soccer Association, in partnership with its membership and its partners, provides leadership in the pursuit of excellence in soccer, both at the national and international levels. The Canadian Soccer Association not only strives to lead Canada to victory, but also encourages Canadians to a life-long passion for soccer. For more details on the Canadian Soccer Association, visit CanadaSoccer.com
For our most recent photographs, please visit our Flickr Photostream

Carducci, Yekka named 2013 Canadian U-17 Players of the Year

10 December 2013
2013 Canadian U-17
Players of the Year Canadian teenagers Marco Carducci and Sura Yekka have been named Canadian U-17 Players of the Year for the 2013 soccer season. The two stars were honoured in a vote shared by national-team coaches (50%) and Canadian clubs and coaches (50%).
Carducci is a member of Canada's Men's U-17 Team and Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency program. In 2013, he won a bronze medal with Canada at the CONCACAF Men's Under-17 Championship, helping Canada qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013. He was Canada's player of the match in a 2:2 draw with Austria in the tournament's group opener.
Yekka is a member of Canada's Women's National Team program, having made her debut at the national "A" level on 31 October in Edmonton, AB. One month later, she earned Canada's player of the match honours in her second match, a 0:0 draw with Mexico in Vancouver, BC. Also a club member of Brams United SC, Yekka was named to the Canada Games All-Star Team in August.
Goalkeeper Carducci of Calgary finished first in voting ahead of Hanson Boakai (FC Edmonton / Edmonton, AB) and Jordan Hamilton (Toronto FC Academy / Scarborough, ON). Fullback Yekka of Mississauga, meanwhile, finished first in voting ahead of Jessie Fleming (London NorWest SC / London, ON) and Rachel Jones (Vancouver Whitecaps Girls Elite / North Vancouver, BC).
Tomorrow (Wednesday), Canada Soccer will announce the 2013 Canadian U-20 Players of the Year. On Thursday (male) and Friday (female), Canada Soccer will announce the 2013 BMO Canadian Players of the Year.

CANADIAN U-17 PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

2013 - Marco Carducci & Sura Yekka
2012 - Marco Carducci & Ashley Lawrence
2011 – Bryce Alderson & Ashley Lawrence
2010 – Bryce Alderson & Diamond Simpson
2009 – Russell Teibert & Abigail Raymer
2008 – Russell Teibert & Monica Lam-Feist
2007 – Olivier Lacoste-Lebuis & Monica Lam-Feist

About the Canadian Soccer Association

The Canadian Soccer Association, in partnership with its membership and its partners, provides leadership in the pursuit of excellence in soccer, both at the national and international levels. The Canadian Soccer Association not only strives to lead Canada to victory, but also encourages Canadians to a life-long passion for soccer. For more details on the Canadian Soccer Association, visit CanadaSoccer.com
For our most recent photographs, please visit our Flickr Photostream.