Author: scruffyrube

Weeks 42 & 43: Vacation Situation

Weeks 42 & 43: Vacation Situation

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

We went to Lusen, Minnesota for a family vacation, and, as such, I put much of my other writing on hold to be present with you boys. But, for the odd ducks who visit this site for summaries of action from Missoula to Mohali, well, here you go with two weeks of details

Results & Recaps

Rosenborg BK 2 – 1 LSK Kvinner [F]

Klepp 0 – 3 Rosenborg BK [F]

Rosenborg 2 – 2 Valerenga [M]

Rosenborg 4 – 1 Sandefjord [M]

It was a solid showing for Rosenborg these weeks, going undefeated on both sides of the training grounds. Stefano Vecchia continued to be red hot, showing that he earned player of the month honors last month (and maybe this one too), while Rosenborg sewed up a shot at the Women’s Champions League again, so next September they’ll be playing against the likes of Milan and Bordeaux to have the right to face teams like Wolfsburg and Real Madrid (like Mary Tyler Moore…we’re gonna make it after all)

Idaho Vandals 1 – 2 Montana Grizzlies

Eastern Washington Eagles 0 – 2 Montana Grizzlies

Montana Grizzlies 2 – 1 Weber State Wildcats

Montana Grizzlies 2 – 1 Idaho State Bengals

Camilla Xu’s unstoppable unstoppability came to an official end with three opponents hitting the net behind her in the Big Sky’s final bow of regular season play. But that didn’t matter much as Taylor Stoeger notched five goals over four matches and Sydney Haustein and Skyleigh Thompson rose to the occasion as play makers.

Let’s just enjoy Haustein’s volley to wrap up the regular season…shall we?

SC Freiburg 1 – 2 Bayer Leverkusen [F]

Freiburg 1 – 1 RB Leipzig [M]

Vfl Wolfsburg 1 – 2 Frieburg [M]

Vfl Onsabruk 4 – 5 Freiburg [M-Cup]

While the ladies improvement in form was halted abruptly by Leverkusen, the Men continued their unbeaten run. Lucas Holer has been the man on the mission of late, dishing two assists and one goal. They’re in the top 3 of the league and into the third round of the German cup, and frankly Holer’s pony tail is in my top two of possible haircuts this winter.

Ross County 2 – 3 St. Mirren

Ross County 2 – 3 Livingston

Say this for the Staggies they’ve found a new level of consistency under Malcai McKay. Though the ways they got to the end result were different (they never seemed to be in it against St. Mirren and were outdueled at the end, while they coughed up an early lead to Livingston) the Staggies were undone by the same scoreline at home. It’s been nice to try loaned keeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer at the back, but eleven ceded goals and one point in five matches might mean that Ross Laidlaw is still the best option at the back.

Vozdovac 0 – 0 Napredak

FK Radnik Surdulica 1 – 3 Vozdovac

I can find little to nothing to say about the goalless draw with Napredek, but the Dragons soared in the second half against Radnik, scoring twice within five minutes to put the game away. Again Nikola Vujnovic was the man of the hour getting the winner in a mad scramble before helping set up a prettier goal a few minutes later.

SC Bastia 0 – 0 Grenoble [M]

Montabaun 2 – 0 Grenoble [F]

Grenoble 1 – 2 Dijon [M]

It was a rough couple weeks for the Alpiners, as the men saw their winning streak dissipate, and the women dropped their second match of the season (a result that saw them slip to fifth in their division.

Austin FC 0 – 1 Minnesota United

Minnesota United 3 – 2 Philadelphia Union

Minnesota United 1 – 1 Los Angeles FC

The Loons have hit the last sprint to the playoffs in an absolute melee for the last spots in the West. The team can get hot and maybe this will be their booster pack to a cup title. They certainly showed it in their come back win against Philadelphia, but the scuffling attempts against a poor Austin team, and the sheer relief at managing a draw at home makes it feel like time’s running out. Some credit should be shared by Franco Frangapane and Robin Lod who have become more than Emanuel Reynoso’s supporting players, but a reliable tandem of their own.

Emelec 1 – 0 Orense [M]

Emelec 2 – 1 Barcelona SC [M]

The physicality of the match against Orense led to a double red card for one man on both sides, but a late Alexis Zapata goal saved the day there. But Joao Rojas double in the derby against Barcelona is one of the sweetest solutions we’ve had of late (particularly they blast of a goal he had to open it). With four matches to go in the closing campaign, Emelec just needs to keep up the showing to feel ready for the big title bout at the end of the year.

Celaya 1 – 0 Alebrijes

The Oaxacans have now slipped to the bottom of their table. And mercifully they only have three games to go until they can reassess and revise their goals…again.

News & Notes

A Subcontinent Shadow Team

The Indian I-League is still five-six weeks away, but we’re starting to feel torn about our allegiance. Round Glass Punjab is owned by a former Montanan, plays in one of our favorite parts of the country, and boasts some great international players that we can catch up on with ease…but then there’s another team.

Corbett FC actually plays very close to where I used to live (my most favorite part of the country), boasts a bunch of local players, and have Papa Tiger as their mascot. But they are hard hard to track (it honestly looks like they haven’t actually played in four years). The team was out gunned in qualifying for the I-League, but we’ll watch their progress with great interest…assuming we can…

Tournament Time

With the regular season in the books, the Grizzlies’ attention turns to tournament play, starting with the Big Sky Conference tournament in Greely in one week. Their strong record got them a first round bye, but they’ll still have to get a win in Greely against the Northern Colorado Bears to return to the NCAA Tournament for the second time this year. [Pandemics are weird man]

Here Come the Royals

Legon Cities kicks off their new season this weekend. When last we left the Royals, they had just escaped relegation, were fighting off legal challenges to their position in the top flight, and were embroiled in a messy divorce from manager Bashir Hackford. So what’s new with the sideshow that never stops?

Goalkeeper Fatua Duda is now Coach Fatua Duda. His likely replacement: Eric Ofori Antwi has arrived under a cloud of suspicion about being “induced” to leave his old club. Young Hashim Ali will try to step into the big boots left by Niger’s Victorien Adebayour. But the team’s other signees (defender Rashid Mohammed, teen forward Abdul Nassiru Hamza) boast some strong recent form of their own. So two normal stories and one perfectly Legon story to set up the season against…oh boy…Ghanaian giants and local rivals Hearts of Oak.

A Visit from the President

We don’t always get to see the best in the world, let alone hang out near them. But Megan Rapinoe, arguable the best and most influential women’s soccer player today just happened to hang out at our local soccer gathering spot (the same place Alex learned to roll pool balls, and napped during world cup time). As Rapinoe herself wrote, “… This outrageously beautiful mural from the outrageously talented @cyfione [Muralist Rock “CYFI” Martinez] to commemorate when The Gays (TM) took over the world. … I am truly honored, thank you with all my gay little heart. Spaces like these can be sacred ground for us, and this is a special one.”

Players of the Weeks

We can’t ignore the superb showings of Taylor Stoeger and Lucas Holer, and fortunately, we don’t have to! With two weeks of awards to give out, let’s hear it for them both!

Standings Update

I’m running well late, so I’ll leave the standings update for next week, but the duel between the Griz and Trolls continues to pick up steam at the top of the table.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana20172.181.60.7
Rosenborg BK355122.122.41.2
Emelec2210121.731.61.2
Freiburg209171.501.71.5
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Minnesota United129101.451.21.2
Grenoble1710161.421.11.2
Legon Cities116111.391.21.0
FK Vozdovac118131.281.11.5
Ross County105181.061.21.6
Alebrijes512120.931.11.7
Table Updated 10/27/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, October 27th

Haugesund v. Rosenborg [M]

Dundee FC v. Ross County

Vancouver Whitecaps v. Minnesota United

Alebrijes v. Atalante

Thursday, October 28th

Friday, October 29th

Saturday, October 30th

Rosenborg v. Lillestrom SK [M]

Freiburg v. Greuther Furth [M]

Ross County v. Hibernian

Sunday, October 31st

Hearts of Oak v. Legon Cities

Grenoble v. Merignac [F]

Minnesota United v. Sporting Kansas City

Monday, November 1st

Tuesday, November 2nd

62. Failure

62. Failure

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I’m stuck.

I’ve honestly sat looking at what to write at this point for six weeks. Every idea seems to slip away like water from my cupped hands.

I’m still stuck.

Maybe there’s something in smugness? How people think they know best when they really don’t. How that’s reflected in Malkay McKay struggling in Ross County? Ehhh…

Maybe there’s something in pretending? With Halloween and you boys having lots of fun. And maybe that ties into Montana versus the world? Nahh…

Maybe there’s something in trying to hard, straining for some great metaphor when it’s okay to just let a thing be itself? Okay, now my ideas are getting too meta.

I think it’s time to call it: this post is a failure.

Dear Boys

Maybe that’s the point. Sometimes you struggle. Sometimes what you do, doesn’t work. Sometimes difficulty just begets difficulty.

I mean, look at…well, a lot of our teams.

Look at Alebrijes. The season is almost at an end, and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who feels like the team made progress this year, or has reason to be hopeful for next year. There’s mercifully little in the way of offense or defense, few prospects, and only the comforting reassurance of no relegation to spare the team from dropping a league.

Or you could look at Ross County. They went for the gusto by signing a former premier league manager, and they got one lousy win to show for it. There’s some optimism, sure; some players who have seized their moment, but there’s also a whole lot of nothing in Dingwall.

It can be hard when you look at this to find a silver lining. I often try to, I always encourage you to, but honestly, one of the best silver linings is this: accept that you will fail sometimes.

That’s just it. You will fail. I failed in finding a topic for this. I failed to write it on time. I failed to have it be cogent in anyway shape or form. Alebrijes de Oaxaca failed at both ends of the field. Malkay McKay has failed at home and away, in the league and in the cup. Sometimes you fail.

That’s no one’s fault. That’s no reason to quit. That’s no reason to berate yourself. It happens. Don’t sweat it. Don’t obsess. Just accept.

Every time you fail you join a long, illustrious line of other folks who have done the same. Your crumpled paper stands on the same scrap heap as rough drafts by Shakespeare. Your botched game plan can join the pantheon of efforts from legendary managers and players. Don’t deny it. Don’t scramble to fix it. Accept it.

This post failed…welcome to the club.

Week 41: Sweeps and Stunners

Week 41: Sweeps and Stunners

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Rosenborg BK 7 – 1Arna Bjornar [F]

Rosenborg had all the flow in this game, dominating from whistle to whistle. Lisa Marie Utland led off, and Julie Blakstad and Sarah Kanutte Forness added a pair a piece. We even got a closer sense of Norway’s : Blakstad, Bragstad and Bronstad.

Grenoble Foot 2 – 0 Nimes Metropole Gard [F]

The ladies of the Alps continued their strong opening weeks of the campaign, surging to a four way tie atop their half of Ligue 2. It was Andrea Compper’s show on Saturday, with a pair of goals to win going away.

FC Carl Zeiss Jena 1 – 5 SC Freiburg [F]

To complete the clean sweep of our women’s European leagues, Freiburg ceded an early goal on a strong attack. And then, they struck back. It was Hasret Kayicki’s hat trick that set the tone of consistently capitalizing on Jena’s defensive lapses and the ladies of Breigsau never looked back.

Minnesota United 1 – 3 Colorado

Despite an early goal from Adrien Hounou and a man advantage in the second half, the Loons couldn’t get a point at home. They might explain it away with a complaint that many top talents were away on international duty. But another explanation is that Minnesota just isn’t that good.

Northern Colorado Bears 1 – 0 Montana Grizzlies

The Griz dropped a game to their mascot match in Big Sky Conference Play. Greely has been a haunting locale for the Griz, going winless there in the last 12 years (back when Camilla Xu was in second grade). For the first time in a while, the Griz defenders were second best, with the Bears pounding the net, and the Griz limited to 3 shots on target.

Alebrijes 2 – 2 Jaibos

Again, the Oaxacans got themseleves got into a tough situation falling behind by two goals in the first half. To be fair, after the utterly befuddled defending, two goals was a gift. But a pair of penalties (one of which led to the ejection of Jaibos’ keeper) gave them enough life to get the late equalizer courtesy of Julio Cesar Cruz.

News & Notes

Around the World in a Couple Hot seconds

Sallai’s Strike

Several players from our favorite sides made appearances in international duty this last weekend: here’s a quick snapshot of how they fared.

Most of our action happened in Europe, and it turned out pretty darn well. Vozdovac’s striker Justas Lascikas got a goal in Lithuania’s win over Bulgaria (it was also Lithuania’s first points in seven qualifying matches). The Loon’s Robin Lod factored in Finland’s win over Kazakhstan, but neither he nor club/country teammate Jukka Raitalta could stop the loss to Ukraine (leaving the Finns one point out of qualification position with two to play). Freiburg’s Ermedin Demirovic was a substitute for Bosnia against the same teams to no avail (B&H is two points back with two to play). But the match highlight was probably Roland Sallai who got the opening goal in Wembly stadium against the mighty England national team. That goal set up a draw to end England’s 12 year winning streak in competitive home games. The point also kept Hungary alive (if only mathematically)

Meanwhile in Africa, Romain Metanire was on the field for both legs of the matches Madagascar split with DR Congo, but their hopes of another Cinderella story at Qatar 2022 are effectively over. Grenoble’s David Hennen played the first half in Togo’s draw against Congo (just the Regular Republic variety) in similar academic matches. While Emelec had native son Joao Rojas came on twice for Ecuador’s legendary Enner Valencia in both the win over Bolivia and the loss to Venezuela.

And in friendly matches: Michael Boxall helped the Kiwis to a sweep of their games (against Bahrain and Curacao, but still).

That didn’t last long…

Somehow, after all the praise we heaped on Claire Howard, Camilla Xu took one of her predecessor’s records while still in her freshman season. By keeping Northern Colorado off the board for the first 38 minutes, Xu set a new program record with 703 scoreless minutes. Breaking a seemingly massive streak. Then, of course, Northern Colorado broke the streak 2 minutes later…sigh.

Player of the Week

While Sallai and Lascikas can be proud of their contributions to their countries, this was a ladies week and the woman at the center of a European sweep was Hasret Kayicki. Her hat trick and consistent leadership has buoyed Freiburg during an up and down season..and even if it means that she like Klara Buhl before her, leaves Freiburg for greener pastures/bank accounts, it’s a pleasure to see her strive every week.

Hat Trick Hasret!

Standings Update

I’m running well late, so I’ll leave the standings update for next week, but the duel between the Griz and Trolls continues to pick up steam at the top of the table.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana16162.131.60.7
Rosenborg BK314122.062.31.2
Emelec2210121.731.61.2
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Grenoble169141.461.21.2
Freiburg178161.441.51.5
Minnesota United10891.411.11.2
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
FK Vozdovac107161.231.11.5
Ross County105151.131.21.5
Alebrijes512110.961.11.7
Table Updated 10/6/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, October 13th

Rosenborg BK v. LSK Kvinner [F]

Thursday, October 14th

Friday, October 15th

Idaho Vandals v. Montana Grizzlies

Saturday, October 16th

SC Freiburg v. Bayer Leverkusen [F]

Klepp v. Rosenborg BK [F]

Freiburg v. RB Leipzig [M]

Ross County v St. Mirren

Vozdovac v Napredak

SC Bastia v Grenoble

Austin FC v Minnesota United

Sunday, October 17th

Rosenborg v. Valerenga

Emelec v. Orense

Eastern Washington Eagles v. Montana Grizzlies

Monday, October 18th

Tuesday, October 19th

Week 40: The Name of the Game is Consistency

Week 40: The Name of the Game is Consistency

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Alebrijes 0 – 1 Tapatio

Even at home Oaxaca can’t seem to buy a goal. They’ve had 3 in 5 September matches.

DC United 3 – 1 Minnesota United

The Loons had put together a nice little run just in time for a ping ponging road trip. First a trip to the capitol where their reliance on Emanuel Reynoso, as a team that usually expects a goal or two (based on advanced statistics) barely managed enough to expect .25 of a goal. (Thanks to the oft overlooked Bakye Dibassy for laughing in the face of that math.)

University of Montana Grizzlies 1 – 0 Sacramento State Hornets

Rack up another text book Griz shutout. Get the one goal you need and trust your keeper to do the job (Camilla Xu clearly is targeting a new Clean Sheet Record).

SC Freiburg 2 -2 VfL Wolfsburg [F]

A point-free campaign lady Griffins got a lot better with a draw against Champions League regulars Wolfsburg. Hasret Kayicki did what she does with another goal, and welcome Mia Büchele to the party with her first of the campaign. Best of all, we actually have highlights!!

Hertha BSC 1 – 2 Freiburg [M]

Meanwhile, the men folk of Freiburg continued their fine form. Christian Gunter delivered a couple of great corner kicks to set up both the opener and the winner. They are now the only unbeaten side left in the Bundesliga and sit one point back of legendary leaders Bayern Munich.

Dundee United 1 – 0 Ross County

On the other end, County has still yet to get a win this season and this was only the third game where they limited their opponents to one goal.

FK Spartak Subotica 0 – 4 Vozdovac

True story, I was helping Alex on the potty as my phone blew up with goals from Subotica.

Me: Wow the dragons are scoring a lot of goals!

Alex: well…they are dragons.

So, congrats Nikola Vujnovic and company. You’re magical beasts in fine form.

Grenoble 2 – 0 Pau [M]

The Alpiners are on a roll at the moment: unbeaten in 3 and coalescing around Yoric Ravet to spur a solid attack. Mamodou Diallo scored a stunning volley, but Ravet’s been a creative force and challenged the defense with every set piece. The right side of the midfield still looks dubious. If only there was an answer? Maybe one that starts with a J- and ends with an -essy Bennet?

Dallas 0 – 0 Minnesota United

Reynoso was back but when no one puts the biscuit in the basket against the most porous team in the Western conference … well all the creativity in the world can’t replace accuracy.

Thonon Evian 1 – 1 Grenoble Foot [F]

It was another late goal that saved the day for Grenoble, this time an 88th minute equalizer from Claudia Fabre to compensate for a first half defensive miscue.

Kristiansund 1 – 0 Rosenborg [M]

After three big wins RBK couldn’t grab another in trying circumstances. Normally reliable Adam Anderson’s first minute [FIRST MINUTE!!] red card for pulling an opposing striker to the ground. Forced the trolls to play down a man for the whole match. Kristiansund got their goal quickly and only a great game by goalie Julian Lund kept it close. So moral victories it is!

Tecnico Universitario 1 – 0 Emelec [M]

Now winless in three straight, Emelec is slipping far from their chances to sweep the seasons. They’re guaranteed a playoff spot, but they’d much rather play like Emelec 6 months ago than Emelec now…shame time travel doesn’t work.

Montana Grizzlies 0 – 0 Portland State Vikings

The Griz lost their winning streak but Camilla Xu made it 7 straight shutouts during Sunday’s game at South Campus Stadium.

Venados 1 – 1 Alebrijes

It took a last second Josue Gomez equalizer to save the Oaxacans from another defeat. Well, the last second equalizer and a whole bunch of good fortune on some too close for comfort Venados attacks. But however you save the day, we’re glad that the day is saved.

News & Notes

Hey! More World Cup Qualifiers!

The cancelling of all matches for six months has put an extra bit of pressure on World Cup qualification, so we’ve got a ton of teams racing to qualify for the tournament in Qatar next winter. So, what could have been a little distraction is instead an all hands on deck situation.

Pay. The. Refs.

A weekly reminder that Ecuador should pay their referees.

Vaccine Cards Up, Volume Down

I’ve been conflicted all year about attending soccer matches. In my dream, I can take one of you guys, laugh, play, eat something fried and/or cheesy and come home with a bonding experience. In reality, the stupid virus is still out there and the absence of masks in the stands makes me wary and your mom terrified.

To this purpose, a lot of programs have started requiring vaccine proof or a recent negative test. But our local team is not.

So, some of our fellow Minnesotans have decided to stop attending matches. Especially those that lead the chants, the cheers, and build the atmosphere. The team hasn’t really listened to prior requests, so this may be a good demonstration for you in how to make change, or at least, try to.

Player of the Week

I’m torn this week. On the one hand, Grenoble’s surge in form owes a lot to Yoric Ravet. On the other, Montana’s increasing dominance owes a lot to Camilla Xu. On a suddenly growing third hand, Nikola Vujnovic’s goals are a big help to Vozdovac’s season goals. With a couple recent shout outs to Grenoble, we’ll spread the wealth around and applaud the Freshman keeper, Camilla Xu. Congrats!

Standings Update

Rosenborg and Emelec losses dropped them farther off the pace set by the Griz. But Minnesota’s lost road trip hurts the most, dropping them from fourth to seventh. And at the foot of the table Alebrijes has slipped below 1 point per game.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana16162.131.60.7
Rosenborg BK314122.062.31.2
Emelec2210121.731.61.2
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Grenoble169141.461.21.2
Freiburg178161.441.51.5
Minnesota United10891.411.11.2
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
FK Vozdovac107161.231.11.5
Ross County105151.131.21.5
Alebrijes512110.961.11.7
Table Updated 10/6/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, October 6th

Thursday, October 7th

Friday, October 8th

Saturday, October 9th

Rosenborg BK v Arna Bjornar [F]

Sunday, October 10th

Grenoble Foot v. Nimes Metropole Gard [F]

FC Carl Zeiss Jena v. SC Freiburg [F]

Minnesota United v. Colorado

Northern Colorado v. Montana Grizzlies

Monday, October 11th

Tuesday, October 12th

Alebrijes v. Jaibos

Week 39: Welcomes and Farewells

Week 39: Welcomes and Farewells

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Viking 3 – 1 Rosenborg [M-Cup]

Age Hareide fielded a strong side for the cup but they never got out of first gear, and Rosenborg made an exit far earlier than their dominant performances suggested they would.

Red Star Belgrade v. FK Vozdovac

Postponed. See News Below

Atletico Morelia 1 – 0 Alebrijes

Man, Oaxaca can’t build on their momentum can they? Their longest unbeaten run of the year has been two games….a pair of draws…so it was back to the struggle bus here.

Rodez 1 – 1 Grenoble [M]

Speaking of teams without an ounce of momentum, Grenoble’s defense seems just too tired to hold on at the end of games, giving up another stoppage time goal. This one came off a late foul deep in their area, and resulted in dropped points in a game they coulda shoulda won. One silver lining, it is their first road point of the campaign so…thank heaven for small mercies.

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 0 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

You wouldn’t know it from my incessant praising of the Griz, but there are those who felt they were a soft Conference Champion, as their final opponent in the tournament (these same Lumberjacks) were disqualified due to COVID rather than truly beaten. But Caitlin Rogers’ long distance free kick and Camilla Xu’s growing confidence in goal were enough to silence those doubters and put the Griz back atop the Big Sky again.

Avaldsnes 0 – 1 Rosenborg [F]

The Troll Ladies were a little slow to shake off the rust, but Sarah Kanutte Fornes did the job as an 81st minute substitute driving in an 87th minute goal on a textbook spin in the box. With 5 matches left, Rosenborg remain favorites for European qualification again this year…knock on all the wood.

Motherwell 2 – 1 Ross County

County’s hopes for a turn in fortunes were doused with another lightning fast goal, with Motherwell’s Callum Slattery netting a goal in the 2nd minute. Regan Charles Cook continued his strong form with an equalizer, but couldn’t get the defense to do the job.

Minnesota 2 – 0 Houston Dynamo

Again, the Loon’s attack was impressive right off the bat. Ethan Finlay scored his second in as many games, and Robin Lod made up for Emanuel Reynoso’s unusually underwhelming performance. But the midfield and defense ran out of gas in the second half, and only a great showing by Tyler Miller kept the score line comfortable.

Freiburg 3 – 0 Augsburg

The Griffins turned out the light on their old grounds in style. Lukas Kübler had a great showing after moving up to midfield from his usual right back role, but Lucas Höler was similarly strong and the whole squad played superlatively.

Grenoble 0 – 1 Olympique Marseille [F]

Les Grenobloises dropped their first points of the year…but I have no highlights so…that’s all I know.

Rosenborg 3- 1 Mondalen[M]

Stefano Holmquist’s ridonkulous form continues. In his past 5 Eliteserien games he has 7 goals, including two more at home this weekend. It’s a nice bounce back after being bumped out of the cup earlier in the week.

Southern Utah Thunderbirds 0 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

The Griz are back to bossing around the big sky conference. Even on a road trip with a redshirt freshman in goal, they’ve pulled off a pair of clean sheets to open conference play. This time it was Bella O’Brien knocking in a pass during your standard crash the box corner kick.

Emelec 2 – 2 Universidad Catolica

It took a late equalizer from Jose Cevallos trundling the ball in for Emelec to dodge two defeats in a row. The dropped points of the past few weeks makes a season sweep far less likely for Los Bombillos, but the team spirit should give hope that they’ll be well suited to claim the title at the end of the year.

FK Vozdovac 1 – 1 Mladost Lucani

The Dragons should be rightfully downhearted about only scraping a point against bottom of the table Lucani. But as it’s only their first draw of the season, and it was buoyed by a brilliant Milos Pantovic run, maybe there should be some pride in coming back at least a little?

News & Notes

Welcome to the Community Owen

We celebrated Owen’s baptism while your uncle Simon and I surreptitiously checked our phones for news of the North London derby. Spoiler alert: the baptism went better. And that’s even when the pastor’s “you are blessed by the water” was met with a firm “NO! I AM NOT!” (To be fair you were pretty sick Owen, nobody was getting a smile from you.)

Whatever Red Star wants….Red Star gets

This time it was a postponement for the match against Vozdovac. It was definitely because of COVID tests (among injured players) and not at all about needing a break from a schedule that called for six games in 14 days. (Narrator voice: it might have been, but they’re the dominant team in Serbia so…)

Sweet Dreams Dreisamstadion

For almost 70 years, the best of Freiburg fußball has had one home, one the banks of the Dreisam River. But the last match is now in the books, and in 20 days a new era will start at the new Europa Stadion. New is nice, and tradition is powerful. Here’s to the past and the future in Freiburg!

Player of the Week

I tried hard to spread around the awards, recognizing teams that didn’t dominate the summer lull. But we can’t pretend like Rosenborg’s best isn’t also the best in our world this week, or even the last month: Stefano Holmquist come on down!

Stefano Vecchia - File 2020 10 24 Djurgardens If Ik Sirius Fk Stefano Vecchia 04 Jpg Wikimedia Commons : Statystyki w obecnym sezonie zawodnika stefano holmquist vecchia (rosenborg trondheim) występy bramki asysty

Standings Update

The Griz got back to the top of the heap this week after their two strong road wins to kick off conference play. Meanwhile the middle of the pack got thoroughly shuffled With Minnesota climbing, Grenoble falling, and the Staggies and Dragons starting to split hairs

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana15062.141.70.7
Rosenborg BK314112.112.31.2
Emelec2210111.771.71.2
Minnesota United10781.481.21.2
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Grenoble159141.421.11.2
Freiburg167161.411.51.5
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
FK Vozdovac97131.1721.01.5
Ross County105151.1671.21.5
Alebrijes511101.001.21.7
Table Updated 9/29/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 29th

Alebrijes v. Tapatio

DC United v. Minnesota United

Thursday, September 30th

Friday, October 1st

University of Montana Grizzlies v. Sacramento State Hornets

Saturday, October 2nd

SC Freiburg v. VfL Wolfsburg [F]

Hertha BSC v. Freiburg [M]

Dundee United v. Ross County

FK Spartak Subotica v. Vozdovac

Grenoble v Pau [M]

Dallas v Minnesota United

Sunday, October 3rd

Thonon Evian v. Grenoble Foot [F]

Kristiansund v. Rosenborg [M]

Tecnico Universitario v. Emelec [M]

Montana Grizzlies v. Portland State Vikings

Emelec v. Orense

Monday, October 4th

Tuesday, October 5th

Venados v. Alebrijes

Week 38: When it’s good, it’s great

Week 38: When it’s good, it’s great

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Sporting KC 4 – 0 Minnesota United

There’s ugly and then there’s this. A bare-bottomed spanking (something you boys know nothing about) gave the Loons a lot to think about before their next match against another top opponent.

California State Long Beach 0 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

This is the game plan of Chris Citowicki at work. Knowing your strength in defense, frustrate the opponent for most of the match and hit them quick before it ends. Camilla Xu continues to show up like Claire Howard between the sticks, and her long ball to start the attack gave the Griz just what they needed to knock off another top opponent.

Toulouse 4 – 1 Grenoble [M]

Remember when Grenoble was close enough to Toulouse that this was a marquee match up? It was 4 months ago. Aka a long long time. This ain’t your spring time Grenoble. So we’ll do what we can.

Kevin Schade shields the draw

Mainz 0 – 0 Freiburg [M]

Mainz had the better of the match against Freiburg. To be fair, Freiburg was running a little behind without some of their most in form players (Vincenzo Grifo and Woo-Yeong Jeong), so the draw still feels worth it.

Ross County 2 – 2 Hearts

Who’d have thought that finally playing Regan Charles Cook up in the attack would pay off (for the record: all the Staggies fans for two years…all of them…the whole time). He buoyed Blair Spittal in the midfield, helping him to a first half brace. Also Ashley Maynard-Brewer made his first appearance in goal and despite the late equalizer, acquitted himself well.

Vozdovac 1 – 2 FK Radnicki 1923

While Milos Milovic netted a strong equalizer, it was a short lived draw. Radnicki got the lead back within another minute and thus the Dragons continued to slip.

Minnesota 3 – 0 LA Galaxy

I helped get you two to bed and raced over to catch the second half of the game with 19,000 close friends (and a double layered mask). It did not disappoint. I missed Emanuel Reynoso’s superb first half goals, but I did see a special appearance by Ethan Finlay who made every run more dangerous, scored a solid goal, and stopped another attack dead in its tracks, more on that later.

Sarpsborg 08 1 – 3 Rosenborg [M]

Stefano Holmquist Vecchio continued to be in great form, as Rosenborg continued to battle towards the top. Meanwhile the back line continued to control the area and refused to let Sarpsborg near the goal. So tip the cap and say a “tusen takk” to Even Hovland and Erland Dahl Reitan.

LDU Quito 3- 2 Emelec [M]

The replay of last week’s postponed game was a barnburner, the down side being that the loss dropped Emelec out of fist place. It was an impressive piece of story telling as Andersson Ordonez finished a game winning penalty after giving up an own goal in the first three minutes.

Grenoble 4 – 1 Nancy [M]

Apparently it’s also not Friday’s Grenoble, as they absolutely dominated Nancy throughout the field. (To be fair, Nancy has a scant three points in the year, so…really shoulda won it). While the back line was make shift, Loic Nestor made the most of his player of the week honors with a goal, Yoric Ravet (our first two favorite team player) got a goal, an assist and a man of the match honors.

News & Notes

Conveniently COVID

Naturally, you boys celebrated your first week back at school with that school’s first ever positive COVID test. The school was shuttered on Monday, and your mom and I made sure that you had somebody to be with (ie. us rather than your grandparents.) It’s just a little hard that this thing that has shifted all our expectations for your life and world is still complicating life 18 months after it started.

Lerkendal’s Legend Grows

With Stefano Holmquist Vecchia’s brace Rosenborg hit the Century mark for goals scored this year between both the Menner og Kvinner. So cheers to everyone who made it happen: especially Julie Blackstad, Lisa Marie Utland, and Kristoffer Zacharaissen (yes…I used this as an excuse to bring up my three favorite Norwegians).

Player of the Week

I can admit that I’m biased, but since I saw him, and I was in such a good mood watching his performance that Ethan Finlay made my night. So Ethan gets the shout out.

Standings Update

Despite a split in the week, Grenoble got the points they needed to move one thousandth of a point ahead of Punjab FC into fourth place, while the Grizzlies continue to keep Rosenborg in their sights for the top spot.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Rosenborg BK294102.122.41.1
University of Montana13062.051.80.8
Emelec229111.81.61.2
Grenoble Foot158131.4721.21.2
Punjab FC–b7461.4711.20.9
Minnesota United9781.421.11.2
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
Freiburg157161.371.51.6
Ross County105141.211.21.5
FK Vozdovac96131.181.01.5
Alebrijes41081.001.31.9
Table Updated 9/22/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 22nd

Viking v. Rosenborg [M-Cup]

Thursday, September 23rd

Red Star Belgrade v. FK Vozdovac

Atletico Morelia v. Alebrijes

Friday, September 24th

Rodez v. Grenoble [M]

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks v. Montana Grizzlies

Saturday, September 25th

Avaldsnes v. Rosenborg [F]

Motherwell v. Ross County

Minnesota v Houston Dynamo

Sunday, September 26th

Freiburg v. Augsburg

Grenoble v. Olympique Marseille [F]

Rosenborg v. Mondalen[M]

Southern Utah Thunderbirds v. Montana Grizzlies

Emelec v. Universidad Catolica

Monday, September 27th

FK Vozdovac v. Mladost Lucani

Tuesday, September 28th

61. When the only way out is through

61. When the only way out is through

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

You boys have one love beyond your mother…and it’s not me.

Owen kisses her picture, Alex recites her words and re-enacts her story. You boys love Moana so much she saw you through the long interminable drive through North Dakota not once but twice [Not counting the three times we played the whole soundtrack]

You love lots of moments: Maui’s first appearance, Tomatoa’s defeat, hooks exploding, blow darts in butt cheeks, all the belted songs. But Owen recently adopted a song with a message that felt fresh to me, even after our 218th viewing.

The journey may leave a scar,

but scars can heal and reveal just where you are

–Lin Manuel Miranda “I am Moana”

Dear Boys,

The more I hear it the more I like that line. Honestly, you will have failures in life, lots of them. some of them will hurt so much that it’s hard to carry on

This line doesn’t suggest that the pain makes you stronger. Rather the pain makes you wiser. You know where you are more than who you are. You know enough to plan the next step.

The moment may be painful, even years later, but it can serve you well if you walk through it.

Consider the Loons. I’m writing this as I walk home after their last game in a hellacious week of 3 games in 7 days (all against top 4 opponents). They won tonight but were clobbered in the first two.

The scars of the first two losses sting, reminders that we aren’t elite by any stretch. But they make these moments sweeter. We aren’t great, yet, but we can, and hopefully will be.

The journey to upsets

Or think of the Griz. They actually have some say in their opponents. They could lurk in the mountain west clobbering lower division opponents and only worrying about Big Sky trophies. They could be great in that vacuum, but they choose to go for difficult games to build a squad that can be tournament tough.

They’re not on the cusp of a national championship, but they’re on a journey that aims beyond a tough loss to Creighton, or even stirring upsets of Boise State and Long Beach. Coach Citowicki knows where they are, and is helping them to journey farther.

Mama knows where she is

Simplest of all, remember your family. We drove through North Dakota to do the hard task of saying goodbye. Your mom and grandma could shut down grief and ignore the pain of loss, but going to say goodbye will help them center themselves in the present. Through the goodbyes they remember where they are: here with you, the next generation. Ready to start again.

It certainly isn’t easy, and I understand if you feel like you can’t. But when you can, I hope you remember that in the moment of pain, thinking long term may serve you in ways you can’t imagine.

Week 37: Bare Knuckle

Week 37: Bare Knuckle

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Dorados 2 – 1 Alebrijes

A rough year only got tougher for Oaxaca. Memories of a dominant 2019 campaign are long gone. And they must be grateful relegation is cancelled for four more years.

Montana Grizzlies 5 – 0 Texas Southern Wildcats

The Griz got back to winning ways against an admittedly weaker opponent. Taylor Hansen (2 assists, 1 goal) seems determined to dominate the game like the bicep flexing badass she is.

Freiburg 1 – 1 Koln [M]

Freiburg was fortunate to snatch another point despite their most lackluster showing of the season. Sometimes you’re good, sometimes you’re lucky. Both are valuable.

Celtic 3 – 0 Ross County

For 65 minutes it looked like County might continue to shock the Hoops. then the dam burst, and it was your typical Scottish smack down.

Grenoble 2 – 1 Nimes [M]

Les Grenobloises are down to a smattering of last year’s core. Fortunately sometimes a smattering still does the trick (like with brown sugar on oatmeal or applause and my ego). Credit to Maumadou Diallo for being the offense this week and Loic Nestor for continuing to be a boss at the back.

Bayern Munich 4 – 0 Freiburg [F]

We’re only three weeks into the season, but the Frauen auf Freiburg have gotten no points and no offense since Hasret Kayicki’s first week goal.

Ozzie not making peace

Seattle Sounders 1 – 0 Minnesota United

I had hoped we could watch a Lions win while cleaning the house. Instead you (rightly) demanded to play outside and the Loons looked to annoyed to capitalize on their chances. Adrien Honou continues to miss golden chances, and when professional troublemaker Ozzie Alonso is the voice of calm…you’re struggling to get it together.

Radnicki Nis 1 – 0 Vozdovac

The Red Dragons lost their three game winning streak on Sunday. But as 3 of their 4 wins this year have come from the bottom four teams of the table, there’s still reason to be cautious in praising coach Pedrag Rogan’s team or dismissing this as a one off.

Rosenborg 3 – 2 Tromso [M]

The Black and white looked to be on cruise control early on with Noah Holm and Emil Ceide running riot. But Tromso equalized through a pair of hopeful long balls and defensive confuzzlement. However the second line offense provided by substitutes Stefano Vecchia and Carlo Holse continued to threaten until they connected on the headed match winner late in injury time. It wasn’t quite as triumphant as it felt early on

LDU Quito v. Emelec

Postponed…see note below

Yzeure Allier 0 – 1 Grenoble [F]

Make it two from two for les grenobloises. Again it was one goal that made the difference, but this week the honors go to Andrea Commper Banguillot. The win on the road has put the alpiners on top of their division two group, ahead of a big visit from historic side Olympique Marseille in a few weeks.

Montana Grizzlies 1 – 0 Boise State Mustangs

And that’s why you don’t schedule cupcakes. Coach Chris Citkowski was validated in his choice to put the Griz up against some of the best programs west of the Mississippi this season by notching a signature victory, better still it was young talents leading the way. Camilla Xu has stepped up in goal to be a tough nut to crack in front of goal (all this as a redshirt freshman). While true freshmen (ie kids I could have taught in quarantine last year), Bella O’Brien and Delaney Lou Schorr connected to notch the goal against one of the top teams in the Mountain West. [Hat tip to the controlling defense of upperclassmen Caitlin Rogers and Allie Larsen and to Tommy Marino for the photo we used to head this post.]

Alebrijes 2 – 1 Mineros

The Oaxacans got their first win of the season! [Insert trumpet noises here]. It took a bit of doing, including a fortunate flick of the head by Josue Gomez, and a last minute winner for Jaidivert Hurtardo. But a win is a win and leaping up several spots in the standings is always welcome.

News & Notes

Alex 0 – 3 Playground Kid

I’m sorry to put you on blast big A but your little playmate, Lily, absolutely worked you. She ran on to every ball in space (and yes she did scoop it up and run with it like a football while you tried to explain how to play…but toddler rules are toddler rules man). It’s rough after you owned a six year old this summer, but hey like we say: girls are good.

No pay, no play

Referee for Rights

Emelec isn’t unbeatable, but they do have odds in their favor coming in to the end of the Ecuadorian league. But even they can’t win when referees aren’t able to call the game. Since the Ecuadorian federation hasn’t paid the referees in the local league for two weeks, the “arbitros” went on a mini-strike, affecting the premier game of the weekend.

Obviously, we would like to see Emelec continue to dominate the game. But we’d rather people get paid what they are owed. Go ahead Ecuadorian refs, get what you deserve.

Loic’s Surprised face

Player of the Week

Keeping the tiny trophy of our imaginations in the Alps, let’s pay some respect to Loic Nestor who has had to step up in a major way to keep Grenoble something close to afloat, and helped deliver a vital victory this last weekend (not to mention the ones he helped with during the last campaign).

Standings Update

One great week was all Grenoble needed to leap up four spots (it helped that a few other teams slipped up on the same week, but the middle table remains a tough battle.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Rosenborg BK264102.052.51.2
University of Montana12062.001.80.8
Emelec229101.81.61.2
Punjab FC–b7461.4711.20.9
Grenoble Foot14821.4711.11.2
Minnesota United8771.411.11.1
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
Freiburg156161.381.51.6
FK Vozdovac96121.221.01.5
Ross County104141.211.21.5
Alebrijes41081.001.31.9
Table Updated 9/15/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 15th

Spotting KC v Minnesota United

Thursday, September 16th

California State Long Beach v. Montana Grizzlies

Friday, September 17th

Saturday, September 18th

Toulouse v Grenoble [M]

Mainz v Freiburg [M]

Ross County v Hearts

Vozdovac v FK Radnicki 1923

Minnesota v LA Galaxy

Sunday, September 19th

Sarpsborg 08 v. Rosenborg [M]

Emelec v. Universidad Catolica

Monday, September 20th

Tuesday, September 21st

Grenoble v. Nancy [M]

Week 36: Who Runs the World?

Week 36: Who Runs the World?

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Results & Recaps

Alebrijes 0 – 0 Raya 2

For the Oaxacans it’s lost two, drawn four, won bupkus. It’s been tough for them to find the net let alone the knock out punch. [Insert heavy sigh here]

Rosenborg 2 – 1 Vålerenga [F]

In need of a rebound, RBK got it against one of the other Big 4 in the Toppserien. Substitute Sarah Kanutte Fornes delivered the late winner to rally the squad for the rush to the finale.

Freiburg 0 – 1 Eintracht Frankfurt [F]

The ladies of Breigsau held on for a good long while, but couldn’t get the ball over the line.

Grenoble 1 – 0 ASPTT Albi [F]

Les grenobloises got their season off to a solid start. Sherly Jeudy notched the winner and in general the ladies of the Alps celebrated what will *hopefully* be a complete season.

Gonzaga Bulldogs 3 – 0 Montana Grizzlies

The Griz went for the gusto in Spokane, but ended up the worse for wear falling to the tough opponents (Thé Bulldogs now have 22 goals for, 2 against). It’s not been an easy start to the season for the Griz, but with conference play on the horizon, we’ll see how valuable these character building battles have been.

News & Notes

BABY!!!

Grenoble’s return to action came without long time captain Laureen Navas. But with good reason. She has une petite Bebe! A little baby with her own jersey. Start em young!

Get Ready for Chompers

Your favorite tooth brushing companion asked geography questions this week, including one about Oaxaca! It gave me a chance to show you Alebrijes (both real and soccer) and I’ll take that as a win in another rough season for our preferred Mexican side.

Player of the Week

In the interest of spreading the wealth, let’s tip a cap to Sherly Jeudy in Grenoble for starting the season right.

Standings Update

I’m not able to update this week’s standings table, but I can tell you the overall positions didn’t change, but the Griz are at risk of slipping to third.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Rosenborg BK244102.002.51.2
University of Montana10052.001.80.8
Emelec229101.81.61.2
Minnesota United8761.4761.11.1
Punjab FC–b7461.4711.20.9
Freiburg155141.4711.61.6
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
Grenoble Foot118121.321.11.2
FK Vozdovac96111.271.01.5
Ross County104131.261.21.4
Alebrijes41081.001.31.9
Table Updated 8/30/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 8th

Dorados v Alebrijes

Thursday, September 9th

Friday, September 10th

Montana Grizzlies v. Texas Southern Wildcats

Saturday, September 11th

Freiburg v. Koln [M]

Celtic v. Ross County

Radnicki Nis v. Vozdovac

Grenoble v. Nimes [M]

Bayern Munich v. Freiburg [F]

Seattle Sounders v. Minnesota United

Sunday, September 12th

Rosenborg v. Tromso

LDU Quito v. Emelec

Yzeure Allier v Grenoble [F]

Montana Grizzlies v. Boise State Mustangs

Monday, September 13th

Tuesday, September 14th

Alebrijes v. Mineros

Week 35: Before the Break

Week 35: Before the Break

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Results & Recaps

Rosenborg 1 – 3 Rennes [M-Europe]

The last glimmers of Rosenborg’s quest for Europe vanished with their loss at home to the French side. Both the men and women faltered in the past two weeks, but both came closer than any other European side.

Cal Poly Mustangs 2 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

The Griz got their first lead of the season on Sydney Haustein’s first goal (a banger too). But a late defensive miscue led to their third loss of the season (more defeats than the entirety of the spring campaign)

Hoffenheim 2 – 1 Freiburg [F]

Hasret Kayicki got Freiburg off the mark quickly and on top of the league for 11 glorious minutes. Then the second half started with a Hoffenheim equalizer and hope faded fast.

Stuttgart 2 – 3 Freiburg [M]

Woo-Yong Jeong racked up a brace within 10 minutes to send Freiburg flying past former goalie Florian Muller. Fellow striker Carlo Holse made it three before the trouble started. Stuttgart made a good comeback before the first half ended but Freiburg shut the door in the second half to grab the win.

Sochaux 1 – 0 Grenoble [M]

Grenoble got a win last week but slid right back to losing ways this week. Loic Nestor and Adrien Monfry did well to frustrate Sochaux’s attack…but couldn’t beat back the tide.

Houston 1 – 2 Minnesota United

Adrien Honou found his scoring boots and not a moment to soon as an injury ravaged Loons team got a valuable win to end their dry spell. He didn’t knock in any beauties, but he did what needed to be done with the strong service from Ethan Finlay that made it all possible.

[Rosenborg 0 – 3 Barcelona–F Friendly]

This won’t count in our standings as a victory would have been meaningless, but it’s worth noting that this was the first time one of our teams faced one of the game’s 12 behemoths…it didn’t go well, but now RBK can reset and build up to this level.

Emelec 4 – 0 Olmedo [M]

Beating up on the bottom side put Emelec in first place for the moment, closer to claiming the league title outright. Though with 9 games to go, it’s too early to pop champagne corks in Guayaquil. Joao Rojas remains on fire, as the offense shows no sign of slowing down [they’ve scored two in 5 of the 6 games since the start of phase 2]. Emelec’s performance was about as superlative as it’s possible to be…just enjoy the highlights.

Aberdeen 1 – 1 Ross County

Regan Charles Cook hasn’t gotten his name on here nearly often enough (spotty playing time and teammates’ inconsistent finishing on his key passes hasn’t helped). A solid goal following up on a gilded opportunity gave County hope, but he was unable to haul the staggies over the line. But, frankly, we’re ok with that. (Former Minnesota United player Christian Ramirez struck the equalizer in his enthusiastic door busting style. So this is a time when everybody wins even when no one does)

Viking 2 – 1 Rosenborg [M]

Young midfielder Olaus Jaír Skansen gave a strong showing in the new transfer’s first real runout with Rosenborg. Being tasked with providing the replacement creativity for man crush Cristopher Zachariassen isn’t easy, but he showed good promise… fellow midfield newcomer Pavle Vagic…not so much.

UDG 1 – 1 Alebrijes

So…flipping…close!!!

Oaxaca had a man advantage. They got the lead from Lizandro Echeverria’s solid header with just six minutes to play….and yet…

An 88th minute hand ball from (I think) Adrian Vasquez gave the black lions a valuable penalty that turned into the equalizer and left Alebrijes on 3 points in five matches. [Insert heavy sigh]

Montana Grizzlies 4 – 0 Montana State University-Billings Yellow Jackets

The Griz got their first win of the fall. Yes, it came against a lower Division side. No, it doesn’t outweigh the frustrating narrow losses to tougher opponents. But a Jaden Griggs hat trick, and the defense’s first clean sheet, did the job. So let’s root for positive momentum heading in to next week.

FK Vozdovac 2 – 0 Kolubara

The Red Dragons got a few extra days off and delivered a win over the newly promoted Kolubara to push them into a three game winning streak. The newly promoted Green-Blacks never looked terribly dangerous in attack and often appeared wrong footed in defense. Milos Pantovic carved them up with Nikola Vujnovic and Justas Lasickas providing the goals. Before you could blink Vozdovac is in 5th place

News & Notes

Taking a[n International] break

This week most men’s leagues are taking a break to squeeze in a rapid round of World Cup Qualifiers. Simultaneously, we’ll be trekking to and from Montana for farewells to some extended family. So expect few details and more family time.

The Devil’s Candy

Ronaldo’s mirror likeness

When I was a kid, the first European kit I had that most people recognized was Manchester United. An English team with a chunk of championships, a masterful manager, and ubiquitously famous players. They were easy to dislike.

The last decade has been less kind as managers burn out, famous stars flame out, and champs become chumps (especially as their cross town rivals became a dominant side) . But in the span of a few hours this week they relearned all the disgust and loathing from around the world.

How? By re-signing former star, frequent candidate for worlds best, and maddeningly perfect Physical specimen: Cristiano Ronaldo. Thanks for doing what you always do and making it easy to dislike you Man U.

Player of the Week

There were lots of scoring stars we don’t talk about much this week: Woo-Yong Jeong, Adrien Honou, Jaden Griggs. But we can’t deny that we’ve probably owed a nod to Nikola Vujnovic whose excellent form has hoisted the Red Dragons from the depths of Serbia’s league to the outskirts of the European chase.

Standings Update

Rosenborg’s grasp on the top spot slipped after a rough week and the Griz were there to claw their way back to a tie (only goal differential separates them). The same is true for Punjab and Freiburg where Chencho Gyeltshen’s offense helps keep the goal advantage

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Rosenborg BK244102.002.51.2
University of Montana10052.001.80.8
Emelec229101.81.61.2
Minnesota United8761.4761.11.1
Punjab FC–b7461.4711.20.9
Freiburg155141.4711.61.6
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
Grenoble Foot118121.321.11.2
FK Vozdovac96111.271.01.5
Ross County104131.261.21.4
Alebrijes41081.001.31.9
Table Updated 8/30/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 1st

Alebrijes v Raya 2

Thursday, September 2nd

Friday, September 3rd

Saturday, September 4th

Rosenborg v Vålerenga [F]

Sunday, September 5th

Freiburg v Eintracht Frankfurt [F]

Grenoble v ASPTT Albi [F]

Gonzaga Bulldogs v Montana Grizzlies

Monday, September 6th

Tuesday, September 7th