Scores
Colorado Rapids 2 – 2 Minnesota United
This game gave us two things. One was the memory that Romain Metanire + Ethan Finlay equals right wing gold. (Gold we’ll hopefully see glitter again if we get to go watch them sometime this year.) Seriously that second goal was a thing of beauty and a joy to behold.
Two was a chance to watch a game that mattered mathematically and teach grandma MacK some of that calculus
Of course, with progression assured, there was a little more sloppiness than usual, but that’s all a side note before tomorrow’s game against Columbus
Arna Bjornar 1 – 2 Rosenborg BK 
The ladies in black and white continue to show superlative form with another road winner. Marit Clausen scored again because of course she did, but the hero of the hour (or hour and a half rather) was substitute Lisa Marie Utland. Her 90th minute laser beam header made it three wins from three, and you’re forgiven, if, like me, you’re ready to shave the Troll Children’s record into your hair. (I mean, obviously I won’t because haircuts are risky in the age of COVID, but that’s about my only reason.)
FK Haugesund 1 – 0 Rosenborg BK (M)
For the first time since the opening weekend, the Troll Children dropped all the points. (Sidebar: should they be Troll Boys while the Kvinner are the Troll Girls? is that too gender binary??)
The air was sucked out of the away side early on when a late and sloppy slide from Anders Trondsend conceded a penalty that Niklas Sandberg converted within ten minutes. From then it was rather dispiriting The Trollgutter looked shaky and shambolic in defense, and seemed desperate in the attack. The loss dropped them out of the top 4, but as their only other defeats came to top two sides Bodo/Glimt and Molde, there’s plenty of reason to hope.
News & Notes
More Kickoffs Coming
This week sees a return for the Serbian League (yes, they were in action just a month ago, and yes Vozdovac kicks off against the same team they wrapped up against), the Scottish League (with Ross County back under singular manager Stuart Kettlewell), and the Ecuadorian Men’s League (starting afresh with the fall campaign). While other leagues are unsure about their restart date, the Montana Grizzlies can boast about being the most feared team in all the Big Sky ahead of their September 18th return.
New Opportunity For Oaxaca
Alebrijes de Oaxaca might have been on the cusp of the big time in Mexico. Then COVID-19 shut down the season and eliminated promotion for six years. So, instead of saddling up against the big boys, Alebrijes will play in the new “Liga de Expansion” with 17 teams seeking to stabilize the lower leagues. They have a few weeks left to kick off, but let’s get excited now, shall we?
Loons Swoon into Knockouts
The late winner that kicked off their campaign in Orlando seems a distant memory, after Minnesota wobbled through a couple draws. Still 16 of 24 teams advance, which is pretty darn convenient. Still they are undefeated and rank third in the updated league table. Sadly, finishing second in the group behind second place Kansas City earns them a match up against top of the table Columbus Crew…YAY MLS
Player of the Week
Let’s not mess with a good thing, shall we? Marit Clausen. We remain your biggest family of fans on our street in St. Paul. (It’s Minnesota, we assume there are more fans/family of yours nearby)
What’s Next
Tuesday, July 28th
7:00 Columbus Crew v. Minnesota United
Wednesday, July 29
Thursday, July 30
1:30 Rosenborg v. Viking (M)
Friday, July 31
Saturday, August 1
12:30 FK Vozdovac v FK Radnik Surdulica
**7:00 San Jose Earthquake v. Minnesota United
Sunday, August 2
8:00 Rosenborg BK v. Klepp
1:30 Stabaek v Rosenborg BK (M)
2:00 Emelec v. Orense (M)
Monday, August 3
1:45 Ross County v. Motherwell
MacKenzie's Boot Room 