Soccer – Brandon Sun

FC Basel's Raoul Petretta runs for the ball during the Europa League quarterfinals soccer match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Basel at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020. Toronto FC added to its defence Tuesday by signing former Italian youth international Raoul Petretta from Turkey's Kasimpasa Spor Kulubu. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Pool-Wolgang Rattay

Toronto FC adds to its defence by signing Raoul Petretta from Turkish side

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

Toronto FC added to its defence Tuesday by signing former Italian youth international Raoul Petretta from Turkey's Kasimpasa Spor Kulubu.

Toronto used targeted allocation money to sign the 25-year-old through 2025 with an option for 2026.

Petretta fills the void left by fellow Italian Domenico Criscito, who left after the 2022 season to rejoin his former club Genoa.

Petretta, whose parents are originally from Italy, joined Kasimpasa in July and appeared in 12 matches across all competitions. Before that he spent four seasons in Switzerland with FC Basel, making 152 appearances with 10 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

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Canadian international Ballou Tabla leaves Atletico Ottawa to join team in Turkey

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canadian international Ballou Tabla leaves Atletico Ottawa to join team in Turkey

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

OTTAWA - Ballou Tabla, who helped Atletico Ottawa to the Canadian Premier League final last season, is joining Turkey's Manisa FK.

Manisa, located 300 kilometres southwest of Istanbul in western Turkey, currently sits 10th in Turkey's second tier at 7-5-7.

The 23-year-old winger, formerly of CF Montreal and FC Barcelona B, appeared in all but one of Ottawa’s games in 2022. He had seven goals and five assists.

"Ballou's time in Ottawa proves that we can bring in top-quality players and help them develop, giving them a platform to move on to strong leagues around the world," Atletico Ottawa CEO Fernando Lopez said in a statement. "This is what aim to continue doing as we work to build a stronger and even more competitive side ahead of the 2023 season."

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Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

Forge FC's Alessandro Hojabrpour (21) battles for possession with Atletico Ottawa's Ballou Tabla (13) during second half Canadian Premier League finals soccer action in Ottawa on October 30, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Canadian Cyle Larin gets fresh start with loan move to Spain’s Real Valladolid

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Canadian Cyle Larin gets fresh start with loan move to Spain’s Real Valladolid

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

Forward Cyle Larin, Canada's leading men's international scorer, has joined Spain's Real Valladolid on a loan deal with a purchase option at the end of the season.

The move from Belgium's Club Brugge offers the 27-year-old from Brampton, Ont., a fresh start.

Larin joined fellow Canadian Tajon Buchanan at Club Brugge in July from Turkey's Besiktas but failed to establish himself in the lineup. He had one goal in 13 appearances for the Belgian side.

Larin, who was out of contract with Besiktas, signed with Brugge through 2025.

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Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

Canada's Cyle Larin, right, makes an attempt to score ahead Belgium's Axel Witsel during the World Cup group F soccer match between Belgium and Canada, at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. Larin, Canada's leading men's international scorer, has joined Spain's Real Valladolid on a loan deal with a purchase option at the end of the season. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Hassan Ammar

Montrealer living the dream with ownership stake in revitalized Italian soccer team

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Montrealer living the dream with ownership stake in revitalized Italian soccer team

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 12:46 PM CST

Montreal businessman Angelo Pasto is proud of his Italian roots. And now he is looking to do something for the region from where he came, by way of buying a minority stake in the Campobasso 1919 soccer team.

The club, which rose out of the ashes of a franchise in financial distress, is currently playing in the Italian fifth tier but the new ownership group is dreaming big — and enjoying the ride.

"Honestly it's the most fun I've had in a long time," said Pasto.

Pasto was drawn to soccer largely through his 18-year-old son, Aiden, who is a big fan. In 2021, they went to Naples to see a game.

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Yesterday at 12:46 PM CST

Montreal businessman Angelo Pasto, shown in a handout photo, is proud of his Italian roots. And now he is looking to do something for the region where he was born, buying a minority stake in the Campobasso 1919 soccer team. The franchise is playing in the Italian fifth tier but the new ownership group is dreaming big. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Angelo Pasto **MANDATORY CREDIT**

Veteran Canadian midfielder Desiree Scott re-signs with the Kansas City Current

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Veteran Canadian midfielder Desiree Scott re-signs with the Kansas City Current

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Current have re-signed captain Desiree Scott for the 2023 season.

The 35-year-old from Winnipeg, who has won 186 caps for Canada, returns for her third season with the Current and seventh in the National Women’s Soccer League.

"Desi is an extremely important part of this club, and we are so happy to have her return for the 2023 season,” Kansas City GM Camille Levin Ashton said in a statement. “Her leadership and infectious positivity lift up this team, both on the field and off.”

A defensive midfielder known as The Destroyer, Scott began her pro career in Kansas City in 2013.

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Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

Nigeria's Rasheedat Ajibade, left, and Canada's Desiree Scott vie for the ball during the first half of a women's friendly soccer match, in Vancouver, on Friday, April 8, 2022. The Kansas City Current have re-signed captain Scott for the 2023 season.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Expansion Vancouver FC to play CPL home opener against Cavalry FC on May 7

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Expansion Vancouver FC to play CPL home opener against Cavalry FC on May 7

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 11:30 AM CST

TORONTO - Expansion Vancouver FC will open with three games on the road before hosting Cavalry FC on May 7 in its Canadian Premier League home opener.

Vancouver will play its home games at Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre.

The league announced the full schedule for its fifth season on Monday. It had previously unveiled the fixtures for its opening weekend.

Vancouver will visit B.C. rival Pacific FC on April 14 before playing at York United FC on April 22 and HFX Wanderers FC on April 29.

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Yesterday at 11:30 AM CST

Canadian talent added to Apple’s MLS Season Pass broadcast crew

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Canadian talent added to Apple’s MLS Season Pass broadcast crew

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 7:21 AM CST

Canadians Patrice Bernier, Kaylyn Kyle, Ross Smith and Matt Cullen will be part of Apple's MLS Season Pass broadcast team.

Apple and Major League Soccer announced some of their broadcast personnel earlier in the month. A second round of 31 on-air personalities was unveiled Monday.

Bernier will be a match analyst on French broadcasts. The Canada Soccer and Quebec Soccer Hall of Famer played 18 professional seasons, including nine in Europe before playing his last six seasons in MLS with Montreal. He won 56 caps for Canada.

Since retiring, Bernier has done broadcast work for both TVA Sports and RDS.

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Yesterday at 7:21 AM CST

Former Canadian international soccer player Patrice Bernier speaks to the media after the successful bid and awarding of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Canada, Mexico and the United States, Wednesday, June 13, 2018 in Montreal. Bernier, Kaylyn Kyle, Ross Smith and Matt Cullen will be part of Apple's MLS Season Pass broadcast team. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Canadian Stephen Eustaquio scores to help FC Porto win Portuguese League Cup

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Canadian Stephen Eustaquio scores to help FC Porto win Portuguese League Cup

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023

LEIRIA, Portugal - Canadian international Stephen Eustaquio scored from distance to help FC Porto hoist the Portuguese League Cup with a 2-0 win over Sporting Lisbon on Saturday.

Taking a layoff from a teammate outside the Sporting penalty box, Eustaquio hammered a right-footed shot that a diving Adan, Sporting's Spanish goalkeeper, got his hands to but could not stop.

Sporting were reduced to 10 men with 18 minutes remaining when Paulinho was shown a second yellow card for catching a chasing Porto player in the face with his arm.

A header by an unmarked Ivan Marcano in front of goal in the 86th minute sealed the win for Porto.

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Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023

Croatia's Luka Modric, left, vies for the ball with Canada's Stephen Eustaquio during the World Cup group F soccer match between Croatia and Canada, at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022. Canadian international Stephen Eustaquio scored from distance to help FC Porto win to Portuguese League Cup with a 2-0 win over Sporting CP on Saturday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Martin Meissner

New CONCACAF-CONMEBOL agreement gives Canada games against top-tier opposition

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

New CONCACAF-CONMEBOL agreement gives Canada games against top-tier opposition

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

Canada is getting its wish to play more top-tier competition ahead of the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup.

CONCACAF, the confederation covering North and Central America and the Caribbean, and South America's CONMEBOL have signed an agreement to "strengthen and develop" soccer in both regions. The deal includes men's and women's national team competitions and a new men's club tournament.

The U.S. will host Copa America, the South American championship, in the summer of 2024 with 10 CONMEBOL teams plus the six best CONCACAF teams as guests.

The six CONCACAF entries will be decided via the 2023-24 CONCACAF Nations League.

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Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

Canada's Scott Kennedy pushes Jamaica's Daniel Green during first half CONCACAF World Cup soccer qualifying action in Toronto on March 27, 2022. Canada is getting its wish to play more top-tier competition ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Defence will once again be looked upon to fill the net for CF Montreal

Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Defence will once again be looked upon to fill the net for CF Montreal

Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

MONTREAL - As the third week of CF Montreal’s training camp draws to an end, the Major League Soccer club's turbulent off-season continues to draw attention away from the implementation of new head coach Hernan Losada’s tactical philosophy.

The club confirmed Thursday morning that it had reached an agreement with the Philadelphia Union to send forward Joaquin Torres stateside. In exchange Montreal will receive as much as US$800,000 in general allocation money — $250,000 in both 2023 and 2024 as well as up to $300,000 depending on how Torres performs.

Between Torres’s departure, striker Kei Kamara’s trade request, and the injury history of both Romell Quioto and Mason Toye, Montreal will have to find goals from the entire team. That is something the club is accustomed to, boasting the highest scoring defence in MLS last season, with 18 goals coming from the back line.

"It doesn't matter who scores, we have a lot of quality players everywhere. Every time quality players leave it hurts, but that’s football," said wing back Lassi Lappalainen, who scored three of his own in 2022. "I think I was playing pretty well (last season) but I was lacking goals and some assists, so I want to improve that."

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Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

CF Montreal head coach Hernan Losada stands on a barrier to look over a practice during the first day of training camp in Montreal on Monday, January 9, 2023. As the third week of CF Montreal’s training camp draws to an end, the Major League Soccer club's turbulent off-season continues to draw attention away from the implementation of new head coach Losada’s tactical philosophy. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Expansion Vancouver FC to face provincial rival Pacific FC in 2023 CPL season opener

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Expansion Vancouver FC to face provincial rival Pacific FC in 2023 CPL season opener

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

Expansion Vancouver FC will kick off life in the Canadian Premier League at provincial rival Pacific FC on April 14 at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C.

The Friday night matchup serves as the opener to the league's fifth season.

The two B.C. teams share the same ownership in SixFive Sports & Entertainment, whose lead investors are former Canadian internationals Rob Friend and Josh Simpson and entrepreneur Dean Shillington.

The CPL announced its opening weekend fixtures on Friday, with the rest of the 2023 regular season to be released Monday.

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Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

Expansion Vancouver FC will kick off life in the Canadian Premier League at provincial rival Pacific FC on April 14 at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C.

The Friday night matchup serves as the opener to the league's fifth season.

The two B.C. teams share the same ownership in SixFive Sports & Entertainment, whose lead investors are former Canadian internationals Rob Friend and Josh Simpson and entrepreneur Dean Shillington.

The CPL announced its opening weekend fixtures on Friday, with the rest of the 2023 regular season to be released Monday.

Veteran Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod announces retirement from international game

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Preview

Veteran Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod announces retirement from international game

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

Veteran goalkeeper Erin McLeod, who survived a string of injuries to win 119 caps for Canada over a distinguished senior career that spanned more than two decades, has announced her retirement from international soccer.

McLeod, who turns 40 on Feb. 26, plans to continue playing club football for at least one season. The Orlando Pride announced Tuesday that McLeod and her new wife, midfielder Gunny Jonsdottir, have left the NWSL club for Jonsdottir's native Iceland where both will play.

While still enjoying her soccer, McLeod says she has found a new passion. The native of St. Albert, Alta., is transitioning to creating equity programming for grassroots soccer programs in Halifax where her older sister lives.

McLeod has long served as an LGBTQ spokeswoman. In 2014, she combined with fellow Olympian Adam van Koeverden, now parliamentary secretary to the minister of health and minister of sport, in the successful campaign to add sexual orientation to the Olympic Charter.

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Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

Canada keeper Erin McLeod makes a save in front of England's Katie Chapman (16) during second half FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal soccer action in Vancouver, B.C., on Saturday June 27, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Toronto FC lands a new No. 1 goalkeeper in U.S. international Sean Johnson

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Toronto FC lands a new No. 1 goalkeeper in U.S. international Sean Johnson

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

Toronto FC filled its gaping hole in goal Friday, signing U.S. international Sean Johnson through 2024.

The 33-year-old free agent, who spent the last six seasons with New York City FC, is entering his 14th season in Major League Soccer. He arrives at the top of his game, having played all 34 regular-season matches for NYCFC last year with a career-high 14 clean sheets while earning his first MLS all-star selection.

The six-foot-three 216-pounder has made 400 appearances for New York and the Chicago Fire in all competitions since entering the league in 2010.

"Sean is among the top goalkeepers in MLS and we are thrilled he has chosen Toronto FC as his new club," Toronto president Bill Manning said in a statement. “Sean is a true leader on and off the field, and his experience, winning mentality and shot-blocking ability will help us solidify our defence.”

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Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

New York City FC keeper Sean Johnson celebrates his team's victory over the CF Montreal in Eastern Conference semifinal MLS action in Montreal on Sunday, October 23, 2022. Johnson has signed with Toronto FC. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Forge FC signs star goalkeeper Triston Henry to new multi-year contract

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Forge FC signs star goalkeeper Triston Henry to new multi-year contract

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

Forge FC has signed Canadian goalkeeper Triston Henry to a new multi-year deal.

The 29-year-old from Toronto led the Canadian Premier League with 11 shutouts last season and is the league's all-time leader in clean sheets with 33. Henry won the 2020 CPL Golden Glove as the league's top 'keeper.

“Triston has been a rock for us at the back since Day 1," Costa Smyrniotis, Forge's director of football and business, said in a statement. “He is an outstanding goalkeeper with big game experience and performances in both domestic and international competitions."

Henry made 110 total appearances for Forge FC over four seasons from 2019 to 2022, posting 59 wins and 41 shutouts in all competitions. Prior to Forge, the six-foot-one goalkeeper spent three seasons with Sigma FC.

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Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

Hamilton Forge goalkeeper Triston Henry, right, celebrates their victory in the Canadian Premier League soccer final against the Calgary Cavalry in Calgary, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. Forge FC has signed Henry to a new multi-year deal.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Canadian Premier League unveils new look ahead of fifth season kickoff

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Canadian Premier League unveils new look ahead of fifth season kickoff

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

TORONTO - The Canadian Premier League is offering up a new look as it heads into its fifth season.

On Thursday, the Canadian men's league today unveiled a new logo ahead of its 2023 schedule release.

The CPL says the five-year anniversary logo is inspired by "the pentagon shape associated with classic soccer balls" and "pulls elements from the emblem that has become synonymous with the Canadian Premier League over the first four years of its history, through a consistent colourway of pitch green, night sky blue and ocean blue."

The league is scheduled to announce Friday the matchups for the opening weekend of the regular season with the full schedule slated for release Monday.

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Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

Winnipeg’s Valour FC signs Jordan international forward Jaime Siaj

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Winnipeg’s Valour FC signs Jordan international forward Jaime Siaj

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

Valour FC has signed Jordan international forward Jaime Siaj.

The 27-year-old joins the Winnipeg-based Canadian Premier League team after a season with Finn Harps FC of the League of Ireland Premier Division. He scored twice in 13 appearances, logging 606 minutes.

"Jaime is a physical, fast centre forward with high IQ,” Phillip Dos Santos, Valour's head coach and GM, said in a statement. "He comes from a league that plays very aggressively and is extremely competitive. He'll be a great asset for us and fits the mould of what we’re looking for in a player.”

A third-round pick (45th overall) of the Colorado Rapids in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, Siaj began his pro career with the Rapids USL's affiliate, the Charlotte Independence.

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Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

The game ball sits on a pedestal ahead of the inaugural soccer match of the Canadian Premier League in Hamilton, Ont. on April 27, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Lynett

Coach Bob Bradley says Toronto FC is close to landing a new No. 1 goalkeeper

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Coach Bob Bradley says Toronto FC is close to landing a new No. 1 goalkeeper

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

Coach Bob Bradley says Toronto FC is "close to finalizing" a new No. 1 goalkeeper, with free agent Sean Johnson the club's expected target.

"Sometimes things just take a little longer than you hope, but I think that we should be just about there with the goalkeeper," Bradley said Tuesday from San Diego, where the MLS team is holding its training camp. "And we're still working on some other things."

Toronto has not identified Johnson but the club has been widely linked to the U.S. international, who spent the last six seasons with New York City FC. Reports that NYCFC is in talks to secure goalkeeper Matt Freese from the Philadelphia Union have added fuel to that fire.

Freese is a backup to Jamaican international Andre Blake in Philadelphia. Blake is the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and the first to earn the honour three times.

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Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

Toronto FC new head coach Bob Bradley speaks to the media in Toronto, Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021. Coach Bob Bradley says Toronto FC is

Four Canadian Premier League teams to open Voyageurs Cup campaign away from home

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Four Canadian Premier League teams to open Voyageurs Cup campaign away from home

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

TORONTO - The Canadian Championship draw doesn't take place until next Tuesday but it has already been determined that Cavalry FC, HFX Wanderers FC, Valour FC and Vancouver FC will open on the road.

The Canadian Premier League said the four teams cannot play at home because of stadium availability and weather conditions.

The knockout tournament kicks off April 18 with 14 clubs, including the defending champion Vancouver Whitecaps and three first-time participants.

The four-round tournament features teams from Major League Soccer, CPL, League1 BC, League1 Ontario and Quebec's Premier League (première ligue de soccer du Quebec or PLSQ).

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Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

Vancouver Whitecaps' Russell Teibert, centre, hoists the Voyageurs Cup after Vancouver defeated Toronto FC in penalty kicks during the Canadian Championship soccer final, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. The Canadian Championship draw doesn't take place until next Tuesday but it has already been determined that Cavalry FC, HFX Wanderers FC, Valour FC and Vancouver FC will open on the road. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Veteran Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod leaves Orlando Pride for Iceland

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Veteran Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod leaves Orlando Pride for Iceland

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. - Veteran Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod and her wife, Iceland international midfielder Gunny Jonsdottir, are leaving the NWSL's Orlando Pride to play in Iceland.

The 39-year-old from St. Albert, Alta., and Jonsdottir married Jan. 2. McLeod joined the Pride in 2020, one year before Jonsdottir.

“Both Gunny and Erin have been incredibly important members of, not only the Pride, but of the NWSL as a whole," Pride head coach Seb Hines said in a statement. "Their impact, skill and professionalism will be missed both within our locker- room and in our community, but this next step of their lives is an exciting one that we are also celebrating.”

McLeod, who previously played in the NWSL for the Chicago Red Stars and Houston Dash, made 28 appearances for the Pride with five shutouts.

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Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

Canada goalkeeper Erin McLeod (1) reaches for the ball during the first half of a CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament soccer match against Trinidad & Tobago Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016, in Houston. Canada won 6-0. McLeod and her wife, Iceland international midfielder Gunny Jonsdottir, are leaving the NWSL's Orlando Pride to play in Iceland. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-David J. Phillip

CF Montreal begin week three of training camp as trade rumours swirl

Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

CF Montreal begin week three of training camp as trade rumours swirl

Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

MONTREAL - CF Montreal's roster remains in a state of flux to start the third week of training camp thanks to a tumultuous off-season.

While Major League Soccer clubs usually try to sort their business before the start of camp, Montreal’s attack could look extremely different with both arrivals and departures potentially affecting the club's front line.

A big source of the uncertainty comes from the Kei Kamara trade speculation, which has not stopped since the striker's public request to be moved two weeks ago.

Kamara was not present at training Monday.

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Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

CF Montreal's roster remains in a state of flux to start the third week of training camp thanks to a tumultuous off-season. CF Montreal head coach Hernan Losada looks over a practice during the first day of training camp in Montreal on Monday, January 9, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Forge FC signs veteran Canadian defender Ashtone Morgan to new contract

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Forge FC signs veteran Canadian defender Ashtone Morgan to new contract

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

HAMILTON - Forge FC has signed veteran Canadian defender Ashtone Morgan to a new contract.

The 31-year-old fullback was a regular in Forge's backline last season when the Hamilton side dispatched Atletico Ottawa 2-0 to win the Canadian Premier League title.

Morgan, a veteran of Major League Soccer with both Toronto FC and Real Salt Lake, made 27 appearances for Forge in all competitions in 2022, including 23 in league play. He had one goal and two assists.

“We are very happy to have Ashtone re-sign with our club,” Costa Smyrniotis, Forge's director of football and business, said in a statement. “He brought such valuable experience to our team both on and off the field last season, and I have no doubt he will have a similar positive influence on the group going forward.”

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Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

Forge FC's Ashtone Morgan (3) leaps for the ball during first half Canadian Premier League finals soccer action against the Atletico Ottawa in Ottawa on October 30, 2022. Forge FC has signed veteran Canadian defender Ashtone Morgan to a new contract. The 31-year-old fullback was a regular in the Forge's backline last season when the Hamilton side dispatched Atletico Ottawa 2-0 to win the Canadian Premier League title. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Everton fires Frank Lampard with team in relegation zone

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Everton fires Frank Lampard with team in relegation zone

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

LIVERPOOL, England - Everton fired manager Frank Lampard on Monday as the crisis-hit Premier League team took action amid its latest fight against relegation and protests by disgruntled fans against the club’s board.

Lampard, a former England international and Chelsea great, lasted nearly a year in a role that is fast becoming one of the most challenging in English soccer, with Everton now looking for its eighth permanent manager since Farhad Moshiri bought the club in 2016.

Everton’s 2-0 loss at West Ham on Saturday proved to be Lampard’s final game in charge. He leaves with the team in next-to-last place in the league after 20 of 38 games and with the same number of points as last-place Southampton.

The 44-year-old Lampard was hired last January and led Everton to safety in the final week of last season, extending its stay in the top division to a 69th year.

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Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

Everton's head coach Frank Lampard looks out during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Canadian striker Tosaint Ricketts retires from professional soccer

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Canadian striker Tosaint Ricketts retires from professional soccer

The Canadian Press 1 minute read 1:06 PM CST

VANCOUVER - Former Vancouver Whitecaps striker Tosaint Ricketts has announced his retirement from professional soccer.

The 35-year-old Edmonton native will stay on with the Major League Soccer team as a liaison of club and player engagement.

Ricketts played for clubs in eight countries across his 14-year career, including Toronto FC, Finland's Myllykosken Pallo and Lithuanian side FK Suduva Marijampole.

He amassed 22 goals and five assists in 119 MLS appearances, including seven goals in 65 outings for the Whitecaps.

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1:06 PM CST

Vancouver Whitecaps' Tosaint Ricketts celebrates his goal against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the second half of an MLS soccer game in Vancouver, on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. The former striker has announced his retirement from professional soccer.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Pacific FC signs former Canadian youth international attacker Adonijah Reid

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Pacific FC signs former Canadian youth international attacker Adonijah Reid

The Canadian Press 3 minute read 11:44 AM CST

LANGFORD, B.C. - Pacific FC has signed winger/forward Adonijah Reid, a former Canadian youth international and FC Dallas draft pick.

The 23-year-old from Brampton, Ont., was most recently with Miami FC in the USL Championship.

Reid made waves in 2015 when, as a 16-year-old, he scored 20 goals in 20 appearances with ANB Futbol in League 1 Ontario. He went on trial with France's Nice and Olympique Lyonnais, before signing a Generation Adidas deal ahead of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

Dallas selected Reid in the second round (40th overall).

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11:44 AM CST

Canadian forward Adonijah Reid selected in the second round by FC Dallas poses at the MLS SuperDraft in Los Angeles on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017. Pacific FC has signed winger/forward Reid.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Neil Davidson

Bayern signs João Cancelo on loan from Manchester City

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Bayern signs João Cancelo on loan from Manchester City

The Associated Press 2 minute read 5:35 AM CST

MUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich bolstered its struggling team with the loan signing of Portugal left back João Cancelo from Manchester City on Tuesday, the last day of the transfer period.

The 28-year-old Cancelo joined “on an initial deal through to the end of the current season,” Bayern said. The German club has the option to make the transfer permanent for a fee of 70 million euros ($76 million).

Cancelo, who scored five goals and set up 11 more in 98 Premier League games for City, will give Bayern more security in defense and an added attacking threat.

“João is a player we’ve been thinking about for a while now because we very much appreciate his qualities. He’s the optimal fit in our system with his attacking style of play and dynamism, and his mentality and experience fit very well in our team,” Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said.

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5:35 AM CST

January 31, 2023