Tag: Emelec

Week 38: So Good, and so…not

Week 38: So Good, and so…not

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Ventspils 1 – 5 Rosenborg BK (M-E)

A scenic trip to Latvia was made a little brighter with a convincing win for Rosenborg on the next leg of their European escapade. Despite giving up an early goal, Age Hareide’s group dominated the last 80 minutes of the game with Dino Islamovic’s two goals, Carlo Holse, Anders Konradsen and Captain Cutie Himself: Kristoffer Zachariassen, also chipping in on a windy night in Ventspilis. Next up: they’ll welcome in last year’s 5th place Turkish side: Alanyspor and their hotshot goal scorer Dvaidson.

https://youtu.be/_MbiWhya2Zk

VfB Stuttgart 2 – 3 Freiburg [M]

The griffins launched their league campaign with a rampant attack led by Rolland Sallai. The winger’s goal and assist put Freiburg briefly into 2nd place behind European champs Bayern Munich. Granted, the back line faltered badly in the second half, when the game plan devolved to “just hope Dominique Heintz saves us again,” but a brief dream is better than none at all.

St. Johnstone 0 – 1 Ross County

The Staggies have equaled last seasons road wins and it isn’t even Halloween yet. Ian Vigurs excellent delivery left opposing goalie Elliott Parish dumbfounded. While Ross Laidlaw kept the door shut against St Johnston’s.

Grenoble 2 – 0 AC Ajaccio [M]

Jessy Bennet struck again, but the real change in the Alps may be revelatory play of fullbacks Jerome Mombis, and Jordy Gaspar. The two have been invaluable on both ends of the pitch and have been vital to the sides three game winning streak.

Emelec 1 – 1 LDU de Quito [M]

Roberto Ordóñez remains the only reliable part of Los bombillos at the moment. So it’s really helpful that he got a red card and will miss the next match. [sigh]

Houston 2 – 2 Minnesota United

The Loons ran out to an early lead and must have felt good about the chance to rack up some road points. Better still, gifted/young Dayne St Clair made a few sterling saves to keep the Dynamo scoreless. For the first half. Then young St Clair bobbled a couple shots, ceded two goals and the team squandered a great opportunity.

Rosenborg BK 2 – 1 FK Haugesund [M]

Rosenborg looked rattled for a while, but stormed back in the second half. With Dino Islamovic continuing his fine form and Vegar Essen Hedenstand coming up big off the bench.

Red Star Belgrade 6 – 0 FK Vozdovac

We were unbeaten heading into this game. And then Red Star reminded us all why they own a duopoly on the league. (Le sigh, or rather the uzdah)

Barcelona SC V CS Emelec [W]

DELAYED: DUE TO VOLCANO

Tapiaca 3 – 0 Alebrijes de Oaxaca

So despite the great showing to start the weekend, we end it with two drubbings and a Volcanic cancellation. Yeesh.

News & Notes

Kolkata keyed up for I-League

Mmm…dessert after the matches

I apologize for being a bit behind on this news item. Last month India’s governing football federation decided to play not just a little tournament but the entire season inside a safety bubble. In this case it’s Kolkata, home of Pabrai’s Fresh & Naturelle Ice Cream (official ice cream shop of this blog, because I say so).

First they’ll host a round robin mini-tournament to promote a few second tier sides and then Punjab FC will take the field again in the beginning of November.

Screwy Season Takes Root

There’s a little time left to add players during the summer transfer window and many teams are making it count.

Freiburg has brought in replacements for Robin Koch and Alexander Schwolow in Baptiste Santamaría and Florian Müller.

The Loons added in some help to bolster their injury depleted squad with goalie — and striker Kei Kamara who’s been around and around and around the league.

Meanwhile Rosenborg and Ross County have sought out some cost savings by saying farewell to some surplus players.

Seriously, Volcano Delay

Seriously. I mean it. El Clásico del Astillero, the biggest rivalry in Guayaquil. The second match for Barcelona and Emelec in the Superliga Feminina was delayed. It was delayed because Sangay Volcano was active in the region. The teams will play on Wednesday instead.

Seriously, 2020 is weird.

Player of the Week

Several fine performances (plus the enforced absence of Clausen and Blakstad made for a tight race this week. We’re opting for scorer/distributor Roland Sallai. The combination of great play and vital context is much appreciated.

DPA International

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 23rd

SC Barcelona v. CS Emelec [W]

Thursday, September 24th

11:00 Rosenborg v. Alanyaspor (M-E)

6:00 Alebrijes v. Mazatlan

Friday, September 25th

2:00 Emelec v. Deportivo Cuenca (M)

Saturday, September 26th

8:00 Kolbotn v. Rosenborg [W]

9:00 Ross County v Aberdeen

11:00 Bayern Munich v Freiburg [W]

12:00 Guingamp v. Grenoble [M]

1:00 FK Vozdovac v. Radnicki Nis

Sunday, September 27th

8:00 Grenoble v. Montaubaun [W]

11:00 Aalesund v. Rosenborg BK [M]

11:00 Freiburg v. Wolfsburg

Monday, September 28th

Tuesday, September 29th

Weeks 37: Ladies Nights and the Scores are Right.

Weeks 37: Ladies Nights and the Scores are Right.

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Minnesota United 3 – 2 FC Dallas

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)!

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 16th

Thursday, September 17th

7:15 Ventspils v. Rosenborg BK (M-E)

Friday, September 18th

Saturday, September 19th

8:30 VfB Stuttgart v. Freiburg (M)

9:00 St. Johnstone v. Ross County

12:00 Grenoble v. AC Ajaccio

1:00 Red Star Belgrade v. FK Vozdovac

6:00 Emelec v LDU de Quito

Sunday, September 20th

11:00 Rosenborg BK v. FK Haugesund

9:00 Tapatio v. Alebrijes

Monday, September 21st

Tuesday, September 22nd

Weeks 35 AND 36: Teaching and Writing are Uncomfortable Bedfellows

Weeks 35 AND 36: Teaching and Writing are Uncomfortable Bedfellows

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

For the first time since probably mid February there were both a bunch of games and a full time job on bmy plate… so rather than go back chronologically through the games that have happened here are some overriding takeaways from each side’s last two weeks.

Scores

Awful Alebrijes

Alebrijes 1 – 3 Dorados

Tepitlan 2 – 0 Alebrijes

270 minutes into the season, Alebrijes has scored once from open play. They have a habit of ceding early and staying behind. Last years trophy feels a long way away and not just because time is a flat circle in Corona-ville.

Ehhhh….Emelec….

Emelec 2 – 1 LDU Portoveijo

Técnico Universarito 2 – 0 Emelec

El Nacional 2 – 1 Emelec (M)

Emelec 2 – 2 Independiente de Valle

As Ecuador works double time to complete their two part season, Emelec seems like they’re biding their time waiting for the second half. In 4 of the 6 games since the return from COVID, they’ve allowed two goals. And only scored that many, twice.

Finding Freiburg

SC Freiburg 1 – 2 Bayern Leverkusen {W}

While the most consistently overachieving men’s team in Germany gears up for a new season without several stars, the women’s side started back without talisman Klara Bühl. Rebecca Knaak’s first half penalty seemed promising, but a late collapse left them frustrated in their opener.

Grinding Out Grenoble

Grenoble 5 – 3 Toulouse (M)

It wasn’t pretty at the back, but it got led bleus in the Win column for the first time in a while. Willy Semedo and Moussa Kailou Djitte exploited Left Back Kelvin Adou for three goals and our double star Yoric Ravet (formerly of Freiburg) got two assists with Brice Mableu recording a critical svae en route to an entertaining win in front of home fans (hey, remember them?!)

Missing in Minnesota

FC Dallas 3 – 1 Minnesota United

Houston 3 – 0 Minnesota United

Minnesota United 4 – 0 Real Salt Lake

All that good feeling and confidence evaporated pretty fast outside the Orlando bubble. But in true Minnesota sports form, just when you think you can write them off, they kick it into gear and make it interesting.

Heartbreaking but interesting. It might as well be the new state motto.

Ruling Rosenborg

Roa 2 – 3 Rosenborg BK (W)

Rosenborg BK 4 – 2 Breidablik (M-E)

Rosenborg BK 1 – 1 Arna Bjornar (W)

Rosenborg 2 – 2 Stabaek

LSK KVinner 0 – 1 Rosenborg {W}

Three more unbeaten matches for the Trolljenta put them in second place with a game in hand. The huge win in Lillestrom was especially valuable in fending off a fellow title contender.

Meanwhile, Åge Hareide and the Trollgutte have also been unbeaten of late, though their run hasn’t had the same effect on the table. Bodø/Glimt continue to run away with the league but RBK is closing ground on the top 3. That also coincides with a strong win in their first Europa League Qualifier dispatching Iceland’s Breidablik.

https://youtu.be/Wzq63UI2hiA

Ross County’s Return to Earth

Livingston 1 – 0 Ross County

The Staggies only lost a game. But they lost it to a bottom of the table side. And they slipped to sixth. And they now trail Celtic and Aberdeen who have each played two fewer matches. Things still look better than last year, but not quite title contention…yet…

Wild Variations at Vozdovac

Backa Backa Palanka 2 – 1 FK Vozdovac

Another week another wild start in Serbia. This time the first goal came inside two minutes. All the others were notched before the game turned ten minutes old. Then bupkus. Still, Vozdovac has put a goal in every time they’ve played this season, so they’re halfway there.

News & Notes

More Flights from Freiburg

It must be said, I really liked Robin Koch. He was as integral and fundamental an element of Freiburg’s success as coach Christian Streich or just mirroring fundamental German efficiencies.

*Sniff* Good Luck Robin!

It also seemed obvious that he was bound for greener pastures. Still, it stings to see him leave for Leeds United. Perhaps the Premier League will give a wider audience an appreciation for the Head Cook. But we’ll always get to play the hipster card of knowing him when. (Incoming Midfielder Guus Til hasn’t exactly lit up Spartak Moscow…so…fingers crossed)

Celtic Takes the Low Road and Staggies take the high road…

And County gets fans in the stands ‘afore ye.

Sure, Celtic might have hundreds of trophies, legions of fans, oodles of cash, and 4 members of the national team, but Ross County are leading the way in getting fans back to the field.

Careful testing, tracing and automated grounds should help the highlanders stay separate and stay safe before next weekend’s clash with the 9 consecutive trophy winning Glaswegians. 500 fans may be a pittance, but it’s a 500 fold increase over what players have dealt with in the first two months of the league.

So while Celtic has all that cache, and got a two game suspension for playing quarantine-breaker Boli Bolingboli (sidebar: best name ever), Ross County can have 500 supporters live to 0 for the Hoops.

Player of the Week

Perhaps goal scorers deserve more credit. Perhaps I’m biased. But perhaps Yoric Ravet is the player we not only get to follow, he’s the player we are meant to follow.

Yoric, we are getting to know him well
(Radio France)

What’s Next

Tuesday, September 8th

Wednesday, September 9th

7:00 Minnesota United – FC Dallas

Thursday, September 10th

Friday, September 11th

5:30 Alebrijes v. Tlaxcala FC

Saturday, September 12th

8:00 Rosenborg v. Roa ( W )

9:00 Ross County v. Celtic

12:00 Chambly v. Grenoble

1:00 FK Vozdovac v. FK Metalac

6:30 Olmedo v. Emelec

Sunday, September 13th

7:00 SC Sand v. SC Freiburg [W]

11:00 Stromsgodset v. Rosenborg

11:30 Waldof Mannheim v. Freiburg (M-C)

7:30 Sporting KC v. Minnesota

Monday, September 14th

Tuesday, September 15th

Week 34: Foolish challenges

Week 34: Foolish challenges

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Alebrijes 1 – 0 Leones Negros

The Oaxacans put an exclamation mark on their return with a thrilling stoppage time winner from Alejandro Ochoa Despite.. Due to Fernando Plascencia shanking a penalty kick gift five minutes before, Ochoa took matters into his own feet with a well placed (though not beautiful ball).

Emelec 2 – 0 Mushuc Runa

Things were brighter in Guayaquil at the start of this week with Los azules walking home with all 3 points. Granted it was against a bottom of the table opponent and they only scored in stoppage time. And sure, it was largely thanks to a silly penalty and a well worked team goal against an exhausted opposition, but we’ll take it.

Minnesota United 1 – Sporting KC 2

A home fortress isn’t very imposing when no fans are allowed in. So it was in the Loons’ return home, where only slipshod defending and an ugly pair of own goals put anything on the board.

Avaldsnes 1 – 1 Rosenborg BK (W)

Still undefeated, though it was a close thing. Julie Blakstad opened the scoring before RBK was bottled up by their opponents. A second half equalizer by Katrina Gorry was deserved, if a bit embarrassing for the Troll girls.

St. Mirren 1 – 1 Ross County

The Staggies still sit in the top 4, but the suddenly sputtering offense doesn’t bode well. It took an absolutely grisly challenge from Saints’ Joe Shaughnessy on Ross Stewart to provide a quality opening. That the opening required Michael Gardyne to bank the ball off of two opponents into the back of the net probably means the team could use a new game plan.

Rodez 1 – 0 Grenoble (M)

When last we saw our favorite French side in action, they were struggling to find the net. After a long break, Grenoble is still struggling. Despite taking twice the number of shots as the home side, Grenoble couldn’t put le croissant in le sac. Good news, 37 weeks left to get it together.

Mjondalen 0 – 2 Rosenborg BK (M)

After the surprising segue from the effective Trond Henriksen to new manger Åge Hareide, it might have taken a moment for RBK to click. Instead the defense was stout. The midfield was imperious. And this week’s rotating cast of strikers were dangerous enough to consistently clatter the woodwork despite coming up empty. Another win puts them firmly in contention for Europe half way through the year, and also positions them well to start the quest for Europa league this week.

FK Vozdovac 1 – 1 Zlatibor

Newly promoted Zlatibor got their first SuperLiga point in this draw. Pleased as we are for them, we’re more pleased the Red Dragons got a point too rather than folding like a fresh piriogi. (Also a special hat tip to Justas Lasickas for the extra clever flick to set up a golden chance)

SC Barcelona 2- 1 Emelec

The week didn’t end as beautifully as it began for Los Bombillos. Though Roberto Ordones put them ahead with a blistering strike, the defense has a bit to answer for in giving up a win in el Clasico del Astillero (Shipyard Clasico). First an ugly and foolish challenge by Jackson Rodriguez allowed an easy penalty, and an awfully awkward turnover by Leandro Vega sealed the comeback for los Amarillos. (Gluttons for punishment, watch here)

News & Notes

Trondheim Takeovers

Age Hareide looking a bit like
your great-great Uncle Stan (Alechtron.com)

The big news in the Eliteserien this week was that Age Hareide had taken over the men’s team at RBK. While the side had performed well under caretaker manager Trond Henriksen, the legendary Norwegian manager fresh from titles in Sweden and a quarterfinal spot in the World Cup was too tempting to let go.

Less publicized but equally cool was Julie Blakstad taking over the RBK Instagram account to keep us all up to speed on her Calculus test. It’s good to know she’s a typical teen, it’s harder to accept she both out-plays and out-maths our family

Bebe-Loon

Look! There’s cheese IN the burger!!
From El Litoral

About a year’s worth of courtship finally paid off as Minnesota United signed Emmanuel Bebelo Reynoso from Argentine giants Boca Juniors. Given Friday’s misadventures any creativity and flair will be deeply welcomed (though the Loons’ tendency to have one guy play hero-ball may yet make this a disaster).

Player of the Week

Seriously, C’mon man….

Whenever there’s a week without a standout performance, I find myself looking to recognize and appreciate a lower wattage player who has quietly contributed for several weeks. In that spirit, take a bow Kristoffer Zachariassen, in addition to leading the team in scoring, and leading all our teams with goals from nearly impossible angles, the steady, strong showings in the middle of the field have made all the attacking magic possible. So Takk! (As for the crazy good looks, c’mon man, leave something for the rest of us)

What’s Next

Tuesday, August 25th

9:00 Alebrijes v Dorados

Wednesday, August 26th

11:00 AM Roa v. Rosenborg BK (W)

2:00 Emelec v LDU Portoveijo

Thursday, August 27th

12:00 Rosenborg BK v Breidablik (M-E)

Friday, August 28st

Saturday, August 29th

9:00 AM Livingston v. Ross County

12:00 Grenoble v. Toulouse (M)

1:00 PM Backa Backa Palanka v. FK Vozdovac

7:30 FC Dallas v Minnesota United

7:45 Técnico Universarito v CS Emelec

Sunday, August 30th

6:30 AM Rosenborg BK v. Arna Bjornar (W)

11:00 Rosenborg v. Stabaek

Monday, August 31st

Tuesday, September 1st

Week 33: Streaks End as Comebacks make a Comeback

Week 33: Streaks End as Comebacks make a Comeback

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Ross County 2 – 2 Kilmarnock

Ross Draper got the Staggies off the mark in the 15th minute, but Killie fought back to own much of the game. In an inversion of most Scottish games, both teams hustled back and forth, providing an energetic match. But when the visitors swatted at a ball in the box during the last 10 minutes, Ross Stewart stepped up to slot home an invaluable equalizer to keep County unbeaten…

Ross County 1 – 2 Dundee United

…for 3 more days. Last week’s POTW Coll Donaldson lashed a gem from the edge of the area to take the early lead again. The visitors fought back to take the lead in the second half, again. And that’s where the similarities stop. The aggressive efforts left Ross Laidlaw exposed a few times before the back-breaker. Truth to tell, we knew Ross County wouldn’t be invincible this year, but we feel bad that we wore the team shirt for the first time on a defeat.

Delfín 2 – CS Emelec 0 (M)

After an excruciating wait, Ecuador’s top flight returned. But Los Bombillos supporters can be forgiven if the return felt a little excruciating too. Within a minute an errant pass, a botched clearance, and Delfin took the lead. After 84 minutes of near misses, one more excruciating turn landed a deflected ball in the right spot for another fortunate Delfin goal.

Rosenborg BK 0 – 0 Valarenga (W)

In a battle of two teams in the top 3 of the league things turned out more tense than thrilling. Despite coming into Trondheim, Valarenga was very much on the front foot, containing the Clausen/Blakstad combo. A strong showing from last second starting keeper Rugile Rulyte kept the match deadlocked and kept RBK undefeated on the season.

Rad Beograd 1 – 3 FK Vozdovac

Seeing Rad jump out to a lead within the first minute led me to mutter, “This might be a looooong year for the red dragons, Owen”

To your credit Owen, you were unfazed. (Well, you were unfazed about the match, you were VERY concerned that no one had yanked on my beard for 30 seconds.)

And like you, Vozdovac was able to channel their energy to where it mattered most. In this case the opposition’s area, where 3 goals provided an opportunity to snatch three points on the road like you snatch tufts of beard off my chin. Tip the hat to Milos Stojcev who earned his with style points.

Rosenborg BK 3 – 2 Aalesund (M)

Across the complex in Trondheim, the men’s team had an absolute barn burner, falling behind, storming back, barely holding on. It had just about everything you could ask for: gorgeous goals, white knuckle defending, Dino Islamovic doing just about everything, and best of all 3 more points.

News & Notes

Superliga Feminina Set for Return

While Emelec’s men’s side made their way back on to the pitch this week, the Ecuadoran federation also revealed plans to bring back the Women’s League. So, Las Electricas will be back in action in a local round robin group before moving on to playoffs (if they qualify, but c’mon…any team with branding this awesome has to qualify…)

Lady Griz set to…er…not

Meanwhile, closer to home. The Bug Sky conference announced that no organized sports would compete this fall. Instead soccer (plus volleyball and cross country) will move to the spring.

This is a big bummer for fans of the Griz, but it’s probably for the best, as we can hope everyone stays healthy, gets a great education, and maybe…if we’re lucky…make as much progress stopping infections as Ecuador has

Sidebar: the president of the United States is very upset that some universities are postponing their American football programs…yet he’s silent on the deferred dreams of several thousand soccer players. It probably doesn’t have anything to do with race or money. NARRATOR VOICE: it had everything to do with race and money.

Freiburg take Form

The Griffins of Freiburg SC are back and gearing up for another run at the six spots in European competitions, starting with a friendly against Karlsruher SC. They’ll be doing it without rising striker star Gian-Luca Waldschmit who is off to Benéfica and an opportunity to be the man in Portugal’s biggest clubs.

Between Waldschmit and stopped Alexander Schwlolow, Christian Streich’s side has an extra 25 million to spend on new players. (Well 21 million after adding Enedina Demirovic, presumably to fill the Waldschmit role.) How, when, and where they spend it will be a key thing to watch going forward.

Bela-Ruse Part II.

Remember a few months ago when I mentioned that Belarus was still playing matches. Not because they were better positioned to beat back COVID-19 than other countries, but because their leader was a dictatorial jerk?

Guess who did more jerky dictatorial things and has fomented a full scale revolution in his country? Yup! Belarus’ own, Alexander Lukashenko

Sure hope that keeping the local league open so that you could seem tough regardless of your citizens’ health and well being was worth it. Narrator Voice: It wasn’t.

Player of the Week

It can be intimidating to step in for someone else at the last minute. Especially if it’s your first time playing for your team, and in front of your fans. Even more so if your team is battling to stay at the top of the league against a fellow top 3 side.

But that’s what Rugile Rulyte did on Sunday. A 0-0 draw isn’t thrilling, but what she did was clearly awesome. “God jobb Rugile!!”

Rulyte (in Green) Saves the Day

What’s Next

Tuesday, August 18th

2:00 PM Emelec v. Mushuc Runa (M)

7:00 Alebrijes v. Leones Negros

Wednesday, August 19th

Thursday, August 20th

Friday, August 21st

2:00 Barcelona SC v. Emelec

6:30 Minnesota United v. Sporting KC

Saturday, August 22nd

8:00 AM Avaldsnes v. Rosenborg BK (W)

9:00 AM St. Mirren v. Ross County

12:00 Rodez v. Grenoble (M)

1:00 PM FK Vozdovac v Zlatibor

1:30 Mjondalen v. Rosenborg BK (M)

Sunday, August 23rd

Monday, August 24th

Tuesday, August 25th

2:00 Emelec v. LDU Portoviejo (M)

9:00 Alebrijes v. Dorados

Week 31: 3 Steps Forward, 3 Steps Back

Week 31: 3 Steps Forward, 3 Steps Back

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Columbus Crew 1 – 2 Minnesota United (PK)

The Loons may not have had a lot of hype coming in, but they played an effective/brutal game against Columbus. The squad took the lead when Robin Lod finally got lucky knocking in a set piece. They kept the lead as Ozzie Alonso and Hassani Dotson kept the attack away. They nearly lost it, but were saved by Tyler Miller’s big body covering a late winner and multiple penalties.

With all that effective if unglamorous play enabling the win, the Loons moved on to face San Jose (more on that in a sec).

Rosenborg BK 3 – 0 Viking (M)

The early stages of the game made the final result truly startling. Viking seemed to pick out perfect passes stopped only by unfriendly woodwork, or desperate blocks. But The Troll Gutter righted course and brought on their own attack.

A superlative strike force came to the fore with Pål André Helland squeezing a scintillating shot past the keeper and Torgeir Børven knocking in a perfect long cross from Erland Dahl Reitan. Viking played better than the score indicates, but when the season ends, the score will be all that’s left.

FK Vozdovac 1 – 3 FK Radnik Surdulica

In a throwback to the months of Vozdocac BEING dominated, the Red Dragons didn’t have much chance, starting on the back foot and ending on their rumps. Defenders Luka Jakovljevic and Marko Gajic looked to have terrible nights, but I could be wrong. The way Radnik ate up the defense, they might just have been giant piles of Slatko (Serbian fruit preserves) dressed up in uniforms. (A mindnumbingly bad challenge by Marko Zivkovic is worth mentioning, but only worth watching if you are a glutton for punishment)

San Jose Earthquake 1 – 4 Minnesota United

The Loons are without defender of the year Ike Opara. Hot shot signing Luis Amarilla has been missing in action. Captain and master midfielder Ozzie Alonso has been limited by injury. So of course they cruised into the semi finals of the MLS is Back Cup with a dominant showing, as Hasani Dotson dominated the center of the pitch and Jan Gregus continued to pepper the box with nearly perfect set pieces.

Rosenborg BK 1 – 1 Klepp (W)

The Troll Jenter were the first to falter in their month long tussle atop the Toppserien. While Lillestrom and Vålerenga won, their draw at home was saved by a late equalizer from sub Sara Kanutte Fornes. The result sees them slip to third in the table, and make the match against Vålerenga in two weeks all the more important.

Odd 2 – 1 Rosenborg BK (M)

The coup of the offseason might have been Rosenborg signed away the golden boot winner from Odd: Torgeveir Børven.

Maybe that was all the motivation Odd needed, as they put Børven in a bottle with only 25 touches in the game. A few well placed strikes from distance put enough past the normally stingy back line that even a late strike and some nifty work by Dino Islamovic and Emil Konradsen Cide couldn’t salvage a point.

Emelec v. Orense (M) See note below.

Ross County 1 – 0 Motherwell

Listening in to the match on Scottish radio was a wonderful exercise in imagination and appreciation of the old days. It was also terrifying because the game was mildly terrifying.

Ross Stewart starred throughout the first half, holding on the defense and perfectly placing a penalty kick to take a lead in the first half. The Staggies stayed conservative in the second half, seeking to hold on to a vital three points against a strong Motherwell team. After avoiding disaster on Liam Donnelly’s poorly taken penalty shot, a poor challenge from Motherwell’s Callum Lang earned a late red card and helped seal the win for the Staggies.

News & Notes

Ecuador in Delay

From Emelec’s official photographer

We were pumped to see Emelec back in action (just look at our reflection on Emelec’s place as one of our teams last week), but The Liga Pro is holding off two more weeks as teams take a little more time to prepare.

Los Bombillos did take the field to train against Guayaquil City, but wound up short on a 3-1, 135 minute affair.

Grenoble Gears Up

The French Alps side took the field to train against Ligue 1 mainstays Niemes and held their own with two goals from open play. Of course it was just one training exercise for two teams shaking off months of rust, so clearly this shows that Grenoble Foot 38 are destined for greatness this year!

Sidebar: This match featured Birger Meling )(recently added to Niemes from Rosenborg) against Yoric Ravet (who moved from Freiburg to Grenoble.) Thus marking the first time two players from our favorite 11 sides faced off (even if the game didn’t matter)

Ghana hopes to halt Haitus on Halloween

The Ghana Premier League was abuzz for restarting the league this year, only to be sucker-punched by COVID-19. As the disease picks up on the continent, the restart has been delayed as well. Now the league hopes to start up their second stab at a first season at the end of October. Reports suggest they will do so with two divisions rather than one simple table. Strangely, Legon Cities, based just outside of coastal Accra will play in the Northern division against heavyweights like Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold. Maybe it’s an homage to the team’s history in the far northern city of Wa, or maybe there’s just that many teams on the coast.

Player of the Week

The Loons did everything they had to and more to get two critical wins in the knockout stages of their tournament. Perhaps the biggest shift has been their consistently impressive performance on set pieces. Much of the credit for that goes to the accuracy of midfielder Jan Gregus (Gray-Goosh). For the last two years I have promised that if I see us score on a set piece, I will finally learn which slavic country Mr. Gregus hails from. So I’m happy to say: JAN GREGUS IS SLOVAKIAN. HURA SLOVENSKO! GREGUS JE SKVELY!

Gregus and Juice (From Star Tribune)

What’s Next

Tuesday, August 4th

Wednesday, August 5th

1:00 Indjija v. FK Vozdovac

Thursday, August 6th

7:00 Orlando City v. Minnesota United

Friday, August 7th

Saturday, August 8th

8:00 AM Sandviken v. Rosenborg BK (W)

9:00 AM Hamilton Academical v. Ross County

Sunday, August 9th

1:00 FK Vozdovac v. Vojvodina

1:00 Rosenborg BK v. Sarpsborg 08 (M)

Monday, August 10th

Tuesday, August 11th

*7:00 MLS is Back Championship (IF MNUFC Wins on Thursday)

Week 30: Grin and Marit

Week 30: Grin and Marit

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Colorado Rapids 2 – 2 Minnesota United

This game gave us two things. One was the memory that Romain Metanire + Ethan Finlay equals right wing gold. (Gold we’ll hopefully see glitter again if we get to go watch them sometime this year.) Seriously that second goal was a thing of beauty and a joy to behold.

Two was a chance to watch a game that mattered mathematically and teach grandma MacK some of that calculus

Explaining the games to grandma

Of course, with progression assured, there was a little more sloppiness than usual, but that’s all a side note before tomorrow’s game against Columbus

Arna Bjornar 1 – 2 Rosenborg BK (W)

The ladies in black and white continue to show superlative form with another road winner. Marit Clausen scored again because of course she did, but the hero of the hour (or hour and a half rather) was substitute Lisa Marie Utland. Her 90th minute laser beam header made it three wins from three, and you’re forgiven, if, like me, you’re ready to shave the Troll Children’s record into your hair. (I mean, obviously I won’t because haircuts are risky in the age of COVID, but that’s about my only reason.)

FK Haugesund 1 – 0 Rosenborg BK (M)

For the first time since the opening weekend, the Troll Children dropped all the points. (Sidebar: should they be Troll Boys while the Kvinner are the Troll Girls? is that too gender binary??)

The air was sucked out of the away side early on when a late and sloppy slide from Anders Trondsend conceded a penalty that Niklas Sandberg converted within ten minutes. From then it was rather dispiriting The Trollgutter looked shaky and shambolic in defense, and seemed desperate in the attack. The loss dropped them out of the top 4, but as their only other defeats came to top two sides Bodo/Glimt and Molde, there’s plenty of reason to hope.

News & Notes

More Kickoffs Coming

This week sees a return for the Serbian League (yes, they were in action just a month ago, and yes Vozdovac kicks off against the same team they wrapped up against), the Scottish League (with Ross County back under singular manager Stuart Kettlewell), and the Ecuadorian Men’s League (starting afresh with the fall campaign). While other leagues are unsure about their restart date, the Montana Grizzlies can boast about being the most feared team in all the Big Sky ahead of their September 18th return.

New Opportunity For Oaxaca

Alebrijes de Oaxaca might have been on the cusp of the big time in Mexico. Then COVID-19 shut down the season and eliminated promotion for six years. So, instead of saddling up against the big boys, Alebrijes will play in the new “Liga de Expansion” with 17 teams seeking to stabilize the lower leagues. They have a few weeks left to kick off, but let’s get excited now, shall we?

Loons Swoon into Knockouts

The late winner that kicked off their campaign in Orlando seems a distant memory, after Minnesota wobbled through a couple draws. Still 16 of 24 teams advance, which is pretty darn convenient. Still they are undefeated and rank third in the updated league table. Sadly, finishing second in the group behind second place Kansas City earns them a match up against top of the table Columbus Crew…YAY MLS

Player of the Week

Let’s not mess with a good thing, shall we? Marit Clausen. We remain your biggest family of fans on our street in St. Paul. (It’s Minnesota, we assume there are more fans/family of yours nearby)

Clausen (Left) with winning Utland (right)

What’s Next

Tuesday, July 28th

7:00 Columbus Crew v. Minnesota United

Wednesday, July 29

Thursday, July 30

1:30 Rosenborg v. Viking (M)

Friday, July 31

Saturday, August 1

12:30 FK Vozdovac v FK Radnik Surdulica

**7:00 San Jose Earthquake v. Minnesota United

Sunday, August 2

8:00 Rosenborg BK v. Klepp (W)

1:30 Stabaek v Rosenborg BK (M)

2:00 Emelec v. Orense (M)

Monday, August 3

1:45 Ross County v. Motherwell

Tuesday, August 4

Week 28: Practically Perfect in Every Way

Week 28: Practically Perfect in Every Way

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Lyn Football 1 – 4 Rosenborg BK (W)

A late first half goal put RBK up, and a flurry to start the second half put it away. Marit Clausen and, our fave, Julie Blakstad each had a brace to give RBKKvinner a first win in their new colors.

The win saw RBK jump to a tie atop the ToppSerien. Granted both of the top two teams have big wins against last-placed Lyn, but wins are wins and with four points being the maximum this year, this may be a great year for parity.

Rosenborg BK 3 – 0 Stromsgodset (M)

Another strong showing from Rosenborg’s men’s side, should allay some fear of regression. That it came together only after a second half substitution may leave some lingering tactical questions.

Pål André Helland played the hero with a goal and two assists in just 31 minutes of game time. Coach Trond Henriksen opted to drop Helland for more recent signees Carlo Holse, Dino Islamovic and Torgeir Børven, but in retrospect, maybe play the hot hand…er, foot.

Sporting KC 1 – 2 Minnesota United

Your mom and I got to watch the second half of this game after you boys went to bed.

We missed the bad news: a spotty defense without Ike Opara and Ozzie Alonso, and a shaky offense after both Luis Amarilla and Mason Toye caught an injury each. But we did see a stellar comeback led by Aaron Shoenfeld who drew a red card from KC keeper Tim Melia, then provided the distracting target for an equalizing own goal.

Finally a late winner worked from a cross by Roman Metanire to a redirection by Raheem Edwards and a ripping finish by Kevin Molino elicited a lot of reactions. I shouted “yes!” Your mom muttered “wow!” Broadcaster Taylor Twellman gave us 12 variations on “it wasn’t pretty, but it is a win”. And Minnesota sang Wonderwall for the first time in months.

News & Notes

Welcome Back, Man

There are increasing signs of a slightly more normal fall. COVID cases are falling in most countries and most major leagues are gearing up for a return to action in August. Social media is full of training camps from Dingwall and Grenoble to Belgrade and Guayaquil.

College Plan

One place where transmission of COVID-19 is still deeply problematic is right here in the US. While the professional leagues have kicked off with modified structures, college conferences are still mulling their options. Several big football conferences have narrowed their scope to games against regional rivals only. No word yet on if Grizzly Soccer will follow suit, but they do seem keen on making sure you mask up if you come to cheer.

Punjab Ban

There’s no plan yet for India to return to the pitch either, which offers some particularly bad news for Punjab FC. Without any matches for amusement, fans could be watching rosters for some daydream thrills. But that watch got a lot more pointless this month.

Hristan Denkovski, who ended up being much
more expensive than initially thought (Sportskeeda)

Over a year ago, former Punjab FC owner Ranjit Bajaj signed Macedonian Hristijan Denkovski. Denkovski didn’t show so Bajaj ended the contract without paying him. Then Bajaj sold the club, COVID hit, and Denkovski still hadn’t been paid (even though Bajaj and the new owners knew they had to). Now, almost a year later, international judges levied the consequence for not paying someone who never played for you: NO MORE SIGNING ANYONE FOR A YEAR!! I’ll bet there’s another appeal coming, but surely it would’ve been easier to pay the man $18,000 and move on. Instead the club faces the soccer equivalent of having your library card set on fire because you didn’t pay six month of late fees on Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.

Woman of the Matches

Sure Pål André Helland played a part in every goal against Stromsgødet, and Kevin Molino netted a late winner, but I’m of going to miss the chance to plant myself firmly in the driver seat of the Julie Blaksted Hype Train. Three goals in two games have put the Kvinner in the thick of the early title race

What’s Next

Wednesday, July 15

Thursday, July 16

1:30 Start v. Rosenborg BK (M)

Friday, July 17

9:30 Real Salt Lake v Minnesota United

Saturday, July 18

Sunday, July 19

9:00 Rosenborg BK v. Kolbotn (W)

11:00 Rosenborg BK v. Sandefjord (M)

Monday, July 20

Tuesday, July 21

Week 20: Is it true…is it really, true?

Week 20: Is it true…is it really, true?

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Soccer 1 – Boredom 0

Huzzah!! Soccer is back (for the time being). We’ve got games to watch and goals to cheer (until a spike in cases ends this little effort). Quickly! To the televised sporting events: there isn’t a moment to lose (because it could all end literally at any moment).

RB Leipzig 1- SC Frieburg 1

The first game back for our teams featured the Griffins of SC Freiburg visiting those well-heeled heels of the Bundesliga: RB Leipzig.

Despite the disparity between the teams’ bank accounts and international profiles, Freiburg managed to frustrate Leipzig in front of their home…uh…seat backs. Okay, it was weird hearing echoes of player reactions rather than the roar of the crowd, and there was clearly a lot of rust shaking loose from the players’ runs, positioning, and defending, but still, it was soccer, it was live, and it made a difference to the race for the title (keeping Leipzig behind the top two) and the Europa League (allowing Freiburg to keep in shouting distance).

Yousuf Poulson got the goal, but not the glory.

While the Red Bulls had the better run of play, peppering goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow repeatedly, Freiburg capitalized on the chances they had. A lucky deflection opened the scoring, and Schwolow’s sterling keeping kept them ahead well into the second period. Finally Leipzig got a well earned goal back (from Danish star Yousuf Poulsen…a man I’d love to steal for Minnesota United, but that’s beside the point).

A draw could have been satisfying, but midfielder Robin Koch nearly did Freiburg one better, slashing home a late winner.

Except…not…

Because he received the pass from an offside teammate so it was all bang and no bucks as the match ended 1-1.

https://youtu.be/zKlpLRIXeLs

News & Notes

Changes are Brewing

Business has begun to pick up around the world, and things are starting to settle into something like a plan.

Ecuador has joined Mexico in cancelling the spring season, preparing to kick off again for the fall campaign.

Scotland joined France and India in cancelling the rest of their season. The league won’t add any more teams so Ross County won’t suffer any short fall from two fewer visits from radical road fans from Rangers or Celtic.

The Site of the proposed MLS tournament. Not pictured: Mickey Mouse breaking a rookie’s heart by not signing an autograph.

Arguably the biggest changes will come right here at home. The Big Sky Conference announced that women’s soccer will not have a tournament to cap the season: it’s all about the table to get the invite to the big dance. Meanwhile, Major League Soccer is plotting to have something like a mini-tournament in June and July in Orlando, because if there’s one place you want to engage in grueling physical activity it’s the middle of Florida in the middle of the summer. Minnesota United might end up in a mini group playing about 10 games in the hopes of making a conclusive tournament. It’s nothing close to the 25th anniversary hullabaloo the league might have wanted, but it might well keep the tv money flowing and that’s nice to have too.

Following Up on Punjab FC

Last week I threw up the idea that Punjab FC might be on the verge of a major move up to India’s top league.

This week I did the responsible thing and followed up with the excellent blog The Away End where I first found the details about East Bengal’s power play. I asked author Nehal what they made of the warriors odds of joining the top flight. He didn’t quite douse the flame of hope, but it’s a lot more damp now than it was before.

 Punjab FC have held talks with the ISL folks, but I doubt it’s going to happen in the upcoming season. There isn’t much buzz around it and their lack of activity in the market is telling. All things said, I really hope they pull it off sooner rather than later. The more the merrier!

Nehal (The Away End, 5/13/2020)

Man of the Matches

With the pressure and skill of RB Leipzig in full flow, we have to tip our cap to the man who stood in their way: Alexander Schlowow. His eight saves more than doubled Freiburg’s total shots. Thank you, Alexander.

Schlowow’s sacrifice
(Photo Christian Schroedter POOL)

What’s Next

Wednesday, May 20

Thursday, May 21

Friday, May 22

Saturday, May 23

8:30 AM: SC Freiburg v Werder Bremen

Sunday, May 24

Monday, May 25

Week 13: We could not talk for hours and still find things to not talk about

Week 13: We could not talk for hours and still find things to not talk about

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

None: all games postponed due to Coronavirus

Worldwide efforts to slow and curtail the virus have led to dozens of lock downs. Most leagues have extended their hiatus until early May. Some, who had been almost done seem totally at a loss to know whether or not they’ll return at all (fingers crossed for India, Serbia, Scotland, and Mexico).

With minimal adventures outside the home a lot of fans are limited to attempts to stay active and sane through various competitions and questions. So whether you’re trying to keep the ball/toilet paper aloft, or ranking your favorite fictional footballers, keep your eye on the prize: normalcy.

News & Notes

County Can’t Keep Up with PSV

Despite a dominant showing against Cork City in round 1, the Staggies’ man on the joystick was very much on the other end of things against PSV Eindhoven’s pro gamer. Falling behind 3-0 Sean Kelly made an epic comeback to tie the match and force a rematch. He fell behind by three goals again, and then…didn’t comeback at all.

A strong showing from Ross County’s midfielder going 1-1-1 over 3 matches. While he won’t earn a trophy or bragging rights he did get to share in a truly epic tournament. Bravo Sean Kelly

https://twitter.com/SeanKelly_93/status/1242513977575432194

Man of the Matches

Again, no matches makes it hard to pick a best player of the week. So let’s tip a hat to the social media directors who keep churning out content during these difficult football-less times. In particular Alebrijes de Oaxaca who brought out a bright little math puzzle (one that I whiffed on).

What’s Next (We hope)

Wednesday, April 1

Thursday, April 2

Friday, April 3

Saturday, April 4

Sunday, April 5

2:00 (M) Técnico Universarito v Emelec

Monday April 6