Tag: Minnesota United

52. Lessons from 2020

52. Lessons from 2020

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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

Dear Boys,

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

2 Legon Cities FC and appreciating new beginnings.

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

4 Transfer Rumors and John Fowles’ three types of people

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

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

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

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

9 Ross County and the value of playing to the whistle

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

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

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

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

14 FK Vozdovac and why none of us are ideals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22 Screw you systemic racism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31 Emelec and why you should leave more than you take

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

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

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

35. Black Lives Matter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Week 50: Turnabout is Fair Play

Week 50: Turnabout is Fair Play

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Independiente del Valle 0 – 3 CS Emelec [M]

For the first time in a while Emelec didn’t seem to have much of anything going for them. Worse, this loss gave loathed rivals Barcelona sole claim to the top spot in the league

Rosenborg BK 1 – 0 Mjondalen [M]

Rosenborg snapped their skid, but it wasn’t exactly convincing. Åge Hareide’s team couldn’t find a way through throughout regular time despite dominating the run of play. But Ol Piercing Blue Eyes himself Kistoffer Zachariasen saved the day with a last minute winner.

Asante Kotoko 1 – 0 Legon Cities

Against the most legendary club in Ghanaian soccer the Royals looked majestic again in name only. The defense should be commended for their resilience but now would be the time for the attack to flourish as well. (h/t Fatua Duda for winning commendations despite losing)

Freiburg 2 – 0 Arminia Bielefeld [M]

Christian Streich switched to a three man back line a month ago. In the four matches with that formation they’ve drawn twice and won once. It’s not a tremendous turnabout but it’s a big improvement from the side that drifted down the table in October. Phillip Leinhart and Vincenzo Grifo’s surge in form sure helps too.

Aberdeen 2 – 0 Ross County

Speaking of drifting down the table, the Staggies have sunk to the bottom of the premiership. They haven’t gotten a point from the league since early November, and haven’t won since two months before that. They may still have a shot at cup trophies, but their time in the top league may be done after this year.

FK Vozdovac 0 – 2 Partizan Belgrade

I’d be lying if I said I expected anything else, but kudos to the dragons for holding the league leaders scoreless for more than one half!

Grenoble Foot 4 – 0 Dunkerque [M]

Grenoble’s performance in the shadow of the Alps was nothing short of dominant. Again led by Jessy Benet and rampaging full backs Jordy Gaspar and Jerome Mombris they looked every bit the first place (yes, first place) team they have become.

CS Emelec 3 – 0 El Nacional [M]

Estadio George Capwell would have been rocking had people been allowed in. A win over bottom of the table Nacional isn’t exactly surprising, and never seemed to be in doubt., but Jose Cevallos’ brace and another clean sheet sure feels good.

Meppen 0 – 1 SC Freiburg [W]

Meppen has struggled this year, and as Freiburg grows into form they looked strong throughout. Lina Bürger’s late winner was well deserved.

Rosenborg 3 – 1 Molde [M]

A week after a red card got him an early shower, it was a day of good Dino Islamovic. It couldn’t have come at a better time. His brace against fellow top 4 side Molde went a long way to seal a shot at European soccer.

News & Notes

See You Loons

As has been the habit each year, Minnesota United celebrated the end of the season by declining a big pile of contracts.

It’s not too surprising that Kei Kamara and third string keeper Greg Ranjitsingh were let loose. Frequent role players Jose Aja, Aaron Shoenfeld, and Raheem Edwards were a little more surprising, but, without ticket sales, costs must be cut.

HAO! Rosenborg!

O’Rielly trading Stars and Stripes for just stripes?

On the BBC’s world football podcast American soccer legend Heather O’Reilly admitted that she felt tempted to come back from retirement for a shot at the European Champions League.

A year into her retirement, O’Reilly might need some time to gear up again. So she’s likely have to target the 21-22 campaign. She’s also working as a coach of younger players. So that would be a good thing to continue abroad. And if she seeks to just play in the champions league, a Scandinavian side makes sense….chances are you see where I’m going with this.

Ms O’Reilly meet Rosenborg, Rosenborg meet Heather O’Reilly. (Blakstad, Clausen, O’Reilly…I’ve got goose bumps).

Us 59 – 1 Trump

Another score from the election. This certainly looks decisive. With no time left on the clock, there’s no real chance for a comeback. But President Trump continues to insist that he’s winning and refusing to leave the field. So…not unlike games I used to play against your uncles in the backyard.

Player of the Week

Since they came back from COVID Cancellations, Jordy Gaspar has played 518 of Grenoble’s 540 minutes. In that time, they’ve allowed only two goals and scored ten. He’s been excellent on both sides of the ball, and this week his assist gives us an excuse to finally reward him.

Plus, Gaspar looks good in Pink

What’s Next

Wednesday, December 16th

11:30 Schalke 04 v. Freiburg [M]

1:00 Javor v. FK Vozdovac

1:45 Livingston v. Ross County

Thursday, December 17th

3:00 CS Emelec v. Olmedo [M]

Friday, December 18th

1:00 Sochaux v. Grenoble [M]

Saturday, December 19th

9:00 Legon Cities FC v. Ebusa Dwarfs

9:00 Ross County v. Hamilton Academical

Sunday, December 20th

7:00 Bayer Leverkusen v. SC Freiburg [W]

11:00 Freiburg v. Hertha Berlin [M]

Monday, December 21st

Tuesday, December 22nd

11:00 Sandefjord v. Rosenborg [M]

1:00 Grenoble v. Troyes [M]

50. Dawn of the Dread

50. Dawn of the Dread

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

10 weeks ago I wrote about loyalty in the midst of losing. I did it after the Minnesota Twins lost–for the umpteenth time in a row–in heart breaking fashion. And now, shortly after Minnesota United Football Club managed to win a game for 75 minutes and lose it all in just under 15, it feels a little hard to hold on to that same “it’s okay to lose because it proves our loyalty” sentiment.

Dear Boys,

The hardest part of losing is the dread sensation that it’s going to happen again, and again, and again. That any moment of happiness or optimism you might feel now ought to be tempered because a mind numbing, heart-crushing debacle might be just around the corner.

When confronted with an often repeated, almost inescapable dread of opportunities, you might well become cynical, aloof, or generally dismissive of hope.

To be honest, it’s a fair response. One I’ve succumbed to my own share of times. (I may be an adoptive Minnesotan, but, by gum, it only takes so many soul crushing defeats by your teams to feel like: “maybe, if I don’t let myself feel hopeful, it won’t hurt again.”)

If you don’t hope that it can turn out well, you can remain dispassionate about it all. You can critique your own team freely and openly. They’re going to hurt you in the end anyway. Why not curse their failures and bemoan their mistakes? What better way to prove that the outcome can’t hurt you than by affixing responsibility for the hurt with every stumble and error?

If you’re not going to be critical, you can be fatalistic. “They were always doomed, they’re from Minnesota.” “Of course it was heart breaking, it’s always heart breaking.” If it’s your identity to be cursed to lose in painful ways, it’s easier to anticipate the pain before it lands.

But the problem with both of these is that it doesn’t fundamentally change the pain. You’re not above caring if you’re critical, you care enough to criticize. You aren’t beyond caring if you’re fatalistic, you care so much you’ve made defeat your identity.

All of these attitudes allow you to worry about the outcome before it happens. And there’s a Roman philosopher who captured the problem with that rather well.

We don’t need to adopt a defensive attitude before our defenses are needed. We don’t need to critique before there is something to criticize. We don’t need to foretell our own inevitable doom if we’re going to feel it anyway.

Instead of critiquing, bemoaning, or anticipating the worst. You can take a deep breath, look back on where you came from and utter a few words of appreciation. Or, as a fellow Loons fan put it this week after the Suffering in Seattle.

https://twitter.com/jakerueter/status/1336175134261063680

I realize that I’m writing this for two boys, and I’m trying to temper my own swearing around you. But goddamn it, Jake is right. The Loons weren’t doomed. They weren’t star-crossed. They don’t stink because they lost this particular game.

They played extremely well in nearly impossible circumstances. They made a run with a dynamic attack that can come back and try it again next year. You don’t have to imagine that all of that was meaningless because it ended painfully. You don’t have to imagine that all hope is null and void if it doesn’t end with a rainbow and a smile.

You don’t need to worry about losing, especially when you can just enjoy living.

Week 49: Silverware Slips through our Fingers

Week 49: Silverware Slips through our Fingers

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Scores

Sporting KC 0 – 3 Minnesota United

In what has become the friendliest rivalry in all American soccer, the Loons could well have been outmatched away from home by the top team in the west. Instead, they cruised again. Emanuel Reynoso ran riot with three assists, Kevin Molino again scored a brace, Robin Lod and Ethan Finlay again created havoc and Osvaldo Alonso and Bakaye Dibassy shut things down in the back. It’s pretty great when your local team does this well.

Napredak 3 – 1 FK Vozdovac

Milos Pantovic put the Red Dragons ahead early on. But that was about as good as it got. Miloje Prekovic’s first seven games of glory were amazing, but he’s averaged over 2 goals a game in his last four and is about to face Partizan Belgrade so….c’mon Miloje, we’re rooting for you.

Freiburg 2 – 2 Borussia Munchen Gladbach [M]

Again the good news in Freiburg came from a draw. Albeit another one that grew from a faltering first half lead. Florian Muller continues our trend of struggling goalies, but Vincent Grifo remains as impressively creative as ever, and Phillip Leinhart’s bicycle goal is going to be a highlight of the year.

Dreams FC 0 – 0 Legon Cities FC

If this seems familiar, it’s because it is exactly how Legon’s last match went. Despite putting Asamoah Gyan into the permanent rotation, the goals remain hard to come by for the Royals and new coach Basiru Hayford.

Caen 1 – 1 Grenoble Foot [M]

Yoric Ravet’s early goal was great to see on a brilliant long ball. But him grabbing his hamstring in pain immediately afterward was the opposite of that. Add to that foul trouble for the defensive line ending in Loic Nestor ceding a game tying penalty and again it feels like a bit lost.

Klepp 1 – 2 Rosenborg BK [W]

In a frustrating anti-climax, Rosenborg completed their undefeated season in second place. The win over Klepp was never much in doubt, and when Valerenga took an early lead against Arna-Bjorner, the slim hope of a goal difference comeback was gone. Still, it was a great first season for the Trolljente who officially qualified for the Women’s Champion’s League next year.

Ross County 0 – 4 Rangers

Rangers may also play in Glasgow, but they are clearly not Celtic, because, and you may remember this from last week: Ross County beat Celtic!!! (That has nothing to do with this, but I’d rather focus on that win because it’s so much cooler than this loss!)

CS Emelec 1 – 1 Barcelona SC [M]

Finally, a Guayaquil Derby that didn’t end in bitter disappointment for los Bombillos. To be fair, it also didn’t end in victory and they remain deadlocked with Barcelona and fellow local rivals Guayquil City for the top spot, but it wasn’t the worst. (And yes, Facundo Barcelo scored….AGAIN).

Don’t ask…

Valerenga 1 – 0 Rosenborg BK [M]

Apparently it wasn’t enough for the women of Valerenga to dash the hopes of Rosenborg, the men got in the act too. The loss made it four straight for the Troll Boys and it’s starting to feel a little like Troll 2 in Trondheim. (Illogical, unnerving, and kinda sickening)

Seattle 3 – 2 Minnesota United

Welcome to Minnesota Sports Fandom Boys: The Loons took the lead. The Loons built the lead. The Loons were fifteen minutes away from glory and trophies and recognition. And they lost it all. Dayne St. Clair’s luck in goal ran out at exactly the wrong moment (hey, that’s three struggling keepers!). The defense looked completely gassed. Emanuel Reynoso’s offensive magic couldn’t muster enough spark to save the day. It was a gut punch which is perfectly in keeping with how it always seems to go around these parts.

Yup…that seems about right

News & Notes

Hayford takes the helm in Legon

Bashiru Hayford has officially taken over at Legon Cities FC in another swoop for status among our Ghanaian favorites. In addition to helming Asante Kotoko to a title, the Ghanaian ladies to the Africa Cup of Nations, he helped lead Somalia to their first international win in World Cup Qualification ever. Now: integrating Asamoah Gyan into a side that hasn’t gotten much together in their existence.

Savoring Silver

Technically Minnesota United finished runner’s up in the Western Conference, and with Rosenborg’s women’s team clearly finishing second in their league there’s a little more shine around our teams this winter. It’s all nice, but quite clearly everyone’s already thinking ahead to taking a step forward in 2021.

Player of the Week

It may not have ended with all the glory we wanted but it must be said: Emanuel Reynoso has had everything to do with Minnesota’s amazing surge this season and every play he makes feels dangerous in a way that’s absolutely thrilling.

What’s Next

Wednesday, December 9th

Independiente del Valle v. CS Emelec

Thursday, December 10th

11:00 Rosenborg BK v. Mjondalen [M]

Friday, December 11th

12:00 Asante Kotoko v. Legon Cities

Saturday, December 12th

8:30 Freiburg v. Arminia Bielefeld [M]

9:00 Aberdeen v. Ross County

10:00 FK Vozdovac v. Partizan Belgrade

12:00 Grenoble Foot v. Dunkerque [M]

7:30 CS Emelec v. El Nacional [M]

Sunday, December 13th

7:00 Meppen v. SC Freiburg [W]

11:00 Rosenborg v. Molde [M]

Monday, December 14th

Tuesday, December 15th

1:00 Niort v. Grenoble Foot [M]

3:00 Deportivo Cuenca v. CS Emelec [M]

Week 48: Staggies Topple Celtic!!!!!

Week 48: Staggies Topple Celtic!!!!!

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Legon Cities FC 0 – 0 Medeama

Not much more to say about that. Even with Goran Barjaktarevic out of a job the results did not seem to shift much for the Royals.

Mushuc Runa 2 – 3 CS Emelec [M]

Los Bombillos started out strong with a couple of early goals (including another one for Facundo Barcelo). But it was a second half goal on a Romario Caicedo. That gave them the cushion they needed when Mushuc Runa made a late comeback.

Grenoble 0 – 0 Paris FC [M]

A top of the table battle ended up in a stalemate. Neither side could seem to find an advantage in an ongoing midfield tussle.

Augsburg 1 – 1 Freiburg [M]

While they’ve struggled over the last few weeks to find a consistent form. But the moments where they work a beautiful opening goal through Vincenzo Grifo showed just what they can do. Of course, the flub by Florian Muller a few minutes later is a sign of what they have been doing.

Celtic 0 – 2 Ross County

HOLY HOLY HOLY HOLY HOLY HOLY HOLY HOLY HOLY!!!
SHHHHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!

Seriously, there’s just not enough reaction for this. County won. They won against Celtic. They won against Celtic in Glasgow. Little old County, little old Staggies, THEY ended Celtic’s 3 year run of winning every trophy in Scotland.

Ross Stewart hit a vital penalty. Ross Laidlaw and the defense stood up to the Hoops for the rest of the match. Alex Iacovitti hit a huge header to put it beyond reach and the look on his face when he did it was beyond joy. This…this is why we’re fans.

FK Vozdovac 3 – 2 Mladost Lucani

At home, the Red Dragons are nigh on indomitable. Even though Mladost Lucani came back to equalize, Nikola Vujnovic was able to blast home an excellent goal and walk out a winner.

Bodo/Glimt 5 – 1 Rosenborg BK [M]

It hasn’t been a great run for Rosenborg, and losing their third on the spin was hard. Losing it this big was even harder. But with four matches left in the season, it’s starting to get tetchy whether they can hold on to their top four spot or not.

Chateauroux 0 – 1 Grenoble [M]

While Grenoble seemed stuck in another goalless draw. Chateroux’s Ibrahim Cisse’s red card gave them just the edge they needed to break the deadlock.

CS Emelec v SC Barcelona [M]

Postponed to the coming weekend

News & Notes

Seriously, Celtic LOST!

HO-LY-HELL!!!!!!!!

Okay, let’s be extra clear about this. Celtic is one of the greatest teams in Scottish history. They have won a tonnage of titles, a pile of individual accolades and…just to put an underline on this…they had won 9 straight trophies. They won 35 straight tournament games. They have a wage bill ten times greater than Ross County. Ross County should absolutely not have won that game, especially not AT Celtic’s home turf.

Player of the Week

Ross Laidlaw lost his starting spot a couple months ago and ended up as a back up keeper for a struggling defensive team. That he was between the posts against Celtic wasn’t a vote of confidence. That he helped blank them was….well….[chef’s kiss]

What’s Next

Wednesday, December 2nd

Thursday, December 3rd

Sporting KC v. Minnesota United

Friday, December 4th

Napredak v FK Vozdovac

Saturday, December 5th

Freiburg v. Borussia Munchen Gladbach [M]

Dreams FC v. Legon Cities FC

Caen v. Grenoble Foot [M]

Sunday, December 6th

Klepp v. Rosenborg BK [W]

Ross County V. Rangers

CS Emelec v. Barcelona SC [M]

Monday, December 7th

Valerenga – Rosenborg BK [M]

–Western Conference final @ Seattle if Minnesota wins–

Tuesday, December 8th

Week 47: Thrillers and Throttlings

Week 47: Thrillers and Throttlings

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Scores

LDU Quito 1 – 2 CS Emelec [M]

A man and a goal down at half time, you’d be excused if you thought Emelec was doomed.

After LDUQ lost one of their players, Los Bombillos stormed back, with Sebastian Rodriguez equalizing on an absolute howler and Jose Cevallos winning it in the 90th minute with a shot that left Universidad completely stunned on the field.

Not far from the fields in MT
(Photo: University of Ghana)

Accra Great Olympics 3 – 0 Legon Cities

Fun Fact: Accra Great Olympics used to train across the street from a middle school I taught at in Legon.

Less fun fact: they totally dominated the professional team from Legon as if they were only middle schoolers

Kilmarnock 3 – 1 Ross County

It takes a special team to go down a man inside of 8 minutes and still dominate a match. It also takes a special team to be up a man for 92 minutes and never look competitive. Ross County is special (you can tell from the score line why they are).

Pau 0 – 2 Grenoble

In the long slog of a spring Grenoble’s lone solace seemed to be midfielder Jessy Benet. The lone creator and goal scorer of February has now become just another cog in a well run machine but after netting a penalty (made possible by his own creativity) and enabling an assist (for defensive standout Loic Nestor) it’s nice to remember what a gem Jessy is.

FK Vozdovac 1 – 1 Novi Pazar

Ivan Milosavljevic’s tremendous control in his eighth minute goal put the Red Dragons ahead and the stingy defense kept them there. Until an absolutely silly hand ball by Marko Gajic gifted a late penalty to the visitors, which they duly buried. Maybe it’s worth saying: in class put your hands up, on the pitch, keep them down.

SC Freiburg 1 – 5 TSG 1899 Hoffenheim [F]

It’s hard to put a shiny face on what was a complete and total domination by Hoffenheim. Instead we’ll just tip the cap to Hasret Kayicki on returning to the score sheet for the first time since her excellent equalizer versus Wolfsburg.

SC Freiburg 1 – 3 Mainz [M]

It just wasn’t a great day for the Griffins, as fans might have been grateful to be barred from entrance. Frenchman Jean Phillipe Mateta’s first half hat trick was plenty, as Keeper Florian Muller and Phillip Leinhart must have seemed about as intimidating a couple Breisgau cream puffs.

CS Emelec 3 – 2 Delfín [M]

In a match that absolutely explained the contrast between Emelec’s first campaign of this fall and their current one, Los bombillos fell behind (again). Then stormed back with a brace from (yup) Facundo Barcelo to win it at the death.

Minnesota United 3 – 0 Colorado Rapids [Playoffs]

The Loons first playoff win since 2012, was a very strong showing. Despite having little to show from an opening 20 minutes when I was trying to get you to sleep, Owen, the team was cohesive and strong throughout. Emanuel Reynoso’s two assists and Kevin Molino’s two goals gave us all some much needed relief in 2020.

Rosenborg BK 2 – 3 Brann [M]

Despite a Norway’s most handsome striker led comeback (kudos Kristoffer Zachariassen) leaving all your offense for the last ten minutes was not an effective game plan for Rosenborg.

Grenoble 1 – 0 Nancy [M]

In their first COVID make up game les Grenobloises met the moment. Particular gratitude goes to Jordy Gaspar and Adrien Monfry for holding down the right side for their second shutout in four days.

News & Notes

The Royals Need a New King

Barjakta-ball never took hold
(Photo: Prime Ghana)

Another underwhelming start to the season sealed the fate of Legon Cities’ Bosnian coach Goran Barjaktarevic

With as much as LCFC is doing to set themselves apart off the pitch you can only tolerate underwhelming results on it for so long. Three wins in the first year of the club just can’t cut it. Though, to be honest, the sparse press release announcing the firing left much to be desired. I’d have loved if a hip life star had dropped the announcement in a half time show.

Player of the Week

Hot Boy on Fire (Photo from MPR News)

Kevin Molino was the first widely known player to join the MNUFC roster. His best matches often lead to our greatest triumphs, his longest absences mirror our worst runs of form. He’s no longer required to be the star, Emmanuel Reynosa has that covered but when Hot Boy is hot, so is the team. And the Loons first playoff win in 8 years is a testament to his dedication.

Also, his teammates roasting and his kids celebrating is further testament to this awesomeness

What’s Next

Wednesday, November 25th

Thursday, November 26th

Friday, November 27th

12:00 Legon Cities FC v. Medeama

6:00 Mushuc Runa v CS Emelec [M]

Saturday, November 28th

8:00 Grenoble v. Paris FC [M]

8:30 Augsburg v. Freiburg [M]

Sunday, November 29th

9:00 Celtic v Ross County

1:00 FK Vozdovac v. Mladost Lucani

11:00 Bodo/Glimt v. Rosenborg BK [M]

Monday, November 30th

Tuesday, December 1st

1:00 Chateauroux v. Grenoble [M]

3:00 CS Emelec v SC Barcelona [M]

Week 46: Barcelo Blasts and Rosenborg Wrinkles

Week 46: Barcelo Blasts and Rosenborg Wrinkles

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Scores

LDU Portoviejo 0 – 6 CS Emelec

Already up 3-0 at half time a red card to Portoviejo’s Ayrton Cisneros gave Emelec all they needed to dominate the bottom team in Ecuador. Still Facundo Barcelo’s four goals, including two within two minutes may finally light up Los Bombillos attack

Cancun FC 0 – 2 Alebrijes

In a stunner, Oaxaca topped a top 4 side in the league (courtesy of Franco Arizala’s penalty following a rather suspect hand ball penalty and a deceptively fast free kick). The win gave them hope of not finishing at the bottom of the league, before the season finale on Tuesday.

LSK 1 – 0 Rosenborg [F-Cup]

Yup Rosenborg’s Women’s team lost a match for the first time in 2020. The league streak and chance for a title still hangs in the balance on their last match…whenever it may be…

St Ettiene 3 – 2 Grenoble

Mousa Kaillou Djite’s pair of goals put Grenoble in a great position. But uncharacteristic lapses from keeper Brice Mableu lost the edge on a crushing 90th minute winner.

Ross County 3 – 0 Sterling Albion [Cup]

Yup Ollie Shaw scored again, County won again. With the league slipping away, the Staggies are looking to focus on the Cup, but with most lower league sides about to bow out and the best teams yet to arrive on the scene, I’m not sure how long the run can go on.

SC Barcelona 2 – 1 CS Emelec [F]

The second leg of the playoff started well for las eléctricas. Luisa Espinoza scored again giving them both the lead and an invaluable away goal. Though they gave up an equalizer, there were plenty of reasons to hope…until…defender and team captain Bowen conceded a penalty, received a red card, and watched helplessly as the yellow rivals won it from the spot. It’s a bitter end note to the 2020 season. Here’s hoping for more next year.

Legon Cities 1 – 1 Berekum Chelsea

The Royals started on the back foot, as the did so often last season. But a Jonah Attaquye penalty and a strong defensive showing sealed a draw. (A particularly valuable draw as 7 of 9 matches ended in draws.

Klepp v. Rosenborg BK [F]

The second wave of COVID in Europe wiped out most final matches in Norway’s women’s league. no word yet on make up date, but at least the team got a fun flight out of it…?

SGS Essen 0 – 0 SC Freiburg [F]

Despite a late red card for Essen, Freiburg couldn’t notch a win.

Emelec 1 – 1 Técnico Universitario [M]

Facundo Barcelo continued his hot streak with a penalty equalizer to keep the Guayaquil blues firmly in the tables top half as the second stage reaches its midpoint.

Alebrijes 2 – 4 Cimarrones

With Franco Arizala putting them up 2 after the half, Oaxaca could be excused for getting a little confident. Giving up 4 in ten minutes at home?!?! Why?!?

News & Notes

Cartoon Equity

The Instagram feed for Trondheim based artist @Perolavik features some deep cuts of Norwegian politics and homages to influential figures from RBK’s storied past. This week they got around to noting RBK’s bright future with caricatures of Trolljenta’s top stars.

COVID Spikes Start Cancellations Again

As the weather turns and people retreat indoors, the long awaited “second wave” of COVID-19 has begun. (To which Americans scoff and say, psssh! It’s our third wave! USA! USA! USA!)

France has cancelled all lower level women’s leagues until January. And, despite having a lower infection rate than much of the world, Norway postponed the “gold matches” to decide their end of year champions. As yet, the men’s game has only delayed international contests, but time will tell what comes next.

Meanwhile America celebrated positive signs from a new vaccine with record highs in positive cases, hospitalizations, and petulant grandstanding to risk public health. USA! USA!

Player of the Week

Facundo Barcelo’s five goals for four points in Two games is pretty flipping stellar if I say so myself. And as I write this, I do.

What’s Next

Wednesday, November 18th

LDU Quito v. CS Emelec

Thursday, November 19th

Friday, November 20th

Great Olympics v. Legon Cities FC

Saturday, November 21st

9:00 Kilmarnock v. Ross County

12:00 Pau v. Grenoble

1:00 FK Vozdovac v. Novi Pazar

Sunday, November 22nd

7:00 SC Freiburg v. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim [F]

8:30 Freiburg v. Mainz [M]

Emelec v. Delfin

Minnesota United v. Colorado Rapids

Monday, November 23rd

Tuesday, November 24th

Grenoble v. Nancy [M]

Rosenborg v. Brann [M]

46. The Fights that Need Fighting

46. The Fights that Need Fighting

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Just about all the oxygen in any news space for the last two weeks has been sucked up by the American Presidential election.

That is with good reason. Everything ties back to the person picked to run the biggest economy, biggest armed-forces, biggest diplomatic-force, and most influential culture shaper on the planet. Yes, there is unrest in Central Asia and another spike in the Coronavirus disease, but the President of the United States is uniquely situated to handle both in the same hour.

That is, if they choose to.

Dear Boys,

One of my favorite lines from one of my favorite writers is simple: you don’t fight the fights you can win, you fight the fights that need fighting.

Actor Martin Sheen delivered the line…and is awesome

It comes from a movie about an American President (conveniently enough, titled, The American President) as the chief of staff tells a re-election minded president to stop strategizing and start doing what must be done.

I think about that a lot, because politics has become a place where the fights you can win, and the fights that need fighting are getting confused over, and over, and over again.

To step away from global affairs for a minute: this election has been ridiculously divisive. Not just between different parties, but between friends within the same party. Two men I deeply respect, both of whom I’m happy to have worked with, both of whom I’m happy to talk to, descended this week into an absolutely irrelevant fight over which hypothetical candidate would have done better as a presidential candidate and how their differences reflect a classism/ignorance that disgusts the other.

This is not a fight that needs fighting.

Debating what our goals out to be is fair, reviewing your personal biases is worthwhile, but dying on a hill over a hypothetical situation is ridiculous. It’s like saying that, if Asamoah Gyan had made his penalty against Uruguay, Ghana would have won the World Cup and he’d be winding down his career as a Juventus legend right now (rather than suiting up for Legon Cities).

Yes, that’s possible. But we have no way of knowing. And what’s more, it simply isn’t important enough to castigate those who disagree with you.

That’s anathema to our current president. A man who has never held back from a fight he didn’t need to fight.

To him a petty insult on social media is a ten alarm fire. A half-assed attempt at social consciousness is a Category 5 catastrophic disaster. An apparent personal failure is a clear and demonstrable sign that the end times are nigh, so take arms good Christian soldiers, take arms!

He is the king of fighting fights he can win, regardless of whether or not they need to be fought. He promised “so much winning” and to the eyes of many he’s delivered. (Despite the fact that the victories are pyrrhic at best, and–more often–totally invented.)

So, of course, he is fighting another fight that doesn’t need to be fought now.

He has been defeated. The experts who judge elections say so. The officials who tabulate votes say so. Behind closed doors, his friends and family say so.

But he’s fighting anyway. Unfortunately, he’s fighting what doesn’t need to be fought: imagined voter fraud, make-believe master-conspiracies, and totally valid critiques of his awful performance as president. He’s fighting all these so that he can continue fighting pointless fights he can win from the comfort of a presidential motorcade.

Robin Lod and fellow Loons couldn’t win, but it deserved a fight
(Pioneer Press)

In soccer, the game isn’t over until the final whistle. It’s thrilling to see teams hustle, and sweat, and strive to win. The Loons stealing a tie when the result didn’t really matter. (Harry Kane pipping a win for the premier league team I try not to talk about). Heck even Cukaricki getting a questionable winner to deny our friends in Vozdovac. Those are great moments, because playing with pride is a fight that’s worth fighting.

Protecting your ego, diminishing someone else, scoring a point on a hypothetical argument you can never prove: not worth it.

Fight the fights that need fighting boys. And if you’re not sure if it needs to be fought, just ask: would Donald Trump fight this? (If yes, then step back boys, step back.)

Week 45: Sighs of Relief and Despair

Week 45: Sighs of Relief and Despair

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Minnesota United 2 – 2 Chicago Fire

The Loons left their come back pretty late (which happens when Emanuel Reynoso spends most of the match on the bench). The absence of Michael Boxall, Ike Opara and Ozzie Alonso continues to be exploited, and coach Adrian’s Heath’s choices are….interesting (that’s Minnesotan for infuriating)

Emelec 1 – 2 Union [M-South American Cup]

Despite coming in with a hefty advantage Los Bombillos bombed out of the competition. Facundo Barcelo’s second half equalizer was diminished as Union peppered keeper Pedro Ortiz with twice Emelec’s shot total.

Ross County 1 – 1 Livingston

Ollie Shaw seems to have found his shooting boots (or skull rather), scoring for the second time in two weeks. Meanwhile Ross Doohan has continued to find himself at the mercy of opponents. Doohan’s let in 7 over 4 games, but with Ross Laidlaw ceding 16 in the first 10, the Staggies might just be sunk between the goalposts (particularly with as thin the defense has been stretched by low cross after low cross).

Rosenborg BK 1 – 1 Sandviken [F]

Rosenborg remained undefeated but the only action came from an own goal off each side, so it wasn’t exactly a thriller or even particularly edifying. The team will now have one last match to try and swipe the title out from the hands of Valerenga, whose loss to Lyn has finally left the two teams equal. Any result better than the Oslo side will do it, Otherwise they’d need to win by 5 more goals than their rivals…

Grenoble 2 – 1 Le Havre [M]

In their first match back from quarantine Grenoble hit their marks with aplomb (it was probably the hot pink tops). Kevin Tapoko built a goal out of absolutely nothing with an interception, secondary assist and goal in about 10 seconds, while Willy Semedo’s winner showed a strength in attack that GF38 sorely needed.

Final Result: Joe Biden [D] 306 – 229 Donald Trump [R]

The Sunday Paper with Elections, sports and murder…

This is probably the most relieved I’ve felt in a looooooong time. And with a 5 Million vote edge translating into just a 77 electoral vote margin that felt more comfortable than it ever seemed on the day. Just for fun, here’s how Grenoble covered both the election and the victory.

RB Leipzig 3 – 0 Freiburg [M]

From one angle, Freiburg started well, only losing one of their first five matches. From the other angle Freiburg are in terrible form taking only 3 points from 6 matches. The truth may lie somewhere in between but we hope Christian Streich finds it and fast.

Cukaricki 3 – 2 FK Vozdovac

Credit where it’s due, from falling behind on an early penalty, the Red Dragons fought back to take the lead in the second half. But a fine Cukariki goal and another penalty wiped that away.

Emelec 0 – 0 CS Barcelona [F]

The quarterfinal in this year’s women’s league was an all Guayaquil affair with the local derby determining the next step towards national triumph. Las Electricas held their own earning a goal-less draw with their rivals. But with a second leg still to come, they actually have a great opportunity. A win or a draw should see them through!

SC Freiburg 2 -1 Werder Bremen [F]

After falling behind in the first four minutes, Freiburg stormed back to take the lead back before half-time and hold on from there. Sandra Starke became the first player with two goals (that probably has as much to do with the team’s recent scoreless streak as it does the lack of a dominant force like Klara Buhl).

Viking 3 – 0 Rosenborg BK [M]

Rosenborg lost for the first time in the league since the beginning of August and it wasn’t particularly close. Despite dominating the possession, they got absolutely slaughtered by Viking’s counter attack. Here’s hoping that they took the L so the ladies don’t have to.

Minnesota United 3 – 0 Dallas

We’ve raved about Emmanuel Reynoso, whose first goal was an absolute banger. But it’s worth taking some time to shout out Kevin Molino. The first high profile Loons signee, has paid his dues on the bad teams, sat on the bench to heal an injury during the last good season, and now is leading the charge into the playoffs (though having Reynoso along side him sure helped).

Alebrijes de Oaxaca 1 – 2 Atalante

Oaxaca started out on the right foot, taking the lead through Hector Reynoso Lopez. While the team held on well against the top 4 side for a full hour, a pair of late goals sank their hopes and dropped them back to the bottom of the league.

Emelec 2 – 0 Universidad Catholica [M]

Los Bombillos celebrated the Reddy Kilowatt 5 K with a pair of goals to win their second of five. (For comparison they had only won 2 of 8 to wrap up the first half of the season). Dixon Arroyo’s absurdly placed ball to Romario Caicedo who seemed to be gliding through mile 2 was pretty to watch, and Bryan Carabali hammered home a cross like a quart of chocolate milk at the end of the run. (Trust me, these running references are on point)

Elgin City 1 – 4 Ross County [Cup]

As a Premier League club County should expect to beat up on their fourth tier opponents. As a team in terrible form, nothing can be taken as a given. Fortunately Oliver Shaw (yup, him again) broke open the scoring and the Staggies never looked back). (Here’s hoping Ross Laidlaw gets a second chance soon)

News & Notes

Setting Schedules for the Spring

Both The University of Montana and Punjab FC have announced their schedules for the coming season. The only downside, their seasons won’t start until 2021. But let’s take a look.

On January 9th, India’s soccer will kick off again in Kolkata. Punjab FC will again take part, this time under the leadership of Roundglass Sports, and, judging from the Orange-ified logos, a brand new look too.

The season will be a two part process, rather like the current Scottish style. After one half of the season (a single match against each opponent), teams will be split in to two halves. The top half will play eachother for the title, the bottom half will play eachother to avoid relegation. (Sidebar: Minerva Punjab is also in training…which team we stick with…well…we shall see)

Meanwhile, in Missoula, the Grizzlies have set a very localized schedule in their quest to repeat as Big Sky champs 18 months later. While the fall season was mostly to keep in shape, before the next season, in the spring they’ll be playing for keeps.

Fans return in Dingwall

Global Energy Stadium is…partially filled!
(MSN.com)

Ross County has become one of the first sides to officially let in fans (albeit fewer than they’d hope and farther apart than they’d hoped. But still fans were back and reported being quite happy to sit in the stands again.

France Shuts Down Lower Women’s Leagues

With a spike in Coronavirus cases, particularly around Grenoble, and even within the team, a shutdown seems fair. Not fun, but fair. That it now encompasses all of the lower leagues in Women’s soccer well…that’s a bitter pill to swallow…if only there were some good wine to wash it down.

Alebrijes Confronts Racism

As if the struggles in playing well weren’t enough, Alebrijes de Oaxaca also had to deal with a conflict of a much more serious nature on Sunday. Center Back Yohan Zetuna was subjected to racist abuse by Ronaldo Gonzalez of Atlante. The two had been battling for a while (with each one earning a cuation from the ref), and while the incident is still in the “alleged” stage. We stand with Yohan as every player deserves to be welcomed on the field (wherever they’re from and wherever their field is)

Player of the Week

With equal output and effect on the match, we have no choice but to split the honors this week. Handing half of the honor to a widely-regarded star calibre talen, and half of it to a little known, just emerging young talent. So Emmanuel Bebelo Reynoso for your plethora of assists, goals, and innovation: take a bow. Oliver Shaw for your star turn at a time the Staggies need it most: take a bow too.

What’s Next

Wednesday, November 11th

6:00 LDU Portoviejo v. CS Emelec [M]

7:00 Cancun FC v. Alebrijes de Oaxaca

Thursday, November 12th

Friday, November 13th

Saturday, November 14th

9:00 Ross County v. Sterling Albion

Legon Cities FC v. Berekum Chelsea

Sunday, November 15th

6:00 Klepp v. Rosenborg BK [F]

9:00 SGS Essen v SC Freiburg [F]

2:30 CS Emelec v. Tecnico Universarito

Monday, November 16th

Tuesday, November 17th

7:05 Alebrijes v. Cimarrones

Week 44: Jet Lands and a few fly to playoffs

Week 44: Jet Lands and a few fly to playoffs

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Minnesota United 2 – 1 Colorado Rapids

It’s been six unbeaten for the Loons. But they haven’t really looked unbeatable since early September. This time a late own goal helped them across the line despite Emmanuel Reynoso’s best efforts to connect with attack partners.

Union 0 – 1 Emelec [M–South American Cup]

Los Bombillos May still be languishing in domestic contests but they do what’s needed on the bigger continental stage. A vital goal away from home came from an opportunistic Facundo Barcelo who punished the Argentines for not clearing the ball more decisively.

Dundee United 2 – 1 Ross County

Oliver Shaw got his first goal as a Staggie on an excellent sprint. But by that time the Tangerines of Dundee had the game in hand. So the Stags took another tough defeat.

2:00 Niort v. Grenoble [M]

Cancelled due to COVID 19

FK Vozdovac 2 – 0 TSC Backa Topola

For a team that was winless for most of the spring, Vozdovac looks equally consistent now, albeit in a much better way. It certainly helps to have a stronger back line anchored by a keeper in great form. So, as is becoming habit around here, thanks Miloje Prekovic.

Rosenborg BK 3 – 1 Avaldsnes [W]

A decisive and vital win against a fellow top 4 contender saw Rosenborg jump into first place (with Valerenga’s win over LSK they fell back to second). As top opponents shut down passing lanes for Clausen/Blakstad other options have had to rise up, including this week’s star: Lisa Marie Utland. Her headed brace gave her 5 goals on the season and further cemented the team’s attacking strength.

SC Freiburg 2 – 4 Bayern Leverkusen [M]

After several close contests, Freiburg’s battle with Bavaria’s top team was a little more open. Despite an early goal, the Griffin’s defense couldn’t hold back a Leverkusen attack, with Florian Müller conceding more than he saved

Rosenborg BK 1 – 0 Start [M]

As with the women, Rosenborg’s attack has needed to diversify of late, but they’ve made it work. Carlo Holse has served as a super sub and scored again here

Sporting KC v. Minnesota United

Yup COVID got the loons…again…though with playoffs clinched its not the worst thing to happen.

Aucus 1 – 1 Emelec [M]

Emelec hadn’t dropped points to Aucus since May 2018. In the last match before COVID closure they trounced the red and gold 4-0. This time they only managed a point as Marlon Meija’s first half red card stretched them too thin to cope.

7o de Febrero 0- 4 Emelec [F]

With a resounding win, las Eléctricas sealed a spot in the super league playoffs. Ginger García found the net inside of two minutes, but it was striker Luisa Espinoza’s brace that sealed the victory and advancement.

*The most important contest of this year Biden (D) v. Trump (R)*

NO RESULT AS OF PUBLICATION TIME…or even several days later when I finally had time to find the videos and images I wanted.

News & Notes

Baby Jet Flies Home

Last week, we had high hopes that black stars legend Asamoah “Baby Jet” Gyan would be coming to Legon this year.

Consider him arrived.

Playoffs?!?!?

Yes, those leagues that wrap in the winter are nearing their conclusions, which means a shorter series of matches among the best of the best to determine a champion.

Rosenborg’s 16th straight result means that even if the Trolljenter totally collapse they’ll finish in a top 4 spot.

Emelec’s Eléctricas also qualified, though less conclusively than their Norwegian cousins.

And, despite a desperately underwhelming run of form and enough COVID cases to make you wonder if socially distanced positioning might be a game plan, Minnesota United’s points per game was enough to guarantee them a crack at the cup this year.

Player of the Week

It must be said: Luisa Espinoza lifted las Electricas to the next round of the Superliga Feminina this week. A great performance and a great result is exactly what Player of the Week was built for.

We Love you too…and we’re about 80% sure this is Luisa Espinoza…seriously Emelec, clarify!

What’s Next

Wednesday, November 4th

7:00 Minnesota United v. Chicago Fire

Thursday, November 5th

4:15 Emelec v. Union [M-South American Cup]

Friday, November 6th

1:45 Ross County v. Livingston

Saturday, November 7th

6:00 Rosenborg BK v. Sandviken [F]

8:00 Grenoble v. Le Havre [M]

8:30 RB Leipzig v. Freiburg [M]

1:00 Cukaricki v. FK Vozdovac

Sunday, November 8th

7:00 SC Freiburg v. Werder Bremen [F]

11:00 Viking v. Rosenborg BK [M]

5:30 Minnesota United v. Dallas [5:30]

6:00 Alebrijes de Oaxaca v. Atalante

Monday, November 9th

Tuesday, November 10th

1:45 Elgin City v. Ross County [Cup]