The Norwegian squad welcomed the Slovenian side with a barrage of attacks with Dino Islamovic again at the point of the attack with Emil Konradsen Ceide linking beautifully. Left Back Adam Andersson continued to build up his resume on both sides of the ball notching a goal of his own and a solid spell at the back.
Stabaek 2 – 5 Rosenborg BK [F]
That was almost a stunner. Bunched up in the bottom Stabaek had two leads over RBK (1-0 and 2-1) but then they ladies of Rosenborg rose to the occasion and left no doubt, knocking in 4 goals in 15 minutes. Lisa Marie Utland’s hat trick stole the show and set up a vital match at Sandviken next week.
Grenoble 0 – 0 Guingamp [M]
When a nil-nil result is the best outcome of the season so far, you can see why Grenoble has struggled of late.
Minnesota United 2 – 0Houston Dynamo
I was really hoping to go to this, but the cold that tore through our house made it unviable. I missed out on a good one for the Loons as Emanuel Reynoso continues to make magic happen with a pair of great assists and numerous dangerous chances.
Hibernian 3 – 0 Ross County
The Staggies met a clearly better side and came out clearly the worse for it.
Wurzburger Kickers 0 – 1 Freiburg [M-Cup]
Starting off the season against a Wurzburger side that’s struggling in the fourth division didn’t ask much of the makeshift Freiburg side, but the back line showed well and Jonathan Schmid scored the winner.
Vojvodina 2 – 0 Vozdovac
The Red Dragons continue to struggle this season, as the defense continues to rattle and the attack struggles to connect.
Delfin 1 – 2 Emelec [M]
Los Bombillos seem to be finding their stride, showing strong control over Delfín. The balls were consistently flying in from the wings, but when Alejandro Cabeza got it at his feet in the area it was all they needed with a desperate Delfin unable to stop him when he was that close.
Domzale 1 – 2 Rosenborg [M-Europe]
Rosenborg had to came back to win it, but Domzale’s struggles to score in the first half made clear they wouldn’t be able to challenge RBK’s 6-1 edge. Lower wattage stars: Noah Holm and Andres Konradsen looked to have a great connection working in the second half. The continental squad hasn’t been tested yet but that will change against France’s top flight side: Rennes.
News & Notes
Blood Feud in Bergen
This weekend sees the rematch between Rosenborg and the team that ended their unbeaten run in the Toppseiren (and the current first place side) Sandviken. This time Rosenborg is on the road so the battle will be by all the more difficult, but we have hope: blind foolish hope.
El Rey de las Estrellas
While most leagues save their awards for the end of the year, the MLS likes shouting out superb players mid season to represent the league in a friendly against Mexico’s all stars. This year Reynoso was chosen to represent Minnesota (who’ve never had more than one rep despite a strong first four years in the league).
Messi’s Moving
This week the greatest player of this (maybe any) generation had to leave his life long club. Before I could write this he signed with well-financed French giants Paris Saint-Germain. He’ll make 41 Million bucks for two years, play with some superb teammates and have a chance to win the most coveted club trophy in the world. But what if….he got offers from some of our favorites.
What follows are pitches from possible landing spots for Lionel Messi
Admit it, this would be cool…
Minnesota United: come bring the CONCACAF Champions League to the US! You’ll play alongside a miniature version of yourself in Bébelo, and we’ll pay you Joe Mauer Money ($109 mil)
Emelec: the only trophy that compares with the Champions League is Copa Libertadores, which you can win with us while also avoiding partisan club fans in Argentina. We don’t have quite the same players but we’ll pay more ($75 Million)
Legon Cities: Come change the world and lead us to African Champions League Glory! You’ll probably get Asamoah Gyan to target…eventually and we’ll give you 500 Million Cedis (please don’t ask about the exchange rate)
Rosenborg BK: Why change the world when you can change history! We’ve got elite players, and with you on board we can make UEFA Inter gender teams the future of the sport! Blakstad, Utland, Messi!!! Make it happen (we’ll just give you a share of the team)
Player(s) of the Week(s)
Every little thing he does is magic, give it up for Emanuel Reynoso.
Standings Update
The Troll Teams are giving the University Of Montana very little room for error as a three win week keeps them well within reach of their second strait MacKenzie Cup.
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]
— Club Sport Emelec Femenino (@ElectricasCSE) August 1, 2021
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.
Las Eléctricas were clicking in their local Derby, with Adriana Valenzuela notching the first and celebrating the result with style. Even better news, we’ve finally got highlights!!
— Club Sport Emelec Femenino (@ElectricasCSE) June 20, 2021
Dallas 1 – 1 Minnesota United
The Loons came out well and faded in the Texas heat. Franco Frangapane got his first in the black and blue off a direct rebound and the team generally looked more organized in the back. The squandered chances and desperate last second saves of the second half were a little underwhelming, but, that’s a little picky. Soon, we’ll have tickets of our own to use.
Rosenborg BK 0 – 1 Sarpsborg 08 [M]
With Kristoffer Zachariassen serving a one game suspension, the trolls lacked an attacking edge. Despite new man, Alexander Tettey, looking strong as a midfield partner, the forwards continue to struggle (sorry Dino Islamovic and Emil Ceide, I love ya but it’s true).
Rosenborg BK 1 – 0 Avaldsnes [F]
The Trolljenta remain unbeaten as Lisa Marie Utland offered all the offense they needed. (Especially as they’ve yet to ship a goal in 2021 the defense was ready to stop everything in the same area code. For Rosenborg one goal might as well be 100). It’s just the result they need before facing fellow unbeaten Lillestrom Kvinner.
News & Notes
International Affairs Update
South American CopaAmerica
Pedro Ortiz really ought to have done better against perpetually underwhelming Venezuela. But despite Ecuador dominating control and most of the chances, Pedro let in two of the three chances he faced and La Tri only managed 1 point.
In another news, Owen’s response to Neymar’s dribbling was just to say “Dance! Dance!!” He’s not wrong
The Euro Tournament is in full swing and so are some of our favorite players. (Still not Christian Gunter though)
Our Robin Lod versus Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard (Telegraph)
The Finnesota contingent again looked good with Robin Lod linking lots of good passes into the attack while Rasmus Schuller and Jakku Raitalta held their own against Russia (even though the Finns lost). They didn’t look as good in the loss to Belgium (though it’s hard to ever look as good as Belgium)
Phillip Leinhart again came on for Aleksandar Dragovic at Austria’s right back. But it was too late to stop the Dutch attack from notching a two goal win. (Likewise Jan Gregus’ late showing for Slovakia versus Sweden).
Rolland Sallai had the best showing. Creating frequent chances against the world champions France and delivering an assist that had Hungary ahead for a bit, before the French fought back for the draw.
Victor Orban’s A Special Snowflake
Most powerful man in Hungary can’t handle kneeling, because he’s too tired to get up that far.
Hungary’s home matches in Budapest have been rowdy, enthusiastic affairs. They’ve also had a consistent sampling of homophobic, racist, and fascist overtones. Weirder still, asked why he was cool with booing anti-racism (thus effectively cheering racism), prime minister/former right winger/current right wing demagogue Victor Orban said:
If you’re a guest in a country then understand its culture and do not provoke it…Do not provoke the host. We can only see this gesture system from our cultural vantage point as unintelligible, as provocation.
Victor Orban press conference reported by Bein Sport
So, to Orban, players kneeling silently is the same as someone daring you to punch them. Solemnly opposing racism is unintelligible because Hungary didn’t have slaves, which is the only racist thing ever,. And, apparently when in Hungary for a 90 minute game, you can’t possibly think about anything other than how Hungarians think of it. No word on how our favorite Hungarian (Roland Sallai) is responding. Hope you look for ways to stand for those in greater need Roland.
Coyle Goes Green
Griz striker Alexa Coyle will continue her career in beautiful Edinburgh playing for Hibernian Ladies. Having visited Easter Road, I’m pumped (not as pumped as I would be if she was joining a Ross County women’s side…but as that doesn’t exist, I suppose it’s ok).
— Club Sport Emelec Femenino (@ElectricasCSE) June 19, 2021
Standings Update
The Loons grabbed another point but their return keeps them entrenched at the bottom of the barrel. But the Ladies kept both Emelec and Rosenborg going strong near the top of the table.
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)
.
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.
Team
W
D
L
PPG
GFA
GAA
University of Montana
5
0
0
3
2.0
0.2
Emelec
3
1
1
2.0
1.8
1.0
Freiburg
8
2
6
1.6
1.5
1.4
Punjab FC–b
7
4
6
1.47
1.2
0.9
Grenoble Foot
6
4
5
1.47
1.1
1.1
Legon Cities FC
4
4
3
1.45
1.2
0.8
Ross County
5
1
7
1.23
1.2
1.5
Alebrijes
3
6
4
1.15
1.5
1.7
FK Vozdovac
2
3
5
0.9
0.7
1.6
Rosenborg BK
0
0
0
–
–
–
Minnesota United
0
0
0
–
–
–
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
For the first time in a while Emelec didn’t seem to have much of anything going for them. Worse, this loss gave loathed rivals Barcelona sole claim to the top spot in the league
Rosenborg BK 1 – 0 Mjondalen [M]
Rosenborg snapped their skid, but it wasn’t exactly convincing. Åge Hareide’s team couldn’t find a way through throughout regular time despite dominating the run of play. But Ol Piercing Blue Eyes himself Kistoffer Zachariasen saved the day with a last minute winner.
Asante Kotoko 1 – 0 Legon Cities
Against the most legendary club in Ghanaian soccer the Royals looked majestic again in name only. The defense should be commended for their resilience but now would be the time for the attack to flourish as well. (h/t Fatua Duda for winning commendations despite losing)
Freiburg 2 – 0 Arminia Bielefeld [M]
Christian Streich switched to a three man back line a month ago. In the four matches with that formation they’ve drawn twice and won once. It’s not a tremendous turnabout but it’s a big improvement from the side that drifted down the table in October. Phillip Leinhart and Vincenzo Grifo’s surge in form sure helps too.
Aberdeen 2 – 0 Ross County
Speaking of drifting down the table, the Staggies have sunk to the bottom of the premiership. They haven’t gotten a point from the league since early November, and haven’t won since two months before that. They may still have a shot at cup trophies, but their time in the top league may be done after this year.
FK Vozdovac 0 – 2 Partizan Belgrade
I’d be lying if I said I expected anything else, but kudos to the dragons for holding the league leaders scoreless for more than one half!
Grenoble Foot 4 – 0 Dunkerque [M]
Grenoble’s performance in the shadow of the Alps was nothing short of dominant. Again led by Jessy Benet and rampaging full backs Jordy Gaspar and Jerome Mombris they looked every bit the first place (yes, first place) team they have become.
CS Emelec 3 – 0 El Nacional [M]
Estadio George Capwell would have been rocking had people been allowed in. A win over bottom of the table Nacional isn’t exactly surprising, and never seemed to be in doubt., but Jose Cevallos’ brace and another clean sheet sure feels good.
Meppen 0 – 1 SC Freiburg [W]
Meppen has struggled this year, and as Freiburg grows into form they looked strong throughout. Lina Bürger’s late winner was well deserved.
Rosenborg 3 – 1 Molde [M]
A week after a red card got him an early shower, it was a day of good Dino Islamovic. It couldn’t have come at a better time. His brace against fellow top 4 side Molde went a long way to seal a shot at European soccer.
News & Notes
See You Loons
As has been the habit each year, Minnesota United celebrated the end of the season by declining a big pile of contracts.
It’s not too surprising that Kei Kamara and third string keeper Greg Ranjitsingh were let loose. Frequent role players Jose Aja, Aaron Shoenfeld, and Raheem Edwards were a little more surprising, but, without ticket sales, costs must be cut.
HAO! Rosenborg!
O’Rielly trading Stars and Stripes for just stripes?
On the BBC’s world football podcast American soccer legend Heather O’Reilly admitted that she felt tempted to come back from retirement for a shot at the European Champions League.
A year into her retirement, O’Reilly might need some time to gear up again. So she’s likely have to target the 21-22 campaign. She’s also working as a coach of younger players. So that would be a good thing to continue abroad. And if she seeks to just play in the champions league, a Scandinavian side makes sense….chances are you see where I’m going with this.
Another score from the election. This certainly looks decisive. With no time left on the clock, there’s no real chance for a comeback. But President Trump continues to insist that he’s winning and refusing to leave the field. So…not unlike games I used to play against your uncles in the backyard.
Player of the Week
Since they came back from COVID Cancellations, Jordy Gaspar has played 518 of Grenoble’s 540 minutes. In that time, they’ve allowed only two goals and scored ten. He’s been excellent on both sides of the ball, and this week his assist gives us an excuse to finally reward him.
The Red Dragons fell behind early, but made a stirring second half comeback to tie the match. Then it was Milos Krunic playing hero with crucial penalty saves to push them on to the last 16 of the Serbian Cup.
Alebrijes 1 – 2 Celaya
Oaxaca held their own for much of the match. Keeping the score level through 45 minutes. But a second yellow to Victor Reyes opened things up for league leading Celaya, and Diego Chorena’s late red will only complicate things following another loss
Union Berlin 1 – 1 SC Freiburg [M]
In a very even contest, Vincent Grifo netted an opening goal from a tough angle that was promptly negated on the next sequence. It was the type of draw where it seemed like the best outcome. Both sides deserved something, and both sides got something.
Motherwell 4 – 0 Ross County
Young Ross Doohan did not shine on the day. A week after keeping Hibs off the board, the Celtic loanee mustered only one save against an imperious Motherwell.
Grenoble v. Nancy [M]
Postponed due to COVID
Emelec 0 – 0 CSD Macara [M]
That is a thing that happened.
Cincinnati 0 – 1 Minnesota United
The loons continued to struggle to regain their old form. Again there were moments of quality, tempered with moments of agonizing awkwardness. It took until 2 minutes into stoppage time for a break through, with Jan Gregus’ great corner kick meeting Michael Boxall’s head. While the post blocked Boxall, nothing stopped Aaron Schoenfeld’s winner.
Sarpsborg 08 1 – 2 Rosenborg BK [M]
Pa Konate scored his first goal since joining Rosenborg in September, and Dino Islamovic netted another penalty as Rosenborg kept up the race for Europe staying just one point behind Molde.
Proleter 1 – 1 FK Vozdovac
Though former Olympiakos starlet Leandro Pinto struck first for Proleter, Vozdovak came back with a second half equalizer to grab a vital point on the road. Dragan Stoisavljevic’s half-volley capped an excellent attacking streak from the Red Dragons. That’s the system needed to keep the race for top 3 tight in Serbia
Pumas Tabasco 0 – 2 Alebrijes de Oaxaca
Things got a little wild when Pumas’ goal keeper Jose Castillo executed a hefty challenge well outside his area on veteran striker Franco Arizala. After a Pumas complaint and a substitution, Oaxaca’s Rodolfo Vilchis absolutely cranked his free kick into the upper right corner to give Alebrijes a lead. Despite being a man up, Oaxaca still looked shaky at the back but Arizala continued to torment Pumas’ defenders setting up more chances for a security goal that finally came in stoppage time. It was certainly a fortunate and not terribly convincing win, but it was a win, and Alebrijes needs those.
News & Notes
Asamoah Gyan’s Homecoming?
One of the biggest players in Ghanaian soccer history may be on the verge of a return home.
Asamoah Gyan
Arguably the biggest striker in the Black Star’s golden generation, Gyan has bopped around the world with stops at big clubs in Italy, France, and England and big money moves to Qatar, China, and India.
Now at 34, he’s certainly nearing the end of a storied career and has pledged to cap his career back at home in the nascent Ghanaian Premier League. But…while the former Asante Kotoko fan has said he’d like to play in Kumasi, Legon Cities, our very own Royals, appears set to swoop in with big bucks and bring him on to their side.
Player of the Week
We’ve been recognizing a lot of defenders lately, so let’s take a moment to appreciate Franco Arizala of Oaxaca. Though he didn’t get his name on the score sheet he was integral to Oaxaca’s third win. From the penalty drawn on Tabasco’s keeper (which…on replay might have been a little…embellished) and providing the opening for the first goal, to the dipsy-dooo-drop-aroo moves that tormented the thinly stretched Pumas defense, to requiring a double team that opened the net for the second, Franco was critical.
Franco Arizala feels fine (La Marca)
What’s Next
Wednesday, October 28th
7:00 Minnesota United v. Colorado Rapids
Thursday, October 29th
Union v. Emelec [M–South American Cup]
Friday, October 30th
Saturday, October 31st
10:00 Dundee United v. Ross County
2:00 Niort v. Grenoble [M] Cancelled due to COVID 19
2:00 FK Vozdovac v. TSC Backa Topola
Sunday, November 1st
6:00 Rosenborg BK v. Avaldsnes [W]
8:30 SC Freiburg v. Bayern Leverkusen [M]
11:00 Rosenborg BK v. Start [M]
6:30 Sporting KC v. Minnesota United
Monday, November 2nd
Tuesday, November 3rd
*The most important contest of this year Biden (D) v. Trump (R)*
It was always a long shot to beat the Dutch giants. While coming up one win short of European competition is hard, bowing out against a great side with a better performance than their last meeting is tolerable.
Jaibos 2 – 0 Alebrijes
Oaxaca’s slide continued. 272 minutes since their last goal, Alebrijes may be desperate to find the net as a suicidal tuna.
Dortmund 4 -0 Freiburg [M]
On a tipsy turvy year with two titans of the Teutonic table floating in the middle of the pac Freiburg could have laid claim to a top tier spot with a stunning road win. But they didn’t. Courtesy of Erling Braut Håaland, who first tormented Rosenborg…not cool Erling, not cool.
Macva Sabac 0 – 2 FK Vozdovac
In four minutes the Red Dragons laid waste to their host. Marko Putacanin provided both a devastating header and perfect through ball to Justas Lasickas. Meanwhile, keeper Miloje Prekovic pitched his third shutout in four tries since joining the team.
Grenoble 2 – 0 Valenciennes
Yoric Ravet turned in a man of the match performance with his first goal of the year on a PK. Meanwhile Brice Maubleu kept another clean sheet and Jordy Gaspar anchored the defense that made Ravet’s surge possible. The squad has yet to drop a point in Stade des Alpes.
Minnesota United 2 – 0 FC Cincinnati
A year ago the loons spanked Cincy, 7-1. There was no drubbing this year. But a pair of well worked chances created by Bébelo Reynoso, and more sterling saves from Dayne St Clair might help reclaim the team’s top of table form.
Freiburg 0 – 0 MSV Duisburg [W]
Well, that happened.
OGC Nice Côte d’Azur 0 – 0 Grenoble Foot [W]
So did that. Seriously, trying to find summaries of elite women’s matches is hard. 0-0 draws? No chance.
Rangers 2 – 0 Ross County
The Staggies played a fine and competitive match against the league leaders. An early penalty put them behind, but 70 scoreless minutes showed strength. They’ve slipped into the bottom half of the league again, but the signs are bright for the future.
Rosenborg BK 3 – 0 Lyn [W]
Julie Blakstad roared back with a vengeance scoring her first goal since August, and never looked troubled against Lyn. All eyes now turn to Oslo in two weeks when they play Vålerenga in a match that may well decide the league.
Rosenborg BK 4 – 1 Odd [M]
Åge’s boys bounced back emphatically against rivals for European berths Odd. A resounding 4-1 win led by Dino Islamovic’s double and Kristoffer Zacharissen sweet talking another goal.
Across the ocean there was another resounding victory, but this one sent Los Bombillos reeling again. Having won only once since August, they certainly deserve their low ranking on the table. But hope is on the way (see News for more)
Nashville 0 – 0 Minnesota United
The grass grew a microscopic amount. Otherwise nothing really happened (after all, these teams are exhausted and playing on short rest in the middle of a pandemic)
News & Notes
Striker Swaps
The transfer window slowly winds down, but two of our favorite sides have swapped out striking talent in rather surprising ways.
Torgeir looks troubled (Trollfootball)
Torgeir Børven, last years golden boot winner in Norway played well in Trondheim but manager Åge Hareide seemed to have other plans, working in everybody but Børven stop the attack. So he’s off to join Ankaragucu in Turkey.
Meanwhile, Minnesota, young, brash scorer Mason Toye said his goodbyes as well. The team’s top draft pick had enjoyed several runs of sterling form, but with three more veteran names on the roster, he was expendable. I don’t feel too bad either, he gets to learn from legendary goal scorer Thierry Henry.
Hylton hops to the Staggies
At the same time, a few more striking talents made their way to teams we root for. Jermaine Hylton left Motherwell for Ross County, the exceedingly rare Staggies pick up that actually cost money. He brings with him some goal scoring boots to boost the defanged attack. And Rasmus Wiedesheim-Paul will swap Sweden’s second tier for Norway’s first as Borven’s replacement in the Rosenborg squad. He also has a scorer’s pedigree and, at a mere 21 years old, represents a long-term investment.
Emelec hits Reset
As poor as Emelec’s form has been the last few weeks, there is hope. The split season format, an alien concept to many, but a familiar favorite of anyone who watched Pioneer League baseball, is here.
The first half of the season crowned one champion, and now every one has the chance to start fresh and try again. Emelec may have finished a discouraging 12th of 16 for the first half, but if they win the second half, all is forgotten. Truthfully they’d have to do even worse to slide into relegation, so rather than play out the string and barely stay above water, this is a chance to start fresh and furious. We can hardly wait.
Player of the Week
Minnesota United has generally done a strong job of selecting talented players out of college. Hasani Dotson and Mason Toye earned call ups to the youth national team and Chase Gasper has been a reliable starter as well. But Dayne St. Clair has been an absolute savior after Tyler Miller’s injury and the injury struggles of stalwarts Ike Opara and Oswaldo Alonso. So to you St. Clair of Canada congrats on player of the week honors.
The Loons certainly know how to score now. Getting to watch half the game (a lengthy viewing session given your bed times), I was thrilled to see Bebelo dominate the midfield. It was great to see Kevin Molino and crew darting in and out of traffic to challenge the goal. It was difficult to watch Michael Boxall carry the entire defense on his back…but other than that, this is fun to see.
Alebrijes 2 – 2 Tlaxcala FC
It was a much needed first point in three matches for Oaxaca, but could have been an even more needed second win. A late equalizer keep last years fall champions far from their best, but not comfortable…yet.
Rosenborg 2 – 0 Roa ( W )
At the risk of tedium: the women were great, Marit Clausen was especially great, and the prospects for glory truly feel real. Still, over the next month, they’ll play only twice. Keeping this momentum will be tricky.
Ross County 0 – 5 Celtic
Celtic continues to suck the competitive joy out of Scotland like Boris Johnson sucks hope in governmental competence from England.
Chambly 1 – 2 Grenoble
Will wonders never cease! Les grenoblois gave up an early goal, played from behind for most of the game (per usual) BUT they also had a great defensive performance and came back to win in the last 20 minutes behind Jerome Mombris’ excellent stop and pin point assist.
FK Vozdovac 4 – 0 FK Metalac
I legitimately can not recall Vozdovac pulling this complete a victory together in the time we’ve watched them. (Editors note: because they haven’t.) The game plan seemed to be, set up with a thick midfield, and let ‘er rip outside the area. It worked for Milos Pnatovic, Edin Adjinovic, and Jovan Nisic. Let’s go ahead and let this Splash Brothers mentality take over the rest of the season
Olmedo 1 – 1 Emelec [M]
When you’re getting draws against opponents this far down the table something is amiss. The first round of games in this bizarre season is almost over and it can’t come too soon for Emelec.
Emelec 3 – 1 Guayaquil City [W]
Las eléctricas are back! The local southern league kicked off with a great win. (I’d say more but there is little else on the web for me to draw from)
Grenoble Foot 38 0 – 1 St Etienne [W]
Grand Geneva 1 – 3 Grenoble Foot 38 [W]
The women of Grenoble have actually been back in action for two weeks (sorry I missed last week y’all) and after a hard fought defeat to regional power St Etienne, they dominated Geneva.
SC Sand 0 – 3 SC Freiburg [W]
The lady griffins came out fast and never looked back in another stellar win for the women. (Noting a pattern here?) No Klara Buhl no problem as Freiburg held on thorughout
Stromsgodset 3 – 3 Rosenborg [M]
With 10 minutes to go things looked dire, having trailed since early in the first half, there seemed little chance of a comeback. It could have been a grossly disappointing defeat to a relegation area side. Then: Per and Dino rose to the occasion with a stellar showing to snatch a stalemate from the jaws of defeat.
Well done Jeong and Kwon!!
Waldof Mannheim 1 – 2 Freiburg (M-C)
In the first cup match of our blog (seriously…most teams were out and others got cancelled) the tiny league 3 side almost pulled a stunner, until right back Jonathan Schmidt struck a winner. (The match also saw the first starting tandem for Korean kids Woo-Yeong Jeong and Chang-Hoon Kwon…the latter even got the first goal)
Sporting KC 1 – 0 Minnesota
Remember what I said about the Loons knowing how to score. I maintain that the team does, but when coach Adrian Heath opts for a whole sale line shift it doesn’t do anybody much good. Still, they kept it close and only a late bobble by Dayne St. Clair left the Loons in second place in the West.
News & Notes
Don’t send men to do a woman’s job
It is awfully nice to have all our female sides back in action this week. As las electricas and les Grenobloises join the Trolljenta and the Glamorous Griffins to take to the field. Even better, every ladies team recorded a win this week…can’t say that for the men folk.
Also, don’t send men to compete with this design.
Mahama’s Make it Rain Moment
I talk a lot about US politics, but I also notice Ghanaian politics (especially given that their presidential election is just four weeks after ours). NDC (Socialist) candidate John Mahama made an intriguing campaign promise to help every player in the Ghanaian League (including our own Legon Cities FC) to make 1500 cedis a month (or $250 bucks). Just for the sake of comparison: that would be 18,000 cedis in a year (or less than the median Ghanaian makes in the year). Still it would be a big boost to solvency in a league that has been hampered for decades, thereby winning the coveted: Soc’adamfo (Soccer friend) vote. (Also, I should note that it’s unclear if this would supplement existing salaries or replace them.)
Player of the Week
Running away with it
Again it was a pretty even mix of players with no one person turning in a superlative performance. (Unless you have access to game film of the ladies playing in Ecuador/Germany/France…in which case, please show me the dominance. I’d love to see it). In the meantime, we can’t title this with praise for the ladies and then hand it off to Jerome Mombis or Dino Islamovic (sorry guys, you’re worthy runners up). So let’s just say it again: Marit Clausen come on down you’re our favorite (again)!
In a match that looked very much like your a game your Uncles and I would have dreamed of (cold, rainy, and in a stadium marginally smaller than my high school’s), the Red Dragons picked up their first points of the young season thanks in large part to Milos Stojcev who peppered the goal early and struck a gorgeous ball to decide the match. Though some credit must be given to the Indija strikers who simply couldn’t buy a goal.
Orlando 3 – 1 Minnesota United FC
The Loons looked so strong to this point. They even dominated the early stages of this match. And then…Nani…
If you’re going to lose, it might as well be to a man who has made more money than your entire team’s budget as he plays one of the best games of his time in your league.
Sandviken 1 – 3 Rosenborg BK (Women)
Marit Clausen and Julie Blakstad have fast become my new favorite sporting duo. Sorry Mauer and Morneau, best wishes Kane and Son: it’s Clausen and Blakstad time.
Hamilton Academical 0 – 1 Ross County
The Staggies are tied for the league lead. They’re ahead of mighty Celtic in the table. They’ve taken 100% of their possible points this season.
This probably won’t last of course but that is a very fun paragraph to write regardless.
Again some quality link up play kept County dangerous in front of goal with Billy McKay doing the honors. Frankly, they may feel unlucky to only have gotten the one goal. Best of all, the revamped back line kept goalie Ross Laidlaw a relaxing afternoon.
FK Vozdovac 1 – 3 Vojvodina
When things go wrong for the Red Dragons they go wrong quickly. It took a half an hour for Vojvodina to put the game away, and sixty more minutes for Vozdovac to see things through. It legitimately seemed to involve goalkeeper Marko Ilic spending more time on his back than his feet…(gluttons can watch here)
Rosenborg BK 5 – 1 Sarpsborg 08
New RBK coach Trond Henriksen has plenty of options to lead the line in Trondheim. Helland, Børven, Islamovic, Ceide and Holse all have strengths as targets, poachers, dribblers and more. Plus Samuel Adenbegro is almost back from an ankle injury, so the attack is pretty much perfect. (I mean, it would be better with Marit Clausen and Julie Blakstad, but so would everything.)
Talent isn’t the issue. The problem has been finding a consistent combination. An imperious trio one week looks adrift and uncertain the next. So maybe this week’s tandem of Carlo Holse (2 goals) Emil Konradsen Ceide (2 assists) and Torgeir Børven is the solution.
Or maybe we’ll be wondering what’s next after losing 2-0 next week.
News & Notes
Loons Come Home
Minnesota United will play again in just a few weeks. Better still they’ll play just a few miles away. However we still can’t watch them. Strangely we COULD go watch them in Dallas, but well…exposure to germs at the airport, in the plane, in Texas itself, and at a stadium full of screaming, spitting fans isn’t the best option.
WildWorld of Ross County
It’s rare for a little team in Dingwall to factor in national news, but we live in rare times.
First, to add some depth and protection to the goalkeeping corps, the team brought in Ross Doohan as Ross Munro learns the ropes and Ross Laidlaw takes most first team minutes. Yes Ross County’s three goalies are all Ross. Mind. blown.
Second, the Staggies May finally have a celebrity fan (other than you boys, obviously). Spanish goal keeping star David de Gea happened to catch the win over Motherwell and was taken aback by the striking resemblance with manager Stuart Kettlewell. de Gea is better known than County, possibly even within Dingwall, so a little star shine is a nice perk.
From Right: Kettlwell…or wait..de Gea…no…uh….
Freiburg Fliers
While SC Freiburg came close to continental competition this year, their next campaign will look a bit different.
First the club signed Ermedin Demirovic fresh from a strong campaign with Swiss second placers St Gallen. His 12 goals put him in the top 10 in Switzerland, and outstrip all the players for Freiburg. Hopefully he adds a second option behind Nils Peterson.
We’re going to miss you Herr Schwolow (Transfrmarkt)
Unfortunately the club also said auf weidersehen to goalie Alexander Schwolow who headed for rivals Hertha Berlin. The three keepers currently on the roster have a combined 21 matches played in the past two seasons so…that’ll be a change.
Player of the Week
Because variety is the spice of life, let’s shout out a defender, shall we? Coll Donaldson has been a vital anchor in Staggie Blue. He’s been a part of two clean sheets and consistently frustrated Hamilton every where they tried to put the ball. Ta, Coll.
Both Salt Lake and Minnesota won their first games of the “MLS is Back” tournament (which I still prefer to call “July Jamboree”), so they naturally played a boring as hell cagey match with both teams taking a point and staying in position to advance. However, Minnesota got to see Thomas Chacon, who looks to be only a couple months older than you boys, so that was nice
Rosenborg BK 3 – 1 Kolbotn
For the first time this year, RBK had both the ladies and the gentlemen playing at home on the same day. Unfortunately, also for the first time this year, the ladies of Rosenborg gave up a lead. Though Cesile Andreassen put them up in the first half amid a rampaging attack, Kolbotn struck quickly after half time to level the score.
Then Marit Clausen did a number of Marit Clausen-y things (you know dominating the air, causing havoc in front of goal) and Rosenborg ran out winners. None too shabby for an undefeated start to the season, and it should be said that their post match song is flame.
Rosenborg BK 2 – 1 Sandefjord (M)
The gentlemen of Rosenborg found a way to win and sweep the double header day thanks to Kristoffer Zachariassen whose presence on corner kicks was a major difference maker. Scoring one in the first half on a blooping cranial chip, and a second to seal the win
One concern for the now fourth place Rosenborg side is that during this six game unbeaten run their attacking crew has changed more often than filters in a home made Coronavirus mask.
Midfielder Zachariassen now has four goals, all from set pieces, while no other player has more than 1 (including big name signings Dino Islamovic and Torgeir Borven, as well as stalwart Pal Andre Helland, and starlet Emil Konradsen Ceide). Combine Sunday’s scrambles for goal with the paltry opportunities on offer in their midweek game at Start, and RBK has reason to start strategizing differently
News & Notes
Kvinning
Yes, Rosenborg is on top of the ToppSerien in Norway. Yes, this is the first time any of our teams has led any league during this (admittedly relatively recent project). Yes, this means they are awesome and we’re having a lot of fun. In particular, Marit Clausen and Julie Blakstad who are now tied for the ToppSerien golden boot watch! Can’t lie, this is fun.
Young Warriors walk away, Loons check in
This is not the offseason Punjab FC would have hoped for. First came the transfer ban, and this week two young stars left the club. According to the awesome Nehal from the Away End, first Thoiba Singh Moirangthem, headed to Odisha FC, and now Makan Chothe has left for top tier side FC Goa
Bebelo may be flying north soon (Photo from ESPN)
Meanwhile, Minnesota United have their eyes set not on a departure but a massive acquisition: Emanuel “Bebelo” Reynoso a young star for Boca Juniors in Argentina. While Boca is stacked and playing time is thin, Reynoso still seems like a serious talent who could light a fire under the Loons offense while the defensive spine continues to blockade the goal.
Player of the Week
Marvelous Marit (RBK.no)
Right now Marit Clausen’s game is so hot it makes a July day in Minnesota feel like a January day in Minnesota. Clausen is so on fire that she doesn’t drink water to cool down, she drinks flame retardant chemicals (Note: THAT WAS A JOKE, DON’T DRINK FLAME RETARDANT CHEMICALS EITHER IF YOU PLAY WELL, PLAY POORLY, OR NEVER PLAY AT ALL). Clausen has kicked so much butt, that Chuck Norris is asking her for pointers. Point is Marit Clausen rocks.
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