Scores

Sandefjord 1 – 2 Rosenborg [M]

It was not pretty, but it was effective for Rosenborg. A fine showing in goal from Andre Hansen kept Sandefjord at bay and made up for some sloppy defense, and Guillermo Mollins’ stoppage time slap dash strike secured the three points.

Rosenborg 3 – 0 Kolbotn [F]

In their first match against our first favorite Troll Jenta (Marit Clausen) and her new team, the ladies of Rosenborg looked completely unfazed. The incessant attack put Rosenborg in command early on and kept them there when, despite a goalless first half, the three goals came quickly after with the force of Bragstad, Blakstad and Utland.

Real Salt Lake 1 – 1 Minnesota United

While the Loons were lackluster (again) on the field, they have more than a few injuries to contend with (and a new striker in Adrien Hunou who is still finding his feet with the squad). There were chances created, but quality shots were still hard to come by, here’s hoping Bebelo Reynoso is ready to go for the next part of the season (and that Tyler Miller shares goalkeeper secrets with Dayne St. Clair)

Emelec 4 – 1 LD Juvenil [F]

I told you it was a matter of time! Sure enough, Las Electricas showed up to play and brought home a big win with four mighty goals. (Again…highlights would be helpful, but for now let’s enjoy this big smile from Josylene Borbor after the side’s second goal).

Ashanti Gold 0 – 1 Legon Cities FC

The Royals got a second win in a row (something about Ashanti Gold allows them to be in fine form), and with a final ruling giving them the win over Ebusa a month ago, that makes 4 out of 5 for Legon Cities. This time they capitalized on some very questionable Ashgold decisions, and with Victorien Adebayor causing trouble every where they turned, Isaaka Mohammed knocked in a rebound from a free kick just before half time to get the win.

Rosenborg 4 -2 Stabaek[M]

The Trolls’ defense continues to be suspect, but as long as the attack is flying as high as it has been lately, many sins can be forgiven. Again Kristoffer Zachariassen was a human Visa Card (everywhere you wanna be), but it was nice to see Emil Ceide show up with some sparkling play to lead the come back in the second half as well.

Emelec 0 – 0 Independiente del Valle [M]

Emelec’s offense was shut down for the first time in the local league since March 21st. With two matches left in the first half of the season, the apertura title is almost in grasp, so a slip in form is not the end of the world, but with little margin for error and a match against 2nd place Barcelona on tap, the pressure’s only going to build.

News & Notes

Staggies Say What?!?!?

So…we’re Ross County through and through. That’s our origin, that’s our family symbol, that’s our side. But the last week has uh….not been great for County.

John Hughes’ departure was understandable. The team’s replacement hiring of Malky MacKay was less so. MacKay has a manager’s pedigree. He’s got experience at the top flight of England and the international level. He’s also got a habit of insulting people based on their sexuality, race, and religion. So….not ideal.

County Fans were understandably upset by the appointment, and we’d like to join them in their protest. We will follow and support the Stags during the matches during McKay’s tenure, but we won’t purchase any club paraphernalia during that time.

But just in case there were any bridges left untouched, the team then released a number of players including long time club fixtures and relegation saviors Ian Vigurs and Michael Gardyne. No farewell, no final lap of honor, not ideal. So yeah, Staggies we love you but…whoo boy.

Ghana’s Cup Action

While most of the next week will feature the women’s game, we will get a few matches for Legon Cities, including their Round of 64 tie against the junior side “Uncle T United”, there’s not much to say about that except, once again…there’s a team in Ghana called Uncle T United. (They would be our team if we had an Uncle T…but until then, Legon Cities it is!)

International Affairs Ahead

With the onset of summer comes a plethora of intenational contests: qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in Asia and North America, and the top continental prizes in Europe and South America. As we hit this shift in seasons, we’ll provide periodic updates on the players that we track most closely.

Asian World Cup Qualifiers

Recent Punjab Keeper, Kiran Limbu, will be in the goal during World Cup Qualifiers for Nepal. He may have returned to Nepal this offseason, but he’s still number 1 in our hearts. (At least among keepers in Asia… #ClaireHowardForever). Meanwhile Chang Hoon Kwon will try to build on a good year of development at Freiburg with a few appearances in South Korea’s qualification campaign.

North American World Cup Qualifiers

Dayne St. Clair is the lone representative fighting for World Cup qualification in North America standing alongside the Canadian National Team

South American CopaAmerica

While the tournament has bee in a terrible state of flux (owing to unrest and covid cases in the original hosts they moved to the one country that has plenty of BOTH! Brazil), Emelec’s reps are quite consistent. Pedro Ortiz and Dixon Arroyo will represent Ecuador

European Euro Championships

It’s a Freiburg heavy contingent, with Roland Sallai playing for Hungary, Phillip Leinhart in the back for Austria, Ermedin Demirovic likely to lead the line for Bosnia, and Christian Gunter hoping to hit the pitch for perennial power Germany. Minnesota will have a few attendees as well, with Jan Gregus repping Slovakia and the teammates of Robin Lod and Jakku Raitalta seeking to boost the Finns in their first major tournament.

Player of the Week

In the last few weeks, Legon has gone from bonafide bottom dwellers to confident mid-table side. (Sure there’s still only 3 points between them and the drop, but the form and style have been awfully encouraging.) To that end let’s recognize the biggest game changer the Royals have, Niger’s Victorien Adebayor whose impact goes beyond the score sheet into creating and complicating opponent plans.

Standings Update

As we head into the summer slowdown, Rosenborg is making the most of their continued presence on the pitch and (in addition to topping both men’s and women’s leagues), are sneaking up behind the University of Montana. Meanwhile, Legon Cities jumped ahead of Ross County and is almost set to pass up top tier finishes in Grenoble and Punjab (despite struggling to escape the bottom of Ghana’s table).

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 2nd

Thursday, June 3rd

Legon Cities v. Uncle T United [Cup]

Friday, June 4th

Deportiva Cuenca v. Emelec [F]

Saturday, June 5th

Arna-Bjornar v. Rosenborg [F]

Sunday, June 6th

SC Freiburg v. Meppen [F]

Monday, June 7th

Legon Cities v. Inter Allies

Tuesday, June 8th