Tag: Minnesota United

Week 27: No-Way Norway

Week 27: No-Way Norway

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Scores

Rosenborg BK 1 – 1 Valerenga (M)

Back home with a socially distant crowd and a new chapter to write, Rosenborg looked much more dangerous against Valerenga than they had so far this season. This was due in no small part to Emil Konradsen Ceide’s absolutely stunning grace and intelligence on the ball.

Emil Konradsen Ceide put on his dancing shoes…

That highlight reel is a thing of beauty. His perfect judgement of positioning and angles to draw in defenders and set up the howling Marius Lundemo strike is just a joy to behold.

Oh, yeah, Valerenga scored too to equalize against a still shaky defense, but I’m too busy drooling over Ceide’s skills and smarts to care.

Rosenborg BK v LSK Kvinner (W)

The Toppserien came back this weekend, with Rosenborg’s newly partnered women’s side kicking off against the reigning champions from Lillestrom LSV. Both teams have won the women’s division seven times, but the Trondheim ladies haven’t come close in 15 years.

LSK looked like a championship side on the rainy pitch. Battering at the Rosenborg goal could well have yielded a few more goals than it did, but credit to young Julie Blakstad for a knuckling ball that bashed through the opponent’s hands and into the back of the net for a great equalizer.

Stabaek 0 – 3 Rosenborg BK (M)

The class of the Troll Children started to shine through a little more on Sunday. (Seriously, that’s their nickname. I don’t know how I haven’t used it in every Rosenborg post ever, but here we are.)

They appeared in total control of the game against Stabaek, perhaps none more so than Left Back, Anders Trondsen who inserted himself into two build ups to frazzle the defense and set up the team’s second and third goals. As RBK brings in a few more high profile names and starts to stretch their legs out for more fast paced style, the team has a great chance to build throughout July.

News & Notes

Summer Transfers start to sizzle

After several months of inaction, teams have begun to move players around, particularly now that the first major European league (Germany’s Bundesliga) has closed up shop for the summer.

Freiburg said goodbye to Yoric Ravet, Jerome Gondorf, and Pascal Stenzel, none of whom seemed to factor much in the action this past season. But word that Schalke is sweet on goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow and set to steal him away, might well give Griffins something to worry about.

Meanwhile, the end of the Bundesliga brought great news for Rosenborg, as beloved youth product and international standard midfielder Per Ciljan Skjelbred leaves Hertha Berlin to rejoin his home town club. (That caption above reads “Per is back where he calls home”) It’s particularly valuable as Marius Lundemo prepares to head off for sunny Cyprus and the team needs a new central pivot for their attack.

Loons take flight…?

Here in the US, Major League Soccer is due to restart tomorrow…except…

So, America isn’t really a functional society right now. We’re a too divided and mad at each other to do the basic things and make the basic sacrifices that Norway and Germany did already. Instead of testing like crazy in Germany, only the lines to get tested are crazy. Instead of social distanced everything like in Norway, we have people partying up on top of each other.

And so, one team has already been removed from the tournament due to positive test results, and a warm up match against an opponent was cancelled. So…maybe we have a game on Sunday, or maybe we see it all come crashing to a halt…again.

Man of the Matches

He didn’t score. He didn’t factor in to the cruising win at Staebek, but my goodness, I think I’m in love with Emil Konradsen Ceide.

Emil Konradsen Ceide

What’s Next

Wednesday, July 8

Thursday, July 9

Friday, July 10

Saturday, July 11

7:00 AM Lyn Football v. Rosenborg BK (W)

1:30 PM Rosenborg BK v Stromsgodset (M)

Sunday, July 12

7:00 PM Sporting KC v. Minnesota United

Monday, July 13

Tuesday, July 7

Week 25: Welcome back Norway, Bye-bye Serbia

Week 25: Welcome back Norway, Bye-bye Serbia

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Rosenborg BK 0 v. Kristiansund 0 (M)

It was a great day at Lerkendal stadium. The sun was shining. The drone footage was captivating. The players were reunited.

Eric Pal Helland not scoring and Samuel Adebengro’s individual runs going to waste were after thoughts. The Eliteserien is back and we are grateful.

Here’s hoping the video from Norway works

SC Freiburg 2 v. Hertha Berlin 1 (M)

Coming off a draw that buoyed their chances for Europe, Freiburg got a vital victory to move in to keep the pressure on Hoffenheim.

After a raft of great opportunities went lacking in the first half, an absolute thunder crack from Vincenzo Grifo put the Griffins ahead (after video review had spared them giving up a thundering shot at the other end). After a foolish stumble gave the lead back, Nils Petersen again scored the kind of goal that older brothers use to domineer their little brothers all the time. Some goals are beautiful, some aren’t. They all count.

https://youtu.be/yXiYO_g02rI

SC Freiburg 0 v. VfL Wolfsburg 2 (W)

Watching Wolfsburg play in the Women’s Bundesliga is a little like watching Duke basketball play in the Montana High School League. It’s the same game, and every opponent can have a good stretch, but the outcome is rarely if ever in doubt.

So Freiburg’s loss isn’t remarkable, but the fact that they held the champs to two goals, for the first time since a November draw against Bayern and only the fourth team all year to hold them under 3 (Bayern, FC Twente in the Womn’s Champions League and SC Sand on opening day). But despite a few solid goal scoring chances, it was Wolfsburg’s day dominating in the opposing box.

FK Vozdovac 1 v. FK Radnik Surdulica 1

Clearly feeling themselves in the midst of a fine run of form, the Red Dragons fired at Radnik Surdulica early and often. Seemingly every inch of space invited a shot, and while many had the look of Goalazos the ice breaker turned out to be a solid headed redirection with Lazar Zlicic elevating to nod in the aggressive attacking defender and captain, Nikola Mikic. The first goal seemed only to whet Zlicic’s appetite with his blasts coming faster and faster as the match wore on.

When Vozdovac failed to push in a free kick that seemed to run along the entire length of the goal line, Radnik capitalized. A straightforward cross could have been easily cleared, but Nemanja Pejcinovic’s foot angled toward goal and the gift was given and the points were shared.

Bayern Munich 3 v SC Freiburg 1 (M)

Munich had won another title so they didn’t have much reason to try in this match. But they are Bayern Munich, so, of course, they did. Robert Lewandowski did what he always does: score goals. A great run by Jonathan Schmid and a well placed tap-in from Lucas Holer gave us a little hope, but…it wasn’t to be.

That result, combined with Hoffenhiem’s win over Union Berlin ended any remaining daydreams of Europe for Christian Streich and company. But that’s all the more reason to start dreaming about next year!

https://youtu.be/p78AxREw0xk

Molde 1 v. Rosenborg BK 0 (M)

The reigning champions versus the eternal champions set up a rather tasty early fixture on the Eliteserien schedule. Molde wasn’t about to let the chance to bring fans into the stands go to waste, as for the first time outside Serbia we could hear timely, topical cheering (mercifully without the neo-nazi undertones).

The two sides showed their class in a pacy, back and forth match. Each side had clear cut opportunities, each had some urgent defensive lapses. In the end, the result hinged on two players. First, there was the rampaging class of Molde’s Ohi Omoijufano who seemed as confounding for Rosenborg as Minnesota’s maintenance of Lutefisk is for regular Norwegians. Second the lucky bounces of the ball from off Ola Brynhildsen, off keeper Andre Hansen back off Brynhildsen and finally off the post to deny Molde a second.

SC Freiburg 1 v. SGS Essen 2 (W)

The women from Freiburg had hopes of returning to winning ways, but it wasn’t to be against the side from Essen. The ominous omen for the rest of the match had to be Hasret Kayikci’s golden chance in the opening moments. Alone against the keeper Kayikci whiffed on her shot and may have earned some blooper music too.

Essen seemed to control the match the rest of the way, not withstanding a Janina Minge goal that bounced perfectly between the opposing keeper’s legs to remove some of the sting for Freiburg’s faithful.

Another attempted video upload, this time from the German Federation proper

News & Notes

FK Vozdovac wraps up

Ending much later than anyone anticipated, the Serbian league ended as it so often does: with Red Star Belgrade triumphant, Partizan Belgrade right behind them, and FK Vozdovac back in the distance.

While it may not have ended in hard ware, the comeback from an abysmal February to a respectable mid-table finish seems promising for the Red Dragons, and we hope that there’s more good news ahead.

Warriors Lose Starlet to Odisha FC

Moirangthem (from AFC Cup Media)

The awesome writers at the Away End, particularly the great and good Nehal are always our go to spot for info on the Indian game. This week the news was less than good. 17 year-old Thoiba Singh Moirangthem has left the Northwest. Though he wasn’t a permanent starter in Punjab, Moirangthem has the kind of potential you have to dream on. Or, if you’re a lower division club, sell on to try to keep yourself afloat during a pandemic.

Rosenborg add the Golden Boot Winner

Torgeir Borven lit up the Eliteserien for Odd last year, striking 21 times to top all players. That performance earned him a step up in profile and a move to the higher profile RBK to boot. He’ll start in August

Man of the Matches

While I’m tempted to name a Red Dragon as a parting gift, or a Rosenborger as a welcome back present, we can’t keep ignoring Vincenzo Grifo. With the Griffins, Grifo has done it all to boost them back into Europe. Powerful spot kicks, masterful distributing, without him there was every reason to fear a slide toward relegation. Instead, we got the thrilling final month. (He even took a break in being awesome to say hi to his hometown) Grazi Vincenzo.

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 24

Thursday, June 25

1:30 Rosenborg BK v. Bodo/Glimt (M)

Friday, June 26

Saturday, June 27

8:30 SC Freiburg v Schalke 04 (M)

Sunday, June 28

7:00 Frankfurt v. SC Freiburg (W)

1:30 Brann v Rosenborg BK (M)

Monday, June 29

Tuesday, June 30

Week 24: So Much News

Week 24: So Much News

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Scores

Rad Beograd 0 – FK Vozdovac 2

It might be the scheduling, it might be the refreshing pandemic break, whatever it is, it’s working for the Red Dragons

After 6 games without a point, Vozdovac has won 3 in a row. They vaulted two spots up the standings, with the best performance of any Belgrade team since the restart. (Their 3 opponents stood, 16th, 12th, and 15th in the 16 team Super Liga, but they still are in the Super Liga)

The derby with Rad was marked with typical Serbian League struggle. The home team looked imperious, only for some sterling defensive work to save the day. Some bitter exchanges climax in a red card (this time for Rad’s Veljko Trifunovic who made a stupid stomp even more ridiculous with the biggest “come at me bro” body language outside your local frat house). Vozdovac made their advantage count with two goals in the next half hour as Stefan Hajdin slapped in a low bouncer and Dragan Stoisavljevic finished a beautiful team goal made sweeter by coming right in front of a Confederate flag. (Screw you systemic racism, and screw you Rad Beograd.)

Next Saturday, Vozdovac wraps up their season at home. Next season is secure, and Europe is too far off. But another win would be a great vote of confidence going into the summer.

(M) Wolfsburg 2 – Freiburg 2

When you give up 4 goals in 30 minutes, you need a lot of things to salvage a point. Two overturned goals and a pair of sterling finishes gave SC Freiburg exactly that in their do-or-die tilt for Europe on Saturday.

The Wolves could have sealed a victory early on, but Daniel Ginczec’s rotten luck saw two of Wolfsburg four twine ticklers get pulled back, while gargantuan Dutchman Wout Weghorst capitalized first on a volley and then on a penalty that played a part in cancelling out one of the goals.

The reprieve was reason enough for Freiburg to come back with a sterling second half. Lucas Holer’s diving header from Vincent Grifo’s cross pulled one back before the break, and Roland Sallai’s looping chip of a header won the point.

The draw kept Freiburg’s hopes of a spot in next year’s Europa League alive for now. Given the strength of the German league right now, the team need only reach 7th to go gallivanting about on a Eurail pass. Right now Hoffenheim has that spot, 1 point clear with three to play. Both sides have one likely L in the offing (against Bayern Munich and Dortmund). Hoffenheim plays the teams that are lower on the table (Union Berlin & Augsburg) while Freiburg have the teams in worse form (including Schalke with 1 point in their last 5). There’s a kind of trophy to be had in this weird season after all.

https://youtu.be/3QIWN-ENYGU

(W) SC Freiburg 6 – FC Koln 1

Another week, another six goal shellacking by the women of SC Freiburg who, in 8 days, went from -14 goals to -3.

Our favorite wündermadchen, Klara Bühl scored again, but the battle to replace her saw Naomi Megroz score twice (I’d love to give more details, but I can’t seem to track down highlights).

To temper our joy, the Griffins have League leading Wolfsburg next. A team that let in 6 goals over the first six months of the campaign and skunked Freiburg 8-0 IN Freiburg last fall. If they rack up 6 on Wolfsburg, I will do the Gangnam Style dance for 90 minutes.

News & Notes

Best. Move. Ever.

OH YEAH GOOD YORIC!

Yoric Ravet is officially the first player to jump from one of our family teams (Freiburg) to another (Grenoble). Though he hasn’t seen the pitch for Freiburg this year, and only factored on the team sheet three times as a substitute, he has a strong history lighting up both Swiss and second division French football. The move will see him return to his first club, Grenoble, and hopefully give the French side a much needed offensive boost. (His twitter feed is a bit out of date, but the plethora of Grenoble cheering tweets will warm your heart)

Loons drawn into local crew

Last week I mentioned that Minnesota United would join a mini-tournament in Orlando. They now know their fate: facing fellow mountain/Midwest sides Salt Lake City, Colorado, and Kansas City. Given the friendly rivalry with KC and the barely restrained animosity with Colorado, this could get interesting.

Staggies Shuffle the Deck

Ferguson (L) and Kettlewell (R) planning
their next stratagem. (The Scotsman)

After two years, a cup title, promotion, and survival in the top league, Ross County have made some changes. Steven Ferguson leaves the technical area to be the club’s chief executive, covering signings as well as academy plans. Stuart Kettlewell takes some control of the first team while veteran midfielder Don Cowie retirés to join the coaching staff and captain Marcus Fraser moves on to new pastures after turning down a County contract.

Legon Cities Eyes the Axe

With a six week restart still required and a lot of the season left to play, Legon Cities and a number of other sides in Ghana seem to prefer cancelling the remaining season and starting afresh in the fall. Whether or not the local federation would approve with the tv money at risk and a battered reputation to clean up, remains to be seen.

Man of the Matches

Give some credit where it is well due, even without scoring a goal, Vazdovac defender Nikola Mikic made all the right moves under the floodlights in Belgrade. He broke up early goal scoring opportunities, added pressure to unnerve big runs and kept his team calm while Rad broke down in dissent with the officials and frustration with each other. Hat tip to you Nikola.

Nikola Mikic rocking scarves and beards with pride

What’s Next

Tuesday, June 16

11:00 Rosenborg BK v. Kristiansund (M)

1:30 SC Freiburg v Hertha Berlin (M)

Wednesday, June 17

7:00 SC Freiburg v. VfL Wolfsburg (W)

Thursday, June 18

Friday, June 19

Saturday, June 20

8:30 Bayern Munich v SC Freiburg (M)

11:00 FK Vozdovac v. FK Radnik Surdulica

1:30 Molde v. Rosenborg BK (M)

Sunday, June 21

7:00 AM SC Freiburg v. FC Koln (W)

Monday, June 22

Tuesday, June 23

Week 23: How ‘Bout that Then?

Week 23: How ‘Bout that Then?

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Scores

(M) SC Freiburg 1 – Borussia Munchengladbach 0

For the first time in months, I actually had the capacity to sit and watch a match from start to finish. Thank you, Bundesliga for scheduling Friday naptime games .

The Griffins didn’t disappoint, once again bringing their best against a top tier team. Gladbach’s attack put the defense on the wrong foot and again Alexander Schwolow was called upon to cover more space than your average cell phone network. The attack had several fine chances, but couldn’t seem to make the final connection between Vincent Grifo and Gian-Luca Waldschmit.

So it fell to Nils Petersen to again play super sub and again he obliged with another blistering header past the goalkeeper to provide the only goal that Freiburg needed (particularly as some silly behavior from Alassane Plea earned him two red cards and limited Gladbach’s resources.

It was an excellent win made even sweeter by being able to watch it myself.

https://youtu.be/wUpDfO5Q4Fo

FK Vozdovac 1 – Napredak 0

Two in a row! FK Vozdovac has vaulted up the Boot Room Table to 8th place and it was never particularly close.

With a surplus of opportunities against an uncertain Napredak, the Red Dragons (who are again wearing blue…which I still don’t understand) seemed to only need enough time to make it count. And count it did in the 74th minute when a seeming corner kick clearance lulled Napredak into a sense of comfort, only for a second ball to return to Jovan Nisic whose long cross was volleyed home by former Partisan striker Aleksa Jankovic.

Jankovic’s shot was the kind of rattling blast that came from nowhere and left the opponents flat footed. A little like an unexpected goal from the back line on your foosball table. As an added perk, fans were let in to the stadium to provide a special touch of dynamic ambiance to the affair.

(W) SC Freiburg 6 – USV Jena 0

Okay, to be fair, USV Jena is at the bottom of the Women’s Bundesliga. They’ve only managed two draws all year. They’ve let in 6 goals in three of their last four matches.

To be unfair: WHOOOOO HOOOOOO! 6 Goals! A brace from young Janina Minge!! We’ve got backups to Klara Buhl!!!

Freiburg’s onslaught has certainly boosted their profile, taking a jumbled mid table and making all the more dramatic with 4th through 7th separated by only 5 points. This might be the start of a big spurt, but with one week to go tot he big battle with top of the table Wolfsburg (who likely won’t end up with the same bickering backline as USV Jena), there’s no time to let up.

https://youtu.be/InPbE9CSKJs

News & Notes

Rosenborg Win’s Alex’s Affections

One benefit of being a little bit behind in publishing this is that Alex got a chance to see my phone chime with news of another friendly goal for Rosenborg BK. A few taps later he was watching delightedly as the camera panned around Lerkendal Stadion, and he said (honest to god) “I wish you could take me there”.

So congrats Rosenborg, the kid’s on board.

Yes Alex, I will take you there

Loons prepare to fly south

While I usually have about as much sympathy for the billion/million-aire club owners as a treetop has for a hungry brontosaurus, I have to admit this is a tricky time to run a team, let alone a league.

You can only make money if you have games, you can only have games if you have players, but putting players together in a space risks illness and worse. But, if you don’t have games, the players don’t get paid. And, with all of this, you have fans who both want you to come back for their entertainment and need you to stay away to avoid taking away resources.

Unclear where this giant rodent will play

So Major League Soccer here in the states lit on a plan to take all 26 teams down to Orlando Florida for a mini-tournament, that both gives them the chance to make some money while only inconveniencing the Walt Disney Corporation (which…hey..that’s okay too). Exact terms of the contest are due to come out in the coming days, but it’s nice to know plans are in place. (It will be awkward that the NBA will also be at Disney World…but maybe we can get a great set of inter-league pranks going.)

Woman of the Matches

Torn again between all the strong Freiburgian showings I have to tip the cap to Alexander Schwolow again. At a time when his defense has been shaky, he’s showed up ready to defend the goal to the last drop of his strength.

Schwolow saves the day

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 10

Thursday, June 11

Friday, June 12

1:00 PM Rad Beograd v. FK Vozdovac

Saturday, June 13

8:30 AM Wolfsburg v. Freiburg (M)

Sunday, June 14

7:00 AM SC Freiburg v. FC Koln (W)

Monday, June 15

Tuesday, June 16

1:30 SC Freiburg v. Hertha Berlin (M)

Week 22: Back but Brutal

Week 22: Back but Brutal

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Scores

(M) Eintracht Frankfurt 3- SC Freiburg 3

More games against the bottom sides in the Bundesliga = more trouble for Freiburg.

Everything seemed handled. Vincent Grifo’s lucky first goal benefited from a deflection. Nils Petersen knocked in a ripping header after some chippy Frankfurt play and a Lucas Holer breakaway seemed to put it beyond all doubt. (Sure there was a botched clearance that gifted an ugly goal to Frankfurt, but c’mon those happen.)

Then, in about 5 minutes, it all went wrong. Daichi Kamada capitalized on Robin Koch’s ill advised dribble back towards goal. Then American Timmy Chandler capitalized on a solid cross to level the score again.

https://youtu.be/j4P9EWP0tFo

(M) SC Freiburg 0 – Bayer Leverkusen 1

Again Freiburg managed to play well against a strong team, but came away from the game with nothing.

Lucas Holer had a golden chance on another break away, only to break hearts instead when he missed wide. It proved costly as Leverkusen took over the opportunities and capitalized when Lukas Kubler and Nicholas Hofler turned off their defensive brains and Dominique Heintz couldn’t save the day.

It was ugly, and uglier still when some late chances were similarly lacking, but sometimes that happens.

https://youtu.be/reagzxwc7ho

(W) SC Freiburg 3 – Turbine Potsdam 2

This was a thriller, which makes sense since even though both Freiburg and Potsdam are far off the pace for the Champions League, they’ve had their last two matches decided in the final 5 minutes of time. So, of course it happened again Sunday.

After an opening goal was disallowed, the lady Griffins let in a pair from Potsdam within a half an hour. Then they came roaring back with three in the second half, including Klara “Killing Em Softly” Buhl’s tenth goal and Naomi Megroz’s opportunistic winner just before the final whistle.

This is what we’ve been missing.

Macva Sabac 0 – FK Vozdovac 1

The Red Dragons won a game! The Red Dragons won a game! Great day in the morning the Red Dragons won a game!!

Granted, they were playing the bottom team on the table in Serbia, but even after Milos Stojcev was shown a red card for a high elbow and the team was reduced to ten men, there was hope. In the 85th minute Ivan Milosavljevic made the magic happen with a blistering half-volley and finally Vozdovac found a ray of hope in 2020.

News & Notes

Rosenborg Back Klub

After months of training, extensive not training, and then retraining, Rosenborg is gearing up for the return of the Eliteserien in 2 weeks. Their first tune up against Bodø/Glimt was a valuable run out, letting teams shake off the rust. New man Kristoffer Zachariassen, who joined from Sarpsborg, netted the only goal early on.

I like Jadon Sancho now…

That’s it, that’s the news.

YUP
I know he’s approximately 9000% more expensive than we can afford, but c’mon MNUFC, make it happen.

Ross County Cut Costs

The Staggies are facing a hard situation.

There are no more matches, which means no more gate receipts, which means little to no more income.

There are players on the payroll they need to keep happy, lest they lose some of the skill they need to survive next season against the Scottish top flight.

But players cost money. Money that county doesn’t have. So…the teams said goodbye to 14 players.

10 Reservists heading out the door meant pretty much an entire back up squad was sliced out of the budget. The bigger names are the four senior players: Richard Foster, Sean Kelly, Lewis Spence, and Declan McManus. It’s hardest to say goodbye to Foster who has played for the team twice, returning from England to help see the team to the top level of Scottish football again.

Lest we think that Ross County are cheap (and confirmation of an old…if true…Scottish stereotype) they could have done what other struggling clubs did and take government money to pay workers in need of a new contract. Instead they said they’d be honest and work it out on their own.

Honesty is a small solace for Foster and others, but such is the lousy nature of the world we live in these days.

Woman of the Matches

Klara Buhl remains the decisive force in Freiburg, lifting the team to excellence when she’s on form. Her late equalizer was crucial to a needed win, and reminded us that, as the person responsible for 1/3 of her team’s goals, she will be much missed when she moves to Bayern Munich this summer.

Wunderbar, Klara! Also…please teach the guys to finish one-v-ones before you go

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 3

Thursday, June 4

Friendly–Stojordals Blink v. Rosenborg BK

Friday, June 5

1:30 PM SC Freiburg v. Borussia Muchen Gladbach (M)

Saturday, June 6

11:00 AM FK Vozdovac v. Napredak

Sunday, June 7

7:00 AM FF USV Jena v. SC Freiburg (W)

Monday, June 8

20. Maybe, You’re Going to be the One Who Saves Me

20. Maybe, You’re Going to be the One Who Saves Me

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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 summer 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 sixth team to meet: Minnesota United FC in St. Paul (your home town). A team that captures better than any other how community supports sports like sports supports a community

Dear Boys,

Wherefore Minnesota United?

This one is pretty easy. You know that big silver structure we go past on the way to grandma and grandpa’s? That’s Minnesota United.

You know those black and blue shirts and scarves and hats your dad and mom wear and share with you? That’s Minnesota United.

You know the chants I teach you? The walks in summer sun to hear drums, to Shout “Go Loons”? to Eat pizza, and donuts, and curry? That’s Minnesota United.

The first five teams tie to part of our family’s past. The next five all relate to our community’s future. Minnesota United is our present, our here and now, our neighbors, our local team.

Who is Minnesota United?

There has been professional soccer in Minnesota since 1976. The names, colors, owners, stadia, and leagues have changed a lot in that time. But the fans have kept it going throughout.

The team badge

This particular side dates back to 2009 when one fore-bearer, Minnesota Thunder, ceased operating. by the grace of a new minor league a team was kept alive. Not just alive but thriving. The NSC Stars won one title and finished second for another before a new owner stepped up and made the team Minnesota United, complete with the red eyed “Deathloon” crest.

Every part of our local soccer history is a story of, as Tom Stoppard might say “insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster”. Luckily enough it all works out well in the end because of one simple thing.

How are we Minnesota United?

We are stronger together than we could ever be alone.

Soccer teams in America rise and fall like the stock market. The highs are thrilling and rewarding. The lows often include a sense of overwhelming despair and (often) abandonment.

We love the Loons, but they could have gone the same way as the Baltimore Bays, Tampa Bay Mutiny, or San Francisco Deltas. There’s only one thing that makes Minnesota United one of our teams rather than a wistful footnote of what might have been: a community that pushed on while the teams faltered.

As valuable as a team is, it’s nothing next to the community that unites behind the team. Lots of teams have supporters and fans, but that can’t replace a lack of financial support. Lots of teams can find a backer, but that doesn’t mean much if you alienate fans. It takes a whole club–players, coaches, owners, and fans–to make it work. And that’s what makes Minnesota United our team, we are part of the community that built and sustains it.

One of the team’s legends goes that when the money was tight and the future was unsure some players started singing “Wonderwall” by Oasis to celebrate wins. Then the players sang it to the fans in gratitude for loyalty throughout the season. Then the fans sang it back. Then the new owner felt inspired to join the team. And Minnesota United went from being “the team no one wanted” to being a team saved by everyone around it.

“Maybe you’re going to be the one who saves me

Cause after all

You’re my wonder wall”

Oasis
https://youtu.be/R9nzMZ1YMaA
Week 17: Don’t drink bleach

Week 17: Don’t drink bleach

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Scores

Logic 0 – Craziness 1

One of the long standing mantras of this who Coronavirus crisis is “stay safe, stay sane.” Much as I feel like the weekend isn’t the weekend without a soccer match somewhere in the world, I wouldn’t say I’m going crazy.

Would that the same could be said for our leadership who this week suggested, maybe “injecting disinfectant” could be researched because “it kills the disease immediately” (on tables…not your lungs). While he attempted to use video review to claim it was sarcasm, it’s pretty clear that word doesn’t mean what he thinks it means.

News & Notes

We’re In the Endgame Now…hopefully

A few more leagues have sorted out what they hope to do to work out the snafus in their league schedules.

Scotland has all the drama of a board meeting on Succession with slightly less profanity and more, as the BBC put it, “bunfighting” . It sounds like the four divisions of Scottish soccer may be condensed to three leagues of 14 teams each. This would save some of the teams on the cusp of relegation (Ross County this year), award teams who would have been promoted (Ross County last year), and only irk the big teams (not Ross County).

Germany continues to make clear their intent to come back to the field in May, preferably May 9th. The only thing standing in their way? Angela Merkel’s government. Merkel is obviously tremendous off the ball and has a great tactical mind, but the real strength is that 11 players for the soccer teams versus thousands from the government offer no real contest. Maybe the league will be back in later May, if there isn’t a second spike in cases (fingers crossed).

Mexico has the worst of it. With promotion postponed for five years, there are significant questions about whether or not lower level teams can survive. That’s fine by the top division sides, some of whom also own lower league teams and could do with the excuse to cut the budget. It’s significantly harder on independent sides like Oaxaca who opted for a league payout and financial security over stubbornly demanding a shot at the top tier. Weirder still, some theorize that this is actually a ploy to unite the Mexican and American soccer leagues with big name teams in a top tier and other sides (like say, Oaxaca and little old Minnesota United) being pushed down the pecking order.

Man of the Matches

Last week we saw what Germany is doing to tie players to gamers in a modified competition. This week we tip our cap to a local competitor in the same vein: new Minnesota United goalie Tyler Miller who played for the black and blue against Sporting Kansas City

Even though Miller lost 4-0 he’s still the paws down pick for Man of the Matches

What’s Next

Wednesday, April 29

Thursday, April 30

Celebrate Grandma Bekka’s Birthday with a hearty round of “Shalalalalala–Oh Rosenborg”

Friday, May 1

Saturday, May 2

Sunday May 3

Monday May 4

Week 16: Dancing, and dribbling, by myself

Week 16: Dancing, and dribbling, by myself

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Scores

None…still

The Corona-Virus remains unbeaten against athletic competitions around the world. Really, if they can beat the Olympics, what chance does Ecuador’s women’s league have

We’re getting so hungry for competition that several leagues have organized video game competitions between teams. I for one only hope someone writes a hot tale about how these games should count to the final table.

News & Notes

How does all this end?

Not the disease mind, but rather the various leagues going on a month of hiatus? Here’s a brief update on every league we follow.

In Europe, each country has their own plan. Germany wants to come back in just about 2 weeks to play at empty stadia, but with the government urging against gatherings of more than 2 people, that seems implausible. France’s similar strategy starting in six weeks may be more viable. Serbia and Norway are quietly waiting to see, and Scotland well…

Scotland has a right mess on its hands, with teams voting to continue or terminate their seasons under strange circumstances. Almost every team turned in a vote on that proposal over a week ago.

Every team except Dundee United who voted no, then said they weren’t sure and since no one had said “no take-backsies” they could change their mind. Naturally the teams on the verge of relegation were livid, those who won titles, far less so.

Elsewhere, Ecuador can afford to wait it out; however, Ghana is fretting about losing vital money for the newly restarted league; with the title decided, it only makes sense for India to wrap up now; Liga MX cancelled the Acenso spring season and ended promotion for five years…so Alebrijes is thoroughly hosed (and their fans are…not happy about it)

Here in the US, Dr. Anthony Fauci announced that the only way any sports would return this summer was without fans. That’s not an issue for the fall season Lady Griz, but could be a problem for the summer season MLS. Rather than mirror Germany and France, Minnesota United might be bound for a neutral site (say: LA) to live and train and play in front of empty stadiums so the athletes can be contained. How exactly television crews are allowed (or not) to cover the games has yet to be seen.

Man of the Matches

Another entry in the increasingly enjoyable world of e-sport substitution is the “Bundesliga At Home Challenge”

Each team is setting one regular team player and one e-sports player to battle against their league rivals. Sadly for Freiburg, they have no e-sports team and are instead sending two players out. Nico Schlotterbeck and Mark Flekken took care of business this weekend with wins against VfB Stuttgart’s players.

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What’s Next

Wednesday, April 22

Debate whether I can work and watch Sunderland Til I Die simultaneously. Continue until realizing mid-student phone call that watching a show that inspires me to adopt a Jordie accent probably isn’t good for instruction.

Thursday, April 23

Friday, April 24

Saturday, April 25

Sunday April 26

Monday April 27