Your MacKenzie junior correspondents break down two teams that took their 2020 bow this month: Emelec and FK Vazdovac
Month: February 2020
9. Play to the Whistle
Dear Boys,
There are any number of cliched phrases to sum up the lesson I want you boys to learn today. I’ll resist enumerating them and settle for the one that came to mind this week: play to the whistle.
Recently, we have gotten better and better at analyzing predictions and planning appropriately. Data scientists and computer programs can digest a pile of data points and extrapolate the most likely outcomes: political campaigns, pop song construction, and especially sports.
It’s never been easier to accurately predict things. And each prediction enables people to work smarter not harder. Each analysis allows us to conserve our energy and craft support for ourselves.
But all those predictions come with risk. Complacency. Indifference. Defeatism.
It’s tempting, with our increasingly accurate prediction models, to assume there’s nothing to be done. To accept that, as probability approaches 100%, we might as well move on. To believe, in short, we can’t fight the math.
We forget among all these likely outcomes that humanity is the least likely outcome of all. Scientists tell us that the odds are heavily stacked against a planet being habitable, and even more heavily stacked against life evolving. Yet, here we are.
The same is true in these statistical models. Sure, the favored candidate, or likeliest cord progression, or most obvious final score might be the actual result. But we still have upsets, and innovations, because some people keep trying. People like Ross County’s Billy McKay.
There’s no secret to their surprising successes. They fail more often than they win. Yet still they try, and try, and try again. They go until the last vote is cast, or chord is played, or whistle is blown. They try every day and–eventually–it becomes habit.
When you build the habit, and you live with it daily, it makes the chance of a turn around more real. No matter how often it doesn’t work, it makes those moments of defying the odds richly deserved and deeply satisfying.
So play to the final whistle boys. Today, tomorrow, from here on out. Play to the whistle and even when the odds are stacked against you, you’ll have shortened them, just by being you.
8. Dream Globally, Love Locally
Dear Boys,
Today, I had an unusual experience. One that I loved and that the people around me shrugged at. Afterward I realized a big truth behind both this blog and my life in general.
While it’s easy to fixate on the best, don’t let it distract you from the very good right in front of you.
Let me explain: the hardest moments I’ve had have been when I set my heart on one thing and refuse to accept something else. Not having the thing you want can drive you crazy. Appreciating the thing you have can bring you joy.
For instance, when I was overseas I knew lots of people who couldn’t tolerate not having what they wanted most. At the top of Gamuk glacier, in the midst of the Himalayas a troop of hikers was offered roti, rice, and yellow daal on aluminum trays by a small group of monks. Some were not going to have daal when they wanted meat. Others looked askance at the dirty/dripping plates. I ate it all and went back for more. Maybe I put my digestive track at risk, but that moment, savoring a fresh made meal, shared in gratitude with our hosts in the face of natural beauty, I was delighted.
I have a harder time accepting where I’m at in my work and actions. Many is the time a lesson goes awry or students cause a pointless, rude, ruckus, and I sit in sullen self-abnegation. I don’t want to be a bad teacher and every time things seem bad or less than ideal, I just want to scream: “I wanna be better!!” My colleagues and bosses tell me to appreciate what we do accomplish and appreciate my strengths before I get into “self-improvement” mode. I see why: wanting to be the best and refusing to appreciate my strengths when there are weaknesses to worry about has never helped me. But it’s hard to give it up.
Which leads me to today. With me standing in my last class, stressing over how students were identifying evidence and supporting thematic claims when the principal opened the door and announced an interruption.
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In walked Luis Amarilla. The newest member of our Minnesota United. A tall, devestating striker from Paraguay by way of Universidad Catolica in Ecuador. I was amazed. My students, many who love soccer (and some of whom have parents with Universidad allegiances) shrugged. One young woman beamed, others used the distraction to whisper with each other at the end of the day.
I confess, I was a little disappointed: why would this group of soccer crazed kids collectively cower when a professional, an immensely talented one, came to say hi?
Then they told me: they don’t follow the local team, they only care about the best. They idolize Messi and Ronaldo. They obsessively hunt and trade for and buy the best players on video games. They ogle the signature shoes. Everything and everyone else is just noise.
It’s nice that they have lofty ambitions, but it’s sad that it blinds them to excellence in front of them. Señor Amarilla isn’t a legend of the game, he won’t win the ballon d’or or the UEFA Champions League this year. But he has a powerful engine, a killer instinct in front of goal, and the drive to share his gifts here and now.
I was delighted to introduce Señor Amarilla to students and shake his hand in welcome. I understand that, at first, you might prefer someone better known, or with more power to impress your friends. But, if you shrug off greatness around you, you let great opportunities to cheer and shout and savor special moments slide by.
Week 8 Recap: From the Boot Room With Love
Scores and Recaps
Hibernian 3 v. Ross County 0
The Staggies’ poor road form continued in a total dismantling at Easter Road in Edinburgh.
East Bengal Club 1 – Punjab FC 1
The comeback draw was good for team spirits, but more dropped points means that Mohun Bagan’s lead is still 9 points
(M) Grenoble Foot 38 3 – Niort 1
Grenoble scored! Early! And then…often!!! The decider, scored on a late and smug chip from Moussa Kailou Djitte might make Niort fans seethe, but the breathing room is appreciated.
(M) Augsburg 1 – SC Freiburg 1
A late strike helped Freiburg get a valuable road point in the battle to stay close for European spots
Ross County 1 – St. Johnstone 1
A late strike helped Ross County salvage a draw at home. Given the Staggies’ abysmal road results, every point matters to their chances of staying up in the premiership.
Mladost Lucani 2 – FK Vozdovac 1
Serbia’s SuperLiga is back after a lengthy winter break (to be fair, Belgrade in January isn’t exactly a holiday makers dream). The rust was apparent when a clumsy Vazdovac challenge gifted the hosts a penalty and a crucial edge they wouldn’t surrender.
Legon Cities FC 1 – Great Olympics 1
If twitter feeds are anything to judge by, this will be the most meaningful derby for the Royals. A contentious first match with penalty appeals and chippy defense will only entrench the enmity.
(M) Orense 2 – Emelec 2
A late strike started Emelec’s 2020 campaign on solid footing. Despite conceding twice, Los Bombistas fought back to get a valuable point against the newly promoted Orense.
Zacatepec 1 – Alebrijes de Oaxaca 0
Give up a penalty in the first minute and things might seem grim. But a tremendous save by Jose Canales kept the score level….for a while. Zapetec took the lead about 20 minutes later, and even when a red card left the hosts a man down, Oaxaca couldn’t capitalize
Punjab FC 1 – Real Kashmir 0
Asier Dipanda remains one of the great difference makers around the world. Here again, without him, the Warriors may have ended up with a goalless tie. With him the keep their advantage in second place.
SC Sand 0 – SC Freiburg 2
The Bundesliga returned for women this weekend and with it Freiburg phenom Karla Bühl who, at 19, followed up her World Cup coming out party with 8 goals so far (a third of Freiburg’s total)
News & Notes
Rosenborg BK Announces Women’s Team
Norway’s legacy of greatness in the women’s game is without doubt. But the most decorated club in the country hasn’t been much involved…until now.
Rosenborg’s new women’s team is still in the planning stages, but the promise of Toppserien seasons is a blessing. (It’s currently unclear whether existing local women’s side Trondheim Ørn would join the club or be a ready made rival).
What’s Next
Wednesday, February 19
Thursday, February 20
4:15–Emelec v Blooming (Copa Sudamericana 2nd Leg)
Friday, February 21
1:00–(M) Grenoble v Châteauroux
Saturday, February 22
8:30–(M) Freiburg v Fortuna Düsseldorf
9:00–Aberdeen v Ross County
10:00–FK Vazdovac v FK Spartan Subotica
Sunday February 23
7:00–(W) SC Freiburg v MSV Duisburg
3:30 (M) Emelec v Guyaquil City
7:00–Jaibos v Alebrijes de Oaxaca
Monday February 24
7. Gracious Winning
Dear Boys,
I really wanted to write this with as little reference to the world beyond soccer and our family as possible.
The writer in me thinks contemporary references have the half-life of a fruit fly, and the parent in me wants this to be both a diversion and an excuse to let the weightiest bits of the world slide by.
But sometimes you have to acknowledge the wildness right in front of you (and tie back to soccer however you can).
The President of the United States was acquitted of abusing his power, however your history classes judge that moment, let me say as a lived observer: it felt weird.
Not the accusations: those were dumbfounding but totally in keeping with a leader who sees everything as a deal.
Not the acquittal: that seemed inescapable for the last three months.
What felt weird was seeing strongly worded and logically argued condemnations treated about as seriously as a trash-talking pro-wrestling promo.
We’re calling you out Mr President. You don’t deserve that title.
Democratic Impeachment Managers
Blah blah blah, bring it on you pencil necked geeks
President of the United States of America
For something that is genuinely historic, to see it handled like a brief installment in a petty feud felt weird.
Just as weird, the speaker tearing up the president’s speech on national tv, and the president telling religious leaders that he didn’t want to forgive his rivals (despite their prayer right before). Weird again, the ease of many people writing it off as “usual” or “typical”.
It’s not usual or typical. This is weird.
My own politics aside (Our President is a two-bit crook whose goals are limited to being the center of our collective universe), it’s frustrating to see partisanship, dislike and disdain normalized while graciousness and compassion are made weird. Gracious living is easy to do, just practice when it’s hard.
I hope, beyond watching soccer, you play it too. I love watching youth teams line up for a round of “high-fives” and “good games” just like I love watching pros end bitter rivalry games with a congratulatory nod and a jersey swap to respect those you just played against.
You don’t have to tolerate intolerance or always seek the higher ground, but those moments are rare. Graciousness is good for you, good for your rivals, and good for the soul.
You just have to try.
Week 7 Recap: Staggies Survive, Bombillas blast off and more ties than a Father’s Day brunch
Scores and Recaps
Ross County 2 – Livingston 0
Some players are made for the biggest stages in the world. And some are made for random Wednesday nights in Dingwall.
Billy McKay’s brace helped the Staggies to a vital victory in the battle to stay off the bottom. With 8 games till the end of this first session, they’ll look to keep strong against overconfident sides at home, and salvage the off draw on the road.
Legon Cities FC 1 – Elmina Sharks 0
It was a rather uninspiring day in Accra, as the two teams combined for few quality chances. Those chances that did come seemed to owe as much to slipshod defending as serious skill.
It took until a hand ball from Elmina in the 89th minute for a break to truly hurt one side. Karim Jabilla calmly stepped to the spot and slotted home a much needed winner for the Royals.
Blooming 0 – Emelec (M) 3 (Copa Sudamericana)
Our favorite Ecuadorian side got 2020 off to a great start: racking up 3 away goals against Bolivia’s Blooming. Uruguay’s Facundo Barceló bookended the score sheet with a pair of goals from tight angles, and Dixon Arroyo slammed home a strong header to seal the win,
As a straight knockout tournament, the Copa Sudamericana offers plenty of drama, and though it’s less historic/prestigious than the Copa Libertadores, its a great chance for Emelec to step up on a continental stage
The score line gives Los Bombillos a significant advantage coming into their home leg, which should set them up well for the round of 32.
Interallies 1 – Legon Cities FC 1
Head coach Goran Barjaktarevic wanted a better performance from his side than what they turned in at midweek. Instead his side conceded an early penalty that scrapped their game plan.
A more aggressive Royals attack provided valuable pressure. But it took another penalty, committed by InterAllies keeper, to set up Legon’s goal: another Karim Jabilla penalty.
SC Freiburg (M) 1 – TSG Hoffenheim 0
One end of the Schwarzwald Stadion saw all the most decisive action Saturday. First fullback Christian Gunther was taken down/tapped lightly on a run in from the wing, drawing the penalty that Gian-Luca Walschmidt converted to give Freiburg the lead.
But it was almost all for not when Hoffenheim’s Christian Baumgartner dashes past the defense with a well-Angled low shot. Fortunately for Freiburg, it hit the post. Unfortunately, it caromed right back into Baumgartner’s path. And that’s where Dominique Heintz saved the day and three points
Alebrijes de Oxaca 1 – Dorados 1
Dorados put everything they had into their opening salvo: dominating possession and pushing Alebrijes deeper and deeper into their shell. Finally there was one cross too many and the visitors went on top.
That seemed to be enough to wake up Alebrijes who promptly peppered the Dorados defense with all manner of attacking moves: runs, crosses, through balls, but it wasn’t until Daniel Cisneros’ free kick pinged off a defender’s skull and into the net that the hosts went level. Despite several more opportunties for both sides to net the winner from less than 6 yards out, it finished that way.
Mohun Bagan 1 – Punjab FC 0
The I-League’s top of table clash didn’t disappoint. A late first half goal by Baba Diarwa set the Kolkata club on top. Then the sailors weathered a storm of Warriors attacks in the second half, with Leonardo Barboza looking particularly menacing.
At the start of the day, there were six points between the sides, and a win for the visitors would have shrunk the gap to 3. Instead it’s now 9 points and without any more head-to-head fixtures the title may be done and dusted.
Le Havre 4 – Grenoble Foot 38 (F) 0
It was a tough trip to Normandy for the Grenobloises, but the “Sky and Sea” were too much for them. To be fair, any team whose crest boasts a dragon in a pink scarf is tough to beat, or even to want to beat.
Lens 0 – Grenoble Foot 38 (M) 0
It wasn’t much better for the men up at Lens. Outmuscled in the midfield, they created more chances than their opponents, but they weren’t quality. Keeping up with a team fighting for promotion is promising. Coming up short is aggravating.
News & Notes
Minnesota United Ranked 7th in Western Conference before Season Starts
When not making sense of American elections, 538.com applies statistical analysis to ascertain potential and strength of various teams/leagues around the world.
Our local team has gone from laughing stock to reliable playoff threat, but with only a 50/50 chance (according to the statistical model) it might be a more tense atmosphere
What’s Next
Wednesday, February 12
1:45 Hibernian v. Ross County
Thursday, February 13
5:30 East Bengal Club v. Punjab FC
Friday, February 14
1:00–Grenoble Foot 38 (M) v. Niort
Saturday, February 15
8:30 Augsburg v. SC Freiburg (M)
9:00–Ross County v. St. Johnstone
10:00 Mladost Lucani v. FK Vozdovac
11:00–Legon Cities FC v. Great Olympics
2:30–Orense v. Emelec (M)
Sunday February 16
2:30–Punjab FC v. Real Kashmir
7:00–SC Sand v. SC Freiburg
Monday February 17
6. Why ask Why?
Dear Boys,
Alex hit the “why” stage especially hard this last weekend. The word comes out so naturally, so effortlessly that you might as well have been breathing a big world of “why”.
I know it can get a bit intense to hear and feel like you need an answer to it every time, but I really don’t mind. After all “Why” is one of the best questions you can ask.
Lots of times we have questions with quick verifiable answers. Who won? (FC Koln) When and Where did they win? (Last Sunday, at home) Even How did they win is just a google search away. (4 goals from 4 different players over a lackluster Freiburg defense.) But why is a trickier question, one with curiosity at its core.
When you ask why–as in Why have Freiburg lost twice to teams fighting relegation?–you’re seeking something beyond what’s on the surface. You’re reaching for understanding beyond the basics, and into the functions, motives, and causes.
Some may be annoyed by the question. When teaching I certainly have taken my share of deep breaths when students get stuck in a “why” cycle. I will probably tire of the incessant whys even from you boys. To be sure, professional athletes in inexplicably bad form at terribly inopportune moments would not enjoy the question.
But the sad truth is, people who fear the why really fear having to explain their reasoning. I’m most exasperated when I don’t really agree with my lesson’s objectives. Your grandparents definitely were more snappish to me when they had little more than “cause I said so” on offer.
Really digging in and answering “why” is good for you, and for your goals. Is it lack of preparedness, inability to adjust to opposing game plans, is Manuel Guide over extended in a back 3 with Jonathan Schmid and Janik Haberer in front of him?
You might defend any or all of those answers. Any or all of those answers might be right…or might not. But the key is to ask why and to really explore possible answers. If people are going to ask questions, they might as well be good ones.
Week 6 Recap: Triumphant Turns
Scores and Recaps
Punjab FC 3 – Neroca FC 2
If you fall behind by two goals, at home, within 20 minutes, you might well expect it to be a miserable night.
When Asier Dipanda leads your attack, any night can be legendary.
The Cameroonian’s first two goals saved the day, his 90th minute hat-trick winner was nothing short of magic.
Rangers 2 – Ross County 0
The Staggies finished their Glasgow vacation with another defeat, as the Old Firm duopoly continues to bully the rest of Scotland. Worse still Rangers and Celtic also short spitballs at the back of Ross County’s head on a trip to Kelvingrove Art Museum.
Alebrijes de Oaxaca 3 – Cimarrones 0
Playing at home for the first time in the Clausura, Alebrijes celebrated with a thorough and throttling attack. Under pressure from the off, the visitors ceded a penalty, an own goal and too much space for Michael Orozco’s victory sealing third.
Karela United 3 – Legon Cities FC 0
While Legon Cities have a mammoth stadium and make a clear point of bringing in big names to fire up the half time crowd, Kerala United’s investment in squad cohesion might be a better choice. On a dusty field with no clear seating arrangement, Kerala clobbered the Royals with clever combos and clinical finishing sending the big budget boys home with another loss.
Troyes 1 – Grenoble Foot 38 2 (M)
At last Grenoble seemed to find an attack that got results. A pair of strong assists down the right side from Man of the Match, Pierre Gibaud led to well struck goals for wingers Arsene Guintangui, and Willy Semedo.
Kilmarnock 3 – Ross County 1
For their third away game in a week, County looked quite road weary. From the beginning Killie had the advantage, dominating throughout the field.
Iain Vigurs lashed home the Staggies best opening of the first half, giving a lead against the run of play. But in the second half Kilmarnock got what they deserved with Eamon Brophy leading the way., sending the Stags farther down the table.
Koln 4 – SC Freiburg 0
It’s worth asking why and how Freiburg can be so tireless against heavyweight opponents, and so abysmal against what, on paper, seem like pushovers.
You could say Koln was lucky. Up two in stoppage time, it was only total indifference from the visitors that created the lopsided score line. But saying, “you only beat us because we weren’t trying to win” snacks a little of gym class bullies my excuses.
Grenoble (F) 0 – Arras 1 (Cup Quarter Finals)
When you make a cup run, you might well make every game feel like a finals. Grenoble certainly acted like this last 8 match was for all the marbles. despite seeming to be the better side throughout regulation, one well timed shot from Arras meant the dream ended just as we were getting to the good part.
Grenoble (M) 1 -Le Havre1
Just when it seemed they had things figured out, Grenoble struggled in the attack again. A bit of fortune finally gave them a rueful smile, awarding a late penalty for team talisman Jessy Bennet to put away and save a point at home.
News & Notes
Nothing to report
What’s Next
Wednesday, February 5
1:45–Ross County V. Livingston
Legon Cities FC V. Elmina Sharks
Thursday, February 6
4:15–Blooming v. Emelec (M) (Copa Sudamericana)
Friday, January 31
Saturday, February 8
Interallies V. Legon Cities FC
8:30–SC Freiburg (M) v. TSG Hoffenheim
5:00 PM–Alebrijes de Oxaca v Dorados
Sunday February 9
5:30 AM–Mohun Bagan v. Punjab FC
Monday February 10
1:45–Lens v. Grenoble Foot 38 (M)
Boys Chat: January
Because this is a space for all of us, not just me, I wanted to set you boys up with space to share your thoughts. Every month you’ll get your day here.
MacKenzie's Boot Room 