Tag: Adrien Hunou

Weeks 16 Coming to a Close

Weeks 16 Coming to a Close

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recaps

Forward Madison 0 – 2 Minnesota United [Cup]

The Midwestern Bird Derby was a welcome sight on Wednesday as the Loons sent some talented players down I-94 to play in Wisconsin’s capital. It might have been a bit of a surprise for players like Adrien Hunou and Bongokuhle Hlongwane to go from Champions League to Madison, Wisconsin, but the win moves them along in the US Open Cup. Special mention to Joseph Rosales and his pair of sterling corner kicks to set up both goals.

FK Vozdovac 2 – 1 Vojvodina

The Red Dragons struck again to boost their standing in the SuperLiga Championship Group. Despite a shaky start to the game defensively they responded well after a penalty conceded and made the most of their home turf. (The second goal from Marko Mijailovic was a particularly nice piece of teamwork) A trip to Europe is likely still out of reach for the stars of the Mall Stadium, but fourth place would still be one of their best finishes in years.

Cumbaya 1 – 1 Emelec [M]

Los bombillos endured a pretty dour match until all heck-fire broke out in the last ten minutes. After some shoddy defending gave Cumbaya the lead, Alexis Zapata seemed to be fouled in the box by a three inch tall pink pixie that only the referee could see (even Zapata doesn’t feel anything until after the whistle is blown). So Cumbaya got a red card for allowing pixies on the field, and Jose Cevallos knocked home the penalty to draw a point from the game. (Seriously, watch the foul and have a laugh at the absurdity of that penalty…we cheer for Emelec…but c’mon…)

https://youtu.be/nGClmnSygcM

Le Havre 0 – 1 Grenoble [M]

It’s not over yet but Vincent Hognon’s work boosting Grenoble is close to paying off in spades. As usual Grenoble goes best when it’s defense is on point, and we’re glad to see Loic Nestor and Adrian Monfry back in good form. (Kudos too to oft omitted defender Bart Straalman and to Jordy Gaspar, who has done well in a more advanced position)

Emelec 0 – 3 Deportivo Espuce [F]

Ooof…getting a three goal whooping at home is a tough way to start your weekend. But hey it was more fun than most of the men’s match.

Golukam 2 – 0 Punjab FC

Since starting crazy strong, Punjab’s been stymied consistently. Unsurprisingly, it seems to come down to Kurtis Guthrie. When he doesn’t score, the warriors have one win, one draw and all four of their losses.

Freiburg 3 – 3 Borussia Munchengladbach [M]

‘Gladbach started quite well and things looked dark, but Freiburg came back with a vengeance in the second half. Goals from Vincenzo Grifo, Christian Günter, and Phillip Leinhart gave Freiburg a boost that seemed like it might complete an epic comeback…until a very late header split the points.

Minnesota United 3 – 0 Chicago Fire

The Loons kept the good times rolling against more of our fellow midwesterners in a game that was a lot more physical than you’d expect from the Midwest’s “passive agressive” reputation. Emmanuel Reynoso started to click after a surprisingly poor run of play and South African winger Bongokuhle Hlongwane notched two assists to push past Chicago after leaning on Dayne St. Clair to start the match..

Rosenborg BK 4 – 1 Arna-Bjornar [F]

Rosenborg may have a loss to blemish their record earlier than ever before, but they continue to click along with terrifying consistency. This time Emile Nautnes took charge in midfield and ripped two goals en route to a big win.

Ross County 0 – 2 Celtic

The Stags rarely expect to take points off the Glaswegian duopoly of Celtic and Rangers, so losing by two feels like a moral victory. Ditto Connor Randall for helping bottle up at least one side of the park.

Asante Kotoko 1 – 3 Legon Cities

The porcupines of Kotoko seem to be running away with the league, but for 90 fabulous minutes in Kumasi the Royals held their own. Hans Kwofie and Jonah Attuquaye connected on two strong crosses, to boost Legon past one of Ghana’s legendary sides.

SC Freiburg 7 – 1 SC Sand [F]

Every once in a while Hasret Kayicki reminds you that she’s a force to be reckoned with. Passing, blasting in goals, dominating the passing lanes. Sorry Sand, but this was fun.

Rosenborg 0 – 0 Molde [M]

That happened.

Emelec 1 – 0 Aucas [M]

Thank goodness Bryan Carabali scored so early. After Anibal Leguizmon was sent off shortly after the game’s only goal, Emelec had to hunker down and endure heaps of pressure. They did and kept themselves in the top tier of the league in front of the fullest stadium I’ve seen for our team since the pandemic.

Rodez 3 – 0 Grenoble [F]

It was a less than sterling performance for the ladies of the Alps on Sunday. But Rodez seems to be on a glide path to winning their section of the league, so a loss to them on the road doesn’t sting quite so much.

Mohammaden SC 2 – 2 Punjab FC

Again it came down to Kurtis Guthrie. He had multiple gilt-edged opportunities to start the match, but couldn’t seem to get past the keeper. Mohammaden’s Markus Joseph plagued the Punjabi defense, but finally Kurtiss nodded down a header to equalize (even if he missed a late breakaway tap in to win it).

News & Notes

To everything there is a season.

When calendars turn to May, leagues start to wrap up shop for the year. Trophies have already been claimed in a few major leagues, including Germany and France. But by this time next month seven leagues will wrap up. Among the story lines to watch: whether or not Ross County and Freiburg might snatch spots in European league qualification; if Freiburg can take home the national Cup competition; if Vozdovac can be the best non-top 3 team in Serbia; if both Grenobles can hold on to their spots in Ligue 2; can Punjab pull off a miracle and pip Gokulam Kerala for a spot in the Asian Cup (probably not but still); and how much space can Freiburg make for themselves in the of the Frauen Bundesliga (9 points behind 5th, 6 points ahead of 7th…truly in a league of their own).

Switching up on the Sub-Continent

Ed Engelkes

Punjab has had a solid start to their campaign, but a month ago (at the start of my surreally busy schedule) they made a change in leadership with manager Ashley Westwood leaving by mutual agreement (which I always assumes means “disagreed about spice level in the curry”). In his place comes Dutch coach Ed Engelkes who had spent some time helping to organize the club’s youth teams and has a history with the best women’s teams in Holland. Worth wondering though how Engelkes is getting on with team talisman Kurtis Guthrie (who seems to determine whether Punjab is unbeatable, or merely present).

The Straw that Stirs the Scottish Soup!

Regan Charles Cook has garnered plenty of awards, but it was especially nice to see him recognized as one of the best eleven players in all of the Scottish Premier League (all the more impressive when you see that he’s the only one who doesn’t play in Glasgow or Edinburgh to get the honor). Can he be player of the year against keeper Craig Gordon and a pair of Celtic playmakers? (I mean, we vote yes, but we’re a weird guy in Minnesota and his two kids)

Attuquaye

Player of the Week

Again, it’s hard to choose, Bongokuhle was a major asset in a pair of wins, Hasret Kayici was dominant, and Legon Cities’ attacking tandem was incredible. While it’s tempting to give it to Bongokuhle and grab a bunch of South African retweets, I’m going to tip the cap to the Ghanaian duo in particularly Jonah Attuquaye who has become exactly the leader that Legon needs as they aim to avoid a third straight relegation scrap.

Standings Update

That middle of the table gets more and more crowded, as Punjab and the Staggies slip, Legon and Rosenborg make up the slack. Meanwhile, Emelec and Grenoble ought to get their women’s teams in order to climb the ranks. Maybe Hasret Kayrici fancies a double or triple life?

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Alebrijes de Oaxaca9431.941.30.7
Minnesota5221.891.40.7
Freiburg13751.842.11.4
Rosenborg5351.641.91.2
Legon Cities7541.631.40.7
Punjab6341.621.91.6
Ross County6451.471.21.3
Emelec5641.401.61.3
FK Vozdovac4341.361.31.0
Grenoble82121.181.11.5
University of Montana–b——————
Table Updated 4/27/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, April 27th

Røa v Rosenborg [F]

FK Vozdovac v. Napredak

Cimarrones v Alebrijes

Emelec v Palmeiras [Continental-M]

Thursday, April 28th

Friday, April 29th

Independents Del Valle v Emelec [F]

Saturday, April 30th

Punjab FC v Rajasthan United

Hearts v Ross County

Hoffenheim v Freiburg [M]

Grenoble v Amiens [M]

Sunday, May 1st

Rosenborg BK v. Lyn Football [F]

Legon Cities v Elmira Sharks

TSC Backa Topola v. Vozdovac

LAFC v Minnesota United

Monday, May 2nd

Tuesday, May 3rd

Churchill Brothers v. Punjab FC

Deportiva Tachira v Emelec [Continental-M]

64. Forces of Change, Changing your Force

64. Forces of Change, Changing your Force

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago, while driving into work, I heard a summary of political philosophy that neatly captured what I see in society, soccer, and myself.

Put simply: everyone wants to act in response to problems we see. Progressives want to do something while conservatives want to stop something in progress or undo something that’s been done.

Dear Boys,

I’m not about to pretend which point of view I prefer (particularly in politics–hint it starts with a P and ends with “rogressive”.) But as the pundits pointed out both instincts can lead to unintended consequences.

Je pense le meme Adrien (from the Athletic)

Start with my progressive view. Like a lot of folks I want to see my teams make some changes when they struggle. That’s when I start begging for Alebrijes to switch their system, or for the Loons to sign a big striker, or for Ross County to bring in a new coach.

But those changes that many in fan bases yearn for don’t yield immediate results and fail as often as they succeed. Alebrijes might not have the players to make any system work. Adrien Hunou might not find the goal for a couple months. Your team may hire a racist…etc. etc.

The conservative approach is no less fraught. The glory days are so enticing that it’s natural to want to go back. Bring back Jessy Benet in Grenoble, increase the focus on the men’s team at Rosenborg, or undo the appointment of the manager with a few weeks under his belt (see: Tottenham Hotspur).

These too assume that everything can return to the way they were (despite the fact that context, and surroundings, and everything else has changed around them). Jessy’s got a new club. Rosenborg aren’t the league titans they once were. Tottenham’s squad isn’t the fresh faced world beaters they were a few years ago.

This is not possible

The same is true at a personal level.

The more I try to make things the way that I want them to be, the more I struggle, grapple, and grow frustrated.

Whether it’s control in the classroom, or getting you boys to brush your teeth when I want you to, the more I try to do/undo something, the less likely I am to do anything differently.

But, when I accept that things are the way they are, and my role is to bring my full self to them, the more I add to the space, add to the experience, and change it for the better.

Being present with you is so much more meaningful for all of us (and makes brushing fun). Sending love and concern into my classroom yields much more than exerting control over the situation.

On the pitch too, bringing your full self into a space can create a better, more valuable experience for everyone. Think of Coach Citowicki in Missoula, whose manners and approach have given kids at a smaller school professional opportunities and enabled a transition from one generation to the next (see Claire Howard and Camila Xu).

When you are fully present rather than distracted by what you want to make happen, you find a pleasure in what is. The Griz can see that Big Sky titles are beautiful themselves. Freiburg’s loyalty and appreciation of the understated Christian Streich has built the environment for their best season in years.

We get caught up talking about and fixating on the forces of change: how the world ought to be and what tools to make it so. We want to be a force for change in the world. But hard as it is, I believe we ought to resist that temptation, and instead of being a force for change, change your force to quiet grace.

Weeks 45: Celebrate Good Times, Come ON!

Weeks 45: Celebrate Good Times, Come ON!

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Results & Recaps

Alebrijes 2 – 1 Correcaminos

Great day in the morning Oaxaca won a game without the need for late heroics. Just a very, very, very fortunate bounce on an otherwise irrelevant free kick. [Sorry fortunate bounces, you can’t win player of the week.]

Montana Grizzlies 1 – 0 Sacramento State Hornets

The Griz kicked off conference tournament play with a stout defensive effort. Camila Xu stood tall, the back line shut down the hornets and all it took was one quality ball for Charley Boone to play the hero and get her first goal in “like ten years”. The (admittedly, late) win took the Griz one step closer to a second title of the year (more on that in a bit)

Vozdovac 1 – 1 Cukaricki

Cukaricki continues to lead the “Best team not named Partizan/Red Star” competition, so a draw for the dragons feels like a solid showing. All the more because Milos Milosovic scored the equalizer as part of an organized second half comeback following a first half that saw the defense split open like pumpkin on Halloween and amid an utter downpour.

Emelec 2 – 0 Mushuc Runa [M]

Los bombillos came through again to keep up the pressure on Independuente del Valle with Alexis Zapata crushing a gorgeous goal to put them ahead, and Pedro Ortiz standing tall in goal to keep it that way. The top two teams will meet in two weeks with trophies likely on the line.

Bayern Munich 2 – 1 Freiburg [M]

To be honest, we knew that Freiberg’s and beaten the streak would end. We had plenty of reason to suspect it would happen here. And hey we were right.

Freiburg likely won’t be standing atop the league in May, but their effective showings against both Bayern and Dortmund suggests that Europe really is within reach.

Legon Cities 3 – 2 Real Tamale

For the first time in their current incarnation, Legon led the league! (On goal difference…for a couple hours…because most teams had yet to play twice) Still it was great to see Jonah Attuquaye’s penalty seal the deal (and Nathaniel Akwah’s free kick blast just because, well, it’s freaking awesome).

https://youtu.be/lApW6tb4UI8

Brann 2 – 2 Rosenborg [M]

Erland Dahl Reitan set up both the opening goal, an invaluable second half equalizer, and some strong defensive squeezing as Rosenborg had surprising difficulty with relegation bound Brann.

Grenoble 1 – 0 Dunkerke [M]

Loïc Nestor remains an indefatigable Mr Grenoble. While many long term teammates have left, Loïc stays strong. While a dozen other players tried Dunkerke’s defense and blasted away at goal, Loic was the one who made the difference. In addition to shuttling back on the wing to stymie attacks and, in this case, streaking forward to score the match winner in stoppage time.

Kolbotn 1 – 2 Rosenborg [F]

After a few weeks in hiding Julie Blakstad struck back with a vengeance Sunday. She scored both goals in Rosenborg’s last road game this year. At times it seemed like Kolbotn’s defense was more of a help than any sterling offense, but we’ll take every win we can get

Nice 4 – 1 Grenoble Foot [F]

To put it mildly, this wasn’t Grenoble’s day. The match report from my preferred Grenoble soccer blog highlighted an assault on goal by players with first division experience. So the loss was very much sensed. Sherly Jeudy got another late goal (this one, very much a consolation)

Rangers 4 – 2 Ross County

The Stags weren’t terribly likely to get two wins in a row when they had to face reigning Scottish champs Rangers. Still Joseph Hungbo showed his class, Regan Charles Cook reaffirmed his, and Harry Paton got a solid assist as well.

Turbine Potsdam 2 – 1 SC Freiburg

Despite an opening goal from (who else) Hasret Kayicki, Freiburg’s Frauen couldn’t keep up with Potsdam and continued their inconsistent form.

Montana Grizzlies 1 – 0 Weber State Wildcats *Big Sky Conference Championship*

The Griz were a little fortunate that Weber State knocked out hosts, regular season champs and the only big sky squad to Best them Northern Colorado. But that’s how tournaments go, you get some good luck and some bad.

The best luck for the team came on a couple of loose balls. Just like in the semi-finals Camilla Xu’s long ball worked well to set up an attack, and the quick overlap from Zoe Transtrum to Jaden Griggs did all the work.

Best of all you boys got to watch it together, and celebrate with one voice.

LA Galaxy 3 – 3 Minnesota United

It was a wild one in Southern California on Sunday night as the Loons managed to get a vital point to seal their spot in the MLS playoffs. Adrien Hunou and Robin Lod put the Loons in control early on, but the Galaxy made all the adjustments necessary to come back and take the lead. Luck was on the Loons’ side as an own goal gave them the last boost to keep a spot in the playoffs (and send both LA teams home for the winter)

Cancun FC 1 – 2 Alebrijes de Oaxaca

Alebrijes can head into the offseason with their heads held high, finishing with a pair of their best performances all season. Andre Alcaraz had to withstand a bevy of shots and did so with grace despite the back line giving him precious little cover. The goals had a flavor that had been lacking in the season that was with Miguel Vallejo’s free kick and Lizandro Echeverria’s excellent positioning doing the duty for the team’s goals. Getting 9 points off their last six matches, boosted Oaxaca’s final standings (but they still need a lot of help/losing from other teams) to avoid a wooden spoon award.

News & Notes

Boys 2 – 0 Uncle Simon

At Owen’s birthday party you guys dominated your Uncle Simon, pelting him with leaves every chance you got. Well played to both of you. And still he and Auntie E got you a very noisy, very fun, combination soccer goal and basketball hoop…so you may have beaten him, but be still gets the better of me.

Tournament Time Again

The NCAA tournament is one of the most magical times of the year, and to have two in one year is extra fun. This time, the Griz won’t be jetting across the country to face one of the toughest teams in the country, they’ll just head over the Rockies. The Griz get another power conference team in the Washington State Cougars, one that’s in the top 20 in the country. But the Griz have also notched their highest winning total in 20 years, why not repeat that 20 year cycle with a repeat win in the tournament (a win that came, conveniently enough, against Washington State).

Another International Weekend

Teams around the world are inching ever closer to the final rounds of World Cup qualification. This week should see the end of group play in Africa and Europe, with several teams inking their spots in Qatar next year, and several more heading back to the drawing board. We’ll be keeping an extra close eye on players plying their trade for country and perhaps if Nico Schlotterbeck and Christian Gunter can become part of a German team that’s already punched their ticket for the biggest stage of them all.

Player of the Week

Having already heaped the praise on Camilla Xu, lets make a little room for Erland Dahl Reitan. Who not only supported the attack this week but has been a vital component in one of Norway’s best defenses all year. (Sloppy results this last week not withstanding, Reitan deserves a bit of recognition here.

Standings Update

It is officially academic. Even if both Rosenborg sides win all of their games and the Griz crash out in Pullman, Washington, the Griz have enough points to hold on to the top spot in our league. We’ll bestow the trophy officially in a few weeks, but it’s all over now but the crying. Speaking of crying, Alebrijes’ hopes for avoiding the bottom of our league officially rest on a further collapse by Ross County now that their 2021 is wrapped up.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana22172.181.60.6
Rosenborg BK367132.052.31.2
Emelec2610121.831.61.2
Grenoble2010171.491.21.2
Punjab FC–b7461.4711.20.9
Freiburg219191.4691.71.6
Minnesota United1310111.441.21.3
Legon Cities127111.431.21.0
FK Vozdovac1110131.261.11.4
Ross County115191.091.31.6
Alebrijes–b714121.061.21.6
Table Updated 11/10/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, November 10th

Thursday, November 11th

Friday, November 12th

Saturday, November 13th

Rosenborg BK v. Lyn Football [F]

Washington State Cougars v. Montana Grizzlies

FC St. Cyr v. Grenoble Foot [M–Cup]

Sunday, November 14th

SC Freiburg v. Werder Bremen [F]

Monday, November 15th

Tuesday, November 16th

Legon Cities FC v. Great Olympics

Week 26: You Never Go Wrong with Julie Blakstad

Week 26: You Never Go Wrong with Julie Blakstad

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Minnesota United 2 – 0 Austin FC

The Loons announced their return to full stadia with authority in a strong shutout win lead by the newly terrifying trio of Bébelo, Frangapane and Adrien Honou. We stayed home to take care of a sick baby Owen, but hopefully the convincing win is the best medicine.

Legon Cities FC 1 – 2 Hearts of Oak

Falling behind quickly to local giants Hearts of Oak was predictable. The eventual loss was too. But Victorian Adebayor’s goal, will hopefully be the boon to the teams last four weeks (with far less fearsome opponents)

Lillestrom 2 – 0 Rosenborg BK [M]

In Round 1 of the Lillehammer/Trondheim tilt of the weekend, the gentlemen were wrong footed from the beginning. The attacking line couldn’t find a way through, and Even Hovland and Kristoffer Zachariassen were uncharacteristically poor. I’m not sure why Åge Hareide insists on putting Zachariassen, one of the country’s best midfielders, in attack rather than next to fellow excellent midfielder Alexander Tetty, but…here we are

Lillestrom Kvinner 0 – 3 Rosenborg BK [F]

Lillestrom Kvinner (or LSK) was the only team to beat Rosenborg last year, knocking the otherwise indomitable Trolls out of the cup competition. Lillestrom looked quite capable of challenging Rosenborg again, but the defense held firm and Kristine Nostmo stopped anything within her reach. Better still, Julie Blakstad was quite ready to take it to the rivals. Our favorite winger netted twice to lead a trouncing in Lillehammer to split the club series.

Macara 3 – 0 CS Emelec [F]

Another loss by las eléctricas raised the question of when to shift defensive strategy or staffing completely.

Portland Timbers 0 – 1 Minnesota United

The Loons were quick to strike with that blitzing trio of attackers in Portland, but hopes of a big win were dashed as a defensive showcase broke out with arguably the best game by the back line all year. So tip the hat to Michael Boxall and Bakye Dibassy for shutting down the space in front of goal (and of course Tyler Miller for coming up whenever he needed to).

King Faisal 2 – 0 Legon Cities

After a solid but ineffective showing against Hearts of Oak, the Royals should feel disappointed not to get points against the struggling Insh’allah boys. Their last three matches remain vital to survival.

News & Notes

Disappointing

Be Better Franco [From MLS]

Franco Frangapane has done quite well since his addition to the Minnesota line up. Unfortunately, that’s tempered by accusations that he used a racial insult towards an opponent (Diego Charra) in Saturday’s win.

The matter will be investigated, but if true we’ll be enduring Frangapane more than cheering. If not, he’s got a way to go to get us cheering again.

International Affairs Update

South American CopaAmerica

Pedro Ortiz was demoted from the starting spot with minimal improvement for Ecuador, a 2-2 draw with Peru and a 1-1 draw with Brazil. Shockingly that was enough for Ecuador to back in to the knockout stage.

European Euro Championships

With the end of the group stage came the end of the road for many of our favorite players.

Despite another Roland Sallai assist and a late lead against Germany in Munich, Hungary drew their last match to finish last in their group. Our regret for Sallai is surpassed only by our delight that special snowflake Viktor Orban gets no second act.

Finland leaves with memories [Photo from UEFA]

It’s hard to tell which is tougher, Finland’s elimination as one of the two weakest third place teams (despite strong showings from Lod & Raitalta) or Slovakia finishing as the other weakest team with only token appearances from Jan Gregus. Both are left wondering, what if…

The only two Bootroom XI reps in the Round of 16 were Phillip Leinhart and Christian Gunter. Sadly neither made the field and both saw their teams bounced out of the competition (albeit by a surprisingly slim margin in the case of Leinhart’s Austria)

Player of the Week

Franco Frangapane has played well and behaved badly. That’s never an issue with Julie Blakstad. Let that be the message this week: you can never go wrong with Julie Blakstad

Sara Kanutte summarizes our feelings if we ever meet Julie Blakstad [Photo from RosenborgKvinner Instagram]

Standings Update

A big two win week for Minnesota sees them catapult off the bottom of the table and up into 6th.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b9022.52.10.6
Rosenborg BK9241.92.11.1
Emelec15681.81.41.2
Grenoble Foot-b10781.481.21.1
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Legon Cities10581.401.20.9
Minnesota United4241.401.01.2
Freiburg–b124131.381.71.6
Ross County–b8291.371.31.5
Alebrijes-b4761.121.42.1
FK Vozdovac–b5691.050.91.6
Table Updated 6/29/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 30th

Rosenborg BK v. FK Haugesund [M]

Rosenborg BK v. Klepp [F]

Thursday, July 1st

Friday, July 2nd

Saturday, July 3rd

CS Emelec v. Carneras UPS [F]

Minnesota United v. San Jose Earthquakes

Sunday, July 4th

Legon Cities FC v. Bechem United

Odd v. Rosenborg BK [M]

Valerenga v. Rosenborg BK [F]

Monday, July 5th

Tuesday, July 6th

Week 22: Summer Time and the Points are Easy…

Week 22: Summer Time and the Points are Easy…

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Sandefjord 1 – 2 Rosenborg [M]

It was not pretty, but it was effective for Rosenborg. A fine showing in goal from Andre Hansen kept Sandefjord at bay and made up for some sloppy defense, and Guillermo Mollins’ stoppage time slap dash strike secured the three points.

Rosenborg 3 – 0 Kolbotn [F]

In their first match against our first favorite Troll Jenta (Marit Clausen) and her new team, the ladies of Rosenborg looked completely unfazed. The incessant attack put Rosenborg in command early on and kept them there when, despite a goalless first half, the three goals came quickly after with the force of Bragstad, Blakstad and Utland.

Real Salt Lake 1 – 1 Minnesota United

While the Loons were lackluster (again) on the field, they have more than a few injuries to contend with (and a new striker in Adrien Hunou who is still finding his feet with the squad). There were chances created, but quality shots were still hard to come by, here’s hoping Bebelo Reynoso is ready to go for the next part of the season (and that Tyler Miller shares goalkeeper secrets with Dayne St. Clair)

Emelec 4 – 1 LD Juvenil [F]

I told you it was a matter of time! Sure enough, Las Electricas showed up to play and brought home a big win with four mighty goals. (Again…highlights would be helpful, but for now let’s enjoy this big smile from Josylene Borbor after the side’s second goal).

Ashanti Gold 0 – 1 Legon Cities FC

The Royals got a second win in a row (something about Ashanti Gold allows them to be in fine form), and with a final ruling giving them the win over Ebusa a month ago, that makes 4 out of 5 for Legon Cities. This time they capitalized on some very questionable Ashgold decisions, and with Victorien Adebayor causing trouble every where they turned, Isaaka Mohammed knocked in a rebound from a free kick just before half time to get the win.

Rosenborg 4 -2 Stabaek[M]

The Trolls’ defense continues to be suspect, but as long as the attack is flying as high as it has been lately, many sins can be forgiven. Again Kristoffer Zachariassen was a human Visa Card (everywhere you wanna be), but it was nice to see Emil Ceide show up with some sparkling play to lead the come back in the second half as well.

Emelec 0 – 0 Independiente del Valle [M]

Emelec’s offense was shut down for the first time in the local league since March 21st. With two matches left in the first half of the season, the apertura title is almost in grasp, so a slip in form is not the end of the world, but with little margin for error and a match against 2nd place Barcelona on tap, the pressure’s only going to build.

News & Notes

Staggies Say What?!?!?

So…we’re Ross County through and through. That’s our origin, that’s our family symbol, that’s our side. But the last week has uh….not been great for County.

Mr. MacKay (Scottish Sun)

John Hughes’ departure was understandable. The team’s replacement hiring of Malky MacKay was less so. MacKay has a manager’s pedigree. He’s got experience at the top flight of England and the international level. He’s also got a habit of insulting people based on their sexuality, race, and religion. So….not ideal.

County Fans were understandably upset by the appointment, and we’d like to join them in their protest. We will follow and support the Stags during the matches during McKay’s tenure, but we won’t purchase any club paraphernalia during that time.

But just in case there were any bridges left untouched, the team then released a number of players including long time club fixtures and relegation saviors Ian Vigurs and Michael Gardyne. No farewell, no final lap of honor, not ideal. So yeah, Staggies we love you but…whoo boy.

Ghana’s Cup Action

While most of the next week will feature the women’s game, we will get a few matches for Legon Cities, including their Round of 64 tie against the junior side “Uncle T United”, there’s not much to say about that except, once again…there’s a team in Ghana called Uncle T United. (They would be our team if we had an Uncle T…but until then, Legon Cities it is!)

International Affairs Ahead

With the onset of summer comes a plethora of intenational contests: qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in Asia and North America, and the top continental prizes in Europe and South America. As we hit this shift in seasons, we’ll provide periodic updates on the players that we track most closely.

Asian World Cup Qualifiers

Recent Punjab Keeper, Kiran Limbu, will be in the goal during World Cup Qualifiers for Nepal. He may have returned to Nepal this offseason, but he’s still number 1 in our hearts. (At least among keepers in Asia… #ClaireHowardForever). Meanwhile Chang Hoon Kwon will try to build on a good year of development at Freiburg with a few appearances in South Korea’s qualification campaign.

North American World Cup Qualifiers

Dayne St. Clair is the lone representative fighting for World Cup qualification in North America standing alongside the Canadian National Team

South American CopaAmerica
The trophy chased by the most boot roomers

While the tournament has bee in a terrible state of flux (owing to unrest and covid cases in the original hosts they moved to the one country that has plenty of BOTH! Brazil), Emelec’s reps are quite consistent. Pedro Ortiz and Dixon Arroyo will represent Ecuador

European Euro Championships

It’s a Freiburg heavy contingent, with Roland Sallai playing for Hungary, Phillip Leinhart in the back for Austria, Ermedin Demirovic likely to lead the line for Bosnia, and Christian Gunter hoping to hit the pitch for perennial power Germany. Minnesota will have a few attendees as well, with Jan Gregus repping Slovakia and the teammates of Robin Lod and Jakku Raitalta seeking to boost the Finns in their first major tournament.

Player of the Week

In the last few weeks, Legon has gone from bonafide bottom dwellers to confident mid-table side. (Sure there’s still only 3 points between them and the drop, but the form and style have been awfully encouraging.) To that end let’s recognize the biggest game changer the Royals have, Niger’s Victorien Adebayor whose impact goes beyond the score sheet into creating and complicating opponent plans.

Adebayor (Center in White)

Standings Update

As we head into the summer slowdown, Rosenborg is making the most of their continued presence on the pitch and (in addition to topping both men’s and women’s leagues), are sneaking up behind the University of Montana. Meanwhile, Legon Cities jumped ahead of Ross County and is almost set to pass up top tier finishes in Grenoble and Punjab (despite struggling to escape the bottom of Ghana’s table).

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b9022.52.10.6
Rosenborg BK6212.22.71.2
Emelec14561.91.61.0
Grenoble Foot-b10781.481.21.1
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Legon Cities FC8571.451.30.8
Ross County–b8291.371.31.5
Freiburg114131.321.61.7
Alebrijes-b4761.121.42.1
FK Vozdovac–b5691.050.91.6
Minnesota United2141.000.91.6
Table Updated 6/2/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 2nd

Thursday, June 3rd

Legon Cities v. Uncle T United [Cup]

Friday, June 4th

Deportiva Cuenca v. Emelec [F]

Saturday, June 5th

Arna-Bjornar v. Rosenborg [F]

Sunday, June 6th

SC Freiburg v. Meppen [F]

Monday, June 7th

Legon Cities v. Inter Allies

Tuesday, June 8th