Scores
Sporting KC 0 – 3 Minnesota United
In what has become the friendliest rivalry in all American soccer, the Loons could well have been outmatched away from home by the top team in the west. Instead, they cruised again. Emanuel Reynoso ran riot with three assists, Kevin Molino again scored a brace, Robin Lod and Ethan Finlay again created havoc and Osvaldo Alonso and Bakaye Dibassy shut things down in the back. It’s pretty great when your local team does this well.
Napredak 3 – 1 FK Vozdovac
Milos Pantovic put the Red Dragons ahead early on. But that was about as good as it got. Miloje Prekovic’s first seven games of glory were amazing, but he’s averaged over 2 goals a game in his last four and is about to face Partizan Belgrade so….c’mon Miloje, we’re rooting for you.
Freiburg 2 – 2 Borussia Munchen Gladbach [M]
Again the good news in Freiburg came from a draw. Albeit another one that grew from a faltering first half lead. Florian Muller continues our trend of struggling goalies, but Vincent Grifo remains as impressively creative as ever, and Phillip Leinhart’s bicycle goal is going to be a highlight of the year.
Dreams FC 0 – 0 Legon Cities FC
If this seems familiar, it’s because it is exactly how Legon’s last match went. Despite putting Asamoah Gyan into the permanent rotation, the goals remain hard to come by for the Royals and new coach Basiru Hayford.
Caen 1 – 1 Grenoble Foot [M]
Yoric Ravet’s early goal was great to see on a brilliant long ball. But him grabbing his hamstring in pain immediately afterward was the opposite of that. Add to that foul trouble for the defensive line ending in Loic Nestor ceding a game tying penalty and again it feels like a bit lost.
Klepp 1 – 2 Rosenborg BK [W]
In a frustrating anti-climax, Rosenborg completed their undefeated season in second place. The win over Klepp was never much in doubt, and when Valerenga took an early lead against Arna-Bjorner, the slim hope of a goal difference comeback was gone. Still, it was a great first season for the Trolljente who officially qualified for the Women’s Champion’s League next year.
Ross County 0 – 4 Rangers
Rangers may also play in Glasgow, but they are clearly not Celtic, because, and you may remember this from last week: Ross County beat Celtic!!! (That has nothing to do with this, but I’d rather focus on that win because it’s so much cooler than this loss!)
CS Emelec 1 – 1 Barcelona SC [M]
Finally, a Guayaquil Derby that didn’t end in bitter disappointment for los Bombillos. To be fair, it also didn’t end in victory and they remain deadlocked with Barcelona and fellow local rivals Guayquil City for the top spot, but it wasn’t the worst. (And yes, Facundo Barcelo scored….AGAIN).
Valerenga 1 – 0 Rosenborg BK [M]
Apparently it wasn’t enough for the women of Valerenga to dash the hopes of Rosenborg, the men got in the act too. The loss made it four straight for the Troll Boys and it’s starting to feel a little like Troll 2 in Trondheim. (Illogical, unnerving, and kinda sickening)
Seattle 3 – 2 Minnesota United
Welcome to Minnesota Sports Fandom Boys: The Loons took the lead. The Loons built the lead. The Loons were fifteen minutes away from glory and trophies and recognition. And they lost it all. Dayne St. Clair’s luck in goal ran out at exactly the wrong moment (hey, that’s three struggling keepers!). The defense looked completely gassed. Emanuel Reynoso’s offensive magic couldn’t muster enough spark to save the day. It was a gut punch which is perfectly in keeping with how it always seems to go around these parts.
News & Notes
Hayford takes the helm in Legon
Bashiru Hayford has officially taken over at Legon Cities FC in another swoop for status among our Ghanaian favorites. In addition to helming Asante Kotoko to a title, the Ghanaian ladies to the Africa Cup of Nations, he helped lead Somalia to their first international win in World Cup Qualification ever. Now: integrating Asamoah Gyan into a side that hasn’t gotten much together in their existence.
Savoring Silver
Technically Minnesota United finished runner’s up in the Western Conference, and with Rosenborg’s women’s team clearly finishing second in their league there’s a little more shine around our teams this winter. It’s all nice, but quite clearly everyone’s already thinking ahead to taking a step forward in 2021.
Player of the Week
It may not have ended with all the glory we wanted but it must be said: Emanuel Reynoso has had everything to do with Minnesota’s amazing surge this season and every play he makes feels dangerous in a way that’s absolutely thrilling.
What’s Next
Wednesday, December 9th
Independiente del Valle v. CS Emelec
Thursday, December 10th
11:00 Rosenborg BK v. Mjondalen [M]
Friday, December 11th
12:00 Asante Kotoko v. Legon Cities
Saturday, December 12th
8:30 Freiburg v. Arminia Bielefeld [M]
9:00 Aberdeen v. Ross County
10:00 FK Vozdovac v. Partizan Belgrade
12:00 Grenoble Foot v. Dunkerque [M]
7:30 CS Emelec v. El Nacional [M]
Sunday, December 13th
7:00 Meppen v. SC Freiburg [W]
11:00 Rosenborg v. Molde [M]
Monday, December 14th
Tuesday, December 15th
1:00 Niort v. Grenoble Foot [M]
3:00 Deportivo Cuenca v. CS Emelec [M]
MacKenzie's Boot Room 