Tag: Kevin Molino

Week 49: Silverware Slips through our Fingers

Week 49: Silverware Slips through our Fingers

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Sporting KC 0 – 3 Minnesota United

In what has become the friendliest rivalry in all American soccer, the Loons could well have been outmatched away from home by the top team in the west. Instead, they cruised again. Emanuel Reynoso ran riot with three assists, Kevin Molino again scored a brace, Robin Lod and Ethan Finlay again created havoc and Osvaldo Alonso and Bakaye Dibassy shut things down in the back. It’s pretty great when your local team does this well.

Napredak 3 – 1 FK Vozdovac

Milos Pantovic put the Red Dragons ahead early on. But that was about as good as it got. Miloje Prekovic’s first seven games of glory were amazing, but he’s averaged over 2 goals a game in his last four and is about to face Partizan Belgrade so….c’mon Miloje, we’re rooting for you.

Freiburg 2 – 2 Borussia Munchen Gladbach [M]

Again the good news in Freiburg came from a draw. Albeit another one that grew from a faltering first half lead. Florian Muller continues our trend of struggling goalies, but Vincent Grifo remains as impressively creative as ever, and Phillip Leinhart’s bicycle goal is going to be a highlight of the year.

Dreams FC 0 – 0 Legon Cities FC

If this seems familiar, it’s because it is exactly how Legon’s last match went. Despite putting Asamoah Gyan into the permanent rotation, the goals remain hard to come by for the Royals and new coach Basiru Hayford.

Caen 1 – 1 Grenoble Foot [M]

Yoric Ravet’s early goal was great to see on a brilliant long ball. But him grabbing his hamstring in pain immediately afterward was the opposite of that. Add to that foul trouble for the defensive line ending in Loic Nestor ceding a game tying penalty and again it feels like a bit lost.

Klepp 1 – 2 Rosenborg BK [W]

In a frustrating anti-climax, Rosenborg completed their undefeated season in second place. The win over Klepp was never much in doubt, and when Valerenga took an early lead against Arna-Bjorner, the slim hope of a goal difference comeback was gone. Still, it was a great first season for the Trolljente who officially qualified for the Women’s Champion’s League next year.

Ross County 0 – 4 Rangers

Rangers may also play in Glasgow, but they are clearly not Celtic, because, and you may remember this from last week: Ross County beat Celtic!!! (That has nothing to do with this, but I’d rather focus on that win because it’s so much cooler than this loss!)

CS Emelec 1 – 1 Barcelona SC [M]

Finally, a Guayaquil Derby that didn’t end in bitter disappointment for los Bombillos. To be fair, it also didn’t end in victory and they remain deadlocked with Barcelona and fellow local rivals Guayquil City for the top spot, but it wasn’t the worst. (And yes, Facundo Barcelo scored….AGAIN).

Don’t ask…

Valerenga 1 – 0 Rosenborg BK [M]

Apparently it wasn’t enough for the women of Valerenga to dash the hopes of Rosenborg, the men got in the act too. The loss made it four straight for the Troll Boys and it’s starting to feel a little like Troll 2 in Trondheim. (Illogical, unnerving, and kinda sickening)

Seattle 3 – 2 Minnesota United

Welcome to Minnesota Sports Fandom Boys: The Loons took the lead. The Loons built the lead. The Loons were fifteen minutes away from glory and trophies and recognition. And they lost it all. Dayne St. Clair’s luck in goal ran out at exactly the wrong moment (hey, that’s three struggling keepers!). The defense looked completely gassed. Emanuel Reynoso’s offensive magic couldn’t muster enough spark to save the day. It was a gut punch which is perfectly in keeping with how it always seems to go around these parts.

Yup…that seems about right

News & Notes

Hayford takes the helm in Legon

Bashiru Hayford has officially taken over at Legon Cities FC in another swoop for status among our Ghanaian favorites. In addition to helming Asante Kotoko to a title, the Ghanaian ladies to the Africa Cup of Nations, he helped lead Somalia to their first international win in World Cup Qualification ever. Now: integrating Asamoah Gyan into a side that hasn’t gotten much together in their existence.

Savoring Silver

Technically Minnesota United finished runner’s up in the Western Conference, and with Rosenborg’s women’s team clearly finishing second in their league there’s a little more shine around our teams this winter. It’s all nice, but quite clearly everyone’s already thinking ahead to taking a step forward in 2021.

Player of the Week

It may not have ended with all the glory we wanted but it must be said: Emanuel Reynoso has had everything to do with Minnesota’s amazing surge this season and every play he makes feels dangerous in a way that’s absolutely thrilling.

What’s Next

Wednesday, December 9th

Independiente del Valle v. CS Emelec

Thursday, December 10th

11:00 Rosenborg BK v. Mjondalen [M]

Friday, December 11th

12:00 Asante Kotoko v. Legon Cities

Saturday, December 12th

8:30 Freiburg v. Arminia Bielefeld [M]

9:00 Aberdeen v. Ross County

10:00 FK Vozdovac v. Partizan Belgrade

12:00 Grenoble Foot v. Dunkerque [M]

7:30 CS Emelec v. El Nacional [M]

Sunday, December 13th

7:00 Meppen v. SC Freiburg [W]

11:00 Rosenborg v. Molde [M]

Monday, December 14th

Tuesday, December 15th

1:00 Niort v. Grenoble Foot [M]

3:00 Deportivo Cuenca v. CS Emelec [M]

Week 47: Thrillers and Throttlings

Week 47: Thrillers and Throttlings

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

Hot Boy on Fire (Photo from MPR News)

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

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 45: Sighs of Relief and Despair

Week 45: Sighs of Relief and Despair

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Minnesota United 2 – 2 Chicago Fire

The Loons left their come back pretty late (which happens when Emanuel Reynoso spends most of the match on the bench). The absence of Michael Boxall, Ike Opara and Ozzie Alonso continues to be exploited, and coach Adrian’s Heath’s choices are….interesting (that’s Minnesotan for infuriating)

Emelec 1 – 2 Union [M-South American Cup]

Despite coming in with a hefty advantage Los Bombillos bombed out of the competition. Facundo Barcelo’s second half equalizer was diminished as Union peppered keeper Pedro Ortiz with twice Emelec’s shot total.

Ross County 1 – 1 Livingston

Ollie Shaw seems to have found his shooting boots (or skull rather), scoring for the second time in two weeks. Meanwhile Ross Doohan has continued to find himself at the mercy of opponents. Doohan’s let in 7 over 4 games, but with Ross Laidlaw ceding 16 in the first 10, the Staggies might just be sunk between the goalposts (particularly with as thin the defense has been stretched by low cross after low cross).

Rosenborg BK 1 – 1 Sandviken [F]

Rosenborg remained undefeated but the only action came from an own goal off each side, so it wasn’t exactly a thriller or even particularly edifying. The team will now have one last match to try and swipe the title out from the hands of Valerenga, whose loss to Lyn has finally left the two teams equal. Any result better than the Oslo side will do it, Otherwise they’d need to win by 5 more goals than their rivals…

Grenoble 2 – 1 Le Havre [M]

In their first match back from quarantine Grenoble hit their marks with aplomb (it was probably the hot pink tops). Kevin Tapoko built a goal out of absolutely nothing with an interception, secondary assist and goal in about 10 seconds, while Willy Semedo’s winner showed a strength in attack that GF38 sorely needed.

Final Result: Joe Biden [D] 306 – 229 Donald Trump [R]

The Sunday Paper with Elections, sports and murder…

This is probably the most relieved I’ve felt in a looooooong time. And with a 5 Million vote edge translating into just a 77 electoral vote margin that felt more comfortable than it ever seemed on the day. Just for fun, here’s how Grenoble covered both the election and the victory.

RB Leipzig 3 – 0 Freiburg [M]

From one angle, Freiburg started well, only losing one of their first five matches. From the other angle Freiburg are in terrible form taking only 3 points from 6 matches. The truth may lie somewhere in between but we hope Christian Streich finds it and fast.

Cukaricki 3 – 2 FK Vozdovac

Credit where it’s due, from falling behind on an early penalty, the Red Dragons fought back to take the lead in the second half. But a fine Cukariki goal and another penalty wiped that away.

Emelec 0 – 0 CS Barcelona [F]

The quarterfinal in this year’s women’s league was an all Guayaquil affair with the local derby determining the next step towards national triumph. Las Electricas held their own earning a goal-less draw with their rivals. But with a second leg still to come, they actually have a great opportunity. A win or a draw should see them through!

SC Freiburg 2 -1 Werder Bremen [F]

After falling behind in the first four minutes, Freiburg stormed back to take the lead back before half-time and hold on from there. Sandra Starke became the first player with two goals (that probably has as much to do with the team’s recent scoreless streak as it does the lack of a dominant force like Klara Buhl).

Viking 3 – 0 Rosenborg BK [M]

Rosenborg lost for the first time in the league since the beginning of August and it wasn’t particularly close. Despite dominating the possession, they got absolutely slaughtered by Viking’s counter attack. Here’s hoping that they took the L so the ladies don’t have to.

Minnesota United 3 – 0 Dallas

We’ve raved about Emmanuel Reynoso, whose first goal was an absolute banger. But it’s worth taking some time to shout out Kevin Molino. The first high profile Loons signee, has paid his dues on the bad teams, sat on the bench to heal an injury during the last good season, and now is leading the charge into the playoffs (though having Reynoso along side him sure helped).

Alebrijes de Oaxaca 1 – 2 Atalante

Oaxaca started out on the right foot, taking the lead through Hector Reynoso Lopez. While the team held on well against the top 4 side for a full hour, a pair of late goals sank their hopes and dropped them back to the bottom of the league.

Emelec 2 – 0 Universidad Catholica [M]

Los Bombillos celebrated the Reddy Kilowatt 5 K with a pair of goals to win their second of five. (For comparison they had only won 2 of 8 to wrap up the first half of the season). Dixon Arroyo’s absurdly placed ball to Romario Caicedo who seemed to be gliding through mile 2 was pretty to watch, and Bryan Carabali hammered home a cross like a quart of chocolate milk at the end of the run. (Trust me, these running references are on point)

Elgin City 1 – 4 Ross County [Cup]

As a Premier League club County should expect to beat up on their fourth tier opponents. As a team in terrible form, nothing can be taken as a given. Fortunately Oliver Shaw (yup, him again) broke open the scoring and the Staggies never looked back). (Here’s hoping Ross Laidlaw gets a second chance soon)

News & Notes

Setting Schedules for the Spring

Both The University of Montana and Punjab FC have announced their schedules for the coming season. The only downside, their seasons won’t start until 2021. But let’s take a look.

On January 9th, India’s soccer will kick off again in Kolkata. Punjab FC will again take part, this time under the leadership of Roundglass Sports, and, judging from the Orange-ified logos, a brand new look too.

The season will be a two part process, rather like the current Scottish style. After one half of the season (a single match against each opponent), teams will be split in to two halves. The top half will play eachother for the title, the bottom half will play eachother to avoid relegation. (Sidebar: Minerva Punjab is also in training…which team we stick with…well…we shall see)

Meanwhile, in Missoula, the Grizzlies have set a very localized schedule in their quest to repeat as Big Sky champs 18 months later. While the fall season was mostly to keep in shape, before the next season, in the spring they’ll be playing for keeps.

Fans return in Dingwall

Global Energy Stadium is…partially filled!
(MSN.com)

Ross County has become one of the first sides to officially let in fans (albeit fewer than they’d hope and farther apart than they’d hoped. But still fans were back and reported being quite happy to sit in the stands again.

France Shuts Down Lower Women’s Leagues

With a spike in Coronavirus cases, particularly around Grenoble, and even within the team, a shutdown seems fair. Not fun, but fair. That it now encompasses all of the lower leagues in Women’s soccer well…that’s a bitter pill to swallow…if only there were some good wine to wash it down.

Alebrijes Confronts Racism

As if the struggles in playing well weren’t enough, Alebrijes de Oaxaca also had to deal with a conflict of a much more serious nature on Sunday. Center Back Yohan Zetuna was subjected to racist abuse by Ronaldo Gonzalez of Atlante. The two had been battling for a while (with each one earning a cuation from the ref), and while the incident is still in the “alleged” stage. We stand with Yohan as every player deserves to be welcomed on the field (wherever they’re from and wherever their field is)

Player of the Week

With equal output and effect on the match, we have no choice but to split the honors this week. Handing half of the honor to a widely-regarded star calibre talen, and half of it to a little known, just emerging young talent. So Emmanuel Bebelo Reynoso for your plethora of assists, goals, and innovation: take a bow. Oliver Shaw for your star turn at a time the Staggies need it most: take a bow too.

What’s Next

Wednesday, November 11th

6:00 LDU Portoviejo v. CS Emelec [M]

7:00 Cancun FC v. Alebrijes de Oaxaca

Thursday, November 12th

Friday, November 13th

Saturday, November 14th

9:00 Ross County v. Sterling Albion

Legon Cities FC v. Berekum Chelsea

Sunday, November 15th

6:00 Klepp v. Rosenborg BK [F]

9:00 SGS Essen v SC Freiburg [F]

2:30 CS Emelec v. Tecnico Universarito

Monday, November 16th

Tuesday, November 17th

7:05 Alebrijes v. Cimarrones

Weeks 37: Ladies Nights and the Scores are Right.

Weeks 37: Ladies Nights and the Scores are Right.

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Minnesota United 3 – 2 FC Dallas

The Loons certainly know how to score now. Getting to watch half the game (a lengthy viewing session given your bed times), I was thrilled to see Bebelo dominate the midfield. It was great to see Kevin Molino and crew darting in and out of traffic to challenge the goal. It was difficult to watch Michael Boxall carry the entire defense on his back…but other than that, this is fun to see.

Alebrijes 2 – 2 Tlaxcala FC

It was a much needed first point in three matches for Oaxaca, but could have been an even more needed second win. A late equalizer keep last years fall champions far from their best, but not comfortable…yet.

Rosenborg 2 – 0 Roa ( W )

At the risk of tedium: the women were great, Marit Clausen was especially great, and the prospects for glory truly feel real. Still, over the next month, they’ll play only twice. Keeping this momentum will be tricky.

Ross County 0 – 5 Celtic

Celtic continues to suck the competitive joy out of Scotland like Boris Johnson sucks hope in governmental competence from England.

Chambly 1 – 2 Grenoble

Will wonders never cease! Les grenoblois gave up an early goal, played from behind for most of the game (per usual) BUT they also had a great defensive performance and came back to win in the last 20 minutes behind Jerome Mombris’ excellent stop and pin point assist.

FK Vozdovac 4 – 0 FK Metalac

I legitimately can not recall Vozdovac pulling this complete a victory together in the time we’ve watched them. (Editors note: because they haven’t.) The game plan seemed to be, set up with a thick midfield, and let ‘er rip outside the area. It worked for Milos Pnatovic, Edin Adjinovic, and Jovan Nisic. Let’s go ahead and let this Splash Brothers mentality take over the rest of the season

Olmedo 1 – 1 Emelec [M]

When you’re getting draws against opponents this far down the table something is amiss. The first round of games in this bizarre season is almost over and it can’t come too soon for Emelec.

Emelec 3 – 1 Guayaquil City [W]

Las eléctricas are back! The local southern league kicked off with a great win. (I’d say more but there is little else on the web for me to draw from)

Grenoble Foot 38 0 – 1 St Etienne [W]

Grand Geneva 1 – 3 Grenoble Foot 38 [W]

The women of Grenoble have actually been back in action for two weeks (sorry I missed last week y’all) and after a hard fought defeat to regional power St Etienne, they dominated Geneva.

SC Sand 0 – 3 SC Freiburg [W]

The lady griffins came out fast and never looked back in another stellar win for the women. (Noting a pattern here?) No Klara Buhl no problem as Freiburg held on thorughout

Stromsgodset 3 – 3 Rosenborg [M]

With 10 minutes to go things looked dire, having trailed since early in the first half, there seemed little chance of a comeback. It could have been a grossly disappointing defeat to a relegation area side. Then: Per and Dino rose to the occasion with a stellar showing to snatch a stalemate from the jaws of defeat.

Well done Jeong and Kwon!!

Waldof Mannheim 1 – 2 Freiburg (M-C)

In the first cup match of our blog (seriously…most teams were out and others got cancelled) the tiny league 3 side almost pulled a stunner, until right back Jonathan Schmidt struck a winner. (The match also saw the first starting tandem for Korean kids Woo-Yeong Jeong and Chang-Hoon Kwon…the latter even got the first goal)

Sporting KC 1 – 0 Minnesota

Remember what I said about the Loons knowing how to score. I maintain that the team does, but when coach Adrian Heath opts for a whole sale line shift it doesn’t do anybody much good. Still, they kept it close and only a late bobble by Dayne St. Clair left the Loons in second place in the West.

News & Notes

Don’t send men to do a woman’s job

It is awfully nice to have all our female sides back in action this week. As las electricas and les Grenobloises join the Trolljenta and the Glamorous Griffins to take to the field. Even better, every ladies team recorded a win this week…can’t say that for the men folk.

Also, don’t send men to compete with this design.

Mahama’s Make it Rain Moment

I talk a lot about US politics, but I also notice Ghanaian politics (especially given that their presidential election is just four weeks after ours). NDC (Socialist) candidate John Mahama made an intriguing campaign promise to help every player in the Ghanaian League (including our own Legon Cities FC) to make 1500 cedis a month (or $250 bucks). Just for the sake of comparison: that would be 18,000 cedis in a year (or less than the median Ghanaian makes in the year). Still it would be a big boost to solvency in a league that has been hampered for decades, thereby winning the coveted: Soc’adamfo (Soccer friend) vote. (Also, I should note that it’s unclear if this would supplement existing salaries or replace them.)

Player of the Week

Running away with it

Again it was a pretty even mix of players with no one person turning in a superlative performance. (Unless you have access to game film of the ladies playing in Ecuador/Germany/France…in which case, please show me the dominance. I’d love to see it). In the meantime, we can’t title this with praise for the ladies and then hand it off to Jerome Mombis or Dino Islamovic (sorry guys, you’re worthy runners up). So let’s just say it again: Marit Clausen come on down you’re our favorite (again)!

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 16th

Thursday, September 17th

7:15 Ventspils v. Rosenborg BK (M-E)

Friday, September 18th

Saturday, September 19th

8:30 VfB Stuttgart v. Freiburg (M)

9:00 St. Johnstone v. Ross County

12:00 Grenoble v. AC Ajaccio

1:00 Red Star Belgrade v. FK Vozdovac

6:00 Emelec v LDU de Quito

Sunday, September 20th

11:00 Rosenborg BK v. FK Haugesund

9:00 Tapatio v. Alebrijes

Monday, September 21st

Tuesday, September 22nd

Week 28: Practically Perfect in Every Way

Week 28: Practically Perfect in Every Way

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Lyn Football 1 – 4 Rosenborg BK (W)

A late first half goal put RBK up, and a flurry to start the second half put it away. Marit Clausen and, our fave, Julie Blakstad each had a brace to give RBKKvinner a first win in their new colors.

The win saw RBK jump to a tie atop the ToppSerien. Granted both of the top two teams have big wins against last-placed Lyn, but wins are wins and with four points being the maximum this year, this may be a great year for parity.

Rosenborg BK 3 – 0 Stromsgodset (M)

Another strong showing from Rosenborg’s men’s side, should allay some fear of regression. That it came together only after a second half substitution may leave some lingering tactical questions.

Pål André Helland played the hero with a goal and two assists in just 31 minutes of game time. Coach Trond Henriksen opted to drop Helland for more recent signees Carlo Holse, Dino Islamovic and Torgeir Børven, but in retrospect, maybe play the hot hand…er, foot.

Sporting KC 1 – 2 Minnesota United

Your mom and I got to watch the second half of this game after you boys went to bed.

We missed the bad news: a spotty defense without Ike Opara and Ozzie Alonso, and a shaky offense after both Luis Amarilla and Mason Toye caught an injury each. But we did see a stellar comeback led by Aaron Shoenfeld who drew a red card from KC keeper Tim Melia, then provided the distracting target for an equalizing own goal.

Finally a late winner worked from a cross by Roman Metanire to a redirection by Raheem Edwards and a ripping finish by Kevin Molino elicited a lot of reactions. I shouted “yes!” Your mom muttered “wow!” Broadcaster Taylor Twellman gave us 12 variations on “it wasn’t pretty, but it is a win”. And Minnesota sang Wonderwall for the first time in months.

News & Notes

Welcome Back, Man

There are increasing signs of a slightly more normal fall. COVID cases are falling in most countries and most major leagues are gearing up for a return to action in August. Social media is full of training camps from Dingwall and Grenoble to Belgrade and Guayaquil.

College Plan

One place where transmission of COVID-19 is still deeply problematic is right here in the US. While the professional leagues have kicked off with modified structures, college conferences are still mulling their options. Several big football conferences have narrowed their scope to games against regional rivals only. No word yet on if Grizzly Soccer will follow suit, but they do seem keen on making sure you mask up if you come to cheer.

Punjab Ban

There’s no plan yet for India to return to the pitch either, which offers some particularly bad news for Punjab FC. Without any matches for amusement, fans could be watching rosters for some daydream thrills. But that watch got a lot more pointless this month.

Hristan Denkovski, who ended up being much
more expensive than initially thought (Sportskeeda)

Over a year ago, former Punjab FC owner Ranjit Bajaj signed Macedonian Hristijan Denkovski. Denkovski didn’t show so Bajaj ended the contract without paying him. Then Bajaj sold the club, COVID hit, and Denkovski still hadn’t been paid (even though Bajaj and the new owners knew they had to). Now, almost a year later, international judges levied the consequence for not paying someone who never played for you: NO MORE SIGNING ANYONE FOR A YEAR!! I’ll bet there’s another appeal coming, but surely it would’ve been easier to pay the man $18,000 and move on. Instead the club faces the soccer equivalent of having your library card set on fire because you didn’t pay six month of late fees on Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.

Woman of the Matches

Sure Pål André Helland played a part in every goal against Stromsgødet, and Kevin Molino netted a late winner, but I’m of going to miss the chance to plant myself firmly in the driver seat of the Julie Blaksted Hype Train. Three goals in two games have put the Kvinner in the thick of the early title race

What’s Next

Wednesday, July 15

Thursday, July 16

1:30 Start v. Rosenborg BK (M)

Friday, July 17

9:30 Real Salt Lake v Minnesota United

Saturday, July 18

Sunday, July 19

9:00 Rosenborg BK v. Kolbotn (W)

11:00 Rosenborg BK v. Sandefjord (M)

Monday, July 20

Tuesday, July 21