Week 9-10: Speed Round

March 10, 2020March 16, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores (Plus Recaps Kinda)

Aberdeen 1 v Ross County 2

Motherwell 4 v Ross County 1

Ross County 0 v Rangers 1

Every time the Staggies start to establish some security they slide back to the bottom. Despite a great run of form by Northern Ireland’s Billy McKay, a pair of predictable defeats undid the miraculous win in Aberdeen

Golukam FC 1 – Punjab FC 1

Indian Arrows 1 – Punjab FC 1

Neroca FC 4 – Punjab FC 3

A poor run of late from the men of Minerva means they’ve slipped to third despite Asier Dipanda’s one man efforts to save the day.

(M) Grenoble Foot 0 – Chateroux 1

Grenoble Foot 0 – Nice 0

(M) Caen 2 – Grenoble Foot 0

Thomson Évian 1 – Grenoble Foot 0

(M) Grenoble Foot 1 – Valenciennes 3

Unfortunately, the ladies of the alps continue to suffer near miss after near miss, and may need to rely on goal difference to avoid the drop. Meanwhile, Shockingly, Grenoble struggled to score and to shut down opponents. (Did I shockingly, I meant predictably) Most exposed: left side defenders Loic Nestor and Jerome Mombis who have been about as useful as as a megaphone for a mime.

(M) SC Freiburg 0 – Fortuna Düsseldorf 2

(M) Borussia Dortmund 1 – SC Freiburg 0

SC Freiburg 2 – MSV Duisburg 2

(M) SC Freiburg 3 – Union Berlin 1

Hoffenheim 4 – SC Freiburg 1

Maddeningly inconsistent, Freiburg’s men remain close but not close enough to qualification for Europe. Meanwhile the women’s fortunes have faded with the inability to get WunderMadchen Klara Bühl integrated in the attack, leaving them safe but far from competitive with the imperious Wolfsburg.

https://youtu.be/4fMEY9C6TP4

Cukariki 2 – FK Vozdovac 1

FK Vozdovac 1 – Vojvodina 2

Indjija 3 – FK Vozdovac 0

Easily the worst run of form of any team we cover, the red dragons are winless in 2020. Worst they’re sliding ever closer to relegation just in time to face local super club Partizan Belgrade

King Faisal 1 – Legon Cities FC 1

Legon Cities 0 – Eleven Wonders 0

Legon Cities 4 – WAFA 1

Berekum Chelsea 2 – Legon Cities 0

The good news: The Royals got their second win of the season! The bad news: they remain just 5 points clear of relegation and face a long season ahead where no number of Hip-Life Half times can make up for a lackluster team.

https://youtu.be/xjz5a6Z5Rto

(M) Emelec 2 – Blooming 0 (Copa Sudamericana)

(M) Emelec 1 – Guayaquil City 2

(M) CSD Macara 1 – Emelec 0

(M) Emelec 4 – Aucas 0

While their goal difference would place them 4th, Emelec’s results have them in 10th. It’s worth wondering if the division of attention between the league and the Copa has them dealing with a bit of a hangover in domestic competition.

Jaibos 1 – Alebrijes de Oaxaca 1

Alebrijes de Oaxaca 0 – Correcaminos 0

Cafetaleros 4 – Alebrijes de Oaxaca 1

February was full of heartbreak for Oaxaca who came up winless and could only manage 2 points from a pair of games against sides fighting relegation. Maybe they’re helpless without an in form Daniel Jimenez. Maybe they’re coasting on their apertura title waiting for a promotion playoff to turn it on. But it may be hard to get up for the big game when you’ve been sleepwalking for a month.

Portland Timbers 1 – Minnesota United 3

San Jose Earthquakes 2 – Minnesota United 5

Our local Loons are flying high to start their campaign. Winning twice on the road in convincing fashion to top the table. The wings have helped keep the attack aloft as killer crosses from Ethan Findlay and Kevin Molino have set up new striker Luis Amarilla twice and even put reigning defender of the year Ike Opara in a goal scoring mood.

News & Notes

I have no idea…I’m burnt out

I’ll do better in future

What’s Next

Wednesday, March 11

Thursday, March 12

9:45 Alebrijes v Atlante

Friday, March 13

2:00–(M) Orleans v Grenoble

Saturday, March 14

8:30–(M) RB Leipzig v Freiburg

9:00–Ross County v Hamilton

9:00–FK Vazdovac v Partizan Belgrade

2:00–Legon Cities FC v Medeama SC

???–(W) Emelec v Guayaquil City

Sunday March 15

3:30 AM–Punjab FC v Aizawl

3:30 (M) Universidad Catholica v Emelec

6:00–New York Red Bull v Minnesota United

Monday March 16

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)

4. The Truth About Transfers and Trash Pandas

January 23, 2020March 12, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Dear Boys,

January is a special time of year. Things are new. Possibilities abound. Hope sprouts through the thick blanket of snow.

Beyond people’s natural desire to see the best at the start of the year, football fans have another mechanism to instill hope: the transfer window.

With the transfer window, contending teams seek a push for glory, and struggling sides look for players to rejuvenate a tired squad. For fans both dreaming of trophies and those fearing a nightmare campaign this means checking and rechecking transfer rumor mongers in hopes that they will see some golden glimmer of hope peeking in between the blurry lines of newsprint.

Reasonable lose all logic this time of year. So it reminds me of a favorite phrase about truth from the writer John Fowles which I interpreted thusly:

There are three kinds of people: those so stupid that they believe anything; those intelligent enough to doubt everything; and those truly wise enough to accept everything.

Let me explain.

Lots of people can believe freely and fully. Belief is fun. It helps us imagine freely and realize our dreams. Believing that pandas are right around the corner makes each day a little richer in possibilities. Just as believing that Mario Balotelli, the recent all-world striker would leave bitterly racist Brescia for bitterly cold Minnesota makes the chances of our local team much brighter.

But belief can be foolish. If you both go to kindergarten calling raccoons “trash pandas” because you believed your dad, your belief would seem silly. (Particularly to me, which is why I call them that.) In the same way believing Mario Balotelli is about to join the local eleven will only leave you looking as ridiculous as if you cut your hair in that style only he can pull off.

Seriously, these are Trash Pandas…I promise

Those who abandon blind belief often find that doubt is satisfying. Doubting what you hear allows for a buoyant pride when you are right and others are wrong. It’s naturally gratifying to be validated in your skepticism amongst the faithful. In our examples, this could include telling your old man he’s wrong, or swiftly deflating delusions of grandeur among fans who think a millionaire would happily leave home to join an average team on the frozen Midwest tundra.

But while your cynicism can net a little grim gratification, doubt is a bitter pill for the rest of us to swallow. To be sure: right is right and you don’t need to pretend for the sake of others. But while doubting your dad’s name for raccoons might be wise, I hope you make a little room for my fairy tales lest you live in the drab reality that plagues so many people’s lives of quiet desperation. Doubting the arrival of Signore Balotelli might prove your wisdom amongst fellow fans, but why be a buzzkill for an amusing idea that carries us through the long, dark winter?

Signore Balotelli future Minnesota Legend

Acceptance allows you to have fun when it comes true and to be satisfied if it doesn’t. You need not believe that your unreliable narrator of a father is right about raccoons, just accept I have an odd sense of humor and a wish things were a little brighter than they are…not bad traits for a dad. You needn’t play the killjoy in Balotelli banter, just accept that fans are desperate for a little hope and would rather reach for the stars than the frozen sod in front of them.

Transfer rumors are an ideal arena to practice this skill. Sure I can say: Miguel Ibarra has drawn the interest of Ross County, or Asier Dipanda might make the move from Punjabi plains to Grenoble Alps. If you believe me, you might enjoy the daydream. if you doubt me, you’ll be satisfied to know you’re right. But if you accept that I’m a romantic who hopes teams he loves might swap players he loves, you can appreciate both my dreamy idealism and your righteous reality.

In short boys: I hope you strive to accept what you hear whenever you can and to challenge believers and doubters to stretch beyond their comfort zones.

Oh, and I really hope someone at Ross County reads this and reviews Miguel Ibarra’s tapes. He’s available for a free transfer and while he’s been making more than you normal pay, he’s worth every penny…or Euro…or I guess penny again.

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