Weeks 18: Turning Heads

May 4, 2023May 4, 2023 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recaps

Emelec 2 – 3 Independente del Valle (M)

Emelec had a lead against a dangerous rival in Ecuador’s Serie A early on in the second half, and then it all came undone. Goalscorer Jhon Sanchez drew a red card, and though it took them some time, Independente capitalized…scoring twice in the last 5 minutes of regular time to win the match.

Rosenborg BK 3 – 0 Lyn Football (F)

A week after their first slip of the season, the Trolljenta were back in action. Emilie Joramo opened the scoring (continuing to make defensive midfielders around our leagues look awesome on a great run in combination play), and Emilie Nauntes finally got on the scoresheet but the attack remains unsettled in Trondheim.

Koln 0 – 1 Freiburg (M)

Lucas Holer has been making magic happen with his boots lately, but in this showing he spread the wealth around connecting aon a bit of head to head ping pong with Ritsu Doan to net the winner. The excellent timing kept Freiburg squarely in the conversation for European soccer.

Grenoble 2 – 0 Niort (M)

Les Alpiners have solidified their spot in the middle of the Ligue 2 table (with this win they officially made it impossible to be demoted), but the real focus for this year now needs to be defining who will help lead the team going forward. Mathais Phaeton certainly seems to be Jessy Benet’s new midfield partner in crime and Abdoulie Sanyang threat on the right (complete with goal in this match) makes him a plus too. Keep an eye on the defense which has been stout, and still includes the ever amusing Loic Nestor back heel (setting up the second goal in this match).

Vojvodina 2 – 0 Vozdovac

Back-to-back wins didn’t become a winning streak for the dragons as they fell to Vojvodina (but as this result helped Vojvodina leapfrog the fascists at Partizan Belgrade in the race for European soccer…I’m okay with that.)

Dreams FC 5 – 1 Legon Cities

Welp, there went the Royals’ momentum. The social media team was NOT pleased with the ref, and I can see why: two red cards in the second half was a pretty rock road to hoe. But would it be spring of a Legon season if there wasn’t untoward drama?

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Odd 0 – 0 Rosenborg (M)

And that happened. (Seriously though, Rosenborg’s 3 goals in 4 matches is worryingly poor. Isak Thorvaldsen was pulled after one half and Oscar Aga had more chances but was similarly ineffective. Erlend Reiten and Samuel Rogers have been vital in defense, but they can’t do everything.

Minnesota 0 – 0 Dallas (M)

Speaking of defenders we’re grateful for, in our first match at Allianz field this season we were impressed by Kemar Lawrence. The defender was an absolute bulldozer both with and without the ball, and we know how you boys like bulldozers. Bongokhule Hlongwane and Luis Amarilla tried to be, but found that kicking while falling over doesn’t provide enough power to score.

Avaldsnes 1 – 1 Rosenborg BK

The search for a reliable goal scorer continues. With Celine Nergård netting her first goal of the season, but then leaving with 30 minutes to play. Mixing and matching strikers hasn’t worked yet…but don’t bet against the Trolljenta.

Freiburg 1 – 4 RB Leipzig (M-Cup)

Hopes were high for revenge on Red Bull and a return to the dfb Pokal Final. In about twenty minutes hopes were dashed and there was no joy in Freiburg. The two teams play again this weekend…more reason for revenge.

Rosenborg 0 – 2 Brann (M)

Rosenborg’s best work this year has come when the defense is able to be themselves and hold down the fort (thanks again Sam Rogers). So when they drew two yellow cards before the first ten minutes, they were set up to struggle. Sure enough Brann ran straight at them and picked up two goals against the Rosenborg side with 5 yellows before the match was done and dusted.

Guarani 1 -1 Emelec (M-South American Cup)

Alejandro Cabeza consistently appears when Emelec needs him most. Like Batman, only without the dark and brooding backstory. So it was here when he struck late in the second half to salvage a road point in Paraguay.

News & Notes

Emelec turns 94!

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94 Years ago, American George Capwell started a baseball team with his electrical company. Soon the workers asked to start a football team too, almost a century later, here we are with both men and women playing and exciting people who’ve never even been to Ecuador itself. A testament to what happens when you listen to your workers (this may or may not be thinly veiled suggestion for my employers)

I turn heads of random drivers on Lexington Avenue

A couple of months ago, Alex was sick and throwing up all over the place. On our drive to the Urgent Care, I was stunned to see a Red Chevy with an SC Freiburg Decal. In part because Freiburg isn’t exactly a world renowned side, and also in part because seeing them endorsed on a road firmly within our little corner of St. Paul seemed extremely odd. Eventually Alex felt better, we cleaned the puke out of the car, and I saw the Red Freiburg Chevy a few more times. Finally, this last week, I managed to actually be stopped at a light next to them, urged them to roll down the window and shouted “Freiburg Uber Alles” to a great laugh from the family inside. Love of a favorite team man, it connects people in weird ways and unforeseen places.

Player of the Week

It’s hard to find a lot of comprehensive statistics for defenders. But I generally trust FootMob’s point of view when it comes to overall quality of play. In that regard it’s hard to argue against giving overdue recognition to a new right back (because at some point we come to expect Gaspar, Monfray and Nestor to be awesome). So hat’s off to Mathys Tourraine who certainly fits the mold of Grenoble’s new Dartagnan

Standings

As we come into May we’ve got a lot of teams getting ready for their big final pushes in their domestic seasons. But in the year long MacKenzie Cup we’re not yet half-way through. Grenoble’s improvement for both the men and the women made them the biggest gainers in this week’s standings, while more slips have continued Emelec’s tumble (obligatory reference to Miller Bolanos goes here).

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
Punjab–b	12	2	3	2.24	2.29	0.94
Rosenborg	6	4	3	1.69	1.15	0.54
Minnesota	4	3	3	1.50	1.10	0.90
Grenoble	13	4	13	1.43	1.10	1.17
Legon Cities	6	7	6	1.32	1.16	1.16
Freiburg	11	5	13	1.31	1.24	1.66
Emelec	4	2	5	1.27	1.18	1.27
Alebrijes–b	5	5	8	1.11	1.33	1.39
Vozdovac	4	2	8	1.00	0.71	1.64
Ross County	3	3	9	0.80	1.00	1.47
Montana–b	0	0	0	—	—	—

Table Updated 5/3/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, May 4th

Friday, May 5th

Saturday, May 6th

Freiburg v. RB Leipzig

Ross County v. Livingston

Rosenborg v. Valerenga (M)

Rosenborg BK v. Lyn Football (F)

Paris FC v. Grenoble (M)

Vancouver v. Minnesota

Sunday, May 7th

SC Freiburg v. Werder Bremen (F)

Legon Cities v. Nsoatreman

Rosenborg v. Valerenga (F)

Vozdovac v. Red Star Belgrade

Cumbaya v. Emelec (M)

Nimes Metropole Gard v. Grenoble Foot (F)

Monday, May 8th

Tuesday, May 9th

Minnesota v. Philadelphia (M-Cup)

Wednesday, May 10th

Weeks 17: The Word of the Week is Cheeky

April 27, 2023April 28, 2023 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recaps

Emelec 1 – 0 Huracan (M-South American Cup)

Los Bombillos won! And they did it without Miller Bolanos doing everything!! And it was in a continental competition!!! Cain Jair Fara delivered a perfectly timed and placed header to show that Emelec’s reinforced defense is just as valuable as their internationally experienced striker.

Vozdovac 2 – 1 FK Radnicki

The Dragons flew back in fine form (which is especially welcome after their rocky start to the 2023 year). Bogdan Jocic had himself a game with a supremely cheeky back heel for Vozdovac’s first big chance and then a blistering shot from distance to record the first goal. Vozdovac kept the pressure up consistently to handle the match with ease.

Bayern Munchen 8 – 2 SC Freiburg (F)

This uh…this was not good…

Hearts 6 – 1 Ross County

This was also rough…I mean…oooh boy…

Rosenborg BK 0 – 1 LSK Kvinner (F)

It may not be a massive rivalry to the minds of many, but I always look at these games between Rosenborg and Lillestrom’s finest as a top tier show down in the Toppserien. The win is particularly big given that it ended Rosenborg’s winning streak and opened the door for Valerenga to jump up into first place.

Seattle Sounders 0 – 1 Minnesota (M)

It’s never easy to go into Seattle and get points from one of the most prestigious teams on the West coast. The Loons have gotten one win and one draw out of the twelve matches the two teams have held. This match was much like the others, Minnesota couldn’t seem to get things going and spent most of the match playing defense….almost successfully.

Karela United 0 – 2 Legon Cities

Michael Otou continues to be in some pretty spectacular form, with another goal ripped from an impressive distance. Kofi Kordzi put together a fabulous run to make another goal possible for Alex Aso. And Legon got a much needed win in the Royal derby

Freiburg 4 – 0 Schalke 04 (M)

I came home to do some frantic cleaning during your Sunday school, and for my time I got the reward of a big Freiburg win with Michael Gregositch being in the perfect place at the perfect time for his second goal. An excellent touch from Ritsu Doan setting up Lucas Holer and a very nice play by my new favorite name: Merlin Rohl (who at 20 years old, could have been my student when Alex was born…he wasn’t, obviously, but…oooh boy…feeling old.)

Rosenborg 1 – 1 Sandefjord (M)

While the women struggled, Rosenborg’s men rose to the occasion with a tremendously timed Carlo Holse goal that seemed to defy physics as it squirted through legs and arms and every part of the defense before hitting the net deep into injury time. (Kudos to another cheeky assist, this one from Canadian Jayden Nelson)

Musuc Runa 0 – 0 Emelec (M)

A goalless draw is hardly note worthy, but hey, Emelec extended their not losing streak!!

Grenoble Foot 4 – 0 Clermont Foot (F)

Apparently when it rains it pours for Grenoble! They grabbed their third straight win after seven winless rounds to start 2023. Could things be peaking just in time for the World Cup? (Florsie Joseph’s two goals certainly give us hope!)

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Bordeaux 3 – 0 Grenoble (M)

Bordeaux does seem to be well on track for promotion, while Grenoble has settled in neatly into the middle of the table, and in that way this was absolutely unsurprising.

Detroit City FC 1 – 3 Minnesota United (M-Cup)

Detroit City got out to a great start and held the lead at half-time, but Minnesota came roaring back with both Luis Amarilla and recent debutant Emmanuel Iwe smashing it (the second off of a–you guessed it–cheeky assist from Franco Frangapane), and moving the team through to the fourth round of the US Open Cup.

Legon Cities 2 – 0 Accra Lions

The Royals are so hot right now, it’s basically like trying to drink Nkatekwan fresh off the boil. This time it was Kofi Kordzi and Ebenezer Armegah who got the big goals, and their three game winning streak couldn’t have come at a better time, boosting them up to tenth in the league. Though with only five points between them and the relegation spots, there’s no time to rest.

Novi Pazar 0 – 1 FK Vozdovac

Borisav Burmaz has been arguably the most integral and decisive attacker in recent Vozdovac history. Perhaps never more so than getting the stoppage time goal to give them a big win over Novi Pazar. At the same time, quietly consistent keeper Andrija Katic’s excellent defense continued to keep Vozdovac in matches that they might otherwise capitulate in.

Raya2Expansion 2 – 0 Alebrijes

And just like that Alebrijes’ season is over. (I know it surprised me too) After their single round against the other teams int he Liga de Expansion Clausura they got their playoff game against Raya2 last night, and…it was over before it really got going. Raya2 scored twice in the first half and there was not much of a path back after that. Ah well, we can always look forward to the new wild uniforms the Oaxacans debut when the 2023 Apertura opens in the summer. (Man, Mexico, I need more clarity on the beginning and end of your seasons….)

News & Notes

Vozdovac takes the top of the split

They may get to the second tier before you.

The Dragons are back in action this week, and they’re taking flight among the top tier of the Serbian league, including the Belgrade duopoly (and surprising interlopes: Cukarici, and Backa Topola). Realistically Vozdovac are 18 points out from qualifying for European action, so they’re while they get to play against the best local competition, it’s pretty clear where they’re going to land.

Ross County takes the low road

The Staggies on the other hand will have nothing but meaningful games from here on out. There’s just five games between them and a demotion to the second tier of Scottish Soccer. They’ll have to make up four points on their nearest rivals to get out of trouble with the final match of the year against fellow battlers Kilmarnock looming especially large. They only have two home matches, but given that they’ve been a better than other teams on the road this year, maybe that’s a good thing? Or maybe I’m desperate.

We Missed One

In the rush of trying to track games across the league we admittedly missed one: Legon Cities loss to Bibiani Gold Stars in the Ghanaian Cup. (You know this wouldn’t happen if it was easier to follow cups than leagues…looks pointedly at federations without sponsorships that raise the profile…)

Player of the Week

There were plenty of cheeky moments throughout this week, young players finding clever ways to tap the ball here and there and everywhere. But we can’t help but give the recognition to a man who has both scored, and defended like a champion while boosting his team to a strong showing of late: Legon’s Defensive Midfielder Michael Otou, c’mon down you’re the player of the week

Standings

There’s a new team at the top, a new team at the bottom, and two new teams on their breaks.

Rosenborg’s less than perfect week slipped them down a notch so Punjab could move back into our local league lead. Emelec made a big move (which is just proof that winning three helps, losing three hurts, and getting a mix of results has a mix of results). Alebrijes’ loss wrapped up their part of this season with an unconvincing showing, while Vozdovac’s pair of wins vaulted them out of the bottom position…and let Ross County fall there.

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
Punjab–b	12	2	3	2.24	2.29	0.94
Rosenborg	5	2	2	1.89	1.22	0.44
Minnesota	4	2	3	1.56	1.22	1.00
Emelec	4	1	4	1.44	1.11	1.11
Grenoble	12	4	13	1.38	1.07	1.21
Legon Cities	6	7	5	1.38	1.17	0.94
Freiburg	10	5	12	1.30	1.26	1.74
Alebrijes–b	5	5	8	1.11	1.33	1.39
Vozdovac	4	2	7	1.08	0.77	1.62
Ross County	3	3	9	0.80	1.00	1.47
Montana–b	0	0	0	—	—	—

Table Updated 4/27/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, April 27th

Friday, April 28th

Emelec v. Independente del Valle (M)

Saturday, April 29th

Koln v. Freiburg (M)

Rosenborg BK v. Lyn Football (F)

Grenoble v. Niort (M)

Vojvodina v. Vozdovac

Sunday, April 30th (Grandma Bekka’s Birthday!)

Dreams FC v. Legon Cities

Odd v Rosenborg (M)

Minnesota v. Dallas (M)

Monday, May 1st

Tuesday, May 2nd

Avaldsnes v. Rosenborg BK

Freiburg v. RB Leipzig (M-Cup)

Wednesday, May 3rd

Rosenborg v. Brann (M)

Guarani v. Emelec (M-South American Cup)

Weeks 14-15: Coming Back From Cali

April 13, 2023April 14, 2023 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recaps

Legon Cities 1 – 1 Asante Kotko

Kotoko might be one of Ghana’s true giants, but Legon always seems up to the challenge. Alex Aso got the equalizer to keep Legon looking tough

Arna-Bjornar 0 – 1 Rosenborg (F)

The Trolljenta got another win but it took a late winner from Emilie Nautnes to snatch the points.

Freiburg 1 – 1 Hertha BSC (M)

The boys of Breisgau haven’t lost domestically in almost two months, but that’s come with a lot of disappointing draws, including this one to relegation battlers Hertha after Vincenzo Grifo got the lead

Vozdovac 0 – 1 Javor

The dragons dropped another home match. I’m not sure what would help make home cooking work for them but they have a long way to go to catch up with the top four sides in Serbia.

Grenoble 2 – 1 Armiens (M)

Jessy Bennet slotted home a first half penalty and nearly scored a very cheeky chip shot. Abdoulie Sanyang got the second half winner, but attention should also be paid to 22 year old Mathys Tourraine who has quickly become a vital cog in both defense and attack for Les Alpiners.

Delfin 3 – 2 Emelec (M)

It was a testy match in Ecuador with three spot kicks given (and all of them converted). Miller Bolaños left room for someone else (Alejandro Cabeza) to score, but he also left the match early due to an injury, which isn’t what you’d hope to see for the clear talisman of the team. Defender Fernando Leon drew a second yellow card to leave the team a man short and ultimately leaven enough room room for Delfín to keep threatening and finally snatch a late winner.

St. Louis City 0 – 1 Minnesota (M)

Both teams came into the match undefeated, but only the visitors left that way. St. Louis had control for most of the match, but when the Loons threatened, they made the most of it. Luis Amarilla smashed in the winning penalty after bottling some strong opportunities. The reinvigorated back line, especially the eternally present Michael Boxall stood tall to stop St Louis from equalizing.

Ross County 0 – 2 Celtic

Within regular time County earned a draw. But soccer also includes extra time, and that’s where Celtic scored.

Freiburg 0 – 1 Turbine Potsdam (F)

Potsdam handed the Frauen their fifth straight loss…this one turning on Meret Witje’s own goal. Ugh.

Grenoble Foot 1 – 0 Thonon Evian (F)

Good news for Freiburg the ladies of the Alps broke their own five game skid with a vital win, and one against one of the best teams in France’s second division. Goalkeeper Bolkach had an excellent game defending against Thonon’s potent attack and in a last minute counter attack Claudia Fabre picked out newcomer Florsie Joseph and Grenoble got a tremendous winner. So hey, Freiburg, there’s hope!

Bibiana Gold Stars 3 – 2 Legon Cities FC

A wild first half saw the Gold Stars take the lead, after Ebenezer Armegah and Eric Bonsu briefly gave Legon the edge. and despite their best efforts (and a reversed goal), the Royals lost and dropped firmly into the relegation zone

Bayern Munich 1 – 2 Freiburg (M-Cup)

Few teams are as dominant as Bayern Munich are in Germany, but for the third straight year Freiburg has either matched or outperformed them in the Cup.

Nicholas Hofler connected with as beautiful a goal as you will ever see to balance the books. The defensive line (especially Ginter, Gunter, and Gulde) stymied an insistent Bayern attack until they forced Bayern into more mistakes, this time with a series of fouls that allowed Lucas Holer to win it on a hand ball Penalty Kick in extra time.

To celebrate, Freiburg got to face Munich again on the weekend and will face Liepzig, the team that beat them in last year’s final, in the semi’s

Partizan Belgrade 1 – 0 Vozdovac

Partisan can be a brutal opponent. So much so that in the last 7 matches they won by an average of 3-0. So the red dragons only losing by 1 is a high water mark not seen since March of 2020.

Danubio 2 – 0 Emelec (M-South American Cup)

Danubia hasn’t been great shakes in their local Uruguayan league this year. But they had no trouble containing or attacking Emelec. The best news, Uruguayan native midfielder — had one of his best games yet for Los Bombillos.

Alebrijes 1 – 0 Cancun FC

Armando Gonzalez got an early goal off a rebound from Ernesto Reyes’ blast of a free kick. Even though Oaxaca earned 4 yellow cards in 12 minutes, and were unable to make good on several one-on-one opportunities, they withstood the pressure of Cancun.

Freiburg 0 – 1 Bayern Munich (M)

Munich got their win back in the domestic league, capitalizing on the early departure of Manuel Gulde to bedevil the back line and batter the Freiburg net to the tune of 3.5 expected goals. In that light, even losing by one is a bit of an accomplishment for Freiburg. (Not one they’re going to put in their hall of fame, but something at least)

St. Johnstone 0 – 2 Ross County

The Staggies returned to action and got a win for the first time since February! Jordan White made a major nusiance of himself and set up Simon Murray (who came on for the injured Eamonn Brophy) for the first goal on an absolute banger. Then rarely used midfielder David Cancola made the most of his moment getting one of his own on a scrambled ball into the box.

Kerala Blasters 3 – 1 Punjab FC (Cup)

Punjab’s first effort against a Super League side left a little something to be desired. Kerala was able to control the match despite Punjab rolling out a broader midfield than usual, which did slow down Kerala for the first half, until a penalty gave the Blasters the lead. A half time swap of midfielder Maheson Singh for attacker Krishnananda Khundongbam paid off with Punjab’s goal, but the more expanded midfield was easier for Kerala to get past (leading to two more goals and the win)

Laval 0 – 1 Grenoble (M)

Mathais Phaeton got the early goal thanks to a scintillating through ball from (who else) Jessy Bennet and Brice Mableu was able to shut down Laval for the rest of the match to seal a win.

Chicago Fire 2 – 1 Minnesota United

Kei Kamara took two early goals for Chicago, and by the time your mom and I tuned in after you were tucked in at last, we were at the desperate crosses situation for the Loons. Kervin Arriaga got one, but despite many fine chances and amazing efforts, Bongokhule Hlongwane couldn’t score the vital equalizer.

Aucus 2 – 1 Emelec (M)

Emelec’s struggles continued with another loss, bouyed only by Jose Cevallos’ injury time consolation goal. The team that lives by Miller Bolanos, also dies by Miller Bolanos (at least when Miller Bolanos is out of the match with an injury, but even then we will still write Miller Bolanos’ name so many times that we summon him to Minnesota).

Rosenborg 1 – 0 Viking (M)

Rosenborg started their campaign with a revenge win against the team that knocked them out of the cup (kind of like the reverse Freiburg experience). Ulrik Jennssen was a pest in defense, and Adrian Pereira celebrated his first start since August of last year with the winning goal off of a half volley in the middle of nothing.

https://youtu.be/0OS4hH9ALdw

Vozdovac 1 – 3 TSC Backa Topola

Danilo Teodorovic scored first, but Topola came back with a vengeance. We would be upset, but any team that breaks up the Partizan/Red Star duopoly is okay in our books.

Punjab FC 0 – 2 Bengaluru FC (Cup)

Again Punjab set up in a defensive posture which…again worked for the first half, and then, when they got a little more aggressive in the second half, Bengaluru capitalized and took the lead. Huidrom Singh’s second yellow card didn’t help matters and let Bengaluru seal the win.

News & Notes

Jonah Attuquaye off to Latvia

We’ve made no mistake about it, Jonah Attuquaye is one of our all time favorite players during this project. He almost single handedly lifted up the Royals from their lowest ebbs and kept them consistently fresh when they desperately needed to be. But, all things must come to an end, and a player of Jonah’s caliber deserves a fresh challenge and opportunity. Last month (far below the radar of all the news I was following) he got that opportunity with a move to FK Auda in Latvia (which my former students say is lovely).

I truly hope he excels in Europe and maybe, in a season or so, there’s room for him in Rosenborg or Ross County.

Indian Super Cup Starts…and Ends

It was a pretty brief break for Round Glass Punjab as they spent a month celebrating their championship in the I-League, but the Super Cup provides them with a chance to prove themselves before the Super League starts next fall. They did draw a dangerous group, featuring two ISL playoff teams (Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC) and a fierce I-League rival (Sreenidi Deccan…you know…the team they were fighting for the trophy for months). We love a new competition, and we love Punjab, but the results from the first week of action made the next steps moot as the two losses show they are already eliminated…(Chenchyo Geltsyen’s absence was palpable.)

Spring Break! woo.

I love you boys. I love your mom and her family. I love travel.

This was hard.

We spent 6 days in Los Angeles, where the weather was lovely and I felt completely exhausted regardless. You guys had great fun seeing all the science and sunshine that LA could offer and playing happily with your Auntie, random kids at a scenic playground and a variety of newly adopted stuffies and Dino toys. You also did not understand time differences and insisted on waking me up at 4:30, and only going to bed at 8:30 PM…though the easy access to massive cakes and jelly beans may not have helped things.

Travelling with you is a privilege…it’s also a big responsibility. But you’re so darned cute.

BootRoom Book Review

From Madani’s Best Game by Fran Pintadara
illustrated by Raquel Catalina

To save room in my backpack (and also because I’m forgetful), we didn’t bring bed time books along with us on this trip. So we turned to the thing that all humans turn to for answers these days: a smart phone. Soon enough, the St Paul library gave us access to several nice books including one appropriate for this blog Madani’s Best Game

The story of a star player in an anonymous neighborhood was a fine bit of soccer lore. It had clear pictures of the action, a great sense of the role of a team, and an appropriate level of drama building up to the final match.

But really the story was less about soccer, and more about a kid’s love for his mother. Much as you guys like a soccer story, you love to love your mom.

Players of the Weeks

Jessy Bennet must be acknowledged. The midfielder has managed to pilot les bleus to certainty and security in the second league, which has been in short supply since his departure after 2021.

Also worth noting is Ernesto Reyes, whose leadership and defense has continued to help Oaxaca out of their traditional funks.

Standings

The Super Cup did a real number on Punjab’s position atop the table. It can happen when you get twice as many defeats in one span as you had in the past three months. As a result, Rosenborg, returned to the top spot this year as both the men and women are undefeated in the league so far this young season. (The one loss was in the cup.) Meanwhile, the difficulty in getting decisive results has taken its toll on Freiburg and Vozdovac.

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
Rosenborg	3	0	1	2.25	1.25	0.25
Punjab	11	2	3	2.19	2.38	1.00
Minnesota	3	2	1	1.83	1.17	0.83
Emelec	3	0	3	1.50	1.33	1.33
Grenoble	10	4	11	1.36	0.96	1.16
Alebrijes	4	5	6	1.13	1.47	1.07
Freiburg	7	5	11	1.13	1.17	1.65
Legon Cities	3	7	5	1.07	1.00	1.13
Ross County	3	3	7	0.92	1.08	1.15
Vozdovac	2	2	7	0.73	0.64	1.82
Montana–b	0	0	0	—	—	—

Table Updated 4/12/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, April 13th

Atletico Morelia v. Alebrijes

Friday, April 14th

Ross County v. Aberdeen

Saturday, April 15th

Rosenborg BK v. Roa (F)

Minnesota v. Orlando (M)

Sunday, April 16th

Punjab FC v. Sreenidi Deccan (Cup)

Werder Bremen v. Freiburg (M)

Legon Cities v. Kotoku Royals

Molde v. Rosenborg (M)

Emelec v. El Nacional (M)

Olympique Marseille v. Grenoble Foot (F)

Monday, April 17th

Grenoble v. Saint-Etienne (M)

Tuesday, April 18th

Alebrijes v. Pumas Tabasco

Wednesday, April 19th

Asane v. Rosenborg (F)

KISS

November 5, 2022 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I have taken Alex with me to matches throughout his life. Even at under a year old, he was wrapped up in a baby carrier, being toted through a stadium filled with shouts and screams all so he could be present for the events.

Dear Boys,

And yet, he mostly slept or cried.

In the years since, he’s become more of an afficianado. He will ask to watch with me from time to time. He truly enjoys wearing his Loons gear, and he’s even started attending and adoring soccer training at pre-school: Soccer Shots. (Quoth the coach: “Alex shows growing ability at scoring goals!)

So heading back into the stadium this year, the first year of confident-Post-COVID attendance, I was hoping to see if he had developed a more refined appreciation of the game: more understanding of nuance and interest in both what happened with the ball and what happened away from it. The match didn’t disappoint: Luis Amarilla netted twice, Bongokuhle Hlongwane got his first goal at home to raucous applause, and the opposing Portland Timbers matched the Loons every step of the way. Surely, I thought, this will create a deep and multifaceted love of the game in Alex.

Alex’s take away: the gummy worms at the stadium are really good. And celebrating goals is fun!

It might sound like I’m making fun, but the truth is, I really envy how clearly Alex can see things. I want to hold on to that idea, I want to come back to it again and again.

As someone who can make absolutely everything overwrought, I need to remember that Alex’s approach is often the best. Keep it Simple, Son.

(Okay, that’s not the usual acronym, but I’m actively trying to avoid name calling, even towards myself)

You can worry about the pace, or the marking strategy. You can worry over the expressions you use and whether or not you have anybody reading your work.

In all that worrying, in all that cogitating, you can lose sight of the thing that you actively want to do.

Score goals.

Write.

In short, just be. And Alex already understands that.

Keep it simple, son.

Week 11: Let’s Try this again

March 16, 2022March 23, 2022 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results

Punjab FC 4 – 3 Aizawl

It sure looked like Punjab was going to take their first loss of the campaign, even with two goals pulled back for offside Aizawl had shown the better style throughout the match. But then came a late red card to Aizwal’s right back and suddenly the onslaught was back on. Within 60 seconds Kurtis Guthrie (yup, him again) and defender Bikash Yumnam pulled the team from the edge of defeat to the hallowed halls of victory with a little poke from a dangerous corner kick to do the lasting damage.

Freiburg 3 – 2 Wolfsburg [M]

Vincenzo Grifo led the charge out of the gate blasting two beauties in the first half. When Wolfsburg stormed back to equalize late on, Silver Fox Nico Schlotterbeck made the difference to keep Freiburg very much in the mix for non Munich/Dortmund honors with only eight matches left to play.

Grenoble 0 – 0 Rodez [M]

The good news, Grenoble has stopped shipping goals like they were square-jawed sci-fi dudes with good chemistry (…no…no takers on the slash fiction joke…? okay moving on). The bad news the offense has also dried up. They’ve scored four times in nine matches under Vincent Hognon. (That this is a marked improvement shows just how low they had fallen prior to Hognon’s arrival…but it may not be enough improvement to save them from the drop).

Great Olympics 1 – 0 Legon Cities

Sigh…just when you hope the Royals are on the cusp of something, they go and lay an egg again…

SC Freiburg 7 – 1 FC Carl Zeiss Jena [F]

Carl Zeiss Jena may be a the foot of the women’s Bundesliga, but they had the lead for a solid half an hour in Freiburg. Then the lady griffins took charge. Seven goals from six players in about forty minutes was a heck of a showing. It may not win any trophies, but I bet it felt darn good.

Vozdovac 1 – 1 FK Spartak Subotica

The Red Dragons split their points on top of the mall in Belgrade. Milos Pantovic struck a solid rebound back into the goal to give them a surprising lead. While the defense did a good job of forcing Spartak into some ugly shots, their befuddlement on a late long ball opened it up for Spartak to waltz it in and take a point.

Grenoble Foot 3 – 3 Montabaun [F]

Perhaps les hommes de Hognon could use a conversation with Grenoble’s women’s side. Three goals marks a high point in the league for the ladies of the alps, though to be fair one of them was one of the slowest rollers I’ve ever seen. Still, points are points, and I’m not one to complain (though I would love if more than one phone could get video of the game)

NY Red Bulls 0 – 1 Minnesota United [M]

It takes a bit of effort to go into New York and come away with one point, let alone all three. But that’s what the Loons managed against the Red Bulls over the weekend. It was in no small part due to Dayne St. Clair’s showing in goal. The keeper made 8 tremendous saves (including a ball don’t lie penalty save), and though statistics suggested he coulda/shoulda given up 4, he kept the score line clear to let the single volley strike from Luis Amarilla send Minnesota home happy.

Gualaceo SC 2 – 1 Emelec

While Romario Caicedo got a late consolation goal, Los bombillos struggled with newly promoted Gualaceo. A little boost to the new comers to best one of the best sides in all Ecuador last year, but hopefully not the beginning of a trend.

Punjab FC 1 – 2 Sreenidi Deccan

Punjab lost their unbeaten run against the Andhar Pradesh side and more specifically Nigerian striker, Louis Ogana. It likely didn’t help that Kurtiss Guthrie finally had an off night for the Northwestern side and the attack was thoroughly neutralized.

Pau 0 – 1 Grenoble [M]

Don’t look now but les Grenobloises have gone three whole matches without a loss! Even though Jordy Gaspar had ten sloppy minutes to get himself banned from the next week of matches, Brice Mableu held on to enough attacks to ensure that Yoric Ravet’s penalty salvaged a crucial three points for Les Alpines who moved above the drop…phew!

News & Notes

(Omitted due to time constraints–hey, I’m writer, editor, publisher…I do what I want!)

Player of the Week

There were some solid showings this week by teams who played more than once, but you can’t ignore the elephant in the room: Freiburg Frauen dominated their match this week. And while lots of people scored goals, I couldn’t keep my eyes off 19 year old Swiss midfielder Riola Xhemaili who managed some absolutely staggering assists and key passes to set up several of the goals (playing in a line with other powerhouses like Janina Minge and Hasret Kayici doesn’t hurt either.

Standings Update

Standings will be updated following the next week

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
Emelec	2	1	0	2.3	2.3	0.7
Punjab	1	1	0	2.0	3.0	1.0
Alebrijes de Oaxaca	5	3	2	1.8	1.2	1.0
Ross County	5	3	3	1.64	1.5	1.2
Freiburg	6	3	4	1.62	1.6	1.6
Legon Cities	4	4	2	1.60	1.4	0.6
Minnesota	0	2	0	1.0	1.0	1.0
Grenoble	3	3	7	0.9	0.9	1.5
FK Vozdovac	1	1	3	0.8	0.8	1.4
University of Montana–b	—	—	—	—	—	—
Rosenborg BK–b	—	—	—	—	—	—

Table Updated 3/16/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, March 16th

Grenoble Foot v. Yzeure Allier [F]

Alebrijes v. Tlaxcala FC

Thursday, March 17th

Friday, March 18th

Saturday, March 19th

Greuther Freuth v. Freiburg [M]

Celtic v. Ross County

Napredak v. Vozdovac

Grenoble v. SC Bastia [M]

Minnesota United v. San Jose Earthquakes [M]

Sunday, March 20th

Bayer Leverkuesen v. SC Freiburg [F]

Punjab FC v. Neroca FC

Rosenborg BK v. Avaldsnes [F]

Merignac v. Grenoble Foot [F]

Legon Cities v. WAFA

Emelec v. Delfin

Monday, March 21st

Tuesday, March 22nd

Tapatio v. Alebrijes

52. Lessons from 2020

December 26, 2020December 31, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

A year ago, I stared this blog with the thought of how I could share life lessons and understandings that can show us what matters. An added perk of this is that, much like your uncles and I started keeping a list of lectures your grandpa was going to give us, now you have a list of my 52 lectures in 2020.

Dear Boys,

1. All our teams and how out of many, we are one

2 Legon Cities FC and appreciating new beginnings.

3 Grenoble Foot 38 and the importance of giving a fork about what you do, not over how it is received.

4 Transfer Rumors and John Fowles’ three types of people

5 Ross County, Rabbie Burns and how we want to do hard things because they are hard to do.

6 SC Freiburg and why “why” is one of the best questions you can ask.

7 Impeachment, Jersey Swaps and how gracious living is easy to do if you practice when it’s hard.

8 Minnesota United, Luis Amarilla and why, While it’s easy to fixate on the best, don’t let it distract you from the very good right in front of you.

9 Ross County and the value of playing to the whistle

10 Manchester City, Mike Bloomberg and why you ought to use your power thoughtfully, with truth and talent.

11 You can’t avoid burnout, but you can acknowledge it and select the most vital and most life giving tasks to focus on.

12 Covid Closures and why even if we’d be okay, we need to do what’s best for the others around us.

13 Rosenborg BK and how you are both a hope surpassed and a history alive

14 FK Vozdovac and why none of us are ideals

15 Diego Maradona, Macho Man Randy Savage and how to make believe safely

16 Ross County and why what you are loyal to is just as important as the loyalty itself

17 SC Freiburg and why you should keep curiosity in your mind and change in your heart.

18 Why debating all time greats is fun, but also pointless.

19 University of Montana Grizzlies and why I hope you have a fire in your heart, and a light in your eyes

20 Minnesota United and how we are stronger together than we could ever be alone.

21 Japanese Art, Freiburg and why you should appreciate what a thing is

22 Screw you systemic racism

23 Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe and why you should look inside yourselves and ask “how can I help?” as often as possible.

24 ignore those who urge you or anyone to “stick to sports”

25 Freiburg, Vozdovac, and why you should extend yourself and others a little grace.

26 Protests, FK Vozdovac Hooligans, Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo and why you should never confuse a crowd’s approval with your virtue.

27 Star Wars, Freiburg, Rosenborg, Donald Trump and why leadership without accountability is just authority.

28 Rosenborg BK and why you can’t prepare for the future by trying to recreate the past

29 Rosenborg’s Women, Ross County, Racialized Debates and why context is king.

30 American Soccer, American society and how a team of competing individuals can lose, but competitive individuals together on a team cannot.

31 Emelec and why you should leave more than you take

32 Ross County and why owning your struggles, your instabilities, your pain is the most healthy way to handle it.

33Minnesota United and why you should keep your goals within your control

34 Grenoble Foot 38 and how you are never alone in the world if you have people you can rely on.

35. Black Lives Matter

36 Julie Blakstad, Marit Clausen, and why you can absolutely do things alone, but helping someone else succeed often helps you too.

37 Pedro Martinez, the Great Falls Dodgers, Freiburg, Minnesota United and why you shouldn’t begrudge players leaving our teams behind, appreciate what they brought while they were here.

38 Alebrijes de Oaxaca and why you should enjoy what your style is.

39 Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the University of Montana, Women’s soccer and how contributions of women lead to growth

40 The Minnesota Twins, Alebrijes de Oaxaca and how learning loyalty is rewarded with loyalty of its own.

41 My least favorite coaches and why what goes around comes around.

42 Professional athletes, teachers and how everyone benefits from a break.

43 Freiburg’s Men, Rosenborg’s Kvinner, Joe Biden and why when you’re worried it will all go wrong, just try to do what you know to do.

44 Franco Arizala, Alebrijes de Oaxaca and why nothing is worth letting the whole world burn.

45 Asamoah Gyan and how we are marked by our pain, both in scars and in strength.

46 Donald Trump, Minnesota United, FK Vozdovac and why you don’t fight the fights you can win, you fight the fights that need fighting

47 Legon Cities and why when you have to face the future, you should approach it as an opportunity to seize not a challenge to be feared.

48 Diego Maradona and why it’s best to love the good in all people

49. Ross County, Rosenborg’s Kvinner and why there’s something to enjoy in both expected and the unexpected events.

50. Minnesota United & why you don’t need to worry about losing, especially when you can just enjoy living.

51. Punjab FC & how what we build, is built with others

52. So…what does all this mean for you boys, for what I think matters and what I think is important. This challenge to write over fifty posts with an eye to you boys and to what matters most.

There are plenty of overlapping themes, but the things that stand out most are simply these two: live in community with others and appreciating both the good and the bad.

And in case there needs to be one more individual lesson it’s this: know how to fold them. I love you boys. I love soccer. I can’t keep writing two posts a week. I’ll keep this site, I’ll post updates and results. But I’m going to scale back my lectures, both for my sake, and for yours.

Week 28: Practically Perfect in Every Way

July 14, 2020July 30, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Lyn Football 1 – 4 Rosenborg BK

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.

Good morning #GrizNation!

Here's a friendly reminder to #MaskUpMontana so we can see you in Missoula this fall.

🏈🏐⚽️#GoGriz #MaskUpForFallSports pic.twitter.com/6EnclnDh3v
— Montana Grizzlies (@UMGRIZZLIES) July 6, 2020

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

11:00 Rosenborg BK v. Sandefjord (M)

Monday, July 20

Tuesday, July 21

8. Dream Globally, Love Locally

February 20, 2020March 12, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Dear Boys,

Today, I had an unusual experience. One that I loved and that the people around me shrugged at. Afterward I realized a big truth behind both this blog and my life in general.

While it’s easy to fixate on the best, don’t let it distract you from the very good right in front of you.

Let me explain: the hardest moments I’ve had have been when I set my heart on one thing and refuse to accept something else. Not having the thing you want can drive you crazy. Appreciating the thing you have can bring you joy.

For instance, when I was overseas I knew lots of people who couldn’t tolerate not having what they wanted most. At the top of Gamuk glacier, in the midst of the Himalayas a troop of hikers was offered roti, rice, and yellow daal on aluminum trays by a small group of monks. Some were not going to have daal when they wanted meat. Others looked askance at the dirty/dripping plates. I ate it all and went back for more. Maybe I put my digestive track at risk, but that moment, savoring a fresh made meal, shared in gratitude with our hosts in the face of natural beauty, I was delighted.

I have a harder time accepting where I’m at in my work and actions. Many is the time a lesson goes awry or students cause a pointless, rude, ruckus, and I sit in sullen self-abnegation. I don’t want to be a bad teacher and every time things seem bad or less than ideal, I just want to scream: “I wanna be better!!” My colleagues and bosses tell me to appreciate what we do accomplish and appreciate my strengths before I get into “self-improvement” mode. I see why: wanting to be the best and refusing to appreciate my strengths when there are weaknesses to worry about has never helped me. But it’s hard to give it up.

Which leads me to today. With me standing in my last class, stressing over how students were identifying evidence and supporting thematic claims when the principal opened the door and announced an interruption.

In walked Luis Amarilla. The newest member of our Minnesota United. A tall, devestating striker from Paraguay by way of Universidad Catolica in Ecuador. I was amazed. My students, many who love soccer (and some of whom have parents with Universidad allegiances) shrugged. One young woman beamed, others used the distraction to whisper with each other at the end of the day.

I confess, I was a little disappointed: why would this group of soccer crazed kids collectively cower when a professional, an immensely talented one, came to say hi?

Then they told me: they don’t follow the local team, they only care about the best. They idolize Messi and Ronaldo. They obsessively hunt and trade for and buy the best players on video games. They ogle the signature shoes. Everything and everyone else is just noise.

It’s nice that they have lofty ambitions, but it’s sad that it blinds them to excellence in front of them. Señor Amarilla isn’t a legend of the game, he won’t win the ballon d’or or the UEFA Champions League this year. But he has a powerful engine, a killer instinct in front of goal, and the drive to share his gifts here and now.

I was delighted to introduce Señor Amarilla to students and shake his hand in welcome. I understand that, at first, you might prefer someone better known, or with more power to impress your friends. But, if you shrug off greatness around you, you let great opportunities to cheer and shout and savor special moments slide by.