As I was puzzling over what to write about, you boys gave me an idea. As you often do.
Alex was playing with a truck as Owen picked up his Ukelele. Immediately, the world seemed to be ending. Alex was convinced that Owen was taking the Uke and would “NEVER EVER GIVE IT BACK!!!” Cue tears and a confused Owen tightening his grip and thus more tears.
I asked you both the next day what scared you. Owen, with his growing vocabulary said “baaah” his word for bottle (distinct from buh/ball or bu-inba/bowling ball). Alex said “nothing.”
“Really,” said I, “it seems like you often are afraid that whatever someone else has something you like. Like when Owen touches your Ukele. Does that scare you?”
“Oh…yeah…I’m scared of that.”
“Why?”
“Because…it’s mine…and he’s taking it and then HE’LL NEVER GIVE IT BACK. NOT EVER!!”
“I can see that would be scary. What do you do when you’re scared?”
Dear Boys,
Alex: “I scream!”
Owen: [makes deep breathing noise]–note Owen actually screams when he’s scared, but he already knows what I hope he’ll do.
When you’re afraid, you react naturally. But you also are more prone to make mistakes, overreact and generally get sucked into a bigger problem. Fear makes you ready to fight (as shown when you boys push eachother for toys), or flee (as when you run off to another room in tears), or freeze (when you can’t do anything else but scream).
Falling after the fight (Metro Sports)
Easy as it would be to say, “it’s a phase”, and “you’ll grow out of it,” the reality is lots of people do lots of dumb fight, flight, or flee activities when they’re afraid. Both as individuals, organizations, and even teams.
Take the spate of penalties that have sprung up for teams like Grenoble, Ross County, and Vozdovac.
As the season comes to its conclusion each team has a lot riding on every game. Grenoble is approaching the top tier of French football, Ross County and Vozdovac are fighting to stay afloat and avoid relegation. In that context every ball, every opportunity carries greater and greater weight. So, in fear, foolish challenges occur. Penalties are awarded and Grenoble’s wins become draws. County and Vozdovac see points sail away from the spot.
Enough to make anyone freeze (StarTribune)
That’s a fight response. In our neighborhood this week, there’s been a lot more freezing.
The Derek Chauvin trial came to its end. The mountain of evidence, eye witnesses, and expert testimony were enough to hold the officer who killed a man in broad daylight to be held accountable. But all around us there were signs of people and groups freezing. Before the verdict, national guard troops arrived on our block to keep the peace (despite the fact that there was no unrest in the first place). I’ll be frank. I froze when I saw them. Big trucks. Big guns. Right where I pick up the dog’s poop…I didn’t want to go anywhere. That was the hope, but it was a hope based on our fear of the other outcome.
Double the flight (from AlJazeera)
And we even got a textbook example of fleeing in fear this week. Twelve of the biggest teams in the world–teams who could buy and sell our 11 favorites ten times over–announced their plans to flee their current leagues lest they lose, and lose their business. Their fear of failure, of more losses, led them to plan on fleeing their current positions for something that seemed more certain.
And when the backlash was swift. When fans around the world, and players from every team, and coaches, and legends of the game, and politicians all announced that it was stupid, the teams fled again. This time they fled the super league from fear of losing the support they had assumed would follow them. Again they were afraid, and again they fled as fast as their legal briefs could carry them.
These reactions, fight, flight, and flee, are natural. They’re nothing to abandon or grow beyond. They are human responses. You boys are every bit as human as a desperate defender, a local leader, a billionaire owner, or a global soccer icon.
When you’re afraid, know that you’re not alone. If you make a mistake based on your fear, you have good company. If you want help, you have hosts of people who have been through it before.
Fear makes us do foolish things. That’s okay. Just know that fools always have company.
Doff your caps to Alejandro Cabeza. The young striker raced out to a brace in 10 minutes and got his hat trick in the second half. Just what every Ecuadorian side wanted to see, another in form striker for Los Bombillos.
Leones Negros 1 – 1 Alebrijes
It took just about everything that Alebrijes had to keep up the pressure throughout the match. Johan Alonso took charge of the right flank and peppered a wide array of opportunities that went awry. In the end, the greatest contribution came from Center Back Oscar Torres, who played a critical role at both ends of the field: disrupting a barrage of Leones’ attacks and being in the right place at the right time to net the equalizer.
University of Montana Grizzlies 2 – 1 University of Northern Colorado [Big Sky Semifinal]
After a steady and solid season Taylor Stoeger got a great moment to shine in the conference Semifinal. She was instrumental in the midfield and delivered the golden goal in overtime to get the Grizzlies to the much awaited and much deserved conference final.
Seattle Sounders 4 – 0 Minnesota United
That wasn’t great, but the video we sent to trash talk our Sounders friend Aly was.
Freiburg 4 – 0 Schalke
Boy did Freiburg need this one. Christian Gunter blasted some beautiful goals and Roland Sallai made his presence felt. (Oh also, Schalke is terrible, but every win gets 3 points.)
Dunkerke 1 – 1 Grenoble
Speaking of beating bad teams, it’s something les Grenobloises have failed to do lately. It probably owes something to Jekyll/Hyde games like Maumodou Diallou whose first half assist was mitigated by his second half red card, forcing a team fighting for promotion to simply play not to lose against a team battling to avoid relegation. Their next four all come against teams jockeying for playoff position too so, this time next month things will be great or absolutely not.
University of Montana Grizzlies v. Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks [Big Sky Final]
CANCELLED DUE TO NAU VIOLATIONS OF COVID PROTOCOL–Griz named champions by default
As Homer [Simpson] once said, “the two sweetest words in the English language: De-Fault!!”
TBA Guayaquil City v Emelec [F]
Que soprisa!! Another delay to the women’s league. We’ll see if May 1 proves more lucky than March or April.
Wolfsburg 3 – 2 SC Freiburg [F]
Hasret Kayikci continued her strong showings but Wolfsburg blasted back to confirm their place among Europe’s elite.
Medema 2 – 1 Legon Cities
The Royals made a comeback even without top Center Back Joseph Adjei who got red carded in the first half. Adjei’s absence was felt on Medema’s second and game winning goal 8 minutes from time.
TSC Backa Topola 4 – 1 FK Vozdovac
This thumping put the Red Dragons firmly in the relegation scrap. Napredak’s great form has capitalized on Vozdovac’s lousy showings. One reason for hope: 3 of the last 6 will be against fellow fighters separated by goals and two points. Here’s hoping the turn around is straight ahead.
Emelec 2 – 0 Técnico Universarito [M]
I hope you boys learn to love beauty in life. Hugs from little kids when they are sleepy, your mom’s smile, monsoon mists in Mussoorie. Caciedo and Barcelo dominating Ecuador isn’t quite at that level, but it’s getting close.
Grenoble 2 – 0 Sochaux [M]
It was quite a crunchy match in the offing with Sochaux on the outer edges of the playoff scrap. A win would have made their last months extra tense. But while Sochaux’s energies seemed to unsettle Esteban Salles, they also led to foolish errors that earned two penalties for Grenoble (both of which were duly buried by Jessy Benet). The win gave a little more breathing room for Grenoble (now 7 points clear in the playoff spots) but likely knocked Sochaux out of the running for progression.
Mineros 6 – 0 Alebrijes de Oaxaca
That was…what’s the word? Bad. That was bad.
News & Notes
Big Sky Superlatives
With the Griz getting both the Northern Division trophy AND the Big Sky trophy we have the first hardware won by any team on our Favorite XI. But the fun doesn’t stop there.
Four Griz were named to the All-Big Sky team: Holding Midfielder Avery Adams, Wingback Taylor Hansen, Striker Alexa Coyle and (quelle surprise) goalie Claire Howard were named best in the conference at what they do. Howard also won the Goalkeeper of the Year honors (not a shock with her record breaking form). Centerback Alli Lang was named to the second team and attackers Rita Lang and Taylor Stoeger took home honorable mentions.
The Griz came into the year as favorites to win, and they delivered. Now all that’s left is…
The Big Dance
The NCAA tournament is one of our family’s favorite events. You boys got a taste of that this year when we went to Grandma and Grandpa’s, ate tasty snacks, talked with family, and played and played and played. While we usually watch the basketball tournaments, Soccer has one too. This year’s tournament will be in North Carolina (one of the biggest hotbeds for college competition in the country).
Thanks to their regular season dominance (and the Lumberjacks’ illness) the Griz are Charlotte bound to be part of the Fabulous 48, and the chance to play into the thrilling thirty-two.
Up first a game with the South Carolina Gamecocks. If you extrapolate out the regular seedings the Griz would be 12th seeded in the region of 12 (45th of all 48 teams). The Gamecocks were a potent force in a powerful league, which means the Griz will be an underdog for the first time this year…but that’s a fine place to be. Win and the Griz tie a best ever season showing, lose and they still have a couple pretty Big Sky trophies in tow.
Superliga Feminina Forever
As in forever waiting to start.
This delay’s irrational cause for optimism that this time it’ll really happen. A detailed and stylish schedule tweet from the official league account! Surely a graphic designer’s work is always respected and honored.
— Superliga Femenina Ecuabet (@SuperLigaFEF) April 16, 2021
Super League Salvos
The biggest news in soccer this week is the promised beginning of a new European Super League. This will be the 15 biggest clubs in Europe (plus five of their friends) raking in oodles of money, while their former opponents just make gobs of money.
Depending on who you ask, this is either a bad idea or a sign that the world is nearing an implosion of epic proportions. League officials are threatening to banish the big sides. Global leaders in the game claim that they’ll impose harsh fines and punish the players. Fans are mulling boycotts. It’s a fraught subject that brings to mind questions of “nationality”, “tradition”, “fairness,” and “global society.”
None of which matters to you two in the slightest. After all, you are under 4, by the time you bring full attention to any sport this league will either be an established institution or a bygone bit of trivia. Still this is my sporting journal of our times, so…there’s the big news.
Player of the Week
Jessy Benet had a huge impact on Grenoble’s standing for the end of the season, but Alejandro Cabeza had far and away the best performance, the least we can do is acknowledge it again here.
Bienvenido a nuestro casa Alejandro
Standings Update
The Loons debut provides a much appreciated cushion to FK Vozdovac in at least one table as Freiburg and Legon Cities continue to jockey for the advantage in the middle of the table.
A note: I might have gotten behind, but if I hadn’t I wouldn’t have been Owen’s pillow or Alex’s marble run co-designer. I’ll take a delay for that trade
Scores
Olmedo 2 – 3 Emelec [M]
It was a tight affair on Thursday night. Pedro Ortiz was unsettled early on and gave up the lead to the hosts. But los bombillos capitalized on their set pieces. All three goals came off of follow ups to first touches. Anibal Leguizamon, Facundo Barcelo, and Lucas Sosa all capitalized when Olmedo were caught napping.
FK Vozdovac 0 – 0 Macva Sabac
Again…I got nothing.
Sacramento State Hornets 0 – 1 University of Montana Grizzlies
Make it six in the row for the Griz and another crucial clean sheet from Claire Howard. This time it took an overtime header to pull the squad over the line, but, as usual, the Griz got the job done.
Ross County 1 – 3 Inverness CT [Cup]
Buried in the bottom half of the Scottish table, Ross County’s last chance for silverware ended with their defeat to arch rivals Inverness. While Billy McKay fired them in front early on, the collapsing defense sent the Staggies out of the Cup in the third round. The one plus, it will allow them to focus fully on saving their top flight status.
Grenoble 2 – 2 Chateroux [M]
Up two goals and one man within 30 minutes, you would probably expect Grenoble to cruise over bottom of the table Chateroux. You would be disappointed . Our Alpine side struggled, ceding two goals through sloppy man marking (and a tentative/tender Esteban Salles) and watching Adrien Monfry leave the field to end up all square with a side they surely should have dispatched.
Borussia Munchengladbach 2 – 1 Freiburg [M]
Rolland Sallai gave the griffins a great start, but Gladbach got them back quickly (courtesy of Marcus Thurman whose dad Lillian is one of my favorites). Freiburg continued to press for a goal and got one from Keven Schlotterback at the death…only for video review to rule him offsides, and seal the defeat.
CS Emelec v. CD Macara [F]
Postponed…again…sigh…
Berekum Chelsea 2 – 1 Legon Cities FC
Samimento (Photo from GoGriz.com)
Hans Kwofie continued to show up for LCFC, but the second half of the season started much like the last, with the Royals struggling to balance attack and defense
Sacramento State Hornets 0 -3 University of Montana Grizzlies
Sami Seims was awesomely opportunisitic, capitalizing on two opportunities in the box to give her three goals for the weekend and making Sacramaento “Samimento”. Another Claire Howard shutout (it might get dull if it weren’t always awesome), and the Griz locked down their division title and a spot in the Big Sky Semifinals in two weeks
Emelec 2 – 0 CSD Macara [M-Cup]
A convincing 2-0 win over fellow Ecuadorians sees Los Bombillos into the next round of the Copa Sudamerica. When your attack is as linked as Facundo Barcelo and Ramario Caicedo it seems quite easy.
Alebrijes 4 – 1 Jaibos
A pair of insurance goals for Oaxaca made the score line look more flattering than it ought to. Still Alebrijes should wear the win with pride. Especially when they were fluid and effective in Johan Alonso setting up Fernando Vasquez and Carlos Fonseco scored on a sterling run.
In an otherwise solid first campaign in Breigsau, Baptiste Santamira would probably rather forget this one. His second half own goal cost the Griffins dearly, especially against a lower tier opponent, as Freiburg’s lost four of five.
University of Montana Grizzlies 2 – 3 Eastern Washington Eagles
The first loss of the Griz season came against their Spokane rivals. But it also came, stunningly, at home. Avery Adam’s and Taylor Hansen came through late to force an overtime. But they couldn’t grab the golden goal and a hungry Eastern Washington got the win to keep their hopes for the Conference tournament alive.
Kilmarnock 2 – 2 Ross County
The Staggies started the relegation rumble with a sprint to the goal. Within 5 minutes each side had a goal (worth it for Michael Gardyne’s textbook move). But when Kilmarnock took the edge through some sloppy positioning ten minutes later and held it through much of the match, it looked like County was destined for defeat and relegation. As the game got extra chippy, you could tell each team knew how important it was. Some ratty gamesmanship started silly shoving matches. County came through when Ian Vigurs cross met with Alex Iacovitti’s head and the draw was preserved. From there it got more brutal with Vigurs getting a busted nose (that only merited a yellow card) and Iacovitti getting a make up call with no whistle on a fairly blatant penalty. It wasn’t the knock out punch we might have hoped for, but it keeps the highlanders in good position to stay afloat.
Vozdovac 1-1 Proleter
Good news: Vozdovac scored early to put them in control and provide some positive momentum.
Bad News: Aleksandar Bogdanavic’s foolish red card gave Proleter its equalizer and turned a win into a draw. (I mean…goodness sakes, there’s no need to pretend you didn’t commit a foul when you actively drag a guy’s arm…cryin’ out loud Aleks!)
Grenoble 3 – 1 Caen
While Grenoble often pioneered the kind of collapse that Vozdovac is falling into, the Alpiners have been quite steady this year. After a dull first half, Yoric Ravet did quite well to finish a loose through pass from Jordy Gaspar and create several more opportunities.
Emelec 1-1 LDU de Quito [M]
A long-standing Quito v Guayaquil rivalry, remained hard fought, with both sides pressuring and pushing for every positive position. In the end Facundo Barcelo set up an equalizer for Alejandro Cabeza and Emelec kept pace at the top of the table.
Legon Cities 2 – 0 Great Olympics
The Royals locked in their strongest showing yet as they pestered and penned in the Olympics offense. Nicholas Mensah’s header eked over the line and Jonah Attuquaye persisted in the face of high pressure defense to give Legon a solid win.
Photo from GoGriz.com
University of Montana Grizzlies 3 – 1 Eastern Washington Eagles
The Griz got a great rebound win on Senior day and we tip our collective caps to the stellar squad that continues to run roughshod over rocky mountain lady’s soccer. At the same time it’s rather exciting to start expecting the next class to rise up given that Rita Lang and Sami Siems have another year to go, and everyone benefits when you work with stars this talented. Up next a trip to Ogden Utah and a match with old rivals Northern Colorado.
News & Notes
Súper ligaSúper late
Another couple weeks another couple delays to Ecuador’s women’s league: the new goal? April 17th. Fingers crossed.
Dragons Dilemma
Since the calendar flipped Vozdovac has only taken 11 points from a possible 33. With their strong start they can afford a slip, but this is starting to look less like a slip and more like a crashing back to earth.
While Serbia expanded its top tier for this post-pandemic season, they’ll be squeezing down to 14 for next year. The Red Dragons spent most of the fall around the top 7, but they’ve slipped to 13th, (4) points from the drop. To make matters worse, only 2/3 of their last 7 come against teams below them on the table.
Abila looking like….it snowed…in April?!?
Loons Launch
In the last run up to America’s Major League Soccer, Minnesota United did two things. First, train in sunny Orlando. Two, bring north Boca Juniors striker Ramon Abila. Bébelo Reynoso’s old teammate brings with him 39 goals in 89 matches for one of Argentina’s most storied clubs. Whether he provides the Loons with a difference making attack option we will soon see. (But one things for sure, “Boca du Nord” is a fun new nickname.)
Players of the Weeks
With two players to recognize, we have plenty of options to choose from. We’ll consider both one player who was superb in an individual week and one player who has been holding things down for weeks now. Sami Seims deserves all the credit for dominating the Hornets in Sacramento and Romario Caciedo has been superb both on defense and linking up the attack for Emelec as they continue to hover around the top of the standings.
Romario in full flow
Standings Update
Despite their slip, the Griz hold strong at the top of the table, and Freiburg takes a big step back, sliding from third down to sixth in the mid table log-jam.
Team
W
D
L
PPG
GFA
GAA
University of Montana
8
0
1
2.7
2.1
0.6
Emelec
5
2
1
2.1
1.9
1.0
Grenoble Foot
7
5
5
1.5
1.2
1.1
Punjab FC–b
7
4
6
1.47
1.2
0.9
Legon Cities FC
5
4
4
1.46
1.2
0.9
Freiburg
8
2
8
1.44
1.4
1.4
Alebrijes
4
6
4
1.3
1.6
1.6
Ross County
5
2
8
1.1
1.3
1.6
FK Vozdovac
2
3
5
0.9
0.7
1.6
Rosenborg BK
0
0
0
–
–
–
Minnesota United
0
0
0
–
–
–
Table Updated 4/14/2021 b–Team is between seasons
What’s Next
Wednesday, April 14th
3:00 Universidad Catholics v Emelec [M]
5:00 Leones Negros v Alebrijes
Thursday, April 15th
University of Montana Grizzlies v. University of Northern Colorado [Big Sky Semifinal]
Again the Griffins came up short. Despite Stephanie Sanders staking Freiburg to a lead early on, they couldn’t hold on for another 85 minutes.
Atlante 1 – 1 Alebrijes
In the rare mid-week/mid-day match Oaxaca came away with a point. Ricardo Monreal was imperious in midfield picking out great passes only to be thwarted by Atlante’s strong keeper (and Alebrijes’ inefficient attacking). It took a strong run by, and silly foul on Julio Cesar Cruz to crucial penalty to equalize and walk away with the draw.
Berekum Chelsea v. Legon Cities
See update on Ghana below.
St. Johnstone 1 – 0 Ross County
Close can’t keep the Staggies clicking. They head into the split just one point out of danger. [Cue the nail biting]
Paris FC 2 – 0 Grenoble [M]
The trip to the capitol was weighted with importance, but even a full strength back line and going a man up for the final 20 minutes couldn’t keep Paris at bay.
Radnicki Nis 0 – 1 Vozdovac
It always throws me off when the RED Dragons wear blue, but maybe there’s something to it. For only the second time in ten matches, Vozdovac got a win. Miloje Prekovic was on the bench for the second straight game, but most of the defensive strength came from center back Aleksander Bogdanovic. Stefan Purtic’s booming long ball to Aleksandar Stanisavljevic caught Radnicki napping and sealed the victory.
Punjab FC 1 – 0 Real Kashmir
The last Northeast derby of the year came out in the Warriors column. Surabh Banwala refused to let his recent struggles define the campaign and made his presence felt everywhere. He pestered the attack and made a daring run up for a header. But it was Chencho Gyeltshen who notched his seventh of the campaign (albeit on his least inventive opportunity) and pushed Punjab to another valuable win.
Freiburg 2 – 0 Augsburg [M]
Despite far less consistency recently, Freiburg remains a solid, dependable side in German soccer. Even with spot starter Guus Til leading the charge, the attack was focused, and the defense was effective (thanks Florian Muller). In particular, team captain and extended contract signed Christian Gunter whose chance creation was second to none.
Emelec 0 – 1 Nueve de Octubre [M]
Emelec’s unbeaten run has ended, dropping them to second place in Ecuador. Surprisingly it came at the hands of new comers Nueve de Octubre celebrating their first season in the top flight for over 25 years.
Alebrijes 0 – 0 Cancun FC
And that happened.
News & Notes
Norway’s No-Way til May
The Powers that be in Norway’s top leagues have decided to postpone the start of their seasons. Both the Eliteseren (for Males) and Toppserien (for Females) will kick off on the first weekend in May. The Federation’s announcement touched on the risk of increasing case numbers throughout the country, hopefully, some more vaccinations and lots of time help everyone out.
Ghana’s Gone Fishin
🇬🇭 Ghana's all-time top-scorer, @ASAMOAH_GYAN3 in action against Ghana yesterday.
To more effectively prepare the national team for upcoming challenges Ghana has delayed the start of the season’s second half until April. (Given that they actually have a better handle on Covid than Norway…that’s understandable). Meanwhile, Legon has started teasing the of the Asamoah Gyan era…again…and celebrating Fatua Duda’s wedding (which, is so much better than all other “celebrity weddings” that I’m going to use it as my go to comparison from now on).
Ross County’s season continues to creep along to the end, but the end will be squeakier than the fresh lemon grass used in Pabrai’s Fresh and Naturelle Lemongrass Ice Cream (available in Kolkata)
The Stags have a point edge on long tenured Premiership side Kilmarnock, and evenly split their first three meetings (1-1-1). The two point edge on finishing last and being guaranteed relegation is better, though they and current cellar dwellars Hamilton Accies have split goals this year 3-3.
Hansen heads out of Houston (KSTP)
Loon’s Wings
Minnesota United has frequently found themselves short of an attacking winger (overloading one side, under filling another). Enter: Niko Hansen, the Danish-American attacker formerly of Houston who will join the Loon’s Finnish contingent in repping Scandanavia.
International Affairs
World Cup qualifying is in full swing this week, so there are only a few games ahead.
Player of the Week
This week saw plenty of good performances that didn’t quite reach a level of remarkable. So we’ll send this award out to someone who both had a good game and set a great example of how to lead their team. Christian Gunter stepped up when Freiburg needed him, just as he has done and will continue to do.
Gunter-fan art from Facebook
Standings Update
Punjab, Freiburg and Grenoble continue to shuffle around the top tier. Let’s also take a moment to respect that Freiburg has managed to and up with 1.53 points per game, 1.53 Goals For per game, and 1.53 Goals against per game….symmetry people…symmetry
Team
W
D
L
PPG
GFA
GAA
University of Montana
3
0
0
3
1.7
0
Emelec
3
1
1
2.0
1.8
1.0
Punjab FC
7
4
5
1.56
1.1
0.8
Freiburg
7
2
6
1.53
1.5
1.5
Grenoble Foot
6
4
5
1.47
1.1
1.1
Legon Cities FC
4
4
3
1.45
1.2
0.8
Ross County
5
1
7
1.2
1.2
1.5
Alebrijes
3
4
4
1.1
1.6
1.9
FK Vozdovac
2
3
5
0.9
0.7
1.6
Rosenborg BK
0
0
0
–
–
–
Minnesota United
0
0
0
–
–
–
Table Updated 3/24/2021
What’s Next
Wednesday, March 24th
Thursday, March 25th
Friday, March 26th
7:00 University of Montana Grizzlies v. Portland State Vikings
8:00 Celaya v. Alebrijes
Saturday, March 27th
6:30 Churchill Brothers v. Punjab FC
Sunday, March 28th
7:00 SC Freiburg v. Turbine Potsdam [F]
12:00 University of Montana Grizzlies v. Portland State Vikings
While Chencho Gyeltshen set up Punjab for a victory (including a good gracious slam to start the second half), ten terrible minutes in the second half allowed Mohammedan to take the lead. (Part of that was Kiran Limpu’s bad luck, part of it was Souvik Das and Hormipum Ruviah’s poor positioning.) Ashish Jah’s late equalizer preserved the draw. Luckily Churchill Brother’s dropped points to keep the Warriors alive in the title hunt.
Partizan Belgrade 4 – 0 FK Vozdovac
Over the past year Vozdovac has greatly improved, but they’re still not in the same league as Serbia’s top two. Their record against Partizan is now 4-1-14.
CSD Macara 1 – 1 Emelec
It took a while for Emelec to break through (thanks again Facundo Barcelo). Unfortunately it didn’t take long at all for Macará to equalize (through a diving header/hander that went uncalled) and end Los Bombillos winning streak.
Idaho Vandals 0 – 1 Montana Grizzlies
Alexa Coyle struck early and goalie Claire Howard notched her 28th clean sheet in a text book coach Citowicki win. Best of all the midfield was again dominant, bossing the park throughout.
Mainz 1 – 0 Freiburg [M]
The Griffins continued to struggle in the season’s later stages. They couldn’t seem to find an edge against lowly Mainz and only Florian Muller saved it from being worse than it was.
Ross County 1 – 2 Hibernian
An early Billy McKay goal set Staggies hearts a singing. However as the midfield was run ragged by Hibs, the good fortune faded and a chance to keep growing the gap against fellow relegation battlers slipped away.
Grenoble 1 – 1 Pau [M]
The first choice defensive line was almost back to full force with Jerome Mombris, Jordy Gaspar and Loic Nestor shutting down Pau for most of the match (Gaspar’s booming cross to net the opening goal was also good to see). Note, I said “most”. An injury time equalizer threaded through all those otherwise stellar defenders denied les bleus a vital 3 points.
MSV Duisburg 1 – 2 SC Freiburg [F]
After the beat down from Bayern Munich, Freiburg needed a strong showing like this to get back on track. Mia Buchele and Cora Zicai led the scoring as Freiburg continued Duisburgs winless streak.
Idaho Vandals 0-1 Montana Grizzlies
It took 9 minutes of overtime before the Griz found a way through on Rita Lang’s free kick. Though the referee initially thought the onrushing attackers had interfered with the goalie, video review showed Lang’s kick was in before hand.
TRAU 1 – 0 Punjab FC
With the attack struggling to break through, Punjab needed the defense to guard against foolish mistakes. Mohammed Irshad’s ill timed tackle was foolish. The ensuing red card and advantage goal sunk the fading title hopes of the Northwesterners.
FK Vozdovac 1 – 4 Red Star Belgrade
Red Star is the other team in Serbia’s duopoly. Against them, the Red Dragons are 2-1-15 and haven’t gotten a point since May 2017. Having the lead for 26 whole minutes in the first half was pretty sweet though.
News & Notes
Grenoble’s Gearing Up
As les Grenoblois near the business end of their season I thought it would be wise to talk about what comes next.
In two months League 2 will end, and the top two teams in the league will move up to face the top teams in France. The next three will battle each other for the chance to face a struggling League 1 side.
Grenoble sits 5 points back from automatic promotion and 7 points safe in the playoff crew. But a lot can still happen. The last 27 points of the campaign depend on les bleus showing against opponents, 5 of whom will have the same promotion goal in mind. 3 others will be battling to stay in League 2.
That means Grenoble needs to persevere through a tough final 9 games to stay in the hunt. If they do, we’ll watch some of the world’s best visit le stade des Alpes.
Adebayor (center in white)
Royals Rumbling
Meanwhile Legon Cities spent the week preparing for their season’s second half, and welcoming in a new striker: Victorien Adebayor. The Niger international had starred in Ghana before a transfer to Europe. Family needs led him to request a move closer to home and the Royals obliged. With Hans Kwofie and Asamoah Gyan, he adds to the attacking stockpile Legon is hording.
Player of the Week
While it was a less than stellar week for most teams, it should be noted that Claire Howard racked up another pair of clean sheets. Withstanding the Vandals barrage in game 2 kept the Griz alive and helped her tie a Big Sky record for most clean sheets in a career.
Standings Update
A perfect week pushed the Griz to the top of the table, while Punjab’s struggles dropped them from 3rd to 5th. The worst news for Vozdovac…Rosenborg and Minnesota United are going to start up soon…and then there will be no one left to cushion them from the bottom.
Several weeks after winter weather delayed their return the ladies of Freiburg got to take the field and they celebrated with a thrilling win against SC Sand. After ceding a late equalizer, Sandra Starke struck back with a great winner.
Vozdovac 2 – 1 Backa Backa Palanka
The goal drought reached 435 minutes before the Red Dragons finally got one back. Recent arrival Lazar Asric’s pulled the squad back from a dangerous position against the bottom team in the SuperLiga. After ceding a first half goal on sloppy defending, Asric came alive in the second half. He blasted home a penalty won on a hand ball and followed up with the winning volley 4 minutes later. The new gun sparked hopes throughout the Dragon’s nest of Belgrade.
Cimarrones 2 – 0 Alebrijes
Already down two goals, Oaxaca went down a man when Fernando Plasencia was sent off. The youngster’s temper cost the team a solid midfielder against a solid, but limited Mineros.
Punjab FC 0 – 1 Golukam FC
The Warriors were held scoreless for the first time in 5 matches and lost their first match in 7. An ill timed tackle by Surabh Banwala gave Golukam the only chance they needed. Despite the formidable duo of Chencho and Diawara Punjab couldn’t respond in kind.
Freiburg 0 – 3 RB Leipzig [M]
Once upon a time, Freiburg and Leipzig were rivals in the second division of Germany. Freiburg built gradually, carefully, methodically and now they’re consistently in the thick of the league. Leipzig spent a lot of money and now they’re consistently contending for titles…these are the moments I’m tempted to raise you as Marxists.
Ross County 3 – 2 Kilmarnock
Despite falling behind early to their fellow cellar dwellers (on a questionable non-handball-call), County came back. Billy McKay was every where you would want him to be, scoring a wicked volley, delivering a goal in traffic and drawing attention of the defense to free up defender Leo Hjelde for the third goal. It all combined to help the Staggies to a big win in their quest to stay in the top league.
Emelec 1 – 0 Delfin [M]
It’s a good time to be Emelec in Ecuador. A perfect 3 for 3 to start the campaign has them top of the table alongside rivals Barcelona. Plus Facundo Barcelo remains ridiculously in form and the clever movement from Esteban Rodriguez suggests that Facundo will have all the opportunities he needs.
SC Freiburg 1 – 5 Bayern Munich [F]
Former Freiburg starlet Klara Buhl kicked off the scoring for the league leaders who never looked back in Breigsau.
FK Metalac 2 – 1 Vozdovac
The Red Dragons firepower faded quickly in under a week and despite a well organized midfield that kept pressure on the hosts for most of the first half they couldn’t keep the pressure up long term. As the offensive pressure wilted, the defense crumbled too. An uncharacteristic foul from keeper Miloje Prekovic set up a penalty, and an unwise challenge from newcomer Rashid Oboubi gave Metalac a man advantage. Only a clever back heel volley from 17 year old Dragan Stoisavljevic kept them in the match.
Eleven Wonders 1 – 0 Legon Cities
After 7 unbeaten the Royals dropped all the points against Eleven Wonders. Hans Kwofie, Baba Mahama, and Jonah Attaquye all came close, but one goal was enough to end the points streak. Trust that the Royals will rule again soon.
For the first time in almost 500 days the Griz took the field. For only the fifth time in coach Chris Citowicki’s three season tenure they scored more than one goal. Alexa Coyle had the honor of breaking the seal on the new season, with a standard long distance blast. The Griz kept up the pressure on lower division side (but the closest thing we get to a soccer brawl of the wild) and pulled away in the second half with lots of pressure from midfield transfer Mimi Eiden, and a great cross from Taylor Hanson.
Alebrijes 4 – 3 Mineros
It was a wild one in Oaxaca. Things started to get tetchy when Fernando Morales committed an ill-timed challenge against a Mineros attacker in the box. A fortunate bounce from Ricardo Monreal equalized things at 1 all. Between banging goals at the start of the second half, legs got higher and pushes and tugs started to tear at jerseys. When Oscar Torres delivered a elbow in the box it looked inevitable that things would escalate. Sure enough, Mineros’ Luis Hernandez rassled a man to the ground in the box, and Alebrijes sealed a penalty of their own. Soon their after some confrontation on the far line netted Hector Mascorro a red card, and with the man advantage Jair Cortes delivered a great through ball to Fernando Vasquez at the back post to net the winner for Alebrijes.
News & Notes
Pabrai’s Mango/League Split
Pabrai’s Fresh and Naturelle The official unofficial ice cream of this blog
The I-League has reached its championship/relegation split. Our coverage of it will be brought to you by Pabrai’s Fresh and Naturelle Ice Cream. The only Kolkata Ice Creamery operated by a former student of mine. (Hence the unpaid advertisement)
Punjab entered this section of the tournament in second place behind undefeated Churchill Brothers, but the loss to Golukam quickly sent them back to 4th. We’ll track their position with bated breath…and a big bowl of Pabrai’s Fresh and Naturelle!
Rookies and Vets Join the Loons
Our local team has brought in a few more players to continue their preparations for the upcoming season. First among them is veteran Striker Juan Agudelo. Over 10 years Agudelo has scored about once every four outings, made several appearances for the national team, and been a top choice for multiple American clubs. Also re-signed is team captain and Cuban enforcer Osvaldo Alonso who scored the first goal in the history of the Loons’ new stadium and has led it to its first two playoff runs.
Meanwhile the newest young talent to come aboard is a local product: Patrick Weah of Maple Grove. Weah is a former Mr. Minnesota Soccer, a former leader of Minnesota’s academy, and the nephew of former FIFA World Player of the year/current president of Liberia, George Weah. So….no pressure
With all the stuff going on I’m very late to updating this news for the Red Dragons, but holy cow did they change things up.
As of the start of March, only 13 players out of the squad of 31 had been with the club for a year. Every spot in the goalkeeping corps has turned over, and after bringing in 3 new left backs, the defense has similarly evolved. The new life of the dragons has yet to yield much in the way of advancement up the table, but we’ll have to wait and see (at least they’re not in the relegation scrap this year).
Player of the Week
With so many great crosses here it is tempting to choose one of the assist masters, but Billy McKay saved the day in Dingwall and played a part in every big play that brought the Staggies back into and then ahead in their match. He scores when he wants! He’s Billy McKay!
Standings Update
Emelec’s got company in the perfect start club and the Griz join them with a perfect 3 points per game (I kept Emelec first since they have played more games). Meanwhile an idle Grenoble moves past a struggling Freiburg and Ross County only has goals separating them from surpassing the Royals.
While Asamoah Gyan remains a non-factor (just as Alex predicted last fall, the Royals new star striker, Hans Kwofie wasted no time in making his mark. A stellar brace provided all the offense the Royals needed, though to be fair, Jonah Attaquye’s dead ball skills set up at least one of those goals (highlights from the massive Accra Sports Stadium always leave me a little squinty).
Alebrijes 2 – 2 Correcaminos
Oaxaca might well feel hard done by here. They had the better looking attack over all, they spent long stretches of the game looking quite strong, but a cracker free kick from Correcaminos left them with just a point. That Ricardo Monreal’s ripping shot and Fernando Vasquez’s buckeroo header/goal celebration will end up as footnotes is small consolation.
St. Mirren 1 – 0 Ross County
If either of you gets a theatre degree this will be a great joke (from Exunt NYC)
As surely as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. As surely as there will always be a Scotland. When Ross County bags a boffo win one week, they’ll deliver a clunker the next. (John Hughes’ clump of midfielders sure slowed the game down, but it also made getting a winner nigh on impossible. Seriously, it’s been a month since Hary Paton and Jermaine Hylton led the charge…I’m just saying…)
Zlatibor 0 – 0 Vozdovac
It’s now 351 minutes without a goal for the Red Dragons and the mid-table is looking less like a comfortable perch to build for a future and more like an interminable space of surreal torture. Like Waiting for Godot, but less funny.
Grenoble 1 – 1 Niort [M]
Honestly, you have to feel for Adrien Monfry. After giving every ounce of his speed to try to track back and prevent a shot by Niort striker Pape Ba, he was pushed back, fell to his back and allowed his front toe to ever so gently graze Ba’s shin. The result was utter agony for Ba, a penalty for the visitors and a goal lead. [I honestly had to rewatch it three times in slow mode to catch the “foul”]. Monfry’s disbelief as the penalty and then yellow card come his way is something else. But Monfry didn’t have to bear the brunt of frustration as Moussa Kaillou Djitte once again was the right man, in the right place, at the right time to equalize late.
Aucas 2 – 3 Emelec [M]
In a match that was about as pretty as the south end of a north bound horse, Los Bombillos stayed perfect. Keeper Pedro Ortiz was terribly unlucky in giving back Aucus’ second goal, but their opponents’ defense obliged the Guyaquil crew’s attack. Facundo Barcelo again created havoc gaining an equalizer for himself and a late own goal to win it. [Watch the “highlights” if you must]
Leverkusen 1 – 2 Freiburg [M]
In a massive win, Freiburg took three huge points on the road from a rival for European qualification. Wearing a kit so yellow that even Big Bird would call it “a bit much”, Lucas Holer had an outstanding game with a gorgeous assist to Ermedin Demirovic and one of the world’s easiest tap in goals to seal it. If the mustard tops are the price to pay for breaking through in Germany, I’ll pay it.
Neroca FC 0 – 1 Punjab FC
Again, Baba Diawara did the business in front of goal to get the points. While his towering headers would make great Elephant graves, we really need to take a beat to respect the Punjab defense. Bikash Yumnam’s superb recovery to stop an easy counter. Souvik Das’ hustle back to save the day (as a winger no less). It wasn’t always easy, and there were times Kiran Limbu and others looked exasperated, but Curtis Fleming’s side has built a solid corps that can even withstand the forced absence of (suspended) Chenchyo Gyeltshen.
Manager Phillipe Hinschberger opted for an unusual line up for les Grenobloises. A five man midfield included some new opportunities for little used role players cum goal scorers Wily Semedo and Anthony Belmonte (the latter of whom ripped an absolute banger). It also included Jerome Mombris playing way up the field…on purpose. But when Esteban Salles can maintain the form he’s had lately, it’s almost academic.
News & Notes
Here Come the Ladies
At last it’s time to bring a little parity back to these pages as women’s games are gearing up to start again in earnest
First, the French league announced (a little bit ago) that they’ll be back in March. After months in shut down, we’ll see if Grenoble’s lady’s side can break through alongside the men. (Or maybe we will, the official website lists Grenoble’s first match as June…so….).
Meanwhile lousy weather and lousier viruses conspired to keep Freiburg’s ladies away from the pitch for the better part of two months. Now they’re back and they get to face old friend Karla Buhl and Bayern Munich on the weekend. (Such Drama, much wow)
And finally, and arguably most wonderfully, the Big Sky Conference kicks off this week. It will be over a year since the Griz last played, so naturally they’re kicking off with Montana rivals Montana State (Billings).
Baby Blues are Back
Minnesota United will bring back their baby-blue uniforms. It was very cool to see them back in the day and now…they cost a lot more and have a “pattern” that you can barely make out. Still though, nothing wrong with baby blues.
Another week, another very hard choice to make. Lucas Holer did everything but pass out the popcorn in a critical Freiburg win, Bikash Yumnam, at just 17 years old, may already be past due for recognition. But we can’t ignore the fact that more assists, more goals, and more points have made Jonah Attuquaye instrumental in saving Legon Cities’ Bacon this year. In gratitude for both the great bacon and the good football, he’s our player of the week.
Standings Update
For the first time in forever everything stays where it was before. Emelec keeps the pole after starting out perfectly, Punjab, Freiburg, Grenoble and Legon continue to vie for further credit.
Team
W
D
L
PPG
GFA
GAA
Emelec
2
0
0
3
3.5
1.5
Punjab FC
5
3
2
1.8
1.2
0.6
Freiburg
5
2
3
1.7
1.7
1.2
Grenoble Foot 38
6
3
4
1.62
1.2
1.0
Legon Cities FC
4
4
2
1.60
1.3
0.8
Ross County
4
1
5
1.3
1.2
1.6
Alebrijes
2
2
3
1.1
1.9
2.1
FK Vozdovac
0
3
2
0.6
0.4
1.0
Rosenborg BK
0
0
0
–
–
–
Minnesota United
0
0
0
–
–
–
University of Montana
0
0
0
–
–
–
Table Updated 3/2/2021
What’s Next
Wednesday, March 3rd
7:00 SC Frieburg v. SC Sand [F]
7:00 Vozdovac v. Backa Backa Palanka
9:00 Cimarrones v. Alebrijes
Thursday, March 4th
Friday, March 5th
Saturday, March 6th
8:30 Freiburg v. RB Leipzig [M]
9:00 Eleven Wonders v. Legon Cities
9:00 Ross County v. Kilmarnock
7:00 Emelec v. Delfin [M]
Sunday, March 7th
7:00 SC Freiburg v. Bayern Munich
8:00 FK Metalac v. Vozdovac
1:00 Grizzlies v. Montana State Billings Yellow Jackets
The Red Dragons have settled into the middle of the Serbian league table. While some see that as a place where nothing dramatic happens, it’s really nice to have a consistent practice to improve, challenging yourself against the top teams and building confidence against the lower sides. This was one of those games against a top team…it didn’t go great. but that’s okay.
Real Kashmir 1 – 1 Punjab FC
The Northwestern derby was contentious even if it was played in the far east of the country. After some testy defending by Mohammed Irshad, Chencho Gyeltshen was knocked to the ground in the 63rd minute for and sent off for instigating a shoving match. After the fraca ended, Punjab went down the other end, drew a penalty and saw Joseba Beitia bury it. But former Punjab player Asier Dipanda struck an equalizer 5 minutes later. The draw broke a three match winning streak, and marked the first time Kiran Limbu gave back a lead in six matches.
Not much seemed to work for the Griffins. Despite having more of the ball and being more effective sharing it, the offense simply couldn’t set up dangerous chances. When Berlin capitalized on their opportunities, that turned out to be all they needed.
Nancy 1 – 2 Grenoble [M]
On one hand it’s a bit disappointing that trailing relegation battlers Nancy required Grenoble to send out second half reinforcements when Jessy Bennet could clearly use a break (Sorry Esteban Salles, it was unlucky). On the other hand it’s a testament to Bennet that he laced a gorgeous pass to draw a penalty, scored the equalizing penalty itself, and THEN delivered a great free kick Moussa Kailou Djitte’s outstretched foot for a 90th minute winner. Vive Jessy!!
Atletico Morelia 6 – 3 Alebrijes
Rascon (in Red) won’t believe this…any of this…
Whatever else is said, we should own that this was a highly entertaining match. Featuring more goals than the first four matches of the week combined. But while Julio Cesar Cruz continued his hot streak, the defense couldn’t keep the game in hand, or really anything in hand. Truthfully at a certain point everyone had to feel like keeper Angel Rascon, disbelieving, hands to the sky, why god why responses to the inexperienced (and boy did it show) trio of Gerson Huerta, Emmanuel Quezeda, and Fernando Plasencia.
Bechum United 1 – 1 Legon Cities
It might have gone better if not for an unfortunate hand ball to gift the Eagles a penalty. Still, with the draw Bashir Hackford’s side ran their record to unbeaten in six. But with only two wins in that time, they remain mired in the bottom half of the league.
Ross County 1 – 0 Celtic
They did it again! They did it again! Great Day in Dingwall, they did it again!!
It wasn’t nearly as complete or impressive a win as the cup victory in Glasgow. The offense was more lucky than good. Jordan White’s late winner from a beautiful bit of movement on a free kick was the decider. Ross Laidlaw continued to show up in all the ways that counted most with a last second finger tip save. It all got County got a critical win as they prepare for the league split. (Though sadly, they won’t be able to beat up on Celtic the same way they have been…darn.)
Emelec 4 – 1 Deportiva Cuenca
Ecuador’s season restarted with a great jolt from Los Bombillos offense. Target man Facundo Barcelo got his first goal of the campaign early in the second half on a beautiful back heel. But the team spread the wealth around with four players finding the net including Anibal Leguizamon with a smart header.
FK Vozdovac 0 – 1 Rad Beograd
In the Belgrade pecking order, Vozdovac doesn’t have many sides they can look down on, but Rad is one of them. The Red Dragons hadn’t lost to the Builders in almost six years, going a combined 10-2-0 against them. Of course, the reason I bring this up is because they lost, clearly and decisively. Worse, the offense is now 261 minutes without a goal (they last got lucky the day before Valentine’s day).
News & Notes
Bowling > Soccer
In this household you seem to have both decided that the best use of a ball is bowling. No matter what substance the ball is made from or what it’s previous purpose was, now, all balls are bowling balls. Hopefully I can get you back on the bandwagon eventually, otherwise this may need to be concerned with the PBA. (The MacKenzie Boys Ball Bag?)
Your Hero/Reading Icon
Player of the Week
It’s another hard choice, almost impossibly I’m going to pass by Jordan White’s masterful heroics against the Hoops and give credit to a midfield player for the first time this season: Jessy Benet only had half a match to make a difference and he made all the difference in the world. We said it before, we’ll say it again, “VIVE JESSY”
Thanks “World Today News” for taking a picture of your tv.
Standings Update
Emelec’s debut sees them top the table, but Punjab leads the table veterans, and while Vozdovac is mid-table in Serbia, within just 2021…it’s not going great on our table.
Esteban Salles served up another strong showing, but it’s a little hard for a second string, second division goalie and his crew to keep up with a crew of International calibre players. Still it took a great strike from Stevan Jovetic and a lot of luck against the Grenoblois to stop the cup run.
Punjab FC 2 – 0 Chennai City
Baba Diawara opened the scoring, using his strong frame to create space for himself and easily knocking in a goal. It is becoming abundantly clear that Punjab is crafting one of the strongest attacks in the I-League with one of the leagues top goalies. They should stay in the title race all year.
Marko Gajic was the man behind the Red Dragons’ goal slamming home captain Jovan Nisic’s excellent free kick. The captain played a critical part in two other moments of the match, making a critical in box clearance to deny a scoring chance (despite Indjija’s demand for a penalty) and failing to make another clearance that led to the equalizer.
Werder Bremen 0 – 0 Freiburg [M]
There was nothing much going on in Bremen, but it keeps Freiburg in fine position before their next match with the team right behind them in the table Union Berlin
Ross County v. Hibernian
Grenoble 0 – 0 Amiens [M]
While the offense couldn’t get going against Amiens, Adrien Monfry and Jerome Mombris contained the opponent’s attack
Freiburg v. SC Sand [F]
Legon Cities 1 – 1 King Faisal
At a certain point the Royals’ defensive strategy of “let’s just have our goalie be superb” leaves something to be desired. When the woodwork finally failed to accommodate them, Legon fell behind near bottom of the table King Faisal. Fortunately the offensive strategy of “hey, everybody blast long shots and hope for a goalazo did pay off when Cephas Doku crushed a stellar shot from outside the area.
News & Notes
Polar Vortex
Freezing cold conditions have kept us cooped up in the house for two weeks now. Worse still it’s delayed games in Norway and Scotland. Plus the ladies from Freiburg must be getting extra eager to get their season restarted.
Science Lesson, courtesy of the Daily Mail
Streich 10!
Streiching Out to the future
Freiburg chose this week to reup the contract of head man and local philosopher king: Christan Streich. The fixture on the local sideline will hit a decade in the job come December 2021 and his new contract should see him safely employed until May of the next year. The consistent top half-finishes for a team of limited resources will make that well earned.
Unsavory Socializing in Punjab
Reports broke this week that Punjab FC had to step up their directions to their fan base after some racially tinged abuse directed at a Warriors’ player after this last weekend. (It sure would seem like Baba Diawara would be the target, but why you’d jeer one of your team’s top scorers I have no earthly idea). Regardless, let’s go back to our favorite phrase: Screw you systemic racism.
Player of the Week
There wasn’t a lot to choose from this week. I’m tempted to tip the hat to Jonah Attaquye whose midfield play has been a real boon to the Royals attack, but this week he was relatively invisible. Jovan Nisic’s assist and goal made him the center of Vozdovac’s draw (but also to blame for it not being a win). While they both deserve some consideration for good play as a tiebreaker going forward, it seems best to recognize the other half of of Punjab’s attacking duo: Babacar Diawara who both played well and dealt with jerks. This isn’t much but hopefully it’s something nice.
Standings Update
In an unfair consequence for going goalless this week, Grenoble dropped from second to fifth while Punjab moves into a tie for first (only trailing on average goals for)
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