Tag: Grenoble Foot

Week 2: Alebrijes Alright, Alright, Alright

Week 2: Alebrijes Alright, Alright, Alright

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results

Alebrijes 2 – 0 Cancun FC

It sure looks like Alebrijes got off to a stronger start this year than in previous campaigns we’ve watched (it might help that Cancun was the rare team that had a worst fall than Oaxaca did). Newly permanent member of the team Juan Antonio Portales kicked off a full season of captaincy with an ironclad defense and two strong goals. Ernesto Reyes led the way with a beautiful blast from well outside the box early on and Miguel Vallejo dropped another on a break away during stoppage time to seal it. Here’s hoping this is a sign of a better season to come.

https://youtu.be/TFUkJoeKleQ

Freiburg 2 – 2 Arminia Bielefeld [M]

For most of the first half Freiburg looked the better side, but Arminia Bielefeld made a competent comeback against reserve keeper Benjamin Uphoff (in place of COVID positive Mark Flekken)

Grenoble 0 – 1 Auxerre [M]

Grenoble’s return to the field was a lot like their last four outings. It was a loss, and the offense could not hit the target. Over those 5 losses they’ve only scored twice…..

Grenoble 2 – 3 [Pen] Rodez [F-Cup]

The Women’s Coupe de France is a big battle bringing together teams from every corner of the Francophone world. The ladies of Grenoble seemed to be in good shape after a 7-0 dominant showing against Hellicourt. They showed up well against Rodez the top team in their division, despite losing Tiphaine Brissonet to a red card early in the match. Ultimately they were undone at the penalty spot and out of the competition.

Dreams FC 0 – 1 Legon Cities FC

Legon Cities got another road win, this time against a scuffling Dreams side who may well have deserved better. Obour Adu was everywhere on his debut for the Royals getting both the winning goal, and staggering the side post with a near miss. In between events, the team even stood up to a penalty kick for their hosts and walked away with all three points.

Tampico Madiero 1 – 1 Alebrijes

Oaxaca got off to another great start against Tampico (the previously named Jaibos). Left back Edson Santos sent in a great cross that was met by a surprising header from Josue Gomez to put them up. But from then on the team had to bunker down and absorb another attack every few minutes while getting nothing going the other way. Ernesto Reyes in particular had some great stops, but also a terrible bout of positioning that allowed the equalizer.

News & Notes

Extra Accolades

The Griz Soccer team already has a bundle of awards from the last year, so let’s add a couple more on to the pile!

The Griz were one of only 13 teams in the top tier of college soccer given the Team Ethics and Sportsmanship award, in no small part because they managed to dominate the league while having a paltry 13 cards against them. As this is a teachable-moment, parent focused website, we are impressed with this award and say, as we always do: GO GRIZ!

As if that weren’t enough, there was also an extra nod given to Griz keeper, Camellia Xu (Whose name I’ve been botching all year…sorry!). The British Columbia Native was invited to the Canadian Under 20 International Team training camp. It’s the first step on the long road to the senior national team …like Dayne St Clair! Basically we love Canadian goalies.

Comings and Goings

The big new addition this week was Minnesota United bringing in South African international Bongokuhle Hlongwane (nicknamed Sanisa). His signing was greeted with cheers by desperate Loons fans looking for another striker, and with cheers from South African fans who are equally thrilled to have a promising young player in line to show his skill in an international league.

Also on board this week: the Loons drafted St. Johns University product Tani Oluwaseyi, and Gustavo Canto, the Argentine Center Back on his way to Emelec. Meanwhile, Ross County brought in a loanee Declan Drysdale, and Vozdovac brought on striker Aleksandar Cirkovic who is still just 20 but has already played in Austria and Spain.

But with everyone coming there are some going as well, Ross County said goodbye to loanee Harry Clark, but they’ll see him again soon enough when the face Hibernian in Edinburgh. Rosenborg also said some farewells to their bench depth, Besim Serbecic and Gjermund Åsen.

African Cup of Nations

There’s always a thrill competing for your country. Usually it happens during the summer when the leagues are quiet, but Africa’s biggest contest happens in the winter. Grenoble has three players on different squads in Cameroon: Joseph Mendes (Guinea Bissau), Mamadou Diallo (Guinea), and Willy Semedo (Cape Verde).

Player of the Week

Getting points from two matches has finally broken the PoW drought for Alebrijes de Oaxaca. While Ernesto Reyes had the most appearances on the highlight reel, we’re going to look at the captain who helped organize the defense and set up a strong showing for the southern Mexico side. We’re happy to name Juan Antonio Portales, the new captain of the squad and stalwart defender as this week’s Player of the Week.

Standings Update

After languishing at the bottom of the table last year, Alebrijes tops the 2022 Edition two weeks into the year.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Alebrijes de Oaxaca1102.01.50.5
Legon Cities1011.50.50.5
Freiburg0101.02.02.0
Grenoble0020.01.02.0
University of Montana–b——————
Rosenborg BK–b——————
Minnesota United–b——————
FK Vozdovac——————
Ross County——————
Emelec–b——————
Punjab FC–b——————
Table Updated 1/12/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, January 12th

Thursday, January 13th

Friday, January 14th

Dortmund v. Freiburg [M]

Saturday, January 15th

Guingamp v. Grenoble [M]

Sunday, January 16th

LePuy v. Grenoble [F]

Monday, January 17th

Legon Cities FC v. Bechem United

Tuesday, January 18th

Ross County v. Motherwell

Week 1: Ope, let me update ya real quick

Week 1: Ope, let me update ya real quick

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Welcome to year three of this sports writing exercise. I hope that who ever you are who reads this, please write a note so I know who you are. Otherwise I’ll just leave this awkwardly for my kids to read…when they are able to read.

Results

Legon Cities 0 – 1 Accra Lions

Not exactly the way we’d hope to start out the new year. But facts are facts, and Legon Cities struggles on offense are as they ever where: debilitating. There was no shortage of opportunities, but the Lions were able to hold off the Royals and got one of their own back in the second half to snatch the points.

News & Notes

Adieu…

Jerome Mombris is one of only three players to make the starting XI for this blog two years in a row. Julie Blakstad is a force of nature, Emanuel Reynoso is a cut above the competition, but Jerome was a true leader and exemplar for a Grenoble team that was uneven, then stellar, and then, done with him. Jerome did it all and helped lead the side (while also partnering with Minnesota United back Romain Metanire on international duty for Madagascar). Though he left Grenoble last fall, he left the game for good this week, and, like all the teams he played for and fans who loved him, we wish him the best: merci Jerome! Merci pour tout.

Ehhhhhhh…..

Speaking about Emanuel Reynoso…he um…well…he went to jail on suspicion of attacking a teenager. Suspicion isn’t proof and we shouldn’t jump to judge, but it seems that he’s been there for a while and there’s no concrete evidence he’s heading back to the States any time soon. So…it looks like Julie’s the last person standing, doesn’t it?

The other alphabet

You boys are good with your A, B, Cs and you’re getting better with your Greek letters too! Now it’s time for Omicron, the latest variant of the germs, and one that is so easily transmitted that the whole world shut down…again. Almost like the people who refuse to learn from the past are destined to repeat it. Including…the entire Indian Hero League, which, after an outbreak in their bubble was forced to reschedule the entire season for all teams…whee.

Players of the Weeks

With only one team in action this week (and with the poor/highlight free performance of that team), we don’t have much to choose from. So let’s pay some respect to someone from history who deserves a little more awareness: Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio Viera de Oliveira, or more simply, Socrates.

The midfielder reached his playing peak when I was born (and your grand parents were totally oblivious to his exploits). But I’d like to look beyond his play on the field towards what he did beyond it. While he was an incisive and excellent distributor, he was more than that. He was a strong student who insisted on completing his studies to be a doctor. When he hung up his boots, he went to his hometown to practice medicine (something everyone around the world can appreciate much more during this global pandemic). He also stood up for his beliefs, pro-peace, pro-community, pro-democracy (he spearheaded a revolutionary Brazilian club style during a military dictatorship). In all, he seems to have done a fabulous job of being a human being first and a soccer player second. Well done Socrates! (In case you struggle to spot him during this highlight reel, just look for the guy who is approximately 65% legs…you know…like me)

Standings Update

Not terribly dramatic or remotely indicative of where we’ll end up, but still worth being consistent here.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b——————
Rosenborg BK–b——————
Emelec–b——————
Punjab FC–b——————
Freiburg——————
Grenoble——————
Minnesota United–b——————
FK Vozdovac——————
Ross County——————
Alebrijes——————
Legon Cities0010.000.01.0
Table Updated 1/5/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, January 5th

Alebrijes v. Cancun FC

Thursday, January 6th

Friday, January 7th

Saturday, January 8th

Freiburg v. Arminia Bielefeld [M]

Grenoble v. Auxerre [M]

Sunday, January 9th

Grenoble v. Rodez [F-Cup]

Monday, January 10th

Dreams FC v. Legon Cities FC

Tuesday, January 11th

Jaibos v. Alebrijes

Year 2

Year 2

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I started this blog two years ago back before “pandemic” and “nasal swab” were words in daily conversation. It’s been wonderful to keep a hold of one normal-ish routine in a supremely surreal time.

Here’s how things shook out in 2021 among our favorite 11 sides on the planet.

Final Standings

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana22182.161.50.7
Rosenborg BK419152.032.31.2
Emelec2711141.771.61.2
Punjab FC8461.561.20.9
Freiburg2611231.481.71.5
Grenoble2210221.411.21.2
Minnesota United1310121.401.21.3
Legon Cities1310151.291.11.0
FK Vozdovac1311161.251.11.4
Ross County149201.191.31.5
Alebrijes714121.061.21.6
Table Updated 12/31/21

It’s one thing to have a superlative season after COVID, win your league and make a superb showing in unlikely circumstances. It’s another to do it again a couple months later. But that’s exactly what the University of Montana Griz did this year, and that’s why they ran away with this year’s cup. (U of M soccer jerseys are not available, but rest assured, I will find a way to be as close to full kit dork as possible.)

Emelec came away with the other 2021 trophy we commemorated on that part of the site, but couldn’t pass the dynamic duo of teams in Trondheim…even though neither of them won so much as a silver pudding spoon this year. Still, never bet against Julie Blakstad.

Most teams improved on the last campaign (which is saying something for as woeful as Alebrijes was), only Grenoble, Minnesota United, and FK Vozdovac saw regressions (however the Loons and the Dragons both stayed in good position for the standings…Grenoble, well…the spring was fun.)

Players of the Year

I so deeply enjoyed naming a team of XI favorites, that I took time to track the weekly award winners and sort out who showed up for their team week in and week out.

In goal it was a brutal choice: but We had to opt for the legend: Claire Howard who made the Griz so dominant in the spring and won a pair of player of the week honors.

The back line also had a strong set of selections to draw from. Attention had to be paid to four players who kept up the intensity at both ends of the pitch for four teams who broadly exceeded expectations. Jerome Mombris takes his second straight top XI selections while Romario Caicedo worked wonders in Emelec. Meanwhile Taylor Hansen was absolutely dominant as a Griz captain, and Christian Gunter was one of only three players to get two PoW winners.

The midfield sees two more repeat honorees on the left side with Julie Blakstad and Emanuel Reynoso returning with honors. The other side of the midfield sees two new names who are absolutely invaluable to their respective sides, with Jonah Attaquye masterminding the few attacks that have worked for Legon, and Hasret Kayici, you might say as she goes, so go die Frauen auf Frieburg.

Instead of shouting out the most dominant goal scorers at the spear head of the attack, we opted for decisive ones: Roundglass Punjab’s Chenchyo Geltsen and Vozdovac’s Nicola Vujnovic.

As for the bench, we had to slot the third double PoW winner here (sorry Kiran Limbu…you’re just not Claire Howard). The best defenses of the year (Legon and Rosenborg) came away with the two defensive bench spots: Erland Reitan and Joseph Adjei (the only honoree without a PoW). Joseph Hungbo’s recent run of amazing form and stellar goals gave him the rights to Ross County’s spot on the side, and Kristoffer Zacharissen’s dreamy eyes great leadership for half the year got him dropped onto the bench this year. Finally we kept the top scorers for two under represented sides as our scoring sparks off the bench: Adama Tamba for les femmes de Grenoble, and Kerly Corozco for las Electricas de Emelec.

This year we couldn’t find a way to work in a representative of Alebrijes: too many strong showings owed to the other side collapsing rather than an excellent performance on their end.

Finally, I just want to point out how tight the competition was for goalkeeper this year with three players who didn’t even get close to the bench: Winifred Honsu came out of nowhere to replace Fatua Duda in Legon, Pedro Ortiz remains indefatigable for both club and country, and Camila Xu thrilled us as just a freshman.

What’s Next

Let’s do it again shall we?

Oh, okay, maybe we’ll be more selective in our video taping (what with Alex starting to refuse and Owen mostly wanting to see himself…hmmm…maybe he’s got a future in punditry).

One thing I’m going to aim for in 2022: let’s see if we can get some conversations with people from the clubs…players…managers…confused communication interns…I’m not picky.

Weeks 47 – 52: Sweet Moses

Weeks 47 – 52: Sweet Moses

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I truly believe that routine is a valuable asset in learning how to build your skill. Running a marathon is easier after running twenty miles a week for several months. Teaching is better when you show up and study hard for your craft. My writing felt stronger when I wrote a little bit for these posts each week.

However, Thanksgiving…Covering for a Co-teacher with COVID…Holiday run-up…end of semester…the holidays themselves…and even the best routines are shot.

Here’s a brief recap of how our favorite eleven fared during the last 5 (good lord) weeks of not writing.

Results–From Nov. 17 on

Vozdovac (Won 2, Drew 1, Lost 3; 8 goals scored, 8 conceded)

As is their habit, the Dragons had both an offensive outburst and a complete defensive collapse. Nikola Vujnovic continues to lead the attack when it works, but until the defense gets back in shape, they’re going to be stuck in the middle of the table.

Grifo’s Grief (from Sportskeeda.com)

Freiburg (Won 4, Drew 2, Lost 4; 16 goals scored, 12 conceded)

Freiburg came careening back towards earth after their stay atop the Bundesliga after some Icarus-ish performances. A newish right side has been torn up with Lukas Kübler and Kevin Schade getting chewed up and spat out. Fortunately, Svenja Fölmli found some great form for the ladies, to even out the men’s lackluster showing.

Legon Cities (Won 1, Drew 3, Lost 3; 5 goals scored, 6 conceded)

The Royals have been predictably underwhelming in their efforts this season, pinging around the bottom half of the league table, including a week long stint in the cellar. Another predictable outcome, none of this comes back on ever reliable Jonah Attaquye, but instead on the boggling inconsistencies that manage to help them squander whatever part of the team is running well at the moment. (This time they went 400 minutes without a goal, squandering stout defensive performances by Isaaka Mohammed, Joseph Adjei and company).

Grenoble (Won 1, Drew 0, Lost 5; 9 goals scored, 10 conceded)

Merci a dieu pour Adama Tamba! (From Correa Tumblr)

On the surface, this record doesn’t look to shabby, but the numbers don’t really tell how rocky it’s been for Grenoble of late. Most of the goals came from the ladies in their 7-0 Cup drubbing of Heillecourt, and most of those from Adama Tamba (the Gambian whose hat trick was marvelous). However the men have been completely lost, and while some of the familiar faces (Yoric Ravet, Loic Nestor) have done well, the offense has been neutered and keeper Brice Mableu may be feeling the heat on his keeper seat.

Our side lost, but the best team won. (From ActionPush)

Emelec (Won 1, Drew 1, Lost 2; 8 goals scored, 7 conceded)

Los Bombillos finished with three lackluster showings against the fall, and year long champions of Ecuador: Independiente del Valle. (They took 1 point from three matches against them during this stretch, losing by a total of 7-4). In all, a deeply disappointing end to a fine year for Emelec, but hey, disappointments happen.

Rosenborg (Won 1, Drew 2, Lost 1; 6 goals scored, 7 conceded)

It was a rough finish in Trondheim as well. Rosenborg had been close if not confident in a shot at Europe all year. But Viking’s strong finished coupled with the Troll’s struggles was enough to keep them in Norway full time next year. The defense struggled to keep up and the offense seemed discombobulated (maybe playing Carlo Holse every where from Right back to Left Wing will do that).

Peace out (from Oregon Live)

Minnesota United (Lost 1; 1 Goal scored, 3 Conceded)

The Loons only had one match, a playoff tilt in Portland. They took an early lead on a textbook Metanire to Frangapane goal, but lost their way at the end (it was unfortunate that Dayne St. Clair only found out he would be starting shortly before hand when Tyler Miller was scratched due to COVID exposure). The Timbers went on to the Cup Final, so it wasn’t a bad loss, but it was a step back for a team with loftier ambitions.

We love the Rosses, but Aussie Ashley is doing work. (From Ross-Shire Journal)

Ross County (Won 3, Drew 4, Lost 1; 9 scored, 7 conceded)

The Staggies found a fabulous run of form to wrap up the year. They tripled their win total after winning one of their first twelve with 3 of their next 8). They have officially climbed off the bottom, and are hopefully headed in the right direction come the new year. Winger Joseph Hungbo has been outstanding, with strong showings from old favorites Regan Charles-Cook, Harry Paton, and new keeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer

Punjab FC (Won 1; 2 scored, 0 conceded)

See, wait long enough and you even get a comeback. Roundglass Punjab is back in action as of Boxing Day, with a 2-0 win over Rajasthan. The goals came from new man Kurtis Guthrie and youngster (17) Ashangbam Aphaoba Singh. The also capped the end of the year with that most 2021 of results: a postponement due to a COVID outbreak.

News & Notes

A Few Goodbyes

With the end of the year at hand, several teams have wrapped for a while, and along with that come quite a few personnel changes. Some of our favorite Loons have headed for warmer pastures: with Ethan Finlay bound for Austin and Ozzie Alonso headed for Atlanta. Meanwhile, after falling out of the starting lineup in Freiburg, Dominique Heintz will look for new opportunities in Union Berlin. And the usually reliable Even Hoveland has left Rosenborg for Swedish side Hacken.

We wish them all the best (even if we hope that Atlanta continues to struggle despite Ozzie being awesome).

Ozzie Libre!

Lots of Namskars

While many teams are saying goodbye, this week Roundglass Punjab took the pitch looking quite different from the team we last saw in March. New manager Ashley Westwood has made a habit of circling around subcontinent sides and has brought in a team full of players who are familiar with the upper tiers of Indian football. 13 players from last year’s side have moved on and 20 new faces have come to wear the orange and gold. Most notably, a revamped veteran back line filled with players who had been in India’s top division: Lalchuwanmawia, John Johnson, and Gurtej Singh. Turnover is the norm in Indian soccer, here’s hoping the newest round of recruits does well.

Players of the Weeks

Joseph Hungbo led the charge (sorry we were so far behind in following)

With five weeks to cover, we’ll toss these out regardless of actual week, but with consideration for those whose great form helped their teams. So here’s some player of the week honors to bestow on Kurtis Guthrie of Punjab, Joseph Hungbo of Ross County, Ashley Maynard Brewer of Ross County, Isaaka Mohammed of Legon Cities, Adama Tamba of Grenoble, and Nikola Vujnovic of Vozdovac,

Standings Update

And now…the final standings for 2021

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b22182.161.50.7
Rosenborg BK–b419152.032.31.2
Emelec–b2711141.771.61.2
Punjab FC8461.561.20.9
Freiburg2611231.481.71.5
Grenoble2210221.411.21.2
Minnesota United–b1310121.401.21.3
Legon Cities1310151.291.11.0
FK Vozdovac1311161.251.11.4
Ross County149201.191.31.5
Alebrijes–b714121.061.21.6
Table Updated 12/31/21
b–Team is between seasons

Congratulations to The Montana Griz on adding a fourth trophy to the case this season (well, first sippy cup to go along with three conference titles). And best wishes to Alebrijes de Oaxaca, next year is your year: I can feel lit.

What’s Next

Most teams have a break for the New Year, which really is the way it ought to be. Hoping everyone rests up to start 2022 strong.

Saturday, January 1st

Sunday, January 2nd

Monday, January 3rd

Legon Cities FC v. Accra Lions

Tuesday, January 4th

Weeks 46: Our Top Two Take a Bow

Weeks 46: Our Top Two Take a Bow

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Rosenborg BK 3 – 2 Lyn Football [F]

The Troll ladies wrapped up their season with another strong victory, the team only dropped three games all year, but that was enough to send them home without any trophies. But if you measure success by growth, development and enjoyment, Rosenborg has been excelling for years. Unsurprisingly, Rosenborg’s final match starred the same person who has been driving them all year long: Julie Blasktad who knocked in two more goals.

Washington State Cougars 3 – 0 Montana Grizzlies

The Griz couldn’t take a step further on this campaign. Just as they did in the spring season, they had to bow out in the first playoff round. The scoreline doesn’t do the team justice. Last time out they lost by one, and here again they were tantalizingly close (before some late goals gave the Cougars a little more breathing room). Coach Citowicki’s game plan of sturdy defending and surprise attacks, served them well again with their best showing against a Pac-12 team. It wasn’t to be this year, but progress still feels terribly close.

FC St. Cyr 1 – 2 Grenoble Foot [M–Cup]

The Alpiners coasted through their first match in the Coupe de France against the local 11 of St. Cyr. A strong side including Esteban Salles, Jordy Gaspar, and Achille Anani got out to a fast start with Anani knocking it in in the sixth minute. The next round will come against another lower division side…though possibly a team that doesn’t look quite so much like middle schoolers trying to keep up with college kids.

SC Freiburg 1 – 0 Werder Bremen [F]

Freiburg got only their second win of the season, surprisingly it came with Hasret Kayicki on the bench after a second half red card. Instead the winner belonged to Kim Fellhauer who delivered just enough on her header to convert a vital free kick just a few minutes in.

Legon Cities FC 0 – 1 Great Olympics

Well, there went the top of the table. Great Olympics beat their training ground rivals with a first half goal.

News & Notes

Wishing them the best

The end of the Griz season comes with one consequence no other team faces: players having to leave. Student athletes only stay athletes as long as they are students, and graduating is even more important than winning. So, Sami Siems, McKenzie Kilpatrick, Taylor Stoeger, Taylor Hanson, and Zoe Transtrum congratulations on four NCAA tournaments (the most ever for Griz players).

At the same time, the Griz celebrated the official signings of six new recruits joining the back to back best of the Big Sky. They come from all over including a pair from Billings, two from Washington State, one from California and one from the Vancouver Whitecaps professional program.

Photo from St. Olaf News

Um Ya Ya

Another college with a little more success than the Griz are the St. Olaf Oles (aka the college that your mom, and I, and your grandparents, and your great grandparents all attended) DID win their first TWO tournament games in Division III soccer championships. They are four games from the title, which would be a big shocker for your mom and I since we mostly spent our days reading in the library rather than playing the sportsball.

Whip Around the World

I am admittedly a sucker for the World Cup, it’s how I got to be a soccer fan in the first place, and I’m ridiculously excited to watch it with you boys next winter. This weekend marked some big matches for several of the countries that we follow closely and more of the players that we keep tabs on. Here’s a quick glimpse at how things went.

Ghana pulled a shocking turn about to snatch advancement out from underneath South Africa courtesy of an Andre Ayew penalty kick. Legon Cities Fatua Duda, the former top keeper, probably looked on with a smile. Serbia is dominated by players from around Europe’s top leagues (rather than among the mid-table Vozdovac’s of the local league), still your motherland is officially into the biggest stage of it all. Scotland still has some work to do to keep themselves alive for the next round, fingers crossed for former Staggie Ross Stewart who has an outside shot of making the team (and all the guys of Ross County, cheering from their homes). Minnesota United’s Finland connection (Robin Lod and Jukka Raitalta) got themselves agonizingly close to the next round thanks in large part to Lod’s thundering shot, before the champions from France eliminated them. Norway was similarly out of luck running up against Holland in their final match (Andre Hansen of Rosenborg could only watch). Emelec’s contingent in Ecuador‘s line up started on the bench but still provided some critical supports to stay in good position for qualification out of South America (even with four more matches to go). And the United States and Canada both stayed in good shape in North American qualifying much to the delight of possible call ups Hasani Dotson, Dayne St. Clair and Harry Paton.

Player of the Week

Sometimes it’s nice to spread the love around and sometimes you have to acknowledge that some players are simply better more often than others you follow. So I’ll continue repping Julie Blakstad until the cows come home. She deserves it.

A-Always B-Be C-Celebrating B-Blakstad: Always be celebrating Blakstad

Standings Update

We have a correction to make: back in August the ladies of Rosenborg played in the Norwegian women’s cup. We didn’t find the scores or include them in any tabulations, so we’ve been unintentionally shorting the Trolls a number of points. It ultimately won’t change the outcome as, even if the men win the rest of their games. The Griz have a big enough advantage to keep the title in hand.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b22182.161.50.7
Rosenborg BK407142.082.41.2
Emelec2610121.831.61.2
Grenoble2110171.521.21.2
Freiburg229191.501.71.5
Punjab FC–b7461.4711.20.9
Minnesota United1310111.441.21.3
Legon Cities127121.391.21.0
FK Vozdovac1110131.261.11.4
Ross County115191.091.31.6
Alebrijes–b714121.061.21.6
Table Updated 11/17/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, November 17th

Thursday, November 18th

Friday, November 19th

Saturday, November 20th

Proleter v. Vozdovac

SC Sand v. Freiburg [F]

WAFA v. Legon Cities

Valenciennes v. Grenoble [M]

Independiente del Valle v. Emelec [M]

Sunday, November 21st

Freiburg v Frankfurt [M]

Molde v. Rosenborg [M]

Vendenheim v Grenoble Foot [F–Cup]

Portland Timbers v. Minnesota United [Playoffs]

Monday, November 22nd

Tuesday, November 23rd

Weeks 45: Celebrate Good Times, Come ON!

Weeks 45: Celebrate Good Times, Come ON!

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Alebrijes 2 – 1 Correcaminos

Great day in the morning Oaxaca won a game without the need for late heroics. Just a very, very, very fortunate bounce on an otherwise irrelevant free kick. [Sorry fortunate bounces, you can’t win player of the week.]

Montana Grizzlies 1 – 0 Sacramento State Hornets

The Griz kicked off conference tournament play with a stout defensive effort. Camila Xu stood tall, the back line shut down the hornets and all it took was one quality ball for Charley Boone to play the hero and get her first goal in “like ten years”. The (admittedly, late) win took the Griz one step closer to a second title of the year (more on that in a bit)

Vozdovac 1 – 1 Cukaricki

Cukaricki continues to lead the “Best team not named Partizan/Red Star” competition, so a draw for the dragons feels like a solid showing. All the more because Milos Milosovic scored the equalizer as part of an organized second half comeback following a first half that saw the defense split open like pumpkin on Halloween and amid an utter downpour.

Emelec 2 – 0 Mushuc Runa [M]

Los bombillos came through again to keep up the pressure on Independuente del Valle with Alexis Zapata crushing a gorgeous goal to put them ahead, and Pedro Ortiz standing tall in goal to keep it that way. The top two teams will meet in two weeks with trophies likely on the line.

Bayern Munich 2 – 1 Freiburg [M]

To be honest, we knew that Freiberg’s and beaten the streak would end. We had plenty of reason to suspect it would happen here. And hey we were right.

Freiburg likely won’t be standing atop the league in May, but their effective showings against both Bayern and Dortmund suggests that Europe really is within reach.

Legon Cities 3 – 2 Real Tamale

For the first time in their current incarnation, Legon led the league! (On goal difference…for a couple hours…because most teams had yet to play twice) Still it was great to see Jonah Attuquaye’s penalty seal the deal (and Nathaniel Akwah’s free kick blast just because, well, it’s freaking awesome).

https://youtu.be/lApW6tb4UI8

Brann 2 – 2 Rosenborg [M]

Erland Dahl Reitan set up both the opening goal, an invaluable second half equalizer, and some strong defensive squeezing as Rosenborg had surprising difficulty with relegation bound Brann.

Grenoble 1 – 0 Dunkerke [M]

Loïc Nestor remains an indefatigable Mr Grenoble. While many long term teammates have left, Loïc stays strong. While a dozen other players tried Dunkerke’s defense and blasted away at goal, Loic was the one who made the difference. In addition to shuttling back on the wing to stymie attacks and, in this case, streaking forward to score the match winner in stoppage time.

Kolbotn 1 – 2 Rosenborg [F]

After a few weeks in hiding Julie Blakstad struck back with a vengeance Sunday. She scored both goals in Rosenborg’s last road game this year. At times it seemed like Kolbotn’s defense was more of a help than any sterling offense, but we’ll take every win we can get

Nice 4 – 1 Grenoble Foot [F]

To put it mildly, this wasn’t Grenoble’s day. The match report from my preferred Grenoble soccer blog highlighted an assault on goal by players with first division experience. So the loss was very much sensed. Sherly Jeudy got another late goal (this one, very much a consolation)

Rangers 4 – 2 Ross County

The Stags weren’t terribly likely to get two wins in a row when they had to face reigning Scottish champs Rangers. Still Joseph Hungbo showed his class, Regan Charles Cook reaffirmed his, and Harry Paton got a solid assist as well.

Turbine Potsdam 2 – 1 SC Freiburg

Despite an opening goal from (who else) Hasret Kayicki, Freiburg’s Frauen couldn’t keep up with Potsdam and continued their inconsistent form.

Montana Grizzlies 1 – 0 Weber State Wildcats *Big Sky Conference Championship*

The Griz were a little fortunate that Weber State knocked out hosts, regular season champs and the only big sky squad to Best them Northern Colorado. But that’s how tournaments go, you get some good luck and some bad.

The best luck for the team came on a couple of loose balls. Just like in the semi-finals Camilla Xu’s long ball worked well to set up an attack, and the quick overlap from Zoe Transtrum to Jaden Griggs did all the work.

Best of all you boys got to watch it together, and celebrate with one voice.

LA Galaxy 3 – 3 Minnesota United

It was a wild one in Southern California on Sunday night as the Loons managed to get a vital point to seal their spot in the MLS playoffs. Adrien Hunou and Robin Lod put the Loons in control early on, but the Galaxy made all the adjustments necessary to come back and take the lead. Luck was on the Loons’ side as an own goal gave them the last boost to keep a spot in the playoffs (and send both LA teams home for the winter)

Cancun FC 1 – 2 Alebrijes de Oaxaca

Alebrijes can head into the offseason with their heads held high, finishing with a pair of their best performances all season. Andre Alcaraz had to withstand a bevy of shots and did so with grace despite the back line giving him precious little cover. The goals had a flavor that had been lacking in the season that was with Miguel Vallejo’s free kick and Lizandro Echeverria’s excellent positioning doing the duty for the team’s goals. Getting 9 points off their last six matches, boosted Oaxaca’s final standings (but they still need a lot of help/losing from other teams) to avoid a wooden spoon award.

News & Notes

Boys 2 – 0 Uncle Simon

At Owen’s birthday party you guys dominated your Uncle Simon, pelting him with leaves every chance you got. Well played to both of you. And still he and Auntie E got you a very noisy, very fun, combination soccer goal and basketball hoop…so you may have beaten him, but be still gets the better of me.

Tournament Time Again

The NCAA tournament is one of the most magical times of the year, and to have two in one year is extra fun. This time, the Griz won’t be jetting across the country to face one of the toughest teams in the country, they’ll just head over the Rockies. The Griz get another power conference team in the Washington State Cougars, one that’s in the top 20 in the country. But the Griz have also notched their highest winning total in 20 years, why not repeat that 20 year cycle with a repeat win in the tournament (a win that came, conveniently enough, against Washington State).

Another International Weekend

Teams around the world are inching ever closer to the final rounds of World Cup qualification. This week should see the end of group play in Africa and Europe, with several teams inking their spots in Qatar next year, and several more heading back to the drawing board. We’ll be keeping an extra close eye on players plying their trade for country and perhaps if Nico Schlotterbeck and Christian Gunter can become part of a German team that’s already punched their ticket for the biggest stage of them all.

Player of the Week

Having already heaped the praise on Camilla Xu, lets make a little room for Erland Dahl Reitan. Who not only supported the attack this week but has been a vital component in one of Norway’s best defenses all year. (Sloppy results this last week not withstanding, Reitan deserves a bit of recognition here.

Standings Update

It is officially academic. Even if both Rosenborg sides win all of their games and the Griz crash out in Pullman, Washington, the Griz have enough points to hold on to the top spot in our league. We’ll bestow the trophy officially in a few weeks, but it’s all over now but the crying. Speaking of crying, Alebrijes’ hopes for avoiding the bottom of our league officially rest on a further collapse by Ross County now that their 2021 is wrapped up.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana22172.181.60.6
Rosenborg BK367132.052.31.2
Emelec2610121.831.61.2
Grenoble2010171.491.21.2
Punjab FC–b7461.4711.20.9
Freiburg219191.4691.71.6
Minnesota United1310111.441.21.3
Legon Cities127111.431.21.0
FK Vozdovac1110131.261.11.4
Ross County115191.091.31.6
Alebrijes–b714121.061.21.6
Table Updated 11/10/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, November 10th

Thursday, November 11th

Friday, November 12th

Saturday, November 13th

Rosenborg BK v. Lyn Football [F]

Washington State Cougars v. Montana Grizzlies

FC St. Cyr v. Grenoble Foot [M–Cup]

Sunday, November 14th

SC Freiburg v. Werder Bremen [F]

Monday, November 15th

Tuesday, November 16th

Legon Cities FC v. Great Olympics

Week 40: The Name of the Game is Consistency

Week 40: The Name of the Game is Consistency

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Alebrijes 0 – 1 Tapatio

Even at home Oaxaca can’t seem to buy a goal. They’ve had 3 in 5 September matches.

DC United 3 – 1 Minnesota United

The Loons had put together a nice little run just in time for a ping ponging road trip. First a trip to the capitol where their reliance on Emanuel Reynoso, as a team that usually expects a goal or two (based on advanced statistics) barely managed enough to expect .25 of a goal. (Thanks to the oft overlooked Bakye Dibassy for laughing in the face of that math.)

University of Montana Grizzlies 1 – 0 Sacramento State Hornets

Rack up another text book Griz shutout. Get the one goal you need and trust your keeper to do the job (Camilla Xu clearly is targeting a new Clean Sheet Record).

SC Freiburg 2 -2 VfL Wolfsburg [F]

A point-free campaign lady Griffins got a lot better with a draw against Champions League regulars Wolfsburg. Hasret Kayicki did what she does with another goal, and welcome Mia Büchele to the party with her first of the campaign. Best of all, we actually have highlights!!

Hertha BSC 1 – 2 Freiburg [M]

Meanwhile, the men folk of Freiburg continued their fine form. Christian Gunter delivered a couple of great corner kicks to set up both the opener and the winner. They are now the only unbeaten side left in the Bundesliga and sit one point back of legendary leaders Bayern Munich.

Dundee United 1 – 0 Ross County

On the other end, County has still yet to get a win this season and this was only the third game where they limited their opponents to one goal.

FK Spartak Subotica 0 – 4 Vozdovac

True story, I was helping Alex on the potty as my phone blew up with goals from Subotica.

Me: Wow the dragons are scoring a lot of goals!

Alex: well…they are dragons.

So, congrats Nikola Vujnovic and company. You’re magical beasts in fine form.

Grenoble 2 – 0 Pau [M]

The Alpiners are on a roll at the moment: unbeaten in 3 and coalescing around Yoric Ravet to spur a solid attack. Mamodou Diallo scored a stunning volley, but Ravet’s been a creative force and challenged the defense with every set piece. The right side of the midfield still looks dubious. If only there was an answer? Maybe one that starts with a J- and ends with an -essy Bennet?

Dallas 0 – 0 Minnesota United

Reynoso was back but when no one puts the biscuit in the basket against the most porous team in the Western conference … well all the creativity in the world can’t replace accuracy.

Thonon Evian 1 – 1 Grenoble Foot [F]

It was another late goal that saved the day for Grenoble, this time an 88th minute equalizer from Claudia Fabre to compensate for a first half defensive miscue.

Kristiansund 1 – 0 Rosenborg [M]

After three big wins RBK couldn’t grab another in trying circumstances. Normally reliable Adam Anderson’s first minute [FIRST MINUTE!!] red card for pulling an opposing striker to the ground. Forced the trolls to play down a man for the whole match. Kristiansund got their goal quickly and only a great game by goalie Julian Lund kept it close. So moral victories it is!

Tecnico Universitario 1 – 0 Emelec [M]

Now winless in three straight, Emelec is slipping far from their chances to sweep the seasons. They’re guaranteed a playoff spot, but they’d much rather play like Emelec 6 months ago than Emelec now…shame time travel doesn’t work.

Montana Grizzlies 0 – 0 Portland State Vikings

The Griz lost their winning streak but Camilla Xu made it 7 straight shutouts during Sunday’s game at South Campus Stadium.

Venados 1 – 1 Alebrijes

It took a last second Josue Gomez equalizer to save the Oaxacans from another defeat. Well, the last second equalizer and a whole bunch of good fortune on some too close for comfort Venados attacks. But however you save the day, we’re glad that the day is saved.

News & Notes

Hey! More World Cup Qualifiers!

The cancelling of all matches for six months has put an extra bit of pressure on World Cup qualification, so we’ve got a ton of teams racing to qualify for the tournament in Qatar next winter. So, what could have been a little distraction is instead an all hands on deck situation.

Pay. The. Refs.

A weekly reminder that Ecuador should pay their referees.

Vaccine Cards Up, Volume Down

I’ve been conflicted all year about attending soccer matches. In my dream, I can take one of you guys, laugh, play, eat something fried and/or cheesy and come home with a bonding experience. In reality, the stupid virus is still out there and the absence of masks in the stands makes me wary and your mom terrified.

To this purpose, a lot of programs have started requiring vaccine proof or a recent negative test. But our local team is not.

So, some of our fellow Minnesotans have decided to stop attending matches. Especially those that lead the chants, the cheers, and build the atmosphere. The team hasn’t really listened to prior requests, so this may be a good demonstration for you in how to make change, or at least, try to.

Player of the Week

I’m torn this week. On the one hand, Grenoble’s surge in form owes a lot to Yoric Ravet. On the other, Montana’s increasing dominance owes a lot to Camilla Xu. On a suddenly growing third hand, Nikola Vujnovic’s goals are a big help to Vozdovac’s season goals. With a couple recent shout outs to Grenoble, we’ll spread the wealth around and applaud the Freshman keeper, Camilla Xu. Congrats!

Standings Update

Rosenborg and Emelec losses dropped them farther off the pace set by the Griz. But Minnesota’s lost road trip hurts the most, dropping them from fourth to seventh. And at the foot of the table Alebrijes has slipped below 1 point per game.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana16162.131.60.7
Rosenborg BK314122.062.31.2
Emelec2210121.731.61.2
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Grenoble169141.461.21.2
Freiburg178161.441.51.5
Minnesota United10891.411.11.2
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
FK Vozdovac107161.231.11.5
Ross County105151.131.21.5
Alebrijes512110.961.11.7
Table Updated 10/6/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, October 6th

Thursday, October 7th

Friday, October 8th

Saturday, October 9th

Rosenborg BK v Arna Bjornar [F]

Sunday, October 10th

Grenoble Foot v. Nimes Metropole Gard [F]

FC Carl Zeiss Jena v. SC Freiburg [F]

Minnesota United v. Colorado

Northern Colorado v. Montana Grizzlies

Monday, October 11th

Tuesday, October 12th

Alebrijes v. Jaibos

Week 39: Welcomes and Farewells

Week 39: Welcomes and Farewells

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Viking 3 – 1 Rosenborg [M-Cup]

Age Hareide fielded a strong side for the cup but they never got out of first gear, and Rosenborg made an exit far earlier than their dominant performances suggested they would.

Red Star Belgrade v. FK Vozdovac

Postponed. See News Below

Atletico Morelia 1 – 0 Alebrijes

Man, Oaxaca can’t build on their momentum can they? Their longest unbeaten run of the year has been two games….a pair of draws…so it was back to the struggle bus here.

Rodez 1 – 1 Grenoble [M]

Speaking of teams without an ounce of momentum, Grenoble’s defense seems just too tired to hold on at the end of games, giving up another stoppage time goal. This one came off a late foul deep in their area, and resulted in dropped points in a game they coulda shoulda won. One silver lining, it is their first road point of the campaign so…thank heaven for small mercies.

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 0 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

You wouldn’t know it from my incessant praising of the Griz, but there are those who felt they were a soft Conference Champion, as their final opponent in the tournament (these same Lumberjacks) were disqualified due to COVID rather than truly beaten. But Caitlin Rogers’ long distance free kick and Camilla Xu’s growing confidence in goal were enough to silence those doubters and put the Griz back atop the Big Sky again.

Avaldsnes 0 – 1 Rosenborg [F]

The Troll Ladies were a little slow to shake off the rust, but Sarah Kanutte Fornes did the job as an 81st minute substitute driving in an 87th minute goal on a textbook spin in the box. With 5 matches left, Rosenborg remain favorites for European qualification again this year…knock on all the wood.

Motherwell 2 – 1 Ross County

County’s hopes for a turn in fortunes were doused with another lightning fast goal, with Motherwell’s Callum Slattery netting a goal in the 2nd minute. Regan Charles Cook continued his strong form with an equalizer, but couldn’t get the defense to do the job.

Minnesota 2 – 0 Houston Dynamo

Again, the Loon’s attack was impressive right off the bat. Ethan Finlay scored his second in as many games, and Robin Lod made up for Emanuel Reynoso’s unusually underwhelming performance. But the midfield and defense ran out of gas in the second half, and only a great showing by Tyler Miller kept the score line comfortable.

Freiburg 3 – 0 Augsburg

The Griffins turned out the light on their old grounds in style. Lukas Kübler had a great showing after moving up to midfield from his usual right back role, but Lucas Höler was similarly strong and the whole squad played superlatively.

Grenoble 0 – 1 Olympique Marseille [F]

Les Grenobloises dropped their first points of the year…but I have no highlights so…that’s all I know.

Rosenborg 3- 1 Mondalen[M]

Stefano Holmquist’s ridonkulous form continues. In his past 5 Eliteserien games he has 7 goals, including two more at home this weekend. It’s a nice bounce back after being bumped out of the cup earlier in the week.

Southern Utah Thunderbirds 0 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

The Griz are back to bossing around the big sky conference. Even on a road trip with a redshirt freshman in goal, they’ve pulled off a pair of clean sheets to open conference play. This time it was Bella O’Brien knocking in a pass during your standard crash the box corner kick.

Emelec 2 – 2 Universidad Catolica

It took a late equalizer from Jose Cevallos trundling the ball in for Emelec to dodge two defeats in a row. The dropped points of the past few weeks makes a season sweep far less likely for Los Bombillos, but the team spirit should give hope that they’ll be well suited to claim the title at the end of the year.

FK Vozdovac 1 – 1 Mladost Lucani

The Dragons should be rightfully downhearted about only scraping a point against bottom of the table Lucani. But as it’s only their first draw of the season, and it was buoyed by a brilliant Milos Pantovic run, maybe there should be some pride in coming back at least a little?

News & Notes

Welcome to the Community Owen

We celebrated Owen’s baptism while your uncle Simon and I surreptitiously checked our phones for news of the North London derby. Spoiler alert: the baptism went better. And that’s even when the pastor’s “you are blessed by the water” was met with a firm “NO! I AM NOT!” (To be fair you were pretty sick Owen, nobody was getting a smile from you.)

Whatever Red Star wants….Red Star gets

This time it was a postponement for the match against Vozdovac. It was definitely because of COVID tests (among injured players) and not at all about needing a break from a schedule that called for six games in 14 days. (Narrator voice: it might have been, but they’re the dominant team in Serbia so…)

Sweet Dreams Dreisamstadion

For almost 70 years, the best of Freiburg fußball has had one home, one the banks of the Dreisam River. But the last match is now in the books, and in 20 days a new era will start at the new Europa Stadion. New is nice, and tradition is powerful. Here’s to the past and the future in Freiburg!

Player of the Week

I tried hard to spread around the awards, recognizing teams that didn’t dominate the summer lull. But we can’t pretend like Rosenborg’s best isn’t also the best in our world this week, or even the last month: Stefano Holmquist come on down!

Stefano Vecchia - File 2020 10 24 Djurgardens If Ik Sirius Fk Stefano Vecchia 04 Jpg Wikimedia Commons : Statystyki w obecnym sezonie zawodnika stefano holmquist vecchia (rosenborg trondheim) występy bramki asysty

Standings Update

The Griz got back to the top of the heap this week after their two strong road wins to kick off conference play. Meanwhile the middle of the pack got thoroughly shuffled With Minnesota climbing, Grenoble falling, and the Staggies and Dragons starting to split hairs

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana15062.141.70.7
Rosenborg BK314112.112.31.2
Emelec2210111.771.71.2
Minnesota United10781.481.21.2
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Grenoble159141.421.11.2
Freiburg167161.411.51.5
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
FK Vozdovac97131.1721.01.5
Ross County105151.1671.21.5
Alebrijes511101.001.21.7
Table Updated 9/29/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 29th

Alebrijes v. Tapatio

DC United v. Minnesota United

Thursday, September 30th

Friday, October 1st

University of Montana Grizzlies v. Sacramento State Hornets

Saturday, October 2nd

SC Freiburg v. VfL Wolfsburg [F]

Hertha BSC v. Freiburg [M]

Dundee United v. Ross County

FK Spartak Subotica v. Vozdovac

Grenoble v Pau [M]

Dallas v Minnesota United

Sunday, October 3rd

Thonon Evian v. Grenoble Foot [F]

Kristiansund v. Rosenborg [M]

Tecnico Universitario v. Emelec [M]

Montana Grizzlies v. Portland State Vikings

Emelec v. Orense

Monday, October 4th

Tuesday, October 5th

Venados v. Alebrijes

Week 38: When it’s good, it’s great

Week 38: When it’s good, it’s great

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Sporting KC 4 – 0 Minnesota United

There’s ugly and then there’s this. A bare-bottomed spanking (something you boys know nothing about) gave the Loons a lot to think about before their next match against another top opponent.

California State Long Beach 0 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

This is the game plan of Chris Citowicki at work. Knowing your strength in defense, frustrate the opponent for most of the match and hit them quick before it ends. Camilla Xu continues to show up like Claire Howard between the sticks, and her long ball to start the attack gave the Griz just what they needed to knock off another top opponent.

Toulouse 4 – 1 Grenoble [M]

Remember when Grenoble was close enough to Toulouse that this was a marquee match up? It was 4 months ago. Aka a long long time. This ain’t your spring time Grenoble. So we’ll do what we can.

Kevin Schade shields the draw

Mainz 0 – 0 Freiburg [M]

Mainz had the better of the match against Freiburg. To be fair, Freiburg was running a little behind without some of their most in form players (Vincenzo Grifo and Woo-Yeong Jeong), so the draw still feels worth it.

Ross County 2 – 2 Hearts

Who’d have thought that finally playing Regan Charles Cook up in the attack would pay off (for the record: all the Staggies fans for two years…all of them…the whole time). He buoyed Blair Spittal in the midfield, helping him to a first half brace. Also Ashley Maynard-Brewer made his first appearance in goal and despite the late equalizer, acquitted himself well.

Vozdovac 1 – 2 FK Radnicki 1923

While Milos Milovic netted a strong equalizer, it was a short lived draw. Radnicki got the lead back within another minute and thus the Dragons continued to slip.

Minnesota 3 – 0 LA Galaxy

I helped get you two to bed and raced over to catch the second half of the game with 19,000 close friends (and a double layered mask). It did not disappoint. I missed Emanuel Reynoso’s superb first half goals, but I did see a special appearance by Ethan Finlay who made every run more dangerous, scored a solid goal, and stopped another attack dead in its tracks, more on that later.

Sarpsborg 08 1 – 3 Rosenborg [M]

Stefano Holmquist Vecchio continued to be in great form, as Rosenborg continued to battle towards the top. Meanwhile the back line continued to control the area and refused to let Sarpsborg near the goal. So tip the cap and say a “tusen takk” to Even Hovland and Erland Dahl Reitan.

LDU Quito 3- 2 Emelec [M]

The replay of last week’s postponed game was a barnburner, the down side being that the loss dropped Emelec out of fist place. It was an impressive piece of story telling as Andersson Ordonez finished a game winning penalty after giving up an own goal in the first three minutes.

Grenoble 4 – 1 Nancy [M]

Apparently it’s also not Friday’s Grenoble, as they absolutely dominated Nancy throughout the field. (To be fair, Nancy has a scant three points in the year, so…really shoulda won it). While the back line was make shift, Loic Nestor made the most of his player of the week honors with a goal, Yoric Ravet (our first two favorite team player) got a goal, an assist and a man of the match honors.

News & Notes

Conveniently COVID

Naturally, you boys celebrated your first week back at school with that school’s first ever positive COVID test. The school was shuttered on Monday, and your mom and I made sure that you had somebody to be with (ie. us rather than your grandparents.) It’s just a little hard that this thing that has shifted all our expectations for your life and world is still complicating life 18 months after it started.

Lerkendal’s Legend Grows

With Stefano Holmquist Vecchia’s brace Rosenborg hit the Century mark for goals scored this year between both the Menner og Kvinner. So cheers to everyone who made it happen: especially Julie Blackstad, Lisa Marie Utland, and Kristoffer Zacharaissen (yes…I used this as an excuse to bring up my three favorite Norwegians).

Player of the Week

I can admit that I’m biased, but since I saw him, and I was in such a good mood watching his performance that Ethan Finlay made my night. So Ethan gets the shout out.

Standings Update

Despite a split in the week, Grenoble got the points they needed to move one thousandth of a point ahead of Punjab FC into fourth place, while the Grizzlies continue to keep Rosenborg in their sights for the top spot.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Rosenborg BK294102.122.41.1
University of Montana13062.051.80.8
Emelec229111.81.61.2
Grenoble Foot158131.4721.21.2
Punjab FC–b7461.4711.20.9
Minnesota United9781.421.11.2
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
Freiburg157161.371.51.6
Ross County105141.211.21.5
FK Vozdovac96131.181.01.5
Alebrijes41081.001.31.9
Table Updated 9/22/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 22nd

Viking v. Rosenborg [M-Cup]

Thursday, September 23rd

Red Star Belgrade v. FK Vozdovac

Atletico Morelia v. Alebrijes

Friday, September 24th

Rodez v. Grenoble [M]

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks v. Montana Grizzlies

Saturday, September 25th

Avaldsnes v. Rosenborg [F]

Motherwell v. Ross County

Minnesota v Houston Dynamo

Sunday, September 26th

Freiburg v. Augsburg

Grenoble v. Olympique Marseille [F]

Rosenborg v. Mondalen[M]

Southern Utah Thunderbirds v. Montana Grizzlies

Emelec v. Universidad Catolica

Monday, September 27th

FK Vozdovac v. Mladost Lucani

Tuesday, September 28th

Week 37: Bare Knuckle

Week 37: Bare Knuckle

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Dorados 2 – 1 Alebrijes

A rough year only got tougher for Oaxaca. Memories of a dominant 2019 campaign are long gone. And they must be grateful relegation is cancelled for four more years.

Montana Grizzlies 5 – 0 Texas Southern Wildcats

The Griz got back to winning ways against an admittedly weaker opponent. Taylor Hansen (2 assists, 1 goal) seems determined to dominate the game like the bicep flexing badass she is.

Freiburg 1 – 1 Koln [M]

Freiburg was fortunate to snatch another point despite their most lackluster showing of the season. Sometimes you’re good, sometimes you’re lucky. Both are valuable.

Celtic 3 – 0 Ross County

For 65 minutes it looked like County might continue to shock the Hoops. then the dam burst, and it was your typical Scottish smack down.

Grenoble 2 – 1 Nimes [M]

Les Grenobloises are down to a smattering of last year’s core. Fortunately sometimes a smattering still does the trick (like with brown sugar on oatmeal or applause and my ego). Credit to Maumadou Diallo for being the offense this week and Loic Nestor for continuing to be a boss at the back.

Bayern Munich 4 – 0 Freiburg [F]

We’re only three weeks into the season, but the Frauen auf Freiburg have gotten no points and no offense since Hasret Kayicki’s first week goal.

Ozzie not making peace

Seattle Sounders 1 – 0 Minnesota United

I had hoped we could watch a Lions win while cleaning the house. Instead you (rightly) demanded to play outside and the Loons looked to annoyed to capitalize on their chances. Adrien Honou continues to miss golden chances, and when professional troublemaker Ozzie Alonso is the voice of calm…you’re struggling to get it together.

Radnicki Nis 1 – 0 Vozdovac

The Red Dragons lost their three game winning streak on Sunday. But as 3 of their 4 wins this year have come from the bottom four teams of the table, there’s still reason to be cautious in praising coach Pedrag Rogan’s team or dismissing this as a one off.

Rosenborg 3 – 2 Tromso [M]

The Black and white looked to be on cruise control early on with Noah Holm and Emil Ceide running riot. But Tromso equalized through a pair of hopeful long balls and defensive confuzzlement. However the second line offense provided by substitutes Stefano Vecchia and Carlo Holse continued to threaten until they connected on the headed match winner late in injury time. It wasn’t quite as triumphant as it felt early on

LDU Quito v. Emelec

Postponed…see note below

Yzeure Allier 0 – 1 Grenoble [F]

Make it two from two for les grenobloises. Again it was one goal that made the difference, but this week the honors go to Andrea Commper Banguillot. The win on the road has put the alpiners on top of their division two group, ahead of a big visit from historic side Olympique Marseille in a few weeks.

Montana Grizzlies 1 – 0 Boise State Mustangs

And that’s why you don’t schedule cupcakes. Coach Chris Citkowski was validated in his choice to put the Griz up against some of the best programs west of the Mississippi this season by notching a signature victory, better still it was young talents leading the way. Camilla Xu has stepped up in goal to be a tough nut to crack in front of goal (all this as a redshirt freshman). While true freshmen (ie kids I could have taught in quarantine last year), Bella O’Brien and Delaney Lou Schorr connected to notch the goal against one of the top teams in the Mountain West. [Hat tip to the controlling defense of upperclassmen Caitlin Rogers and Allie Larsen and to Tommy Marino for the photo we used to head this post.]

Alebrijes 2 – 1 Mineros

The Oaxacans got their first win of the season! [Insert trumpet noises here]. It took a bit of doing, including a fortunate flick of the head by Josue Gomez, and a last minute winner for Jaidivert Hurtardo. But a win is a win and leaping up several spots in the standings is always welcome.

News & Notes

Alex 0 – 3 Playground Kid

I’m sorry to put you on blast big A but your little playmate, Lily, absolutely worked you. She ran on to every ball in space (and yes she did scoop it up and run with it like a football while you tried to explain how to play…but toddler rules are toddler rules man). It’s rough after you owned a six year old this summer, but hey like we say: girls are good.

No pay, no play

Referee for Rights

Emelec isn’t unbeatable, but they do have odds in their favor coming in to the end of the Ecuadorian league. But even they can’t win when referees aren’t able to call the game. Since the Ecuadorian federation hasn’t paid the referees in the local league for two weeks, the “arbitros” went on a mini-strike, affecting the premier game of the weekend.

Obviously, we would like to see Emelec continue to dominate the game. But we’d rather people get paid what they are owed. Go ahead Ecuadorian refs, get what you deserve.

Loic’s Surprised face

Player of the Week

Keeping the tiny trophy of our imaginations in the Alps, let’s pay some respect to Loic Nestor who has had to step up in a major way to keep Grenoble something close to afloat, and helped deliver a vital victory this last weekend (not to mention the ones he helped with during the last campaign).

Standings Update

One great week was all Grenoble needed to leap up four spots (it helped that a few other teams slipped up on the same week, but the middle table remains a tough battle.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Rosenborg BK264102.052.51.2
University of Montana12062.001.80.8
Emelec229101.81.61.2
Punjab FC–b7461.4711.20.9
Grenoble Foot14821.4711.11.2
Minnesota United8771.411.11.1
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
Freiburg156161.381.51.6
FK Vozdovac96121.221.01.5
Ross County104141.211.21.5
Alebrijes41081.001.31.9
Table Updated 9/15/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 15th

Spotting KC v Minnesota United

Thursday, September 16th

California State Long Beach v. Montana Grizzlies

Friday, September 17th

Saturday, September 18th

Toulouse v Grenoble [M]

Mainz v Freiburg [M]

Ross County v Hearts

Vozdovac v FK Radnicki 1923

Minnesota v LA Galaxy

Sunday, September 19th

Sarpsborg 08 v. Rosenborg [M]

Emelec v. Universidad Catolica

Monday, September 20th

Tuesday, September 21st

Grenoble v. Nancy [M]