Scores

FK Indjija 0 – 1 FK Vozdovac

In a match that looked very much like your a game your Uncles and I would have dreamed of (cold, rainy, and in a stadium marginally smaller than my high school’s), the Red Dragons picked up their first points of the young season thanks in large part to Milos Stojcev who peppered the goal early and struck a gorgeous ball to decide the match. Though some credit must be given to the Indija strikers who simply couldn’t buy a goal.

Orlando 3 – 1 Minnesota United FC

The Loons looked so strong to this point. They even dominated the early stages of this match. And then…Nani…

If you’re going to lose, it might as well be to a man who has made more money than your entire team’s budget as he plays one of the best games of his time in your league.

Sandviken 1 – 3 Rosenborg BK (Women)

Marit Clausen and Julie Blakstad have fast become my new favorite sporting duo. Sorry Mauer and Morneau, best wishes Kane and Son: it’s Clausen and Blakstad time.

Hamilton Academical 0 – 1 Ross County

The Staggies are tied for the league lead. They’re ahead of mighty Celtic in the table. They’ve taken 100% of their possible points this season.

This probably won’t last of course but that is a very fun paragraph to write regardless.

Again some quality link up play kept County dangerous in front of goal with Billy McKay doing the honors. Frankly, they may feel unlucky to only have gotten the one goal. Best of all, the revamped back line kept goalie Ross Laidlaw a relaxing afternoon.

FK Vozdovac 1 – 3 Vojvodina

When things go wrong for the Red Dragons they go wrong quickly. It took a half an hour for Vojvodina to put the game away, and sixty more minutes for Vozdovac to see things through. It legitimately seemed to involve goalkeeper Marko Ilic spending more time on his back than his feet…(gluttons can watch here)

Rosenborg BK 5 – 1 Sarpsborg 08

New RBK coach Trond Henriksen has plenty of options to lead the line in Trondheim. Helland, Børven, Islamovic, Ceide and Holse all have strengths as targets, poachers, dribblers and more. Plus Samuel Adenbegro is almost back from an ankle injury, so the attack is pretty much perfect. (I mean, it would be better with Marit Clausen and Julie Blakstad, but so would everything.)

Talent isn’t the issue. The problem has been finding a consistent combination. An imperious trio one week looks adrift and uncertain the next. So maybe this week’s tandem of Carlo Holse (2 goals) Emil Konradsen Ceide (2 assists) and Torgeir Børven is the solution.

Or maybe we’ll be wondering what’s next after losing 2-0 next week.

News & Notes

Loons Come Home

Minnesota United will play again in just a few weeks. Better still they’ll play just a few miles away. However we still can’t watch them. Strangely we COULD go watch them in Dallas, but well…exposure to germs at the airport, in the plane, in Texas itself, and at a stadium full of screaming, spitting fans isn’t the best option.

Wild World of Ross County

It’s rare for a little team in Dingwall to factor in national news, but we live in rare times.

First, to add some depth and protection to the goalkeeping corps, the team brought in Ross Doohan as Ross Munro learns the ropes and Ross Laidlaw takes most first team minutes. Yes Ross County’s three goalies are all Ross. Mind. blown.

Second, the Staggies May finally have a celebrity fan (other than you boys, obviously). Spanish goal keeping star David de Gea happened to catch the win over Motherwell and was taken aback by the striking resemblance with manager Stuart Kettlewell. de Gea is better known than County, possibly even within Dingwall, so a little star shine is a nice perk.

Freiburg Fliers

While SC Freiburg came close to continental competition this year, their next campaign will look a bit different.

First the club signed Ermedin Demirovic fresh from a strong campaign with Swiss second placers St Gallen. His 12 goals put him in the top 10 in Switzerland, and outstrip all the players for Freiburg. Hopefully he adds a second option behind Nils Peterson.

Unfortunately the club also said auf weidersehen to goalie Alexander Schwolow who headed for rivals Hertha Berlin. The three keepers currently on the roster have a combined 21 matches played in the past two seasons so…that’ll be a change.

Player of the Week

Because variety is the spice of life, let’s shout out a defender, shall we? Coll Donaldson has been a vital anchor in Staggie Blue. He’s been a part of two clean sheets and consistently frustrated Hamilton every where they tried to put the ball. Ta, Coll.

What’s Next

Wednesday, August 12th

1:45 Ross County v. Kilmarnock

Thursday, August 13th

Friday, August 14th

2:00 Delfín v CS Emelec

Saturday, August 15th

9:00 AM Ross County v. Dundee United

1:00 PM Rad Beograd v. FK Vozdovac

Sunday, August 16th

10:00 Rosenborg BK v. Valarenga

1:30 Rosenborg BK v. Aalesund (M)

Monday, August 17th

Tuesday, August 18th