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    Michael Mccoll
    After having an early 6th minute goal from Kym van Duynhoven disallowed for offside, UBC finally got the breakthrough that counted in the 18th minute, with a fantastic volleyed finish from Madison Guy over the Spartans keeper.
    TWU had a chance to tie things up on the half hour mark, but UBC goalkeeper Olivia de Goede denied Jenaya Robertson with some strong play. It was a huge stop and the Thunderbirds went up the pitch and immediately doubled their lead when Shayla Chorney tucked away a Jasmin Dhanda cross.
    There was to be no looking back for UBC now and they added a third in the 65th minute in the all-BC battle, after poor TWU defending at a corner saw the ball deflect off Taylor Shannik and loop over Ally Williamson in the Spartans goal.
    The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations from the Thunderbirds players and coaching staff, and you can enjoy some of those moments in the video below:

    The 3-0 victory saw UBC become the most decorated team in CIS Women's soccer, edging one Championship ahead of Trinity Western, and it was a fully deserved triumph.
    "I'm just extremely proud of the girls," UBC head coach Marisa Kovacs told AFTN after the match. "From just turning things around for themselves. Walking in, I knew we had talent, it was just putting it together. The girls had belief from the very beginning and saw this goal at the end and really wanted it and put in the hard work.
    "I'm just really proud of them. They deserve this. For them to achieve it, it's huge. It's one thing to have a goal and to set a goal but it's another to work yourself into the opportunity to achieve it and they did that."
    A fantastic victory for the team and a personal triumph for Kovacs in her first year as UBC head coach.
    Kovacs replaced Canadian Hall of Famer Andrea Neill in January, after spells in charge of the SFU Clan and the University of West Georgia, along with Surrey United in the BCPL.
    In her first season in charge, Kovacs took UBC from a middling 6-4-2 Canada West regular season record in 2014 to an 11-1-2 record in 2015 and a Conference title.
    It's been a fantastic season for everyone at the Thunderbirds, but as she went to bed on Saturday night, such a dominant performance in the CIS Championship game must have been even beyond her dreams.
    "Yeah, a 3-0 scoreline, I don't think I would have predicted," Kovacs admitted to us. "But you know what, to be fair to Trinity, they have some knocks to some quality players. At this point of the season I think we're all kinda knocked a bit! They play us tough every game.
    "So much respect for coach Graham [Roxburgh]. He does a great job there. They've been to the Finals the last four years. We knew it would be a tough match, but yeah, a 3-0 victory, I'm extremely happy with that."

    Sunday's title success will have surprised some in the Canadian college scene. It shouldn't have. Under Kovacs, UBC have put together and developed an excellent crop of young female talent.
    Despite losing just one game during the regular season, UBC headed in to the nationals ranked just fourth overall in the nation and seeded second, after York and Ottawa failed to qualify.
    Coming off an undefeated season, Laval were the favourites heading in to the nationals, and despite seeing off Trinity Western, who had been national champs in four of the last six seasons, not many gave UBC a chance to win their first CIS Championship since 2006.
    Was there a feeling amongst the squad that their talent and achievements this season weren't fully appreciated?
    "You know what, a little bit, to be honest," Kovacs admitted. "We were maybe taken lightly at times, but I think that suited us well. Kind of being the underdog and, at times, players playing with a little bit of a chip on their shoulder, with something to prove. And it worked for us, so hopefully we can continue this and continue to have success."
    Part of that feeling of being underappreciated comes from the end of season awards, routinely handed out in college soccer.
    As mentioned, UBC topped the Canada West standings during the regular season, quickly going on to win the Conference title, and now the national title. That was achieved with just one loss the whole year, 41 goals for, just 9 against, and 13 clean sheets.
    Impressive stuff, but not enough to impress the awards decision makers apparently.
    In the Canada West awards, there was no recognition in any of the individual categories, with only striker Jasmin Dhanda making it onto the First Team All-Stars.
    In the CIS end of season awards, no Thunderbird was even nominated, never mind won, the Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year or Coach of the Year. No UBC player made the CIS All-Canadian First Team either. Dhanda did make the Second Team. As a side not, Dhanda also won the Championship game and Tournament MVP.
    At the end of the day, football is a team sport and individual awards are just a nice additional cherry on top recognition, but still, this apparent snub to UBC was perhaps one of the best motivational factors Kovacs and her coach staff could impart to their team.
    "I think it was motivation for the girls," Kovacs told us. "We wanted to gain a little respect, from the rest of the nation maybe, and I think, hopefully, we finally did that. But the girls even said we're not here for individual awards, we were here to win the big one. And we won the big one."
    That they did.
    Congratulations to everyone involved with the Thunderbirds from us here at AFTN. A great season. The team won't be losing too many players to graduation this year either, so hopefully a good, solid base for further successes in 2016 and beyond.
    You can see some photos, primarily of the postgame celebrations, in the Flickr slideshow below:


    ********** This isn't the end of AFTN's Thunderbirds Week coverage. We're running it Wednesday to Tuesday this year after all of the Whitecaps playoff coverage pushed it back a little. So come back on Monday and Tuesday for two pieces on the UBC's men's and women's goalkeepers - Chad Bush and Olivia de Goede.
    Michael Mccoll
    Have a listen!
    You can listen to this, and all previous, episodes of the podcast on iTunes HERE.
    Or download it for your later listening delight HERE.
    We also have an iPhone app, so you can now add our podcast to your phone as an app. Visit the podcast's mobile site HERE and then at the bottom of the screen just click the "Quick Launch" icon and the podcast will be added to your home screen and appear as an app.
    And if that's not enough, we're on Stitcher Radio Network. Download the app and listen to the AFTN podcast on your device, along with over 20,000 other shows HERE.
    Or after all that, you could just listen on the player below!

    Michael Mccoll
    AFTN photographer Tom Ewasiuk was there to capture all the action before, during and after the game and here's his "Story In Pictures", with a full Flickr slideshow at the end.
    [Also check out Tom's website www.residualimagephotography.com for more of his photos and work].

    The Voyageurs are out in force in BC

    And in amongst them is a familiar face in Karina LeBlanc

    Flag tifo in full force

    In Floro We Trust?

    Canada's starting XI

    The enemy lines up

    A moment of quiet reflection on the day's atrocities in Paris

    The pain of World Cup qualification is quick to appear!

    Not much to choose between the teams early, but Julian de Guzman unleashes a screamer from the edge of the box

    Which Noel Valladares does well to tip over

    In the 38th minute, Will Johnson heads the ball towards goal, hitting off Cyle Larin on the deck and into the Honduran net

    Okay, we'll forget the Timbers part of him for now

    Canada celebrate what proves to be the match winning goal

    Johnson nearly makes it two in the 63rd minute but his free kick crashes off the right hand post

    An impressive Honduran travelling support

    As Honduras push for the equaliser, Milan Borjan makes a crucial late save

    Then minutes later acts quickly to recover a spill and keep Canada's lead secure

    Another late scramble in Canada's box but the good guys survive for the crucial 1-0 win

    And you can see what it means to Borjan

    And his Canadian teammates

    Things you never thought you'd see at BC Place - Curva Collective's head honcho hugging Portland's Will Johnson!

    Will Canada be back at BC Place in March? Floro says "Yeeeeeessssss"

    You can see a Flickr slideshow of all of Tom's photos from the game below:

    Michael Mccoll
    Canada carried the majority of play through the first half but were unable to create any clear chances until after the half hour mark when after a nice combo by Junior Hoilett and Atiba Hutchinson, Julian de Guzman took a shot from distance that forced a big save from Noel Valladares.
    A few minutes later Canada would capitalise on their play, with Larin scoring the opener and his fourth for the national team.
    After completing a give and go with Hutchinson, Hoilett delivered a cross from the left sideline to the far post where Will Johnson headed it towards the net.On its way to the goal the ball came into contact with Larin, who had tumbled with the Honduran defender heading to the net, before going over the line giving the Canadians a much needed lead going into the half.
    The home side pressed for another goal as the second half started and came very close after the hour mark when Will Johnson’s free kick attempt from 35 yards out hit the right post.
    There were chances for Honduras to earn the draw late in the match as Milan Borjan came up big to stop a shot from distance by Mario Martinez.
    Another shot from distance came with less than ten minutes left. This time Borjan spilled, causing a scare, before the keeper was able to gather it.
    Ultimately Canada was able to finish the match with the victory and an important three points to kick off this round of 2018 World Cup Qualifying. There will be little time for the players and coaches to enjoy this win as they will travel to El Salvador for their next match on Tuesday.
    With Benito Floro and all of the Canadian players raving about the atmosphere at BC Place on Friday night, and buoyed by the win, fans in Vancouver won't have to wait another 11 years for the national team to return. Expect them back in March to take on Mexico.
    FINAL SCORE: Canada 1 - 0 Honduras
    ATT: 20,108
    CANADA: Milan Borjan; Karl Ouimette, Adam Straith, Dejan Jakovic, Marcel de Jong; Julian de Guzman (Samuel Piette 78), Atiba Hutchinson, Will Johnson; Junior Hoilett (Tesho Akindele 81), Tosaint Ricketts, Cyle Larin (Marcus Haber 73) [subs Not Used: Simon Thomas, Kenny Stamatopoulos, Fraser Aird, Sam Adekugbe. Manjrekar James, David Edgar, Wandrille Lefevre, Russell Teibert, Kianz Froese]
    HONDURAS: Noel Valladares; Brayan Beckeles, Maynor Figueroa, Jhony Palacios, Ever Alvarado; Carlos Discua (Angel Tejeda 69), Boniek Garcia, Bryan Acosta (Mario Martinez 65); Luis Garrido, Erick Andino (Romell Quioto 55), Rubilio Castillo [subs Not Used: Donis Escober, Johnny Leveron, David Velasquez, Wilmer Crisanto, Emilio Iazguirre, Arnold Peralta, Olivier Morazan, Cesar Oseguera, Jerry Bengtson]
    Michael Mccoll
    You can see the highlights of the match below:

    UBC's Men now face a match worthy of the Championship game when they take on the number one seeded hosts, and defending CIS champions, the York Lions. The game kicks off at 10.30pm PT and you can watch it live, and for free, HERE.
    UBC's Women are hosting this year's nationals and they ground out a tough 1-0 victory over Calgary Dinos in horrendous conditions at Thunderbird Stadium on Thursday evening.
    With the rain pouring down and extra time looming, Kym van Duynhoven rose to head home a Taylor Shannik cross with 15 seconds of normal time remaining, to spark jubilant scenes amongst the home team and fans.
    You can watch highlights of the game below:

    UBC's Women now play host to Sherbrooke Vert et Or in Saturday's semi-final in their quest for their sixth CIS title and their first one since 2006. The game kicks off at 4.30pm PT at Thunderbird Stadium. Get along if you can, but if you can't, you can watch it on the link above.
    Good luck to both teams. Make Vancouver even prouder.
    Guest
    Dilly Duka
    Donny Toia
    Romerio Williams
    Eric Alexander
    Justin Mapp
    Callum Mallace
    Eric Kronberg
    Kenny Cooper
    Andres Romero
    Victor Cabrera
    Dominic Oduro
    Marco Donadel
    Evan Bush
    Nigel Reo-Coker
    Patrice Bernier
    Hassoun Camara
    Laurent Ciman
    Nacho Piatti
    Joey Saputo
    Adam Braz
    Mauro Biello
    and
    Didier Drogba
    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @OfftheWoodworkx
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    Grant
    First off, how do fans in El Salvador feel about this recent 'strike' (can I call it that?) by members of the national team? Which side has the popular support - the players or the governing body?
    The El Salvador Football Federation (FESFUT) has never had popular support. The fans have the unanimous verdict that our football executives are the ones to blame for our perennial misfortunes, but in this particular case, the fans are very disappointed with the players. Some radical fans resented that the players demanded more money, but the action that really hurt the players name was, first, that they called off the training sessions (just days ahead of key matches against Mexico and Canada), and second, the way they (tried to) justify themselves with a childish attitude during media interviews. The players who directed the "strike" are now called "divas" and they have been ridiculed on social media.
    The squad named for the matches against Canada and Mexico has far less experience than the one at the Gold Cup, for example. How do fans and journalists in El Salvador feel about the team's chances in the next two games, with this current list of call-ups?
    It's difficult to be optimistic about it. Most fans and journalists predict a heavy loss in Mexico and pray that our squad could get better for Tuesday. The new players are young and have no experience, mostly on defense. No one would blame them for a big loss, but if it happens, the fans' reactions won't be pretty. There's a big organized fan club who are advising the fans to "boycott" the stadium for the match against Canada. The organization is called "La Barra Azul" (you can find their statements on their Facebook page), and they ask the fans not to give more money to FESFUT.
    Which players left off the squad will El Salvador miss most?
    To me, El Salvador's best player is Alexander Larin. He's currently used as a left fullback, but he's also a great attacking midfielder with a accurate left shot. He'll be missed, as well as our 2 central defenders, Milton Molina and Alex Mendoza. On popular perception, Arturo Alvarez, Richard Menjivar and Darwin Ceren could be more important. Not to me. I think Alvarez is in the twighlight of his career and he's not in good shape. Menjivar and Ceren are good, but not irreplaceable.
    How do you expect this dispute between the players and the governing body to play out? Will the full squad be back for the next round of matches?
    Yes, the problems are not solved. The executives don't accept the blame and they are trying to punish the players as hard as possible. The future is uncertain and it could get worse.
    Finally, there's the obvious regional and cultural rivalries with Mexico and Honduras, but does playing Canada hold any special connotation for fans in El Salvador? Or are we generally an afterthought?
    There's no rivalry, but El Salvador fans remember some great matches against Canada. There's our loss in 1981, but the Youtube generation has no footage of that game, and it's only remembered as a bad start for a glorious tournament. Our two great victories in the 90's (the 2-3 in Vancouver 1992 and the 4-1 in San Salvador in 1997) are still very popular, as are the heroes of those games (Oscar Ulloa and William Renderos Iraheta). Of course, we also remember with pain our key losses in the 1993 final round. Most the fans from those years still remember names as Bob Lenarduzzi, Alex Bunbury and Paul Peschisolido.
    But, history aside, people really don't have an idea about the Canada team that will play next Tuesday in the Estadio Cuscatlán. Most journalists still have the perception that Canadian players are stronger and quicker, and that El Salvador are not favorites, but it's won't be impossible to get a draw or a win. Right now there's too much uncertainty about Canada, and the media only talks about Mexico.
    Guest
    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @TwoSolitudesPod
    @24thminute
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    Guest

    Mauro Biello's 2015 Post Mortem

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @OfftheWoodworkx
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    Duane Rollins
    Players in alphabetical order
    Jozy Altidore – B
    Might as well start with one of the hardest to rank. Maddeningly inconsistent and missing for large chunks of the year, but still…13 goals. As a secondary scoring option it’s hard to get more. But there should have been more, especially as a DP. Altidore isn’t as bad as some fans think. He’s maybe not as good as a DP should be. He’s just Jozy.
    Manual Aparicio -- Incomplete (B- for TFC2 play)
    Decent at USL, but never got a look at MLS. What’s their plan with him? Who knows?
    Joe Bendik – D+
    It wasn’t a great year for Bendik, who lost his starting position to Chris Konopka. Statistically one of the worst keepers in the league and, this year, not winning on the eyeball test as well.
    Mark Bloom – Incomplete
    Injuries killed his year.
    Alex Bono – Incomplete at MLS, F at USL
    Harsh, but Bono did nothing to convince that the Reds needed to claim a keeper in the draft. A bizarre pick that makes one question the competence of the NCAA scouting staff.
    Michael Bradley – B
    It would be higher if he wasn’t out on international duty seemingly half the year. That, in turn, speaks to his biggest shortcoming – he tries to do too much. Bradley is among the best players in MLS. Toronto fans don’t always get see that though. It’s his team, he needs to be judged accordingly.
    Jay Chapman – C
    He had flashes. Needs to play more.
    Benoit Cheyrou – B+
    A very talented player that did everything he was asked to do. He loses marks because his overall effectiveness was sometimes limited due to his fit. This is the one player that might need to be moved out even though most don’t want him to be gone.
    Marky Delgado – B-
    A little inconsistent, but overall one of the players that did more than was expected this year. A nice, young piece.
    Robbie Findley – C-
    Many are going to hate this grade, but he was a MLS pro that did exactly what he was asked to do. Findley wasn’t on the pitch to score goals. Yes, he was overpaid – and the grade reflects that – but the idea he was the worst player on the pitch week in week out was a stretch. Also, C- is BELOW average, people.
    Sebastian Giovinco – A+
    Since the season ended I’ve seen a few fans try and claim that Giovinco had flaws that harmed TFC. They are trying too hard. The deserved league MVP in 2015. The best player to ever play for TFC.
    Herc Gomez – B
    By all accounts a great dressing room influence that didn’t play as much as some would have liked. He’s here to be a veteran presence off the bench. Scored a huge goal in the game that clinched TFC’s playoff berth.
    Jackson C+
    ACTION JACKSON!!1!!! Yeah, he is what he is – a MLS average player. Nothing wrong with that by the way.
    Nick Hagglund – D
    The grade might not be his fault – he stopped getting time – but there’s no doubt that he regressed in his second season. What does it say when a defender can’t get playing time on the worst defensive team in the league?
    Jordan Hamilton – F
    I’m giving him a grade even though he didn’t play. This is based on a dreadful USL season. Suddenly Hamilton’s stock as a can’t miss prospect is now in doubt.
    Ahmed Kantari – F
    See part III.
    Chris Konopka -- C+
    Konopka is…ok. If he’s back as the starter in 2016 that will be…fine.
    Daniel Lovitz – C-
    Didn’t get enough time to impress, nor terrify.
    Chris Mannela – Incomplete (A- at USL)
    Good season below. Will he get a chance?
    Luke Moore -- D-
    Luke Moore was on the team?
    Ashtone Morgan – B
    He was one of the best stories of first half. Then he got hurt. Still, a bounce back season for the homegrown product.
    Justin Morrow – A-
    Pound for pound TFC’s most useful player and arguable most savvy signing of the club’s history.
    Jonathon Osorio – A
    Something just clicked about halfway through the season. Osorio is no longer a great prospect – he’s the real deal. A player that would start on any team in the league. He doesn’t score as much as he did in his first season, but he’s a much, much more complete player now. He may one day even be good enough to play on the mighty Canadian national team.
    Damien Perquis – B
    He has a lot of great qualities – there are very few defenders in MLS that are as good on the ball. But, he has a few failings – too many fouls, not that great physically – but Perquis has earned a second year – hopefully paired with a CB that can make up for his short comings.
    Quillan Roberts – Incomplete (B at USL)
    If this kid ever gets the mental side down the sky is the limit.
    Clement Simonin – Incomplete
    He looked interesting in the short time we saw him.
    Collin Warner – C+
    A capable player that played a role that TFC could have used. Didn’t get a lot of time, however.
    Josh Williams – B+
    A solid professional that did an above average job filling holes in a patchwork back-line. More, please.
    Eriq Zavaleta – C-
    He’s now at the point of his career where what we’re seeing is likely what he is. What’s that? A role player that could benefit from being a consistent part of a team. So, he should probably stay another year or so, but no one would be upset if he made a move to NASL either.
    Tim Bezbatchenko -- B-
    Getting Williams was a solid midseason move. Kantari less so. Ultimately he was a part of bringing Giovinco to town and erasing the Bloody Big Mess. That gives him a decent grade. The question is how much of a role Big Tim (Leiweke) played Little Tim’s decisions. Next year is huge for Bez.
    Greg Vanney – C-
    Again, I remind you that C- is BELOW average. I, unlike some, do not hang everything on the coach, but there is no doubt that he under performed. All year, I said – and I believed – he deserved a full season. He got one. Now, the gloves are off. If he can’t figure out the back-line then it is time to move on.
    Michael Mccoll
    It's been another stellar season for the UBC Thunderbirds, one they hope will end on Sunday in Toronto with their raising of their 14th CIS National Championship.
    The Thunderbirds finished the regular season with 10 wins and 2 draws from their 12 divisional matches. They only conceded a staggering five goals, banging in 31 at the other end in the process.
    They added another two in their Canada West quarter-final and semi-final match-ups before being made to work hard last weekend in a 2-1 extra time win over UVic Vikes that saw UBC crowned Canada West Champions for a record 16th time.
    Heading into this week's nationals to compete against the best college sides in Canada, head coach Mike Mosher believes having such a stern test in the Canada West playoffs has been the best preparation his team could get.
    "Dave Hendrie [assistant coach] and I were having a chat and we were saying we've had some tough tests," Mosher told AFTN after Saturday's Canada West Championship success. "Yesterday [in the semi final against Fraser Valley], last week against Saskatchewan. So we've had regular difficult games. The scorelines may not indicate it. Yesterday was not easy, nor was the Saskatchewan game.
    "So yeah, the more competitive games you can get the better. The challenge is when you're into this, you played last night, you have to play again tonight, you have to fly across the country on Monday and then you're playing hopefully three games in four days next week. Both teams are conserving players a little bit but you still want to lift a trophy at the end of the day, so we're very happy with that."
    Mosher was named Canada West Coach of the Year for the second time in three seasons. It's the third time that Mosher has won the accolade in his 19 seasons leading the Thunderbirds.
    With six Canada West titles already under his belt, he's now looking for his fifth CIS Championship to cap off what has been another excellent season for UBC.
    What makes it even more impressive is that once again, Mosher had to rebuild a lot of his squad after losing a number of veterans at the end of last season.
    Those numbers included all three goalkeepers, defensive leader Paul Clerc, the prolific Niall Cousens and last year's Canada West MVP, former Whitecap player, Navid Mashinchi.
    It's all just part of the difficult process of being a college coach, but one which UBC always seem to handle really well.
    "We knew we were losing guys," Mosher told us. "Shoot, we've lost top players probably four or five years in a row. We've turned over, on average, three first team Conference All-Stars every year. We've been fortunate. We've recruited well. We've developed well within the system. We've had players waiting in the wings to come in right away.
    "This coming year, there was a few questions, but I think we always knew that we were going to be in every game. One, with a goalkeeper like Chad [bush] coming in, a top quality goalkeeper. We definitely put a goal at the start of the season to be the lowest conceding team in our Conference, because at the end of the day, clean sheets win games."
    Former Ottawa Fury goalkeeper Chad Bush has perhaps been the biggest addition to this season's Thunderbirds squad. A 19-year-old Bush was named the USL PDL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2013 and he's been dominant in the UBC defence this year, recording eight clean sheets during the regular season, including six straight to start off October, and adding a further two in the playoffs.
    With only six goals conceded all year, that defensive strength will serve the Thunderbirds well in the nationals. But they'll have a tough job on their hands if they are to lift their 14th title.
    Despite their unbeaten season and number one ranking for much of the year, UBC find themselves seeded fourth heading into nationals. That will likely set up a huge semi-final clash with the number one seeds, OUA champions and defending CIS champions, the hosting York Lions, on Saturday.
    Before they get there, the Thunderbirds kick off their tournament on Thursday with a semi-final match-up against the fifth seeds, and OUA bronze medallists, Toronto Varsity Blues.
    Whoever the Thunderbirds end up facing, Mosher knows his side have a tough road ahead and coming off their second undefeated season in four years, it's likely UBC will have a target on their backs from the eastern teams.
    "I think everybody's going to be good out there," Mosher mused. "I've seen the teams that are all in. It's all one and two seeds from their Conference. Hey, everybody's got a target because it's win or go home. It's the nature of the tournament.
    "Certainly there's always maybe a little bit of motivation to go and beat a team like us, but maybe there's also a little bit of 'shoot, we don't want to play UBC in the first game' as well."
    UNB Varsity Reds (AUS champs and number two seeds), UQAM Citadins (RSEQ champs and number three seeds), McMaster Marauders (sixth seeds), Victoria Vikes (seventh seeds) and Cape Breton Capers (eight seeds) make up the rest of the field.
    With four different Conferences and teams spread out all over the country, scouting opponents can be made somewhat more difficult, but Mosher is confident his team will be more than prepared for whoever they come up against.
    "I think film covers enough," Mosher said. "I've seen most of the teams now in the last couple of days that's going to be there. Sometimes as coaches you maybe watch too much film and you worry maybe more about the opponent.
    "I say to these boys a lot, 'it's about us'. It's about us getting it right what we do. We'll prepare you for what you're up against and what you need to know but I think we've seen enough."
    UBC kick off their 2015 campaign at 1pm PST on Thursday and you'll be able to watch the game HERE.
    The Thunderbirds are going to have the toughest route if they are to claim their record breaking 14th CIS title. But their history at the nationals should convince anyone that they're more than capable of doing it. Everyone at the Thunderbirds is certainly convinced.
    "Our record's been pretty good at the tournament, when we've gotten there on a regular basis. We've gotten to the final every time, out of probably 17 plus times. So I think we're well prepared for it. We're going to get out of here early on Monday and get the travel behind us and get the training sessions in there.
    "We're looking forward to it. These guys are a confident group. They're not a cocky group but they're a confident group, and they want to lift trophies."
    Guest
    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @TwoSolitudesPod
    @24thminute
    @KevLaramee
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    Duane Rollins

    MdS CotY

    By Duane Rollins, in 24th Minute,

    Ok, not enough can, but still.
    Marc dos Santos took the second year Ottawa Fury to the Soccer Bowl in what was a truly remarkable season in the capital.
    “The first thing that comes into my head is my staff,” Dos Santos told OttawaFuryFC.com. “It’s impossible for me to receive this award without them. I represent Martin Nash, Philip [Dos Santos], Darko [buser], and Bruce [Grobbelaar]. This is all about the people that work with me daily."
    Dos Santos started coaching in 2006 with the then USL's Montreal Impact's Trois-Rivières Attak. From there he joined the Impact as an assistant in 2008 before taking over the first team in 2009 leading them to the USL Championship in his first season as coach. After a falling out with the Impact in 2011, dos Santos coached youth teams in Brazil - Primeira Camisa and Desportivo Brasil – before joining the Fury last year.
    He is rumoured to be joining Sporting Kansas City next year as an assistant coach.
    Duane Rollins
    AT: …Where are we now in the process of Canada having its own league?
    VM: First of all we have every right to establish a pro league. National federations don’t run pro leagues, but we’re in a unique situation in which we don’t have one. We obviously have two US based leagues that are plying their trade in our country -- and first of all congratulations to the Fury for getting to the NASL Soccer Bowl and even our three MLS teams had a very good season, all three of them – but as it relates to us…we’ve been, really, for the last two years and a bit working on a project. You can appreciate that all angles when we are looking at the possibility of having our own pro league it’s quite important that the business plan and the proposition is done in the right way where A) you have the right type of ownership that comes to the table and that the plan is sustainable. To think that a team or a league can just be stable by putting butts in seats is not realistic. There has to be a different approach to it – the MLS has seen that as well, taking a different approach on how they conduct business and we’re looking at it very similarly that way and I think if we (follow) our plan and speaking to the groups that have shown interest already I think we might be in a position over…the next two years to push forward on this project.
    AT: Do you look at having teams coast to coast? Do you look at having ten or less? Ten or more? What is your target in that area?
    VM: …I Think the perfect number from a target perspective -- obviously it’s not a number that, I mean you can probably do it with less and you can probably do it with more obviously – a perfect number is always eight…we look at it from the perspective that you want the quality people. You don’t want just a number. It’s not so much a number that you’re looking for, it’s the quality behind the number. For us that’s really important that we have the right partners who step up to the table so that we can fulfil I think a demand that’s there for Canadian content.
    AT: In the last couple of years League1 Ontario has kicked off here in Ontario and I’ve been part of it and I’ve been privy to to seeing some great young players – men and women his year – go on to success whether in NCAA or for clubs whether overseas or hear – congratulations to Cyle Larin of Orlando winning Rookie of the Year, he played with Sigma – how have you, from afar seen League 1 Ontario. What have they done that you liked. And is there something that you can take from that and implement with your own League1 when hat kicks off.
    VM: …hats off to the OSA, hats off to yourself and Dino Rossi and Ron who have really been champions of League1 and the same goes in the Quebec Premier with guys like (?) out there. I think that’s a layer of p[lay that is very, very important. Even, God willing, if we get our own league up and running obviously we’ll still have the MLS in play as well. I think it’s a stepping stone that is required. If you look at football around the world I mean you have Serie A, Serie B, Serie C, Liga Pro, there’s no reason why we couldn’t have very similar type – obviously not the quantity you have in those countries and we just don’t have the sheer numbers, but in terms of a structure League1 and the Quebec Premier League are very important as a stepping stone for these young players to find their way forward, where it be in the professional ranks or, as you say, in the NCAA.
    You can watch the full interview here. And should.
    http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3d97xj_the-growth-of-canadian-soccer-with-csa-president-victor-montagliani_sport
    To add to the interview what CSN has been told in recent weeks is that the hold-up is a lack of appropriate investor in both Vancouver and Toronto. The CSA fels that it would be foolish to launch without a presence in those two markets.
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