Scores
Ventspils 1 – 5 Rosenborg BK (M-E)
A scenic trip to Latvia was made a little brighter with a convincing win for Rosenborg on the next leg of their European escapade. Despite giving up an early goal, Age Hareide’s group dominated the last 80 minutes of the game with Dino Islamovic’s two goals, Carlo Holse, Anders Konradsen and Captain Cutie Himself: Kristoffer Zachariassen, also chipping in on a windy night in Ventspilis. Next up: they’ll welcome in last year’s 5th place Turkish side: Alanyspor and their hotshot goal scorer Dvaidson.
VfB Stuttgart 2 – 3 Freiburg [M]
The griffins launched their league campaign with a rampant attack led by Rolland Sallai. The winger’s goal and assist put Freiburg briefly into 2nd place behind European champs Bayern Munich. Granted, the back line faltered badly in the second half, when the game plan devolved to “just hope Dominique Heintz saves us again,” but a brief dream is better than none at all.
St. Johnstone 0 – 1 Ross County
The Staggies have equaled last seasons road wins and it isn’t even Halloween yet. Ian Vigurs excellent delivery left opposing goalie Elliott Parish dumbfounded. While Ross Laidlaw kept the door shut against St Johnston’s.
Grenoble 2 – 0 AC Ajaccio [M]
Jessy Bennet struck again, but the real change in the Alps may be revelatory play of fullbacks Jerome Mombis, and Jordy Gaspar. The two have been invaluable on both ends of the pitch and have been vital to the sides three game winning streak.
Emelec 1 – 1 LDU de Quito [M]
Roberto Ordóñez remains the only reliable part of Los bombillos at the moment. So it’s really helpful that he got a red card and will miss the next match. [sigh]
Houston 2 – 2 Minnesota United
The Loons ran out to an early lead and must have felt good about the chance to rack up some road points. Better still, gifted/young Dayne St Clair made a few sterling saves to keep the Dynamo scoreless. For the first half. Then young St Clair bobbled a couple shots, ceded two goals and the team squandered a great opportunity.
Rosenborg BK 2 – 1 FK Haugesund [M]
Rosenborg looked rattled for a while, but stormed back in the second half. With Dino Islamovic continuing his fine form and Vegar Essen Hedenstand coming up big off the bench.
Red Star Belgrade 6 – 0 FK Vozdovac
We were unbeaten heading into this game. And then Red Star reminded us all why they own a duopoly on the league. (Le sigh, or rather the uzdah)
Barcelona SC V CS Emelec [W]
DELAYED: DUE TO VOLCANO
Tapiaca 3 – 0 Alebrijes de Oaxaca
So despite the great showing to start the weekend, we end it with two drubbings and a Volcanic cancellation. Yeesh.
News & Notes
Kolkata keyed up for I-League
I apologize for being a bit behind on this news item. Last month India’s governing football federation decided to play not just a little tournament but the entire season inside a safety bubble. In this case it’s Kolkata, home of Pabrai’s Fresh & Naturelle Ice Cream (official ice cream shop of this blog, because I say so).
First they’ll host a round robin mini-tournament to promote a few second tier sides and then Punjab FC will take the field again in the beginning of November.
Screwy Season Takes Root
There’s a little time left to add players during the summer transfer window and many teams are making it count.
Freiburg has brought in replacements for Robin Koch and Alexander Schwolow in Baptiste Santamaría and Florian Müller.
The Loons added in some help to bolster their injury depleted squad with goalie — and striker Kei Kamara who’s been around and around and around the league.
Meanwhile Rosenborg and Ross County have sought out some cost savings by saying farewell to some surplus players.
Seriously, Volcano Delay
Seriously. I mean it. El Clásico del Astillero, the biggest rivalry in Guayaquil. The second match for Barcelona and Emelec in the Superliga Feminina was delayed. It was delayed because Sangay Volcano was active in the region. The teams will play on Wednesday instead.
Seriously, 2020 is weird.
Player of the Week
Several fine performances (plus the enforced absence of Clausen and Blakstad made for a tight race this week. We’re opting for scorer/distributor Roland Sallai. The combination of great play and vital context is much appreciated.
What’s Next
Wednesday, September 23rd
SC Barcelona v. CS Emelec [W]
Thursday, September 24th
11:00 Rosenborg v. Alanyaspor (M-E)
6:00 Alebrijes v. Mazatlan
Friday, September 25th
2:00 Emelec v. Deportivo Cuenca (M)
Saturday, September 26th
8:00 Kolbotn v. Rosenborg [W]
9:00 Ross County v Aberdeen
11:00 Bayern Munich v Freiburg [W]
12:00 Guingamp v. Grenoble [M]
1:00 FK Vozdovac v. Radnicki Nis
Sunday, September 27th
8:00 Grenoble v. Montaubaun [W]
11:00 Aalesund v. Rosenborg BK [M]
11:00 Freiburg v. Wolfsburg
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