Scores
Vojvodina 2 – 0 FK Vozdovac
The Red Dragons have settled into the middle of the Serbian league table. While some see that as a place where nothing dramatic happens, it’s really nice to have a consistent practice to improve, challenging yourself against the top teams and building confidence against the lower sides. This was one of those games against a top team…it didn’t go great. but that’s okay.
Real Kashmir 1 – 1 Punjab FC
The Northwestern derby was contentious even if it was played in the far east of the country. After some testy defending by Mohammed Irshad, Chencho Gyeltshen was knocked to the ground in the 63rd minute for and sent off for instigating a shoving match. After the fraca ended, Punjab went down the other end, drew a penalty and saw Joseba Beitia bury it. But former Punjab player Asier Dipanda struck an equalizer 5 minutes later. The draw broke a three match winning streak, and marked the first time Kiran Limbu gave back a lead in six matches.
Freiburg 0 – 1 Union Berlin [M]
Not much seemed to work for the Griffins. Despite having more of the ball and being more effective sharing it, the offense simply couldn’t set up dangerous chances. When Berlin capitalized on their opportunities, that turned out to be all they needed.
Nancy 1 – 2 Grenoble [M]
On one hand it’s a bit disappointing that trailing relegation battlers Nancy required Grenoble to send out second half reinforcements when Jessy Bennet could clearly use a break (Sorry Esteban Salles, it was unlucky). On the other hand it’s a testament to Bennet that he laced a gorgeous pass to draw a penalty, scored the equalizing penalty itself, and THEN delivered a great free kick Moussa Kailou Djitte’s outstretched foot for a 90th minute winner. Vive Jessy!!
Atletico Morelia 6 – 3 Alebrijes
Whatever else is said, we should own that this was a highly entertaining match. Featuring more goals than the first four matches of the week combined. But while Julio Cesar Cruz continued his hot streak, the defense couldn’t keep the game in hand, or really anything in hand. Truthfully at a certain point everyone had to feel like keeper Angel Rascon, disbelieving, hands to the sky, why god why responses to the inexperienced (and boy did it show) trio of Gerson Huerta, Emmanuel Quezeda, and Fernando Plasencia.
Bechum United 1 – 1 Legon Cities
It might have gone better if not for an unfortunate hand ball to gift the Eagles a penalty. Still, with the draw Bashir Hackford’s side ran their record to unbeaten in six. But with only two wins in that time, they remain mired in the bottom half of the league.
Ross County 1 – 0 Celtic
They did it again! They did it again! Great Day in Dingwall, they did it again!!
It wasn’t nearly as complete or impressive a win as the cup victory in Glasgow. The offense was more lucky than good. Jordan White’s late winner from a beautiful bit of movement on a free kick was the decider. Ross Laidlaw continued to show up in all the ways that counted most with a last second finger tip save. It all got County got a critical win as they prepare for the league split. (Though sadly, they won’t be able to beat up on Celtic the same way they have been…darn.)
Emelec 4 – 1 Deportiva Cuenca
Ecuador’s season restarted with a great jolt from Los Bombillos offense. Target man Facundo Barcelo got his first goal of the campaign early in the second half on a beautiful back heel. But the team spread the wealth around with four players finding the net including Anibal Leguizamon with a smart header.
FK Vozdovac 0 – 1 Rad Beograd
In the Belgrade pecking order, Vozdovac doesn’t have many sides they can look down on, but Rad is one of them. The Red Dragons hadn’t lost to the Builders in almost six years, going a combined 10-2-0 against them. Of course, the reason I bring this up is because they lost, clearly and decisively. Worse, the offense is now 261 minutes without a goal (they last got lucky the day before Valentine’s day).
News & Notes
Bowling > Soccer
In this household you seem to have both decided that the best use of a ball is bowling. No matter what substance the ball is made from or what it’s previous purpose was, now, all balls are bowling balls. Hopefully I can get you back on the bandwagon eventually, otherwise this may need to be concerned with the PBA. (The MacKenzie Boys Ball Bag?)
Player of the Week
It’s another hard choice, almost impossibly I’m going to pass by Jordan White’s masterful heroics against the Hoops and give credit to a midfield player for the first time this season: Jessy Benet only had half a match to make a difference and he made all the difference in the world. We said it before, we’ll say it again, “VIVE JESSY”
Standings Update
Emelec’s debut sees them top the table, but Punjab leads the table veterans, and while Vozdovac is mid-table in Serbia, within just 2021…it’s not going great on our table.
| Team | W | D | L | PPG | GFA | GAA |
| Emelec | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4.0 | 1.0 |
| Punjab FC | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1.67 | 1.2 | 0.6 |
| Freiburg | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1.56 | 1.7 | 1.2 |
| Grenoble Foot 38 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 1.55 | 1.1 | 1.2 |
| Legon Cities FC | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 0.9 |
| Ross County | 4 | 1 | 4 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.7 |
| Alebrijes | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1.2 | 1.9 | 2.1 |
| FK Vozdovac | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Rosenborg BK | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – |
| Minnesota United | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – |
| University of Montana | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – |
What’s Next
Wednesday, February 24th
Legon Cities v. Elmina Sharks
Alebrijes v. Correcaminos
Thursday, February 25th
Friday, February 26th
Saturday, February 27th
St. Mirren v. Ross County
Zlatibor v. Vozdovac
Grenoble v. Niort [M]
Aucas v. Emelec [M]
Sunday, February 28th
Leverkusen v. Freiburg
Monday, March 1st
Neroca FC v. Punjab FC
Tuesday, March 2nd
Le Havre v. Grenoble Foot 38 [M]
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