Scores

Alebrijes 1 – 0 Leones Negros

The Oaxacans put an exclamation mark on their return with a thrilling stoppage time winner from Alejandro Ochoa Despite.. Due to Fernando Plascencia shanking a penalty kick gift five minutes before, Ochoa took matters into his own feet with a well placed (though not beautiful ball).

Emelec 2 – 0 Mushuc Runa

Things were brighter in Guayaquil at the start of this week with Los azules walking home with all 3 points. Granted it was against a bottom of the table opponent and they only scored in stoppage time. And sure, it was largely thanks to a silly penalty and a well worked team goal against an exhausted opposition, but we’ll take it.

Minnesota United 1 – Sporting KC 2

A home fortress isn’t very imposing when no fans are allowed in. So it was in the Loons’ return home, where only slipshod defending and an ugly pair of own goals put anything on the board.

Avaldsnes 1 – 1 Rosenborg BK

Still undefeated, though it was a close thing. Julie Blakstad opened the scoring before RBK was bottled up by their opponents. A second half equalizer by Katrina Gorry was deserved, if a bit embarrassing for the Troll girls.

St. Mirren 1 – 1 Ross County

The Staggies still sit in the top 4, but the suddenly sputtering offense doesn’t bode well. It took an absolutely grisly challenge from Saints’ Joe Shaughnessy on Ross Stewart to provide a quality opening. That the opening required Michael Gardyne to bank the ball off of two opponents into the back of the net probably means the team could use a new game plan.

Rodez 1 – 0 Grenoble (M)

When last we saw our favorite French side in action, they were struggling to find the net. After a long break, Grenoble is still struggling. Despite taking twice the number of shots as the home side, Grenoble couldn’t put le croissant in le sac. Good news, 37 weeks left to get it together.

Mjondalen 0 – 2 Rosenborg BK (M)

After the surprising segue from the effective Trond Henriksen to new manger Åge Hareide, it might have taken a moment for RBK to click. Instead the defense was stout. The midfield was imperious. And this week’s rotating cast of strikers were dangerous enough to consistently clatter the woodwork despite coming up empty. Another win puts them firmly in contention for Europe half way through the year, and also positions them well to start the quest for Europa league this week.

FK Vozdovac 1 – 1 Zlatibor

Newly promoted Zlatibor got their first SuperLiga point in this draw. Pleased as we are for them, we’re more pleased the Red Dragons got a point too rather than folding like a fresh piriogi. (Also a special hat tip to Justas Lasickas for the extra clever flick to set up a golden chance)

SC Barcelona 2- 1 Emelec

The week didn’t end as beautifully as it began for Los Bombillos. Though Roberto Ordones put them ahead with a blistering strike, the defense has a bit to answer for in giving up a win in el Clasico del Astillero (Shipyard Clasico). First an ugly and foolish challenge by Jackson Rodriguez allowed an easy penalty, and an awfully awkward turnover by Leandro Vega sealed the comeback for los Amarillos. (Gluttons for punishment, watch here)

News & Notes

Trondheim Takeovers

The big news in the Eliteserien this week was that Age Hareide had taken over the men’s team at RBK. While the side had performed well under caretaker manager Trond Henriksen, the legendary Norwegian manager fresh from titles in Sweden and a quarterfinal spot in the World Cup was too tempting to let go.

Less publicized but equally cool was Julie Blakstad taking over the RBK Instagram account to keep us all up to speed on her Calculus test. It’s good to know she’s a typical teen, it’s harder to accept she both out-plays and out-maths our family

Bebe-Loon

About a year’s worth of courtship finally paid off as Minnesota United signed Emmanuel Bebelo Reynoso from Argentine giants Boca Juniors. Given Friday’s misadventures any creativity and flair will be deeply welcomed (though the Loons’ tendency to have one guy play hero-ball may yet make this a disaster).

Player of the Week

Whenever there’s a week without a standout performance, I find myself looking to recognize and appreciate a lower wattage player who has quietly contributed for several weeks. In that spirit, take a bow Kristoffer Zachariassen, in addition to leading the team in scoring, and leading all our teams with goals from nearly impossible angles, the steady, strong showings in the middle of the field have made all the attacking magic possible. So Takk! (As for the crazy good looks, c’mon man, leave something for the rest of us)

What’s Next

Tuesday, August 25th

9:00 Alebrijes v Dorados

Wednesday, August 26th

11:00 AM Roa v. Rosenborg BK

2:00 Emelec v LDU Portoveijo

Thursday, August 27th

12:00 Rosenborg BK v Breidablik (M-E)

Friday, August 28st

Saturday, August 29th

9:00 AM Livingston v. Ross County

12:00 Grenoble v. Toulouse (M)

1:00 PM Backa Backa Palanka v. FK Vozdovac

7:30 FC Dallas v Minnesota United

7:45 Técnico Universarito v CS Emelec

Sunday, August 30th

6:30 AM Rosenborg BK v. Arna Bjornar

11:00 Rosenborg v. Stabaek

Monday, August 31st

Tuesday, September 1st