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    Guest
    After threatening to retire if he was picked up in the 2011 MLS Expansion Draft (which he was, first overall, by Montreal), MLS stalwart Brian Ching has changed his mind. He told the Houston Chronicle on Thursday that he would, indeed, be reporting to camp for Montreal. The 33-year-old has 96 goals in 220 appearances for L.A., Seattle (USL), San Jose and Houston, as well as 11 goals in 45 appearances for the U.S. men's national team.
    Some believe Montreal acquired Ching with the intent of trading him back to Houston, in exchange for Quebec-born defender Andre Hainault. Those beliefs were bolstered by the perception that the Dynamo hoped Ching, a former face of the franchise, would be able to take part in the hoopla surrounding the opening of the team's new stadium this year.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Ching's decision to continue his MLS career should bring into clearer focus whether or not there is (or ever was) any merit to the speculation surrounding the intentions of the two clubs.
    Guest
    Vancouver Whitecaps bolstered their defence this afternoon with the addition of Argentinian centre half Martin Bonjour.
    The 26 year old defender was a free agent, and joins the Caps after being released by Uruguayan Primera División side Rampla Juniors.
    Bonjour brings a wealth of experience to Vancouver, but there must also be some concern that he has had ten spells, with seven different clubs, in four different countries, in just nine years.
    That's some bouncing around, but the reasons as to exactly why this has been is unknown to us at this time. You just never know what terms transfers and loan deals involve with a lot of South American players these days. With 9 goals in around 136 appearances though, he seems like a strong addition to the Whitecaps defence.
    The signing takes the Whitecaps squad to 24, with Carolina goalkeeper Brad Knighton expected to be number 25.
    With Bonjour taking up another international spot, and Martin Rennie's UK scouting trip and next week's MLS SuperDraft possibly adding further additions to the Caps squad, some cuts or trades should be expected soon and more questions will now inevitably be asked about Gambian DP flop Mustapha Jarju and Kiwi centre half Michael Boxall's futures in Vancouver.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Bonjour began his professional career in 2003 with Argentinian Primera Division side Club Olympus. He had two spells with Olympus between 2003 and 2005, with a short loan period with his home town side Racing Club Carhue in 2004 splitting them up.
    The defender then made the move to Uruguay towards the end of 2005 to join second division side Club Atlético Rentistas. Bonjour enjoyed two seasons with the Montevideo club before trying his hand in Europe for a short spell with Polish side Lech Poznan in 2006, where we believe he made around 20 appearances and scored no goals.
    Bonjour returned to Rentistas for the 2007 season, before moving on again after making 34 appearances and scoring three goals during his time with the Uruguayans.
    The move this time was to Peruvian First Division side Club Deportivo Universidad César Vallejo for the 2008 season, and he went on to make 19 goal-less appearances.
    Returning to Uruguay, Bonjour joined Montevideo Primera Division side Rampla Juniors, where he remained from 2009 until the end of last year, scoring 5 goals in 52 appearances.
    There was also a short loan spell with fellow Montevideon Primera side Liverpool FC last year, during the "closing championship" part of the season, which saw Bonjour make 10 appearances and score one goal.
    It's hard to know just exactly what kind of player the Whitecaps have got in Martin Bonjour, but I am impressed with his scoring record as a central defender. That was something considerably lacking in the Whitecaps armoury last season.
    Caps coach Martin Rennie is hopeful about what the Argentinian can bring to the team:
    <i>"Martín is a powerful, aggressive central defender who is good in the air and comfortable on the ball. He adds additional quality to our defensive side and brings plenty of South American top-flight experience."</i>
    Sounds good.
    Bonjour is equally excited to be making the move to Canada and to MLS:
    <i>"I am delighted to join Vancouver Whitecaps FC and embark on this new and exciting stage of my career in North America. I have heard many good things about Whitecaps FC and Major League Soccer, and plan to make an important contribution to my new club this season. I'm also looking forward to my new life in Canada and the beautiful city of Vancouver."</i>
    And Whitecaps fans will welcome the Argentinian to the fold. If you don't want to wait to see what he can bring to the Caps, then there's a <a href="
    " target="_blank"><b>scouting video</b></a> of him available on You Tube!With DeMerit, Carlyle and now Bonjour in the centre half position, it will be interesting to see what pairing Martin Rennie decides to go with as his favoured starters.
    All three appear strong, so after last season's shambles and constant switching in that position, it's a nice headache to finally have.
    <p>
    Guest
    It was a little more than a decade ago. A ragtag group of journeymen players were on an impossible run at the Gold Cup. Although you’d be hard pressed to say that what they were doing was impressive – it was a little ugly, actually – you could not deny the effort.
    There were a lot of stand-outs on the team – a League Two striker on the form of his life, a Premiership back-up keeper that was likely giving up a chance at starting, a rock of a fullback a few years away from perhaps the greatest club accomplishment by a Canadian in history, to name but a few.
    However, there was one player that stood out above all else. Although he was skilled enough – with some different breaks he probably could have been a solid guy on a lower-Prem side -- what he brought to the team was something on the intangible side of the game.
    He was a leader, pure and simple. Those that played with him say he was smart, outspoken and determined. He was someone that was to not there make friends. Rather, he wanted to inspire those around him to be better.
    He wore the armband; no one that has worn it since has done so with as much distinction.
    As the team’s miracle run was nearing its end, the player had one more surprise for fans. A corner kick in the final seconds of the first half lead to an opportunity for the big man to get forward. Leaping from about a foot behind the defender he rose up with a will that would not be stopped.
    Ball met head; ball met back of net.
    From there it was really just a matter of seeing the second half out. Led by their captain this team was not going to lose the game.
    About an hour after he scored that goal, Jason de Vos lifted the Gold Cup for Canada. It was arguably the greatest moment in the sport’s history here in Canada.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Today, Canadian Soccer News names de Vos its 2011 Person of the Year.
    Although his playing career continues to inspire, it is the work he’s done since retiring that makes him so influential. Many athletes are content to sit back after hanging up the boots. Maybe they might appear at the odd clinic, sign a few autographs then go home to rest up for the next day’s golf game.
    That lifestyle wasn’t enough for de Vos. Instead, he’s gone back to the grassroots of the game, determined to make a difference.
    Now the technical director at the biggest youth club in Canada and the United States, de Vos is determined to change how the next generation of Canadian kids are trained in the game. More importantly, he’s also trying to change how Canadians think about the game.
    Development in Canada has always been more than a bit random – play a bunch of games, have oranges at halftime and see what sticks. Through the Wellness to the World Cup plan and changes in Long Term Player Development, the CSA is looking to change that. In that goal they have found an ally in de Vos that has opposed CSA policy in the past.
    CSA General Secretary Peter Montopoli says that de Vos has been invaluable to the organization in spreading the word -- both through his role at the Oakville Soccer Club and in his media platform with the CBC.
    “He’s helped people understand that the Wellness to the World Cup was an important and world class plan and that it was important to implement it,” Montopoli said. “He has several platforms to communicate on and he uses them all well.
    “I applaud your choice – it’s well deserved. Jason has been very, very influential in a number of ways in a short period of time.”
    Montopoli added that de Vos does a good job of explaining the game’s tactics and strategies in a way that is understandable to the casual fan.
    That might be the key to de Vos. He’s an expert that doesn’t sound condescending or bored when talking to parents and fans, he’s a policy wonk that doesn’t make your eyes glaze over when talking policy and he’s an insider that hasn’t lost his outsider’s critical eye.
    He’s a guy with something important to say and who is not afraid to say it. That’s vital during this time of change in Canadian soccer and it’s the No 1 reason why we felt that there could be no better choice for Person of the Year in 2011.
    Guest

    Rongen joins TFC

    By Guest, in It's Called Football,

    Toronto FC made it official this morning at the TFC Big Breakfast, when Aron Winter announced that Dutch soccer coach Thomas Rongen had accepted the duties of TFC's Academy Director.
    Rongen takes over from Stuart Neely, who parted ways with Toronto FC last month.
    He brings a depth of experience at various levels - coaching across much the American pyramid and as high as head coach of the American U-20 program.
    He is expected to be officially introduced in the coming weeks
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    CSN will have more on the impact of this development in the coming days.
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    Michael Mccoll
    Football and music have always gone hand in hand with AFTN. We even used to produce a free local music scene pull-out back in our fanzine days.
    Keeping this bond, every few weeks we bring you "MLS Back Catalogue", where AFTN revisits artists' discographies and writers' bibliographies, re-imagined with the current and recent players of Major League Soccer. And all done in a full 'Top of the Pops' style top ten countdown.
    Today our MLS Back Catalogue comes from The Smiths….
    ************************************
    (10) Evan Bush Knows I'm Miserable Now
    (9) The Boy With Zach Thornton In His Side
    (8) Last Night I Dreamt That Sammy Ochoa Loved Me
    (7) Brek Sheakespeare's Sister
    (6) That Dejan Jakovic Isn't Funny Anymore
    (5) There Is A Chris Albright That Never Goes Out
    (4) Sheila Take A Tristen Bowen
    (3) William Hesmer It Was Really Nothing
    (2) This Charming Kenny Mansally
    (1) Hassoun Camara Is Now
    Any songs that could come into the chart as new entries? Leave your suggestions below.
    Guest
    After weeks of speculation and anticipation, Vancouver Whitecaps' MLS schedule for 2012 has been announced.
    It's somewhat of a mixed bag for fans, with a lot of excitement and some disappointments thrown in there, especially concerning kick off times for some of the games.
    The fixtures most Caps fans were waiting to hear were for the Cascadia Cup games. And the big news is that all six of Vancouver's games against their Cascadian rivals will take place on a Saturday. Excellent stuff.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Vancouver is at home to Seattle twice and away to Portland twice.
    For the Caps FO, this is probably ticketing gold, judging by how many Sounders fans made the trip north to the game at Empire last season. For fans looking forward to travelling down for an extra Seattle away game, well, we'll just have to wait until the playoffs!
    Seattle come a calling on May 19th and September 29th.
    Both games have bizarre kick off times, presumably for TV, with the first match kicking off at a horrendous 1pm in the afternoon as it currently stands. Not great for the Sounders fans making the trip north, especially on Victoria Day weekend. The second match has a 6pm kick off.
    August throws up a nice away trip double header as the Caps travel to Seattle on Saturday 18th and Portland the week after.
    Going to be another fantastic trip down the Oregon coast for the AFTN crew around those two games. Hopefully Portland doesn't have the unbearable sweltering heat that it did for our August trip last year.
    Primetime summer is going to add to the expense, and create possible logistical problems, for many fans wanting to make the trips down from Vancouver.
    Again the Seattle game has a 1pm kick off, majorly inconveniencing fans having to endure a border crossing during the main holiday season. Let's just hope that the Sounders don't try to invoke their nonsensical pre-game arrival times for visiting fans, as even more will just ignore them than those (myself included) who did this year.
    The second away trip to Portland takes place on May 26th, which is one of the best times of the year to head down and see all that Oregon has to offer in my opinion.
    Vancouver play host to the Timbers only trip to BC Place in the penultimate game of the regular season on October 20th.
    That game has the potential to be an all-time classic, as there could be Cascadian Cup and MLS playoff hopes on the line for both teams.
    Sadly it has another horrendous 1pm kick off scheduled, against causing major problems for the travelling Timbers Army.
    Kick off times aside, I'm already excited about these six matches.
    Other games of note...
    Our Canadian MLS match ups will see Montreal coming for 'First Kick' on March 10th (as we already knew) and a disappointing midweek trek to Toronto on Wednesday July 11th.
    Not an ideal day for Caps fans looking to travel east, but it could have an added bonus if you wanted to take in the next Vancouver game three days later.
    If Whitecaps fans want to say goodbye in person to Jay Nolly, then they're going to have to travel to do it. The Caps only play Chicago once this year and it will be away from home at Toyota Park on Saturday July 14th.
    A Toronto/Chicago double header anyone? Yeah, probably not.
    These two games fall into an absolutely horrendous five game road trip for the Caps between June 23rd and July 14th.
    This includes two trips to LA, for matches against both the Galaxy and Chivas.
    Prior to this crazy stretch, the Caps have a three game home stand in June.
    There is another four game away trip between August 18th and September 15th, but at least with the trips to Seattle and Portland in that one, some fans will still see their team in action.
    This time away from BC Place is then followed by four home games in a row. Baffling, but possibly great news for a late playoff push, as this means that the Caps will play four of their last five games at home. It could be telling and the ultimate decider as to whether we make the playoffs or not.
    Overall, it's a real mixed bag.
    The joy of having all the Cascadia Cup games on a Saturday is tempered a little by the kick off times and primetime holiday travelling.
    Long spells at home and on the road can make or break the Whitecaps' season.
    I'd much rather have the final run-in that we do than be away for most of it mind you. Although, will we see this reversed for 2013?
    All of this will take a few days to sink in for everyone, but at least we can get our holiday plans and time off work booked now.
    It may not be the best schedule we could have hoped for, but at least we have it early enough this year for fans all round the League to make it work the best it can for them.
    The full Whitecaps 2012 schedule can be found <a href="http://www.whitecapsfc.com/schedule" target="_blank">HERE</a>.
    Can't wait now for it all to begin.
    <p>
    Guest
    New year, same old claptrap, as Pierce Lang and myself return for the first edition of the <i>West Coast Soccer Weekly</i> in 2012.
    There's disappointment to begin with, as news trickles out that Colorado Rapids went for a Pareja and not a pariah as their new Head Coach.
    There's talk about the MLS Super Draft, who the Caps might select and should they go for Hunter Jumper just for the name and associated clothing spinoff lines? Should we even care about such drafts?
    Being clueless in this, and most, respects, our information is primarily gleamed from Ives Galarcep and his excellent coverge and mock draft on Fox Soccer.
    More fresh faces are expected outwith the Super Draft, as we look at the speculation surrounding Brad Knighton, and Pierce's dodgy library of books is raided for a prize, if fans can come up with a song for the rumoured new Caps stopper.
    Only one guest this week, former Sheffield Wednesday player and current technical director at Abbotsford Mariners, Ian Knight. Ian talks about the BCPL, some of the talent coming through and about looking at bring some professionalism to the game in BC at an earlier age.
    This week's show finishes up with chat around the new/forthcoming MLS 2012 schedule, some alarm bells that CSN's leak of Toronto's schedule sets off and what the Voyageurs Cup may hold in store.
    We discuss playing real football in real weather, and why the BC Place roof should always be open.
    Finally, there's also a second book giveaway, as Pierce aims to help your love life.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]So there you have it. This reads better than the actual show sounds, but don't let that put you off (too much!).
    You can listen to this week's podcast (and the three previous ones) on iTunes <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/westcoastsoccerweekly/id491781299" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a> or download it for your later listening "pleasure" <a href="http://westcoastsoccerweekly.podbean.com/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.
    Or have a listen on one of the players below:
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    Guest
    In the last in our ICF Year in Review series we feature three more interviews that made their mark this year.
    The first interview today was an inclusive for It’s Called Football and it came on the heels of an exclusive for Canadian Soccer News as we were the first to report that Carolina Morace had stepped down as the head coach of the women’s national team. In his first interview with the media, Peter Montopoli spoke to us first about her decision, how it came about and the women’s performance at the World Cup.
    This next interview was also about coaches. But in this case, the incoming coach at Vancouver. ICF had a a chance to be one of the first to speak to the Whitecaps new coach Martin Rennie. .
    The last interview and the last in our series of looks back is as much about looking forward and we’ve timed it to coordinate with some news we expect to happen in the next few weeks. This is an interview with Toronto FC defender Adrian Cann from September. He was still on the road to rehab at that time but now healed he found himself as he does now, without a contract for the upcoming year. We speak to him to keep his name on the radar and his story fresh in the mind.
    The show is now up
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
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    Subscribe and download It's Called Football on iTunes
    Subscribe and download It's Called Football for other devices
    The regular shows return Monday.
    Guest
    Chelsea Buckland is a 21-year-old striker from North Delta, B.C., who plays for Oregon State University and is a rising star for the Canadian women's national team. In an interview with Canadian Soccer News, she talks about being named to the squad for the upcoming Olympic qualifying tournament, playing under John Herdman, what it's like to play alongside idol Christine Sinclair and her long-term ambitions in the sport of soccer.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Last month, you got the call for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers, which will be your first major tournament representing Canada. How did you feel when you got that call?
    I was a bit nervous at first because after camp we got to go home. It was a little nerve-wracking not knowing if you were going to make it or not. But I was absolutely shocked. ... I was so overwhelmed with being able to get this opportunity to go out and be rostered -- and, if not play, then be part of the program, to represent my country. It was just unbelievable.
    All these years I worked my way up, tried to be the best I can ... and when this opportunity came and I finally got into camp, I just tried so hard. When I got the email I was just so pumped and excited to say, "look, I'm going home -- coincidentally, I'm going home (to B.C., for the Olympic qualifying tournament) -- and I'm ready to play for my country", and absolutely honoured and proud to be looking at that email and saying I'm the last in the 20-girl unit playing in one of the biggest tournaments ever. Definitely exciting, definitely emotional when you got that.
    You haven't represented Canadian youth teams in the past; you really came into the Canadian setup in 2011, first under Carolina Morace and now under John Herdman. How does it feel getting the chance to do out there and wear the Canadian jersey and represent your country in international play?
    It's absolutely amazing. I've had these dreams since I was a kid. I've looked up to Christine Sinclair and Karina LeBlanc and those types of players for years. In my youth days I trained with the Whitecaps and things like that, but being able to get this opportunity is unbelievable. It's so surreal that I'm actually going to be wearing a jersey, playing in front of my home town and my nation and representing Canada. It's absolutely amazing. I couldn't be any more proud of myself and the fact that I can play in front of my country and my fans. … I'm just so honoured and so grateful for having this opportunity to try and make a statement for years down the road.
    The last big women's tournament held in Canada was the 2002 U-19 championship, held on the west coast, where Sinclair burst onto the scene. Did you get a chance to go to any of those games?
    I was pretty young, I think I would have been 12. I think our youth team might have got something together. I'm pretty sure we went to… if it wasn't a practice, it would have been, you know when they bring fans together or whatnot. I don't think I was ever actually there, but we watched them on TV. Just being able to see it, I was definitely there. You had youth teams that got together and were excited about it.
    Even if you didn't see the games live, you've obviously been aware of Christine for a long time, and now you get the chance to play alongside her. What's that like?
    It's crazy. It all started back when I got called into camp in January with Carolina. It was actually nerve-wracking. I was definitely intimidated because for so many years growing up in high school these kids -- well, these women, now -- were my type of idols. Just being able to get this call-up, and them saying "hey, do you want to come to the first team?" -- because obviously I was too old for the U20s -- that was absolutely shocking.
    Then being able to get into camp and meet these players and become these players' teammate and friend on and off the field, it was surreal. I was definitely nervous about it. I didn't want to mess up. As the days went on and you bonded on and off the field, I felt more and more comfortable because I started to realize I belong here, and I worked hard to get here, and I can see potential down the road once I get experience playing with these top-level players.
    To think, being able to wear a jersey and represent my country with one of the best -- if not the best forward in the world, it's absolutely amazing. I'm so proud and honoured to stand beside Christine Sinclair. Now that I'm older and getting more experience, it's absolutely amazing.
    The women's national team gives the impression of being a very tight-knit group. How have you found yourself fitting in with the team as a newcomer?
    At first obviously it's kind of rocky just because I'm the new girl. It's like any other team, you have to go in there and earn your respect. Going into the program as a younger player, some players are seven, eight, nine, 10 years older than me, and that hierarchy on the team with age groups doesn't really affect the team. I think that's why the team is so well-bonded, because we have those leadership type players, older players, younger players. Some of them are pretty much my big sisters.
    When you're there in that environment that's professional and mature, you definitely have to get in there and earn respect with little things on and off the field. I think, as time went on, we'd been overseas for so long (at camp in Italy prior to the 2011 Women's World Cup), there's definitely a core of us that have been very good friends. Being able to be accepted in this program, I need to show them that I'm capable of being thee and proving to them that I can compete with them as well. I think that's another line about respect and I think it's gone a long way.
    You scored your first international goal for Canada against Sweden during a friendly in November. How did that feel?
    It didn't really hit me till afterwards. In the moment, you're in a competitive soccer environment, and you're pumped up. It just felt awesome to be able to come in as a sub, 20-25 minutes in the game, I got in there -- John (Herdman) obviously gives us our roles and what we'll be doing out there -- I just tried to go in there and make an impact.
    I literally just wanted to come in there and show him I can compete at this level. If that meant score a goal, I might score a goal -- if not, it meant defending well, it meant doing this right, that right. Coincidentally we started off on the attack and I ended up getting a goal. I was just so happy. Afterwards, it kinda hit me. Being able to say this was my first international goal, it was just surreal.
    I really am trying to make a statement. I want to show these ladies that I can be out there and compete with these players at this level. You have to start somewhere and this is my start, I guess.
    It was your first goal for Canada but you're no stranger to the net. You scored 11 goals for Oregon State University in 2011, to lead the team. How has your time at OSU been?
    It's been awesome, probably one of the best experiences I could take out of my life. It was one of the best decisions I made to go away to school. ... Going in my freshman year, doing well, leading goal scorer the last few years, PAC-10 honours all three years. It was just something I was proud to do. I went down to Oregon State, I met my classmates and we all were competitors. We've all had one mindset, we want to build a program and we want to compete in the best conferences, if not the best conference in the nation, and we want to go down there and make a difference.
    Going down there it was a great school, great conference, but it wasn't so good on the soccer side. I just wanted to make a statement and build a program that will build up and make a name for Oregon State. I think my class had a lot to do with it, our senior class was unbelievable. Just being part of something, to build a program and be a part of change, it's just something that I can take away and be proud of.
    Going down there on my ride there were ups and downs. My freshman year, I did well but I wasn't at the top notch. If you look at the stats, I only started one game. But I came into the game and I made a difference. There's some reasons why. What happens is I go in there, I lose weight, get into shape, I'm ready to go. Then boom. Starting and playing all 90 minutes and making a difference the last two years. It's been crazy how school has totally taught these basic fundamentals of being a professional athlete at that college level, going and learning how to develop the mental maturity on the soccer side of things, but also the physical exertions you put your body through in college training.
    It's how we grow as a player and it has helped me become a better professional athlete that I think, one day, I can be. Being able to get these opportunities after doing so well in school, at the international level, it's just unreal. It's that level of competition, that level of maturity, being with these top-notch players, these experienced players, it's helping me grow more and more. That being said, I am only 22 in January, so I'm definitely young and I've got a long way to go, which is great.
    So you have one year left at Oregon State?
    Yeah, this upcoming fall, 2012, is going to be my last senior year.
    What are your soccer aspirations after college?
    I just want to play. I want to see if there's a possibility of entering into the draft, going and playing in WPS. I want to network and try and see if I can play overseas. But I definitely want to go pro, I definitely want to continue my soccer career. There's a lot to come. I want to get out there and prove to people, I can be the next… y'know…
    Say it: You want to be the next Christine Sinclair.
    She's been a motivator my whole life. She's absolutely phenomenal. We make jokes at practice about how freakin' good she is, and it motivates me to want to be that next player. I'm just working my way up. I don't think anyone will ever be her, since she's absolutely great, but I do want to be up there.
    Looking ahead, Canada's hosting the Women's World Cup in 2015. Is the prospect of potentially playing for Canada on home soil a big motivator for you?
    Definitely. That's the one thing I'm looking at right now. That's the highest goal I could reach. Obviously I'm honoured to do this, the qualifiers, qualifying for the Olympics, that's great. I'm young and I'm excited. But just seeing, through these small experiences, these small steps that I can take to get to where I want to be… in 2015, I'll be 25-26 years old. That's prime. And that's been one of my goals, to go to a World Cup and do that stuff.
    I got to do it now, I was there, but I want to fulfill it 110%. (Buckland was at camp prior to WWC 2011, but didn't make final roster for the tournament). I don't just want to go there and be a sub. Obviously I'm grateful to have those opportunities to go in. I don't know how it's going to turn out in the Olympic qualifiers. I might not even play a minute. You never know, right? I'm just grateful to be there and proud of training and playing for Canada.
    But being on home soil, 2015? It's just a dream of mine, and I've got four years to get after it. I'm just hoping at that point in time I'll be peaking and able to come home and represent my country on home soil. It's definitely one of my biggest motivators, for sure.
    Besides Christine, do you have any other role models in the game?
    Karina LeBlanc, she is one of the most inspirational women I've ever met in my life. She has gone through ups and downs and hurdles, done the Olympics a couple of times, done the World Cup a couple of times. She is just a veteran beyond a veteran. Back in the day she recruited me to go and play at Rutgers. I think Karina's one of the most inspirational people I know on and off the field, she is someone I can go to and someone I can talk to, and she's definitely been an idol. What the keepers do is a little intense.
    I have a few other ones, they're not really role models, they're just players I look up to that I think are absolutely amazing. Players like Messi, those type of players, I like to watch them just because they're great. I am a bit of a soccer nerd, so I do watch soccer a lot. I just like watching certain types of players, just kind of letting me visualize, see what I can and cannot do on the field.
    Canadian fans haven't seen much of you play. So how would you describe your game? What do you bring to the field of play?
    I'm a forward, an attacking-type player. My main drive to be out there is to go to goal, attack, I'm definitely an attacking-mindset type of player. Former coaches of mine have always talked to me about being lazy and not wanting to defend. But I think I like to get at players, I like to get into the attacking area and make something of it, create goal-scoring opportunities for myself or my teammates. The mindset, the understanding of the back four of the opponent is something that I'm really smart at.
    I'm very smart at the game. … Being able to recognize certain things, being able to make flicks on, combining with my teammates up top, creating opportunities for everyone else -- just really going at goal. I sacrifice my body to get in front of the keeper and get in there. Even in college, I was getting hit by huge centrebacks at UCLA and USC. I'm strong and hold the ball up really well. So getting out there, battling, competing and holding off stronger players, I think, is one of my strengths, and being able to keep the ball for us and look to get forward.
    You got a look with the Canadian team under Morace but you've had your greatest impact under Herdman. What are your thoughts on him as a coach and what he brings to the team?
    I think he's the best thing that's ever happened to Canada. He's great. He is awesome. He knows his stuff. If you have a question about something he has a PowerPoint for it, or a slide. He is so smart at the game. He analyzes every little detail in order to break down the opponent, and to structure a program that has developed through technique or through physical ability or the mental knowledge of soccer.
    Him and his staff, it's unreal. They are so smart at the game and they have the resources that allow us to study the game and become smarter as players. He's a coach that isn't going to intimidate you or put you down, or toot your horn either. He's a coach that's going to go in and say, "look, here's a situation, I'm gonna come at you and I'm going to correct you." I think him being out there on the field is a positive. Even if something negative happens, he's right in there.
    He's very inspirational and he motivates all of us to want to go out and be better and represent our provinces individually and our country as a whole. He's so passionate about the game, he wants the best for us.
    Off the field, what should Canadian fans know about Chelsea Buckland?
    Oh gee, I don't know. … I'm literally a soccer nerd. I don't do anything but play soccer. Nothing unique, I don't juggle, I don't have the random hobbies. I'm literally a soccer nerd. It's so funny.
    So as a soccer nerd, then, are there any obscure leagues that you like to follow?
    No… Champions League, English Premier League, I like those. I watch a lot of film on the players and the teams. If you're looking for what I do off the field, I'm a fun type of person. I like to communicate, I like to talk. I snowboard when I can. (Late December) was the first time I went snowboarding in the last few years since I've been so busy. I'm an outgoing person and I love to coach and get involved in youth programs.
    Long term goal down the road, developing youth programs that will promote women's soccer. I get really involved in programs that promote the world of soccer. I'm a communications major at school, so I'll be in comm and business administration. I want to be an athletic director of a program, get involved in a college atmosphere and things like that.
    Are you currently involved in coaching kids?
    Yeah, I do a bunch of volunteer work down at school. I get out and help the local Corvallis (Oregon) soccer club with indoor training sessions. My coaching staff actually runs the club as well, so I get out there and help do a bunch of volunteer work as well -- obviously I can't get paid at school. Also, growing up, before I left for school, I was here with the Whitecaps and a lot of programs with Sam Lenarduzzi, developing coaching, getting into that. Definitely promoting soccer and coaching the kids, getting involved in administration-type work and building programs.
    It seems as though you're already thinking beyond your playing career.
    Yeah, 100%. I want to coach. If I can coach at a top-level college, that's what I want to do. But I think, down the road, with communications and stuff like that, I'd also like to do sports broadcasting. I could see myself being a soccer analyst as well, because I understand the game, I'm pretty smart -- as long as I keep up with the players and the studies and things like that. That's definitely what I want to do after I'm done my playing career.
    .
    Guest

    Inside The Box: Resolutions For 2012

    By Guest, in AFTN,

    <i>On the first Wednesday of each month, columnist Wendy Jo, adds a feminine touch to AFTN, as she takes a look at the Whitecaps and MLS.</i>
    <center>******</center>
    Ah yes, 2012, the New Year. Not just a time to lie to ourselves and promise to eat better, hit the gym and reverse the self-inflicted damage done while over-indulging in Holiday "cheer", the New Year is an opportunity to start fresh, make goals and visualize the future.
    It wouldn't surprise anyone who knows me to learn that I'm a disaster when it comes to resolutions, or that I love to tell other people what they should do, so in honour of "starting fresh", and giving my opinion whether it's wanted or not, I've composed a few 2012 Resolutions for Whitecaps fans, players and the club as a whole.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Before I get down to business, I've been enjoying the quotes that Michael has been posting lately, and since this is the "girl’s point of view", I thought it fitting to include a quote from an, uh, "actress" who grew up not far from me:
    <i>"With low expectations, it’s very easy to surprise people." – Pamela Anderson</i>
    With that in mind, let's start with a New Year's Resolution for the men on the pitch…
    <b>Resolve to Win on the Road</b>
    Last week, AFTN published <a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php?2634-A-Whitecaps-2012-Wishlist" target="_blank"><b><i>A Whitecaps 2012 Wishlist</i></b></a>, from various fans, players and media. Whilst I was thinking about my own Top 3 wishes, I completely forgot that we still haven’t had a win on the road! So, I know it’s not the most impressive resolution, but I think it’s one of the most painful to acknowledge (and probably why I mentally blocked it!): the entire inaugural season passed without a single win outside of Vancouver.
    I wanted to give a much more clever resolution to the team, but honestly Whitecaps, you must resolve to win at least ONE game on the road this season. If you also wanted to deliver a Cup or two, I’m sure no one would complain – but baby steps, baby steps.
    Speaking of away games, for good measure I also want to toss in a resolution for the league…
    <b>Resolve to Create A Balanced Schedule in 2013</b>
    Despite the delivery of an incredibly detailed report, and our best social media efforts to have the MLS Commissioner #askbrett, it appears the balanced schedule will remain "impossible" this year. So, I’d love to see the MLS resolve to give this a little more thought before becoming just another division dominant league.
    To be on the safe side, I’d advise the truly dedicated Whitecaps fans to resolve to start looking for vacation homes in Seattle and Portland… we’ll be spending a lot of time there from the looks of things.
    As for the not-so-dedicated fans, this next resolution is definitely for you…
    <b>Resolve to Seek Treatment for Stasiphobia</b>
    Yes, it’s a thing. Believe it or not, there is an actual fear of standing called “Stasiphobia” and it appears to be fairly widespread among Whitecaps fans. It’s not all encompassing, as I can clearly see the raucous good time taking place each game in the Southside, but for the people in my section, I’m very concerned. Therefore, before the 2012 season opener against L’Impact, I think all Vancouver-based fans should resolve to visit a doctor and have themselves checked.
    Although, not everyone in the stadium needs to be on their feet – in fact, some of them get paid fairly well to keep their posterior firmly planted on the pine, so for this I have a special resolution in mind…
    <b>Resolve to Close Lucrative Sponsorship Deal with La-Z-Boy</b>
    I know what you’re thinking, "There’s a sponsorship deal in the works with La-Z-Boy?!" Well, one of the great things Paul Barber did before he resigned was bring in some major sponsors and with them, their major sponsorship dollars. One of the sponsorships that he didn’t get around to, but that should be explored by the club in 2012, is La-Z-Boy.
    Here’s how I envision the La-Z-Boy pitch to the Whitecaps:
    <i>"Imagine this, you’re paying a player $427,000 a year, but the 'Gambian Gamble' isn’t paying off. Instead of the superstar you were hoping for, your attacking midfielder spends more time collecting splinters than goals.
    That multi-year contract you signed means that clearly this is an ass you care about, so why not allow La-Z-Boy to show the world with a custom built, recliner bench?
    It’s a win-win-win: he can sideline in style, even more money can be dedicated to this under-performer, and the other teams in the MLS will be jealous as hell!"</i>
    Clearly that conversation never took place… but imagine what it would be like if it did?
    Although Mustapha Jarju is still on the roster at this point, it’s tough to say how long that will be the case since it’s been a veritable game of “musical roster” since Martin Rennie came on board – but isn’t that why he’s here? Aside from my obvious bias towards men with accents and people who share my Scottish ancestry, I think most agree that Rennie is a good thing for the club – he’s identifying the problems and, with any luck, he’s solving them. He’s bringing in some talented guys and some interesting choices, which brings me to my second resolution for the fans…
    <b>Resolve to Get to Know Your Team… Again</b>
    Most of the jerseys bought last season were for the heavy hitters – DeMerit, Hassli, Sanvezzo, etc – but with space left on the roster, eyes on the UK, and the MLS SuperDraft coming up next week, we’re going to be looking at plenty of new names and faces on the field come March 10th. The changes in the roster may not be enough to inspire you to wear their name across your back, but it certainly presents some challenges in the songs and cheers department.
    It’s safest to wait until closer to the season to begin working on this, since you never know what Rennie is going to do next, but the challenge is there to make the new guys feel welcome with their own custom cheers. I only hope we can come up with something a little more creative than a Sherlock Holmes reference for our newest midfielder, and to be perfectly honest, I’m not certain I can properly pronounce "Nguyen", let alone rhyme it with anything. Because of that, I’ll gladly leave the creation of cheers to those with far more skill (and spare time.)
    Throughout the past season I’ve been very impressed with the creativity put forth in some of the cheers I’ve heard, especially on the road, and it always surprises me to listen to groups of grown men who sing, cheer and chant with such gusto! With that in mind, I can’t forget one last, quick little resolution for the women of Vancouver…
    <b>Resolve to Attend Whitecaps Games!</b>
    I don’t assume there to be many women reading this column, but honestly ladies, if you haven’t attended a Whitecaps game before, you’re missing out! Tickets are inexpensive, the eye-candy is plentiful and there’s never a line at the ladies’ room! (At least two of those three reasons are valid arguments… which two, is up to you.)
    So please, women of Vancouver, resolve to attend at least one Whitecaps game in 2012. Bring your friends, bring your cheering voices, and bring your love of wine in plastic cups – you won’t be sorry.
    Whether it’s attending your first game, re-learning the roster, winning on the road, or scoring a date with Eric Hassli, we all have goals for 2012 that we should resolve to accomplish. In the meantime, I’ll get back to waiting impatiently for the schedule to be released so I can plan my vacation time, and counting down the days to the start of the season… is it March yet?
    <i>Do you have any of your own Whitecaps resolutions you’d like to share? Write them in the comments below or tweet @djwendo #WFCResolve</i>
    <p>
    Guest
    With injuries to Atiba Hutchinson and a lack of early season production from Simeon Jackson, the race for Canadian Soccer News’ 2011 Player of the Year came down to two people.
    “People” being a key word here – as opposed to “men.”
    Clearly, Christine Sinclair had to be in the discussion. Although the World Cup was a disaster, you can’t really hang that on Sinclair. She was a beast – literally, almost – and if she had not broken her nose against
    Germany, he output might have been even more impressive.
    As it was she scored the CSN Goal of the Year.
    After the World Cup, Sinclair took a ragtag and depressed group to Mexico and only bet Brazil to win the Pan American gold medal. Yes, the Pan Ams are a second tier event, but it was badly needed for the program after what happened in Germany.
    Sinclair’s club accomplishments were as impressive. She had 10 goals with Western New York and was the WPS championship game MVP. She had a goal scorers goal in that championship game as well.
    So, is Sinclair our player?
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    No.
    Dwayne De Rosario is. It’s not a dig on Sinclair, but there was something exceptional about DeRo’s season. In capturing the league MVP for the first time, he became the first Canadian to lay claim to that honour.
    A golden boot was added, also a first for the player and the country.
    Although he has his critics at the national team level, he was perfect from the spot in 2011 and is now a goal away from becoming the all time Canadian goal scoring leader.
    That’s impressive and important no matter how you look at it.
    DeRo makes headlines, of that there is no doubt. But, he’s also gifted and, in some ways, that outspoken manner is good for the sport too. He’s become the face of the game in Eastern Canada (arguably the whole country, but we’ll leave it at that for now) and you cannot ignore the added media responsibility he takes on.
    Forget the cheque signing, or the (delusional) allegations of him not giving a full effort for the Nats. DeRo is a worthy winner of the 2011 Player of the Year.
    (With a serious hat tip to Sinclair, who would have likely claimed it in any other year).
    Guest

    TFC's 2012 schedule leaked

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Canadian Soccer News has obtained a copy of Toronto FC's complete schedule for the 2012 season from a league source.
    The leak includes all league dates, Voyageurs Cup dates as well as possible CONCACAF Champions League dates.
    As was previously reported by CSN, the Voyageurs Cup format, which is believed to have new corporate sponsorship this year, will remain the same format as was played in 2011.
    The full MLS schedule is expected to be released on Jan. 5 and the league source stressed that some of the mid-season MLS games, those surrounding the 2012/13 Champions League fixtures, may change.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    CONCACAF Champions League 2011/12 dates
    Mar. 7, 2012 vs LA Galaxy CONCACAF Quarter Final
    Mar. 14, 2012 at LA Galaxy CONCACAF Quarter Final
    March 27-29, 2012 CONCACAF Semi Final
    April 3-5, 2012 CONCACAF Semi Final
    April 17-19, 2012 CONCACAF Finals
    April 24-26, 2012 CONCACAF Finals
    Voyageur Cup dates
    May 9 Canadian Championship
    May 16 Canadian Championship
    May 23 Canadian Championship
    May 30 Canadian Championship
    CONCACAF Champions League 2012/13 dates
    July 24-26 CONCACAF Champions League
    July 31- Aug. 2 CONCACAF Champions League
    Aug. 21-23 CONCACAF Champions League
    Aug. 28-30 CONCACAF Champions League
    Sept. 18-20 CONCACAF Champions League
    Sept. 25-27 CONCACAF Champions League
    Oct. 2-4 CONCACAF Champions League
    Oct. 23-25 CONCACAF Champions League
    MLS League Dates
    Mar. 17, 2012 at Seattle Sounders
    Mar. 24, 2012 vs San Jose Earthquake
    Mar. 31, 2012 vs Columbus Crew
    Apr. 7, 2012 at Montreal Impact
    Apr. 14, 2012 vs Chivas USA
    Apr. 21, 2012 vs Chicago Fire
    Apr. 28, 2012 at Real Salt Lake
    May 5, 2012 vs DC United
    May 12, 2012 vs Portland Timbers
    May 19, 2012 at DC United
    May 26, 2012 vs Philadelphia Union
    June 16, 2012 at New York Red Bull
    June 20, 2012 at Houston Dynamo
    June 23, 2012 vs New England Revolution
    June 27, 2012 at Montreal Impact
    June 30, 2012 vs New York Red Bull
    July 4, 2012 at FC Dallas
    July 7, 2012 at Philadelphia Union
    July 14, 2012 at New England Revolution
    July 18, 2012 vs Colorado Rapids
    July 21, 2012 vs Chicago Fire
    July 28, 2012 vs Houston Dynamo
    Aug. 4, 2012 at Chicago Fire
    Aug. 8, 2012 vs Vancouver Whitecaps
    Aug. 11, 2012 at Columbus Crew
    Aug. 18, 2012 at Sporting Kansas City
    Aug. 25, 2012 at Houston Dynamo
    Sept. 1, 2012 at Sporting Kansas City
    Sept. 15, 2012 vs Philadelphia Union
    Sept. 22, 2012 at Los Angeles Galaxy
    Sept. 29, 2012 at New York Red Bull
    Oct. 6, 2012 vs DC United
    Oct. 20, 2012 vs Montreal Impact
    Oct. 27, 2012 at Columbus Crew
    Guest
    Canadian Soccer News has confirmed that the Voyagers Cup will use the same format in 2012 that it was played under in 2011.
    Although the pairings are not 100 per cent verified, the current rules state that the tournament is to be seeded first by league then by league position from the previous season. So long as the CSA does not change the rules, Toronto would be the No 1 seed by virtue of a better MLS record in 2011. Vancouver would be second, with Montreal claiming the third seed because of its move to MLS from the NASL.
    Edmonton may feel short-changed that it is reduced to the No 4 seed, as it actually finished above Montreal in the NASL last year.
    As it stands, Toronto FC will once again play FC Edmonton in one semi-final, with Vanouver and Montreal in the other.
    The dates for the semi final round rounds are May 9 and May 16, with the final taking place May 23 and May 30.
    CSN is currently confirming the details of Toronto FC’s full 2012 schedule and should be publishing it around 9 p.m. EST.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Guest
    The votes are in and the results are fairly clear.
    With nearly two-thirds of the votes cast, the readers have picked the 2011 Canadian goal of the year.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    And it’s Christine Sinclair. It’s the second year in a row that she has scored the goal deemed the best of the year.
    There is little doubt that Sinclair is a special talent. It’s shameful that she continues to be ignored when the overall Canadian female athlete of the year is named. She was again this year when freestyle skier Jenn Heil was honoured.
    It’s not a knock on Heil to suggest that Sinclair is underappreciated. Heil was a warrior throughout her career, a rare Canadian athlete that performed at her best when the pressure was at its highest. Sinclair’s burn is more of a career omission than one that can be focused on any single year. Although Heil is a worthwhile winner, so would have Sinclair. It’s the same every year and when you consider that collectively over a career, it ceases to be paranoid to think that the sport gets the short end of consideration.
    Not here, of course. Here we can celebrate a special athlete and enjoy her wonderful goal one more time.


    Guest
    (This article originally appeared at Some Canadian Guys Writing About Soccer on October 26, 2009. Wondering what this is? Click here.)
    Two days after their team suffered a momentous 5-0 defeat to New York in the MLS season’s final week, the main supporters groups of Toronto FC have received at least a little bit of consolation — a supportive letter sent by their counterparts in Vancouver and Montreal.
    “First of all, let us say that we’re all sharing in your dismay about this terrible turn of events,” starts the letter, co-authored by members of the Southsiders and UM02, the supporters groups of the Vancouver Whitecaps and Montreal Impact, respectively.
    “As Toronto FC is Canada’s team, we’re all united today in grieving about the cataclysmic outcome on Saturday, that none of us from coast-to-coast could have predicted or hoped for.”
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    The letter, sent via email to higher-ups within the Red Patch Boys, U-Sector and North End Elite, continues: “Even as we cheered on our respective teams as they played an exciting two-legged final to crown this year’s USL champions, our thoughts and prayers were with you, knowing as we did that Toronto FC’s ability to scrape into the MLS playoffs was the one and only determinant of soccer’s long-term success in this country.
    “For us in UM02, even our victory celebration was marred by our unwavering sense of dread about the horrible possibility that Toronto FC might miss the playoffs for the third straight year. For us Southsiders, last year’s championship celebration was similarly tarnished by such worrisome thoughts.
    “You can rest assured that we have not felt this low since Toronto was unable to advance beyond the qualifying round of this year’s CONCACAF Champions League. This was especially hurtful after the communal delight we felt following the Canadian Championship, knowing that only Toronto FC could adequately represent the hopes and dreams of the Canadian soccer population on a larger stage.
    “Let us conclude by saying that we look forward to enjoying your hospitality during next year’s Canadian Championships, and in years to come once our respective franchises join you in MLS. Specifically, we look forward to visiting your beautiful city, which is cleaner and safer than either of ours, with more interesting nightlife options and more beautiful women.
    “Sincerely,
    Your Friends in the Southsiders and UM02″
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