Tag: Lisa-Marie Utland

Week 34: New Top of the Table!

Week 34: New Top of the Table!

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Alebrijes 2 – 3 Tepatilan

The Oaxacans continue to struggle to catch anything remotely resembling a break. Even after another Julio Cesar Cruz equalizer and a Lizandro Echeverria goal to take the lead, they couldn’t hold on. In 360 minutes this season, they’ve lead for 18 of them (5% of the season). Clearly there’s still work to be done in the back.

FC Minsk 1 – 2 Rosenborg [F-Europe]

Rosenborg got to host playoff games en route to the Women’s Champion’s League and they kicked off with a big win over FC Minsk (courtesy of your favorite tandem and mine: Julie Blakstad and Lisa-Marie Utland)

Rennes 2 – 0 Rosenborg [M-Europe]

It’s not terribly surprising that Rosenborg struggled against a team from the top tier of French football. And needing two or more goals at home is something they can manage…if they’re on point. (Sidebar: Baptiste Santamaria made his Rennes debut after leaving Freiburg last week…so, the revolving door of Rennes and our favorite teams remains).

Creighton Bluejays 2 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

The Griz had an adventure getting to Omaha (good thing they’re elite athletes, it made running across Denver Airport a little easier), but once there they gave the bigger program all the could handle. Caitlin Rogers put in an iron woman shift on the back line (going all 108 minutes), and Montana’s own Josie Windaur got her first career goal in the garnet and silver, but in the end the Griz fell on a late winner from Creighton. Still a positive start for the team looking to punch above expectations for the Big Sky Conference.

Metalac 0 – 1 Vozdovac

Nikola Vujnovic kept up his strong form with another goal on a stellar little run. Better still, the Dragons’ defense delivered their first clean sheet of the season.

Freiburg 2 – 1 Dortmund [M]

One of the German giants came to Breisgau and left disappointed. Freiburg got ahead early (thanks Vincenzo) and didn’t let up (that second goal…wowza…Roland Sallai did just about everything). But after epic victories, it’s important not just to talk about the goals that won it, but also the defense that made it possible. So kudos to the defensive core of Phillip Leinhart, Nico Schlotterback, and Christian Gunter for stopping a star studded offense.

Grenoble 2 – 0 Quevilly [M]

The sun lifted les grenoblois off the bottom of the table, and for the first time in forever, everybody seemed to be on point. Mableu, Nestor and Monfray held down the back while Yoric Ravet lead the line with both a goal and an assist. Plus Charles Pickel did his best Jessy Bennet. (It was so convincing that right after the game he got to leave Grenoble!)

Minnesota United 0 – 0 Sporting KC

I was very excited to watch this game with you boys. Covid’s return meant I couldn’t take you. Technology issues meant we missed the first 15 minutes. 10 minutes later you decided you wanted a snack and then forgot about the game to go play in the backyard.

We made the right choice.

Stats suggest the Loons should have scored three goals, instead they got zero. The inability to put the biscuit in the basket is starting to drive even the most loyal fans up a wall…

Levante 4 – 3 Rosenborg [F-Europe]

Rosenborg wasn’t able to launch themselves into the group stages of the women’s champion’s league despite home field advantage as Levante prevailed in an epic encounter. The Troll Jenter were chasing the game for the much of the match and this might be the first time we’ve ever seen Kristine Nostmo so wrong footed and out of her element. (It was also by far the most goals scored against the black and white in our time writing about the team). Again Blakstand and Utland delivered vital goals, but it wasn’t enough and Rosenborg will have to wait a year for a shot at the biggest stage in Europe.

Nueve de Octubre 2 – 2 Emelec [M]

It was definitely a point win for Los bombillos, who looked to be facing their second loss in 2021 Liga Pro (the last one also to Nueve). Down two goals and one player with ten minutes to go, Joao Rojas scored twice on a pair of…close…offsides calls. It was all they needed to salvage a point and keep them in 2nd place.

Ross County 2 – 4 Rangers

I try to be optimistic, but I really doubted County’s ability to keep up with Rangers. Granted, the didn’t really keep up, but they scored twice and weren’t played off their own field so…yeah, I guess…moral victory?

Rosenborg 5 – 0 Odd [M]

The troll boys handled Odd with ease, with Stefano Vecchia notching two goals, Verbjørn Hoff getting two assists and Emil Konradsen Ceide getting one of each. (That even leaves out Noah Holm’s blistering run to score) We hope they still feel fresh for the match with Rennes next week (maybe Vecchia and Ceide merit another runout together…just saying))

Montana Grizzlies 0 – 1 Portland Pilots

While the Pilots have a storied history, their recent past gave the Griz some hope, but it wasn’t to be as both back lines stood tough until a beauty of a curler beat blue haired Elizabeth Todd for a gorgeous winner. Again the Griz were tough against a high profile opponent, and Owen got to watch with me as Taylor Hansen flexed her leadership, Ava Samuelson showcased her fresh flair, and McKenzie Kilpatrick did our name proud.

News & Notes

Gre-NOOOOOOOOO-ble

The French side mired at the bottom of Ligue 2 in desperate need of some good news went and found the opposite this week by sending Charles Pickel to Portugal (immediately after his man of the match performance) and releasing captain and strong defender Jerome Mombris. The comments are a special blend of sports fan frustration and French ennui. We thank Charles and Jerome for their work, and would like to Jerome that Madagascar defenders [like his teammate/pal Romain Metanire] are welcome at Minnesota United…just saying…

Never vacuum

The only goal in The Griz’s game this weekend was scored when we were vacuuming (well, I was vacuuming, Owen, you were running away and flopping on any soft surface you could find). The lesson is clear: never vacuum. [Another valuable lesson watching the game, be like the bros who rocked overalls, bare chests, and cowboy hats to a soccer game…that’s how we do soccer in the big MT]

Way to Advertise Women in Europe!

I knew there was some news about Rosenborg facing reigning European women’s champs Barcelona (they meet in a friendly Saturday), but in doing that research I uncovered an utterly unremarked upon entry in the local team history, namely that our favorite lady trolls vied for qualification in Europe this week. Some reviews and the kind public service provided by femfootball let us cover it, but a little too late.

Player of the Week

For 10 weeks, Emelec and Rosenborg have dominated the player of the week conversation. Even when other teams were in action their performances never quite measured up. This week there were great showings from all of Rosenborg and Joao Rojas. But there was also Nikola Vjunovic and Yoric Ravet bringing back some struggling sides. But we’ll go with Christian Gunter who both bottled up Dortmund darling Erling Haaland, delivered some delicious passes, and set a new Freiburg record for appearances en route to their win.

Standings Update

And for the first time in a long time, we have a new leader in the standings!! The pair of defeats dropped the Griz from the top to…well..very nearly the top, as Rosenborg was there to capitalize despite their own inconsistent week. It’s going to be a battle for the top as we enter the final four months of the campaign.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Rosenborg BK24482.112.61.1
University of Montana9042.081.70.8
Emelec219101.81.61.2
Punjab FC–b7461.4711.20.9
Freiburg145131.4691.61.5
Minnesota United7761.401.11.2
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
Grenoble Foot118111.371.11.2
Ross County82121.271.21.4
FK Vozdovac86111.201.01.6
Alebrijes4981.001.32.0
Table Updated 8/24/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, August 25th

Thursday, August 26th

Rosenborg v. Rennes [M-Europe]

Cal Poly Mustangs v. Montana Grizzlies

Friday, August 27th

Hoffenheim v. Freiburg [F]

Saturday, August 28th

Stuttgart v. Freiburg [M]

FK Vozdovac v Kolubara

Sochaux v. Grenoble [M]

Houston v. Minnesota United

[Rosenborg v. Barcelona–F Friendly]

Sunday, August 29th

Aberdeen v. Ross County

Viking v. Rosenborg [M]

Emelec v. Olmedo

UDG v. Alebrijes

Montana Grizzlies v. Montana State University-Billings Yellow Jackets

Monday, August 30th

Tuesday, August 31st

59. Power of Perspective

59. Power of Perspective

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I have a favorite thing to read, one that both boys have heard me read often. It’s a weekly magazine published in London and sent to us and millions of others around the world: The Economist.

I started reading it on long Saturdays in Montana towns, working with my friend Brian to keep aware of world affairs. Your mom rekindled my love for it, and for the past 11 years I’ve rarely missed an issue. I’ve even read chunks to the both of you (which was easier when you were wee babies than it is now).

Dear Boys,

The Economist covers just about everything under the sun. Even an article a week has better informed me about passions of mine (international education, diplomacy, race) and cares of friends and family (Scottish independence, Ghanaian funerals, Hindu nationalism). But most relevant here is when it talks about soccer.

In the madness of the last few weeks I read one article that touched on soccer in a way that lines up neatly with this blog and my advice to you. To wit, soccer is a blank slate, and what we see in the game is a reflection of us. I’ll just tack on this thought to an already sterling column: acknowledge that your perspective is just that, your own.

Consider one of my most common topics in all these posts: how awesome Rosenborg Kvinner are.

To me, the story of RBKK is a story of cohesion, cooperation, teamwork and excellence achieved. We cover the exploits of Blakstad, Utland, and Rulyte because they are excellent, and covering women’s teams with as much enthusiasm as we have for men’s teams is only fair. I believe women deserve equal pay and recognition…I can’t change the pay but I can definitely add to the recognition in my own small way.

But that is my perspective.

Across the street from us, during the annual street festival each year, is a stand for the Minnesota Men’s Rights Group who advocate for men as a disadvantaged group (despite our disproportionate power politically, socially, culturally and economically). As part of the “Mano sphere” they believe that the limited erosion in our strength over the past few decades is discriminatory, and traditional (male dominated) society should be restored.

If you were to show some of their members (to say nothing of the radical wings of the internet) they would see something very different. (I know…I’ve heard it in real life already).

To them, this is another sign of the diminishment of men. I’m too hidebound by political correctness to acknowledge that the men’s game is superior. I’m too scared of my own authority to put the men’s game, the better game, first. That women are playing at all is a sign of how weakened men are in the first place. That I’m “pushing” these ideas on you will further weaken the future of men. (And that’s before we get into some of the more crude assumptions about soccer being effeminate in the first place).

That is there perspective.

I believe that my perspective is founded in truth, optimism, and equality, and theirs is founded on fear. Therefore, I think my reading is both more accurate and better for your future in society than theirs.

But of course I do. I’m writing this thing.

It’s less about whose perspective is right and whose is wrong (for the record, I’m right…me…your dad). It’s more about the fact that we each voice our perspective, and that soccer gives us both a space to explore our beliefs and a means to express them.

Soccer helps us to talk about gender and equality, about race and prejudice, about capitalism, socialism, authoritarianism, colonialism, and any number of other ideals, beliefs, questions, and issues that arise.

Whatever you take away from it, that’s your perspective. You can and should acknowledge that it’s one perspective among many. By all means, hear others, consider different points of view, and refine and revise your perspective as you feel best.

It can be very easy to seek ways to blame others, or insist that you have cornered the market on truth. But when you acknowledge the power your own perception has over what you see, you acknowledge that you know you’re thinking. You acknowledge that you have a power to think critically rather than believe blindly. When you admit that it’s your perspective, you own your place in the broader world.

As we face down a resurgent pandemic and an erasure of borders, I hope you listen to the thoughts of others, read good writing about the whole wide world, and own your perspective.

Week 22: Summer Time and the Points are Easy…

Week 22: Summer Time and the Points are Easy…

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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.

Mr. MacKay (Scottish Sun)

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
The trophy chased by the most boot roomers

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.

Adebayor (Center in White)

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).

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b9022.52.10.6
Rosenborg BK6212.22.71.2
Emelec14561.91.61.0
Grenoble Foot-b10781.481.21.1
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Legon Cities FC8571.451.30.8
Ross County–b8291.371.31.5
Freiburg114131.321.61.7
Alebrijes-b4761.121.42.1
FK Vozdovac–b5691.050.91.6
Minnesota United2141.000.91.6
Table Updated 6/2/21
b–Team is between seasons

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