Sounders FC News & Notes - January 31, 2011

Sounders FC Now Training Where the Warm Sun Shines
Under the desert sun in Casa Grande, Ariz., Sounders FC continues preseason training this week at Grande Sports World. During the 13-day stay Seattle will focus on developing the players' aerobic base and style of play before returning home. Players will train daily, with an additional field session on Tuesday and Thursday. Super Bowl Sunday is off.

The preseason match schedule has now been confirmed and the Rave Green will face Real Salt Lake in the first training game on February 8 in Casa Grande. There will also be contests with the Columbus Crew in Phoenix on February 10 and Chivas USA in Casa Grande on February 12. Columbus hosts RSL in the quarterfinal first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League on February 22.

Another three training games against FC Dallas, Houston and Chicago will be played in Florida later in February. The final three matches will be back home. Sounders FC will host Portland on March 4 and Vancouver on March 6 at the Cascadia Summit at Starfire Sports Stadium, then face Colorado in the Community Shield match and preseason finale on March 9 on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field.

Upcoming Training Schedule, February 1-7 (times are local & subject to change):
Tuesday, February 1 - Training at Grande Sports World, Casa Grande, Ariz., 10 a.m. & 4 p.m.
Wednesday, February 2 - Training at Grande Sports World, Casa Grande, Ariz., 10 a.m.
Thursday, February 3 - Training at Grande Sports World, Casa Grande, Ariz., 10 a.m. & 4 p.m.
Friday, February 4 - Training at Grande Sports World, Casa Grande, Ariz., 10 a.m.
Saturday, February 5 - Training at Grande Sports World, Casa Grande, Ariz., 10 a.m.
Sunday, February 6 - No Training
Monday, February 7 - Training at Grande Sports World, Casa Grande, Ariz., 1 p.m.

· Preseason Schedule Now Set
· Community Shield Pits Open Cup Holders versus MLS Cup Winners
· Cascadia Summit Tickets Go on Sale Tuesday
· Academy: U16s Unbeaten Run Reaches Seven
· Throw-ins: Zakuani is Fastest, Training Squad Trimmed, Houston Moves East

Sounders FC 2011 Preseason Schedule
Date--Opponent (Site/time)
Feb. 8--Real Salt Lake* (Casa Grande, Ariz./10:30 a.m.)
Feb. 10--at Columbus* (Phoenix, Ariz./11:00 a.m.)
Feb. 12--Chivas USA* (Casa Grande, Ariz./10:00 a.m.)
Feb. 21--FC Dallas* (Orlando, Fla./3:30 p.m.)
Feb. 22--Houston* (Orlando, Fla./11:00 a.m.)
Feb. 26--Chicago* (Bradenton, Fla./2:00 p.m.)
Mar. 4--Portland (Tukwila, Wash./7:30 p.m.)
Mar. 6--Vancouver (Tukwila, Wash./3:00 p.m.)
Mar. 9--Colorado (Seattle, Wash./7:00 p.m.)

All times are local
*training game

Second Annual Community Shield Set for March 9
Sounders FC has announced plans for the club's second annual Community Shield match which will take place on Wednesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field. The reigning U.S. Open Cup champion Sounders FC will face the MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids for the preseason match.

General Admission tickets for the event will go on sale Monday, February 14. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth (6-17). Children under the age of six are free. Tickets will be available at www.SoundersFC.com, by calling 877-MLS-GOAL, all Ticketmaster outlets and the Qwest Field Box office.

Proceeds from the match will benefit the team's community outreach programs. Sounders FC fans helped raise over $80,000 from the 2010 Community Shield match which was allocated to the team's charity partners.

The model for the event is based upon the "Charity or Community Shield" matches in England, where they are a long standing tradition featuring the champions of the FA Premier League against the winners of the FA Cup with all proceeds going to charity.

The regular season opens on March 15 with MLS First Kick 2011. Sounders FC hosts the L.A. Galaxy, holders of the Supporters' Shield, on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field in a match televised nationally by ESPN. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. PT. MLS First Kick 2011 is presented by Dick's Sporting Goods.

Cascadia Summit Tickets Go on Sale Tuesday
Tickets for the inaugural Cascadia Summit at Starfire Sports Complex will go on sale Tuesday, February 1. Sounders FC will host three days of events featuring preseason matches between Seattle, the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. In addition there will be forums involving the coaches and supporters groups from each club.

All matches will be played at the Starfire Sports Stadium. Tickets are $10 for each day and are available at SoundersFC.com or by calling (800) 745-3000. There is a two-day Sounders FC package for $18 that is good for both Seattle matches. No ticket is necessary for Saturday's Supporters Event/Coaches Forum.

Portland and Vancouver supporters will each be allotted 500 tickets in specific sections for their matches with Sounders FC. For the Whitecaps FC-Timbers match, each group will be allotted 1,300 seats, with 500 for Seattle fans. Seating is limited.

Cascadia Summit Schedule of Events (all held at Starfire Stadium)
Friday, March 4
7:00 p.m. Summit Opening
7:30 p.m. Seattle Sounders FC v Portland Timbers

Saturday, March 5
1:00 p.m. Supporters Summit & Coaches Forum
5:00 p.m. Portland Timbers v Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Sunday, March 6
12:00 p.m. Sounders FC Academy U18 v Whitecaps FC Residency
3:00 p.m. Seattle Sounders FC v Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Academy: U16s Unbeaten Run Reaches Seven
Over the weekend in southern California the Sounders FC Academy U16s extended their unbeaten run to seven games (7-0-2) by sweeping Real So Cal, 2-0, and Cosmos West, 3-1. In the first match Ian Lange scored on a free kick from Austin Sweeney and Jesse Klug added insurance, his eighth goal of the year. Keenan Townsend earned the shutout, making a big save moments after Sounders FC had taken the lead. The following day, Jordan Schweitzer set-up two goals while Odason Pelogi scored a goal and an assist as the visitors came from behind. Miles Rodriguez-Nilsen notched the team's third goal as the Rave Green moved to 11-2-3.

The U18s (10-2-4) went 1-0-1 for the weekend, dominating play in thrashing Real So Cal, 5-0, before drawing, 1-1 in the rain at Cosmos West. Always dangerous, Darwin Jones accounted for half of the six goals, scoring twice at Real So Cal and giving Sounders FC a late lead over Cosmos West with a strike in the 80th minute. The hosts got a split of the points on a goal in added time. Jones now has seven goals on the season. Troy Peterson, Drew White and Chase Hanson also scored in the first game.

Five of the next seven matches for both teams are at home, beginning Saturday against Arsenal and Sunday versus Real Salt Lake Arizona. The U18s play at 12 noon each day at Starfire, followed by the U16s at 2:30 p.m. Both matches each day will be played on Field 11 at the north end of the complex.

Upcoming Key Dates (times are Pacific & subject to change)
Sunday, January 30-Saturday, February 12 - Preseason Training, Casa Grande, Arizona
Tuesday, February 8, 9:30 a.m. - Sounders FC vs. Real Salt Lake, Casa Grande, Arizona
Thursday, February 10, 10 a.m. - Sounders FC at Columbus Crew, Phoenix, Arizona
Saturday, February 12, 9 a.m. - Sounders FC vs. Chivas USA, Casa Grande, Arizona
Tuesday, February 15-Thursday, February 17 - Preseason Training, Starfire Sports Complex, Tukwila, Wash.
Saturday, February 19-Saturday, February 26 - Preseason Training, IMG Soccer Academy, Bradenton, Florida
Tuesday, March 15, 6:30 p.m. - MLS First Kick 2011, Sounders FC vs. L.A. Galaxy, Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field
Saturday, March 19, 4:30 p.m. - Sounders FC at New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ

Throw-ins
Steve Zakuani and O'Brian White clocked the fastest times in the 30-yard sprint tests conducted last week in training...SuperDraft choice Alex Caskey, supplemental pick Sean Morris and invitees Edouard Kabamba, Cole Peverley and Jesus Gonzalez are no longer training with the club...Major League Soccer announced last week that the Houston Dynamo will shift to the Eastern Conference for 2011. Expansion teams Portland and Vancouver are in the West...Tacoma product Brent Goulet made his U.S. National Team debut on February 5, 1986 in a scoreless draw with Canada in Miami...David Estrada celebrates his 23rd birthday on February 4...Nearly 200 players participated in the Sounders FC Open Tryouts last weekend at Starfire Sports Complex. With the technical staff observing the players competed in six small-sided games each day. For a final assessment the cast was cut to 50 players for two full-field, 11v11 games on Sunday afternoon.

NICK DE SANTIS NAMED SPORTING DIRECTOR, Jordan retires becomes director of soccer operations

With Major League Soccer on the horizon for the Montreal Impact in 2012, the club announced Monday the appointment of Nick De Santis as the club’s sporting director, while Matt Jordan becomes his main assistant as the team’s director of soccer operations.

ALL DETAILS HERE.

Meanwhile, Goalkeeper Matt Jordan announced his retirement, Monday at Saputo Stadium, after a 13-year career at the professional level, the last four with the Montreal Impact.

ALL DETAILS HERE.

Full Time Podcast - January 30, 2011

Full Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show has a new podcast up! Listen here!

You can also subscribe to Full Time on iTunes. Click here!

Vancouver Whitecaps CEO Paul Barber joins the show to talk about the new Budweiser deal and much more!

Metrotown Physio's Marc Rizzardo drops in on the show once again to give his diagnosis of some of the beautiful game's more prominent injuries.

Also, a run down of What's On Setanta in the coming week with Setanta Marketing Manager Andy Shapiera!

You can follow Full Time on Facebook and Twitter.

Full Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show airs every Sunday night. 9p-11p. Only on TEAM 1040 Sports Radio!

Full-Time - Preview

Tonight at 9pm, it's another full edition of Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show. Tonight, Tyler Green and Mike Martignago will connect with the CEO of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Paul Barber to talk about the sponsorship deal with Budweiser. What that means for the fans, not only with what they drink in the stands, but what they will see on the pitch this season and beyond. Plus his thoughts on Gareth Bale. Could Bale be in for a shock transfer move to Vancouver?

We will also hear from various Whitecaps FC players as they move training from Vancouver to Casa Grande, Arizona.

Marc Rizzardo from Metrotown Physio pops in again to diagnose the most prominent soccer injuries from around the world! Plus What's on Setanta with Andy Shapiera.

You can follow Full Time on Twitter, Facebook & Blogspot!

Full Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show airs every Sunday night. 9p-11p. Only on TEAM 1040 Sports Radio!

MLS, Canada Soccer establishes joint task force

Major League Soccer and the Canadian Soccer Association have announced that a joint task force committee has been struck to study the professional development side of the game in Canada. It is the task force's mandate to provide players in Canada, regardless of citizenship, the best possible environment and opportunities.

"We are committed to improving the professional standards of our sport in this country," said Canadian Soccer Association General Secretary Peter Montopoli. "We want to create the best possible environment for our players and teams to be successful in MLS and at the international level with our National Teams."

As part of the league rules released for the 2011 season, Major League Soccer has established that the MLS clubs based in Canada are required to have a minimum of three Canadian domestic players on their rosters. Players with the legal right to work in Canada are considered Canadian domestic players (i.e., Canadian citizen, permanent resident, part of a protected class).

This year's MLS clubs are Toronto FC and the expansion Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Already both Toronto and Vancouver feature more than three Canadians in their lineup and both clubs have an established commitment to Canadian talent through their academy and residency programs.

Major League Soccer's commitment to Canada will also continue to grow beyond 2011. Next year, Impact Montréal will join Toronto and Vancouver to become Canada's third club in Major League Soccer.

The task force members are Todd Durbin (MLS, executive vice president), Victor Montagliani (Canadian Soccer Association, vice president), Peter Montopoli (Canadian Soccer Association, general secretary), Stephen Hart (Canada's national head coach), Bob Lenarduzzi (Vancouver Whitecaps FC president), Earl Cochrane (Toronto FC Director of Team and Player Operations), and Nick De Santis (Impact Montréal Technical Director).

The task force will closely monitor the effects MLS roster rules and youth development initiatives for Canadian clubs and make recommendations for future changes, if necessary.

Whitecaps FC Week 1 of Training Camp

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC wrapped up week 1 of training on Thursday and are headed to Casa Grande in Arizona on Friday as they continue training and play in a pair of exhibition matches against Major League Soccer competition. With week 1 from Vancouver wrapped, we at Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show, offer you a variety of interviews from Whitecaps players and coaches.

First up is, what Full-Time believes to be the likely team captain in, Jay DeMerit, who is returning to competiton after 8 months off after his season ended last year in England. Who says he is easing back into training.

Greg Janicki was the defender of the year in USSF-D2 or "League Deuce" in 2010. He is looking to establish himself with the Whitecaps in MLS and says he is feeling good so far in camp.

Another holdover from last season and "League Deuces" Goalkeeper of the Year of 2010, Jay Nolly, says the 1st week of training has been good.

Wes Knight is coming off shoulder surgery in the off-season and thinks that overall, training has gone well for most in camp.

The Whitecaps have also brought in new players, whether through the expansion draft, SuperDraft or Supplementary Draft. Those players are also in camp and for Shea Salinas, it's a nice opportunity to see the construction of BC Place, training at Empire Field and meeting a lot of new faces in camp.

Michael Nanchoff was the 8th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft and 2nd pick for the Whitecaps. He's coming off a minor injury but is enjoying training and getting to know the city of Vancouver.

Michael Boxall was a supplementary draft player and had no idea he woul be selected by Vancouver, but excited about the chance.

Whitecaps head coach Teitur Thordarson rounds out our audio for the week and says he likes what he's seen so far from the 1st week of training.

The Whitecaps will now spend the next ten days in Arizona before returning to Vancouver, where it is likely that the 'Caps will make some more signings of the current players in camp.

Montreal Impact to face Portland, Dallas and Sporting KC in Arizona

The Montreal Impact unveiled Wednesday the details of its three exhibition games versus Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, as part of a two-week preseason tour at the Grande Sports World Complex, located roughly 50 km south of Phoenix, from February 20 to March 4.

Further details can be found by clicking here.

NASL Announces 2011 Regular Season Schedule

Each team will play 28 Regular Season games; Top 6 teams qualify for Playoffs

The North American Soccer League (NASL) proudly announces its 2011 inaugural season schedule, with the action slated to kick off for the regular season on Saturday, April 9. The highlight of the opening weekend is a rematch of last season’s title clash between Carolina and Puerto Rico. The match will take place at Wake Med Soccer Park in Cary, NC. Other matches scheduled for the NASL’s Opening Day Kickoff will include FC Edmonton at Miami FC/Strikers 2011, NSC Minnesota Stars at Atlanta Silverbacks, and Montreal Impact and FC Tampa Bay. FC Edmonton will play its first ever league game at home on May 22nd against the NSC Minnesota Stars. Other schedule highlights include the first ever league meeting between Montreal and Edmonton at Stade Saputo on June 4th, the first leg of the Coastal Cup between FC Tampa Bay and Miami FC/Strikers 2011 on May 14th and the renewal of Carolina’s rivalry with the Atlanta Silverbacks on May 28th.

Teams will play 28 games in the 2011 season, facing each team four times, twice home and twice away. The NASL Regular Season will conclude on September 24th. NASL CEO Aaron Davidson stated “We believe we have created a balanced schedule that is in accordance with international standards for the sport and will improve the game day ambiance for fans, media, players and coaches.”

PLAYOFF FORMAT

The top six teams based on a Regular Season Single Table will advance to the playoffs. The top two seeds will receive a bye into the semifinal round and the remaining four teams will play in a single game playoff to advance to the semifinals. Semifinal and finals of the playoffs will consist of the traditional two game home and home series using aggregate goals to determine the winner. The NASL playoff championship series will take place on the weekends of October 22nd and October 29th.

Find the complete schedule by clicking here.

Canada defeats Sweden, Sinclair wins MVP

Christine Sinclair was again the difference, this time in a 1:0 victory over Sweden at the 2011 Yongchuan Cup Four-Nation Women's Tournament. Sinclair outran three Swedish defenders and buried a low shot in the 32nd minute to put Canada on its way to its second victory in three matches.


"We played well in this game," said national head coach Carolina Morace. "In the second half, we continued to attack. We were not scared to attack the goal."

“She was five or six metres behind the defenders and she just accelerated,” said Morace. “She was amazing. She has turbo jets and she is not even in her best condition (at the start of the year).”

More details can be found here

Canada finishes second at Yongchuan Cup

Canada rounded out the 2011 Yongchuan Cup Four-Nation Women's Tournament with a 1:0 victory over Sweden. Canada won six points in three matches, but finished second in the competition behind first-place winner USA.

Both Canada and USA finished tied with six points (two wins and one loss), but USA finished first because they won the head-to-head battle against Canada on Match Day Two. Host China PR finished third while Sweden finished fourth. Sweden won the Fair Play award.

Details here

Christine Sinclair named Most Valuable Player

Christine Sinclair has been named Most Valuable Player of the 2011 Yongchuan Cup Four-Nation Women's Tournament. Sinclair was selected the best player from the six-match, four-team tournament that ran 21-25 January in the Yongchuan District in Chongqing, China.

"We showed to China's people that we have one of the best players in the world," said Canadian national coach Carolina Morace. "Christine Sinclair, for me, is actually the best player in the world. She's smart, she's fast and she plays for the team. In this tournament, we showed that we had the best player on our team."

Further information here

New Canada kits!

Described in detail on the show last night, here's the new Canada kits, by Umbro.

With Umbro on board as a partner of Full Time Soccer, we'll be sure to have you covered for CSA gear!

Full Time Podcast - January 23, 2011

Full Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show has a new podcast up! Listen here!

You can also subscribe to Full Time on iTunes! Subscribe here!

On this jam packed edition of the program:

Wes Knight, Defender for the Vancouver Whitecaps joins the boys again. He will be talking about the upcoming training camp and much more!

Canadian Men's National GK Coach Paul Dolan also drops in to talk about the U-23's as well as Canada's new shirt deal!

Marc Rizzardo from Metrotown Physio pops in again to diagnose the most prominent soccer injuries from around the world!

You can follow Full Time on Twitter, Facebook & Blogspot!

Full Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show airs every Sunday night. 9p-11p. Only on TEAM 1040 Sports Radio!

Full-Time: Social Media

Full-Time: Vancouver’s Soccer Show on the TEAM 1040 is a dynamic new program featuring all the news, stories and interviews from the soccer world. Join Tyler Green and Mike Martignago, Sunday nights from 9pm – 11pm for an in-depth look at the beautiful game. From the local clubs to the world stage, Full-Time has you covered.

You can subscribe to the Full-Time twitter account here.

Feel free to send your questions or comments to Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show at fulltime@teamradio.ca


You can subscribe to the Full-Time podcast on iTunes by clicking here.

Sounders FC to Host Cascadia Summit March 4-6 includes: Whitecaps & Timbers

As part of the club's preparations for their inaugural season in Major League Soccer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that it will face Pacific Northwest rivals Portland Timbers and hosts Seattle Sounders FC in the three-day Cascadia Summit at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington.

From Friday, March 4, through Sunday, March 6, the Cascadia Summit will also feature forums involving the coaches and supporters groups from each club.

"With ourselves and Portland joining Seattle in MLS, this Summit is a great opportunity to usher in a new era for professional soccer in the Pacific Northwest," said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. "The Cascadia rivalry has always been special for our club, and especially our supporters. This is a chance to celebrate this rivalry and build the excitement of these derby matches between the three clubs in MLS this year."

The Summit’s opening match on March 4 sees Sounders FC facing Portland at 7:30 p.m. PT. On Saturday, March 5, the Timbers and Whitecaps FC will play at 5 p.m. PT.

The weekend activities conclude March 6 with the Sounders FC Academy U-18 team facing Whitecaps FC Residency at 12 p.m. PT, followed by the MLS squads of Sounders FC and Whitecaps FC squaring off at 3 p.m. PT.

All matches will be played at the Starfire Sports Stadium. Tickets are $10 USD for each day and go on sale Tuesday, February 1, at soundersfc.com or by calling 800.745.3000. No ticket is necessary for the Supporters Event/Coaches Forum.

Portland and Vancouver supporters will each be allotted 500 tickets in specific sections for their matches versus Sounders FC. For the Whitecaps FC versus Timbers match, each group will be allotted 1,300 seats, with 500 seats allotted for Seattle fans. Seating is limited.

Schedule of Events (all held at Starfire Sports Stadium)
Friday, March 4
7:00 p.m. Summit Opening
7:30 p.m. Seattle Sounders FC v Portland Timbers

Saturday, March 5
1:00 p.m. Supporters Summit & Coaches Forum
5:00 p.m. Portland Timbers v Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Sunday, March 6
12:00 p.m. Sounders FC Academy U-18 v Whitecaps FC Residency
3:00 p.m. Seattle Sounders FC v Vancouver Whitecaps FC

WHITECAPS FC SIGN DEFENDER ALAIN ROCHAT + Interviews

With preseason training set to begin next week, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the signing of Canadian-born defender Alain Rochat to the club's Major League Soccer roster - pending his international transfer certificate. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Full-Time producer Corey Basso caught up with Alain Rochat to discuss the new signing. Listen here. Corey also managed to get a few words from coach Teitur Thordarsson on how Alain will fit into the Whitecaps' system. Listen here.

"We're delighted to add Alain to our MLS squad," said Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson. "He brings a wealth of experience and has won titles in a top-flight European league and has played in prestigious European club competitions like the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup."

Initially acquired from FC Zürich by Whitecaps FC during the 2010 USSF D-2 Pro League season on August 17, the 27-year-old spent the remainder of last year on loan at the Swiss Super League outfit. The 6-foot, 170-pound defender - who can play left fullback as well as centre back - started all 14 appearances during his loan spell with FC Zürich.

"I'm excited by this new challenge to play in North America and in Major League Soccer,” said Rochat. “Vancouver is a beautiful city, and Whitecaps FC have been very welcoming to me and my family, since I made the decision to first sign with the club last summer."

The native of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, first joined FC Zürich on loan during the 2006-07 season from Stade Rennais FC of France’s Ligue 1 before making his move permanent the following season. In four-and-a-half seasons with FC Zürich, Rochat made 154 appearances, scoring nine goals, and recording 10 assists. During this time, Rochat helped FC Zürich to Swiss Super League championship titles during the 2006-07 and 2008-09 campaigns. In the 2009-10 season, Rochat helped FC Zürich reach the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, where they faced Spanish giants Real Madrid, Italian powerhouse AC Milan, and France's Olympique de Marseille in Group C.

Prior to his recent spell with FC Zürich, Rochat joined Stade Rennais FC at the start of the 2005-06 French Ligue 1 season and appeared in 11 matches for the Brittany-based club. From 2001 to 2005, the defender played four seasons with Switzerland's Berner Sport Club (BSC) Young Boys. Rochat started his professional career in 1999 with Yverdon Sport FC, who were then members of the Swiss Super League.

Rochat, who moved from Canada to Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, when he was two, appeared for Switzerland at the youth international level before making his senior international debut on June 4, 2005, as Switzerland claimed a 3-1 away victory over the Faroe Islands in Group Four of European qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Canada opens 2011 season in first place

Canada opened its 2011 season with a 3:2 come-from-behind victory over China PR at the Yongchuan Cup Four-Nation Women's Tournament. Canada scored three times in the second half - including the last-minute winner in the 94th minute - to overcome a two-goal deficit and win three points on Match Day One of the competition.

"I think our team showed great personality," said national head coach Carolina Morace. "It is not easy to score three goals when you are down by two goals, especially to win (like we did against China) in China."

Melissa Tancredi started the comeback in the 56th minute and then assisted on a pair of Christine Sinclair goals in the 80th and 94th minutes. The winning goal was scored on the last offensive play of the match.

"All three goals were very good goals," said Morace, who was impressed with Tancredi's strength and power on the ball. "I was very happy for (Tancredi) because sometimes I think she doesn't realize the potential she has inside. She wanted to score today."

Canada had countless opportunities in the first half. In fact, the away team could have been up 1-0 on a glorious chance in the 13th minute. Getting back just in time, China PR managed to clear a Sinclair shot off the line. Six minutes later, China PR turned the table and took a 1-0 lead on You Jia's first of two goals on the night.

Again five minutes later, Canada created a great chance to score off a free kick. This time, a trick play between Sinclair and Diana Matheson nearly resulted in a goal. There was a rebound chance inside the box, but amazingly the ball remained out of the net.

Despite their early chances, Canada couldn't buy a goal. Then in the 36th minute, China PR's You Jia made it 2-0.

Within a minute of Canada going down a second goal, the team was pushing right back with chances at the opposite end. Canada won two quick corners and then carried that momentum right through into the break.

"We had so many chances, we knew that we could win the game," said Tancredi. "We had the momentum going into the second half. Our whole goal was not to give up and to just keep going. As soon as we got the first goal, that was all we needed to push off from there."

Tancredi created a good opportunity with a cross in the 55th minute, but then scored herself the first of three Canadian goals just one minute later. Substitute Sophie Schmidt won the ball in the midfield and got it to Kaylyn Kyle who struck the ball forward to Tancredi. Tancredi then chipped her shot from the right side of the box over the Chinese goalkeeper Zhang Yue.


"Kaylyn played a good through ball to me," said Tancredi. "I took a touch with my right foot and just played it across the goalkeeper into the top corner."

With the Chinese lead cut in half, the Canadian players started to apply even more pressure as they pushed for a second goal. Sinclair and Tancredi nearly combined for a goal in the 76th minute on a Tancredi header, but then four minutes later Tancredi passed it to Sinclair for the captain's first of the 2011 campaign.

On a Chinese giveaway, Tancredi intercepted the pass back and then pushed it forward to Sinclair. Sinclair fired it in from the left side to even the score 2-2.

"It was a relief in the second half when the balls started to go in," said Sinclair.

Sinclair's second goal was scored in the 94th minute, just moments before the referee blew the final whistle. Schmidt cleared the ball from just above the Canadian box into the middle of the pitch, Tancredi won the ball and flicked it forward over one defender, and Sinclair outran the Chinese defence to win her breakaway and score the winning goal.

"She played a perfect pass to send me on a breakaway," said Sinclair. "In my head, I was thinking, 'this is the last play of the game so I better score."

Canada played a good game, despite giving away two goals in the first half. Substitute goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc made a couple of big saves in the second half and the Canadian defence dug in deep to neutralize the advances that China PR tried to make.

Rhian Wilkinson was very good on one notable defensive play in the 93rd minute when she won the ball and turned her back on a Chinese attacker inside the Canadian box. That Chinese chance could have sent the home side home happy, but the Canadians ended it all with the Sinclair goal just a minute later.

"Tanc got the monkey off our back and was clutch tonight," said captain Sinclair. "She scored the first goal and set me up for two."

For this match, Canada's starting XI featured Erin McLeod in goal, Marie-Eve Nault at left back, Emily Zurrer and Candace Chapman at centre back, Rhian Wilkinson at right back, and Carmelina Moscato, Diana Matheson, Kaylyn Kyle, Jonelle Filigno, Melissa Tancredi and captain Christine Sinclair from the midfield up through to the attack.

Canada made the maximum five substitutions in the second half. Before the restart, McLeod (injured) and Moscato were replaced by Karina LeBlanc and Sophie Schmidt. Coach Morace then brought in Jodi-Ann Robinson in the 68th minute (for Filigno), Robyn Gayle in the 75th minute (for Nault), and Desiree Scott in the 82nd minute (for Kyle).

China PR's starting XI featured Zhang Yue in goal, Zhou Gaoping at left back, Weng Xinzhi and Yuan Fan at centre back, Yu Yahui at right back, and Zhang Na, Qu Shanshan, You Jia, Pang Fengyue, Gu Yasha and captain Xu Yuan from the midfield up through to the attack. China PR made three substitutions in the second half, replacing Yu Yahui with Li Danyang in the 51st minute, goal scorer You Jia with Wang Yihang in the 68th minute, and captain Li Lin with Xu Yuan in the 79th minute.

Canada extended its current unbeaten streak to 11 matches with the Friday night victory, improving to nine wins and two draws since 30 September in Toronto. Canada has also beaten China PR in back-to-back matches for the first time ever.

Canada, whose title sponsor is Winners and presenting sponsor is Teck, will continue at the Yongchuan Cup in two days. Match Day 2 will feature Canada against USA and Sweden against host China PR.

SETANTA SPORTS CANADA LIVE EVENTS

Friday, January 21 to Sunday, January 30

(All times subject to change)

All times Eastern

SOCCER

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United v Birmingham City
Saturday, January 22 @ 10 a.m.

Blackburn v West Brom
Sunday, January 23 @ 10:15 a.m.

Blackpool v Manchester United
Tuesday, January 25 @ 2 p.m.

Liverpool v Fulham
Wednesday, January 26 @ 2:30 p.m.

Further details below:


FA CUP

Teams TBA
Saturday, January 29 @ 7 a.m.

Teams TBA
Saturday, January 29 @ 10 a.m.

Teams TBA
Saturday, January 29 @ 12 noon

Teams TBA
Sunday, January 30 @ 7 a.m.

Teams TBA
Sunday, January 30 @ 10 a.m.

Teams TBA
Sunday, January 30 @ 12 noon


NPOWER CHAMPIONSHIP

Derby County v Nottingham Forest
Saturday, January 22 @ 8 a.m.

Scunthorpe United v Burnley
Saturday, January 22 @ 12:15 p.m.

Queens Park Rangers v Coventry City
Sunday, January 23 @ 8:15 a.m.


RUGBY UNION

HEINEKEN CUP

Racing Metro 92 v Leinster
Friday, January 21 @ 3 p.m.

MANCHESTER UNITED LOOK TO MAINTAIN TOP SPOT IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE
WHEN THEY HOST BIRMINGHAM CITY LIVE SATURDAY ON SETANTA SPORTS

TORONTO (January 19, 2011) - Manchester United and Birmingham City meet at Old Trafford Saturday, January 22 at 10 a.m. ET/ 7 a.m. PT in the first of five Barclays Premier League matches this weekend on Setanta Sports.

The live action continues Sunday, January 23 at 10:15 a.m. ET/ 7:15 a.m. PT when Blackburn host West Bromwich Albion at Ewood Park.

Setanta also delivers three more matches Saturday on same day delay including:

Arsenal v Wigan @ 4 p.m. ET
Everton v West Ham @ 8 p.m. ET
Fulham v Stoke City @ 10 p.m. ET

Manchester United and their cross-town rival Manchester City are locked on top of the Premier League table with 45 points. The good news for the Red Devils and their fans is that they have played just 21 matches to City's 23. United are the lone Premier League club still without a loss in league play this season.

Arsenal lurks just two points back of the two Manchester Clubs through 22 games. The Gunners have not lost a league match since a 1-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford in mid-December. Since that setback they have won three and tied two to stay very much in the hunt for a league title. Ironically, for Arsenal, the club has been more proficient this season when playing away from Emirates. They are 6-1-3 at home as compared with a 7-3-2 mark on the road.

As the second half of the season settles in a number of clubs are in desperate need of points to climb out of relegation danger. Among those are Wigan (currently in third last with 22 points) as well as both Fulham and Birmingham City (both just one point clear of the clubs in the relegation zone with 23 points).

Sounders FC News & Notes - January 19, 2011

Players Begin Reporting This Week
Players will begin reporting to the Sounders FC training headquarters later this week. Rookies, trialists and some returnees are expected to arrive at the Starfire Sports Complex beginning Thursday.

Preparations for the 2011 MLS season will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 25. The team will train at Starfire Sports Complex and conduct tests and meetings at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center before departing January 30 for Casa Grande, Arizona. Players and staff will return to Starfire from February 15-17. Another camp will be held in Bradenton, Florida from February 18-27.

The regular season opens on March 15 with MLS First Kick 2011. Sounders FC hosts the L.A. Galaxy on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field in a match televised nationally by ESPN. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. PT. MLS First Kick 2011 is presented by Dick's Sporting Goods.

The complete MLS schedule will be released by early February 2011. Each team will play 34 games, facing each team home and away. Deposits for 2011 season tickets are currently being accepted. To join, please visit SoundersFC.comor call 877-MLS-GOAL.

· SuperDraft Review: Tetteh Heads Seattle's Five Picks
· Supplemental Draft: Seattle Takes Three Collegians
· Academy Results: Both U16s & U18s Win Resoundingly on the Road
· Upcoming Key Dates
· Throw-Ins: Number Changes, Open Tryout Registration, Anniversaries & More

SuperDraft Review: Tetteh Heads Seattle's Five Picks
Although it traded away its sole first-round pick, Sounders FC put together a strong class of rookies at the 2011 MLS SuperDraft last week in Baltimore. Seattle had four second-round selections, topped by Michael Tetteh, a defender/midfielder from UC Santa Barbara and Generation adidas member taken with the 20th choice overall.

Tetteh, a native of Ghana, played three seasons at UCSB and earned second team Far West All-Region and second team All-Big West honors as a sophomore. Although his final season was plagued by injuries, he scored a career-high three goals. Tetteh finished his collegiate career having started 50 of 59 appearances and scored six goals with eight assists.

Sounders FC had traded its first round pick (11th overall) and an international roster slot for one year to the Portland Timbers for the second pick in the second round (20th overall) and allocation money.

With its second pick in the second round (21st overall), Sounders FC selected Southern Methodist University defender Leone Cruz. He appeared in 67 games with nine goals and five assists, including a career-high three assists in his senior season.

Seattle selected Servando Carrasco with its third pick in the second round (27th overall). The University of California midfielder/forward earned All-Pac-10 first-team and NSCAA Far West Regional third-team honors as a senior. He was also a two-time All-Pac-10 second-team selection. Carrasco finished his collegiate career with 70 starts in 73 appearances and he scored a career-high seven goals with three assists in 2010.

Bryan Meredith was chosen with the 29th pick overall. The Monmouth University goalkeeper led the nation in goals against average (0.306) as a junior and also ranked third in the nation in save percentage (.889). As a junior, he earned NSCAA/adidas North Atlantic Region First Team accolades and was also named to the All-Northeast Conference Second Team.

With its fifth and final selection Seattle took Alex Caskey, a midfielder from Davidson University. Caskey was a two-year captain who was named to the All-Southern Conference first team three consecutive years, and he did not miss a match in his four-year career, starting all 76 games.

Seattle Takes Three Collegians in Supplemental Draft
Seattle Sounders FC selected three collegians in Tuesday's Major League Soccer 2011 Supplemental Draft.

Goalkeeper Josh Ford of the University of Connecticut was taken with the 11th overall pick of the first round. University of California at Irvine defender Corey Attaway was drafted 29th overall and Seattle University midfielder Sean Morris was chosen 47th overall.

Ford, 23, was a four-year starter at UConn. He was named the 2010 Big East Goalkeeper of the Year and also earned First Team College Soccer News All-American and All-Big East First Team honors as a senior. Ford holds the school record for career shutouts (50), consecutive starts (85) and wins (54).

A four-year starter for UC Irvine, Attaway earned honorable mention All-Big West as a junior and was first team NSCAA Scholar All-America as a senior. He finished his career with 71 starts, and as a senior he ranked third on the team in points with five goals and three assists.

With its final pick in the Supplemental Draft, Sounders FC selected Seattle University midfielder Sean Morris. Morris, 22, started all 16 appearances as a senior and led the team in shots and shots on goal. Morris is a Bothell native who attended Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle.

Academy Results: Both U16s & U18s Win Resoundingly on the Road
The Sounders FC Academy team each opened the New Year with convincing victories on the road last Sunday against California Development Academy. On Sunday Seattle visits Lake Washington High School to play Crossfire Premier. The U18s play at 11:30 a.m. and the U16s follow at 2 p.m.

Sean Okoli scored a brace as the U18s' (9-1-3) erupted for four goals in the second half of a 4-1 win over CDA. Following a scoreless first half Okoli put the visitors ahead with his eighth goal of the season in the 54th minute. Eight minutes later, Chase Hanson's long drive benefited from a deflection and went into the net. Aaron Kovar assisted on each of the first two scores. Darwin Jones was taken down in the 67th minute to set-up Okoli's second strike, a penalty kick, and Glen Paden increased the lead on a feed from Dominique Dismuke in the 85th minute.

Behind the two goals of Jordan Schweitzer the U16s (9-2-2) extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a season-high scoring total, beating CDA, 7-0. It was 3-nil after 11 minutes, when Schweitzer took a backheel from Ike Crook and scored. Jesse Klug had notched his sixth goal of the season in the 4th minute. Stefan Bangsund, Austin Sweeney, Odason Pelogi and Chad Radulovich also found the net.

Upcoming Key Dates (times are Pacific & subject to change)
Sunday, January 23, 11:30 a.m./2:00 p.m. - Sounders FC Academy at Crossfire Premier, Lake Washington High School, Kirkland, Wash.
Tuesday, January 25-Wednesday, January 26 - Preseason Training, Starfire Sports Complex, Tukwila, Wash.
Thursday, January 27-Friday, January 28 - Preseason Training & Testing, Virginia Mason Athletic Center, Renton, Wash.
Saturday, January 29, 9 a.m.-Sunday, January 30 - Sounders FC Open Tryouts, Starfire Sports Complex, Tukwila, Wash.
Sunday, January 30-Saturday, February 12 - Preseason Training, Casa Grande, Arizona
Tuesday, February 15 - Thursday, February 17 - Preseason Training, Starfire Sports Complex, Tukwila, Wash.
Saturday, February 19-Saturday, February 26 - Preseason Training, IMG Soccer Academy, Bradenton, Florida
Tuesday, March 15, 6:30 p.m. - MLS First Kick 2011, Sounders FC vs. L.A. Galaxy, Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field
Saturday, March 19, 4:30 p.m. - Sounders FC at New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ

Camps: Finishing School
Online registration is now open for the Sounders FC Finishing School and Boys High School Prep Camp. The five-week Finishing School course begins January 28 at the Starfire Sports Complex and is designed for youth players (ages 8-14) that want, need and have a passion for finishing the ball in the final third.

The High School Prep Camp will be held the week of February 21 through February 25 at Starfire. The sessions are designed to physically and mentally prepare players for their high school tryouts and spring seasons.

Registration for either the Finishing School or High School Prep Camp is $200 and available at SoundersFC.com.

Throw-ins
Fredy Montero will be at the Mill Creek Top Pot Doughnuts (inside the University Book Store, 15311 Main Street, Mill Creek) on Thursday, January 20, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m...Leo Gonzalez has opted to change jersey numbers, from 19 to 12 this season. Erik Friberg will wear Number 8 and O'Brian White Number 13...Defender James Riley has been named Korean Athlete of the Year by Sports Seoul USA...Online registration for Sounders FC Open Tryouts is available at www.SoundersFC.com/opentryouts.Tryouts will be held January 29-30 at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington. Registration is $125 and fees go directly to the Sounders FC Youth Academy program...Michael Tetteh celebrated his 22nd birthday on January 16 and Roger Levesque is 29 on Friday, January 21...On January 22, 1974, Seattle's original pro soccer franchise announced it would be known as the Sounders...On January 23, 1987, Steve Zungul scored a record six goals for the Tacoma Stars in an indoor game against Kansas City...Fans have until Friday to cast their online vote for Seattle Sports Star of the Year. Sounders FC forward Fredy Montero is one of five finalists selected by the Seattle Sports Commission. Individuals can vote up to once a day by visiting SeattleSports.org.

Sounders FC Selects Three Collegians in Supplemental Draft

Three players were selected by the Seattle Sounders FC in Tuesday's Major League Soccer 2011 Supplemental Draft.

Goalkeeper Josh Ford of the University of Connecticut was taken with the 11th overall pick of the first round. University of California at Irvine defender Corey Attaway was drafted 29th overall and Seattle University midfielder Sean Morris was chosen 47th overall.

Ford, 23, was a four-year starter at UConn. He was named the 2010 Big East Goalkeeper of the Year and also earned First Team College Soccer News All-American and All-Big East First Team honors as a senior. Ford holds the school record for career shutouts (50), consecutive starts (85) and wins (54).

"Josh Ford is a very athletic, quick keeper who comes up with big saves when you need them," said Sounders FC Technical Director Chris Henderson. "He made some good reflex saves at both our combine and the MLS Combine, plus we had seen him a couple times during the season."

A four-year starter for UC Irvine, Attaway earned honorable mention All-Big West as a junior and was first team NSCAA Scholar All-America as a senior. He finished his career with 71 starts, and as a senior he ranked third on the team in points with five goals and three assists.

"Corey's a good, solid right back that we saw during the year," Henderson said. "He's good on the ball, he had a solid combine in Las Vegas and because of (assistant coach and scout) Kurt Schmid's past involvement at UC Irvine we have a very good sense of his ability."

With its final pick in the Supplemental Draft, Sounders FC selected Seattle University midfielder Sean Morris. Morris, 22, started all 16 appearances as a senior and led the team in shots and shots on goal. Morris is a Bothell native who attended Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle.

"Being local, we had a number of opportunities to see Sean Morris, a homegrown player from Seattle U.," Henderson said. "For him to get a chance with us is great."

Prior to the supplemental draft, Sounders FC had selected five players in the MLS SuperDraft on January 13.

The season begins March 15 when Sounders FC will host the L.A. Galaxy in First Kick 2011. The match on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field will be nationally televised by ESPN. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. PT.

The Sounders FC home schedule will include matches with MLS newcomers Portland and Vancouver, plus an international friendly against a soon-to-be-announced opponent. Deposits for 2011 season tickets are currently being accepted. To join, please visit SoundersFC.com or call 877-MLS-GOAL.


Josh Ford
1st Round, 11th Pick, 11th Overall
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-2
Weight: 175
Birthdate: 11/6/1987
Hometown (Citizenship): Liverpool, New York (USA)
College: University of Connecticut (2007-10)
High School: Liverpool HS

Corey Attaway
2nd Round, 11th Pick, 29th Overall
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 190
Hometown (Citizenship): Chino, Calif. (USA)
College: University of California, Irvine
High School: Chino HS

Sean Morris
3rd Round, 11th Pick, 47th Overall
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-8
Weight: 155
Birthdate: 9/18/1988
Birthplace (Citizenship): Bothell, Wash. (USA)
College: Seattle University
High School: Bishop Blanchet HS

WHITECAPS FC SELECT THREE IN 2011 MLS SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT

Vancouver Whitecaps FC selected New Zealand international defender Michael Boxall as the first overall pick in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft on Tuesday morning. The club then used their two other picks to select Canadian midfielder Joe Anderson (19th overall) and American defender Santiago Bedoya (37th overall).

Boxall, 22, comes to Vancouver after four seasons at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound defender started 75 of his 78 appearances for the Gauchos and contributed offensively by scoring one goal and adding five assists. The native of Auckland, New Zealand, has represented his country at the U-20, U-23, and senior international levels. Boxall earned two senior caps with New Zealand during the 2006 Agribank Cup in Vietnam and started two matches during the 2008 Men's Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing, China. He also made three starts for the All Whites during the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada.

Anderson, 24, joins Whitecaps FC after completing his junior and senior years at Coastal Carolina University. The native of Brampton, Ontario, made 55 appearances in his two years with the Chanticleers, scoring 10 goals and adding one assist. Prior to joining Coastal Carolina, the 6-foot-1, 155-pound midfielder attended Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As a member of the Golden Eagles, Anderson was named to the All-Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Second Team at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) school.

Bedoya, 22, joins the Blue and White after four seasons at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. The native of Weston, Florida, made 76 total appearances for the Huskies for 6,107 minutes of action, scoring three goals and recording nine assists. The 5-foot-8, 155-pound defender was named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) First Team in 2009 and the All-CAA Second Team in 2010.

Whitecaps FC Major League Soccer 2011 season tickets start at a base price of $319, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order, and more than 60 per cent of seats are available for less than $31 per game. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, suites, and loge boxes, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com.

Michael Boxall
Position: Defender
Height: 6-02
Weight: 200
Born: August 18, 1988, in Auckland, New Zealand
Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
College: University of California, Santa Barbara
Citizenship: New Zealand
How Acquired: Selected first overall in MLS Supplemental Draft on January 18, 2011

Joe Anderson
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-01
Weight: 155
Born: June 21, 1986, in Brampton, Ontario
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
College: Coastal Carolina University
Citizenship: Canada
How Acquired: Selected 19th overall in MLS Supplemental Draft on January 18, 2011

Santiago Bedoya
Position: Defender
Height: 5-08
Weight: 155
Born: January 18, 1989, in Weston, Florida
Hometown: Weston, Florida
College: Northeastern University
Citizenship: United States
How Acquired: Selected 37th overall in MLS Supplemental Draft on January 18, 2011

TORONTO FC SELECTS FOUR IN SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT

Toronto FC selected four players in Major League Soccer’s Supplemental Draft on Tuesday afternoon. Jimmy Banks, Steven Beattie, Spencer Thompson and Scott Rojo were all picked by the club.

“These are four players who have shown good potential,” said Paul Mariner, Toronto FC’s Director of Player Development. “We will evaluate them and see where they fit into our plans as we move forward towards the new season.”

Banks, 21, was selected eighth overall from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. He is a midfielder who scored 35 goals and registered 18 assists during his four years with Wisconsin.

Beattie, 22, is an Irish forward from Northern Kentucky University and was taken by Toronto with the 13th overall pick. Last year, he helped NKU win the NCAA Division II National Championship and finished his college career with 77 goals, becoming Northern Kentucky’s all-time leading goalscorer. He also registered 30 assists, the second most in the university’s history. He was twice named the NCAA Division II National Player of the Year.

Toronto selected midfielder Spencer Thompson from Michigan State University with the 26th overall pick. Thompson, 22, trained with Toronto FC in the summer of 2010. He started 22 games for Michigan State last year and earned First Team All-Big Ten honours.

Rojo is a 21-year-old midfielder who was taken 44th overall from High Point University. He registered 17 assists in 2010 as he helped High Point win the Big South regular-season title.

Last week, Toronto FC also selected four players in the MLS SuperDraft in Baltimore, Maryland. Defender Demitruis Omphroy, midfielders Matt Gold and Junior Burgos and forward Joao Plata were all picked by Toronto.

Toronto FC 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft Selections

Jimmy “JC” Banks
Position: Midfielder
D.O.B.: August 24, 1989
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Height: 5-8
Weight: 145
College: University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
Citizenship: USA
Acquired: Selected by Toronto FC eighth overall in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft

Steven Beattie
Position: Forward
D.O.B.: August 20, 1988
Hometown: Skerries, Ireland
Height: 5-10
Weight: 155
College: Northern Kentucky University
Citizenship: Ireland
Acquired: Selected by Toronto FC 13th overall in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft

Spencer Thompson
Position: Midfielder
D.O.B.: January 5, 1989
Hometown: Shelbytown, Michigan
Height: 6-1
Weight: 175
College: Michigan State University
Citizenship: USA
Acquired: Selected by Toronto FC 26th overall in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft

Scott Rojo
Position: Midfielder
D.O.B.: April 4, 1989
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Height: 5-7
Weight: 145
College: High Point University
Citizenship: USA
Acquired: Selected by Toronto FC 44th overall in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft

Full Time Podcast - January 16, 2011

Full Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show has a new podcast up!

Subscribe to Full Time on iTunes here!

Another jam packed edition of Full Time features Vancouver Whitecaps Coach Teitur Thordarsson. He breaks down the MLS draft and talks about some of the 'Caps picks.

Mallorca Midfielder Jonathan De Guzman also joins the show and drops a bombshell regarding the possibility of him playing for Canada. Details on full interview here.

Real Salt Lake & Canadian Men's Midfielder Will Johnson also pops in to talk about his new deal with Real and players on the bubble of the Canadian Men's team. Details on full interview here.

You can also follow Full Time on Facebook & Twitter.

Full Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show airs every Sunday night. 9p-11p. Only on TEAM 1040 Sports Radio!

Jonathan de Guzman - Audio Interview

Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show caught up with Jonathan de Guzman earlier in the week. Here's the Jonathan de Guzman interview you've been waiting for. Well, not really. This portion of the interview didn't make it on the TEAM 1040 airwaves. This portion of the interview, de Guzman discusses his move to Holland at a young age, his growth through the ranks at Feyenoord and his decision to move to Mallorca and try his hand in Spain.

You can listen to the interview by clicking here.

As always, you can subscribe to the Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show podcast via iTunes by clicking here. You will hear de Guzman's interview regarding Canada and the Canadian Men's National Team by clicking on the iTunes link.

CONCACAF AIMS FOR ADDITIONAL PLACE AT WORLD CUP FINALS AND LAUNCHES 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

CONCACAF Media Release

NEW YORK (Sunday, January 16, 2011) – CONCACAF will fight for a guaranteed fourth place at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, the confederation’s Executive Committee announced Sunday.

Meeting in Panama City, Panama, site of the Copa Centroamericana, the committee expressed certainty that CONCACAF has earned the right to increase its allotment of slots at World Cup finals from the 3.5 it currently possesses.

“We believe that CONCACAF deserves another full place at the World Cup finals due to the performances of our teams on the field and the actions of our confederation off it,” said CONCACAF President Jack Warner. “We are unified in our efforts to make this happen.”

A decision on the subject is expected to be made at a meeting of the FIFA Executive Committee in March.

CONCACAF also announced plans for a year-long series of events commemorating the confederation’s 50th anniversary. The 50th anniversary will be incorporated into all confederation activities, including a gala celebration during the Gold Cup this summer.

“Our confederation has grown dramatically the past half century,” Warner said. “We look forward to celebrating this milestone all year.”

In another action, the USA was awarded the Men's Olympic qualifying tournament to be held in March 2012.

The Executive Committee was also briefed on an expansion of the confederation´s referee development initiatives, including the hiring of former FIFA referee Brian Hall as Director of Referee Administration.

It was also announced that CONCACAF will hold its annual Congress May 3 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Will Johnson Audio Interview on Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show - Jan 14th, 2011

As posted earlier in the week, Will Johnson re-signed with Real Salt Lake through the 2014 season.

You can hear the interview that Full-Time host Tyler Green did with Will Johnson by clicking here.

The Canadian international was on the final year of his contract and the team had made it a priority to sign the 23-year-old to an extension prior to the start of the 2011 season. Though financial details were not disclosed – as per team and league policy – Lagerwey did hint Johnson would get a raise.

“Will came to us as something that was a very low salary,” said Lagerwey. “If you are trying to re-sign your good, young players, certainly those are going to lead to increases in pay.”

Johnson joined Real Salt Lake in the middle of the 2008 season upon return from Dutch Eredivisie side De Graafshap. He immediately made his way into the starting lineup and has remained there ever since.
Known for his high work-rate, Johnson fits in well with head coach Jason Kreis’ philosophy, which requires effort on both sides of the field. Among Johnson’s accomplishments are the 2008 MLS Goal of the Year award and a 2009 All-Star selection.

As always, if you missed an interview on Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by clicking here.

Sounders FC Makes Michael Tetteh Top Pick

The Seattle Sounders FC selected University of California, Santa Barbara defender/midfielder Michael Tetteh with its top pick (20th overall) in Thursday's Major League Soccer SuperDraft.

"Michael Tetteh is a guy who can play left back and can play left midfield," said Sounders FC Technical Director Chris Henderson. "He has good technique and he can get up and down the line. He is confident coming out of the left."

Tetteh, who was born in Accra, Ghana, is a Generation adidas player. He played three seasons at UCSB and earned second team Far West All-Region and second team All-Big West distinction in his sophomore year. In his junior season, he scored a career-high three goals, including a late strike against the University of California after he returned to the game from injury. Tetteh finished his collegiate career having started 50 of 59 appearances and scored six goals with eight assists.

"My goal is to go there and work hard and be on the starting squad," said Tetteh. "With the style of play that Seattle plays, I think it's going to be a very good fit for me."

Sounders FC traded its first round pick (11th overall) and an international roster slot for one year to the Portland Timbers for the second pick in the second round (20th overall) and allocation money.

With its second pick in the second round (21st overall), the Sounders FC selected Southern Methodist University defender Juan (Leone) Cruz. Cruz spent four years at SMU, including a medical redshirt in the 2007 season. He appeared in 67 games with nine goals and five assists, including a career-high three assists in his senior season. Cruz was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman team after appearing in 20 games as a freshman.

Seattle selected Servando Carrasco with its third pick in the second round (27th overall). The University of California midfielder/forward earned All-Pac-10 first-team and NSCAA Far West Regional third-team honors as a senior. He was also a two-time All-Pac-10 second-team selection. Carrasco finished his collegiate career with 70 starts in 73 appearances. He scored a career-high seven goals with three assists in 2010. Carrasco was named to the Pac-10 all-academic second team as a sophomore and honorable mention as a junior and senior.

With its fourth pick in the second round (29th overall), the Sounders FC selected Monmouth University goalkeeper Bryan Meredith. The 6-2 keeper led the nation in goals against average (0.306) as a junior and also ranked third in the nation in save percentage (88.9%). As a junior, he earned NSCAA/adidas North Atlantic Region First Team accolades and was also named to the All-Northeast Conference Second Team.

With its fifth and final selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, the Sounders FC selected Alex Caskey with the 47th overall pick. Caskey, a midfielder from Davidson University, was a two-year captain who was named to the All-Southern Conference first team three consecutive years. Caskey did not miss a match in his four-year career and started all 76 games.

All SuperDraft selections are expected to report to Seattle later this month for preseason training. The Sounders FC is to begin its third MLS season by hosting the Los Angeles Galaxy in MLS First Kick 2011 on March 15 on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field.

Sounders FC 2011 SuperDraft Selections
Michael Tetteh
2nd Round, 2nd Pick, 20th Overall
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Height: 5-8
Weight: 155
Birthdate: 1/16/1989
Hometown (Citizenship): Accra, Ghana (Ghana)
College: UCSB (2008-10)
High School: Dunn HS
Pronunciation: TETT-tay

Juan (Leone) Cruz
2nd Round, 3rd Pick, 21st Overall
Position: Defender
Height: 6-0
Weight: 172
Birthdate: 6/13/1987
Hometown (Citizenship): Round Rock, Texas (Mexico/USA)
College: Southern Methodist University
High School: Round Rock HS

Servando Carrasco
2nd Round, 9th Pick, 27th Overall
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Height: 5-10
Weight: 170
Birthdate: 8/13/1988
Birthplace (Citizenship): San Diego, Calif. (USA)
College: University of California
High School: St. Augustine HS
Pronunciation: sir-VAWN-dough cuh-ROSS-coh

Bryan Meredith
2nd Round, 11th Pick, 29th Overall
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-2
Weight: 175
Birthdate: 8/2/1989
Birthplace (Citizenship): Scotch Plains, N.J. (USA)
College: Monmouth University
High School: Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS

Alex Caskey
3rd Round, 11th Pick, 47th Overall
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 152
Birthdate: 7/22/1988
Birthplace (Citizenship): Dunwoody, GA (USA)
College: Davidson College
High School: Dunwoody HS


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Jonathan de Guzman joins Full-Time on Sunday, January 16, 2011

Jonathan de Guzman, Mallorca midfielder and potential Canadian international?, will join Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show on TEAM 1040 this Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 9pm PT.

Full-Time is continuing to focus on the Canadian Men's National Team and potential recruits following interviews with potential Canadian squad member Junior Hoilett and  head coach Stephen Hart.

Hoilett told Full-Time that at this point he was still undecided on his international future. Meanwhile, Stephen Hart told Full-Time on the January 9th, 2011 show that he is going to go and meet with Jonathan de Guzman, among other players, when he goes to Europe for the Canada friendly against Greece in February.

Will Hart be successful in his pitch? Is Hart wasting his time? What does de Guzman think? Will de Guzman commit to the Canadian National Team? Find out Sunday on Full-Time! 

Plus Paul Dolan, Canadian National Men's Goalkeeping Coach, will join Full-Time for his first visit of what will be a monthly series. We'll also catch up with Whitecaps FC 1st round picks Omar Salgado and Michael Nanchoff and round off the show with Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson and 'Caps president Bob Lenarduzzi. Real Salt Lake midfielder and Canadian International Will Johnson will also stop by to discuss his new 4 year deal and what he would say to Canadians deciding whether or not to play for the Canadian National Team.

The usual suspects will also be by including Marc Rizzardo from Metrotown Physio to discuss the latest injury news from the world of soccer and we'll find out "What's on Setanta" with Andy Shapiera.

Can't make the program? Subscribe to the Full-Time podcast by clicking here.

TORONTO FC SELECTS FOUR AT MLS SUPERDRAFT AS CONWAY DEPARTS

Toronto FC selected four players at the 2011 MLS SuperDraft in Baltimore, Maryland on Thursday. The team also traded veteran goalkeeper Jon Conway to Chicago Fire in exchange for a Third Round pick (49th overall).

With their first pick Toronto FC selected defender Demitrius Omphroy from the University of California in the Second Round, 26th overall.

Omphroy, 21, played in 70 games during his four seasons at California, scoring four goals and registering 12 assists. “I want quality defenders and that’s why I took him”, said Toronto FC Head Coach and Technical Director Aron Winter. “He is one of the players that I saw at the MLS Combine and he was on my ranking list so I am happy to get him.”

Joining Omphroy are Matt Gold (43rd overall), Junior Burgos (44th overall), and Joao Plata (49th overall). Gold is a 22 year old defender from Ohio State University who appeared in 87 games during his career with the Buckeyes. Burgos, 22, is a midfielder from California Polytechnic Institute, San Luis Obispo. He is a dual citizen of the United States and El Salvador and has been called up to the El Salvador National Team on three occasions, making one appearance against Peru in 2009. Joao Plata, 18, hails from Ecuador where he played for LDU Quito. In 2010 he appeared for the club’s First Team, Reserves and Under 18 team.

“We are very pleased with what we got today,” said Toronto FC Director of Player Development Paul Mariner. “We’ve done background checks on the character of the players and we’re hopeful they will respond very well.”

To acquire the 49th pick in the SuperDraft, Toronto traded Jon Conway to Chicago. The 33-year-old goalkeeper joined Toronto FC ahead of the 2010 MLS season and made his debut for the club against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship last May. Conway made one MLS appearance for Toronto, starting the final home game of the 2010 season against Columbus Crew.

Toronto FC 2011 MLS SuperDraft Selections

Demitrius Omphroy

Position: Defender

D.O.B.: May 30, 1989

Hometown: Alameda, California

Height: 5-10

Weight: 165

College: University of California

Citizenship: USA

Acquired: Selected by Toronto FC in the second round (26th overall) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft

Matt Gold

Position: Midfielder

D.O.B.: June 14, 1988

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Height: 5-9

Weight: 165

College: Ohio State University 

Citizenship: USA

Acquired: Selected by Toronto FC in the third round (43rd overall) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft

Junior Burgos

Position: Midfielder

D.O.B.: August 14, 1988

Hometown: San Bruno, California

Height: 5-11

Weight: 167

College: California Polytechnic Institute, San Luis Obispo

Citizenship: El Salvador/USA

Acquired: Selected by Toronto FC in the third round (44th overall) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft

Joao Plata

Position: Forward

D.O.B.: March 1, 1992

Hometown: Guayaquil, Ecuador

Height: 5-2

Weight: 140

College: LDU Quito (Ecuador) 

Citizenship: Ecuador

Acquired: Selected by Toronto FC in the third round (49th overall) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft

Vancouver Whitecaps FC MLS SuperDraft Recaps

Big day for Vancouver Whitecaps FC fans as the club participated in it's first ever MLS SuperDraft and came out of the shoot with the #1 pick and surprised many with the selection. Omar Salgado, a player the Whitecaps have liked was their selection which left many of the MLS media scratching their heads. Bob Lenarduzzi said that they liked Salgado from his week-long trial in August (and failed loan spell to boot) and that never changed.

Salgado, the six-foot-four, 170-pounder from El Paso, Texas, is a member of the U.S. under-20 team.

Bobby Lenarduzzi described Salgado as “very gifted with a great left foot”, and didn’t stop there. “We see him as a player who can contribute right now, with unlimited potential,” Lenarduzzi said on a conference call.
He sees Salgado as a pure goal-scorer, as the US U-20 staff told the Whitecaps that Salgado, when given chances, is a “clinical goal scorer.”

Lendarduzzi admitted the club had received offers for the top pick, but none compared to the potential Salgado has.   Lenarduzzi added the Whitecaps had Salgado pegged as their top pick after his week-long visit with the club in August.

Salgado gave BMac and Sekeres on TEAM Radio a simple description of his style of play, “I’m a target forward. I’m tall but I can dribble.  I can shoot, I can score, I’m just a 9.”

You can hear Salgado with Bmac and Sekeres by clicking here.

Due to FIFA transfer rules, Salgado will not be eligible to play for the Whitecaps until he turns 18 in September.  Bobby Lenarduzzi said on a conference call that the Whitecaps are aware of that rule, but hope to be given an exception.

The Whitecaps then took midfielder Michael Nanchoff, out of the University of Akron.
Lenarduzzi said Nanchoff will fill a need on the left side of the midfield.  According to Lenarduzzi, Nanchoff can “get by people, get into the box, but still understands the defensive side of the field.”

Nanchoff said after the pick that his mom dreamt last night that he was drafted by the Whitecaps. Lenarduzzi also played against Nanchoff’s father and uncle in the NASL.

Full-Time host Tyler Green caught up with Michael Nanchoff on Thursday and that interview can be heard by clicking here.

The Whitecaps had that pick thanks to a trade with Toronto FC.

The club’s third choice, 19th overall, was midfielder Jeb Brovsky from Notre Dame.
Then, with the club’s first pick in the 3rd round (37 overall), the  Whitecaps took defender Bilal Duckett from Notre Dame.

The Portland Timbers took University of Akron forward Darlington Nagbe with the second overall pick.
Nagbe was named NCAA player of the year earlier this month.

Lenarduzzi denied reports that Nagbe told the Whitecaps that he did not want to play in Canada, referring to those rumours as “inaccurate”.  Lenarduzzi said the club was confident that if Nagbe was chosen by the Whitecaps, he would have come to Vancouver.

Again, the conference call with Whitecaps FC President Bob Lenarduzzi and Omar Salgado can be heard here.

DEFENDER HICHAM AABOUBOU RETURNS IN 2011

Photo: Pepe/Montreal Impact

The Montreal Impact announced Thursday that central defender Hicham Aaboubou has agreed to a new one-year deal with the club.

Details here.

Canada has announced its roster for the upcoming Four Nation Women's Tournament China 2011

Coach Carolina Morace has called 24 players to the team that will train and compete in Chongqing, China from 13-26 January. The four-team tournament features top-10 nations Canada, Sweden and USA as well as host China PR.

The competition dates are 21, 23 and 25 January, with two matches and all four teams involved on each of the competition dates. Canada's schedule features China PR on 21 January (18.35 local / 06.35 ET / 03.35 PT), USA on 23 January (19.05 local / 07.05 ET / 04.05 PT), and Sweden on 25 January (15.35 local / 03.35 ET / 00.35 PT).

This competition marks the first time since the 2008 Women's Olympic Football Tournament that Canada is facing top-five nations in back-to-back matches. USA was ranked first while Sweden was ranked fourth in the most recent FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking.

Canada was ranked 9th, but it has added two wins and two draws to its record since the November ranking. Canada enters the competition with an all-time best 10-match unbeaten streak, dating back to a 3:1 victory over China PR at BMO Field in Toronto, ON.

Of the 24 players invited to this competition, 11 of them helped Canada finish first at three competitions in 2010: the Cyprus Women's Cup in March, the CONCACAF Women's World Cup Qualifier in November and the Torneio Internacional Cidade de São Paulo in December. Ten other players helped Canada finish first at at least one of the three competitions.

Two players are making their debut with the full national team at this camp, both of whom played for Morace in the youth program in 2010. The two debutans are Christine Exeter of Pickering, ON and Taylor Patterson of Edmonton, AB.

Canada, whose title sponsor is Winners and presenting sponsor is Teck, is currently preparing for the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011. This will be the fifth consecutive FIFA Women's World Cup in which Canada competes dating back to 1995.

CANADA

GK- Stephanie Labbé | SWE / Piteå IF | Stony Plain, AB, CAN
GK- Karina LeBlanc | USA / Chicago Red Stars | Maple Ridge, BC, CAN
GK- Erin McLeod | USA / Washington Freedom | Edmonton & Calgary, AB, CAN
CB- Candace Chapman | USA / Western New York Flash | Ajax, ON, CAN
CB- Robyn Gayle | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Mississauga, ON, CAN
CB- Sophie Schmidt | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Abbotsford, BC, CAN
CB- Emily Zurrer | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Crofton, BC, CAN
RB- Christine Exeter | USA / University of Louisville | Pickering, ON, CAN
RB- Brittany Timko | Unattached / sans club | Coquitlam, BC, CAN
RB- Rhian Wilkinson | NOR / Lillestrøm SK Kvinner | Baie d’Urfe, QC, CAN
LB- Melanie Booth | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Burlington, ON, CAN
LB- Marie-Eve Nault | CAN / Ottawa Fury | Trois-Rivières, QC, CAN
CM- Laura Chénard | CAN / Amiral de Québec | Ste-Luce, QC, CAN
CM- Kaylyn Kyle | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Saskatoon, SK, CAN
CM- Diana Matheson | NOR / Lillestrøm SK Kvinner | Oakville, ON, CAN
CM- Carmelina Moscato | Unattached / sans club | Mississauga, ON, CAN
F- Josée Bélanger | CAN / Amiral de Québec | Coaticook, QC, CAN
F- Jonelle Filigno | USA / Rutgers University | Mississauga, ON, CAN
F- Christina Julien | CAN / Ottawa Fury | Williamstown, ON, CAN
F- Taylor Patterson |  | Edmonton, AB, CAN
F- Jodi-Ann Robinson | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Richmond, BC, CAN
F- Desiree Scott | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Winnipeg, MB, CAN
F- Christine Sinclair | USA / Western New York Flash | Burnaby, BC, CAN
F- Melissa Tancredi | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Ancaster, ON, CAN

Head Coach / Entraîneure-chef : Carolina Morace
Assistant Coach / Entraîneure adjointe : Elisabetta Bavagnoli
Assistant Coach / Entraîneure adjointe : Andrea Neil
Goalkeer Coach / Entraîneur des gardiens : Max Colucci
Video Coordinator / Vidéaste : Sian Bagshawe
Administrator / Administrateur : Karina Sefron
Equipment Manager / Gérante de l'équipement : Maeve Glass
Athletic Therapist / Thérapeute du sport : Fabrizio DiFrancesco
Athletic Therapist / Thérapeute du sport : Roberta Villa
Nutritionist / Nutritionniste : Dr. Salvatore Delogu
Translator / Traductrice : Deborah Ferrero