Tag: Mimi Eiden

Week 23: Dominance

Week 23: Dominance

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Scores

Legon Cities 2 – 1 Uncle T United [Cup]

It took a little bit, but the Royals took the win at home over Uncle T. Richmond Antwi had to shoulder the load with both strong runs and a booming shot from outside the box in order to overcome the lower tier side. But a win’s a win and progress is progress. And HEY! Asamoah Gyan was on the pitch for 30 whole minutes!

Deportiva Cuenca 6 – 0 Emelec [F]

This would be one of those times I’m ok NOT seeing highlights. Oof…

Arna-Bjornar 0 – 2 Rosenborg [F]

Rosenborg’s ladies’ side remains defensively perfect this season and unbeaten in their entire league history. Again Lisa Marie Utland and Julie Blakstad drove the attack but credit also goes to Kristine Nøstmo on her third straight shutout.

SC Freiburg 5 – 0 Meppen [F]

Meppen needed a win to have a chance at avoiding relegation. Freiburg did not oblige. the onslaught started quickly with Janina Minge. Rebecca Knaak, Sandra Starke, and Marie Muller, quickly followed and Meppen’s hopes were truly dashed

Legon Cities 1 – 0 Inter Allies

The Royals have finally found their form, winning their third straight this time courtesy of Cephas Doku’s looping header, didn’t hurt that Inter Allies is sitting at the bottom of the table, but they all get you three points. We saw the return of Fatua Duda in replacing Sylvester Sackey after an ugly injury early on in the match. Duda’s return was…adventurous…but effective none the less.

News & Notes

Minnesota Grows the Game

There will be a new team in our community next spring, as Minnesota welcomes a pre-professional women’s league. The team will be led by a women’s ownership group, and aim to create an inclusive and equitable organization. It will not officially be linked to Minnesota United, but as we want to include the top talents in the local areas around each side, we’ll be happy to include them in next year’s boot room. (Even more so if they look to the west and see just how awesome University of Montana players are….dare we dream of a Mimi Eiden Homecoming?!?)

International Affairs Update

While most of our teams are out of action, we can bring a few updates from a few players who saw the field in international matches this week.

Asian World Cup Qualifiers
We don’t get a lot of traffic from China anyway…

Kiran Limbu Chempjong pitched a shutout against Taiwan (unless you’re a foolish autocratic Winnie the Pooh look a like, in which case he did it to “Chinese Taipei”). But he ceded 3 goals to Jordan. So…a mixed bag as befits Nepal’s standing in Asia.

Chang Hoon Kwon had a stellar showing in South Koreas win over Turkmenistan. A goal an assist and a heap of great passes made him man of the match.

North American World Cup Qualifiers

Dayne St. Clair kept a clean sheet in another drubbing for the Canucks (It did help that opponents Aruba didn’t get a shot off).

South American CopaAmerica

In the last tune up qualifiers before the Copa America neither Pedro Ortiz nor Dixon Arroyo saw the field.

European Euro Championships

Most Euro teams are in their final tune ups for the big tournament, but Kristoffer Zacharriassen did make his debut for Norway’s national team in a match with no impact on anything. Hopefully he can influence events a littl emore soon. Meanwhile Jakku Raitalta turned in a good showing in a discouraging loss for Finland (dropping to lowly Estonia isn’t going to boost much confidence, I’m afraid). Jan Gregus and Phillip Leinhart battled to a draw in Austria and Slovakia’s warm up. Meanwhile Christian Gunter was a substitute for Germany in both of their games, while Ermedin Demirovic was wrapped up without a shot on goal in Bosnia’s match with Denmark,

Player of the Week

We are unabashed Rosenborg fans here, and as Lisa-Marie Utland continues the thrilling showings of excellent and dominant performances by Troll Jenta attackers. She’s been in superb form to start the season, and she is our player of the week (shown here hoisting long time Boot Room Fav Julie Blakstad up for a hug)

Blakstad and Utland…Bravissimo (from @RosenborgKvinner on Instagram)

Standings Update

Freiburg’s women’s side took their season bow this week, putting another team in the clubhouse for the time being. More substantially, Rosenborg continues their quest to repeat as champions closing the gap on the Griz at the top of the standings and Legon Cities leaps up again to fourth place

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b9022.52.10.6
Rosenborg BK7212.32.61.1
Emelec14571.81.51.2
Legon Cities–b10571.61.30.8
Grenoble Foot-b10781.481.21.1
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Freiburg–b124131.381.71.6
Ross County–b8291.371.31.5
Alebrijes-b4761.121.42.1
FK Vozdovac–b5691.050.91.6
Minnesota United2141.000.91.6
Table Updated 6/8/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 9th

Thursday, June 10th

Friday, June 11th

Saturday, June 12th

Emelec v. Barcelona SC [F]

Sunday, June 13th

Karela United v. Legon Cities FC

Stromsogodset v. Rosenborg BK [M]

Monday, June 14th

Tuesday, June 15th

Week 18: Bowing Out

Week 18: Bowing Out

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Scores

Novi Pazar 0 – 2 Vozdovac

It was a critical win for the Red Dragons. Taking all three points from fellow relegation battler Novi Pazar. The full on blitz put them two goals up inside of five minutes, with Aleksandar Bogdanovic and Stefan Purtic dealing the blows and they never looked in danger of fading. With four games left, staying up isn’t a guarantee, another strong road showing in six days would be an even bigger help [TO BE CONTINUED IN THIS POST…]

University of Montana Grizzlies 0 – 1 University of South Carolina Gamecocks [NCAA Tournament]

The Gamecocks had the Grizzlies on the back foot for most of the match. They had 10 shots on target compared to Montana’s 2, but the Griz had Claire Howard. Her new team record of 9 saves served the squad well and kept them close throughout the match. Unfortunately South Carolina got the game’s one break, and the Griz’s best season ever in rankings ended earlier than they would have liked.

Emelec 3 – 0 Red Bull Bragantino [Copa Sudamerica]

Los Bombillos continued their strong showing in the continental competition. This time standing up against Brazil’s representative to the Red Bull Empire. Alejandro Cabeza continued his fine form, netting the final goal while Pedro Ortiz pitched his second straight Copa shutout.

LSV Kvinner v Rosenborg [F]

Another week, another ladies league on hiatus. Rosenborg and the rest of the Toppserien will be back at the end of May.

Dundee United 0 – 2 Ross County

Boy did the Staggies need that. Jordan White and Alex Iacovitti scored in quick succession to give the team an edge on the road. Then Iacovitti and his back line buddies blockaded the goal giving Dundee a scant 3 shots, none of which were particularly close. It got them out of danger for the moment, before a match in two weeks against Hamilton that could doom their opponents and save themselves.

Legon Cities 0 – 1 Asante Kotoko

Don’t get me wrong, I like the Royals, but the hands down coolest name will always be “the porcupine Warriors” of Kotoko. An early goal boosted one of Ghana’s most decorated teams to the top of the league…the Royals, on the other hand, are still scuffling near the bottom of the table.

Minnesota United 0 – 1 Austin FC

Doom and gloom abounds after another home defeat. Erstwhile favorites Brent Kallman and Chase Gasper are close to persona non grata in online fan circles and after falling to the bottom of the whole league some serious questions are ahead for a “dark horse” contender.

Orense 2 – 3 Emelec [M]

After racing out to an early lead (made possible by Pedro Ortiz stopping an early penalty), Los bombillos almost gave it back. Fortunately the team held on to salvage Sebastian Rodriguez’s pair of penalties and a perfect chip from Alexis Zapata.

Grenoble 1 – 2 Clermont Foot [M]

Willy Semedo’s last gasp penalty was too little for the alpiners who officially lost their shot at automatic promotion. Their match at Auxerre on Saturday could clinch a playoff spot or keep us in suspense.

Mladost Lucani 1 – 0 Vozdovac

[CONTINUED FROM ABOVE…] unfortunately, a double in the week was not to be, as Vozdovac ceded the decisive goal right before half time. With three games to go, no one can afford to be complacent or defeated. The crunch match on the weekend with Napredak would go a long way to soothing anxiety before an expected thrashing against Partisan Belgrade in two weeks.

News & Notes

Last Dance

It’s definitely with a tear in our eye that we say goodbye to this iteration of the University of Montana Grizzly Soccer team. Even though we’re only joining the party this year, we’ve really enjoyed cheering for the ladies of Zoo Town throughout this campaign. We want to wish a very happy future to the seniors: Taylor Stoeger, Alison Monroe, Rebekah Burton, Catie Buck, Avery Adams, Rita Lang, Brooke Johnston, Mimi Eiden, and Masters students Alexa Coyle and Claire Howard.

Congratulations to the students, their families, and all the supporters who helped them obtain their degree. It’d be cool if you boys play sports, but we’d really love it if you worked as hard in the classroom as these women did.

Au Revoir, Grenobloises

In the rush of news from the last week, we missed that the French Football Federation (FFF) did in fact cancel the remainder of the 2nd Division season for women. So, Grenoble’s ladies will be out of action until the fall when, hopefully, they’ll get to play a full season for the first time since 2018-2019

Player of the Week

In this blog we stan Claire Howard, but we ought to recognize that other people play goal keeper too. Including Pedro Ortiz who has followed his fine showings for country with dominant performances for the club, putting Emelec in contention for both domestic and continental glory this year. He’s like the Claire Howard of Guayaquil.

Thank you Pedro

Standings Update

Emelec’s double over the week boosted them to the top of the table, but with the Griz on hiatus until the fall, any slip will put the garnet and silver back on top.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Emelec10212.462.21.0
University of Montana–b9022.452.10.6
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Grenoble Foot8671.431.31.2
Freiburg93101.361.51.5
Legon Cities FC5561.251.20.9
Alebrijes4751.191.51.9
Ross County6291.181.31.6
FK Vozdovac4581.00.81.6
Minnesota United0030.00.53.0
Rosenborg BK-b000–––
Table Updated 4/27/2021
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, May 5th

7:30 Tolima v. Emelec [Copa Sudamerica]

Thursday, May 6th

11:30 Hertha BSC v. Freiburg [M]

Friday, May 7th

Saturday, May 8th

1:00 Auxerre v. Grenoble [M]

6:30 Barcelona SC v Emelec [M]

9:00 Colorado v. Minnesota United

Sunday, May 9th

6:30 Koln v. Freiburg [M]

7:00 SC Freiburg v SGS Essen [F]

10:00 Ebusa Dwarfs v. Legon Cities

1:00 Vozdovac v. Napredak

1:00 Valerenga v. Rosenborg [M]

Monday, May 10th

Tuesday, May 11th

7:30 Red Bull Bragantino v. Emelec [Copa Sudamerica]

Week 10: Cross Your Heart

Week 10: Cross Your Heart

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Scores

SC Frieburg 2 – 1 SC Sand [F]

Several weeks after winter weather delayed their return the ladies of Freiburg got to take the field and they celebrated with a thrilling win against SC Sand. After ceding a late equalizer, Sandra Starke struck back with a great winner.

Vozdovac 2 – 1 Backa Backa Palanka

The goal drought reached 435 minutes before the Red Dragons finally got one back. Recent arrival Lazar Asric’s pulled the squad back from a dangerous position against the bottom team in the SuperLiga. After ceding a first half goal on sloppy defending, Asric came alive in the second half. He blasted home a penalty won on a hand ball and followed up with the winning volley 4 minutes later. The new gun sparked hopes throughout the Dragon’s nest of Belgrade.

Cimarrones 2 – 0 Alebrijes

Already down two goals, Oaxaca went down a man when Fernando Plasencia was sent off. The youngster’s temper cost the team a solid midfielder against a solid, but limited Mineros.

Punjab FC 0 – 1 Golukam FC

The Warriors were held scoreless for the first time in 5 matches and lost their first match in 7. An ill timed tackle by Surabh Banwala gave Golukam the only chance they needed. Despite the formidable duo of Chencho and Diawara Punjab couldn’t respond in kind.

Freiburg 0 – 3 RB Leipzig [M]

Once upon a time, Freiburg and Leipzig were rivals in the second division of Germany. Freiburg built gradually, carefully, methodically and now they’re consistently in the thick of the league. Leipzig spent a lot of money and now they’re consistently contending for titles…these are the moments I’m tempted to raise you as Marxists.

Ross County 3 – 2 Kilmarnock

Despite falling behind early to their fellow cellar dwellers (on a questionable non-handball-call), County came back. Billy McKay was every where you would want him to be, scoring a wicked volley, delivering a goal in traffic and drawing attention of the defense to free up defender Leo Hjelde for the third goal. It all combined to help the Staggies to a big win in their quest to stay in the top league.

Emelec 1 – 0 Delfin [M]

It’s a good time to be Emelec in Ecuador. A perfect 3 for 3 to start the campaign has them top of the table alongside rivals Barcelona. Plus Facundo Barcelo remains ridiculously in form and the clever movement from Esteban Rodriguez suggests that Facundo will have all the opportunities he needs.

SC Freiburg 1 – 5 Bayern Munich [F]

Former Freiburg starlet Klara Buhl kicked off the scoring for the league leaders who never looked back in Breigsau.

FK Metalac 2 – 1 Vozdovac

The Red Dragons firepower faded quickly in under a week and despite a well organized midfield that kept pressure on the hosts for most of the first half they couldn’t keep the pressure up long term. As the offensive pressure wilted, the defense crumbled too. An uncharacteristic foul from keeper Miloje Prekovic set up a penalty, and an unwise challenge from newcomer Rashid Oboubi gave Metalac a man advantage. Only a clever back heel volley from 17 year old Dragan Stoisavljevic kept them in the match.

Eleven Wonders 1 – 0 Legon Cities

After 7 unbeaten the Royals dropped all the points against Eleven Wonders. Hans Kwofie, Baba Mahama, and Jonah Attaquye all came close, but one goal was enough to end the points streak. Trust that the Royals will rule again soon.

Grizzlies 3 – 0 Montana State-Billings Yellow Jackets

For the first time in almost 500 days the Griz took the field. For only the fifth time in coach Chris Citowicki’s three season tenure they scored more than one goal. Alexa Coyle had the honor of breaking the seal on the new season, with a standard long distance blast. The Griz kept up the pressure on lower division side (but the closest thing we get to a soccer brawl of the wild) and pulled away in the second half with lots of pressure from midfield transfer Mimi Eiden, and a great cross from Taylor Hanson.

Alebrijes 4 – 3 Mineros

It was a wild one in Oaxaca. Things started to get tetchy when Fernando Morales committed an ill-timed challenge against a Mineros attacker in the box. A fortunate bounce from Ricardo Monreal equalized things at 1 all. Between banging goals at the start of the second half, legs got higher and pushes and tugs started to tear at jerseys. When Oscar Torres delivered a elbow in the box it looked inevitable that things would escalate. Sure enough, Mineros’ Luis Hernandez rassled a man to the ground in the box, and Alebrijes sealed a penalty of their own. Soon their after some confrontation on the far line netted Hector Mascorro a red card, and with the man advantage Jair Cortes delivered a great through ball to Fernando Vasquez at the back post to net the winner for Alebrijes.

News & Notes

Pabrai’s Mango/League Split

Pabrai’s Fresh and Naturelle
The official unofficial ice cream of this blog

The I-League has reached its championship/relegation split. Our coverage of it will be brought to you by Pabrai’s Fresh and Naturelle Ice Cream. The only Kolkata Ice Creamery operated by a former student of mine. (Hence the unpaid advertisement)

Punjab entered this section of the tournament in second place behind undefeated Churchill Brothers, but the loss to Golukam quickly sent them back to 4th. We’ll track their position with bated breath…and a big bowl of Pabrai’s Fresh and Naturelle!

Rookies and Vets Join the Loons

Our local team has brought in a few more players to continue their preparations for the upcoming season. First among them is veteran Striker Juan Agudelo. Over 10 years Agudelo has scored about once every four outings, made several appearances for the national team, and been a top choice for multiple American clubs. Also re-signed is team captain and Cuban enforcer Osvaldo Alonso who scored the first goal in the history of the Loons’ new stadium and has led it to its first two playoff runs.

Meanwhile the newest young talent to come aboard is a local product: Patrick Weah of Maple Grove. Weah is a former Mr. Minnesota Soccer, a former leader of Minnesota’s academy, and the nephew of former FIFA World Player of the year/current president of Liberia, George Weah. So….no pressure

Vozdovac’s Wholesale Shifts

With all the stuff going on I’m very late to updating this news for the Red Dragons, but holy cow did they change things up.

As of the start of March, only 13 players out of the squad of 31 had been with the club for a year. Every spot in the goalkeeping corps has turned over, and after bringing in 3 new left backs, the defense has similarly evolved. The new life of the dragons has yet to yield much in the way of advancement up the table, but we’ll have to wait and see (at least they’re not in the relegation scrap this year).

Player of the Week

With so many great crosses here it is tempting to choose one of the assist masters, but Billy McKay saved the day in Dingwall and played a part in every big play that brought the Staggies back into and then ahead in their match. He scores when he wants! He’s Billy McKay!

Standings Update

Emelec’s got company in the perfect start club and the Griz join them with a perfect 3 points per game (I kept Emelec first since they have played more games). Meanwhile an idle Grenoble moves past a struggling Freiburg and Ross County only has goals separating them from surpassing the Royals.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Emelec30032.71.0
University of Montana100330
Punjab FC5331.641.10.6
Grenoble foot 386341.621.21.0
Freiburg6251.541.51.6
Legon Cities FC4431.451.20.8
Ross County5151.451.41.6
Alebrijes3241.21.92.2
FK Vozdovac1320.90.71.1
Rosenborg BK000–––
Minnesota United000–––
Table Updated 3/9/2021

What’s Next

Wednesday, March 10th

Punjab FC v. Mohammedan SC

Thursday, March 11th

10:00 Partizan Belgrade v. FK Vozdovac

6:00 CSD Macara v. Emelec

8:00 Idaho Vandals v. Montana Grizzlies

Friday, March 12th

Saturday, March 13th

8:30 Mainz v. Freiburg [M]

9:00 Ross County v. Hibernian

1:00 Grenoble v. Pau [M]

Sunday, March 14th

8:00 MSV Duisburg v. SC Freiburg [F]

3:00 Idaho Vandals v. Montana Grizzlies

Monday, March 15th

5:30 TRAU v. Punjab FC

10:00 FK Vozdovac v. Red Star Belgrade

Tuesday, March 16th

Week 1 Recap: In the Bleak Midwinter

Week 1 Recap: In the Bleak Midwinter

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Scores and recaps

Image result for Legon Cities fc

Legon Cities FC 1 – Asante Kotoko 3

The Royals’ first home game in Accra garnered a massive amount of hype and enthusiasm. The result left many wanting.

Legon Cities was first off the mark with a daring run by Panayotis Papadopoulos, into the six yard box that led to the first goal. Unfortunately, the Porcupines were able to pin back the debutantes, finding the net against a frayed Legon Cities defense who had no answer for Burkina Faso international Sogne Yacouba’s precise passing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t0KSesUhjk

TRAU 0 – Punjab FC 0

The Warriors’ visit to newcomers Tiddim Road Athletic Union (of Impahl, Manipur) seemed primed to provide many points.

Unfortunately, despite some dogged attacks and pretty passing by midfielders Cavin Lobo and Sanjuh Pradan, they couldn’t find the right touch to put the ball past keeper Mithun Samanta. The draw left Punjab third in the table, but with title rivals holding games in hand, it will feel like an opportunity wasted.

News and Notes

Transfer Season Opens with Rosenborg’s Swedish Star

While most of the global transfer buzz surrounds which 18 year old is about to command a prince’s ransom from the epic powers of European football, it’s worth remembering that every team seeks to improve themselves.

Islamovic Is All Smiles-ovic

In particular, Rosenborg Ballklub (RBK) in Norway will be looking to boost their standard in European performance following another dismal tour in the Europa League. To that end they brought in Dino Islamovic from Sweden’s Ostersund to bolster their attack.

Islamovic’s pedigree includes being part of an Ostersund side that beat Arsenal in London at the start of 2018 and a history of selections by Swedish youth teams. By himself, he seems unlikely to boost RBK back into consistent European contention, but he’ll improve a tiring and aged attack for sure.

Grizzlies Welcome Transfer

Similar to RBK, the Lady Griz would like to return to the most prestigious competitions (in their case, the NCAA tournament). To that end, they’ve welcomed in a transfer from Forest Lake, Minnesota (via North Dakota) Mimi Eiden

Eiden is Enough

Eiden, part of the Liberian diaspora in the Twin Cities, will bring a knack for attack to Missoula where, despite her smaller stature (5’3″), she plays with big energy and excellent intensity born of battling 16 siblings in her family. (We also whole-heartedly endorse using North Dakota as a stop over between Minnesota and Montana…sorry North Dakota.)

What’s Next?

Friday, January 10th

12:00 AM Real Kashmir v Punjab FC

6 & 8 AM SC Freiburg v Borussia Munchengladbach (Friendlies)

1:00 PM AC Ajaccio v Grenoble Foot 38

*Alebrijes de Oaxaca match Postponed*

Sunday, January 12th

9:00 AM Dreams FC v Legon Cities FC