Week 13: We can see Claire-ly Now

March 31, 2021 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

University of Montana Grizzlies 2 – 1 Portland State Vikings

Friday night lights in Big Sky Country showed the Griz continuing their winning streak. While Claire Howard gave up her first goal of the year, Avery Adams scored the first two of her college career to win it.

Celaya 0 – 0 Alebrijes

Not all scoreless draws are the same. In this one Oaxaca withstood a late onslaught after Esteban Torres was sent off in the 84th minute. Still, running the scoreless streak to 210 minutes isn’t making for thrilling football in Mexico’s second tier.

Churchill Brothers 3 – 2 Punjab FC

Punjab’s truncated season came to an end Saturday in Mumbai. While Golukam Kerala ran up their score, Churchill’s late concessions to Joseba Beitia and Baba Diawara solidified the goal difference edge. Not exactly the role Punjab would prefer to play in deciding a title, but a solid first showing for coach Curtis Fleming.

[Bonus reading: our friends at the Away End had a great summation of the end of the campaign]

Guyaquil City v. Emelec [F]

Silly me. If the past year has taught us nothing else, it’s taught us to expect delays especially to start seasons, especially for women. [sigh]

SC Freiburg 1 – 0 Turbine Potsdam [F]

Hasret Kayikci hasn’t been talked up enough this year. She’s always there in Freiburg’s hour of need. Another late goal blunted Potsdam’s momentum and kept the griffins in the hunt for 4th place.

University of Montana Grizzlies 3 – 0 Portland State Vikings

After two more tense affairs, this one was Grizzlies from snout to tail. Another Alexa Coyle banger, a heckuva shot from Allie Larsen and a record setting 30th shutout for Claire Howard!

Dorados 1 – 1 Alebrijes

Alebrijes is getting used to this point a game thing…maybe a little too used to it. With four draws in a row, they’re starting to run out of points to make up. (Hate to think of where they’d be without Julio Cesar Cruz’s clinical penalty taking.)

News & Notes

International Affairs

While most of our teams were not in action, lots of our favorite players were. Here’s a quick peek at how they fared.

Africa

Ethiopia celebrates…not pictured Mombris and Metanire go: “huh”? (CAF Online)

Our favorite Madagascar madmen (Jerome Mombris and Romain Metanire) got gobsmacked when their team was bested 4-0 by Ethiopia. By the time that they had to win and see Ethiopia lose to move on. Ethiopia did falter…but Madagascar couldn’t get a goal, and the darlings of the last tournament ran out of luck.
Ghana’s Black Stars will be at the cup of nations (as well). Though Center Back Joseph Adjei didn’t play in their final two qualifiers, he continues to take strides towards hitting the field in Cameroon this summer.
Harouna Demba of Grenoble was on the bench as Mauritania drew with Morocco but was on the field for their 1-0 win over CAR that booked them a spot in the finals.

Asia

Freiburg’s Woo-yeong Jeong got his first run out for South Korea in a friendly against Japan. Sadly, it was a 3-0 drubbing against arch rivals, but it didn’t impact their quest for cups.

Europe

Finland saw two Minnesota United stars–Jakku Raitala and Robin Lod–(and one former player, Rasmus Schuller) take the field in a pair of draws
One of those draws came against Bosnia/Herzegovina and included Ermedin Demirovic of Freiburg as part of the attack that Raitala had to repel in the game’s dying minutes. Demirovic got the start in Bosnia’s friendly against Costa Rica, but didn’t get any goals. The final match against World Champs France happened after I posted this
Justas Lasickas of Vozdovac saw lots of action for Lithuania and did his best to put up with the offensive onslaught from Kosovo, Switzerland, and Italy.
Andre Hansen had to come on at half-time when Norway was getting spanked by Turkey. He didn’t see action when the team faced Montenegro, which spared him the awkwardness of facing a teammate.
The best represented nation from our teams: Montenegro which features three players (Vozdovac’s Milos Milovic and Nikola Vujnovic and Rosenborg’s Dino Islamovic). Sadly none of them made the pitch, until Dino Islamovic came on against Norway in the second half (he didn’t make much impact)
Iceland left Rosenborg’s Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson on the bench as they scuffled back down the table

North America

Dayne St. Clair was part of Team Canada, but didn’t get on the pitch.
Hasani Dotson and Callum Montgomery were part of the US and Canada youth teams vying for an olympic berth. While both played well, neither will have a chance to march in the opening ceremonies in Tokyo.

South America

Emelec sent three players to the Ecuadorian national side (Keeper Pedro Ortiz, Defender Romario Caicedo, and Midfielder Dixon Arroyo). However, a qualifier with Venezuela was called off, and the friendly tune up with Bolivia only saw Arroyo on the field (he was solid in distribution, if unremarkable in their win)

Limbu lays it on the line

As the I-League ends, it’s worth rewarding the best in the competition. In particular, Kiran Limbu who led the stingiest defense in the competition. Winning best keeper is nice, and should be a first step on the road to winning it all next time round.

Las Electricas are Back

With limited news reporting on South American women’s teams (insert shocked not shocked emoji here). I missed the news that Emelec’s ladies will be back in action. The team will see weekly action through the first weeks of July. If they finish in the top four of the southern league, they’ll advance to the playoffs against one of the top four from the north (likely someone from Quito). The biggest change this means is that we get to appreciate more awesome branding images like this one…

Player of the Week

You might argue that since she already won a Player of the Week recently, we ought to look elsewhere, but come on…Claire Howard broke a Big Sky conference record and has kept her team perfect through the first five games of the season. (We’ll share a nod with Kiran Limbu for his keeping award as well)

Standings Update

Not much changed here…most notably, Punjab FC has entered their offseason and will be locked in at their Points Per Game until the 2021-2022 season kicks off in…many many months. Oh, and Claire Howard continues to carry the Grizzlies to the top of our table.

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
University of Montana	5	0	0	3	2.0	0.2
Emelec	3	1	1	2.0	1.8	1.0
Freiburg	8	2	6	1.6	1.5	1.4
Punjab FC–b	7	4	6	1.47	1.2	0.9
Grenoble Foot	6	4	5	1.47	1.1	1.1
Legon Cities FC	4	4	3	1.45	1.2	0.8
Ross County	5	1	7	1.23	1.2	1.5
Alebrijes	3	6	4	1.15	1.5	1.7
FK Vozdovac	2	3	5	0.9	0.7	1.6
Rosenborg BK	0	0	0	–	–	–
Minnesota United	0	0	0	–	–	–

Table Updated 3/31/2021
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, March 31st

Thursday, April 1st

Friday, April 2nd

10:00 FK Vozdovac v. Macva Sabac

5:00 Sacramento State Hornets v. University of Montana Grizzlies

Saturday, April 3rd

9:00 Madema SC v. Legon Cities FC

9:00 Ross County v. Inverness CT [Cup]

1:00 Grenoble v. Chateroux

1:30 Borussia Munchengladbach v. Freiburg [M]

CS Emelec v. CD Macara [F]

Sunday, April 4th

2:00 Sacramento State Hornets v. University of Montana Grizzlies

3:00 Olmedo v. Emelec [M]

Monday, April 5th

Tuesday, April 6th

5:15 Emelec v. CSD Macara [M-Cup]

9:00 Alebrijes v Jaibos

Week 47: Thrillers and Throttlings

November 24, 2020December 11, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

LDU Quito 1 – 2 CS Emelec [M]

A man and a goal down at half time, you’d be excused if you thought Emelec was doomed.

After LDUQ lost one of their players, Los Bombillos stormed back, with Sebastian Rodriguez equalizing on an absolute howler and Jose Cevallos winning it in the 90th minute with a shot that left Universidad completely stunned on the field.

Not far from the fields in MT
(Photo: University of Ghana)

Accra Great Olympics 3 – 0 Legon Cities

Fun Fact: Accra Great Olympics used to train across the street from a middle school I taught at in Legon.

Less fun fact: they totally dominated the professional team from Legon as if they were only middle schoolers

Kilmarnock 3 – 1 Ross County

It takes a special team to go down a man inside of 8 minutes and still dominate a match. It also takes a special team to be up a man for 92 minutes and never look competitive. Ross County is special (you can tell from the score line why they are).

Pau 0 – 2 Grenoble

In the long slog of a spring Grenoble’s lone solace seemed to be midfielder Jessy Benet. The lone creator and goal scorer of February has now become just another cog in a well run machine but after netting a penalty (made possible by his own creativity) and enabling an assist (for defensive standout Loic Nestor) it’s nice to remember what a gem Jessy is.

FK Vozdovac 1 – 1 Novi Pazar

Ivan Milosavljevic’s tremendous control in his eighth minute goal put the Red Dragons ahead and the stingy defense kept them there. Until an absolutely silly hand ball by Marko Gajic gifted a late penalty to the visitors, which they duly buried. Maybe it’s worth saying: in class put your hands up, on the pitch, keep them down.

SC Freiburg 1 – 5 TSG 1899 Hoffenheim [F]

It’s hard to put a shiny face on what was a complete and total domination by Hoffenheim. Instead we’ll just tip the cap to Hasret Kayicki on returning to the score sheet for the first time since her excellent equalizer versus Wolfsburg.

SC Freiburg 1 – 3 Mainz [M]

It just wasn’t a great day for the Griffins, as fans might have been grateful to be barred from entrance. Frenchman Jean Phillipe Mateta’s first half hat trick was plenty, as Keeper Florian Muller and Phillip Leinhart must have seemed about as intimidating a couple Breisgau cream puffs.

CS Emelec 3 – 2 Delfín [M]

In a match that absolutely explained the contrast between Emelec’s first campaign of this fall and their current one, Los bombillos fell behind (again). Then stormed back with a brace from (yup) Facundo Barcelo to win it at the death.

Minnesota United 3 – 0 Colorado Rapids [Playoffs]

The Loons first playoff win since 2012, was a very strong showing. Despite having little to show from an opening 20 minutes when I was trying to get you to sleep, Owen, the team was cohesive and strong throughout. Emanuel Reynoso’s two assists and Kevin Molino’s two goals gave us all some much needed relief in 2020.

Rosenborg BK 2 – 3 Brann [M]

Despite a Norway’s most handsome striker led comeback (kudos Kristoffer Zachariassen) leaving all your offense for the last ten minutes was not an effective game plan for Rosenborg.

Grenoble 1 – 0 Nancy [M]

In their first COVID make up game les Grenobloises met the moment. Particular gratitude goes to Jordy Gaspar and Adrien Monfry for holding down the right side for their second shutout in four days.

News & Notes

The Royals Need a New King

Barjakta-ball never took hold
(Photo: Prime Ghana)

Another underwhelming start to the season sealed the fate of Legon Cities’ Bosnian coach Goran Barjaktarevic

With as much as LCFC is doing to set themselves apart off the pitch you can only tolerate underwhelming results on it for so long. Three wins in the first year of the club just can’t cut it. Though, to be honest, the sparse press release announcing the firing left much to be desired. I’d have loved if a hip life star had dropped the announcement in a half time show.

Player of the Week

Kevin Molino was the first widely known player to join the MNUFC roster. His best matches often lead to our greatest triumphs, his longest absences mirror our worst runs of form. He’s no longer required to be the star, Emmanuel Reynosa has that covered but when Hot Boy is hot, so is the team. And the Loons first playoff win in 8 years is a testament to his dedication.

Also, his teammates roasting and his kids celebrating is further testament to this awesomeness

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KM (@_nash10)

What’s Next

Wednesday, November 25th

Thursday, November 26th

Friday, November 27th

12:00 Legon Cities FC v. Medeama

6:00 Mushuc Runa v CS Emelec [M]

Saturday, November 28th

8:00 Grenoble v. Paris FC [M]

8:30 Augsburg v. Freiburg [M]

Sunday, November 29th

9:00 Celtic v Ross County

1:00 FK Vozdovac v. Mladost Lucani

11:00 Bodo/Glimt v. Rosenborg BK [M]

Monday, November 30th

Tuesday, December 1st

1:00 Chateauroux v. Grenoble [M]

3:00 CS Emelec v SC Barcelona [M]

Week 41: Skin of the teeth

October 13, 2020October 14, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Rosenborg BK 1 – 0 Kolboltn [W-Cup]

In a quick break before the biggest game of the season against Valerenga, the troll girls, found a way to snatch a valuable win. It took until a late corner kick for them to find the goal, courtesy of a Kristine Minde header. The squad is already set for the quarterfinal against fellow Toppserien titans, LSK in early November.

Turbine Potsdam 3- 0 SC Freiburg [W]

Meanwhile, in Germany, Freiburg was overwhelmed by Potsdam. A total team effort left the lady Griffins labored and a little lost before the weekend’s big clash against German Giants Wolfsburg.

Montrose 3 – 4 Ross County [Cup–PKs]

Ross County’s offense sprang to life only to see their defense shrivel like a sheep’s stomach in the oven. Despite racing out to a three goal lead, they were pushed to the limit until a sterling PK performance got them the win.

Mineros 1 – 0 Alebrijes de Oaxaca

Did you know that Oaxaca is home to some of the oldest structures in all of Mexico, they even excavated a mountain for a new settlement atop of what is now Mount Alban. They even used it to do astronomy. So, Alex, they have a great environment you’d love. See, losing a soccer game [again] isn’t nearly as important as that cool stuff.

SC Freiburg 1 – 1 VfL Wolfsburg [W]

Might Wolfsburg hadn’t dropped a point since late August when they fell in the Women’s Champions League Final. They’d beaten Freiburg the last three times by a combined 18-2. But one late Hasret Kayicki header was all it took to save a thrilling point for the last griffins.

https://youtu.be/6qe0Z0yGyx0

Grenoble Foot 1 – 1 Olympique Marseille

After losing 3-1 to Nice last weekend a match against one of France’s biggest names might have been doomed. But a second half equalizer by Andrea Compper and a crucial penalty save by Julie Perrodin saved the point, with Perrodin’s performance serving some extra-special saves for Les Grenobloises.

Alebrijes 1 – 0 Venados

Great day in the morning Oaxaca won a game. Daniel Cisneros capitalized on a rebound to end a 394 minute goal-less streak. That was enough as Alebrijes leaned on Angel Alonso to stop Venados constant atacks, and they held on for the team’s first point in five matches. It’s a feast or famine schedule from here, with two games against struggling sides, one against a mid-table crew, and one match a piece against the top 3 teams.

Dallas v. Minnesota United

Postponed

Ross County 2 – 1 Arbroath [Cup]

Falling behind, to a lower league team, at home, isn’t ideal. But like so many other teams this week (including themselves), the Staggies were able to do what had to be done to get the win. In particular, Ross Stewart delivered both a header and a penalty winner to boost County to top of their Cup division.

News & Notes

COVID catches Loons

With all the safeties and protocols surrounding sports at the moment, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global pandemic is under control. Nope.

Minnesota United is the first of our eleven teams to have someone test positive. In fact they had two. And so their match in Dallas, their training, and all gatherings are on hold. Come on you Loons, Get Well Soon!!

Return of the Royals

With about a month until the Ghanaian premier league kicks off again, Legon Cities has returned to training for year two. The squad has a few additions, and will be playing this year on the grounds of University of Ghana (koohhhhh Ghana!)

Player of the Week

In a week where it was a matter of inches, let’s acknowledge someone who had to be inch perfect to keep their team in the clear. Sadly, with no statistics we have to base our evaluation totally on the eye test, and as our eyesight isn’t every good we’re going to play it safe and split the award between Julie Perrodin of Grenoble, and Angel Alonso of Oaxaca.

What’s Next

Wednesday, October 14th

7:00 Minnesota United v. Chicago Fire

Thursday, October 15th

7:00 Correcaminos v. Alebrijes

Friday, October 16th

Saturday, October 17th

8:30 SC Freiburg v. Werde Bremen [M]

9:00 Ross County v. Hibernian

12:00 Amiens v. Grenoble [M]

1:00 FK Vozdovac v. FK Spartak Subotica

Sunday, October 18th

7:00 Eintracht Frankfurt v. SC Freiburg [W]

9:00 Valerenga v. Rosenborg BK [W]

11:00 Kristiansund v. Rosenborg BK [M]

7:00 Minnesota United v. Houston Dynamo

Monday, October 19th

Tuesday, October 20th

Week 26: Auf Weidersein and Velkommen

June 29, 2020June 29, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Rosenborg BK 2 – Bodo/Glimt 3 (M)

This. Was. Epic. This match had everything. Captain Tor Reginussen digging the team an early hole with a silly foul in the box. A studs up challenge eliciting a straight red card for Birger Meling leaving us all to believe that RBK was doomed.

UNTIL….a pair of meticulously placed crosses unsettled Bodo/Glimt, witnessed a screaming volley from Anders Trondsen, and gave Rosenborg an unlikely lead with only 8 minutes to play, at home. Leaving us all to believe that RBK was a lock.

UNTIL….a pair of clinical passes slipped between an outnumbered and overwhelmed RBK back line. Meaning that Bodo/Glimt took the win, and Rosenborg coach Eirik Horneland headed for an exit of his own (see news).

SC Freiburg 4 – Schalke 0 (M)

In their last match of the year, Freiburg turned in a fabulous performance that emphasized how close they are to the next tier of Bundesliga sides. While Schalke has more resources, more recent history and a higher profile coach (hi former US International David Wagner!), they hadn’t won in 15 games, and Freiburg made it 16.

It’s hard to pick out my favorite part: two strong goals from Gian-Luca Waldschmit, two stellar assists from Christian Gunter to go along with his usual solid play at fullback, Vincenzo Grifo with another pin point pass to set up a goal. All in all the number of times you hear the wordless chorus to “I Will Survive” ensures it will be in your head until next season kicks off.

https://youtu.be/Wpyt2W_oKxY

Frankfurt 0 – SC Freiburg 2

Saving the best for last, the ladies Bundesliga finished a day after the menfolk. And again, Freiburg has plenty of reason for hope. Sure Klara Buhl will take her talismanic ways to Bayern Munich, but Hasret Kayikci’s second goal in as many games means that the Lady Griffins end the year having won four of their last six. (I can’t find any highlights, so lets just enjoy the I will survive chorus a couple more times!)

Brann 1 – Rosenborg BK 2 (M)

Rosenborg got their first win of the season, but still made it interesting. Conceding painfully early to Brann gave them plenty to worry about, and Samuel Adegbenro’s early injury left them without their most dynamic play maker. But perhaps they just needed the pressure on.

As with the come back against Bodo/Glimt, Rosenborg again scored late and often. First a sweet end of the half strike from Even Haland tied the game. Then, a bonkers 90th minute deflected chip from Carlo Holse stole the points from Brann.

News & Notes

Horneland gets the hook

Eirik Horneland had built a bit of a reputation for stylish and attractive football over three seasons with FK Haugesaund. But that didn’t quite translate to Trondheim.

Horneland heads for the exit.
From Ole Martin World (Dagbladet)

Last January he was appointed to take over the title holders after the man who saw them to three titles and several double wins (taking both the title and the single elimination cup) Kare Ingibritsen. Ingibritsen’s excellent record in Norway won him more chances in Europe. (sidebar: Ingibritsen should be careful what he wishes for. After dominating Norway, his Dutch side barely ducked relegation, he was lured to mercurial Cyprus giant Apoel, and got dumped after just 45 days…their 11th manager in 7 years. Wanna come home Kare?)

The hopes that Horneland could duplicate the meteoric rise have turned much more into a asteroid-falling-from-the-sky kind of effect. After squeaking into the top 3 last year, this season began with strong but unsuccessful efforts leaving the giants of the league rooted to the bottom, 13th in a league of 16. The win over Brann boosted them to tenth, and there’s much more to play.

Deutschland, Deutschland, over already…

Grateful as we are for the Bundesliga leading the way for teams and leagues to return to action, we knew it meant they would be the first ones finished with their season. Still, Freiburg gave us some great football to enjoy while they were back.

They Ladies may have finished just below mid-table and far off the pace of VfL Wolfsburg, but they clearly played their best games of the season after the restart, and are just a short summer training session away from building on the momentum again.

Streich on side
(Robin Rudel for Pressefoto)

Meanwhile the men’s side seems to be on the verge of something special. This is not a team that can/will be satisfied with surviving the league any more. With Christian Streich re-signed and a squad strong enough to draw attention of big European sides, there’s lots of reason for optimism in the summer ahead.

Man of the Matches

No doubt about it Christian Gunter was critical to the superlative showing by Freiburg over the weekend. He may not always get two assists, but he has been invaluable in solidifying the boys from the Black Forest during the return to play.

What’s Next

Wednesday, July 1

1:30 Rosenborg BK v. Valerenga (M)

Thursday, July 2

Friday, July 3

12:45 Rosenborg BK v LSV Kvinner

Saturday, July 4

Sunday, July 5

1:30 Stabaek v Rosenborg BK (M)

Monday, July 6

Tuesday, July 7

Week 25: Welcome back Norway, Bye-bye Serbia

June 23, 2020June 23, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Rosenborg BK 0 v. Kristiansund 0 (M)

It was a great day at Lerkendal stadium. The sun was shining. The drone footage was captivating. The players were reunited.

Eric Pal Helland not scoring and Samuel Adebengro’s individual runs going to waste were after thoughts. The Eliteserien is back and we are grateful.

Here’s hoping the video from Norway works

SC Freiburg 2 v. Hertha Berlin 1 (M)

Coming off a draw that buoyed their chances for Europe, Freiburg got a vital victory to move in to keep the pressure on Hoffenheim.

After a raft of great opportunities went lacking in the first half, an absolute thunder crack from Vincenzo Grifo put the Griffins ahead (after video review had spared them giving up a thundering shot at the other end). After a foolish stumble gave the lead back, Nils Petersen again scored the kind of goal that older brothers use to domineer their little brothers all the time. Some goals are beautiful, some aren’t. They all count.

https://youtu.be/yXiYO_g02rI

SC Freiburg 0 v. VfL Wolfsburg 2

Watching Wolfsburg play in the Women’s Bundesliga is a little like watching Duke basketball play in the Montana High School League. It’s the same game, and every opponent can have a good stretch, but the outcome is rarely if ever in doubt.

So Freiburg’s loss isn’t remarkable, but the fact that they held the champs to two goals, for the first time since a November draw against Bayern and only the fourth team all year to hold them under 3 (Bayern, FC Twente in the Womn’s Champions League and SC Sand on opening day). But despite a few solid goal scoring chances, it was Wolfsburg’s day dominating in the opposing box.

FK Vozdovac 1 v. FK Radnik Surdulica 1

Clearly feeling themselves in the midst of a fine run of form, the Red Dragons fired at Radnik Surdulica early and often. Seemingly every inch of space invited a shot, and while many had the look of Goalazos the ice breaker turned out to be a solid headed redirection with Lazar Zlicic elevating to nod in the aggressive attacking defender and captain, Nikola Mikic. The first goal seemed only to whet Zlicic’s appetite with his blasts coming faster and faster as the match wore on.

When Vozdovac failed to push in a free kick that seemed to run along the entire length of the goal line, Radnik capitalized. A straightforward cross could have been easily cleared, but Nemanja Pejcinovic’s foot angled toward goal and the gift was given and the points were shared.

Bayern Munich 3 v SC Freiburg 1 (M)

Munich had won another title so they didn’t have much reason to try in this match. But they are Bayern Munich, so, of course, they did. Robert Lewandowski did what he always does: score goals. A great run by Jonathan Schmid and a well placed tap-in from Lucas Holer gave us a little hope, but…it wasn’t to be.

That result, combined with Hoffenhiem’s win over Union Berlin ended any remaining daydreams of Europe for Christian Streich and company. But that’s all the more reason to start dreaming about next year!

https://youtu.be/p78AxREw0xk

Molde 1 v. Rosenborg BK 0 (M)

The reigning champions versus the eternal champions set up a rather tasty early fixture on the Eliteserien schedule. Molde wasn’t about to let the chance to bring fans into the stands go to waste, as for the first time outside Serbia we could hear timely, topical cheering (mercifully without the neo-nazi undertones).

The two sides showed their class in a pacy, back and forth match. Each side had clear cut opportunities, each had some urgent defensive lapses. In the end, the result hinged on two players. First, there was the rampaging class of Molde’s Ohi Omoijufano who seemed as confounding for Rosenborg as Minnesota’s maintenance of Lutefisk is for regular Norwegians. Second the lucky bounces of the ball from off Ola Brynhildsen, off keeper Andre Hansen back off Brynhildsen and finally off the post to deny Molde a second.

SC Freiburg 1 v. SGS Essen 2

The women from Freiburg had hopes of returning to winning ways, but it wasn’t to be against the side from Essen. The ominous omen for the rest of the match had to be Hasret Kayikci’s golden chance in the opening moments. Alone against the keeper Kayikci whiffed on her shot and may have earned some blooper music too.

Essen seemed to control the match the rest of the way, not withstanding a Janina Minge goal that bounced perfectly between the opposing keeper’s legs to remove some of the sting for Freiburg’s faithful.

Another attempted video upload, this time from the German Federation proper

News & Notes

FK Vozdovac wraps up

Ending much later than anyone anticipated, the Serbian league ended as it so often does: with Red Star Belgrade triumphant, Partizan Belgrade right behind them, and FK Vozdovac back in the distance.

While it may not have ended in hard ware, the comeback from an abysmal February to a respectable mid-table finish seems promising for the Red Dragons, and we hope that there’s more good news ahead.

Warriors Lose Starlet to Odisha FC

The awesome writers at the Away End, particularly the great and good Nehal are always our go to spot for info on the Indian game. This week the news was less than good. 17 year-old Thoiba Singh Moirangthem has left the Northwest. Though he wasn’t a permanent starter in Punjab, Moirangthem has the kind of potential you have to dream on. Or, if you’re a lower division club, sell on to try to keep yourself afloat during a pandemic.

Rosenborg add the Golden Boot Winner

Torgeir Borven lit up the Eliteserien for Odd last year, striking 21 times to top all players. That performance earned him a step up in profile and a move to the higher profile RBK to boot. He’ll start in August

Velkommen, Torgeir! #Børven2022 pic.twitter.com/zdHltlEuPD
— Rosenborg Ballklub (@RBKfotball) June 17, 2020

Man of the Matches

While I’m tempted to name a Red Dragon as a parting gift, or a Rosenborger as a welcome back present, we can’t keep ignoring Vincenzo Grifo. With the Griffins, Grifo has done it all to boost them back into Europe. Powerful spot kicks, masterful distributing, without him there was every reason to fear a slide toward relegation. Instead, we got the thrilling final month. (He even took a break in being awesome to say hi to his hometown) Grazi Vincenzo.