Tag: Minerva Punjab

51. What we build

51. What we build

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It struck me that I ought to explain a little bit about why we cheer for the teams we do. Well, in part, it’s because I thought we ought to, and I’m the one of us most capable of complex thought and logic. But also, each team has a special something that captures part of what I love about life, and part of what makes you who you are.

So periodically (like during international breaks, long holidays, or say, global pandemics that completely alter everything we understand about our lives and ourselves), I want to introduce you to the teams we are tied to.

Our eleventh, and final team to meet is a team that shows that whatever you accomplish, you will accomplish it with others.

Dear Boys,

Wherefore Punjab FC

Your grandma has a theory. She believes that geography can shape societies. Growing up on Montana prairies, people were as open as the wild outdoors. Whereas those in the mountains tended to prefer a little isolation, like craggy, inaccessible human peaks

When I lived in India, that bore out. In the Garwhal hills of northern India, people were more independent and defensive, on my trips to the flat land, especially to Punjab–the agrarian state due west of my home, people were more open and eager to greet whomever they met and to support their neighbor as easily as my neighbors were to lend a cup of sugar or help hunt for a missing dog.

So it was that I fell in love with Punjab. As much because of the people and their values as because of the terrain. Though, to talk to your grandma, they often align.

Who is Punjab FC

In 2005, the year I applied to teach in India, Ranjit Bajaj started a youth sports club with a clear goal: to create a pipeline of talented kids who would, in 30 years, compete for the World Cup.

Ten years on, that team had proven to be a force among youth sides and, suddenly, the India Hero League. As Champions they seemed stronger than ever, but a new partner and a shortened season threw prior plans for a loop.

Now, two teams claim the Punjab FC Legacy, Minerva Academy and Roundglass Punjab FC. The first is Bajaj-ji’s project, still aiming for a Cup challenger in a little more than a decade. The second bears the name of Gupreet Singh’s business. Roundglass aims to support wellness for all through data and health programs. Hence the combination of training, teaching, and building a top tier club.

Roundglass will play in the I-League next year while Minerva stays focused on training. Time will tell how teams evolve from here, but both share a valuable vision.

How are we Punjab FC

One thing I hope you boys learn from me, that I learned from both Montana and Punjab, is to respect how what you have, largely depends on what others before you have done.

It reminds me a lot of what former President Obama said almost a decade ago. “Somebody helped create this unbelievable [system]…that helped you succeed.”

Your grandpa Mark started a business that has grown and grown. But he didn’t pave the road to work, he didn’t teach his employees their ABCs and 123s, he didn’t build each part and make every sale, he had a team. The business’ success isn’t just his it’s theirs, and all the people who helped them along the way.

I teach kids, but I don’t feed them before school or limit their screen time to complete it at home. Your mom markets classical music but she doesn’t play the cello or rig the lighting.

When Punjab FC takes the pitch this year, it won’t be Ranjit or Gupreet’s team, it won’t be the managers’ or the players’ or the fans’. It will be a shared experience. As President Obama’s rival, Governor/Senator Mitt Romney, once said

“you didn’t get here solely on your own power. For most of you, loving parents, sisters or brothers, encouraged your hopes, coaches guided, communities built venues in order to organize competitions. All Olympians stand on the shoulders of those who lifted them.”

The Golden Temple’s Golden Hour

Punjab as a place thrives because people care for others. Every farm, every temple, every shop, every football club succeeds because others strive to succeed. Roundglass is indebted to Minerva, and Minerva to Roundglass. They share the privilege and the power of Punjab FC.

You are indebted to your mother and me, and our parents, and our friends, and your teachers, and the random kindness of Punjabi families who offered support and food and shelter.

What we build, we build with others.

Week 19: I wanna play football with somebody…

Week 19: I wanna play football with somebody…

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Scores

Corona-virus 3.9 Million – Hope 1

As well as Corona-virus has done, this past week there were some signs of a momentum shift.

Even though we haven’t had any more matches, many leagues had athletes return to training, Serbia announced they would be back on May 30th and most relevantly of all: Germany announced that the Bundesliga would return next weekend (behind closed doors). Notably for us with SC Freiburg facing RB Leipzig on Saturday morning.

If that weren’t enough, I just found out that former World Player of the Year and current President of Liberia George Weah also released a song to educate his citizens about the virus. And, as a former World Music DJ, I gotta say: it’s a solid afropop bop

News & Notes

Punjab FC on the verge of Promotion?

I never fuss too much with soccer business news. But there are some transactions in India that warrant our attention.

First, India’s governing body decided, like several other shallow leagues around the world to cancel relegation and promotion for the next few years. (Note: shallow leagues is a totally made up term of mine for leagues that are relatively new and don’t have a deep well of teams, fans, or wealth leagues like India, Mexico, the US, Ghana, etc.) As fans of lower level underdogs, like Punjab and Alebrijes de Oaxaca, that stings. As fans of top tier teams who still just squeak by with minimal support, like Ross County and Minnesota United, it makes sense to protect the biggest clubs from a double financial body blow of Coronavirus and relegation.

Rajit Bajaj celebrating
(Times of India)

However you might feel about that decision, one clear consequence of that call was to make Punjab FC founder and co-owner Ranjit Bajaj sell his shares to co-owners “RoundGlass”. According to Bajaj, without the possibility of promotion or Asian continental competition, there was little point to staying in the professional game. He’s turning his attention to continuing the Minerva Academy, with the goal of developing World Cup champion calibre players in the next thirty years. Leaving RoundGlass to run the traditional club with an academy. (Sidenote: RoundGlass founder and CEO Gupreet “Sunny” Singh got his masters degrees in Bozeman, Montana!)

Meanwhile, the India Super League is seeking to grow to 12 teams next year. But as I-League Champions Mohun Bagan of Kolkata merge with ISL champion ATK, there’s no clear team to move up, let alone two. If you believe much of the online banter Mohun Bagan’s rival East Bengal will be joining the league soon.

The 12th team is unclear. To be a Super League team, you would need a major population center and a wealthy benefactor. The two sides that seem to best suit those goals would be the Delhi based Sudheva FC, but as a smaller and newer side, they might be better suited to the I-League. But Indian sports vloggers say that the 12th team could well be our own Punjab FC as it represents a new territory and has a growing set of resources.

Calvin Lobo in Punjabi camo.
(The Bridge)

To be clear: this is all conjecture at this point. The entire season may fall through. The ISL might prefer to stay at 10 teams. With East Bengal raiding rosters around the I-League including Punjab’s own Calvin Lobo, Girik Kholsa, and Dilliram Sanyasi, it’s unclear how Punjab would build up the roster to the super league calibre. So time will tell, but it’s something to look to.

Man of the Matches

With training coming back soon. It’s nice to just appreciate the fact that players missed the games as much as we did.

Translation: “#Sometimes football is finally back”

We don’t know which player that is precisely, but we know that we feel the same. So thanks FK Vozdovac social media. You know us even when we don’t know you.

What’s Next

Wednesday, May 13

Thursday, May 14

Friday, May 15

Saturday, May 16

9:30–RB Leipzig v SC Freiburg

YES REALLY!!! A REAL ACTUAL MATCH!!!

Sunday, May 17

Monday, May 18

12. For Good and for Ill

12. For Good and for Ill

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It’s cancelled. Almost all of it.

Corona virus 2019, a sickness that gives a bad cough, an achy body, and a high fever, is all around the world.

It doesn’t care who you are, how old you are, where your family is from or whether or not you can handle it.

It is scary because you can have it and not know. You can pass it along and not know. You can be sick, think it’s something else, and accidentally hurt someone else. That not knowing, that uncertainty makes lots of things you take for granted suddenly uncertain and unsafe.

So, soccer pitches and stadiums, where people sneeze on you, cough near you, or spit in your direction, aren’t as safe as we thought. And to be careful, leagues are postponing or canceling games to keep people safe.

Out of commission

I know it’s the right thing to do, but still, I’m disappointed. I was excited to go back to see the Loons. There was a game in two weeks I thought the whole family could go to. Even as the disease got stronger I thought we could risk it: I’m healthy. You boys are not at risk. We could go, have fun, and be none the worse.

But we shouldn’t even if we could. Even if we’d be okay, we need to do what’s best for the others around us.

Maybe we’d go and nothing would happen. Or maybe one of us would catch it. If we caught it we could get a grandma sick, or we could pass it to a friend who got their grandpa sick, or we could pass it to a friend who could pass it to a neighbor who could get sick. There’s no way to know. And our fun shouldn’t be more important than one one else’s safety.

So, hard as it is to give up our fun. We should do it.

The best view, for now

Each of the 11 clubs we follow is taking a break.

Emelec and FK Vazdovac might be back this weekend (or might not). Freiburg, Punjab FC, Oaxaca, and Grenoble might come back at the start of April. Minnesota and Rosenberg are taking a month delay. Legon Cities, Ross County, and Montana…nobody knows.

The only teams still planning to play (as of now) are Vozdovac, Oaxaca, and Legon Cities. All three of them are also still considering options. But in the mean time we can enjoy them from afar and appreciate their play like we appreciate those who choose not to.

This is our world right now, and these are the people we need to take care of: for good and for ill.

Week 9-10: Speed Round

Week 9-10: Speed Round

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Scores (Plus Recaps Kinda)

Aberdeen 1 v Ross County 2

Motherwell 4 v Ross County 1

Ross County 0 v Rangers 1

Every time the Staggies start to establish some security they slide back to the bottom. Despite a great run of form by Northern Ireland’s Billy McKay, a pair of predictable defeats undid the miraculous win in Aberdeen

Golukam FC 1 – Punjab FC 1

Indian Arrows 1 – Punjab FC 1

Neroca FC 4 – Punjab FC 3

A poor run of late from the men of Minerva means they’ve slipped to third despite Asier Dipanda’s one man efforts to save the day.

(M) Grenoble Foot 0 – Chateroux 1

(W) Grenoble Foot 0 – Nice 0

(M) Caen 2 – Grenoble Foot 0

(W) Thomson Évian 1 – Grenoble Foot 0

(M) Grenoble Foot 1 – Valenciennes 3

Unfortunately, the ladies of the alps continue to suffer near miss after near miss, and may need to rely on goal difference to avoid the drop. Meanwhile, Shockingly, Grenoble struggled to score and to shut down opponents. (Did I shockingly, I meant predictably) Most exposed: left side defenders Loic Nestor and Jerome Mombis who have been about as useful as as a megaphone for a mime.

(M) SC Freiburg 0 – Fortuna Düsseldorf 2

(M) Borussia Dortmund 1 – SC Freiburg 0

(W) SC Freiburg 2 – MSV Duisburg 2

(M) SC Freiburg 3 – Union Berlin 1

(W) Hoffenheim 4 – SC Freiburg 1

Maddeningly inconsistent, Freiburg’s men remain close but not close enough to qualification for Europe. Meanwhile the women’s fortunes have faded with the inability to get WunderMadchen Klara Bühl integrated in the attack, leaving them safe but far from competitive with the imperious Wolfsburg.

Cukariki 2 – FK Vozdovac 1

FK Vozdovac 1 – Vojvodina 2

Indjija 3 – FK Vozdovac 0

Easily the worst run of form of any team we cover, the red dragons are winless in 2020. Worst they’re sliding ever closer to relegation just in time to face local super club Partizan Belgrade

King Faisal 1 – Legon Cities FC 1

Legon Cities 0 – Eleven Wonders 0

Legon Cities 4 – WAFA 1

Berekum Chelsea 2 – Legon Cities 0

The good news: The Royals got their second win of the season! The bad news: they remain just 5 points clear of relegation and face a long season ahead where no number of Hip-Life Half times can make up for a lackluster team.

(M) Emelec 2 – Blooming 0 (Copa Sudamericana)

(M) Emelec 1 – Guayaquil City 2

(M) CSD Macara 1 – Emelec 0

(M) Emelec 4 – Aucas 0

While their goal difference would place them 4th, Emelec’s results have them in 10th. It’s worth wondering if the division of attention between the league and the Copa has them dealing with a bit of a hangover in domestic competition.

Jaibos 1 – Alebrijes de Oaxaca 1

Alebrijes de Oaxaca 0 – Correcaminos 0

Cafetaleros 4 – Alebrijes de Oaxaca 1

February was full of heartbreak for Oaxaca who came up winless and could only manage 2 points from a pair of games against sides fighting relegation. Maybe they’re helpless without an in form Daniel Jimenez. Maybe they’re coasting on their apertura title waiting for a promotion playoff to turn it on. But it may be hard to get up for the big game when you’ve been sleepwalking for a month.

Portland Timbers 1 – Minnesota United 3

San Jose Earthquakes 2 – Minnesota United 5

Our local Loons are flying high to start their campaign. Winning twice on the road in convincing fashion to top the table. The wings have helped keep the attack aloft as killer crosses from Ethan Findlay and Kevin Molino have set up new striker Luis Amarilla twice and even put reigning defender of the year Ike Opara in a goal scoring mood.

News & Notes

I have no idea…I’m burnt out

I’ll do better in future

What’s Next

Wednesday, March 11

Thursday, March 12

9:45 Alebrijes v Atlante

Friday, March 13

2:00–(M) Orleans v Grenoble

Saturday, March 14

8:30–(M) RB Leipzig v Freiburg

9:00–Ross County v Hamilton

9:00–FK Vazdovac v Partizan Belgrade

2:00–Legon Cities FC v Medeama SC

???–(W) Emelec v Guayaquil City

Sunday March 15

3:30 AM–Punjab FC v Aizawl

3:30 (M) Universidad Catholica v Emelec

6:00–New York Red Bull v Minnesota United

Monday March 16

Week 8 Recap: From the Boot Room With Love

Week 8 Recap: From the Boot Room With Love

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Scores and Recaps

Hibernian 3 v. Ross County 0

The Staggies’ poor road form continued in a total dismantling at Easter Road in Edinburgh.

East Bengal Club 1 – Punjab FC 1

The comeback draw was good for team spirits, but more dropped points means that Mohun Bagan’s lead is still 9 points

(M) Grenoble Foot 38 3 – Niort 1

Grenoble scored! Early! And then…often!!! The decider, scored on a late and smug chip from Moussa Kailou Djitte might make Niort fans seethe, but the breathing room is appreciated.

(M) Augsburg 1 – SC Freiburg 1

A late strike helped Freiburg get a valuable road point in the battle to stay close for European spots

Ross County 1 – St. Johnstone 1

A late strike helped Ross County salvage a draw at home. Given the Staggies’ abysmal road results, every point matters to their chances of staying up in the premiership.

Mladost Lucani 2 – FK Vozdovac 1

Serbia’s SuperLiga is back after a lengthy winter break (to be fair, Belgrade in January isn’t exactly a holiday makers dream). The rust was apparent when a clumsy Vazdovac challenge gifted the hosts a penalty and a crucial edge they wouldn’t surrender.

Legon Cities FC 1 – Great Olympics 1

If twitter feeds are anything to judge by, this will be the most meaningful derby for the Royals. A contentious first match with penalty appeals and chippy defense will only entrench the enmity.

(M) Orense 2 – Emelec 2

A late strike started Emelec’s 2020 campaign on solid footing. Despite conceding twice, Los Bombistas fought back to get a valuable point against the newly promoted Orense.

Zacatepec 1 – Alebrijes de Oaxaca 0

Give up a penalty in the first minute and things might seem grim. But a tremendous save by Jose Canales kept the score level….for a while. Zapetec took the lead about 20 minutes later, and even when a red card left the hosts a man down, Oaxaca couldn’t capitalize

Punjab FC 1 – Real Kashmir 0

Asier Dipanda remains one of the great difference makers around the world. Here again, without him, the Warriors may have ended up with a goalless tie. With him the keep their advantage in second place.

(W) SC Sand 0 – SC Freiburg 2

The Bundesliga returned for women this weekend and with it Freiburg phenom Karla Bühl who, at 19, followed up her World Cup coming out party with 8 goals so far (a third of Freiburg’s total)

News & Notes

Rosenborg BK Announces Women’s Team

Norway’s legacy of greatness in the women’s game is without doubt. But the most decorated club in the country hasn’t been much involved…until now.

Kvinnelager!

Rosenborg’s new women’s team is still in the planning stages, but the promise of Toppserien seasons is a blessing. (It’s currently unclear whether existing local women’s side Trondheim Ørn would join the club or be a ready made rival).

What’s Next

Wednesday, February 19

Thursday, February 20

4:15–Emelec v Blooming (Copa Sudamericana 2nd Leg)

Friday, February 21

1:00–(M) Grenoble v Châteauroux

Saturday, February 22

8:30–(M) Freiburg v Fortuna Düsseldorf

9:00–Aberdeen v Ross County

10:00–FK Vazdovac v FK Spartan Subotica

Sunday February 23

7:00–(W) SC Freiburg v MSV Duisburg

3:30 (M) Emelec v Guyaquil City

7:00–Jaibos v Alebrijes de Oaxaca

Monday February 24

Week 7 Recap: Staggies Survive, Bombillas blast off and more ties than a Father’s Day brunch

Week 7 Recap: Staggies Survive, Bombillas blast off and more ties than a Father’s Day brunch

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Scores and Recaps

Ross County 2 – Livingston 0

Some players are made for the biggest stages in the world. And some are made for random Wednesday nights in Dingwall.

Billy McKay’s brace helped the Staggies to a vital victory in the battle to stay off the bottom. With 8 games till the end of this first session, they’ll look to keep strong against overconfident sides at home, and salvage the off draw on the road.

Legon Cities FC 1 – Elmina Sharks 0

It was a rather uninspiring day in Accra, as the two teams combined for few quality chances. Those chances that did come seemed to owe as much to slipshod defending as serious skill.

It took until a hand ball from Elmina in the 89th minute for a break to truly hurt one side. Karim Jabilla calmly stepped to the spot and slotted home a much needed winner for the Royals.

Blooming 0 – Emelec (M) 3 (Copa Sudamericana)

Our favorite Ecuadorian side got 2020 off to a great start: racking up 3 away goals against Bolivia’s Blooming. Uruguay’s Facundo Barceló bookended the score sheet with a pair of goals from tight angles, and Dixon Arroyo slammed home a strong header to seal the win,

As a straight knockout tournament, the Copa Sudamericana offers plenty of drama, and though it’s less historic/prestigious than the Copa Libertadores, its a great chance for Emelec to step up on a continental stage

The score line gives Los Bombillos a significant advantage coming into their home leg, which should set them up well for the round of 32.

Interallies 1 – Legon Cities FC 1

Head coach Goran Barjaktarevic wanted a better performance from his side than what they turned in at midweek. Instead his side conceded an early penalty that scrapped their game plan.

A more aggressive Royals attack provided valuable pressure. But it took another penalty, committed by InterAllies keeper, to set up Legon’s goal: another Karim Jabilla penalty.

SC Freiburg (M) 1 – TSG Hoffenheim 0

One end of the Schwarzwald Stadion saw all the most decisive action Saturday. First fullback Christian Gunther was taken down/tapped lightly on a run in from the wing, drawing the penalty that Gian-Luca Walschmidt converted to give Freiburg the lead.

But it was almost all for not when Hoffenheim’s Christian Baumgartner dashes past the defense with a well-Angled low shot. Fortunately for Freiburg, it hit the post. Unfortunately, it caromed right back into Baumgartner’s path. And that’s where Dominique Heintz saved the day and three points

Alebrijes de Oxaca 1 – Dorados 1

Dorados put everything they had into their opening salvo: dominating possession and pushing Alebrijes deeper and deeper into their shell. Finally there was one cross too many and the visitors went on top.

That seemed to be enough to wake up Alebrijes who promptly peppered the Dorados defense with all manner of attacking moves: runs, crosses, through balls, but it wasn’t until Daniel Cisneros’ free kick pinged off a defender’s skull and into the net that the hosts went level. Despite several more opportunties for both sides to net the winner from less than 6 yards out, it finished that way.

Mohun Bagan 1 – Punjab FC 0

The I-League’s top of table clash didn’t disappoint. A late first half goal by Baba Diarwa set the Kolkata club on top. Then the sailors weathered a storm of Warriors attacks in the second half, with Leonardo Barboza looking particularly menacing.

At the start of the day, there were six points between the sides, and a win for the visitors would have shrunk the gap to 3. Instead it’s now 9 points and without any more head-to-head fixtures the title may be done and dusted.

Le Havre 4 – Grenoble Foot 38 (F) 0

It was a tough trip to Normandy for the Grenobloises, but the “Sky and Sea” were too much for them. To be fair, any team whose crest boasts a dragon in a pink scarf is tough to beat, or even to want to beat.

Lens 0 – Grenoble Foot 38 (M) 0

It wasn’t much better for the men up at Lens. Outmuscled in the midfield, they created more chances than their opponents, but they weren’t quality. Keeping up with a team fighting for promotion is promising. Coming up short is aggravating.

News & Notes

Minnesota United Ranked 7th in Western Conference before Season Starts

When not making sense of American elections, 538.com applies statistical analysis to ascertain potential and strength of various teams/leagues around the world.

Our local team has gone from laughing stock to reliable playoff threat, but with only a 50/50 chance (according to the statistical model) it might be a more tense atmosphere

What’s Next

Wednesday, February 12

1:45 Hibernian v. Ross County

Thursday, February 13

5:30 East Bengal Club v. Punjab FC

Friday, February 14

1:00–Grenoble Foot 38 (M) v. Niort

Saturday, February 15

8:30 Augsburg v. SC Freiburg (M)

9:00–Ross County v. St. Johnstone

10:00 Mladost Lucani v. FK Vozdovac

11:00–Legon Cities FC v. Great Olympics

2:30–Orense v. Emelec (M)

Sunday February 16

2:30–Punjab FC v. Real Kashmir

7:00–SC Sand v. SC Freiburg (W)

Monday February 17

Week 6 Recap: Triumphant Turns

Week 6 Recap: Triumphant Turns

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Scores and Recaps

Punjab FC 3 – Neroca FC 2

If you fall behind by two goals, at home, within 20 minutes, you might well expect it to be a miserable night.

When Asier Dipanda leads your attack, any night can be legendary.

The Cameroonian’s first two goals saved the day, his 90th minute hat-trick winner was nothing short of magic.

Rangers 2 – Ross County 0

The Staggies finished their Glasgow vacation with another defeat, as the Old Firm duopoly continues to bully the rest of Scotland. Worse still Rangers and Celtic also short spitballs at the back of Ross County’s head on a trip to Kelvingrove Art Museum.

Alebrijes de Oaxaca 3 – Cimarrones 0

Playing at home for the first time in the Clausura, Alebrijes celebrated with a thorough and throttling attack. Under pressure from the off, the visitors ceded a penalty, an own goal and too much space for Michael Orozco’s victory sealing third.

Karela United 3 – Legon Cities FC 0

While Legon Cities have a mammoth stadium and make a clear point of bringing in big names to fire up the half time crowd, Kerala United’s investment in squad cohesion might be a better choice. On a dusty field with no clear seating arrangement, Kerala clobbered the Royals with clever combos and clinical finishing sending the big budget boys home with another loss.

Troyes 1 – Grenoble Foot 38 2 (M)

At last Grenoble seemed to find an attack that got results. A pair of strong assists down the right side from Man of the Match, Pierre Gibaud led to well struck goals for wingers Arsene Guintangui, and Willy Semedo.

Kilmarnock 3 – Ross County 1

For their third away game in a week, County looked quite road weary. From the beginning Killie had the advantage, dominating throughout the field.

Iain Vigurs lashed home the Staggies best opening of the first half, giving a lead against the run of play. But in the second half Kilmarnock got what they deserved with Eamon Brophy leading the way., sending the Stags farther down the table.

Koln 4 – SC Freiburg 0

It’s worth asking why and how Freiburg can be so tireless against heavyweight opponents, and so abysmal against what, on paper, seem like pushovers.

You could say Koln was lucky. Up two in stoppage time, it was only total indifference from the visitors that created the lopsided score line. But saying, “you only beat us because we weren’t trying to win” snacks a little of gym class bullies my excuses.

Grenoble (F) 0 – Arras 1 (Cup Quarter Finals)

When you make a cup run, you might well make every game feel like a finals. Grenoble certainly acted like this last 8 match was for all the marbles. despite seeming to be the better side throughout regulation, one well timed shot from Arras meant the dream ended just as we were getting to the good part.

Grenoble (M) 1 -Le Havre1

Just when it seemed they had things figured out, Grenoble struggled in the attack again. A bit of fortune finally gave them a rueful smile, awarding a late penalty for team talisman Jessy Bennet to put away and save a point at home.

News & Notes

Nothing to report

What’s Next

Wednesday, February 5

1:45–Ross County V. Livingston

Legon Cities FC V. Elmina Sharks

Thursday, February 6

4:15–Blooming v. Emelec (M) (Copa Sudamericana)

Friday, January 31

Saturday, February 8

Interallies V. Legon Cities FC

8:30–SC Freiburg (M) v. TSG Hoffenheim

5:00 PM–Alebrijes de Oxaca v Dorados

Sunday February 9

5:30 AM–Mohun Bagan v. Punjab FC

Monday February 10

1:45–Lens v. Grenoble Foot 38 (M)

Week 4 Recap: A Long Still Silence

Week 4 Recap: A Long Still Silence

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Scores and Recaps

Ross County 0 v Hearts 0

The Staggies season seemed auspicious when they fought for a draw in Edinburgh early in the season, but the calamitous collapse of Hearts has made it seem like less of a quality result each week.

Desperate for a win Hearts came to Dingwall looking to stanch the bleeding in their potentially lost season. Ross County had the better opportunities all night long including multiple Billy McKay chances that just came to nought. It says something about both teams that newly promoted, tiny Ross County was clearly better and ought to be disappointed not to take 3 points against one of the glamour teams in Scottish soccer history.

Then again, maybe Hearts just got a lousy pep talk.

Insert Succession Reference here.

Universidad de Guadalajara 1 v Alebrijes de Oaxaca 0

The return of Liga MX Acenso could have been a celebration for first half champions Alebrijes away from home. Instead it was a frenetic affair with many chances for the home side, and even more frenzy when things exploded in the 66th minute.

Omar Bravo clocked Mario Orozco, and Giovanni Leon responded with a shove of his own that escalated to a mini-melee. I’m the end Bravo and Leon were dismissed, and the match restarted with a different shape.

The change in tactics gave the Black Lions an advantage they did not waste. Without a center back, and with their left back Orozco hurting, the defense fell apart even more. In the 81st minute Jose Hernandez struck to give the hosts a victory and start Alebrijes’ second half of the season on the wrong foot.

Legon Cities FC 1 v Bechem United 0

After three matches without a goal and two underwhelming performances in their new home, the Royals didn’t take long to change their fortunes in Accra. In what can best described as an attempted trick play, two Legon Cities players feigned an argument over who would take a 5th minute free kick, only for Abdul Karim Jabila to strike it clean and true past the Bechem keeper.

Striking quickly to start the game gave some the feeling that the Royals were about to blast off. Instead, they were again unlucky not to score another despite numerous strong chances.

Still a win is a win, and the Royals fans don’t mind if it was five minutes of fun and 85 more of fear.

Grenoble Foot 38 0 v Chambly 0 (Men)

The most engaging thing in this game was
learning about all the sponsors for Chambly

Grenoble Foot continued their goalless 2020 with a torpid affair at home against Chambly. The result was their league leading 12th tie of the campaign and kept their goals for/against at a delightfully relevant 20-20

Freiburg 0 v Paderborn 2

After a rip-roaring return to action last week, the Breisgauer might be accused of taking bottom of the table Paderborn too lightly, and they paid for it at home Saturday.

The same strategy of long crosses to hopeful heads was far less successful against the bigger Paderborn defense. Some opportune goal scoring was all the last-place side needed as even going down a man wasn’t enough to help Freiburg over the line

Celtic 3 v Ross County 0

Given that the previous installment had ended 6-0 to the Green-Hooped Gods of Glasgow, this result might feel like a big step up for the Staggies.

It was a close run affair until a late first half penalty allowed Callum McGregor to put the Hoops ahead. But the second half belonged to diminutive Odsonne Édouard who netted his 15th and 16th goals of the campaign just in time to inspire some last minute transfer bids. Glad we could help.

Grenoble Foot 38 1 – Lille 2 (Women’s League)

Credit: Julien Diaferia

The Grenobloise managed as many goals as the men’s teams combined this weekend, but it wasn’t enough to see off Lille.. the result brought much delight to your uncle Simon, who likes Lille much as I like Grenoble. Only, I–of course–am right.

News & Notes

Minerva Punjab FC Owner Urges Youth Investment

Ranjit Bajaj cuts an outsized figure promoting soccer in a cricket mad subcontinent. Unapologetic and provocative, he believes whole heartedly in youth training. (His Minerva Punjab training camp reluctantly rebranded the first team this session to expand beyond their own tight knit community to the whole state.)

On the “Rupeeball Podcast” Bajaj took time to reaffirm his love for youth training. His ardent belief in cutting out fees to make coaching easier for others is a basic plan for improvement. The big dream though, World Cup 2036,requires a bit more: national agreement to offer top notch coaching to five year olds in academies. That may seem staggering but frankly, I’m for anything that gives more young people a harsh reed educatin

What’s Next

Wednesday, January 29

2:30 AM–Punjab FC V Neroca FC

1:45 PM–Rangers V Ross County

Thursday, January 30

8:30PM–Alebrijes de Oaxaca V Cimarrones

Friday, January 31

1:00 PM Troyes V Grenoble Foot 38 (M)

Saturday, February 1

7:00 AM (Friendly) Rosenberg BK v Stjørdals Blink

9:00 AM Kilmarnock V Ross County

Sunday February 2

8:30 AM Koln v SC Freiburg

TBD: Grenoble (F) v. Arras (Cup Quarter Finals)

Monday February 3

1:45 Grenoble (M) V Le Havre

Week 3 Recap: Points for Style

Week 3 Recap: Points for Style

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Scores and Recaps

Punjab FC 1 – Mohun Bagan 1

Welcoming the league leaders to Ludhiana, Punjab had a great opportunity to inject some drama into the title race. An early goal from Asier Dipanda offered exactly that possibility. Stout defense for 88 minutes made it much more of a probability. But, Subha Ghosh’s late equalizer left everyone with a point and the guys in gray 3 points behind despite an extra game.

Legon Cities FC 0 – Ashanti Gold 0

It was Ladie’s Night, and the feeling was right. It was Ladie’s Night. Oh, what a night….for another goalless outing by the Royals.

On the plus side there was another great concert.

Mainz 05 1 – SC Freiburg 2

The official return to league action saw Freiburg take the field in a purple kit that might best be described as: dueling highlighters.

The team provided their own highlights with a pair of pretty side volleys in the first half to leave the home side chasing the match and earn a convincing win to start the year.

Ayr United 1 – Ross County 0

The Staggies started their year by falling out of another cup competition. Debutants Jordan Tillson and Coll Donaldson offered strength in the back, but the Honest Men of Ayr were honestly better and took the victory.

Aduana Stars 2 – Legon Cities FC 0

Even the normally indefatigable LCFC media team struggled to find silver linings here. A pair of free kicks saw the Stars to victory, including an admitted howler from Legon’s keeper Prosper Gbeku.

Punjab FC 3 – Gokulam FC 1

The guys in gray with gratitude

At the same time Baby Owen broke his poop less diaper streak, the Punjabi Warriors broke their winless streak.

As I rocked Owen, bottle in hand and soothing shh-es on blast, Sergio Barboza scored and danced. And when Owen dozed off, Asier Dipanda braved himself for a second half brace to seal the victory.

It may be coincidence, but just in case I’m going to need Punjab FC to win a match every night. Please and thank you.

News & Notes

Any Man in Possession of a Love of Soccer Must be in Want of a Women’s Team to Root For

While I always make a point of bringing up the University of Montana Lady Griz, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge and recognize that many of the clubs I’ve included here also feature a women’s team in competition. I’ll do my best to track down data and results for them too. So when SC Freiburg and Emelec Feminina return they’ll be included above, and while there are few photos and fewer highlights I’ll shout out Les Femmes de Grenoble Foot who won 4-2 at the start of the year against Olympique de Valence.

In the meantime, please appreciate the Lady Griz keeping warm in a Montanan winter with squash games

Minnesota United Corners Kiwi Market

As for our local XI, the thinking seems to be to expand the club vision from Minnesota, to the Upper Midwest, and then just outside of Wellington.

In addition to international center back Michael Boxall, the Loons drafted fullback Noah Billingsly, then signed Central Midfielder James Musa. This means that the rest of the team will need to binge Flight of the Conchords as soon as possible to keep up on references.

Transfer Roundup

Minnesota did the most adding this week with the two Kiwis plus Los Angeles goalkeeper Tyler Miller and homegrown goalkeeper Fred Emmings.

Across the pond there were mostly departures, as Rosenborg waved farewell to stalwart Midfielder Mike Jensen who spent 7 years in Trondheim before heading to Cyprus. (Olaus Skarsem and Djordje Denic also left Lerkendal).

Ross County’s young midfield star Mark Gallagher looks on the cusp of a move to Aberdeen (the pereptual bridesmaid to Celtic and Rangers) and Freiburg sent Jerome Gondorf on loan to second division Karlrhuser

What’s Next

Wednesday, January 22

1:45 PM–Ross County v Hearts

Thursday, January 23

8:30 PM–Universidad de Guadalajara v Alebrijes de Oaxaca

Friday, January 24

12:00 PM–Legon Cities FC v Bechem United

1:00 PM–Grenoble v Chambly

Saturday, January 25

8:30 AM–Freiburg v Paderborn

9:00 AM– Celtic v Ross County

Week 2 Recap: And the Band Played On

Week 2 Recap: And the Band Played On

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Snowy practice field feels appropriate

Scores and recaps

Punjab FC 1 – Real Kashmir 1

The first game of a busy back-to-back weekend for the Warriors saw them pay a visit to one of the hottest regions in India on rather cold day.

Makan Winkle Chothe capitalized on an early attack that swirled around the Snow Leopards’ box. The young striker hammered a low cross home to give the Warriors the lead, but the team then sat back trying to keep Kashmir at bay. The persistence of Kashmir’s foriegn imports, particularly Englishman Kallum Higginbotham and Ivorian Ghnore Krizo eventually overcame Nepali keeper Kiran Kumar Limbu (who had an otherwise sterling performance)

North Indian Derby

SC Freiburg 1 – Borussia Munchengladbach 2 (in both friendlies)

Freiburg seeks to solve a problem like the defense

In gearing up for the second half of the Bundesliga season, Freiburg ran out two different squads to take on the 2nd place team in the table. The result was a pleasingly palindromic pair of matches, with Munchengladbach scoring the first two, Freiburg the next two, and Muchengladbach the last two of the day.

Sitting just 2 points off of the European league spots, Freiburg will be looking to steel their defense from a league worst 8.1 tackles per match, but Munchengladbach’s attack didn’t help them find any answers.

AC Ajaccio 3 – Grenoble Foot 38 1

As Ligue 2 returned to action, Grenoble was in dire need of an offensive jolt. There were a pair of lightning strikes, but they came from AC Ajaccio’s Gaetan Courtet who left fans reeling with a brace of beautifully struck goals.

Bright spots were few and far between for Grenoble though Jessy Benet’s first half corner was perfectly placed for a player making a run. (That it was AC Ajaccio’s Cyrille Bayala who made the run and scored the own goal is a minor note). Most frustrating was a trio of close range shots from Benet, Arsene Elogo, and Florian Raspentino that were deflected by Benjamin Leroy to stymie another attack.

Ajaccio Goals

Legon Cities FC 0 – Dreams FC 0

Another week, another wait for fans of the Royals. While there was strong support from fans in the stands, the team on the pitch couldn’t quite connect. Despite a strong showing from Sadick Sulley and a penalty cry from defend Ahmed Rahaman.

On the plus side this video is now my son Alex’s favorite song.

News and Notes

Grizzlies Don’t Brag, They Gasconade

The Lady Griz are back in training, including using squash courts to practice volleying (which is pretty clever use of resources given most Montanan winters). They’re also back in the classroom where, well, let’s just show the domination shall we?

Ps Gasconade means to boast from the French gasconner

Reunited and it Feels So Good

While a few teams are still in regular action, most others came back from their winter breaks this week with a little bonding and a lot of practice.

Aleksa Jankovic joins the Dragons

I know what you’re thinking: “I thought Aleksa Jankovic died in the 19th century after serving as prime minister before the start of the Kardordevic Dynasty, how is the reanimated corpse of that Serbian leader going to help the defense?!”

(You weren’t thinking that? Well…you should have been.)

This Alksa Jankovic is actually a 19 year old winger fresh from Belgrade rivals Partizan’s training grounds. He mostly figured in cup ties and is eager for some first team action.

Staggies Welcome 2 More

Seeking to shore up the defense, Ross County have brought in two more players including English Defensive Midfielder Jordan Tillson, and Scottish Center Back Coll Donaldson.

Tillson moves north after a series of loans out of League 2 Exeter Town, while Donaldson will switch sides in the Highland Derby, leaving Inverness CT for the boys in Dingwall.

What’s Next?

Tuesday, January 14th

2:30 AM Punjab FC v Mohun Bagan

Wednesday, January 15th

1:00 PM Legon Cities FC v Ashanti Gold

Saturday, January 18th

8:30 AM Mainz v Freiburg

9:00 AM Ayr United v Ross County (Scottish FA Cup)

Sunday, January 19th

10:00 AM Aduana Stars v Legon Cities FC