Tag: Andre Hansen

Week 31: Oh, here goes gravity

Week 31: Oh, here goes gravity

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recap

Rosenborg 3 – 2 Crusaders (M–Europa Conference)

It took a while, including all of extra time, but Rosenborg survived the Northern Irish with a late Leo Cornic goal coming after a string of intense goal mouth chances that the Trolls couldn’t seem to finish. Cornic’s final rooftop blast was great, but still needed Andre Hansen to make a critical save to seal the victory.

UDG 5 – 0 Alebrijes

Ooof. Oaxaca trailed by 4 within 30 minutes and though a raft of defensive changes stymied UDG in most of the second half, this was just ugly.

Libertad 0 – 0 Emelec (M)

The second half of Ecuadors knock out round kicked off but Los bombillos couldn’t capitalize on a Pedro Ortiz clean sheet.

Columbus Crew 3 – 3 Minnesota United (M–League Cup)

Bongokhule Hlongwane struck twice again to continue forcing the question about whether he or Lionel Messi is having a better tournament. But the Loons still needed Hasani Dotson’s long range effort to bounce off of something bizarre to get the Loons for a shout-out. That’s where Dayne St Clair saved two penalties and helped the Loons squeak through.

Celtic 4 – 2 Ross County

It only took 3 minutes for the dominant team in Scotland to take the lead, but County came back in the second half to score their most goals at Celtic since the 2020 upset shocker. Goals from Jordan White and James Brown gave the stags a valuable moral victory (though those don’t help the standings any).

Saint-Etienne 0 – 1 Grenoble

Grenoble’s golden signee, Moldovan striker Virgiliu Postolachi, had several first half chances go wanting. While Saint-Etienne had the better looks in the second half, Brice Mableu stood strong with a penalty stop as well. Finally, late on in the game Amine Sbai managed to dash down the line, feed the redoubtable Jessy Bennet who passed through an absolutely gorgeous dummy run (I couldn’t id the player) to Abdoulie Sanyang for a late winner.

FK IMT Beograd 2 – 2 Vozdovac

The Dragons got another draw with a clever bit of desperation passing from Mihajlo Neskovic leading to Bogdan Jocic’s first goal of the campaign. Some suspect defending and spotty goalkeeping gave IMT a lead but substitutes Lazar Kojic hit Borisav Burmaz on a pin-point cross to hit the equalizer.

Fk Haugesund 1 – 2 Rosenborg (M)

An early goal for Haugesund and Ulrik Jenssen’s injury gave Rosenborg a lot of doubt. But Jennsen’s replacement–Hakon Rosten–at just 18 kept up with the big guys and was in the right place on a deflected free kick to slam home the equalizer. After Haugesund was reduced to ten men, Magnus Holte was again in the right place at the right time to find the winner.

Mohun Bagan SG 2 – 0 Punjab FC (Cup)

Mohun Bagan is one of the premier teams in Indian soccer, so Punjab was unlucky to draw them for their first game in the big time. The Unluckiness continued when defender Melroy Assissi scored the first goal of the game, into the net he was helping to defend for Punjab. One game does not make or break a year, but here’s hoping it wasn’t a sampling of what will be coming.

Defensa y Jusiticia 1 – 0 Emelec (M-Copa Sudamericana)

Trailing by three goals already, Emelec had their work cut out for them, and they didn’t get it done.

Toluca 2 – 2 Minnesota United (M–League Cup)

When I was doing Owen’s bedtime, the Loons were dominant. Joseph Rosales and Bongokhule Hlongwane managed gorgeous goals. When I started watching the match, they looked great, and then it all came undone with Michael Boxall failing to clear a ball near the goal that was hammered for Toluca’s first, and then Hasani Dotson making an ill advised challenge that earned him a second red and Toluca a penalty that promptly equalized. Once they were down a man, the Loons were clearly rattled, and had to hold on with every fingernail to make it to penalties. Despite my doomsaying the Loons came out like Lions during the shoot out, with an Argentine, a Kiwi, an Ohioan, and a Korean finding the net while our Canadian keeper (Dayne St. Clair) saved one and saw another bounce off the corner.

News & Notes

Women’s World Cup-Date

Norway’s great showing against the Phillipines didn’t come with a renewed vigor. The squad bowed out to Japan with Sarah Horte getting a brief run out…I blame the lack of playing time for Blakstad and Josensdal. Denmark’s storied run came to a conclusion as well, losing by 2 to Australia.

Sorry President Rapinoe

But while some of our favorites fell away, THE favorite: the US Women were also ousted, in a major upset for the top rated side in the world and the back-to-back defending champions. Some will blame technology, but c’mon…we know what’s what.

Other Cup-Dates

As the Men’s leagues continue to copy the ladies with cups on cups on cups, we saw Emelec wrap up their run, we will see Freiburg star theirs, while Rosenborg advance to the next stage of Conference League knockouts where they will face Ross Conty’s old foe: Hearts.

Luka Macjen Back in Actjen

The Stags they have another week before their next cup tie, but Minnesota United will march on to face Nashville (this despite the fact that America thought they had won twice and my internet news feed couldn’t decide either). Punjab FC has two matches to round out their group stage, including one against the Bangladeshi Army team…so a bunch of guys trained to kill you…no pressure…and East Bengal, another ISL team, but one less imposing than Mohun Bagan.

Player of the Week

Two teams grabbed a pair of wins this week, and while there are some strong performances from Rosenborg to consider, the Loons wouldn’t have either win if it wasn’t for Dayne St. Clair. So take a bow big Dayne, you are the player of the week.

Standings

The gap is closing between Punjab and their closest rivals, but I couldn’t find it in me to give the Loons 6 points for skin of their teeth penalty wins, otherwise we’d be within 0.1 at the top of the table. Meanwhile, County’s great run in the Scottish Cup has boosted them up past Freiburg and into a dead heat with the fast fading Emelec (Miller Bolanos to Dingwall?)

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Punjab12232.242.290.94
Minnesota22691.952.461.05
Rosenborg176131.581.670.94
Legon Cities–b9781.421.251.29
Grenoble156171.341.161.13
Emelec7871.321.231.14
Freiburg–b127191.131.241.66
Alebrijes5581.111.331.39
Ross County64121.001.231.50
Vozdova43110.830.671.65
Montana–b000———
Table Updated 8/9/23
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, August 10th

Punjab FC v. Bangladesh Army (Cup)

Hearts v. Rosenborg (M–Europa Conference)

Friday, August 11th

Mineros v. Alebrijes

Nashville v. Minnesota United (M-Leagues Cup)

Saturday, August 12th

Ross County v. St. Johnstone

Vozdovac v. FK Radnik Surdulica

Grenoble v. Paris FC

Sunday, August 13th

SV Oberachen v. Freiburg (M-Cup)

Emelec v. Orense (M)

Monday, August 14th

Tuesday, August 15th

Alebrijes v. Celaya

Wednesday, August 16th

East Bengal FC v. Punjab FC (Cup)

Weeks 30: Back to Reality

Weeks 30: Back to Reality

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recap

Crusaders 2 – 2 Rosenborg (M–Europa Conference)

The Northern Irish team started out well, getting the first goal, but Carlo Holse and Ole Saeter were able to return fire and put Rosenborg ahead even though they were in hostile territory. While Erland Reitan’s late own goal gave the Crusaders a draw and an even footing for the next match, Rosenborg’s two away goals means they can draw this next week and still survive for the next round.

Minnesota United 2 – 3 Chicago Fire (M- US-Mex Cup)

The Loons looked to be living their best life in their second League Cup match. After dispatching Puebla 4-0 they were holding strong against one of the hottest teams in the US (no pun intended). When Bongokhule Hlongwane found the net to take the lead, things looked great, when he scored again ten minutes later to take the lead back after a Fire penalty, I felt like we were almost unstoppable. When Chicago scored twice within the next ten minutes to take the lead and leave the Loons hoping for results to advance, I remembered that I live in Minnesota, and we can’t have nice things.

Ross County 3 – 3 Kelty Hearts (M-Cup)

Kelty gave the Staggies their most challenging game of the ViaPlay League Cup to this point. Simon Murray continued his absolutely torrid form, but a late penalty for Ross Cunningham gave Kelty a life line and they took full advantage in the penalty kicks that followed (truth to tell, I’d rather lose penalties here than in the premiership playoff that the Staggies had last June.

Vozdovac 0 – 0 Javor

The Red Dragons are back in action in Serbia! Well, action might be a bit strong given the showing against Javor, but we’re always happy to have a reason to cheer and shout for Belgrade’s best Shopping Mall Based team.

Rosenborg 3 – 2 Odd (M)

Odd came out guns blazing in this match, with two goals within the first ten minutes, leaving the normally strong Rosenborg defenders grappling with how things had gone so wrong so quickly. But Andre Hansen stood strong for the rest of the match, and the team came out reset in the second half to notch three goals with Ole Saeter heading in from a corner, and connecting from the spot. When Odd lost a player to red card, Ulrik Yttergard Jenssen was once again ready to capitalize with a chaos goal, giving RBK the win.

Alebrijes 1 – 1 Tapatio

Oaxaca has taken some time this summer to prepare for the new campaign with a new coach, a new mascot and the typically daring new jerseys. The team once again brought on a host of young players to learn the craft and only said farewell to Christian Canozales. The new look team started the campaign with a familiarly tame draw against Tapatio.

Emelec 1 – 2 Defensa y Jusiticia (M-Copa Sudamericana)

Los Bombillos grabbed an early lead against one of the most dangerous teams in Argentina. For a bit it seemed like they might be able to grab a surprising result to take into the second half of the tie…but Defensa y Justicia came storming back, getting two road goals and leaving Emelec with a lot to do during. the away tie in Argentina.

News & Notes

Weekly Kids Highlights

It was Alex’s final week playing for the Highland Groveland Recreational Area’s U-5 Sunday 5 Pm session….breeding ground of champions. Ok, that might be overselling the competition, really, but it was very fun to have both sets of grandparents, both parents and a little brother in attendance. Alex ended up on a team with a young man with an extra six inches on everyone and a real will to dominate the game, so the goals weren’t coming as usual for Big A. But he found a way to have fun, taking the lead in defense, stepping up and knocking away the ball from several opponents, and trying to get a coach to stop eating a sucker while she ran around (it wasn’t safe, said Alex).

Women’s World Cup-Date

Norway left their struggles behind them with a staggering 6 goal outburst against the Phillipines that sees them through to the next round. Unfortunately for our sake, none of the Rosenborg Kvinner factored in the match. I’m holding out hope for Julie Blakstad, super sub miracle worker in the knock-out stages.

Haiti lost both of their final games in the group stage, a heart breaking 1-0 defeat against China, and a 2-0 loss to Denmark that saw Lene Christensen stop Sherly Jeudy’s shots…bestill my heart. Denmark will advance, and Haiti will go home, but don’t take anything away from les Grenadieres, they performed better than most predicted and did their home nation proud.

Other Cup-Dates

A few more Cup related events here in the summer months. Rosenborg and Emelec are in precarious positions going into the next matchday for their continental competitions, but could both advance (or both be eliminated…who knows).

Within domestic contests, both Ross County and Minnesota United have advanced to the knock out stages. Minnesota plays old friend Christian Ramirez in Columbus, while the Staggies join ten other teams in the round of sixteen (where top four finishers Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs, Celtic and Rangers were already waiting). The Stags will play against Airdrieonians a Lancanshire side that went unbeaten in their group matches.

And finally Punjab FC, who officially joined the Indian Super League this week, will get a taste of the level of competition by taking on Kolkata stalwarts: Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in the group round of the Durand Cup (India’s oldest soccer competition).

Players of the Week

Given the lackluster week for club teams and the enduring strength of her goalkeeping for Denmark let’s give it up for Rosenborg and Denmark’s choice in the goal: Lene Christansen.

Standings

Punjab is back and ready to try to hold on to their spot atop our standings, but there’s plenty of opportunity for the other teams to catch up now that Punjab can, you know, lose. (Due to some delays in posting, standings will be updated next week)

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Punjab–b12232.242.290.94
Minnesota22691.952.461.05
Rosenborg176131.581.670.94
Legon Cities–b9781.421.251.29
Grenoble–b156171.341.161.13
Emelec7871.321.231.14
Freiburg–b127191.131.241.66
Alebrijes–b5581.111.331.39
Ross County–b64121.001.231.50
Vozdovac–b43110.830.671.65
Montana–b000———
Table Updated 7/27/23
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, August 3rd

Rosenborg v. Crusaders (M–Europa Conference)

Columbus Crew v. Minnesota United (M–League Cup)

UDG v. Alebrijes

Friday, August 4th

Saturday, August 5th

Celtic v. Ross County

Saint-Etienne v. Grenoble

FK IMT Beograd v. Vozdovac

Sunday, August 6th

Fk Haugesund v. Rosenborg (M)

Libertad v. Emelec (M)

Monday, August 7th

Mohun Bagan SG v. Punjab FC (Cup)

Tuesday, August 8th

Emelec v. Defensa y Jusiticia (M-Copa Sudamericana)

Wednesday, August 2nd

Weeks 28 & 29: Uff Da

Weeks 28 & 29: Uff Da

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Summer illnesses are no fun. I was mostly spared on the illness front, but nursing everyone in the house back to health while also doing the jobs that a running a house requires left me with not much bandwith to write. So here’s a double week review (and hopefully my Dear Boys will post as normal)

Recap

Stranrear 1 – 5 Ross County (Cup)

Nothing says Scottish summer like visits to teams even smaller than County and rain on rain on rain. Simon Murray and Jordan White used their height to loom over Stranrear’s defense and capitalize on the clearest openings whenever they appeared to the tune of a hat trick for Mr. Murray. Which gave County a slightly bigger scoreline than they might have otherwise earned.

Minnesota United 1 – 1 LAFC (M)

Your mom and I went off to enjoy the match and some of the finest vegetarian vittles available. I regret to report that the samosas are to tiny for you, but was happy to see that the Loons held their own against the defending champions and arguably best team in America right now. The biggest help was Emanuel Reynoso breaking ankles and hearts. The biggest hindrance was that, once again, the previous sentence summarized the entirety of Minnesota’s strategy.

Rosenborg 2 – 1 Tromso (M)

The Trollboys have their first win under coach Svein Maalen, courtesy of some aggressive play by the attacking line of Holse, Nelson, and Saeter. (The nifty give and go of Saeter and Holse got the first goal, and our favorite Canadian attacker continued to stretch the defense). Tromso grew back into the game, and equalized, but their hero quickly was sent off and Rosenborg capitalized on their advantage with Ulrik Ytttergard Jennsen nailing the winner deep in injury time.

Emelec 0 – 0 Sporting Cristal (M-Copa)

This game happened. And while it was certainly disappointing not to score, the result was exactly what Los Bombillos needed. Romario Caicedo, Bryan Carabali and Pedro Ortiz don’t get as much press as the omnipresent Miller Bolanos, but they were vital to Emelec’s result and advancing on to the next round.

Ross County 2 – 1 Greenock Morton (Cup)

In the early stages it looked like Greenock Morton would have the opportunities to capitalize on gaffes in the County defense. But Ross Munro acquitted himself well again, and in the second half, the Staggies made the most of attacking the Jail End fans by scoring twice on Jay Henderson’s excellent volley and another bout of Simon Murray speed.

Stromsgodset 0 – 1 Rosenborg (M)

Sverre Nypan was able to flip the ball over a charging keeper to give Rosenborg another aggressive lead. But the team’s performance there after was textbook defensiveness with Erland Reitan returning to his defensive roots and Andre Hansen holding down the goal

https://youtu.be/asS9cYIF2Tk

Puebla 0 – 4 Minnesota United (US-Mex Cup)

There has been a long standing assumption that Liga MX is better than MLS. And an assumption that even subpar Mexican teams can dominate American peers. This game put that to the test. Puebla is struggling to start their season and while the Loons have looked adequate at best, they smoked Puebla here with Bongokhule Hlongwane charging down every bit of space and Emmanuel Reynoso delivering some gorgeous moments (and a free kick that rivals Leo Messi from earlier in the weekend).

FC Edinburgh 1 – 3 Ross County (Cup)

Simon Murray and Jordan White continued their strong showing, keeping their unbeaten run in the season opening Viaplay Cup going.

News & Notes

Weekly Kids Highlights

As mentioned above, y’all were sick. So the number of actual highlights was pretty slim. Alex did get a chance to go play with both Mom and Grandpa Bruce watching, but they didn’t have the same detailed reviews of Alex’s play…almost like they don’t write a blog about soccer.

Women’s World Cup-Date

It’s been a surprisingly rough start to the cup for Norway. An upset at the hands of New Zealand and a draw against Switzerland has left Norway at the bottom of Group A and needing a big win against the Philippines to advance to the next round. Mathilde Harviken has done her best to hold down the defense, but my hope for a Julie Blakstad’s emergence as a dominant attacker has been tempered. Meanwhile, Rosenborg’s keeper Lene Christensen, pitched a clean sheet for Denmark against China.

Haiti did a great job keeping a tight hold on England turning what people had predicted to be a trouncing into a narrow defeat. Jennyfer Limage had to leave in the first half with an injury, but Sherly Jeudy performed well (as ever) and Florsie Joseph had a brief appearance.

Big Changes

Nicholas Delpine’s turn at the World Cup naturally gives him some opportunities to go beyond coaching a third division French club, so he will be moving on. So to will Maxwell Konadu at Legon Cities. He kept Legon up and surviving despite plenty of struggles, but I’m definitely more bummed that Michael Otouo is also leaving the club.

Players of the Week

Originally I would have had to choose between Emmanuel Reynoso’s great footwork and passes or Simon Murray’s excellent attacking week. But with two weeks to identify great players, we can rightly applaud both.

Standings

With Aurora’s season at an end and the TrollKvinner on their World Cup break, Punjab can breathe easily. They won’t have many threats to their position until they hit the field again after the Monsoon season ends and they take the field in October.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Punjab–b12232.242.290.94
Minnesota22691.952.461.05
Rosenborg176131.581.670.94
Legon Cities–b9781.421.251.29
Grenoble–b156171.341.161.13
Emelec7871.321.231.14
Freiburg–b127191.131.241.66
Alebrijes–b5581.111.331.39
Ross County–b64121.001.231.50
Vozdovac–b43110.830.671.65
Montana–b000———
Table Updated 7/27/23
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, July 27th

Crusaders v. Rosenborg (M–Europa Conference)

Minnesota United v. Chicago Fire (M- US-Mex Cup)

Friday, July 28th

Saturday, July 29th

Ross County v. Kelty Hearts (M-Cup)

Sunday, July 30th

Rosenborg v. Odd (M)

Monday, July 31st

Alebrijes v. Tapatio

Tuesday, August 1st

Emelec v. Defensa y Jusiticia (M-Copa Sudamericana)

Wednesday, August 2nd

Week 19: Backs Against the Wall

Week 19: Backs Against the Wall

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recaps

Freiburg 0 – 1 RB Leipzig (M)

Two losses at home to the same team in the same week. I try not to loathe anyone but man Leipzig makes it tempting…like the Yankees of German Fusball.

Ross County 2 – 0 Livingston

The Stags took their destiny by the horns (If you’ll forgive the pun) in a big win to kick off the relegation group against comfortably mid table Livingston. Yan Dhanda returned for his second match in nine weeks with two assists, including two great assists on superb crosses (Alex Iacovitti’s finish was particularly satisfying). Look out, County isn’t out of it yet! (Beating Dundee next week would be a big help)

Rosenborg 1 – 3 Valerenga (M)

A makeshift back line (absent Erlend Reitan) couldn’t give Rosenborg enough support, and a foolish foul by Andre Hansen sealed the team’s fate.

Paris FC 1 – 0 Grenoble (M)

The Alpiner’s defense finally cracked, and as the offense was unable to get a shot on goal, there wasn’t enough there to do anything but accept defeat.

Vancouver 3 – 2 Minnesota

The Loons were better at creating chances and threatening goal than they have been the last few matches, but it came at a cost of the defense giving more room and allowing the Whitecaps to capitalize.

SC Freiburg 1 – 1 Werder Bremen (F)

Lisa Kolb has made most of her appearances off the bench this season, as the Austrian works to establish herself as a top tier of the Griffins’ attack. She absolutely showed why she belongs at the tip of the attack creating a lot of danger with both passes and headers and finally setting up the vital equalizer.

Legon Cities 3 – 2 Nsoatreman

The Royals made the most of their best half in months. They haven’t notched three goals in one game since February, with strikers Samuel Armah and Ahmed Rahman notching goals, and Eric Bonsu cracking a gorgeous corner kick (or so I’ve been told as I can’t find video). The win it came at a great time. With matches against two top 5 teams in the next two weeks, any result would be a huge help.

Rosenborg 0 – 0 Valerenga (F)

The top of the Toppserien was too close to call in Trondheim. it was a little surprising that each team only made 1 substitute, we hope there’s a little more strategy in the next match-up.

Cumbaya 0 – 0 Emelec (M)

I’ve found something to say about other nil-nils but I’ve got nothing here.

Nimes Metropole Gard 0 – 6 Grenoble Foot (F)

That’s three at a trot for Grenoble’s ladies. Granted Nimes has only gotten 8 points this season, and they came in having allowed almost 70 more goals than they scored, but a win is a win and Melanie Chabrier’s brace offered a big addition to the cause from a less frequent source of offense (Claudia Fabre and Chelsea Supris, a bit more expected)

Vozdovac 0 – 2 Red Star Belgrade

Red Star is a dangerous team in any competition, and this was no different. Even with homefield advantage, Vozdovac couldn’t find a way through…but that’s practically expected at this point.

Minnesota 3 – 3 Philadelphia (M-Cup–Loons advance on penalties 7-6)

Philadelphia has put together several years as one of the best teams in MLS, and while they rotated a lot of players out of the mid-week match, they took it seriously. But so did Minnesota, as Bongokhule Hlongwane continued his excellently aggressive approach with an assist and a goal within five minutes to give them a great lead. But then, fellow substitute Kai Wagner helped equalize deep in stoppage time to force overtime. Then Bongi did it again, with a second goal…and then Wagner did it again…and we ended up in a penalty shoot out. It took 8 penalties to decide it, when finally Kai Wagner was stopped to end the game, courtesy of Clint Irwin (who just last year was mockingly named “Old Dutch” when he was in goal for a different team)

News & Notes

El Rey in happier times

Return of the King

Emanuel Reynoso is back in Minnesota. The team has managed to hold their own without him, but as a dynamic playmaker it could be really helpful. Of course…letting a malcontent midfielder run the show while players who want to be there twiddle their thumbs…could be seriously harmful.

Irresponsible conjecture

We said hi to an old friend during the county game, former Punjab talisman Kurtis Guthrie who made a brief substitute cameo before getting a red card.

Kurtis hasn’t had a great season in Scotland, but Footmob ranks him at 6.1 per game…just as good as County’s strikers this season.

So…if Punjab’s best striker last season would make the grade as County’s best too…maybe Luka Macjen or Juan Mera or just maybe Chencho Gyeltsen…might look good in Dingwall…LET THE RUMOR MONGERING BEGIN!!!

Beograd Jak

Serbia has been rocked by tragedy the last two weeks. People have used a variety of guns to shoot groups of people without any clear reason.

To be honest, there is no reason that could justify these senseless killings. We see them far too often here in the US, but, despite Serbia’s fondness for guns, it rarely happens there. So the acts, and the victims shocked many.

So, Monday Vozdovac took the field and stood in silence, even though it was a marquee match against front running Red Star. Players advocated for change by wearing shirts that read:

The dragon’s heart is sad these days because something ugly is happening in our Serbia.

Nine lives were extinguished one day, and eight were lost the next day too.

We have nothing left but to ask our neighbors to love even more.

Let’s all fight for a better tomorrow, let’s create a more beautiful Serbia for children!

Kudos to them

This is my best attempt to clean up what Google identified as Bosnian but I’m pretty sure was Croatian.

I have read about questions regarding the government’s use of strict laws and endorsements from public figures (like soccer clubs) to push an agenda. Frankly, I’m not inclined to doubt people’s intentions. Vozdovac saw pain and (along with Red Star) spoke out to comfort their supporters.

My hearts are with the families and friends of the victims in Serbia, and my voice is raised along with Vozdovac.

Bongi Unleashed (from Star Tribune)

Player of the Week

It seemed like pretty slim pickings for best player of the week. Only three sides (County, Legon, and Grenoble’s Ladies side) managed to get wins, but they all did it with a degree of difficulty: relegation staring down the sides in Scotland and Ghana and a road trip for the French. While Yan Dhanda’s distribution and Eric Bonsu’s delivery and Melanie Charbier’s breakthrough were all positives, it’s hard to overlook the massive positive that was Bongokhule Hlongwane’s sterling performance in a knock out cup game. I’ll also hope that not recognizing County and Legon encourages them to keep it up and earn plaudits in future weeks.

Standings

There’s only one change in the standings this week, with County’s big win pushing them up off the bottom of the table (for now). Legon and Grenoble also got closer to Minnesota and Rosenborg, but the gap between those four and Punjab just seems to be growing.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Punjab–b12232.242.290.94
Rosenborg6541.531.070.67
Minnesota5341.501.331.25
Grenoble144141.441.221.13
Legon Cities7761.401.251.20
Freiburg116141.261.191.61
Emelec4351.251.081.17
Alebrijes–b5581.111.331.39
Ross County4390.941.061.38
Vozdovac4290.930.671.67
Montana–b000———
Table Updated 5/10/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, May 11th

Friday, May 12th

Saturday, May 13th

Union Berlin v. Freiburg (M)

Dundee United v. Ross County

Bodo/Glimt v. Rosenborg (M)

Backa Topola v. Vozdovac

Metz v. Grenoble (M)

Sporting KC v. Minnesota (M)

Sunday, May 14th

MSV Duisburg v. SC Freiburg (F)

Brann v. Rosenborg (F)

Emelec v. LDU Quito (M)

Monday, May 15th

Tuesday, May 16th

Rosenborg v FK Haugesund (M)

Wednesday, May 17th

Minnesota v. Houston Dynamo

Weeks 46: Our Top Two Take a Bow

Weeks 46: Our Top Two Take a Bow

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Rosenborg BK 3 – 2 Lyn Football [F]

The Troll ladies wrapped up their season with another strong victory, the team only dropped three games all year, but that was enough to send them home without any trophies. But if you measure success by growth, development and enjoyment, Rosenborg has been excelling for years. Unsurprisingly, Rosenborg’s final match starred the same person who has been driving them all year long: Julie Blasktad who knocked in two more goals.

Washington State Cougars 3 – 0 Montana Grizzlies

The Griz couldn’t take a step further on this campaign. Just as they did in the spring season, they had to bow out in the first playoff round. The scoreline doesn’t do the team justice. Last time out they lost by one, and here again they were tantalizingly close (before some late goals gave the Cougars a little more breathing room). Coach Citowicki’s game plan of sturdy defending and surprise attacks, served them well again with their best showing against a Pac-12 team. It wasn’t to be this year, but progress still feels terribly close.

FC St. Cyr 1 – 2 Grenoble Foot [M–Cup]

The Alpiners coasted through their first match in the Coupe de France against the local 11 of St. Cyr. A strong side including Esteban Salles, Jordy Gaspar, and Achille Anani got out to a fast start with Anani knocking it in in the sixth minute. The next round will come against another lower division side…though possibly a team that doesn’t look quite so much like middle schoolers trying to keep up with college kids.

SC Freiburg 1 – 0 Werder Bremen [F]

Freiburg got only their second win of the season, surprisingly it came with Hasret Kayicki on the bench after a second half red card. Instead the winner belonged to Kim Fellhauer who delivered just enough on her header to convert a vital free kick just a few minutes in.

Legon Cities FC 0 – 1 Great Olympics

Well, there went the top of the table. Great Olympics beat their training ground rivals with a first half goal.

News & Notes

Wishing them the best

The end of the Griz season comes with one consequence no other team faces: players having to leave. Student athletes only stay athletes as long as they are students, and graduating is even more important than winning. So, Sami Siems, McKenzie Kilpatrick, Taylor Stoeger, Taylor Hanson, and Zoe Transtrum congratulations on four NCAA tournaments (the most ever for Griz players).

At the same time, the Griz celebrated the official signings of six new recruits joining the back to back best of the Big Sky. They come from all over including a pair from Billings, two from Washington State, one from California and one from the Vancouver Whitecaps professional program.

Photo from St. Olaf News

Um Ya Ya

Another college with a little more success than the Griz are the St. Olaf Oles (aka the college that your mom, and I, and your grandparents, and your great grandparents all attended) DID win their first TWO tournament games in Division III soccer championships. They are four games from the title, which would be a big shocker for your mom and I since we mostly spent our days reading in the library rather than playing the sportsball.

Whip Around the World

I am admittedly a sucker for the World Cup, it’s how I got to be a soccer fan in the first place, and I’m ridiculously excited to watch it with you boys next winter. This weekend marked some big matches for several of the countries that we follow closely and more of the players that we keep tabs on. Here’s a quick glimpse at how things went.

Ghana pulled a shocking turn about to snatch advancement out from underneath South Africa courtesy of an Andre Ayew penalty kick. Legon Cities Fatua Duda, the former top keeper, probably looked on with a smile. Serbia is dominated by players from around Europe’s top leagues (rather than among the mid-table Vozdovac’s of the local league), still your motherland is officially into the biggest stage of it all. Scotland still has some work to do to keep themselves alive for the next round, fingers crossed for former Staggie Ross Stewart who has an outside shot of making the team (and all the guys of Ross County, cheering from their homes). Minnesota United’s Finland connection (Robin Lod and Jukka Raitalta) got themselves agonizingly close to the next round thanks in large part to Lod’s thundering shot, before the champions from France eliminated them. Norway was similarly out of luck running up against Holland in their final match (Andre Hansen of Rosenborg could only watch). Emelec’s contingent in Ecuador‘s line up started on the bench but still provided some critical supports to stay in good position for qualification out of South America (even with four more matches to go). And the United States and Canada both stayed in good shape in North American qualifying much to the delight of possible call ups Hasani Dotson, Dayne St. Clair and Harry Paton.

Player of the Week

Sometimes it’s nice to spread the love around and sometimes you have to acknowledge that some players are simply better more often than others you follow. So I’ll continue repping Julie Blakstad until the cows come home. She deserves it.

A-Always B-Be C-Celebrating B-Blakstad: Always be celebrating Blakstad

Standings Update

We have a correction to make: back in August the ladies of Rosenborg played in the Norwegian women’s cup. We didn’t find the scores or include them in any tabulations, so we’ve been unintentionally shorting the Trolls a number of points. It ultimately won’t change the outcome as, even if the men win the rest of their games. The Griz have a big enough advantage to keep the title in hand.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b22182.161.50.7
Rosenborg BK407142.082.41.2
Emelec2610121.831.61.2
Grenoble2110171.521.21.2
Freiburg229191.501.71.5
Punjab FC–b7461.4711.20.9
Minnesota United1310111.441.21.3
Legon Cities127121.391.21.0
FK Vozdovac1110131.261.11.4
Ross County115191.091.31.6
Alebrijes–b714121.061.21.6
Table Updated 11/17/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, November 17th

Thursday, November 18th

Friday, November 19th

Saturday, November 20th

Proleter v. Vozdovac

SC Sand v. Freiburg [F]

WAFA v. Legon Cities

Valenciennes v. Grenoble [M]

Independiente del Valle v. Emelec [M]

Sunday, November 21st

Freiburg v Frankfurt [M]

Molde v. Rosenborg [M]

Vendenheim v Grenoble Foot [F–Cup]

Portland Timbers v. Minnesota United [Playoffs]

Monday, November 22nd

Tuesday, November 23rd

Week 29-31: Take a Breath

Week 29-31: Take a Breath

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Wait, What Happened?

In short…this…

First, the big thing that happened: your grandparents went on vacation. That meant we got to play, and run, and wrestle, and tell stories, and bowl, and swim, and just about everything else. It also meant, that I did not have time to review such things as soccer highlights, or write about matches. So, here’s a recap of the last three weeks with notes about each team and how they fared starting with the two big stories from the end of July

Did Emelec win it all or get knocked out?

Manta 0 – 4 Emelec [M]

Liga de Marcas 1 – 1 Emelec [F]

Emelec 1 – 4 Deportiva Cuenca [F]

Deportiva Cuenca 0 – 1 Emelec [M]

Barcelona 3 – 0 Emelec [F]

Emelec 2 – 2 Aucus

BOTH! Let me explain

The men’s victory of Manta clinched the first stage title! Facundo Barcelo and Dixon Arroyo led the way as los bombillos celebrated their first taste of glory since 2018.

The women’s team did not fare as well, following a draw with the lowly Liga de Marcas with a pair of defeats to regional rivals that stopped them from progressing to the playoff portion of the season. [The commments on their see you next year tweet seem to be encouraging whole sale change]

But, as the men start the second half of the season there’s still a good amount of hope that they can hoist the big trophy at year’s end, even if the draw at home to Aucus doesn’t exactly inspire dreams of a dominant campaign.

Were the Royals Relegated?

Legon Cities FC 3 – 2 Eleven Wonders

Miraculously, NO! Despite looking every bit the chaotic and relegation doomed side in the first half (when the Royals very much were looking at a season with a bloated payroll in a lower league), the Royals came back with goals from Hans Kwofie and Matthew Anim Cudjoe to save the win and jump from 16th to 11th place (it’s a little crazy in Ghana). [Though that’s only my read of the events]

Vozdavac’s Victory…and other outcomes…

Cukaricki 2 – 1 FK Vozdovac

Vozdovac 2 – 1 Proleter

Paritzan Beograd 4 – 0 Vozdovac

Serbia’s league kicked off with Vozdovac in much the same place that we lost saw them…struggling in the middle of the table. But now that the league only has 16 teams (as opposed to last year’s 20) the cushion at the bottom might not be as soft for the Red Dragons. In the duopoly of Serbia, your best hope is a tough defense…but the leaky new Vozdovac defense makes that uncertain. The highlight was surely Ivan Milosavljevic’s brace from beautiful runs to beat Proleter.

Troublesome Trolls

Rosenborg BK 0 – 2 Sandviken [F]

Tromso 1 – 3 Rosenborg [M]

FH Hafnarfjodur 0 – 2 Rosenborg [M–Europe]

Melhus 0 – 7 Rosenborg [M-Cup]

Rosenborg 4 – 1 FH Hafnarfjodur [M-Europe]

Orkla 1 -11 Rosenborg [M-Cup]

Yes, against all odds the only flaw in the ointment of Rosenborg’s recent run was the Women’s team who lost for the first time while repping the black and white in the league. Sandviken’s win gave the women something to think about for the last few weeks during the mid-season break, and hopefully they’ll be back to full strength this coming weekend.

Meanwhile the men ran roughshod over some (admittedly) lower wattage opponents, during the Eliteserien’s approximate mid-way point. Against lower level local clubs they ran up a stunning 18-1 goal difference with Dino Islamovic notching 5 between the two matches. Emil Konradsen Ceide also notched a hat trick and they head to the round of 32 without breaking a sweat.

The outlook is similarly bright in the hunt for a berth in Europe’s lowest league. Having decked their Icelandic opponents, Rosenborg is now set for a match with Slovenia’s Domzale and the winner of that is left with a pair of matches against French foes (and former home of the Loons’ Adrien Honou) Rennes. Factor in all these matches (plus the win at Tromso) and Dino Islamovic is up to 8 goals in his last 5 matches. Or enough for a blow out win against all their opponents combined. (Kudos also to Andre Hansen, Even Hovland and Adam Andersson for anchoring the overpowering defense).

Stellar Staggies Survive Sickness

Ross County 0 – 3 Dundee FC [Cup]

Bora Rangers 0 – 1 Ross County [Cup]

Ross County 4 – 1 Montrose [Cup]

Ross County 0 – 0 St. Johnstone

Yup, Ross County was not miraculously unscathed by the global pandemic and had to forfeit their second match of the cup thereby eliminating them from the competition before they ever kicked a ball. But, once they were able to run out (against lower level sides) they looked the part of a solid squad. Credit to the players for coming back from illness and getting prepped for kicking off the league with your standard issue goalless Scottish draw. (Thanks Ross Laidlaw and Alex Iacovitti for being the new powers behind County’s class, Blair Spittal for the world class goal, and YouTube User RossCounty 1929 for the highlights and pump up music..)

Loons Land Safely

Minnesota United 1 – 0 Seattle Sounders

Minnesota United 2 – 1 Portland Timbers

Los Angeles FC 2 – 2 Minnesota United

Vancouver Whitecaps 2 – 2 Minnesota United

With the European Cup competitors back in the fold the Loons hoped to sail into a trick series of games with some renewed energy. They succeeded.

Robin Lod has shone since I gave him up as a lousy waste of space last year and notched three goals to help the team along, but the stars are still unquestionably Emmanuel Reynoso who makes miracles happen with the ball at his feet (even while he has struggled to connect with other players on the field) and Hasani Dotson who has grown into the kind of player you just want to see on the pitch wherever possible because he’s always got something going for him. After a dismal start to the year, the Loons have gotten back into the playoff hunt (even if the Delta Variant’s resurgence has made taking either of you to a game an impossibility at present).

Good God, Grenoble!

Grenoble 0 – 4 Paris FC

Auxerre 3 – Grenoble 0

Well…that was a rough way to start off a new campaign.

Grenoble looks utterly wiped out, and the once powerful defense has been absolutely ripped from pillar to post. Brice Mableu, Loic Nestor, Jerome Mombris, and Adrien Monfry have given up 7 goals, supported none, and though it is very VERY early in the campaign, last year’s 4th place team is bottom of the barrel.

Alright Alebrijes!

Pumas Tobasco 0 – Alebrijes 0

Alebrijes 0 – 1 Cimarrones

Meanwhile, frequent strugglers Alebrijes of Oaxaca got a point…against a strong team in Pumas…on the road!! And while that came without a single goal scored, we’ll take what we can get with Alebrijes. (Especially given that they then dropped a match at home…but only by 1 goal!!)

News & Notes

Gosh Dang it Ghana!

I love Ghana. I really do. I love soccer, that should be obvious. But man, Ghanaian soccer makes it hard to love the two together.

Hashmin Musa being the hero…or not…

Here’s the latest drama: the Ghanaian police and Football Association are investigating match fixing…again. Yup, the same thing that destroyed the previous Ghanaian Premier League, threatens to destroy the new version within just two years! [A new record pace perhaps?] The dead rubber between top tier Ashanti Gold and relegated Inter Allies was always likely to end lopsidedly, but the dimwitted defense and goalkeeping that made it 5-0 were dubious. Then…came Hashmin Musa…who absolutely, no doubt, by his own admission scored own goals on purpose and pissed off his goalie to no end.

Musa claims that he was ruining the prearranged 5-0 score line…but the possibility that someone paid him even more to make it 7-0 is still out there and…because it just wouldn’t be as messed up as possible unless Legon Cities were also involved…the sudden barrage of goals to save the wealthy and high profile Royals from relegation is also coming under question. Suffice to say, there were plenty of ugly defense to help the Royals find the net, but there were also a few moments where it would have been easy to throw the game but players and referees didn’t oblige..so…[shrug emoji] So despite extended questioning and possible further destruction of the domestic game, Legon Cities is safe, for now.

Goodbye sweet prince

Best of luck Kristoffer!

The Transfer Market hulaballoo has tempered down as Ross County set their line ups through surgical masks and Vozdovac vets the team their sending out, but there’s still action, including a painful farewell.

Kristoffer Zacharaissen is too good for this humble corner of the internet where we gawk at his chiseled jaw bone and make allusions to Schitt’s Creek because we can’t really break down his game effectively. Whatever the case, he has left Rosenborg for greener pastures and greener kits joining Hungary’s Ferencvaros, a side with a shot at the top league in Europe (and a chance to be brutally repressed by Viktor Orban…so, keep your nose clean Kristoffer)

Roster Updates

A few other notes as we missed kickoffs for Grenoble, and Oaxaca and got back just in time for Freiburg.

Oaxaca

As a lower division team in the middle of a global pandemic/recession, Alebrijes did not have a lot of extra cash to throw around, so the lean mostly on loans (both in and out). While forward Ricardo Monreal is probably the biggest name to depart, there are several defenders who also left the fold (Daniel Cisneros, Oscar Torres, Yohan Zetuna, Jair Cortes, Fernando Plascencia).

The only defenders who have come in are Ernesto Reyes of Cimarrones, and youngster Adrian Vazquez on loan. Instead, Oaxaca focused on bringing in some more veteran attacking presences. Most notable: Cristian Panesso a Colombian coming in from Portugal, and Leandro Torres an Argentinian coming down from Liga MX. Local and familiar faces from the league around them, Armando Gonzalez, Lizandro Echeverria, Miguel Vallejo, and Alexis Conrado.

Grenoble
Sign this man!

After Phillipe Hirchenberger led the side quite well for 3 years, he left for Amiens and new man Maurizio Jacobacci made a big swap. Yes, Grenoble did something I never expected,and am frankly broken up about: they said farewell to leader and mastermind Jessy Bennet (more shockingly Jessy still hasn’t signed anywhere…and he’s only 26…seriously…Ross County…Legon Cities…Punjab… ANYBODY!! GET JESSY BACK!)

Willy Semedo, Kevin Tapoko, and Haroun Demba also left, but the club did net 1.5 million euros for Moussa Djitte’s move state side. (Sad but less shocking that Jessy (SERIOUSLY! I WILL PAY PART OF IT MYSELF!!). The side got a lot younger in response (without spending much of anything), bringing in Georgian Winger Giorgi Kokhreidze and two 20 something Swiss midfielders from FC Basel: Yannick Marchand and Orges Bunjaku.

Freiburg
Welcome aboard Nishan (center)

Our German reps opted against a spending spree this year…so much so that they haven’t spent a thing.

Gone are Chang-hoon Kwon (back to South Korea), greatly improved goalkeeper Florian Muller and attacker Guus Til, and up to the senior squad come six young players, none older than 21. The most intriguing players coming in are attacker Nishan Burkart (who learned the game at Man United), Noah Weishaupt (who has surged up the depth charts on the left side), and keeper/local boy made good Noah Atubolu

Freiburg and Grenoble’s women’s teams will get another month of prep kicking off August 28th (in Germany) and September 5th (in France)

Player(s) of the Week(s)

We’ll put three players on the pedestal for the past three weeks. Let’s tip the hat to Rosenborg’s attack and defense by admitting that Dino Islamovic’s attack has been ridiculously good, and that Even Hovland has done it all on both sides of the pitch. Our third award winner has to be from the new trophy winners in Ecuador: Emelec, and to keep it all balanced, midfielder and team leader Dixon Arroyo gets our nod.

Islamovic and Horvland celebrating their awards (and probably wins)

Standings Update

We had to break down to three decimal points for the first time ever! Freiburg, Ross County, and Grenoble are splitting hairs, it’s hardest for Grenoble who plummet from 4th to 9th. Meanwhile the Loons leap up to fifth and are getting closer to the top tier of teams.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b9022.52.10.6
Rosenborg BK18452.22.51.0
Emelec198101.81.51.2
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Minnesota United6551.441.21.3
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
Freiburg124131.3791.71.6
Ross County82101.3751.31.3
Grenoble Foot107101.3701.21.3
Alebrijes4761.051.42.1
FK Vozdovac5691.040.91.6
Table Updated 8/4/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, August 4th

Rosenborg v. Domzale [M-Europe]

Thursday, August 5th

Friday, August 6th

Saturday, August 7th

Stabaek v. Rosenborg BK [F]

Grenoble v. Guingamp [M]

Minnesota United v. Houston Dynamo

Sunday, August 8th

Hibernian v. Ross County

Wurzburger Kickers v. Freiburg [M-Cup]

Vojvodina v. Vozdovac

Delfin v. Emelec

Monday, August 9th

Tuesday, August 10th

Donzale v. Rosenborg [M-Europe]

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

Week 13: We can see Claire-ly Now

Week 13: We can see Claire-ly Now

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

University of Montana Grizzlies 2 – 1 Portland State Vikings

Friday night lights in Big Sky Country showed the Griz continuing their winning streak. While Claire Howard gave up her first goal of the year, Avery Adams scored the first two of her college career to win it.

Celaya 0 – 0 Alebrijes

Not all scoreless draws are the same. In this one Oaxaca withstood a late onslaught after Esteban Torres was sent off in the 84th minute. Still, running the scoreless streak to 210 minutes isn’t making for thrilling football in Mexico’s second tier.

Churchill Brothers 3 – 2 Punjab FC

Punjab’s truncated season came to an end Saturday in Mumbai. While Golukam Kerala ran up their score, Churchill’s late concessions to Joseba Beitia and Baba Diawara solidified the goal difference edge. Not exactly the role Punjab would prefer to play in deciding a title, but a solid first showing for coach Curtis Fleming.

[Bonus reading: our friends at the Away End had a great summation of the end of the campaign]

Guyaquil City v. Emelec [F]

Silly me. If the past year has taught us nothing else, it’s taught us to expect delays especially to start seasons, especially for women. [sigh]

SC Freiburg 1 – 0 Turbine Potsdam [F]

Hasret Kayikci hasn’t been talked up enough this year. She’s always there in Freiburg’s hour of need. Another late goal blunted Potsdam’s momentum and kept the griffins in the hunt for 4th place.

University of Montana Grizzlies 3 – 0 Portland State Vikings

After two more tense affairs, this one was Grizzlies from snout to tail. Another Alexa Coyle banger, a heckuva shot from Allie Larsen and a record setting 30th shutout for Claire Howard!

Dorados 1 – 1 Alebrijes

Alebrijes is getting used to this point a game thing…maybe a little too used to it. With four draws in a row, they’re starting to run out of points to make up. (Hate to think of where they’d be without Julio Cesar Cruz’s clinical penalty taking.)

News & Notes

International Affairs

While most of our teams were not in action, lots of our favorite players were. Here’s a quick peek at how they fared.

Africa
Ethiopia celebrates…not pictured Mombris and Metanire go: “huh”? (CAF Online)
  • Our favorite Madagascar madmen (Jerome Mombris and Romain Metanire) got gobsmacked when their team was bested 4-0 by Ethiopia. By the time that they had to win and see Ethiopia lose to move on. Ethiopia did falter…but Madagascar couldn’t get a goal, and the darlings of the last tournament ran out of luck.
  • Ghana’s Black Stars will be at the cup of nations (as well). Though Center Back Joseph Adjei didn’t play in their final two qualifiers, he continues to take strides towards hitting the field in Cameroon this summer.
  • Harouna Demba of Grenoble was on the bench as Mauritania drew with Morocco but was on the field for their 1-0 win over CAR that booked them a spot in the finals.
Asia
  • Freiburg’s Woo-yeong Jeong got his first run out for South Korea in a friendly against Japan. Sadly, it was a 3-0 drubbing against arch rivals, but it didn’t impact their quest for cups.
Europe
Robin Lod celebrates
  • Finland saw two Minnesota United stars–Jakku Raitala and Robin Lod–(and one former player, Rasmus Schuller) take the field in a pair of draws
  • One of those draws came against Bosnia/Herzegovina and included Ermedin Demirovic of Freiburg as part of the attack that Raitala had to repel in the game’s dying minutes. Demirovic got the start in Bosnia’s friendly against Costa Rica, but didn’t get any goals. The final match against World Champs France happened after I posted this
  • Justas Lasickas of Vozdovac saw lots of action for Lithuania and did his best to put up with the offensive onslaught from Kosovo, Switzerland, and Italy.
  • Andre Hansen had to come on at half-time when Norway was getting spanked by Turkey. He didn’t see action when the team faced Montenegro, which spared him the awkwardness of facing a teammate.
  • The best represented nation from our teams: Montenegro which features three players (Vozdovac’s Milos Milovic and Nikola Vujnovic and Rosenborg’s Dino Islamovic). Sadly none of them made the pitch, until Dino Islamovic came on against Norway in the second half (he didn’t make much impact)
  • Iceland left Rosenborg’s Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson on the bench as they scuffled back down the table
North America
  • Dayne St. Clair was part of Team Canada, but didn’t get on the pitch.
  • Hasani Dotson and Callum Montgomery were part of the US and Canada youth teams vying for an olympic berth. While both played well, neither will have a chance to march in the opening ceremonies in Tokyo.
Limbu Loves it (wefutbolfans.com)
South America
  • Emelec sent three players to the Ecuadorian national side (Keeper Pedro Ortiz, Defender Romario Caicedo, and Midfielder Dixon Arroyo). However, a qualifier with Venezuela was called off, and the friendly tune up with Bolivia only saw Arroyo on the field (he was solid in distribution, if unremarkable in their win)

Limbu lays it on the line

As the I-League ends, it’s worth rewarding the best in the competition. In particular, Kiran Limbu who led the stingiest defense in the competition. Winning best keeper is nice, and should be a first step on the road to winning it all next time round.

Las Electricas are Back

With limited news reporting on South American women’s teams (insert shocked not shocked emoji here). I missed the news that Emelec’s ladies will be back in action. The team will see weekly action through the first weeks of July. If they finish in the top four of the southern league, they’ll advance to the playoffs against one of the top four from the north (likely someone from Quito). The biggest change this means is that we get to appreciate more awesome branding images like this one…

Queen Claire

Player of the Week

You might argue that since she already won a Player of the Week recently, we ought to look elsewhere, but come on…Claire Howard broke a Big Sky conference record and has kept her team perfect through the first five games of the season. (We’ll share a nod with Kiran Limbu for his keeping award as well)

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Standings Update

Not much changed here…most notably, Punjab FC has entered their offseason and will be locked in at their Points Per Game until the 2021-2022 season kicks off in…many many months. Oh, and Claire Howard continues to carry the Grizzlies to the top of our table.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana50032.00.2
Emelec3112.01.81.0
Freiburg8261.61.51.4
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Grenoble Foot6451.471.11.1
Legon Cities FC4431.451.20.8
Ross County5171.231.21.5
Alebrijes3641.151.51.7
FK Vozdovac2350.90.71.6
Rosenborg BK000–––
Minnesota United000–––
Table Updated 3/31/2021
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, March 31st

Thursday, April 1st

Friday, April 2nd

10:00 FK Vozdovac v. Macva Sabac

5:00 Sacramento State Hornets v. University of Montana Grizzlies

Saturday, April 3rd

9:00 Madema SC v. Legon Cities FC

9:00 Ross County v. Inverness CT [Cup]

1:00 Grenoble v. Chateroux

1:30 Borussia Munchengladbach v. Freiburg [M]

CS Emelec v. CD Macara [F]

Sunday, April 4th

2:00 Sacramento State Hornets v. University of Montana Grizzlies

3:00 Olmedo v. Emelec [M]

Monday, April 5th

Tuesday, April 6th

5:15 Emelec v. CSD Macara [M-Cup]

9:00 Alebrijes v Jaibos