Tag: Luka Macjen

Week 32: Catch-22

Week 32: Catch-22

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Recap

Punjab FC 0 – 0 Bangladesh Army (Cup)

Punjab got a point! But they still are looking a little punchless against some toothier competition. Macjen and Mera remain the teams’ focal points, but vision is getting blurry.

Rosenborg 2 – 1 Hearts (M–Europa Conference)

Sverre Halseth Nypan managed a pair of first half assists against a familiar Scottish foe and a rowdy crew of scots on the road. Nypan pressed forward repeatedly to make the right side supremely strong for the Trolls as they hit their seventh straight match without a loss.

Mineros 1 – 1 Alebrijes

The Oaxacans continued to have their testiness translate into some difficult situations. Coach Carlos Guittierez and Esteban Escobedo were carded right before the end of the first half, which left Oaxaca with just ten men (and a worried coach). Julio Cesar Cruz got the equalizer early in the second half which was fortunate as defender Miguel Arreolo was sent packing later in the half and right after the match, goalie Octavio Paz was given a red card to carry over into the next match. So 8 Alebrijes managed to hold on to a draw against 11 Mineros…YIKES

Nashville 5 – 0 Minnesota United (M-Leagues Cup)

Speaking of Yikes…this game. (DJ Taylor was ejected after 34 minutes, and the rest of the defense was totally torched)

Ross County 2 – 0 St. Johnstone

St. Johnstone had more looks at the goal, but County had the best looks…and they didn’t miss. Despite Yan Dhanda having to leave the game after just a half-hour, his replacement Kyle Turner did a superb job and got his first goal for the Staggies on an excellent long ball. Connor Randall found the net as well to thrill the home supporters, but the defense was in fine form and kept the box in front of Ross Laidlaw neat and tidy.

Vozdovac 1 – 1 FK Radnik Surdulica

Vozdovac was fortunate to equalize on an own goal, and even more fortunate not to concede a late winner after Filip Damjanovic left with a red card in the 81st

Grenoble 2 – 0 Paris FC (M)

Mathys Touraine is rapidly becoming the latest in a long line of super strong Grenoble defenders. Like Loic Nestor and Adrien Monfray, he’s been a tremendous asset both in attack and in defense. This week that included starting a great passing combination that lead to his own volleyed finish. His work this week gave Grenoble the needed push to make them one of only three teams to reach 2-0 in the young season

Emelec 0 – 0 Orense (M)

Emelec is also undefeated in this fall’s Ecuadorian campaign even though they haven’t scored a single goal yet. Unlike the six point gap between top and bottom of the French League, Ecuador’s has every team within one game of becoming league leaders.

SV Oberachen 0 – 2 Freiburg (M-Cup)

Oberachen welcomed Freiburg for the first round in the DfB Pokal, and Freiburg never looked remotely bothered. Rolland Sallai and Christian Gunter got the goals, and the boys from Breigsau geared up to start their season in earnest.

Alebrijes 2 – 1 Celaya

Oaxaca’s run of cards on cards on cards came to an end and also lead to their first win of the campaign. It helped to have Kaleth Hernandez strike within 1 minute of kick off. Despite giving up an equalizer, Julio Cesar Cruz nailed a penalty to take the lead.

East Bengal FC 1 – 0 Punjab FC (Cup)

Roundglass Punjab got one more shot at the Durand Cup and their first big result as part of the top flight of Indian Soccer, it went about like the others. Kiran Limbu has done his best, but there’s just not enough to push them past the strong defenses of the two Bengali clubs.

Emelec 22 – 0 La Familia (F)

That isn’t a typo, Las Electricas legitimately put twenty goals past their fellow Guayaquil team and then put two more through. It was 6 in the first 18 minutes and 12 in the first half.

News & Notes

Women’s World Cup-Date

The Women’s World Cup Final is set with Spain facing England on Sunday.

It’s worth noting that Spain is here, frankly, in spite of a host of problems with their national federation. The players, who fought for a decade to have any support for their team at all, have continued to advocate for what they want and need and frankly deserve. The response of the federation was to say, “stop asking for things or we’ll stop letting you play”. It has lead to the awkward experience of watching players celebrate the greatest moments in national team history without even looking back at the coach (the representative of the dismissive system).

Meanwhile, England has a massive psychological investment in winning a world cup and proving that they can still win trophies in the game they invented. So, quite a lot of drama is afoot.

Other Cup-Dates

Likewise the men are wrapping things up in their cups as well, both Minnesota and Punjab saw this chapter of their seasons crash down around them. While that’s disappointing, there’s still a long way to go for their regular seasons, so wait and see.

Freiburg’s cup run started well, and the women’s side will see the same start soon. Rosenborg has another match up with Hearts to stay alive in Europe (Hearts having one goal on the road will make this match in Edinburgh extra important). Meanwhile, Ross County will look to stay alive in the League Cup this weekend.

Vamos Electricas!

It’s been hard to follow, but there is a competition for the Women’s Side in Emelec. They’ll play this year in the Campeonato Provincial (for Guayaquil), win the league and you’ll have a chance to move up to the top league. (It may be hard to track down player names and statistics, but we’ll do what we can.)

It will be a little easier to follow the results for the Griz soccer team when they kick off this week (and when they do, we’ll have every team on the table)

Player of the Week

Mathys Tourainne might have had the best moment of individual play, and the Electricas had a tremendous outing, but I couldn’t identify any players to award. So instead, I’ll give this week’s honor to the often named but as yet unheralded Jayden Nelson.

Standings

With their twenty two goals Emelec has suddenly gotten an extra half a goal a game which doesn’t make much difference to the points total, but does keep them ahead of Ross County. The one mover is Grenoble that sneaks up to fourth place…while Punjab’s rough Durand Cup has them much closer to the chasing pack.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Punjab12351.951.950.95
Minnesota239111.812.401.23
Rosenborg176131.771.741.00
Grenoble176171.431.181.08
Legon Cities–b9781.421.251.29
Emelec81191.251.791.00
Ross County105131.251.571.54
Freiburg137191.181.261.62
Alebrijes6791.141.271.45
Vozdovac46110.860.711.57
Montana–b000———
Table Updated 8/17/23
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, August 17th

Tecnico Universitaro v. Emelec (M)

Hearts v. Rosenborg (M–Europa Conference)

North Dakota v. Montana Grizzlies

Friday, August 18th

Saturday, August 19th

Hoffenheim v. Freiburg (M)

Airdrieonens v. Ross County (Cup)

Zeleznicar Pancevo v. Vozdovac

Grenoble v. Troyes

Sunday, August 20th

HamKam v. Rosenborg (M)

North Dakota State v. Montana Grizzlies

NYCFC v. Minnesota (M)

Monday, August 21st

Tuesday, August 22nd

Wednesday, August 23rd

Cimaronnes v. Alebrijes

Week 19: Backs Against the Wall

Week 19: Backs Against the Wall

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recaps

Freiburg 0 – 1 RB Leipzig (M)

Two losses at home to the same team in the same week. I try not to loathe anyone but man Leipzig makes it tempting…like the Yankees of German Fusball.

Ross County 2 – 0 Livingston

The Stags took their destiny by the horns (If you’ll forgive the pun) in a big win to kick off the relegation group against comfortably mid table Livingston. Yan Dhanda returned for his second match in nine weeks with two assists, including two great assists on superb crosses (Alex Iacovitti’s finish was particularly satisfying). Look out, County isn’t out of it yet! (Beating Dundee next week would be a big help)

Rosenborg 1 – 3 Valerenga (M)

A makeshift back line (absent Erlend Reitan) couldn’t give Rosenborg enough support, and a foolish foul by Andre Hansen sealed the team’s fate.

Paris FC 1 – 0 Grenoble (M)

The Alpiner’s defense finally cracked, and as the offense was unable to get a shot on goal, there wasn’t enough there to do anything but accept defeat.

Vancouver 3 – 2 Minnesota

The Loons were better at creating chances and threatening goal than they have been the last few matches, but it came at a cost of the defense giving more room and allowing the Whitecaps to capitalize.

SC Freiburg 1 – 1 Werder Bremen (F)

Lisa Kolb has made most of her appearances off the bench this season, as the Austrian works to establish herself as a top tier of the Griffins’ attack. She absolutely showed why she belongs at the tip of the attack creating a lot of danger with both passes and headers and finally setting up the vital equalizer.

Legon Cities 3 – 2 Nsoatreman

The Royals made the most of their best half in months. They haven’t notched three goals in one game since February, with strikers Samuel Armah and Ahmed Rahman notching goals, and Eric Bonsu cracking a gorgeous corner kick (or so I’ve been told as I can’t find video). The win it came at a great time. With matches against two top 5 teams in the next two weeks, any result would be a huge help.

Rosenborg 0 – 0 Valerenga (F)

The top of the Toppserien was too close to call in Trondheim. it was a little surprising that each team only made 1 substitute, we hope there’s a little more strategy in the next match-up.

Cumbaya 0 – 0 Emelec (M)

I’ve found something to say about other nil-nils but I’ve got nothing here.

Nimes Metropole Gard 0 – 6 Grenoble Foot (F)

That’s three at a trot for Grenoble’s ladies. Granted Nimes has only gotten 8 points this season, and they came in having allowed almost 70 more goals than they scored, but a win is a win and Melanie Chabrier’s brace offered a big addition to the cause from a less frequent source of offense (Claudia Fabre and Chelsea Supris, a bit more expected)

Vozdovac 0 – 2 Red Star Belgrade

Red Star is a dangerous team in any competition, and this was no different. Even with homefield advantage, Vozdovac couldn’t find a way through…but that’s practically expected at this point.

Minnesota 3 – 3 Philadelphia (M-Cup–Loons advance on penalties 7-6)

Philadelphia has put together several years as one of the best teams in MLS, and while they rotated a lot of players out of the mid-week match, they took it seriously. But so did Minnesota, as Bongokhule Hlongwane continued his excellently aggressive approach with an assist and a goal within five minutes to give them a great lead. But then, fellow substitute Kai Wagner helped equalize deep in stoppage time to force overtime. Then Bongi did it again, with a second goal…and then Wagner did it again…and we ended up in a penalty shoot out. It took 8 penalties to decide it, when finally Kai Wagner was stopped to end the game, courtesy of Clint Irwin (who just last year was mockingly named “Old Dutch” when he was in goal for a different team)

News & Notes

El Rey in happier times

Return of the King

Emanuel Reynoso is back in Minnesota. The team has managed to hold their own without him, but as a dynamic playmaker it could be really helpful. Of course…letting a malcontent midfielder run the show while players who want to be there twiddle their thumbs…could be seriously harmful.

Irresponsible conjecture

We said hi to an old friend during the county game, former Punjab talisman Kurtis Guthrie who made a brief substitute cameo before getting a red card.

Kurtis hasn’t had a great season in Scotland, but Footmob ranks him at 6.1 per game…just as good as County’s strikers this season.

So…if Punjab’s best striker last season would make the grade as County’s best too…maybe Luka Macjen or Juan Mera or just maybe Chencho Gyeltsen…might look good in Dingwall…LET THE RUMOR MONGERING BEGIN!!!

Beograd Jak

Serbia has been rocked by tragedy the last two weeks. People have used a variety of guns to shoot groups of people without any clear reason.

To be honest, there is no reason that could justify these senseless killings. We see them far too often here in the US, but, despite Serbia’s fondness for guns, it rarely happens there. So the acts, and the victims shocked many.

So, Monday Vozdovac took the field and stood in silence, even though it was a marquee match against front running Red Star. Players advocated for change by wearing shirts that read:

The dragon’s heart is sad these days because something ugly is happening in our Serbia.

Nine lives were extinguished one day, and eight were lost the next day too.

We have nothing left but to ask our neighbors to love even more.

Let’s all fight for a better tomorrow, let’s create a more beautiful Serbia for children!

Kudos to them

This is my best attempt to clean up what Google identified as Bosnian but I’m pretty sure was Croatian.

I have read about questions regarding the government’s use of strict laws and endorsements from public figures (like soccer clubs) to push an agenda. Frankly, I’m not inclined to doubt people’s intentions. Vozdovac saw pain and (along with Red Star) spoke out to comfort their supporters.

My hearts are with the families and friends of the victims in Serbia, and my voice is raised along with Vozdovac.

Bongi Unleashed (from Star Tribune)

Player of the Week

It seemed like pretty slim pickings for best player of the week. Only three sides (County, Legon, and Grenoble’s Ladies side) managed to get wins, but they all did it with a degree of difficulty: relegation staring down the sides in Scotland and Ghana and a road trip for the French. While Yan Dhanda’s distribution and Eric Bonsu’s delivery and Melanie Charbier’s breakthrough were all positives, it’s hard to overlook the massive positive that was Bongokhule Hlongwane’s sterling performance in a knock out cup game. I’ll also hope that not recognizing County and Legon encourages them to keep it up and earn plaudits in future weeks.

Standings

There’s only one change in the standings this week, with County’s big win pushing them up off the bottom of the table (for now). Legon and Grenoble also got closer to Minnesota and Rosenborg, but the gap between those four and Punjab just seems to be growing.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Punjab–b12232.242.290.94
Rosenborg6541.531.070.67
Minnesota5341.501.331.25
Grenoble144141.441.221.13
Legon Cities7761.401.251.20
Freiburg116141.261.191.61
Emelec4351.251.081.17
Alebrijes–b5581.111.331.39
Ross County4390.941.061.38
Vozdovac4290.930.671.67
Montana–b000———
Table Updated 5/10/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, May 11th

Friday, May 12th

Saturday, May 13th

Union Berlin v. Freiburg (M)

Dundee United v. Ross County

Bodo/Glimt v. Rosenborg (M)

Backa Topola v. Vozdovac

Metz v. Grenoble (M)

Sporting KC v. Minnesota (M)

Sunday, May 14th

MSV Duisburg v. SC Freiburg (F)

Brann v. Rosenborg (F)

Emelec v. LDU Quito (M)

Monday, May 15th

Tuesday, May 16th

Rosenborg v FK Haugesund (M)

Wednesday, May 17th

Minnesota v. Houston Dynamo

Week 11: Every Team Every Where All At Once

Week 11: Every Team Every Where All At Once

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recaps

Juventus 1 – 0 Freiburg (M-Europa League)

It seemed for a while like Freiburg would get a draw against one of the legendary teams of Europe in that team’s legendary stadium. But Juve did what has made them a legendary team and found a way to win. Not all hope is lost, if Freiburg wins at home (and doesn’t allow Juve to score) they can advance.

Emelec 2 – 1 Deportivo Cuenca (M-Copa Sudamericano)

There was some joy in continental competition, as Emelec snagged another spot destined for an Ecuadorian team in the Southamerican version of the Europa league. Miller Bolanos capitalized on one of the best dummy runs you’ll ever see by Samuel Sosa. Bolanos also netted the winner after Cuenca had equalized from the penalty spot. It’s becoming a habit for him.

https://youtu.be/2k5B0WSAd64

Grenoble 2 – 1 Annecy (M)

After some underwhelming results, Grenoble got a key victory in the battle between the best sides in the French Alps. Mathias Phaeton made the most of his start up top, finding a way to work free and clear when the ball bounced into the box. Jordy Gaspar pegged an assist and a few crucial bits of defending to help Grenoble top their regional rivals.

Minnesota 1 – 1 NY Red Bulls

Bongokuhle Hlongwane got the Loons first goal in the snowy confines of St Paul, and after New York got even after a pressurized attack at the start of the second half, Minnesota had most of the opportunities to win. But as the score line shows…they didn’t.

Radnicki Nis 2 – 3 Vozdovac

The Dragons love clean sheets. They either take one (usually against the best teams in Serbia) or they enforce one (on pretty much anybody else). This marked only the fifth time in 26 matches this season that both teams scored. Given that they’ve won three, drawn one, and lost one, maybe they could play a little more aggressively and trust that the defense will see them through, especially as Milos Krunic was superb in goal throughout the first half. Mihajlo Neskovic continued his strong form with another goal, and Niska Vujanovic notched one that was drilled so hard he got offered a carpentry job.

Punjab FC 2 – 0 TRAU

It was a triumphant homecoming for Punjab as they finished off the I-League campaign lifting the trophy that they so richly deserved. They did take a little time to trounce their opponents before the party got underway, with (who else) Luka Macjen netting twice (including once from an “I dare you” chip shot) to complete a superb 12 match unbeaten run for the Warriors. (Enjoy the highlights and do stay for the award ceremony celebration)

Freiburg 2 – 1 Hoffenheim (M)

The best of the Black Forest looked to be heading for another underwhelming result in a week full of them, when Ristu Doan slashed a volley on a low cross and snatched a late winner. Freiburg continues to linger on the outer edges of the German title picture, so hopefully whatever happens against Juventus, they’ll be playing meaningful football for the next several months.

Saint Etienne 4 – 0 Grenoble (F)

The ladies of Grenoble struggled against an undefeated Saint Etienne side, as you might expect. Franny Arpine helped solidify the win for the top team in the table with an own goal. The loss drops Grenoble to 10th place in their league, but only 4 points separate them from 6th place…so…who knows.

Berekum Chelsea 1 – 0 Legon Cities

The Royals know…that things are really bleak. Another loss for Legon sees them drop into the relegation zone for Ghana’s Premier League. A year of refocusing may not be the worst thing, but we would sorely miss some of the elite talent that would likely look to leave as soon as the final whistle blows. (Of course there are still 13 matches to go, so things can change, it just doesn’t feel very optimistic around the Royals right now.

SGS Essen 2 – 1 SC Freiburg (F)

Adding to the pessimist punch bowl, the Frauen from Freiburg lost their perfect record against lower table teams when Essen broke out at the start of the second half. Worse there was also an early departure for Hasret Kayicki and general disarray for the attack.

Viking 2 – 0 Rosenborg (M-Cup)

Yes our Norwegian friends are back in action! And they’re also immediately out of it! Truthfully, the fact that Rosenborg’s last round of the Cup came back in June 2022, raises the question of how reliable any of this is. After all, they had time to sign a prolific striker, and sell him between the two rounds.

Emelec v. Tecnico Universitario (M): Postponed

The entire Ecuadorian league was put on a pause this weekend. (See the note below for more information and some total fiction)

Alebrijes 2 – 2 UDG

The first half was pretty tame, but when the skies opened up and rain started to fall in the second, the goals poured in as well (which isn’t too surprising given how poor both team’s defenses have been this season) Alebrijes took the lead, twice. They gave it back, twice. Julio Cruz and Ernesto Reyes got the goals and Octavio Paz (not the poet) gave them back. Still a point is a help for Alebrijes.

News & Notes

More interesting reasons Emelec’s game got cancelled

Choose for yourself the reason why Ecuador’s league was cancelled this week:

  • The League went on a special Turtle watching expidition in the Galapagos Islands (to learn your boys favorite spanish word: Tortuga!)
  • A truly terrible round of farts went through every locker room and no one could be near eachother.
  • The tv broadcasters asked for a rescheduling for undisclosed reasons
  • Queen Elsa of Arandelle froze every field and the league had to call in the super hot laser blasts of Iron Man to thaw it.

One of those reasons is true (hint: it’s the boring business one), the others should amuse my children. I know which I prefer.

Speaking of TV

For the first time in…well…ever…I watched the Loons on our TV downstairs. This was made possible by the Loons league making a new and stunning deal to put all their games on a computer streaming service rather than regular TV (which your mom and I stopped having). This is a new move in sports TV, while you can get some matches for some leagues in other countries on line (as we sometimes do with Freiburg), this is a big local league wide gamble. If it pays off you boys will probably never know another way of doing it. If not…well…this will be an odd bit of trivia.

Punjab Wins all the Awards

Most movie awards this weekend went to a oddball movie that involved hot-dog fingers, body slams, and googly eyes.

Best Ensemble (From Roundglass Punjab on Twitter)

Most Indian Hero League awards went to Roundglass Punjab, who celebrated their status as the top team in the league with awards for Best Goalie (Kiran Limbu), Best Midfielder (Juan Mera), Best Coach (Staikos Vergetis). And with his two goals Luka Macjen won both the Golden Boot (for most goals scored) and the league MVP (since they’re sponsored by Hero motorcycles, they named the MVP the “League Hero” award…because they’re clever)

Dayne St. Clair: Style All-Star

’nuff said

Player of the Week

It’s hard to settle on a player of the week. While Punjab can rightly lay claim to another trophy, their win was more matter of fact than inspiring. Vozdovac got a great showing from their goalie to keep them in a tightly contested match, but I’m going to give the edge to Ritsu Doan who’s late goal made a huge impact on the mood around Freiburg (despite his goalless drought, he’s been so fundamental to making space for others–and for inspiring in the World Cup that I think he’s overdue for some recognition)

Ritsu Doan in action
(from Kyodo Times)

Standings

Rosenborg broke the streak of starting seasons with wins, and in so doing saved Ross County from dropping to the bottom of the table (just six more months until Montana kicks off!). Meanwhile Punjab again claimed the top spot but they won’t be resting on their laurels as the Indian Super Cup will kick off in April with more drama afoot and a chance to see RoundGlass against their future Super League rivals.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Punjab11212.502.640.79
Emelec2012.001.671.00
Minnesota1102.001.000.50
Freiburg6361.401.531.87
Grenoble7491.251.001.20
Vozdovac2231.140.711.71
Legon Cities2541.000.821.09
Alebrijes2450.911.271.45
Ross County2350.901.101.10
Rosenborg0010.000.001.00
Montana–b000———
Table Updated 3/15/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, March 16th

Freiburg v. Juventus (M-European Cup–Freiburg trails 1-0)

Friday, March 17th

Saturday, March 18th

Livingston v. Ross County

Cukariki v. Vozdovac

Sochaux v. Grenoble (M)

Delfin v. Emelec

Colorado v. Minnesota (M)

Sunday, March 19th

Freiburg v. Hoffenheim (F)

Legon Cities v. Aduana Stars

Mainz v. Freiburg (M)

Monday, March 20th

Tuesday, March 21st

Mineros v. Alebrijes

Wednesday, March 22nd