Week 8 Recap: From the Boot Room With Love

February 18, 2020March 12, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores and Recaps

Hibernian 3 v. Ross County 0

The Staggies’ poor road form continued in a total dismantling at Easter Road in Edinburgh.

East Bengal Club 1 – Punjab FC 1

The comeback draw was good for team spirits, but more dropped points means that Mohun Bagan’s lead is still 9 points

(M) Grenoble Foot 38 3 – Niort 1

Grenoble scored! Early! And then…often!!! The decider, scored on a late and smug chip from Moussa Kailou Djitte might make Niort fans seethe, but the breathing room is appreciated.

(M) Augsburg 1 – SC Freiburg 1

A late strike helped Freiburg get a valuable road point in the battle to stay close for European spots

Ross County 1 – St. Johnstone 1

A late strike helped Ross County salvage a draw at home. Given the Staggies’ abysmal road results, every point matters to their chances of staying up in the premiership.

Mladost Lucani 2 – FK Vozdovac 1

Serbia’s SuperLiga is back after a lengthy winter break (to be fair, Belgrade in January isn’t exactly a holiday makers dream). The rust was apparent when a clumsy Vazdovac challenge gifted the hosts a penalty and a crucial edge they wouldn’t surrender.

Legon Cities FC 1 – Great Olympics 1

If twitter feeds are anything to judge by, this will be the most meaningful derby for the Royals. A contentious first match with penalty appeals and chippy defense will only entrench the enmity.

(M) Orense 2 – Emelec 2

A late strike started Emelec’s 2020 campaign on solid footing. Despite conceding twice, Los Bombistas fought back to get a valuable point against the newly promoted Orense.

Zacatepec 1 – Alebrijes de Oaxaca 0

Give up a penalty in the first minute and things might seem grim. But a tremendous save by Jose Canales kept the score level….for a while. Zapetec took the lead about 20 minutes later, and even when a red card left the hosts a man down, Oaxaca couldn’t capitalize

Punjab FC 1 – Real Kashmir 0

Asier Dipanda remains one of the great difference makers around the world. Here again, without him, the Warriors may have ended up with a goalless tie. With him the keep their advantage in second place.

SC Sand 0 – SC Freiburg 2

The Bundesliga returned for women this weekend and with it Freiburg phenom Karla Bühl who, at 19, followed up her World Cup coming out party with 8 goals so far (a third of Freiburg’s total)

News & Notes

Rosenborg BK Announces Women’s Team

Norway’s legacy of greatness in the women’s game is without doubt. But the most decorated club in the country hasn’t been much involved…until now.

Rosenborg’s new women’s team is still in the planning stages, but the promise of Toppserien seasons is a blessing. (It’s currently unclear whether existing local women’s side Trondheim Ørn would join the club or be a ready made rival).

What’s Next

Wednesday, February 19

Thursday, February 20

4:15–Emelec v Blooming (Copa Sudamericana 2nd Leg)

Friday, February 21

1:00–(M) Grenoble v Châteauroux

Saturday, February 22

8:30–(M) Freiburg v Fortuna Düsseldorf

9:00–Aberdeen v Ross County

10:00–FK Vazdovac v FK Spartan Subotica

Sunday February 23

7:00–(W) SC Freiburg v MSV Duisburg

3:30 (M) Emelec v Guyaquil City

7:00–Jaibos v Alebrijes de Oaxaca

Monday February 24

Week 7 Recap: Staggies Survive, Bombillas blast off and more ties than a Father’s Day brunch

February 11, 2020March 10, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores and Recaps

Ross County 2 – Livingston 0

Some players are made for the biggest stages in the world. And some are made for random Wednesday nights in Dingwall.

Billy McKay’s brace helped the Staggies to a vital victory in the battle to stay off the bottom. With 8 games till the end of this first session, they’ll look to keep strong against overconfident sides at home, and salvage the off draw on the road.

Legon Cities FC 1 – Elmina Sharks 0

It was a rather uninspiring day in Accra, as the two teams combined for few quality chances. Those chances that did come seemed to owe as much to slipshod defending as serious skill.

It took until a hand ball from Elmina in the 89th minute for a break to truly hurt one side. Karim Jabilla calmly stepped to the spot and slotted home a much needed winner for the Royals.

Blooming 0 – Emelec (M) 3 (Copa Sudamericana)

Our favorite Ecuadorian side got 2020 off to a great start: racking up 3 away goals against Bolivia’s Blooming. Uruguay’s Facundo Barceló bookended the score sheet with a pair of goals from tight angles, and Dixon Arroyo slammed home a strong header to seal the win,

As a straight knockout tournament, the Copa Sudamericana offers plenty of drama, and though it’s less historic/prestigious than the Copa Libertadores, its a great chance for Emelec to step up on a continental stage

The score line gives Los Bombillos a significant advantage coming into their home leg, which should set them up well for the round of 32.

Interallies 1 – Legon Cities FC 1

Head coach Goran Barjaktarevic wanted a better performance from his side than what they turned in at midweek. Instead his side conceded an early penalty that scrapped their game plan.

A more aggressive Royals attack provided valuable pressure. But it took another penalty, committed by InterAllies keeper, to set up Legon’s goal: another Karim Jabilla penalty.

SC Freiburg (M) 1 – TSG Hoffenheim 0

One end of the Schwarzwald Stadion saw all the most decisive action Saturday. First fullback Christian Gunther was taken down/tapped lightly on a run in from the wing, drawing the penalty that Gian-Luca Walschmidt converted to give Freiburg the lead.

But it was almost all for not when Hoffenheim’s Christian Baumgartner dashes past the defense with a well-Angled low shot. Fortunately for Freiburg, it hit the post. Unfortunately, it caromed right back into Baumgartner’s path. And that’s where Dominique Heintz saved the day and three points

https://youtu.be/pPLRNnw6kVA

Alebrijes de Oxaca 1 – Dorados 1

Dorados put everything they had into their opening salvo: dominating possession and pushing Alebrijes deeper and deeper into their shell. Finally there was one cross too many and the visitors went on top.

That seemed to be enough to wake up Alebrijes who promptly peppered the Dorados defense with all manner of attacking moves: runs, crosses, through balls, but it wasn’t until Daniel Cisneros’ free kick pinged off a defender’s skull and into the net that the hosts went level. Despite several more opportunties for both sides to net the winner from less than 6 yards out, it finished that way.

Mohun Bagan 1 – Punjab FC 0

The I-League’s top of table clash didn’t disappoint. A late first half goal by Baba Diarwa set the Kolkata club on top. Then the sailors weathered a storm of Warriors attacks in the second half, with Leonardo Barboza looking particularly menacing.

At the start of the day, there were six points between the sides, and a win for the visitors would have shrunk the gap to 3. Instead it’s now 9 points and without any more head-to-head fixtures the title may be done and dusted.

Le Havre 4 – Grenoble Foot 38 (F) 0

It was a tough trip to Normandy for the Grenobloises, but the “Sky and Sea” were too much for them. To be fair, any team whose crest boasts a dragon in a pink scarf is tough to beat, or even to want to beat.

Lens 0 – Grenoble Foot 38 (M) 0

It wasn’t much better for the men up at Lens. Outmuscled in the midfield, they created more chances than their opponents, but they weren’t quality. Keeping up with a team fighting for promotion is promising. Coming up short is aggravating.

News & Notes

Minnesota United Ranked 7th in Western Conference before Season Starts

When not making sense of American elections, 538.com applies statistical analysis to ascertain potential and strength of various teams/leagues around the world.

Our local team has gone from laughing stock to reliable playoff threat, but with only a 50/50 chance (according to the statistical model) it might be a more tense atmosphere

What’s Next

Wednesday, February 12

1:45 Hibernian v. Ross County

Thursday, February 13

5:30 East Bengal Club v. Punjab FC

Friday, February 14

1:00–Grenoble Foot 38 (M) v. Niort

Saturday, February 15

8:30 Augsburg v. SC Freiburg (M)

9:00–Ross County v. St. Johnstone

10:00 Mladost Lucani v. FK Vozdovac

11:00–Legon Cities FC v. Great Olympics

2:30–Orense v. Emelec (M)

Sunday February 16

2:30–Punjab FC v. Real Kashmir

7:00–SC Sand v. SC Freiburg

Monday February 17

Week 6 Recap: Triumphant Turns

February 3, 2020March 10, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores and Recaps

Punjab FC 3 – Neroca FC 2

If you fall behind by two goals, at home, within 20 minutes, you might well expect it to be a miserable night.

When Asier Dipanda leads your attack, any night can be legendary.

The Cameroonian’s first two goals saved the day, his 90th minute hat-trick winner was nothing short of magic.

Rangers 2 – Ross County 0

The Staggies finished their Glasgow vacation with another defeat, as the Old Firm duopoly continues to bully the rest of Scotland. Worse still Rangers and Celtic also short spitballs at the back of Ross County’s head on a trip to Kelvingrove Art Museum.

Alebrijes de Oaxaca 3 – Cimarrones 0

Playing at home for the first time in the Clausura, Alebrijes celebrated with a thorough and throttling attack. Under pressure from the off, the visitors ceded a penalty, an own goal and too much space for Michael Orozco’s victory sealing third.

Karela United 3 – Legon Cities FC 0

While Legon Cities have a mammoth stadium and make a clear point of bringing in big names to fire up the half time crowd, Kerala United’s investment in squad cohesion might be a better choice. On a dusty field with no clear seating arrangement, Kerala clobbered the Royals with clever combos and clinical finishing sending the big budget boys home with another loss.

Troyes 1 – Grenoble Foot 38 2 (M)

At last Grenoble seemed to find an attack that got results. A pair of strong assists down the right side from Man of the Match, Pierre Gibaud led to well struck goals for wingers Arsene Guintangui, and Willy Semedo.

Kilmarnock 3 – Ross County 1

For their third away game in a week, County looked quite road weary. From the beginning Killie had the advantage, dominating throughout the field.

Iain Vigurs lashed home the Staggies best opening of the first half, giving a lead against the run of play. But in the second half Kilmarnock got what they deserved with Eamon Brophy leading the way., sending the Stags farther down the table.

Koln 4 – SC Freiburg 0

It’s worth asking why and how Freiburg can be so tireless against heavyweight opponents, and so abysmal against what, on paper, seem like pushovers.

You could say Koln was lucky. Up two in stoppage time, it was only total indifference from the visitors that created the lopsided score line. But saying, “you only beat us because we weren’t trying to win” snacks a little of gym class bullies my excuses.

Grenoble (F) 0 – Arras 1 (Cup Quarter Finals)

When you make a cup run, you might well make every game feel like a finals. Grenoble certainly acted like this last 8 match was for all the marbles. despite seeming to be the better side throughout regulation, one well timed shot from Arras meant the dream ended just as we were getting to the good part.

Grenoble (M) 1 -Le Havre1

Just when it seemed they had things figured out, Grenoble struggled in the attack again. A bit of fortune finally gave them a rueful smile, awarding a late penalty for team talisman Jessy Bennet to put away and save a point at home.

News & Notes

Nothing to report

What’s Next

Wednesday, February 5

1:45–Ross County V. Livingston

Legon Cities FC V. Elmina Sharks

Thursday, February 6

4:15–Blooming v. Emelec (M) (Copa Sudamericana)

Friday, January 31

Saturday, February 8

Interallies V. Legon Cities FC

8:30–SC Freiburg (M) v. TSG Hoffenheim

5:00 PM–Alebrijes de Oxaca v Dorados

Sunday February 9

5:30 AM–Mohun Bagan v. Punjab FC

Monday February 10

1:45–Lens v. Grenoble Foot 38 (M)

Week 4 Recap: A Long Still Silence

January 20, 2020February 8, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores and Recaps

Ross County 0 v Hearts 0

The Staggies season seemed auspicious when they fought for a draw in Edinburgh early in the season, but the calamitous collapse of Hearts has made it seem like less of a quality result each week.

Desperate for a win Hearts came to Dingwall looking to stanch the bleeding in their potentially lost season. Ross County had the better opportunities all night long including multiple Billy McKay chances that just came to nought. It says something about both teams that newly promoted, tiny Ross County was clearly better and ought to be disappointed not to take 3 points against one of the glamour teams in Scottish soccer history.

Then again, maybe Hearts just got a lousy pep talk.

Universidad de Guadalajara 1 v Alebrijes de Oaxaca 0

The return of Liga MX Acenso could have been a celebration for first half champions Alebrijes away from home. Instead it was a frenetic affair with many chances for the home side, and even more frenzy when things exploded in the 66th minute.

Omar Bravo clocked Mario Orozco, and Giovanni Leon responded with a shove of his own that escalated to a mini-melee. I’m the end Bravo and Leon were dismissed, and the match restarted with a different shape.

The change in tactics gave the Black Lions an advantage they did not waste. Without a center back, and with their left back Orozco hurting, the defense fell apart even more. In the 81st minute Jose Hernandez struck to give the hosts a victory and start Alebrijes’ second half of the season on the wrong foot.

Legon Cities FC 1 v Bechem United 0

After three matches without a goal and two underwhelming performances in their new home, the Royals didn’t take long to change their fortunes in Accra. In what can best described as an attempted trick play, two Legon Cities players feigned an argument over who would take a 5th minute free kick, only for Abdul Karim Jabila to strike it clean and true past the Bechem keeper.

Striking quickly to start the game gave some the feeling that the Royals were about to blast off. Instead, they were again unlucky not to score another despite numerous strong chances.

Still a win is a win, and the Royals fans don’t mind if it was five minutes of fun and 85 more of fear.

Grenoble Foot 38 0 v Chambly 0 (Men)

The most engaging thing in this game was
learning about all the sponsors for Chambly

Grenoble Foot continued their goalless 2020 with a torpid affair at home against Chambly. The result was their league leading 12th tie of the campaign and kept their goals for/against at a delightfully relevant 20-20

Freiburg 0 v Paderborn 2

After a rip-roaring return to action last week, the Breisgauer might be accused of taking bottom of the table Paderborn too lightly, and they paid for it at home Saturday.

The same strategy of long crosses to hopeful heads was far less successful against the bigger Paderborn defense. Some opportune goal scoring was all the last-place side needed as even going down a man wasn’t enough to help Freiburg over the line

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtBZg9aOIA4

Celtic 3 v Ross County 0

Given that the previous installment had ended 6-0 to the Green-Hooped Gods of Glasgow, this result might feel like a big step up for the Staggies.

It was a close run affair until a late first half penalty allowed Callum McGregor to put the Hoops ahead. But the second half belonged to diminutive Odsonne Édouard who netted his 15th and 16th goals of the campaign just in time to inspire some last minute transfer bids. Glad we could help.

Grenoble Foot 38 1 – Lille 2 (Women’s League)

The Grenobloise managed as many goals as the men’s teams combined this weekend, but it wasn’t enough to see off Lille.. the result brought much delight to your uncle Simon, who likes Lille much as I like Grenoble. Only, I–of course–am right.

News & Notes

Minerva Punjab FC Owner Urges Youth Investment

Ranjit Bajaj cuts an outsized figure promoting soccer in a cricket mad subcontinent. Unapologetic and provocative, he believes whole heartedly in youth training. (His Minerva Punjab training camp reluctantly rebranded the first team this session to expand beyond their own tight knit community to the whole state.)

On the “Rupeeball Podcast” Bajaj took time to reaffirm his love for youth training. His ardent belief in cutting out fees to make coaching easier for others is a basic plan for improvement. The big dream though, World Cup 2036,requires a bit more: national agreement to offer top notch coaching to five year olds in academies. That may seem staggering but frankly, I’m for anything that gives more young people a harsh reed educatin

What’s Next

Wednesday, January 29

2:30 AM–Punjab FC V Neroca FC

1:45 PM–Rangers V Ross County

Thursday, January 30

8:30PM–Alebrijes de Oaxaca V Cimarrones

Friday, January 31

1:00 PM Troyes V Grenoble Foot 38 (M)

Saturday, February 1

7:00 AM (Friendly) Rosenberg BK v Stjørdals Blink

9:00 AM Kilmarnock V Ross County

Sunday February 2

8:30 AM Koln v SC Freiburg

TBD: Grenoble (F) v. Arras (Cup Quarter Finals)

Monday February 3

1:45 Grenoble (M) V Le Havre

3. Why You Shouldn’t Give a Fork

January 16, 2020January 24, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Dear Boys,

You probably have heard your mother and I talking about “Forks”. As in “Fork that” or “all out of forks to give” etc. There is a reason why.

You come from a long line of “fork-givers”. People who got worked up about politics and went to war. People who refused to accept their situation and instead moved to unseen, unknown locales. People who really care. Who care so much, in fact, that it gets in the way of doing justice to yourself.

I have been, and probably always will be, someone who gives a lot of, what we’ll call on this G-rated blog, “forks”. I give lots of forks about my lesson plans, about what students achieve and don’t, about where people cross the street, and use grammar, and speak to others, and show care for the world around them, and, naturally, how you two grow up. I give so many forks in a day, I often don’t have many left to give about myself, my health, or my welfare.

There’s nothing wrong with caring. Giving forks is good. But please boys, give a fork about what you do, don’t give a fork over how it is received.

Few things show this better than Grenoble Foot’s disastrous attack last Friday night against AC Ajaccio.

L'incroyable show de @benleroy30 dans les buts hier soir! 😍😍 #ACAjaccio #ACAGF38 pic.twitter.com/kRHtHyb02P
— AC Ajaccio (@ACAjaccio) January 11, 2020

That’s three chances. Gilt-edged chances. Gimme-put style chances. Your-great-grammy-Zoe-would-have-finished-it-and-she’s-been-dead-ten-years. Chances. But they didn’t go in. Not for Jessy Benet, not for Arsene Elogo, not for Florian Raspentino. The result was sealed. And defeat was made still more painful.

Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be Shawn Bradleys.

If you give a fork about the game, your job, your team, then it would be easy to be upset.

Obviously, fans would be upset. The coaches would be upset. The players would be upset. That kind of performance is not why you go into sports. You aren’t there to be the butt of the joke; you’re there to win.

But fans don’t put in the effort, they just watch the entertainment. Coaches don’t make the plays they just help train players to make it happen. Even players can’t control every part of the game; they just participate in it.

If you give a fork, it might seem like you ought to be upset when it goes wrong. It’s certainly how I’ve always responded when the class goes wrong, or people are rude and unsafe in public, or I don’t change the world three times over before breakfast. But that’s not the way to do it.

By all means, give a fork about how you prepare. Give it your best effort. And when it’s done, accept that it leaves your hands. My meticulous lesson may not move the needle in a student’s understanding. Your preferred candidate may lose. And you may, despite years of preparation, strong game planning, and the will of thousands of fans miss…and miss…and miss again.

Otherwise you may find that you’ve lost your pride in your own work, in the face of things beyond your control. And that would be a forking shame.

Week 2 Recap: And the Band Played On

January 13, 2020January 15, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores and recaps

Punjab FC 1 – Real Kashmir 1

The first game of a busy back-to-back weekend for the Warriors saw them pay a visit to one of the hottest regions in India on rather cold day.

Makan Winkle Chothe capitalized on an early attack that swirled around the Snow Leopards’ box. The young striker hammered a low cross home to give the Warriors the lead, but the team then sat back trying to keep Kashmir at bay. The persistence of Kashmir’s foriegn imports, particularly Englishman Kallum Higginbotham and Ivorian Ghnore Krizo eventually overcame Nepali keeper Kiran Kumar Limbu (who had an otherwise sterling performance)

https://youtu.be/0mdS85u2rmI

North Indian Derby

SC Freiburg 1 – Borussia Munchengladbach 2 (in both friendlies)

Freiburg seeks to solve a problem like the defense

In gearing up for the second half of the Bundesliga season, Freiburg ran out two different squads to take on the 2nd place team in the table. The result was a pleasingly palindromic pair of matches, with Munchengladbach scoring the first two, Freiburg the next two, and Muchengladbach the last two of the day.

Sitting just 2 points off of the European league spots, Freiburg will be looking to steel their defense from a league worst 8.1 tackles per match, but Munchengladbach’s attack didn’t help them find any answers.

AC Ajaccio 3 – Grenoble Foot 38 1

As Ligue 2 returned to action, Grenoble was in dire need of an offensive jolt. There were a pair of lightning strikes, but they came from AC Ajaccio’s Gaetan Courtet who left fans reeling with a brace of beautifully struck goals.

Bright spots were few and far between for Grenoble though Jessy Benet’s first half corner was perfectly placed for a player making a run. (That it was AC Ajaccio’s Cyrille Bayala who made the run and scored the own goal is a minor note). Most frustrating was a trio of close range shots from Benet, Arsene Elogo, and Florian Raspentino that were deflected by Benjamin Leroy to stymie another attack.

Ajaccio Goals

Legon Cities FC 0 – Dreams FC 0

Another week, another wait for fans of the Royals. While there was strong support from fans in the stands, the team on the pitch couldn’t quite connect. Despite a strong showing from Sadick Sulley and a penalty cry from defend Ahmed Rahaman.

On the plus side this video is now my son Alex’s favorite song.

A big thank you to the fans who made the journey from Accra to cheer the team up the mountains..It was an honour to have your time and your support..From the depth of our hearts, all of us at the club express our utmost appreciation to you.Lets do same against Ashgold. pic.twitter.com/dKIMtFs0Td
— Legon Cities FC (@LegonCitiesFC) January 12, 2020

News and Notes

Grizzlies Don’t Brag, They Gasconade

The Lady Griz are back in training, including using squash courts to practice volleying (which is pretty clever use of resources given most Montanan winters). They’re also back in the classroom where, well, let’s just show the domination shall we?

What a great semester in the classroom! #SmartGriz pic.twitter.com/AYSoTP4xYw
— Montana Griz Soccer 🐻⚽️ (@MontanaGrizSOC) January 8, 2020

Ps Gasconade means to boast from the French gasconner

Reunited and it Feels So Good

While a few teams are still in regular action, most others came back from their winter breaks this week with a little bonding and a lot of practice.

Aleksa Jankovic joins the Dragons

I know what you’re thinking: “I thought Aleksa Jankovic died in the 19th century after serving as prime minister before the start of the Kardordevic Dynasty, how is the reanimated corpse of that Serbian leader going to help the defense?!”

(You weren’t thinking that? Well…you should have been.)

This Alksa Jankovic is actually a 19 year old winger fresh from Belgrade rivals Partizan’s training grounds. He mostly figured in cup ties and is eager for some first team action.

📢| NOVI ZMAJ JE SLETEO NA KROV!

Aleksa Janković, jedan od najtalentovanijih igrača rođenih 2000. godine, prvo je zimsko pojačanje Zmajeva 🔥🐉

DOBRODOŠAO❗💯

Saznajte više na https://t.co/oXRWmTa8vy ⬇️https://t.co/kgZHwu4dTJ pic.twitter.com/YowWQrnmTJ
— FK Voždovac (@FKVozdovac) January 14, 2020

Staggies Welcome 2 More

Seeking to shore up the defense, Ross County have brought in two more players including English Defensive Midfielder Jordan Tillson, and Scottish Center Back Coll Donaldson.

Tillson moves north after a series of loans out of League 2 Exeter Town, while Donaldson will switch sides in the Highland Derby, leaving Inverness CT for the boys in Dingwall.

📺 Coll Donaldson speaks to us after completing his move to the Global Energy Stadium from Inverness CT. pic.twitter.com/LtrKdEIFDw
— Ross County FC (@RossCounty) January 15, 2020

What’s Next?

Tuesday, January 14th

2:30 AM Punjab FC v Mohun Bagan

Wednesday, January 15th

1:00 PM Legon Cities FC v Ashanti Gold

Saturday, January 18th

8:30 AM Mainz v Freiburg

9:00 AM Ayr United v Ross County (Scottish FA Cup)

Sunday, January 19th

10:00 AM Aduana Stars v Legon Cities FC

1. Dear Boys,

January 1, 2020January 3, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I’ve always liked sports, but with wonky eye sight and minimal muscle mass the stories and themes made a greater impact than the scores and the stats.

In the last two years I’ve become a father to you two amazing pumpkins and as you grow and play and live in a wider world that fixates on results, I want to give you another perspective.

So, I made a place to share reflections, ideas, beliefs, and thoughts about the past, present, and future inspired by the global and personal passion that is soccer.

Starting this site seemed like the thing to do for a few reasons. I’m a ~~talkative~~, ~~bombastic~~, chatty person and slowing down my words has significant benefits. Publishing what I write isn’t terribly comfortable for me, but if I am going to help you face your fears of darkness and potties and cans of seltzer water that open with a loud *Kccch*, I should face my fears too.

Most of all, trite as it is, talking during and about sports can really help. The games give you a habit and an arena to talk and talk freely. When I was a kid, I gained so much from morning runs with my dad, backyard battles with my brothers, and mid-tournament talks with my mom. Heck, your mother and I announced our love for each other in the middle of a nine-part baseball documentary.

Right now you’re still learning to jump and roll over, so we’re not really ready for big conversations yet. But we have our habit in the mornings and the evenings, at the bottom of the stairs. We pull boots on and tug them off. So, welcome to the boot room.

Here, with the help of eleven teams from around the world, we can talk about what brought our family here, what shapes our world and what will inspire our values. Watching these teams shows us how to savor the moments of each match while also planning for the future; how to navigate the world at the moment and study the structures that got us here.

Our Starting XI

University of Montana Lady Griz (Big Sky)
Rosenborg BK (Norwegian-Elitserien)
SC Freiburg (German-Bundesliga)
FK Vozdovac (Serbian-Super Liga)
Ross County FC (Scotland Premiership)
Grenoble Foot (France Ligue 2)
Legon Cities FC (Ghanaian Premeirship)
Emelec (Ecuadorian Serie A)
Alebrijes of Oaxaca (Mexican Ascenco MX)
Minnesota United (MLS)
Minerva Punjab (India I-League)

For some, this might seem silly. A collection of life advice through the prism of football clubs may be the height of irrelevance. If nothing else, it will present the power of tribalism, separation, and segmentation that is the exactly what hurts us now. Why leave an account of this nonsense, or this ugliness for two young kids?

Because, put simply, you should know about ugliness and nonsense just as much as you know about beauty and truth. You should know about fracturing, fiercely independent, cultures because those are the cultures who will shape our shared world. You are unique and powerful individuals, because you live a life shaped by 11 unique and powerful communities.

Out of many you are one. You should do what you think is best, and you can use the opinions of those who’ve gone before to help guide you to that decision. You should know your history, and the histories of those who share your space. By all means, play your own way, but never forget that you’re playing with a team.

This site is built with love to show you where we’ve been, where we are, and where we could go. It’s built for you, whenever you find it.

Love, Papa