Tag: Minnesota United

Week 19: One big game and 2,000 solemn faces

Week 19: One big game and 2,000 solemn faces

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recaps

Rangers 4 – 1 Ross County

Raise your hand if you’re surprised by that result…good news, I’m not writing some creepy blog that watches you through your camera so I have no idea if you raised your hand or not, but rest assured, it’s not at all surprising.

Barcelona SC 1 – 1 Emelec

This was a biggie. The stadium was the most crowded one I’ve seen for any of our highlights and the mood was tense. The biggest match in Guyaquil ended in shared points…but Barcelona and Emelec hate sharing as much as two brothers with a Paw Patrol brand squirt pack. This match was almost as testy with Emelec using a lot of physicality to hold off Barcelona’s attacks, and capitalizing on occasional miscues (as with Alexis Zapata’s goal).

Minnesota 2 – 1 Colorado [Cup]

In a game played over 18 hours (with a tornado warning in between), the Loons managed to pull off a solid win despite losing the lead and playing the last ten minutes without center back Brent Kallman. Credit goes to Emmanuel Reynoso who again proved that asking him to play the hero isn’t a bad strategy when he has his hero boots on.

Punjab FC 3 – 3 Neroca FC

It was hard to watch the Warriors squander a lead like they did…fortunately I didn’t find any clips of it so I didn’t have to watch it happen. Still, it’s a rough ending to what started out to be a promising campaign for Punjab. Clearly Kurtis Guthrie can’t do it all the same way Emmanuel Reynoso can (please don’t take that as a suggestion anyone)

Bayern Leverkusen 2 – 1 Freiburg [M]

While Freiburg started great guns this year they didn’t finish that way. Leverkusen showed their endurance all year and did it again by winning in stoppage time here. Still, no need to cry for Freiburg there’s still European competition next year and a trophy to play for next weekend.

Ross County 1 – 2 Dundee

From Fitba on Twitter

The Tangerines denied County any comfort of coming close to European soccer by beating them at home, and also throwing stuff on the field. (Granted it was an inflatable palm tree and beach ball…but who brings that stuff to a match? Other than Dundee people for some reason.)

Paris FC 2 -0 Grenoble [M]

A year ago, Grenoble and Paris were in a pitched battle for playoff survival. This year, Grenoble just gave them a game to warm up for the playoffs. Sigh…I still miss Jessy Bennet.

Nanas 2 – 0 Emelec [F]

Pleae don’t leave us Hasret!

Something may need to change for las Electricas. 1 point per match isn’t dreadful (they’re still solidly mid-table) but it seems like they’re being passed up by other sides

FC Koln 0 – 0 SC Freiburg [F]

Freiburg wrapped their women’s season too. There were great scorers emerging this year, here’s hoping they stay. (Looking at you Hasret!)

Seattle Sounders 3 – 1 Minnesota United

The Loons seem to turn in their worst performances in Seattle. Maybe because Seattle is the best team in North America, or maybe because the Loons are secretly 11 pumpkins who revert to gourd form when they get too close to Starbucks: come back to Caribou boys!!

Orense 2 – 0 Emelec

In a rarity los Bombillos never looked a threat in this one. Rarer still they were outclassed despite Orense being a significantly softer side. Perhaps thoughts of Palmeiras mid-week were overwhelming

Rosenborg 3 – 0 Sandefjord [M]

Stefano Holmquist Vecchia came thorugh big time for Rosenborg. The front of the troll’s attack hasn’t been awe inspiring this season, but abrace from Vecchia and some good interplay with Noah Holm up top was good enough to get Rosenborg their first win in 4 tries. (Not a bad way to kick off Syttende Mai/Norwegian Independence Day)

Vozdovac 0 – 3 Partizan Belgrade

Vozdovac definitely got the fuzzy lollipop from the schedule makers. Their last two matches come against Partizan and Red Star, the Serbian duopoly, and teams they have only scored two goals against in the 7 combined matches since the pandemic started. Worse, with European leagues expanding, Vozdovac is hitting the hardest stretch just before they had a spot clinched.

News & Notes

Aurora On Board

The newest team in our galaxy of stars took the field to begin practicing this week. Minnesota Aurora has started to prepare for the upcoming season. It won’t be long, but it should be fun, and in the end. That’s what matters.

Trophy Alert!

There’s a big opportunity awaiting Freiburg this weekend, but it’s one that most folks have written off. The DFB Pokal is one of the most prestigious and longest running tournaments in Europe, and Freiburg has looked good in the run up to the final. However, in the final they’ll meet RB Liepzig, the highly funded squad with several stars and a history of coming close. The season saw a pair of 1-1 draws with Phillip Leinhart and Nico Schlotterbeck stopping the Liepzig attack before it could get going. They’ll need to do it again on a bigger stage this weekend if they’re going to grab Freiburg’s first trophy as a top division team.

Self-Care

Entertainment!

The recent surge in COVID cases, and the vicious bout of cold I came down with did come with a small consolation: I was able to get a treat of a lunch with spicy Nashville Coop Chicken and watch two matches simultaneously! You didn’t get to…but I promise if there’s a point where I can get you a treat like this, I absolutely will.

Player of the Week

Maybe Norwegian Independence has me in a mood, maybe absolutely no one else distinguished themselves, but this week’s honors will go to Stefano Holmquist Vecchia. And I’m ok with that.

Standings Update

That was not exactly a thrilling week. Outside of the Guyaquil derby, my fun day at home and Rosenborg’s Syttende Mai celebration, there was a whole lot of losing going on. It’s a bitter way for several teams to start their summer break, here’s hoping that Grenoble’s ladies and Freiburg can end their seasons with a win.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Alebrijes de Oaxaca–b10531.941.30.7
Freiburg15871.772.11.5
Rosenborg9461.631.50.9
Legon Cities8551.611.30.7
Minnesota6251.541.21.0
Punjab–b7461.471.81.7
Emelec8781.351.61.4
FK Vozdovac5551.331.21.0
Ross County–b6581.211.11.4
Grenoble94131.191.11.4
University of Montana–b——————
Table Updated 5/18/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, May 18th

Legon Cities v. Dreams FC

Minnesota v. LA Galaxy

Palmeiras v. Emelec [M- Continental]

Thursday, May 19th

Verdal v. Rosenborg [Cup]

Friday, May 20th

Saturday, May 21st

Red Star Belgrade v. Vozdovac

Freiburg v. RB Leipzig [M–Cup Final!]

Emelec v. Universidad Catolica

Sunday, May 22nd

Quito FC v. Emelec [F]

Avaldsnes v. Rosenborg BK [F]

Bechem United v. Legon Cities FC

HamKam v. Rosenborg [M]

Dallas v. Minnesota United

ASPTT Albi v. Grenoble [F]

Monday, May 23rd

Tuesday, May 24th

Independiente Petrolero v. Emelec [M-Continental]

Week 18: Cold Comforts

Week 18: Cold Comforts

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recaps

Rosenborg 1 – 0 Stabaek [F]

The Trolljenta aren’t looking to break their record for most season losses any time soon. Synne Bronstad was the hero this day getting the winning goal just five minutes after she came on as a substitute. Rosenborg has had to get creative, but the deeper the bench goes the better for everyone.

Punjab FC 0 – 2 Sreenidi Deccan

I’ve had a hard time finding recaps on this, but suffice to say, it didn’t go great for Punjab. They’re fully out of the running for hardware this year, but acquitted themselves well despite the changes in season and in management.

Freiburg 1 – 4 Union Berlin [M]

That one wasn’t even close. Despite having 71% possession and at least 2 expected goals, Freiburg got nearly nothing, while Union Berlin made the most of each of their chances against a clearly tiring Freiburg back line. Freiburg heads to their last league match needing a great showing against one of the best teams in the country.

Ross County 0 – 1 Motherwell

The Staggies also came up short in a vital game at home, but can’t count themselves quite as unlucky as Freiburg. The lost points stem from Alex Iacovitti’s foul in the box and the ensuing penalty. It was unfortunate but, so it goes.

Grenoble 1 – 1 AC Ajaccio [M]

Loris Nery put Grenoble in front early off a lightning strike of a free kick. However, Adrien Monfray’s two yellow cards (within 5 minutes of each other) put them right back in jeopardy. While Ajaccio got a goal back, Brice Mableu kept things tight at the back to snatch a point and with it safety in Ligue 2 for another year.

Minnesota United 0 – 1 Cincinnati [M]

The Loons looked poor and again required Dayne St. Clair to save the day. Romain Metanire’s absence continues to create trouble for our fullbacks, and the struggles of the offense to find a plan beyond: Reynoso does something magical, isn’t helping the offense either.

Emelec 1 – 0 Macara [F]

Las Electricas got a win again! Captain Maria Jose Colonel netted the winner late on in the match to give Emelec a boost on their way in to Mother’s Day.

Emelec 4 – 0 Mushuc Runa [M]

Sebastian Rodiguez could have had a penalty kick hat trick, but mercifully ceded the honors to Jose Cevallos at the end of the game as los bombillos plagued Mushuc every step of the way. (Alexis Zapata must have a protractor to hit the angle of goal he did…oof)

SC Freiburg 3 – 0 SGS Essen [F]

It wasn’t the well known stars who boosted Freiburg to victory, but a well rounded game can be exactly what the doctor called for. Three goals came with three combinations of scorers and play makers. I’m a little partial to Jana Vojtekova’s cross, but that’s me.

LSK Kvinner 0 – 0 Rosenborg BK [F]

Sa, det skjedde (that’s “So that happened” in Norwegian)

Stromsgodset 3 – 0 Rosenborg [M]

That also happened. The only thing to say is that Erland Dahl Reitan’s goal was nice…but into the wrong net. Rosenborg’s normally reliable performance have dropped dramatically and they now sit in 12th place. (one point above relegation area…granted it’s early but still…yikes…)

Grenoble 3 – 1 Le Puy [F]

Les alpines got a much needed dose of home cooking after two lack luster losses in a row. And with Sherly Jeudy and Claudia Fabre were phenomenal in tandem setting up and knocking home all three of the Grenoble goals, including this one just three minutes into the match

Accra Lions 1 – 0 Legon Cities

Legon is awfully close to Accra, but the Royals continue to stumble in the closest things they have to local rivalries. They have won one match against the trio of Lions, Hearts of Oak, and Olympics. Here’s hoping Liberty Professionals come back for a little extra aggression next year.

Cukaricki 0 – 0 Vozdovac

That also happened. (Side note: Milos Milovic’s red card will likely hold him back from the next match against Partizan Belgrade…I’m sure Milos is a serious professional, but I wouldn’t blame him if he wanted a break from the fascist pigs that cheer at Paritzan.)

News & Notes

Mother’s Day Mania!

We celebrated your mom the best way possible on Sunday: sweet treats and Star Wars (those were her requests which again reminds us that she is truly awesome). We also got to see the Women take center stage with all the women’s teams in action and every single one of them picking up a point.

Champions League

Where attention is at…

I don’t really talk about the major soccer scene that much. There are other, better known websites for chronicling other, better known competitions. But suffice to say, it was fun to see a crowd of students chattering and buzzing during the biggest game of the year (so far). It also reminded me that exactly 0 learning will be done on November 21st, 22nd, 29th, and 30th (as Mexico and Ecuador are in action over those two days…and most of my students have families from there)

C is for Catchy Song

I have no further notes, just enjoy this Ross County version of a Sesame Street Classic.

Player of the Week

It’s not all about Mothers day, but the simple fact is the men went 1-1-6 this week and the women went 3-1-0. We already wanted to recognize the awesomeness of the women but, as always, they made it easy. This week we’ll give it to Claudia Fabre who had a hand (or foot) in everything that got the ladies of Grenoble into the winner’s circle (also, if my research is to be believed she’s also a radiologist…so…wow…and possibly a big Bitcoin enthusiast).

Standings Update

It’s a great time to be a fan, as all but one team has a winning record this year, and even they (Grenoble) are in fine form lately. I can’t remember the last time Vozdovac was this high on the standings…they must be carrying the mythical flying creature flag…sorry Oaxaca.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Alebrijes de Oaxaca–b10531.941.30.7
Freiburg15761.862.21.5
Legon Cities8551.611.30.7
Rosenborg8461.561.40.9
Minnesota5241.551.20.8
Emelec8661.501.81.3
Punjab7361.501.81.6
FK Vozdovac5541.431.30.9
Ross County6561.351.11.2
Grenoble94121.241.21.4
University of Montana–b——————
Table Updated 5/11/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, May 11th

Rangers v. Ross County

Minnesota v. Colorado [Cup]

Barcelona SC v. Emelec

Thursday, May 12th

Friday, May 13th

Saturday, May 14th

Punjab FC v Neroca FC

Bayern Leverkusen v. Freiburg [M]

Ross County v. Dundee

Vozdovac v. Partizan Belgrade

Paris FC v. Grenoble [M]

Nanas v. Emelec [F]

Sunday, May 15th

FC Koln v. SC Freiburg [F]

Seattle Sounders v. Minnesota United

Orense v. Emelec

Monday, May 9th

Rosenborg v. Sandefjord [M]

Week 17: Wild Times

Week 17: Wild Times

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recaps

Cimarrones 1 – 3 Alebrijes

Oaxaca started out their quest for the Liga Expansion cup with a thundering win away from home. They got all the offense they needed on a pair of first half throw-ins This is a far cry from the team that started out so sloppily in the fall. There’s real hope that some silverware awaits. [Narrator’s voice: it didn’t…]

Røa 0 – 3 Rosenborg [F]

The black and white attack of Rosenborg picked up right where it left off over the weekend. A pair of thundering strikes showed that the Trolljenta still know what they’re doing in their attack. This time some of the more familiar names spearheaded the charge with Sara Kanutte Fornes now spearheading the attack and Emilie Marie Joramo picking up the slack in the midfield.

FK Vozdovac 3 – 0 Napredak

It was a heckuva 9 minute stretch for the Red Dragons against Napredak. From the 21st to the 28th minute, Vozdovac notched up 3 goals, and mercifully held themselves back from adding a further whooping to Napredak.

Emelec 1 – 3 Palmeiras [Continental-M]

You’d be right to assume that Palmeiras, one of the rising powers of Brazilian club soccer would be the beast to beat in Emelec’s Copa Libertedores group. So the loss here isn’t terribly damning. After this result, a lot depended on the game at Venezuela’s Deportivo Tachira…see below.

Punjab FC 2 – 1 Rajasthan United

Punjab won…Kurtis Guthrie scored…this is not a coincidence. Guthrie even managed to do it entirely with his feet rather than relying on his supreme height advantage to get another headed goal. Despite the strong showing, Punjab remains six points back of Gokulam FC, despite Gokulam playing two fewer matches….still…Kurtis Guthrie gives hopes to all us gangly guys.

Independents Del Valle 3 – 1 Emelec [F]

Las Electricas are struggling to find some form. With just four points in five matches, they’re looking for something that can boost them back up towards their regular post-season competition, and soon!

Alebrijes 0 – 0 Cimarrones

And with that Alebrijes won the tie and moved on to…uh…wait a second…they didn’t? Wait…What?

Hearts 0 – 0 Ross County

As ever with goalless draws, I don’t have much to say. Given County’s recent form, it’s not surprising that they hung back to stop Hearts from scoring rather than venturing out for a goal of their own. It may be effective enough to get the Stags into European competition, but fun it is not.

Hoffenheim 3 – 4 Freiburg [M]

Meanwhile, decidedly farther along the “fun” spectrum, was Freiburg’s game against Hoffenheim, which ended in a rollicking 7 goal match. The Griffin’s attack was formidable with Rolland Sallai and Woo-Yeong Jeon scoring and Christian Gunter and Lucas Holer getting a goal and an assist a pop. There were still a few too many nervy moments for keeper Mark Flekken and a very tired back line. With two weeks to go and two big matches against fellow European contenders (Union Berlin and Beyern Leverkusen) on the docket, here’s hoping to defenders getting a rest.

Grenoble 1 – 1 Amiens

I’m glad to say that Jessy Bennet was man of the match. I’m less glad to stay that he still isn’t playing for Grenoble. But the shared points will leave most of Grenoble satisfied (see the note below). Despite having two starters come off within the first half hour, they remained resilient and got the goal they needed

Rosenborg BK 0 – 1 Lyn Football [F]

Strange but true, Rosenborg now has as many losses in this season as they had in the last two seasons combined. There are some big Blakstad boots to fill and some unfortunate injuries to limit Sarah Kanutte Fornes. But we have faith that the Trolljenta will take these setbacks and grow.

Legon Cities 2 – 0 Elmina Sharks

Following Legon Cities has been an exercise in expectations unmet. But Hans Kwofie’s surge of form notching another goal in this one has been heartening to see. As Jonah Attuquaye and Kwofie connect more and more easily, Legon looks to be laying the groundwork for a strong end of the campaign and start to the next.

TSC Backa Topola 1 – 1 Vozdovac

Again the Red Dragons needed a boost from a Milos to get the job done. This week it was Milos Pantovic who saved a point with a late goal against Backa Topola.

LAFC 2 – 0 Minnesota Utd

It was late, it was long, it was offensively frustrating to see many opportunities and now results. It was a typical trip to LA for Minnesota.

Churchill Brothers 2 – 1 Punjab FC

For the first time in a long time, Kurtis Guthrie scored but Punjab came away without any points. This is a disturbing trend that must be stopped as soon as possible. (Good thing the season ends soon anyway)

Deportiva Tachira 1 – 4 Emelec [Continental-M]

Los Bombillos delivered a tremendous result on the road in Venezuela. The win vaulted them into second place in their Copa Libertadores group, and may prove invaluable as Tachira is their closest rival for that second spot. Sebastian Rodriguez played the hero with a hat trick to seal the victory.

https://youtu.be/CLo49lacoL8

News & Notes

Special Guest Star: GRANDMA!

Grandma teaches Owen gegenpressing with a juicer metaphor

Your mom took a much deserved break this weekend with a trip down to San Diego to see her sister. Meanwhile you boys stuck it out in a cold and drizzly Minnesota with me and Grandma Bekka, who has invaluable insights of her own to offer each and every day: including why Tron is both an allegory for our dependence on technology, and just plain old cool. She also deeply appreciated your boys’ taste in movies as we treated her to granola snacks, Big Hero 6, and Into the Spiderverse. It was pretty great.

Explaining Oaxaca

I was sure it was a mistake. I knew the first leg score. I was watching the second leg tracker as I rocked Owen to sleep. Then I saw the final whistle and checked social media for a celebratory post: only to find the phrase “Termina el partido y nuestra participación en el #Clausura2022” or “The Game ends and so does our participation in [the league]”. I couldn’t figure it out. So…How does a team that won the spring season, and the first leg, and the two legs combined get eliminated from the Championship playoffs?

Well, by bringing along one more player than they were supposed to.

We can’t believe it either guys
(Photo From D1SoftballNews.com)

By bringing one extra player senior player than they were allowed for the first leg against Cimarrones, Alebrijes saw their 3-1 win wiped out and turned into a 1-0 loss. With that result, the goalless draw gave Cimarrones all they needed to advance. Credit where it’s due, Alebrijes owned the mistake and took their consequence professionally. It’s certainly not how any of us would like their season to end but…it is what it is. And now, it’s on to proving the strength in the 2022-2023 Season.

Le Sigh..

Grenoble’s draw against Amiens wasn’t the stuff of legend, but it was almost enough. Vincent Hognon’s team provided enough defense resilience to stop Amiens from getting the win and the point was enough to put all the pressure on Rodez to win against top of the table Toulouse….but the dogs did it. So Grenoble will have their status as a Ligue 2 team depend entirely on their next two matches. A point from either the home game against Ajaccio or the road game in Paris will save them, but Quevilly and Rodez still have some fight in them.

Is there a word in German for Grateful yet Frustrated Goodbye?

*Other than Dankbar frustiert Auf Wiedersehn?*

Because that’s what we have to say to Nico Schlotterbeck, who was confirmed as signing with much bigger side Borussia Dortmund. It makes sense, and might help Nico make it to Qatar in December, but…sigh…we sure liked him in Freiburg (we better get another platinum blond defender to continue the Robin Koch, Nico Schlotterbeck trend)…hmmm…PlatinblondTschuss?

Player of the Week

This would be a lot easier if only one person would have a good game at a time. Do you tip the cap to Sebastian Rodriguez for the hattrick? Milos Pantovic for playing a vital role in two wins? Both would be deserving, but we’re going to give a final tip of the cap to the team leading our league at this point: Alebrijes de Oaxaca, specifically one of the team leaders, a sterling defender and a man who chipped in three goals throughout the season: Ernesto Reyes.

Standings Update

It’s a great time to be a fan, as all but one team has a winning record this year, and even they (Grenoble) are in fine form lately. I can’t remember the last time Vozdovac was this high on the standings…they must be carrying the mythical flying creature flag…sorry Oaxaca.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Alebrijes de Oaxaca10531.941.30.7
Freiburg14751.882.21.5
Legon Cities8541.711.40.7
Minnesota5231.701.30.8
Rosenborg7351.601.60.9
Punjab7351.601.91.6
FK Vozdovac5441.461.40.9
Ross County6551.441.11.3
Emelec6661.331.71.4
Grenoble83121.171.11.4
University of Montana–b——————
Table Updated 5/4/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, May 4th

Rosenborg v. Stabaek [F]

Thursday, May 5th

Friday, May 6th

Saturday, May 7th

Punjab FC v Sreenidi Deccan

Freiburg v. Union Berlin [M]

Ross County v. Motherwell

Grenoble v AC Ajaccio [M]

Minnesota United v Cincinnati [M]

Emelec v. Macara [F]

Emelec v. Mushuc Runa [M]

Sunday, May 8th

SC Freiburg v. SGS Essen [F]

LSK Kvinner v. Rosenborg BK [F]

Stromsgodset v. Rosenborg [M]

Grenoble v. Le Puy [F]

Monday, May 9th

Accra Lions v. Legon Cities

Cukaricki v. Vozdovac

Tuesday, May 10th

Weeks 16 Coming to a Close

Weeks 16 Coming to a Close

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recaps

Forward Madison 0 – 2 Minnesota United [Cup]

The Midwestern Bird Derby was a welcome sight on Wednesday as the Loons sent some talented players down I-94 to play in Wisconsin’s capital. It might have been a bit of a surprise for players like Adrien Hunou and Bongokuhle Hlongwane to go from Champions League to Madison, Wisconsin, but the win moves them along in the US Open Cup. Special mention to Joseph Rosales and his pair of sterling corner kicks to set up both goals.

FK Vozdovac 2 – 1 Vojvodina

The Red Dragons struck again to boost their standing in the SuperLiga Championship Group. Despite a shaky start to the game defensively they responded well after a penalty conceded and made the most of their home turf. (The second goal from Marko Mijailovic was a particularly nice piece of teamwork) A trip to Europe is likely still out of reach for the stars of the Mall Stadium, but fourth place would still be one of their best finishes in years.

Cumbaya 1 – 1 Emelec [M]

Los bombillos endured a pretty dour match until all heck-fire broke out in the last ten minutes. After some shoddy defending gave Cumbaya the lead, Alexis Zapata seemed to be fouled in the box by a three inch tall pink pixie that only the referee could see (even Zapata doesn’t feel anything until after the whistle is blown). So Cumbaya got a red card for allowing pixies on the field, and Jose Cevallos knocked home the penalty to draw a point from the game. (Seriously, watch the foul and have a laugh at the absurdity of that penalty…we cheer for Emelec…but c’mon…)

https://youtu.be/nGClmnSygcM

Le Havre 0 – 1 Grenoble [M]

It’s not over yet but Vincent Hognon’s work boosting Grenoble is close to paying off in spades. As usual Grenoble goes best when it’s defense is on point, and we’re glad to see Loic Nestor and Adrian Monfry back in good form. (Kudos too to oft omitted defender Bart Straalman and to Jordy Gaspar, who has done well in a more advanced position)

Emelec 0 – 3 Deportivo Espuce [F]

Ooof…getting a three goal whooping at home is a tough way to start your weekend. But hey it was more fun than most of the men’s match.

Golukam 2 – 0 Punjab FC

Since starting crazy strong, Punjab’s been stymied consistently. Unsurprisingly, it seems to come down to Kurtis Guthrie. When he doesn’t score, the warriors have one win, one draw and all four of their losses.

Freiburg 3 – 3 Borussia Munchengladbach [M]

‘Gladbach started quite well and things looked dark, but Freiburg came back with a vengeance in the second half. Goals from Vincenzo Grifo, Christian Günter, and Phillip Leinhart gave Freiburg a boost that seemed like it might complete an epic comeback…until a very late header split the points.

Minnesota United 3 – 0 Chicago Fire

The Loons kept the good times rolling against more of our fellow midwesterners in a game that was a lot more physical than you’d expect from the Midwest’s “passive agressive” reputation. Emmanuel Reynoso started to click after a surprisingly poor run of play and South African winger Bongokuhle Hlongwane notched two assists to push past Chicago after leaning on Dayne St. Clair to start the match..

Rosenborg BK 4 – 1 Arna-Bjornar [F]

Rosenborg may have a loss to blemish their record earlier than ever before, but they continue to click along with terrifying consistency. This time Emile Nautnes took charge in midfield and ripped two goals en route to a big win.

Ross County 0 – 2 Celtic

The Stags rarely expect to take points off the Glaswegian duopoly of Celtic and Rangers, so losing by two feels like a moral victory. Ditto Connor Randall for helping bottle up at least one side of the park.

Asante Kotoko 1 – 3 Legon Cities

The porcupines of Kotoko seem to be running away with the league, but for 90 fabulous minutes in Kumasi the Royals held their own. Hans Kwofie and Jonah Attuquaye connected on two strong crosses, to boost Legon past one of Ghana’s legendary sides.

SC Freiburg 7 – 1 SC Sand [F]

Every once in a while Hasret Kayicki reminds you that she’s a force to be reckoned with. Passing, blasting in goals, dominating the passing lanes. Sorry Sand, but this was fun.

Rosenborg 0 – 0 Molde [M]

That happened.

Emelec 1 – 0 Aucas [M]

Thank goodness Bryan Carabali scored so early. After Anibal Leguizmon was sent off shortly after the game’s only goal, Emelec had to hunker down and endure heaps of pressure. They did and kept themselves in the top tier of the league in front of the fullest stadium I’ve seen for our team since the pandemic.

Rodez 3 – 0 Grenoble [F]

It was a less than sterling performance for the ladies of the Alps on Sunday. But Rodez seems to be on a glide path to winning their section of the league, so a loss to them on the road doesn’t sting quite so much.

Mohammaden SC 2 – 2 Punjab FC

Again it came down to Kurtis Guthrie. He had multiple gilt-edged opportunities to start the match, but couldn’t seem to get past the keeper. Mohammaden’s Markus Joseph plagued the Punjabi defense, but finally Kurtiss nodded down a header to equalize (even if he missed a late breakaway tap in to win it).

News & Notes

To everything there is a season.

When calendars turn to May, leagues start to wrap up shop for the year. Trophies have already been claimed in a few major leagues, including Germany and France. But by this time next month seven leagues will wrap up. Among the story lines to watch: whether or not Ross County and Freiburg might snatch spots in European league qualification; if Freiburg can take home the national Cup competition; if Vozdovac can be the best non-top 3 team in Serbia; if both Grenobles can hold on to their spots in Ligue 2; can Punjab pull off a miracle and pip Gokulam Kerala for a spot in the Asian Cup (probably not but still); and how much space can Freiburg make for themselves in the of the Frauen Bundesliga (9 points behind 5th, 6 points ahead of 7th…truly in a league of their own).

Switching up on the Sub-Continent

Ed Engelkes

Punjab has had a solid start to their campaign, but a month ago (at the start of my surreally busy schedule) they made a change in leadership with manager Ashley Westwood leaving by mutual agreement (which I always assumes means “disagreed about spice level in the curry”). In his place comes Dutch coach Ed Engelkes who had spent some time helping to organize the club’s youth teams and has a history with the best women’s teams in Holland. Worth wondering though how Engelkes is getting on with team talisman Kurtis Guthrie (who seems to determine whether Punjab is unbeatable, or merely present).

The Straw that Stirs the Scottish Soup!

Regan Charles Cook has garnered plenty of awards, but it was especially nice to see him recognized as one of the best eleven players in all of the Scottish Premier League (all the more impressive when you see that he’s the only one who doesn’t play in Glasgow or Edinburgh to get the honor). Can he be player of the year against keeper Craig Gordon and a pair of Celtic playmakers? (I mean, we vote yes, but we’re a weird guy in Minnesota and his two kids)

Attuquaye

Player of the Week

Again, it’s hard to choose, Bongokuhle was a major asset in a pair of wins, Hasret Kayici was dominant, and Legon Cities’ attacking tandem was incredible. While it’s tempting to give it to Bongokuhle and grab a bunch of South African retweets, I’m going to tip the cap to the Ghanaian duo in particularly Jonah Attuquaye who has become exactly the leader that Legon needs as they aim to avoid a third straight relegation scrap.

Standings Update

That middle of the table gets more and more crowded, as Punjab and the Staggies slip, Legon and Rosenborg make up the slack. Meanwhile, Emelec and Grenoble ought to get their women’s teams in order to climb the ranks. Maybe Hasret Kayrici fancies a double or triple life?

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Alebrijes de Oaxaca9431.941.30.7
Minnesota5221.891.40.7
Freiburg13751.842.11.4
Rosenborg5351.641.91.2
Legon Cities7541.631.40.7
Punjab6341.621.91.6
Ross County6451.471.21.3
Emelec5641.401.61.3
FK Vozdovac4341.361.31.0
Grenoble82121.181.11.5
University of Montana–b——————
Table Updated 4/27/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, April 27th

Røa v Rosenborg [F]

FK Vozdovac v. Napredak

Cimarrones v Alebrijes

Emelec v Palmeiras [Continental-M]

Thursday, April 28th

Friday, April 29th

Independents Del Valle v Emelec [F]

Saturday, April 30th

Punjab FC v Rajasthan United

Hearts v Ross County

Hoffenheim v Freiburg [M]

Grenoble v Amiens [M]

Sunday, May 1st

Rosenborg BK v. Lyn Football [F]

Legon Cities v Elmira Sharks

TSC Backa Topola v. Vozdovac

LAFC v Minnesota United

Monday, May 2nd

Tuesday, May 3rd

Churchill Brothers v. Punjab FC

Deportiva Tachira v Emelec [Continental-M]

Weeks 12-15: For Real…

Weeks 12-15: For Real…

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

We live in strange times. 

There are skirmishes in the shadows of nuclear reactors, an infectious disease that appears to be biding its time in preparation for a fresh onslaught, and a trio of billionaires racing to space while people on the ground go hungry.

In times of great uncertainty I have been struggling to hold on to the little joys and victories of the day. I often feel so overwhelmed that it’s hard to appreciate what we do have.

In the past four weeks I’ve had minimal to no time to watch, write, or think about soccer. I have been pulled this way and that by an incessant barrage of obligations, necessities, and anxieties.

It would be easy at this moment to close up shop, acknowledge that life is best spent in living moment by moment rather than plopping 121 footballers’ 90 minutes of gameplay under a microscope in a search for meaning.

But the truth is that these are the little joys and victories that can inspire more than putting your head down and trudging on with the work. These games probably don’t matter that much. This blog about the games certainly matters less. But by god, if we can find a moment of joy, let’s do it.

News & Notes

Gaspar & Lawrence

Minnesota United brought in a new defender, albeit under some different circumstances.

Regular Left Back Chase Gaspar left the team to deal with substance abuse. Addiction is a plague, and there is no simple cure. The person Chase Gaspar is far more important than the soccer player. And we’re so grateful that he sought and received help.

In the meantime, Kemar Lawrence of Jamaica arrived to play the game in Gaspar’s stead. And when Gaspar returned this last week, he was welcomed back warmly.

World Cup Comes Closer

The single greatest celebration of the beautiful game happens every four years. Last time, Alex you were 9 months old and being strolled to various viewing parties in a car seat during a few glorious summer months. You sipped on a milk bottle as I drank beer and shouted at the French national team.

This time, there will be two of you, it will be in November and December and the tournament will be in Qatar. There’s plenty of awkward details around that particular decision (ones I wrote about years ago on a different blog). As I’ll be working and you’ll be in school, there will be far less revelry this time…with a few exceptions.

On Thanksgiving Day, Ghana will play Portugal, and I will be fighting your Grandpa Mark for the controller. On the next day, the USA (who missed the last world cup) will face England in a good ol’ fashioned super-power battle (the English hate when they don’t beat us…it’s great). Alex’s birthday will see great stars of France and Argentina in action (though not against eachother). And it will all come to an end on December 18th a week before Christmas…whew…

Staggies Assure Survival

Scotland has a different style than most other leagues. Rather than have every team face each other from the beginning to the end of the year, Scotland splits the league in two so that the best teams face the best teams for the title, while the worst teams face the worst teams for the chance to survive. For the first time in three years, the Stags will be among the best teams in Scotland, and be certain to play in the top division again next season. (They still won’t win because they aren’t the unstoppable duo of Rangers and Celtic…but this counts as a win on Scotland’s sliding scale)

Dope Threads, Bro

The fine folks at Minnesota Aurora dropped their new jersey and it looks as beautiful as you would expect. Or maybe you wouldn’t. You boys mostly like the bird on the Loons’ jersey, so…we’ll take what we can get.

Freiburg Flies On

One quick celebration among the mostly non-specific results: Freiburg did win their semi-final cup tie against Hamburg which means that in Mid-May they will be playing for a big fancy trophy for the first time in their most recent Bundesliga run.

Player of the Week

We’ll take a beat to acknowledge some strong play throughout the last month, so here’s a chance to tip our cap to Dayne St. Clair’s keeping, Romario Caicedo’s defense, Vincenzo Grifo’s playmaking, and Harry Paton’s finishing. That’s a strong quartet And yes, that’s double the dose of Canadians!

Dayne dreaming of Qatar

Standings Update

So many updates! Let’s start at the top where Alebrijes has rocketed to the top of the table after spending so much of the past few years mired in the bottom. Freiburg and Punjab aren’t far behind, and there’s a similar horde trailing behind. Minnesota is above Ross County due solely to goal difference. Emelec’s strong start has faded and so has their standing, but they can still make a comeback. After all, look at Grenoble who is a strong 9th and ready to capitalize on any missteps

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Alebrijes de Oaxaca9431.941.30.7
Freiburg12651.831.91.4
Punjab6231.822.01.6
Minnesota3221.571.10.9
Ross County6441.571.31.3
Rosenborg4231.561.91.3
Legon6541.531.30.7
Emelec4531.421.81.3
FK Vozdovac3341.201.21.0
Grenoble72111.151.21.5
University of Montana–b——————
Table Updated 4/20/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, April 20th

Forward Madison v. Minnesota United [Cup]

Thursday, April 21st

FK Vozdovac v. Vojvodina

Cumbaya v. Emelec [M]

Friday, April 22nd

Le Havre v. Grenoble [M]

Emelec v. Deportivo Espuce [F]

Saturday, April 23rd

Golukam v. Punjab FC

Freiburg v. Borussia Munchengladbach [M]

Minnesota United v. Chicago

Sunday, April 24th

Rosenborg BK v. Arna-Bjornar [F]

Ross County v. Celtic

Asante Kotoko v. Legon Cities

SC Freiburg v. SC Sand [F]

Rosenborg v. Molde [M]

Emelec v. Aucas [M]

Rodez v. Grenoble [F]

Monday, April 25th

Tuesday, April 26th

Mohammaden SC v. Punjab FC

Week 5: Spirit Stags!

Week 5: Spirit Stags!

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results

Dundee United 2 – 1 Ross County

The Staggies got out to a good start thanks to (who else) Regan Charles-Cook. But Regan was also the impetus for the wheels falling off the wagon late in the second half. A foul in the box by Cook gave Dundee an equalizer from the penalty spot and the defense came undone in stoppage time to drop all the points on the road.

Raya2 Expansion 2 – 0 Alebrijes

Alebrijes’ unbeaten streak almost made it to February, but even though they put up 80 minutes of a shut out, it all came undone before the final whistle with Josue Gomez’s red card the low point of the Oaxacan’s first loss this year.

Ross County 3 – 3 Rangers

Regan Charles Cook and Jordan White scored twice to take the lead. despite giving the lead back in the second half, the Stags sprung one last counter attack to grab a late equalizer from Michael Wright.

Each year Ross County seems to get a solid result against the Glasgow duopoly of Rangers or Celtic. Unlike prior years, this result comes after a strong run of form rather than as a surprising one off result, so fingers crossed that this is less an aberration than the newly competitive normal.

Alebrijes 1 – 1 Atletico Morelia

The lotto machines of Albrijes were back at it on Saturday. (Because they’re great at DRAWS…get it…no? You’re still kids…sigh…dad jokes disarmed). The team has been well served by Defensive Midfielder and iron man Jorge Sanchez. The hard news is versatile defender Ernesto Reyes got a red card near the end of the match which will force Oaxaca to play without one of their most reliable defenders.

Legon Cities FC 3 – 0 Eleven Wonders

Croster Obour has come into his own as an attacking target for Jonah Attaquye. While the Royals are still firmly stuck in the bottom half of the league, they do have enough at both ends of the pitch (see the excellent stop on a free kick at the edge of the box) to feel confident about staying up (knock on all the wood).

Not sure, but sure seems like the audio and video are out of synch….sorry.

Le Puy 2 – 2 Grenoble Foot [F]

After a few weeks laid low by COVID and bad pitches, the ladies of Grenoble were back in action this weekend and came away with a draw.

If I’m reading the summary from Grenoble Foot Info correctly (a slightly dicey proposition), it sounds like Le Puy had the advantage early on, but after half time, with the addition of Adama Tamba to the field Les Iseroises found their flow again, netting goals from defender Fanny Arpin and striker Claudia Fabre.

Ross County 1 – 1 Aberdeen

It was another weekend of quick counter attacking football for the Staggies. But the strategy that earned them a surprising lead against Rangers only gave them a glimmer of a chance against Aberdeen. Ross Laidlaw was excellent in his return to the Staggies goal and that combined with a second half goal from Ross Callachan was enough.

CD Tepatitlan de Morelos 1 – 2 Alebrijes

Julio Cesar Cruz had a heckuva game in an end to end affair that provided ample shots at goal. He bedeviled some lax defending and dominated on set pieces. (Oxaca’s speed and strength on set pieces has paid huge dividends for the side this season.) As a result, Oaxaca got their 9th point 6 weeks ahead of their pace from the fall campaign.

News & Notes

Fuck Racism

I’ve said it before, and I’ll (sadly) probably say it again, racism has no place in our society.

This week Stags striker Regan Charles Cook on the receiving end of social media abuse. Further details were unclear, but it seems likely that Rangers fans were unable to accept that they could draw with a team in good form and took it out on County’s best scorer in a way that showed just how sad and pathetic their lives are.

More than a move…

Julie Blakstad: always awesome

From our start we’ve found players to root for and care about. But we’ve only found one Julie Blakstad. The fact that she’s more your age than mine, that she works hard, has fun, and plays so flipping well, is just a delight. This week she signed with English giants Manchester City. Hard as it is to see her step away from Rosenborg, It genuinely could not happen to a more deserving person. Tusen Takk Julie!

Comings and Goings

Beyond Julie’s big move (*sniff, sniff*) there were some other things that happened before the transfer window closed on Monday.

Jordan Tell helped lead Clermont Foot to Ligue 1 last year (at the expense of Grenoble). During the first half of the year in the top flight his minutes have declined so he’ll look to lead another team back up as the newest wing partner with Yoric Ravet. The Alpiners weren’t done there bringing aboard Gambian forward Abdoulie Sanyang, and young defender Allan Tchaptchet (who spent a chunk of time at Southampton). Meanwhile Rosenborg has brought on Argentine Renzo Giampaoli, a 21 year old Right Back, from Boca Juniors. (Fingers crossed he joins Emmanuel Reynoso on our list of beloved Boca transfers to our teams).

Meanwhile, Minnesota United said adios to Tomas Chacon, the talented young Uruguayan who ended up in training purgatory and never found his way out. And Grenoble said adieu to David Henen who left for Belgium.

Long Live Aurora!

This is awesome–I regret not buying shares, but to be fair, they went pretty fast. Our new United view of Minnesota will cover both the Loons and Aurora.

Player of the Week

After the week we just had, it’s clear that we’ll need to recognize either a Stag or an Alebrije, given the better record over all, and his role marshaling the attack and delivering on set pieces, it makes sense to give the nod to Jorge Sanchez.

Standings Update

After missing a shot to top the table, Legon Cities got themselves up into second place this week with their dominant showing against Eleven Wonders. The busy week also helped Ross County and Alebrijes enforce their position off the bottom of the standings.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Freiburg2111.82.32.0
Legon Cities3121.71.70.5
Alebrijes de Oaxaca2311.51.21.0
Ross County1221.01.61.6
Grenoble0220.51.01.5
University of Montana–b——————
Rosenborg BK–b——————
Minnesota United–b——————
FK Vozdovac——————
Emelec–b——————
Punjab FC–b——————
Table Updated 2/2/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, February 2nd

Thursday, February 3rd

Friday, February 4th

Saturday, February 5th

Koln v. Freiburg [M]

Dundee FC v. Ross County

Quevilly v. Grenoble [M]

Sunday, February 6th

Eintracht Frankfurt v. Freiburg [W]

Karela United v. Legon Cities FC

Olympique Marseille v. Grenoble Foot [F]

Monday, February 7th

Tuesday, February 8th

Week 4: Making Moves

Week 4: Making Moves

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results

Hoffenheim 1 – 4 Freiburg [M–Cup]

After the shellacking against Dortmund, Freiburg delivered one of their own to march on into the DFB Pokal quarter finals. (A contest that actually WON’T be won by either Bayern Munich or Dortmund, for a change.)

Vincenzo Grifo showed up in a big way for the Griffins. He struck the first goal, converted a hand ball penalty and held the line firm for Freiburg as Hoffenheim couldn’t convert their in league success into a win in the Cup.

Alebrijes de Oaxaca 1 – 1 UDG

Oaxaca remains unbeaten in 2022 grabbing a draw against the Black Lions. The biggest boon has been a more assertive attack that isn’t confined to blasting away from distance. The Alebrijes have managed to make some incisive runs and support each other on set pieces. Edson Santos’ run into the area is a beautiful thing to behold, as is Ernesto Reye’s blooping pass to set up Jorge Sanchez’s goal. All in all, another strong night for our side in Mexico.

Legon Cities 5 – 0 Real Athletico [Cup]

In the northern city of Tamale, the Royals had no trouble pushing past the doubly Spanish sounding Real Athletico. The team’s showing included two goals from Hans Kwofie, another one from Croster Obour, and two more from Hamza Nassiru. Things are likely to get much more difficult as the tournament goes on.

Freiburg 2 – 0 VfB Stuttgart [M]

Stuttgart was out flanked and out run by Freiburg. Kevin Schade and Vincenzo Grifo created happy hell for the Griffins and got a valuable win to stay in the thick of the hunt for Europe.

Livingston 1 – 0 Ross County [Cup]

The Stags saw cup hopes crash out against Livvie. The stout defense gave up an uncharacteristic penalty and couldn’t find an equalizer.

Grenoble v. Niort [M] Postponed

Sigh…there’s that COVID postponement we almost thought we had dodged. Sadly the positive cases in Grenoble have further slowed the start to the Alpiner’s 2022.

Bibiani Gold Stars 2 – 1 Legon Cities FC

The Royals went up on a first half goal from Osman Amadu. But they couldn’t hold on to the lead away from home.

Grenoble v. Yzeure Allier [F] Postponed

And as if the men’s team wasn’t enough, the sides that train together contract COVID together. Best wishes to all the front line responders in the French Alps. The true MVPs of this whole Pandemic shenanigans.

News & Notes

Comings and Goings

Long standing Ross County defender Tom Grivositi has seen his playing time decline, so it’s not terribly surprising that he packed up and left for a team where he’ll be able to show his skills more openly. Still, he helped get the Stags to the Premiership, and his efforts for the club should not be forgotten.

As one of the teams between seasons, it makes sense that Rosenborg both lost and added players this last week. The loss is a tough one with young attacker Emil Konradssen Ceide heading out of town. We really like Emil, but the chance to play in Italy’s top league (with Sassuolo) is too good to pass up. He’ll be replaced by a athletic young defender, Tobias Borkeeiet, who should be ready to run anywhere and everywhere.

Left Winger Bruno Pitton will bring a wealth of experience from Argentina’s top flight to Emelec. He has struggled of late, but with 120 caps he should be ready to build los Bombillos attack. As an added bonus: We Get to talk about Bruno!

African Cup of Nations/Corrections

Our last/only rep

Lots of Great Women’s News

Though they aren’t officially linked with Minnesota United, if we take that idea of United at value, and we respect the tonnage of our fellow United fans who own shares of the new Minnesota Women’s Soccer team, then we need to be every bit as excited about the newest representative of the women’s game in our league. SO: This Thursday, we’ll have a new local favorite: Aurora, Arctic, Firefox. This is gonna be fun.

And in case that wasn’t enough our Minnesota-Montana connection got a little bit stronger with Edina High’s First Team all Minnesota: Bayliss Finn! Here’s to keeping the merry-go-round going: Minnesota–Missoula–Minnesota…Mwah.

Oh…last thing…

I’m 39 now…so all the sleepiness all the time makes sense.

Player of the Week

No two ways around it: Vincenzo Grifo gave it his all and boosted Freiburg just at a moment when they needed it most. Many many thanks to Vincenzo for leading the way, making himself something close to Mr. Freiburg.

Standings Update

The early stage of the season has once again shifted the leaderboard, Freiburg now takes top honors, though Legon Cities squandered their shot with that last loss.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Freiburg2111.82.32.0
Alebrijes de Oaxaca1201.71.30.7
Ross County1011.51.51.0
Legon Cities2121.41.40.6
Grenoble0120.30.71.3
University of Montana–b——————
Rosenborg BK–b——————
Minnesota United–b——————
FK Vozdovac——————
Emelec–b——————
Punjab FC–b——————
Table Updated 1/26/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, January 26th

Dundee United v. Ross County

Raya2 Expansion v. Alebrijes

Thursday, January 27th

Friday, January 28th

Saturday, January 29th

Ross County v. Rangers

Alebrijes v. Atletico Moreila

Sunday, January 30th

Legon Cities FC v. Eleven Wonders

Le Puy v. Grenoble Foot [F]

Monday, January 31st

Tuesday, February 1st

Ross County v. Aberdeen

CD Tepatitlan de Morelos v. Alebrijes

Week 3: A Bolt in the Blue

Week 3: A Bolt in the Blue

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results

Dortmund 5 – 1 Freiburg [M]

One of my favorite things about writing recaps of blow out games is that I don’t have to be professional so…I don’t have to do it.

Moving on.

Guingamp 0 – 0 Grenoble [M]

Guingamp had the better showing for much of this match as Grenoble continued to struggle in the offensive third. The back line remained stout (Nestor, Monfry and Gaspar–Les Avocats Alpines…The Alpine Lawfirm) and Brice Mableu’s best outing since October.

LePuy v. Grenoble [F]

Hey a cancellation…but for NON-COVID REASONS!! I’m actually pleased! I mean, I hope that whatever is going on at Le Puy’s pitch that made it not passable last weekend is sorted out, but please let there be more of these and fewer Omicron cases in weeks ahead.

Legon Cities FC 0 – 0 Bechem United

Legon was lucky to get out of town with a draw against a more dynamic Bechem United. Wait….they were at home?!? Ooh boy. Home field advantage doesn’t mean much does it?

Ross County 3 – 1 Motherwell

I’ll admit. I did not feel good about this. I didn’t feel good about it when the early goal the Stags got came from a Motherwell miscue. I didn’t feel good when Motherwell equalized, and even worse when a red card reduced County to 10 men. More the fool I…

The come back came almost entirely from the bolt in blue: Regan Charles Cook. Whose cross was deflected in for the first goal, scored the second, and both won and converted a penalty for the third. It was a heckuva showing by the winger, and it boosts County much closer to safety.

It’s Danladi, you can cry if you want to…

News & Notes

Comings and Goings

The transfer sagas continue, though a little bit more quietly in this bleak midwinter.

The Loons welcomed back Abu Danladi, a striker who had been a vaunted draft pick and is now insurance for other strikers. Meanwhile, Ross County brought in another loan player with Right Back Kayne Ramsay coming north from Premier League team Southampton.

African Cup of Nations/Corrections

As AFCON carried on this week, I realized that I was very, very wrong about Grenoble’s role in the competition. It wasn’t three players from the Alps in the contest, it’s just one. Still, Mamadou Diallo played for one half against Zimbabwe and secured a spot in the next round for Guinea.

(Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Player of the Week

Defenders might have gone two for two this year had Regan Charles Cook not had a tremendous showing to bring County back from trouble to a a hard fought win. For that, we have to name him player of the week.

Standings Update

The Staggies big win vaults them to the top of our standings while Grenoble finally gets some points in 2021

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Ross County1003.03.01.0
Alebrijes de Oaxaca1102.01.50.5
Legon Cities1111.30.30.3
Freiburg0110.51.53.5
Grenoble0120.30.71.3
University of Montana–b——————
Rosenborg BK–b——————
Minnesota United–b——————
FK Vozdovac——————
Emelec–b——————
Punjab FC–b——————
Table Updated 1/19/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, January 19th

Hoffenheim v Freiburg [M]

Alebrijes de Oaxaca v. UDG

Thursday, January 20th

Friday, January 21st

Saturday, January 22nd

Freiburg v. VfB Stuttgart

Livingston v. Ross County

Grenoble v. Niort [M]

Sunday, January 23rd

Bibiani Gold Stars v. Legon Cities FC

Grenoble v. Yzeure Allier

Monday, January 24th

Tuesday, January 25th

Week 2: Alebrijes Alright, Alright, Alright

Week 2: Alebrijes Alright, Alright, Alright

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results

Alebrijes 2 – 0 Cancun FC

It sure looks like Alebrijes got off to a stronger start this year than in previous campaigns we’ve watched (it might help that Cancun was the rare team that had a worst fall than Oaxaca did). Newly permanent member of the team Juan Antonio Portales kicked off a full season of captaincy with an ironclad defense and two strong goals. Ernesto Reyes led the way with a beautiful blast from well outside the box early on and Miguel Vallejo dropped another on a break away during stoppage time to seal it. Here’s hoping this is a sign of a better season to come.

https://youtu.be/TFUkJoeKleQ

Freiburg 2 – 2 Arminia Bielefeld [M]

For most of the first half Freiburg looked the better side, but Arminia Bielefeld made a competent comeback against reserve keeper Benjamin Uphoff (in place of COVID positive Mark Flekken)

Grenoble 0 – 1 Auxerre [M]

Grenoble’s return to the field was a lot like their last four outings. It was a loss, and the offense could not hit the target. Over those 5 losses they’ve only scored twice…..

Grenoble 2 – 3 [Pen] Rodez [F-Cup]

The Women’s Coupe de France is a big battle bringing together teams from every corner of the Francophone world. The ladies of Grenoble seemed to be in good shape after a 7-0 dominant showing against Hellicourt. They showed up well against Rodez the top team in their division, despite losing Tiphaine Brissonet to a red card early in the match. Ultimately they were undone at the penalty spot and out of the competition.

Dreams FC 0 – 1 Legon Cities FC

Legon Cities got another road win, this time against a scuffling Dreams side who may well have deserved better. Obour Adu was everywhere on his debut for the Royals getting both the winning goal, and staggering the side post with a near miss. In between events, the team even stood up to a penalty kick for their hosts and walked away with all three points.

Tampico Madiero 1 – 1 Alebrijes

Oaxaca got off to another great start against Tampico (the previously named Jaibos). Left back Edson Santos sent in a great cross that was met by a surprising header from Josue Gomez to put them up. But from then on the team had to bunker down and absorb another attack every few minutes while getting nothing going the other way. Ernesto Reyes in particular had some great stops, but also a terrible bout of positioning that allowed the equalizer.

News & Notes

Extra Accolades

The Griz Soccer team already has a bundle of awards from the last year, so let’s add a couple more on to the pile!

The Griz were one of only 13 teams in the top tier of college soccer given the Team Ethics and Sportsmanship award, in no small part because they managed to dominate the league while having a paltry 13 cards against them. As this is a teachable-moment, parent focused website, we are impressed with this award and say, as we always do: GO GRIZ!

As if that weren’t enough, there was also an extra nod given to Griz keeper, Camellia Xu (Whose name I’ve been botching all year…sorry!). The British Columbia Native was invited to the Canadian Under 20 International Team training camp. It’s the first step on the long road to the senior national team …like Dayne St Clair! Basically we love Canadian goalies.

Comings and Goings

The big new addition this week was Minnesota United bringing in South African international Bongokuhle Hlongwane (nicknamed Sanisa). His signing was greeted with cheers by desperate Loons fans looking for another striker, and with cheers from South African fans who are equally thrilled to have a promising young player in line to show his skill in an international league.

Also on board this week: the Loons drafted St. Johns University product Tani Oluwaseyi, and Gustavo Canto, the Argentine Center Back on his way to Emelec. Meanwhile, Ross County brought in a loanee Declan Drysdale, and Vozdovac brought on striker Aleksandar Cirkovic who is still just 20 but has already played in Austria and Spain.

But with everyone coming there are some going as well, Ross County said goodbye to loanee Harry Clark, but they’ll see him again soon enough when the face Hibernian in Edinburgh. Rosenborg also said some farewells to their bench depth, Besim Serbecic and Gjermund Åsen.

African Cup of Nations

There’s always a thrill competing for your country. Usually it happens during the summer when the leagues are quiet, but Africa’s biggest contest happens in the winter. Grenoble has three players on different squads in Cameroon: Joseph Mendes (Guinea Bissau), Mamadou Diallo (Guinea), and Willy Semedo (Cape Verde).

Player of the Week

Getting points from two matches has finally broken the PoW drought for Alebrijes de Oaxaca. While Ernesto Reyes had the most appearances on the highlight reel, we’re going to look at the captain who helped organize the defense and set up a strong showing for the southern Mexico side. We’re happy to name Juan Antonio Portales, the new captain of the squad and stalwart defender as this week’s Player of the Week.

Standings Update

After languishing at the bottom of the table last year, Alebrijes tops the 2022 Edition two weeks into the year.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Alebrijes de Oaxaca1102.01.50.5
Legon Cities1011.50.50.5
Freiburg0101.02.02.0
Grenoble0020.01.02.0
University of Montana–b——————
Rosenborg BK–b——————
Minnesota United–b——————
FK Vozdovac——————
Ross County——————
Emelec–b——————
Punjab FC–b——————
Table Updated 1/12/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, January 12th

Thursday, January 13th

Friday, January 14th

Dortmund v. Freiburg [M]

Saturday, January 15th

Guingamp v. Grenoble [M]

Sunday, January 16th

LePuy v. Grenoble [F]

Monday, January 17th

Legon Cities FC v. Bechem United

Tuesday, January 18th

Ross County v. Motherwell

Week 1: Ope, let me update ya real quick

Week 1: Ope, let me update ya real quick

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Welcome to year three of this sports writing exercise. I hope that who ever you are who reads this, please write a note so I know who you are. Otherwise I’ll just leave this awkwardly for my kids to read…when they are able to read.

Results

Legon Cities 0 – 1 Accra Lions

Not exactly the way we’d hope to start out the new year. But facts are facts, and Legon Cities struggles on offense are as they ever where: debilitating. There was no shortage of opportunities, but the Lions were able to hold off the Royals and got one of their own back in the second half to snatch the points.

News & Notes

Adieu…

Jerome Mombris is one of only three players to make the starting XI for this blog two years in a row. Julie Blakstad is a force of nature, Emanuel Reynoso is a cut above the competition, but Jerome was a true leader and exemplar for a Grenoble team that was uneven, then stellar, and then, done with him. Jerome did it all and helped lead the side (while also partnering with Minnesota United back Romain Metanire on international duty for Madagascar). Though he left Grenoble last fall, he left the game for good this week, and, like all the teams he played for and fans who loved him, we wish him the best: merci Jerome! Merci pour tout.

Ehhhhhhh…..

Speaking about Emanuel Reynoso…he um…well…he went to jail on suspicion of attacking a teenager. Suspicion isn’t proof and we shouldn’t jump to judge, but it seems that he’s been there for a while and there’s no concrete evidence he’s heading back to the States any time soon. So…it looks like Julie’s the last person standing, doesn’t it?

The other alphabet

You boys are good with your A, B, Cs and you’re getting better with your Greek letters too! Now it’s time for Omicron, the latest variant of the germs, and one that is so easily transmitted that the whole world shut down…again. Almost like the people who refuse to learn from the past are destined to repeat it. Including…the entire Indian Hero League, which, after an outbreak in their bubble was forced to reschedule the entire season for all teams…whee.

Players of the Weeks

With only one team in action this week (and with the poor/highlight free performance of that team), we don’t have much to choose from. So let’s pay some respect to someone from history who deserves a little more awareness: Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio Viera de Oliveira, or more simply, Socrates.

The midfielder reached his playing peak when I was born (and your grand parents were totally oblivious to his exploits). But I’d like to look beyond his play on the field towards what he did beyond it. While he was an incisive and excellent distributor, he was more than that. He was a strong student who insisted on completing his studies to be a doctor. When he hung up his boots, he went to his hometown to practice medicine (something everyone around the world can appreciate much more during this global pandemic). He also stood up for his beliefs, pro-peace, pro-community, pro-democracy (he spearheaded a revolutionary Brazilian club style during a military dictatorship). In all, he seems to have done a fabulous job of being a human being first and a soccer player second. Well done Socrates! (In case you struggle to spot him during this highlight reel, just look for the guy who is approximately 65% legs…you know…like me)

Standings Update

Not terribly dramatic or remotely indicative of where we’ll end up, but still worth being consistent here.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b——————
Rosenborg BK–b——————
Emelec–b——————
Punjab FC–b——————
Freiburg——————
Grenoble——————
Minnesota United–b——————
FK Vozdovac——————
Ross County——————
Alebrijes——————
Legon Cities0010.000.01.0
Table Updated 1/5/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, January 5th

Alebrijes v. Cancun FC

Thursday, January 6th

Friday, January 7th

Saturday, January 8th

Freiburg v. Arminia Bielefeld [M]

Grenoble v. Auxerre [M]

Sunday, January 9th

Grenoble v. Rodez [F-Cup]

Monday, January 10th

Dreams FC v. Legon Cities FC

Tuesday, January 11th

Jaibos v. Alebrijes