Tag: Harry Paton

Weeks 12-15: For Real…

Weeks 12-15: For Real…

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

We live in strange times. 

There are skirmishes in the shadows of nuclear reactors, an infectious disease that appears to be biding its time in preparation for a fresh onslaught, and a trio of billionaires racing to space while people on the ground go hungry.

In times of great uncertainty I have been struggling to hold on to the little joys and victories of the day. I often feel so overwhelmed that it’s hard to appreciate what we do have.

In the past four weeks I’ve had minimal to no time to watch, write, or think about soccer. I have been pulled this way and that by an incessant barrage of obligations, necessities, and anxieties.

It would be easy at this moment to close up shop, acknowledge that life is best spent in living moment by moment rather than plopping 121 footballers’ 90 minutes of gameplay under a microscope in a search for meaning.

But the truth is that these are the little joys and victories that can inspire more than putting your head down and trudging on with the work. These games probably don’t matter that much. This blog about the games certainly matters less. But by god, if we can find a moment of joy, let’s do it.

News & Notes

Gaspar & Lawrence

Minnesota United brought in a new defender, albeit under some different circumstances.

Regular Left Back Chase Gaspar left the team to deal with substance abuse. Addiction is a plague, and there is no simple cure. The person Chase Gaspar is far more important than the soccer player. And we’re so grateful that he sought and received help.

In the meantime, Kemar Lawrence of Jamaica arrived to play the game in Gaspar’s stead. And when Gaspar returned this last week, he was welcomed back warmly.

World Cup Comes Closer

The single greatest celebration of the beautiful game happens every four years. Last time, Alex you were 9 months old and being strolled to various viewing parties in a car seat during a few glorious summer months. You sipped on a milk bottle as I drank beer and shouted at the French national team.

This time, there will be two of you, it will be in November and December and the tournament will be in Qatar. There’s plenty of awkward details around that particular decision (ones I wrote about years ago on a different blog). As I’ll be working and you’ll be in school, there will be far less revelry this time…with a few exceptions.

On Thanksgiving Day, Ghana will play Portugal, and I will be fighting your Grandpa Mark for the controller. On the next day, the USA (who missed the last world cup) will face England in a good ol’ fashioned super-power battle (the English hate when they don’t beat us…it’s great). Alex’s birthday will see great stars of France and Argentina in action (though not against eachother). And it will all come to an end on December 18th a week before Christmas…whew…

Staggies Assure Survival

Scotland has a different style than most other leagues. Rather than have every team face each other from the beginning to the end of the year, Scotland splits the league in two so that the best teams face the best teams for the title, while the worst teams face the worst teams for the chance to survive. For the first time in three years, the Stags will be among the best teams in Scotland, and be certain to play in the top division again next season. (They still won’t win because they aren’t the unstoppable duo of Rangers and Celtic…but this counts as a win on Scotland’s sliding scale)

Dope Threads, Bro

The fine folks at Minnesota Aurora dropped their new jersey and it looks as beautiful as you would expect. Or maybe you wouldn’t. You boys mostly like the bird on the Loons’ jersey, so…we’ll take what we can get.

Freiburg Flies On

One quick celebration among the mostly non-specific results: Freiburg did win their semi-final cup tie against Hamburg which means that in Mid-May they will be playing for a big fancy trophy for the first time in their most recent Bundesliga run.

Player of the Week

We’ll take a beat to acknowledge some strong play throughout the last month, so here’s a chance to tip our cap to Dayne St. Clair’s keeping, Romario Caicedo’s defense, Vincenzo Grifo’s playmaking, and Harry Paton’s finishing. That’s a strong quartet And yes, that’s double the dose of Canadians!

Dayne dreaming of Qatar

Standings Update

So many updates! Let’s start at the top where Alebrijes has rocketed to the top of the table after spending so much of the past few years mired in the bottom. Freiburg and Punjab aren’t far behind, and there’s a similar horde trailing behind. Minnesota is above Ross County due solely to goal difference. Emelec’s strong start has faded and so has their standing, but they can still make a comeback. After all, look at Grenoble who is a strong 9th and ready to capitalize on any missteps

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Alebrijes de Oaxaca9431.941.30.7
Freiburg12651.831.91.4
Punjab6231.822.01.6
Minnesota3221.571.10.9
Ross County6441.571.31.3
Rosenborg4231.561.91.3
Legon6541.531.30.7
Emelec4531.421.81.3
FK Vozdovac3341.201.21.0
Grenoble72111.151.21.5
University of Montana–b——————
Table Updated 4/20/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, April 20th

Forward Madison v. Minnesota United [Cup]

Thursday, April 21st

FK Vozdovac v. Vojvodina

Cumbaya v. Emelec [M]

Friday, April 22nd

Le Havre v. Grenoble [M]

Emelec v. Deportivo Espuce [F]

Saturday, April 23rd

Golukam v. Punjab FC

Freiburg v. Borussia Munchengladbach [M]

Minnesota United v. Chicago

Sunday, April 24th

Rosenborg BK v. Arna-Bjornar [F]

Ross County v. Celtic

Asante Kotoko v. Legon Cities

SC Freiburg v. SC Sand [F]

Rosenborg v. Molde [M]

Emelec v. Aucas [M]

Rodez v. Grenoble [F]

Monday, April 25th

Tuesday, April 26th

Mohammaden SC v. Punjab FC

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 2: Shot in the Arm

Week 2: Shot in the Arm

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Legon Cities FC 1 – 0 WAFA

Hallelujah! The Royals won a game!! And yes, again, the goal came from the penalty spot. And yes, again, there was a silly red card right before the end of the match, but as head coach Bashir Hayford said, “”If today, we won that means, Legon Cities can win matches.” Yer darn tootin’ Bashir! (And I’d wager that if they work on off ball runs and settling scoring chances in the box it’ll be a lot more matches)

Punjab FC 1 – 0 Aizawl

The Northwesterners didn’t waste much time kicking off their campaign. Their young defense was tested repeatedly by Aizawal’s attack and came up resolute. Meanwhile Chenchyo Gyeltshen came up empty on his numerous attempts. In the end the difference was Ningthoujam Pritam creating a goal out of a seemingly nothing clearance. Either way, Punjab starts out rolling.

Grenoble 2 – 2 Auxerre [M]

Les grenobloises flagging form forced Phillip Hinschberger to make some drastic moves. After ceding a penalty at two-nil down, the coach sent in 4 subs including two up top to try and rescue the side from dropping a second straight match to promotion rivals. It worked as substitute Marcelin Anani found the net after a terrifying Jerome Mombris run and assist. Then Loic Nestor nabbed the late equalizer (it helped Auxerre sun Aly Ndom was red carded two minutes after joining the fray).

Freiburg 5 – 0 Koln [M]

The offensive outpouring continues from Freiburg with Ermiden Demirovic leading the line. His two assists and a goal delivered on the promise he showed when Freiburg brought him in over the summer. The complete team play gave the Griffins their 5th straight Bundesliga Win heading into a battle with the behemoths of Bayern Munich.

Livingston 3 – 1 Ross County

Despite a strong defensive showing for much of the match, it all come undone for County in the end. Harry Paton’s blast to set up Charlie Lakin’s finish knotted the score early, but late breaks for Livvi against a bedraggled Staggies line broke highland hearts.

Venados v. Alebrijes

Postponed due to positive COVID tests among Vendados

News & Notes

Dark Days

Apparently every body has to do this now: I STAND AGAINST VIOLENT INSURRECTION AGAINST ELECTED OFFICIALS AND DESTRUCTION OF FEDERAL PROPERTY IN THE NAME OF MORONIC CONSPIRACY THEORIES.

Hopefully you boys can use that in future Social Studies Projects.

Transfer Time

Watch your Mouche (from RCFC)

John Hughes has wasted no time taking action to add players to his Ross County squad. Anthony Andreu had been without a squad this season, and will bring an attacking midfielder to the table. Meanwhile Mohamed Maouche, Andreu’s fellow Frenchman will join him in the midfield during his first sojourn in Scotland.

Meanwhile Freiburg continued to set up their players for return, moving injured LB Gian-Luca Itter off to 2nd Division Greuther Furth.

Welcome back Alebrijes

When last we saw our favorite free wheeling south Mexican side, they had freewheeled straight to the bottom of the league. That disappointment aside, the team is now set to start fresh, and as Emelecs excellent second half form showed, all it takes is one.

Unfortunately that one good half will need to come without top scorer Franco Arizala who returned to top flight Veracruzano at the new year. Replacing him are younger and untested attackers Julio Cruz and Esteban Torres, while promising Leon midfielder Fernando Morales comes in on loan.

After their first match was delayed, Alrbrijes will look to kick off next Tuesday at home.

Get Jordy Gaspar a Haircut

Sure losing 3-0 during the week was hard, but you try finding a barber in Grenoble during quarrantine! Let the man have his hat!!

Player of the Week

Try as we might to find someone other than the obvious man of the match in the biggest win of the weekend, sometimes it just makes sense to honor the obvious candidate. Bravo Ermedin Demirovic! Glad to see you finding your form!

Demiriovic pulling his Supreme stare (from SC Freiburg)

Standings Update

Punjab debuts with a dart at #2, while Legon Cities vaults past Ross County. Meanwhile Brice Mableu may be wondering why 2021 feels so much like 2020 all over again

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
SC Freiburg2003.04.00.5
Punjab FC1003.01.00.0
Legon Cities FC1011.50.50.5
Ross County1111.31.31.3
Grenoble Foot 380110.51.02.5
Rosenborg BK000–––
Minnesota United000–––
Emelec000–––
Vozdovac FK000–––
Alebrijes de Oaxaca000–––
University of Montana000–––
Table Updated 1/5/2020

What’s Next

Wednesday, January 13th

Thursday, January 14th

2:30 Golukam FC v. Punjab FC

Friday, January 15th

Saturday, January 16th

8:00 Toulouse v. Grenoble [M]

9:00- Aduana Stars v. Legon Cities

9:00 Ross County v. Aberdeen

Sunday, January 17th

8:30 Bayern Munich v. Freiburg [M]

Monday, January 18th

Tuesday, January 19th

2:30 Punjab FC v. Churchill Brothers

5:00 Alebrijes v. CD Tepatitlan de Morelos