I mean, I could write more, [and I will, it is my way to process] but really that’s it. That’s the thing I want you to learn this week.
Dear Boys,
Black Lives Matter.
I had other things to write about today, but again it seems insignificant. Like professional athletes across the country from Antekokounmpo to Zusi, sports are just a game, this is about life. It’s about serious things that at 2 years old and 9 months old you may not fathom. But you should.
Earlier this week, Jacob Blake was returning to his car. He was looking at his sons in the backseat. Boys not much older than you. He saw them, and he was shot seven times in the back. Jacob Blake’s life matters.
Blake has survived, he’ll see with his boys again, but I don’t know if I’ll ever buckle you in again without feeling the privilege that comes with just being white. Or without recognizing the privilege you have in being white. The trauma those boys witnessed chills my blood. Black fathers’ and sons’ lives matter.
They matter here.
Two nights ago, officers surrounded a man in downtown Minneapolis. A few miles from us. A few blocks from where I used to work. Right outside a Dairy Queen I would take the cross-country team too after races. The man was a suspect in a homicide, and rather than face arrest, he shot himself.
He did so next to five teens. Teens like my students who would congregate in the same spot. Teens like the ones who love every post I share of you two. Teens who were laughing, flirting, checking their reflection in the shiny marble. Teens who now have that trauma over their heads every day. Their lives matter.
We say that black lives matter not, as some pretend, because we think other lives don’t (looking at you fascist Vozdovac supporters). Not because we are being trendy or “woke”. We say it because it is true, and it bears repeating.
Mason Toye of MNUFC (Pioneer Press)
We repeat today when victims of violence suffer.
We repeat it tomorrow when the news-cycle moves on.
We repeat it in a month when the mourning stretches on for the community while others wonder why they’re so emotional.
We repeat it in a year when the bystanders confront their trauma without supports that taxpayers decline to fund.
We repeat it in a decade when those involved and those associated and everyone who has seen and feared and worried about injustice have faced it again and again and again while an ignorant and ambivalent country glides by.
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
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.
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)
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
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…)
— Club Sport Emelec Femenino (@ElectricasCSE) August 3, 2020
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.
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.
🤳Eine Nachricht direkt aus Lissabon von Luca #Waldschmidt an alle SC-Fans! Die leiten wir natürlich sehr gerne gleich an euch weiter🙏 Mach's gut in 🇵🇹, Luca! ____#SCFpic.twitter.com/0wEzPsD67Z
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!!”
In a match that looked very much like your a game your Uncles and I would have dreamed of (cold, rainy, and in a stadium marginally smaller than my high school’s), the Red Dragons picked up their first points of the young season thanks in large part to Milos Stojcev who peppered the goal early and struck a gorgeous ball to decide the match. Though some credit must be given to the Indija strikers who simply couldn’t buy a goal.
Orlando 3 – 1 Minnesota United FC
The Loons looked so strong to this point. They even dominated the early stages of this match. And then…Nani…
If you’re going to lose, it might as well be to a man who has made more money than your entire team’s budget as he plays one of the best games of his time in your league.
Sandviken 1 – 3 Rosenborg BK (Women)
Marit Clausen and Julie Blakstad have fast become my new favorite sporting duo. Sorry Mauer and Morneau, best wishes Kane and Son: it’s Clausen and Blakstad time.
Hamilton Academical 0 – 1 Ross County
The Staggies are tied for the league lead. They’re ahead of mighty Celtic in the table. They’ve taken 100% of their possible points this season.
This probably won’t last of course but that is a very fun paragraph to write regardless.
Again some quality link up play kept County dangerous in front of goal with Billy McKay doing the honors. Frankly, they may feel unlucky to only have gotten the one goal. Best of all, the revamped back line kept goalie Ross Laidlaw a relaxing afternoon.
FK Vozdovac 1 – 3 Vojvodina
When things go wrong for the Red Dragons they go wrong quickly. It took a half an hour for Vojvodina to put the game away, and sixty more minutes for Vozdovac to see things through. It legitimately seemed to involve goalkeeper Marko Ilic spending more time on his back than his feet…(gluttons can watch here)
Rosenborg BK 5 – 1 Sarpsborg 08
New RBK coach Trond Henriksen has plenty of options to lead the line in Trondheim. Helland, Børven, Islamovic, Ceide and Holse all have strengths as targets, poachers, dribblers and more. Plus Samuel Adenbegro is almost back from an ankle injury, so the attack is pretty much perfect. (I mean, it would be better with Marit Clausen and Julie Blakstad, but so would everything.)
Talent isn’t the issue. The problem has been finding a consistent combination. An imperious trio one week looks adrift and uncertain the next. So maybe this week’s tandem of Carlo Holse (2 goals) Emil Konradsen Ceide (2 assists) and Torgeir Børven is the solution.
Or maybe we’ll be wondering what’s next after losing 2-0 next week.
News & Notes
Loons Come Home
Minnesota United will play again in just a few weeks. Better still they’ll play just a few miles away. However we still can’t watch them. Strangely we COULD go watch them in Dallas, but well…exposure to germs at the airport, in the plane, in Texas itself, and at a stadium full of screaming, spitting fans isn’t the best option.
WildWorld of Ross County
It’s rare for a little team in Dingwall to factor in national news, but we live in rare times.
First, to add some depth and protection to the goalkeeping corps, the team brought in Ross Doohan as Ross Munro learns the ropes and Ross Laidlaw takes most first team minutes. Yes Ross County’s three goalies are all Ross. Mind. blown.
Second, the Staggies May finally have a celebrity fan (other than you boys, obviously). Spanish goal keeping star David de Gea happened to catch the win over Motherwell and was taken aback by the striking resemblance with manager Stuart Kettlewell. de Gea is better known than County, possibly even within Dingwall, so a little star shine is a nice perk.
From Right: Kettlwell…or wait..de Gea…no…uh….
Freiburg Fliers
While SC Freiburg came close to continental competition this year, their next campaign will look a bit different.
First the club signed Ermedin Demirovic fresh from a strong campaign with Swiss second placers St Gallen. His 12 goals put him in the top 10 in Switzerland, and outstrip all the players for Freiburg. Hopefully he adds a second option behind Nils Peterson.
We’re going to miss you Herr Schwolow (Transfrmarkt)
Unfortunately the club also said auf weidersehen to goalie Alexander Schwolow who headed for rivals Hertha Berlin. The three keepers currently on the roster have a combined 21 matches played in the past two seasons so…that’ll be a change.
Player of the Week
Because variety is the spice of life, let’s shout out a defender, shall we? Coll Donaldson has been a vital anchor in Staggie Blue. He’s been a part of two clean sheets and consistently frustrated Hamilton every where they tried to put the ball. Ta, Coll.
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
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
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)
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
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.
The Big Sky Conference soccer coaches, through their voting, have spoken: When the season commences, beware the Grizzlies.
— Montana Griz Soccer 🐻⚽️ (@MontanaGrizSOC) July 21, 2020
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?
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)
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.
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
In soccer, as in most things, the rush of a crowd’s support is a special type of thrill.
Professional athletes know this. There are plenty of trite claims about the roar of the crowd or effect of the fans like an extra player. But it’s true. An audience can inspire greatness. It does it for amateurs and in other arenas too. My biggest audiences–a couple dozen parents at ten year old soccer finals, a few hundred at a school play, thousands of neighbors strung along a 26 mile marathon course–certainly had an effect on me. I felt bolder, braver. Every kick or joke or stride brought a jolt of excitement and purpose.
Marathon Sunday (from City of Minneapolis)
But we must do without crowds in the age of pandemic. It is strange to see players playing their trade in front of a sea of empty seats. Many leagues have turned to ambient match sounds to replace the cavernous echoing thump of cleat against ball.
Still there’s something to appreciate in the absence of crowds and something to avoid in their presence. Despite the excitement that comes with being the center of attention, never confuse a crowd’s approval with your virtue.
Think of Vozdovac, where fans have been back at stadia for three weeks (despite serious health professional opposition–because Serbia).
Racist symbols at Rad (from Linglong Superliga Youtube)
In the three matches where fans were present, we have several highlights of fan sections adorned with far right racist symbols: Celtic crosses, Confederate stars and bars, Reichskriegsflagge. While I loved seeing those behind the confederate flag go silent after a goal, I know that Vozdovac’s Invalid section use similar imagery.
That makes cringe. It also reminds me that crowds create corrupted logic. The entire stadium is a crowd. The fans use the flags. The club tolerates them. The players build affinity for supporters and their symbols. It all creates a vicious circle.
The acceptance by all parties at a stadium makes it okay to wave symbols of hate, which makes more people fly it, which makes it easier to accept. The crowd has created a mass delusion that racist symbolism is fine, because its theirs and the crowd validates them.
Those same cycles occur in our own neighborhoods as well.
Hundreds of protesters have torn down monuments to vile, bigoted, people. Statues that honor those who pillaged, murdered, enslaved, and belittled people of color deserve to come down and I’m glad they did. However, the image of toppling statues to cheers can invite a generalized belief that such grand actions do good on their own. Across the St. Croix river, Wisconsinites angry at an unjust arrest tore down sympathetic statues. They didn’t have reasons why. The anger of the crowd vindicated these illogical actions which incite more anger, which leads to more illogical actions.
These muddled motivations are nothing next to those who defend the racist symbols. That includes our president who called statues of slave holders, military bases named after traitors, and symbols of racial animosity “our beautiful heritage.” (Just to make this clear: Serbian football fans aren’t advocating for a more agrarian society and decentralized government…they know it’s a racist symbol, that’s why they like it.)
If all you want is applause, what you do to get it says a lot about you. (From the Oklahoman)
Again, the crowd corrupts the logic. A group that wants so badly to be different than the protesters ends up defending an indefensible target. A man who thrives on the applause of others lauds the inane logic, breeding more distrust and enmity because the cycle of cruelty, to a cheering crowd, to cruelty continues without end.
A group of politically engaged citizens, protesters, or soccer fans is not, by itself, a dangerous group. But confusing the collection of people with the confirmation of righteousness is dangerous. Crowds aren’t bad. What we do to join, to animate, or to earn the praise of a crowd is.
As a counterpoint to Serbian Hooligans and racist dogwhistles, consider Vincenzo Grifo from Freiburg. He has long been a top tier player, thriving on big Bundesliga stages, and appearing for the elite Italian national team.
Now, even in empty stadia he continues to do his best. Among all the empty stands, he know who he is and loves what he does. He doesn’t need a crowd to spur him on, and one goal suggests why.
Grifo (from SempreInter)
Consider the curling wonderstrike against Hertha Berlin. At a moment where many players might use the crowd to urge them on, the absence of support might mute your performance. Not so Grifo. He stands tall, delivers a great goal, and then runs to the nearest camera. He screams a greeting to his family and hometown. Even with an empty stadium, the inspiration and encouragement exists in his heart, his history, something far beyond a few thousand fans on a Friday night.
Grifo doesn’t need a crowd to do great things, and neither do you. By all means, enjoy a crowd, revel in the roar. Just don’t conflate a crowd with correctness.
It was a great day at Lerkendal stadium. The sun was shining. The drone footage was captivating. The players were reunited.
Eric Pal Helland not scoring and Samuel Adebengro’s individual runs going to waste were after thoughts. The Eliteserien is back and we are grateful.
Here’s hoping the video from Norway works
SC Freiburg 2 v. Hertha Berlin 1 (M)
Coming off a draw that buoyed their chances for Europe, Freiburg got a vital victory to move in to keep the pressure on Hoffenheim.
After a raft of great opportunities went lacking in the first half, an absolute thunder crack from Vincenzo Grifo put the Griffins ahead (after video review had spared them giving up a thundering shot at the other end). After a foolish stumble gave the lead back, Nils Petersen again scored the kind of goal that older brothers use to domineer their little brothers all the time. Some goals are beautiful, some aren’t. They all count.
SC Freiburg 0 v. VfL Wolfsburg 2
Watching Wolfsburg play in the Women’s Bundesliga is a little like watching Duke basketball play in the Montana High School League. It’s the same game, and every opponent can have a good stretch, but the outcome is rarely if ever in doubt.
So Freiburg’s loss isn’t remarkable, but the fact that they held the champs to two goals, for the first time since a November draw against Bayern and only the fourth team all year to hold them under 3 (Bayern, FC Twente in the Womn’s Champions League and SC Sand on opening day). But despite a few solid goal scoring chances, it was Wolfsburg’s day dominating in the opposing box.
FK Vozdovac 1 v. FK Radnik Surdulica 1
Clearly feeling themselves in the midst of a fine run of form, the Red Dragons fired at Radnik Surdulica early and often. Seemingly every inch of space invited a shot, and while many had the look of Goalazos the ice breaker turned out to be a solid headed redirection with Lazar Zlicic elevating to nod in the aggressive attacking defender and captain, Nikola Mikic. The first goal seemed only to whet Zlicic’s appetite with his blasts coming faster and faster as the match wore on.
When Vozdovac failed to push in a free kick that seemed to run along the entire length of the goal line, Radnik capitalized. A straightforward cross could have been easily cleared, but Nemanja Pejcinovic’s foot angled toward goal and the gift was given and the points were shared.
Bayern Munich 3 v SC Freiburg 1 (M)
Munich had won another title so they didn’t have much reason to try in this match. But they are Bayern Munich, so, of course, they did. Robert Lewandowski did what he always does: score goals. A great run by Jonathan Schmid and a well placed tap-in from Lucas Holer gave us a little hope, but…it wasn’t to be.
That result, combined with Hoffenhiem’s win over Union Berlin ended any remaining daydreams of Europe for Christian Streich and company. But that’s all the more reason to start dreaming about next year!
Molde 1 v. Rosenborg BK 0 (M)
The reigning champions versus the eternal champions set up a rather tasty early fixture on the Eliteserien schedule. Molde wasn’t about to let the chance to bring fans into the stands go to waste, as for the first time outside Serbia we could hear timely, topical cheering (mercifully without the neo-nazi undertones).
The two sides showed their class in a pacy, back and forth match. Each side had clear cut opportunities, each had some urgent defensive lapses. In the end, the result hinged on two players. First, there was the rampaging class of Molde’s Ohi Omoijufano who seemed as confounding for Rosenborg as Minnesota’s maintenance of Lutefisk is for regular Norwegians. Second the lucky bounces of the ball from off Ola Brynhildsen, off keeper Andre Hansen back off Brynhildsen and finally off the post to deny Molde a second.
SC Freiburg 1 v. SGS Essen 2
The women from Freiburg had hopes of returning to winning ways, but it wasn’t to be against the side from Essen. The ominous omen for the rest of the match had to be Hasret Kayikci’s golden chance in the opening moments. Alone against the keeper Kayikci whiffed on her shot and may have earned some blooper music too.
Essen seemed to control the match the rest of the way, not withstanding a Janina Minge goal that bounced perfectly between the opposing keeper’s legs to remove some of the sting for Freiburg’s faithful.
Another attempted video upload, this time from the German Federation proper
News & Notes
FK Vozdovac wraps up
Ending much later than anyone anticipated, the Serbian league ended as it so often does: with Red Star Belgrade triumphant, Partizan Belgrade right behind them, and FK Vozdovac back in the distance.
While it may not have ended in hard ware, the comeback from an abysmal February to a respectable mid-table finish seems promising for the Red Dragons, and we hope that there’s more good news ahead.
Warriors Lose Starlet to Odisha FC
Moirangthem (from AFC Cup Media)
The awesome writers at the Away End, particularly the great and good Nehal are always our go to spot for info on the Indian game. This week the news was less than good. 17 year-old Thoiba Singh Moirangthem has left the Northwest. Though he wasn’t a permanent starter in Punjab, Moirangthem has the kind of potential you have to dream on. Or, if you’re a lower division club, sell on to try to keep yourself afloat during a pandemic.
Rosenborg add the Golden Boot Winner
Torgeir Borven lit up the Eliteserien for Odd last year, striking 21 times to top all players. That performance earned him a step up in profile and a move to the higher profile RBK to boot. He’ll start in August
While I’m tempted to name a Red Dragon as a parting gift, or a Rosenborger as a welcome back present, we can’t keep ignoring Vincenzo Grifo. With the Griffins, Grifo has done it all to boost them back into Europe. Powerful spot kicks, masterful distributing, without him there was every reason to fear a slide toward relegation. Instead, we got the thrilling final month. (He even took a break in being awesome to say hi to his hometown) Grazi Vincenzo.
My friend Aly once broke it down for me like this: “you’re a cis-hetero, upper middle class, educated white guy. If life were a video game, you’d be playing it on easy mode.”
That can be a little hard to hear but it’s true for me, and it may turn out to be true for you too. To be fair, at your age it’s not clear if your genders are more fluid, or your orientations are different, or where your education and careers will take you. But make no mistake, the comfort and prominence of being white has made and will make your life easier
And yet, if you’re anything like me, you will run into people who invite you to “take it easy” or cut others who look like us “some slack”.
Right now there’s a lot to do. As the protests fade into the background it’s easier and easier to let go of lofty goals and abandon your expectations. Easier still to ridicule and disparage people who take a break.
Even with all the pressure, stress, and big fights to fight, you shouldn’t take it easy. Even when someone who looks like you, sounds like you and pleads that they meant well, or were raised at a different time, and so would appreciate a little slack, be wary before you agree.
Life is easy enough already and white guys have more than our share of slack as it is.
Don’t take it easy, don’t cut people a ton of slack, but do extend yourself and others a little grace.
To some, these may sound like distinctions without a difference. Ease, slack, grace. All speak to comfort and a break from struggle. So why applaud one and avoid the others?
Taking it easy excuses yourself from the work that must be done. Cutting slack lowers expectations for some while others keep striving. Extending grace asks us to appreciate the humanity in others while holding firm expectations for what will be done and how it will be done.
(From Stream)
As a teacher, I often need to do this for students. If a kid doesn’t do an assignment, we could take it easy and cancel the assignment, we could cut some slack and grade it with the notion that this is the best they could do, or we could extend grace, offer support and sympathy, then set a plan for completing the full assignment.
C’mon Man!! (from Esquire)
There is another alternative of course: be a jerk and tell them they’re wrong. It’s a popular choice for some. It comes along with an inflated sense of righteousness and a diminished view of other people. It can feel good to tell people who fall short just how far they are from adequate. But that’s as far away from grace as you can get.
Or consider sports, players are coming back to training, but few if any are as crisp and sharp as they might have been otherwise. Now is not the time to berate or demean them as failures, nor is it the time to pat them on the head and provide a participation trophy.
Instead we can extend some grace. So if/when they miss an open netter (Rosenborg) , flub a great opportunity to cross (Freiburg), or get caught ball watching as an opponent slices up the defense (Vozdovac), we neither rage nor shrug. We remember these are people. They have families at risk for a rampant disease and their job puts them at extra risk. The world is often on fire and friends, loved ones, or neighbors, might be in harm’s way. By extending a little grace we keep things in perspective, appreciate where they are now and stay focused on where we hope to go.
Extending grace
I live my life on easy mode. I have the luxury and privilege of doing so. For a long time I’ve bemoaned every failure and loathed each short coming. While others encourage me to take it easy or cut myself some slack, I would respectfully say no. I have a lot to do. I can and should do it as well as possible. But I can extend grace and recognize that I am here now, I have done my best, and I can do better.
I’m not saying I’ve done it right, or that I’ve done it at all. But with a little grace I know I’ve done my best today, and I’ll strive to do better tomorrow.
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