Not much more to say about that. Even with Goran Barjaktarevic out of a job the results did not seem to shift much for the Royals.
Mushuc Runa 2 – 3 CS Emelec [M]
Los Bombillos started out strong with a couple of early goals (including another one for Facundo Barcelo). But it was a second half goal on a Romario Caicedo. That gave them the cushion they needed when Mushuc Runa made a late comeback.
Grenoble 0 – 0 Paris FC [M]
A top of the table battle ended up in a stalemate. Neither side could seem to find an advantage in an ongoing midfield tussle.
Augsburg 1 – 1 Freiburg [M]
While they’ve struggled over the last few weeks to find a consistent form. But the moments where they work a beautiful opening goal through Vincenzo Grifo showed just what they can do. Of course, the flub by Florian Muller a few minutes later is a sign of what they have been doing.
Seriously, there’s just not enough reaction for this. County won. They won against Celtic. They won against Celtic in Glasgow. Little old County, little old Staggies, THEY ended Celtic’s 3 year run of winning every trophy in Scotland.
Ross Stewart hit a vital penalty. Ross Laidlaw and the defense stood up to the Hoops for the rest of the match. Alex Iacovitti hit a huge header to put it beyond reach and the look on his face when he did it was beyond joy. This…this is why we’re fans.
FK Vozdovac 3 – 2 Mladost Lucani
At home, the Red Dragons are nigh on indomitable. Even though Mladost Lucani came back to equalize, Nikola Vujnovic was able to blast home an excellent goal and walk out a winner.
Bodo/Glimt 5 – 1 Rosenborg BK [M]
It hasn’t been a great run for Rosenborg, and losing their third on the spin was hard. Losing it this big was even harder. But with four matches left in the season, it’s starting to get tetchy whether they can hold on to their top four spot or not.
Chateauroux 0 – 1 Grenoble [M]
While Grenoble seemed stuck in another goalless draw. Chateroux’s Ibrahim Cisse’s red card gave them just the edge they needed to break the deadlock.
CS Emelec v SC Barcelona [M]
Postponed to the coming weekend
News & Notes
Seriously, Celtic LOST!
HO-LY-HELL!!!!!!!!
Okay, let’s be extra clear about this. Celtic is one of the greatest teams in Scottish history. They have won a tonnage of titles, a pile of individual accolades and…just to put an underline on this…they had won 9 straight trophies. They won 35 straight tournament games. They have a wage bill ten times greater than Ross County. Ross County should absolutely not have won that game, especially not AT Celtic’s home turf.
Player of the Week
Ross Laidlaw lost his starting spot a couple months ago and ended up as a back up keeper for a struggling defensive team. That he was between the posts against Celtic wasn’t a vote of confidence. That he helped blank them was….well….[chef’s kiss]
What’s Next
Wednesday, December 2nd
Thursday, December 3rd
Sporting KC v. Minnesota United
Friday, December 4th
Napredak v FK Vozdovac
Saturday, December 5th
Freiburg v. Borussia Munchen Gladbach [M]
Dreams FC v. Legon Cities FC
Caen v. Grenoble Foot [M]
Sunday, December 6th
Klepp v. Rosenborg BK [W]
Ross County V. Rangers
CS Emelec v. Barcelona SC [M]
Monday, December 7th
Valerenga – Rosenborg BK [M]
–Western Conference final @ Seattle if Minnesota wins–
A man and a goal down at half time, you’d be excused if you thought Emelec was doomed.
After LDUQ lost one of their players, Los Bombillos stormed back, with Sebastian Rodriguez equalizing on an absolute howler and Jose Cevallos winning it in the 90th minute with a shot that left Universidad completely stunned on the field.
Not far from the fields in MT (Photo: University of Ghana)
Accra Great Olympics 3 – 0 Legon Cities
Fun Fact: Accra Great Olympics used to train across the street from a middle school I taught at in Legon.
Less fun fact: they totally dominated the professional team from Legon as if they were only middle schoolers
Kilmarnock 3 – 1 Ross County
It takes a special team to go down a man inside of 8 minutes and still dominate a match. It also takes a special team to be up a man for 92 minutes and never look competitive. Ross County is special (you can tell from the score line why they are).
Pau 0 – 2 Grenoble
In the long slog of a spring Grenoble’s lone solace seemed to be midfielder Jessy Benet. The lone creator and goal scorer of February has now become just another cog in a well run machine but after netting a penalty (made possible by his own creativity) and enabling an assist (for defensive standout Loic Nestor) it’s nice to remember what a gem Jessy is.
FK Vozdovac 1 – 1 Novi Pazar
Ivan Milosavljevic’s tremendous control in his eighth minute goal put the Red Dragons ahead and the stingy defense kept them there. Until an absolutely silly hand ball by Marko Gajic gifted a late penalty to the visitors, which they duly buried. Maybe it’s worth saying: in class put your hands up, on the pitch, keep them down.
SC Freiburg 1 – 5 TSG 1899 Hoffenheim [F]
It’s hard to put a shiny face on what was a complete and total domination by Hoffenheim. Instead we’ll just tip the cap to Hasret Kayicki on returning to the score sheet for the first time since her excellent equalizer versus Wolfsburg.
SC Freiburg 1 – 3 Mainz [M]
It just wasn’t a great day for the Griffins, as fans might have been grateful to be barred from entrance. Frenchman Jean Phillipe Mateta’s first half hat trick was plenty, as Keeper Florian Muller and Phillip Leinhart must have seemed about as intimidating a couple Breisgau cream puffs.
CS Emelec 3 – 2 Delfín [M]
In a match that absolutely explained the contrast between Emelec’s first campaign of this fall and their current one, Los bombillos fell behind (again). Then stormed back with a brace from (yup) Facundo Barcelo to win it at the death.
Minnesota United 3 – 0 Colorado Rapids [Playoffs]
The Loons first playoff win since 2012, was a very strong showing. Despite having little to show from an opening 20 minutes when I was trying to get you to sleep, Owen, the team was cohesive and strong throughout. Emanuel Reynoso’s two assists and Kevin Molino’s two goals gave us all some much needed relief in 2020.
Rosenborg BK 2 – 3 Brann [M]
Despite a Norway’s most handsome striker led comeback (kudos Kristoffer Zachariassen) leaving all your offense for the last ten minutes was not an effective game plan for Rosenborg.
Grenoble 1 – 0 Nancy [M]
In their first COVID make up game les Grenobloises met the moment. Particular gratitude goes to Jordy Gaspar and Adrien Monfry for holding down the right side for their second shutout in four days.
News & Notes
The Royals Need a New King
Barjakta-ball never took hold (Photo: Prime Ghana)
Another underwhelming start to the season sealed the fate of Legon Cities’ Bosnian coach Goran Barjaktarevic
With as much as LCFC is doing to set themselves apart off the pitch you can only tolerate underwhelming results on it for so long. Three wins in the first year of the club just can’t cut it. Though, to be honest, the sparse press release announcing the firing left much to be desired. I’d have loved if a hip life star had dropped the announcement in a half time show.
Player of the Week
Hot Boy on Fire (Photo from MPR News)
Kevin Molino was the first widely known player to join the MNUFC roster. His best matches often lead to our greatest triumphs, his longest absences mirror our worst runs of form. He’s no longer required to be the star, Emmanuel Reynosa has that covered but when Hot Boy is hot, so is the team. And the Loons first playoff win in 8 years is a testament to his dedication.
Also, his teammates roasting and his kids celebrating is further testament to this awesomeness
Already up 3-0 at half time a red card to Portoviejo’s Ayrton Cisneros gave Emelec all they needed to dominate the bottom team in Ecuador. Still Facundo Barcelo’s four goals, including two within two minutes may finally light up Los Bombillos attack
Cancun FC 0 – 2 Alebrijes
In a stunner, Oaxaca topped a top 4 side in the league (courtesy of Franco Arizala’s penalty following a rather suspect hand ball penalty and a deceptively fast free kick). The win gave them hope of not finishing at the bottom of the league, before the season finale on Tuesday.
Yup Rosenborg’s Women’s team lost a match for the first time in 2020. The league streak and chance for a title still hangs in the balance on their last match…whenever it may be…
St Ettiene 3 – 2 Grenoble
Mousa Kaillou Djite’s pair of goals put Grenoble in a great position. But uncharacteristic lapses from keeper Brice Mableu lost the edge on a crushing 90th minute winner.
Ross County 3 – 0 Sterling Albion [Cup]
Yup Ollie Shaw scored again, County won again. With the league slipping away, the Staggies are looking to focus on the Cup, but with most lower league sides about to bow out and the best teams yet to arrive on the scene, I’m not sure how long the run can go on.
SC Barcelona 2 – 1 CS Emelec [F]
The second leg of the playoff started well for las eléctricas. Luisa Espinoza scored again giving them both the lead and an invaluable away goal. Though they gave up an equalizer, there were plenty of reasons to hope…until…defender and team captain Bowen conceded a penalty, received a red card, and watched helplessly as the yellow rivals won it from the spot. It’s a bitter end note to the 2020 season. Here’s hoping for more next year.
Legon Cities 1 – 1 Berekum Chelsea
The Royals started on the back foot, as the did so often last season. But a Jonah Attaquye penalty and a strong defensive showing sealed a draw. (A particularly valuable draw as 7 of 9 matches ended in draws.
Klepp v. Rosenborg BK [F]
The second wave of COVID in Europe wiped out most final matches in Norway’s women’s league. no word yet on make up date, but at least the team got a fun flight out of it…?
SGS Essen 0 – 0 SC Freiburg [F]
Despite a late red card for Essen, Freiburg couldn’t notch a win.
Emelec 1 – 1 Técnico Universitario [M]
Facundo Barcelo continued his hot streak with a penalty equalizer to keep the Guayaquil blues firmly in the tables top half as the second stage reaches its midpoint.
Alebrijes 2 – 4 Cimarrones
With Franco Arizala putting them up 2 after the half, Oaxaca could be excused for getting a little confident. Giving up 4 in ten minutes at home?!?! Why?!?
The Instagram feed for Trondheim based artist @Perolavik features some deep cuts of Norwegian politics and homages to influential figures from RBK’s storied past. This week they got around to noting RBK’s bright future with caricatures of Trolljenta’s top stars.
COVID Spikes Start Cancellations Again
As the weather turns and people retreat indoors, the long awaited “second wave” of COVID-19 has begun. (To which Americans scoff and say, psssh! It’s our third wave! USA! USA! USA!)
France has cancelled all lower level women’s leagues until January. And, despite having a lower infection rate than much of the world, Norway postponed the “gold matches” to decide their end of year champions. As yet, the men’s game has only delayed international contests, but time will tell what comes next.
Meanwhile America celebrated positive signs from a new vaccine with record highs in positive cases, hospitalizations, and petulant grandstanding to risk public health. USA! USA!
Player of the Week
Facundo Barcelo’s five goals for four points in Two games is pretty flipping stellar if I say so myself. And as I write this, I do.
The Loons left their come back pretty late (which happens when Emanuel Reynoso spends most of the match on the bench). The absence of Michael Boxall, Ike Opara and Ozzie Alonso continues to be exploited, and coach Adrian’s Heath’s choices are….interesting (that’s Minnesotan for infuriating)
Emelec 1 – 2 Union [M-South American Cup]
Despite coming in with a hefty advantage Los Bombillos bombed out of the competition. Facundo Barcelo’s second half equalizer was diminished as Union peppered keeper Pedro Ortiz with twice Emelec’s shot total.
Ross County 1 – 1 Livingston
Ollie Shaw seems to have found his shooting boots (or skull rather), scoring for the second time in two weeks. Meanwhile Ross Doohan has continued to find himself at the mercy of opponents. Doohan’s let in 7 over 4 games, but with Ross Laidlaw ceding 16 in the first 10, the Staggies might just be sunk between the goalposts (particularly with as thin the defense has been stretched by low cross after low cross).
Rosenborg BK 1 – 1 Sandviken [F]
Rosenborg remained undefeated but the only action came from an own goal off each side, so it wasn’t exactly a thriller or even particularly edifying. The team will now have one last match to try and swipe the title out from the hands of Valerenga, whose loss to Lyn has finally left the two teams equal. Any result better than the Oslo side will do it, Otherwise they’d need to win by 5 more goals than their rivals…
Grenoble 2 – 1 Le Havre [M]
In their first match back from quarantine Grenoble hit their marks with aplomb (it was probably the hot pink tops). Kevin Tapoko built a goal out of absolutely nothing with an interception, secondary assist and goal in about 10 seconds, while Willy Semedo’s winner showed a strength in attack that GF38 sorely needed.
Final Result: Joe Biden [D] 306 – 229 Donald Trump [R]
The Sunday Paper with Elections, sports and murder…
This is probably the most relieved I’ve felt in a looooooong time. And with a 5 Million vote edge translating into just a 77 electoral vote margin that felt more comfortable than it ever seemed on the day. Just for fun, here’s how Grenoble covered both the election and the victory.
RB Leipzig 3 – 0 Freiburg [M]
From one angle, Freiburg started well, only losing one of their first five matches. From the other angle Freiburg are in terrible form taking only 3 points from 6 matches. The truth may lie somewhere in between but we hope Christian Streich finds it and fast.
Cukaricki 3 – 2 FK Vozdovac
Credit where it’s due, from falling behind on an early penalty, the Red Dragons fought back to take the lead in the second half. But a fine Cukariki goal and another penalty wiped that away.
Emelec 0 – 0 CS Barcelona [F]
The quarterfinal in this year’s women’s league was an all Guayaquil affair with the local derby determining the next step towards national triumph. Las Electricas held their own earning a goal-less draw with their rivals. But with a second leg still to come, they actually have a great opportunity. A win or a draw should see them through!
📸 Postales de nuestro encuentro de ayer por los cuartos de final (Ida) de la @superligafef. ¡Vamos #Eléctricas! 💪🏻
After falling behind in the first four minutes, Freiburg stormed back to take the lead back before half-time and hold on from there. Sandra Starke became the first player with two goals (that probably has as much to do with the team’s recent scoreless streak as it does the lack of a dominant force like Klara Buhl).
Viking 3 – 0 Rosenborg BK [M]
Rosenborg lost for the first time in the league since the beginning of August and it wasn’t particularly close. Despite dominating the possession, they got absolutely slaughtered by Viking’s counter attack. Here’s hoping that they took the L so the ladies don’t have to.
Minnesota United 3 – 0 Dallas
We’ve raved about Emmanuel Reynoso, whose first goal was an absolute banger. But it’s worth taking some time to shout out Kevin Molino. The first high profile Loons signee, has paid his dues on the bad teams, sat on the bench to heal an injury during the last good season, and now is leading the charge into the playoffs (though having Reynoso along side him sure helped).
Alebrijes de Oaxaca 1 – 2 Atalante
Oaxaca started out on the right foot, taking the lead through Hector Reynoso Lopez. While the team held on well against the top 4 side for a full hour, a pair of late goals sank their hopes and dropped them back to the bottom of the league.
Emelec 2 – 0 Universidad Catholica [M]
Los Bombillos celebrated the Reddy Kilowatt 5 K with a pair of goals to win their second of five. (For comparison they had only won 2 of 8 to wrap up the first half of the season). Dixon Arroyo’s absurdly placed ball to Romario Caicedo who seemed to be gliding through mile 2 was pretty to watch, and Bryan Carabali hammered home a cross like a quart of chocolate milk at the end of the run. (Trust me, these running references are on point)
Elgin City 1 – 4 Ross County [Cup]
As a Premier League club County should expect to beat up on their fourth tier opponents. As a team in terrible form, nothing can be taken as a given. Fortunately Oliver Shaw (yup, him again) broke open the scoring and the Staggies never looked back). (Here’s hoping Ross Laidlaw gets a second chance soon)
News & Notes
Setting Schedules for the Spring
Both The University of Montana and Punjab FC have announced their schedules for the coming season. The only downside, their seasons won’t start until 2021. But let’s take a look.
On January 9th, India’s soccer will kick off again in Kolkata. Punjab FC will again take part, this time under the leadership of Roundglass Sports, and, judging from the Orange-ified logos, a brand new look too.
The season will be a two part process, rather like the current Scottish style. After one half of the season (a single match against each opponent), teams will be split in to two halves. The top half will play eachother for the title, the bottom half will play eachother to avoid relegation. (Sidebar: Minerva Punjab is also in training…which team we stick with…well…we shall see)
Meanwhile, in Missoula, the Grizzlies have set a very localized schedule in their quest to repeat as Big Sky champs 18 months later. While the fall season was mostly to keep in shape, before the next season, in the spring they’ll be playing for keeps.
Is our Big Sky opener still more than four months away? Yes
Global Energy Stadium is…partially filled! (MSN.com)
Ross County has become one of the first sides to officially let in fans (albeit fewer than they’d hope and farther apart than they’d hoped. But still fans were back and reported being quite happy to sit in the stands again.
France Shuts Down Lower Women’s Leagues
With a spike in Coronavirus cases, particularly around Grenoble, and even within the team, a shutdown seems fair. Not fun, but fair. That it now encompasses all of the lower leagues in Women’s soccer well…that’s a bitter pill to swallow…if only there were some good wine to wash it down.
Championnats D2F, U19F, Ligue et District suspendus
As if the struggles in playing well weren’t enough, Alebrijes de Oaxaca also had to deal with a conflict of a much more serious nature on Sunday. Center Back Yohan Zetuna was subjected to racist abuse by Ronaldo Gonzalez of Atlante. The two had been battling for a while (with each one earning a cuation from the ref), and while the incident is still in the “alleged” stage. We stand with Yohan as every player deserves to be welcomed on the field (wherever they’re from and wherever their field is)
With equal output and effect on the match, we have no choice but to split the honors this week. Handing half of the honor to a widely-regarded star calibre talen, and half of it to a little known, just emerging young talent. So Emmanuel Bebelo Reynoso for your plethora of assists, goals, and innovation: take a bow. Oliver Shaw for your star turn at a time the Staggies need it most: take a bow too.
It’s been six unbeaten for the Loons. But they haven’t really looked unbeatable since early September. This time a late own goal helped them across the line despite Emmanuel Reynoso’s best efforts to connect with attack partners.
Union 0 – 1 Emelec [M–South American Cup]
Los Bombillos May still be languishing in domestic contests but they do what’s needed on the bigger continental stage. A vital goal away from home came from an opportunistic Facundo Barcelo who punished the Argentines for not clearing the ball more decisively.
Dundee United 2 – 1 Ross County
Oliver Shaw got his first goal as a Staggie on an excellent sprint. But by that time the Tangerines of Dundee had the game in hand. So the Stags took another tough defeat.
2:00 Niort v. Grenoble [M]
Cancelled due to COVID 19
FK Vozdovac 2 – 0 TSC Backa Topola
For a team that was winless for most of the spring, Vozdovac looks equally consistent now, albeit in a much better way. It certainly helps to have a stronger back line anchored by a keeper in great form. So, as is becoming habit around here, thanks Miloje Prekovic.
Rosenborg BK 3 – 1 Avaldsnes [W]
A decisive and vital win against a fellow top 4 contender saw Rosenborg jump into first place (with Valerenga’s win over LSK they fell back to second). As top opponents shut down passing lanes for Clausen/Blakstad other options have had to rise up, including this week’s star: Lisa Marie Utland. Her headed brace gave her 5 goals on the season and further cemented the team’s attacking strength.
SC Freiburg 2 – 4 Bayern Leverkusen [M]
After several close contests, Freiburg’s battle with Bavaria’s top team was a little more open. Despite an early goal, the Griffin’s defense couldn’t hold back a Leverkusen attack, with Florian Müller conceding more than he saved
Rosenborg BK 1 – 0 Start [M]
As with the women, Rosenborg’s attack has needed to diversify of late, but they’ve made it work. Carlo Holse has served as a super sub and scored again here
Sporting KC v. Minnesota United
Yup COVID got the loons…again…though with playoffs clinched its not the worst thing to happen.
Aucus 1 – 1 Emelec [M]
Emelec hadn’t dropped points to Aucus since May 2018. In the last match before COVID closure they trounced the red and gold 4-0. This time they only managed a point as Marlon Meija’s first half red card stretched them too thin to cope.
7o de Febrero 0- 4 Emelec [F]
With a resounding win, las Eléctricas sealed a spot in the super league playoffs. Ginger García found the net inside of two minutes, but it was striker Luisa Espinoza’s brace that sealed the victory and advancement.
*The most important contest of this year Biden (D) v. Trump (R)*
NO RESULT AS OF PUBLICATION TIME…or even several days later when I finally had time to find the videos and images I wanted.
News & Notes
Baby Jet Flies Home
Last week, we had high hopes that black stars legend Asamoah “Baby Jet” Gyan would be coming to Legon this year.
Yes, those leagues that wrap in the winter are nearing their conclusions, which means a shorter series of matches among the best of the best to determine a champion.
Rosenborg’s 16th straight result means that even if the Trolljenter totally collapse they’ll finish in a top 4 spot.
Emelec’s Eléctricas also qualified, though less conclusively than their Norwegian cousins.
And, despite a desperately underwhelming run of form and enough COVID cases to make you wonder if socially distanced positioning might be a game plan, Minnesota United’s points per game was enough to guarantee them a crack at the cup this year.
Player of the Week
It must be said: Luisa Espinoza lifted las Electricas to the next round of the Superliga Feminina this week. A great performance and a great result is exactly what Player of the Week was built for.
We Love you too…and we’re about 80% sure this is Luisa Espinoza…seriously Emelec, clarify!
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)*
Seriously, did they think it would take them four days to beat COVID? Who do they think they are? A bunch of obese 70 something reality stars turned politicians with access to obscenely expensive health care?
Emelec 1 – 0 Orense [M]
Emelec started their second half in a high grabbing a valuable win to restart their campaign with a good chance to compete. Dixon Arroyo’s 2nd half goal was a fortunate combination of positioning and sloppy defense.
Correcaminos 3 – 2 Alebrijes
A week after final breaking through with a goal, Oaxaca got two more to lead then tie a solid Correcaminos side. Sadly a third goal ceded made it moot, and left us all hopping for moral victories before the last month of the year.
Eintracht Frankfurt 0 – 1 SC Freiburg [W]
Lina Burger opened the match with a solid finish from a well worked team goal and from then on it was just a matter of holding on. The lady griffins did manage a few more strong forays into the Frankfurt area, but even though they came away goalless, they got what they needed.
SC Freiburg 1 -1 Werder Bremen [M]
Christian Streich’s side started out hot with a pair of goals inside 20 minutes from Phillip Leinhart (on a deflection) and Jonathan Schmid. Sadly, Schmid’s was negated by VAR and after a sloppy tackle from Lucas Holer gifted Bremen a penalty, it was all Christian Günter and company could do to salvage the draw.
Ross County 0 – 0 Hibernian
Connor Randall’s second half red card meant there was a very tense last ten minutes, with Staggies left grateful and aggrieved when a late tackle of Ross Stewart didn’t lead to a penalty.
FK Vozdovac 2 – 1 FK Spartak Subotica
The Red Dragons got their first win against a top six side in their ongoing push to be part of the third place race (behind Partizan and Red Star’s Duopoly). Nikolai Vujnovic netted a screaming winner as Keeper Miloje Prekovic was again crucial to the points.
Amiens 1 – 0 Grenoble [M]
On paper, this was a clear opportunity for Grenoble to grab some points away from home. But things were a lot less clear on the field, where Grenoble’s previously potent attack ground to a halt, and one slip was all it took for Amiens to capitalize and win it.
Emelec 0 – 2 Barcelona SC [F]
It was another hard derby for las electricas with Barcelona’s non-international Ecuadorian equivalents painted Guayaquil yellow again
Valerenga 1 – 1 Rosenborg BK [W]
The match of the weekend was as thrilling as advertised. Despite an early goof of a goal from a Valerenga cross, Rosenborg didn’t bend. Most surprising was the last moment equalizer from Sara Kanutte Fornes to keep RBK unbeaten. Ultimately the quest for an Invincible season, might be a distraction. The Trolljenta will be vying for the title in a final four playoff, but an unbeaten year would just feel so sweet.
Kristiansund 0 – 0 Rosenborg BK [M]
Not for the first time we wished the men’s team was playing at the level of the women’s side.
Bravo Merignac
Merignac 0 – 1 Grenoble [F]
Jade Decilap made the difference on the road as the ladies of Grenoble got a valuable win. Side bar: hat tip to Merignac for rocking the chipmunk crest!
Minnesota United 2 – 2 Houston Dynamo
In an act of snatching a stalemate from the jaws of victory, the Loons gave up a pair of second half goals. For a team that’s past it’s injury woes (as seen by a brilliant return by Ethan Finlay) and has said goodbye to young prospects to bring in “proven winners” this collapse (both on field and in standings) is…frustrating.
Guayaquil City 1 – 0 Emelec [M]
The blue side of Guayaquil came out pale after dropping the second derby of the week. After a bright start to the second half of the campaign, some fans may feel hope dimming that los bombillos can shine any morethan they did before. (Did you like that plethora of lightbulb allusions?)
News & Notes
Grenoble Grippe
Macron’s Mask Mandate (Washington Post)
Minnesota United got some company in their infectious disease section of our standings this week as Grenoble Foot’s coach, plus 18 other players and staff members, tested positive for Corona-Virus.
This is part of a bigger local trend. French President, Emmanuel Macron (aka the Economist’s biggest crush), instituted a stricter curfew on nine cities, including Grenoble.
Player of the Week
So many sides needed sterling defensive showings to hold on to their points, it only makes sense to honor the defensive side of the game this week. We’ll acknowledge Miloje Prekovic, who, despite giving up a goal and looking a bit lucky has been so critical to Vozdovac’s surge up the standings that he’s well over due for some recognition.
Prekovic, who frankly looks like he’s interviewing to be your gym teacher
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 local derby went no better for las electricas than they did for los bombillos. A consolation goal really wasn’t at the end, but this is only part one of several stages in the campaign.
Columbus Crew 2 – 1 Minnesota United
An uneven schedule means that the Loons got landed with the best team in the East while some rivals face far less intimidating opponents. The team brought their best effort but couldn’t keep up with Columbus, losing vital ground despite the resurgence of Robin Lod.
Rosenborg 1 – 0 Alanyaspor (M-E)
Having changed my classroom background for the occasion, I was quite glad to see RBK justify my love and maybe even earn a new fan from among my students. (Sure, none of them could pin Rosenborg, Alanyaspor or half the Europa league on a map but hey! They know the name now). Anders Konradsen made the difference and set up a next round battle with…uh-oh…PSV Eindhoven…who rocked Rosenborg (4-1) last year in the same contest.
Alebrijes 0 – 1 Atlético Morelia
It was tantalizingly close to a vital point (or more) for the Oaxacans, but Gustavo Ramirez Rojas 88th minute winner kept the silver linings far from view.
Emelec 2 – 0 Deportivo Cuenca (M)
It was a much needed win for Emelec, even if it came against the bottom team on the table. Joao Joshimar Rojas certainly had the most eventful week, with an early goal to save an almost botched opportunity. Then a late red card to give everybody something to talk about [Cuenca’s two red cards made it a little less dire].
Kolbotn 2 – 2 Rosenborg [W]
A rare slip from the Troll girls. Up 2-0 [with a Marit Clausen goal, naturally], two late goals conceded left them to split the spoils and miss a golden chance to grab the title race by the horns.
Ross County 0 – 3 Aberdeen
Manager Stuart Kettlewell called it the team’s worst game of the season. Unfortunately, they’re about to follow it up with a trip to play league leading Rangers, so buckle up Staggies.
Bayern Munich 1 – 0 Freiburg [W]
The biggest organization in German soccer is a little behind the curve in the Women’s game, but with former Freiburg starlet Klara Buhl on their side, they’re taking steps to address it. Buhl helped work up Bayern’s winning goal, but we’ll always have her early years to remember.
Guingamp 1 – 0 Grenoble [M]
Grenoble Foot’s winning run came to an end, but the side still seems vastly improved from last year. An early injury to Florian Michel might have enabled Guingamp’s winning goal, but however it happened, Grenoble will look to get back to winning soon.
FK Vozdovac 5 – 0 Radnicki Nis
It is a rare thing for me to get distracted during teacher training. (Not sarcastic, seriously, I like learning about things…you boys have a nerd for a dad.) But 5 goals for the Red Dragons definitely caught me off guard. In three weeks they’ve had results of 4-0; 0-6; 5-0. Somewhere Novak Djokovic is thinking of his tennis results. This week’s shout outs go to Nikola Vujnovic, Marko Putincanin, Ivan Milosavljevic, Milos Pantovic and Milos Stojcev.
Emelec 3 – 0 Club 7 de Febrero [W]
A quick start with goals from Adriana Valenzuela and Ginger Garcia gave Emelec all they needed to knock out the 7/2s. Substitute Emily Tomala’s final notch was icing on the cake.
Grenoble 3 – 3 Montaubaun [W]
Les grenobloises stormed back from down 2-0 in the first half to the lead but gave it back with only five minutes to go. Sarah Magnier of Grenoble blasted a header against the bar before a final whistle ended things in a draw.
Aalesund 1 – 2 Rosenborg BK [M]
A brace from the best looking man in Trondheim, Kristoffer Zachariassen put Rosenborg firmly amid the chase for second place in the Elite Serien. With Bodo/Glimt dropping only 4 points all year, there’s four teams within 3 points of each other for the silver medal. Rosenborg doesn’t need to celebrate silver…but after the dire start (1 point out of 9), it would be appreciated.
Freiburg 1 – 1 Wolfsburg
For 30 glorious minutes, Nils Petersen’s header put Frieburg into second place in all of Germany. But the offense couldn’t find any other routes through the Wolfsburg defense and solid goal for the opponents left them only in 5th (still ahead of giants Munich and Dortmund though).
Minnesota United 0 – 0 Real Salt Lake
Again I got to watch some of the match when you boys went to bed. And again I saw a Minnesota team struggle and ultimately fail to get anything to go there way. On paper every thing is there: sterling attackers, creative play, strong chance creation. On the pitch, they can’t seem to seal the deal. It’s a trite phrase but this was “not 1 point earned, but 2 points lost”.
News & Notes
Oaxaca Wipe Out
Nowhere to run to.
One year ago Alebrijes was en route to their first hardware. Promotion to the top flight was a real possibility.
Now they’re at the bottom of a newly restructured pyramid. None of our other teams have sunk this low, not Ross County or Grenoble on their goalless runs, not Vozdovac in the midst of their months without a win.
More thoughts on this later this week.
Player of the Week
Kristoffer Zachariassen would be the Norwegian Ronaldo, if Ronaldo were half as good looking.
I like to spread the wealth as much as possible, but lets face facts: Kristoffer Zachariassen played a vital part in a Europa league win and netted a brace over the weekend.
Best looking man in Norwegian soccer (check). TWO time Mackenzie Boy’s Boot Room Player of the Week (Double check).
A week ago, you were cuddling on the couch. Immersed in the hugs of your mom, and grandma, and auntie. Then they stopped, stared at their phones in horror, and tried to explain why they felt so sad.
Dear Boys,
I can’t add to what they said, because while the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg affects me and will affect you, it means something else for women. Also, much of what I’ve drafted has been deleted as it sounds like a man telling young men, “here’s a quick guide to feminist ideology and contemporary sexism”.
RBG was an icon. A diva who turned into a rock star. An idealistic ideologue who made time to share appreciate the passions and of her rival jurists.
Our lives are richer because she was in a powerful position to affect our world. As she said
Vitally, Ginsburg frequently argued before the Supreme Court prior to joining its ranks as a justice. She held, as did the renowned Title IX law, that:
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
Title IX of Education Assistance Law (1972)
Too often, sports becomes an exclusionary place, especially in terms of gender. Too often, we fixate on the men of the sport and isolate women’s games to the fine print, or ancillary commentary.
Title IX challenged that notion. It insisted that young women have access to all the athletic programs that young men accessed by default. While college football and basketball are big business; women’s sports have brought in a more diverse and equitable student body.
Without Title IX, there likely wouldn’t be the bevy of young female soccer players in the US. Without that market (and corporate sponsorship that goes with it) there likely wouldn’t be the women’s game around the world as we know it today. Without that international competition, I wouldn’t be reporting breathlessly on the Rosenborg Kvinner, or the Grizzly Soccer team, or Freiburg, Emelec, and Grenoble.
Without Title IX, without a firm and emphatic belief that no person should be excluded from activities, including sports, on the basis of sex, our world would be poorer, our experience, more shallow.
Title IX is a droplet in the ocean of Ginsburg’s work. But the ripple effects of it crash ashore each and every day. We make mistakes (my ignorant titling of weekly MVPs at the start of this year is but one of my many). But with the challenging, strident, and invaluable contributions of women, especially those like RBG in places where decisions are being made, we grow.
MacKenzie's Boot Room 