Tag: Punjab FC

Week 5: Clicking or Sputtering

Week 5: Clicking or Sputtering

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Recaps

Nimes 0 – 2 Grenoble (M)

All hail the conquering hero of Jessy Benet whose return to the Alps has bolstered Matthais Phaeton in the midfield led to a more organized Grenoble side. With new confidence in their approach, the Alpiners are 3 points off of promotion to the top flight of French football again.

FK Radnicki 1923 0 – 1 FK Vozdovac

Our boys in Belgrade made their return to the field this weekend, and despite a shift in their defensive corps, they remained solid at the back in pushing back an insistent and aggressive Radnicki. The dragons didn’t have many chances, but Milos Pantovic converted the penalty after a foolish foul and that was all they needed.

SC Freiburg 0 – 4 VfL Wolfsburg (F)

Ouch…well hopefully the men did…

Dortmund 5 – 1 Freiburg (M)

Ooof….never mind. There are still only 6 points between Freiburg and the top of the table, but they’ll need to get some things sorted out (particularly in the defense) if they’re going to challenge instead of fade away.

Rangers 2 – 1 Ross County

Jordan White gave the Staggies a glimmer of hope against the mighty ‘Gers in Glasgow, but it was snuffed out in the end. The Stags have a promising spine in White, Dhanda and Kenneh, but where the rest of the midfield goes remains a question (especially after Eamonn Brophy was dropped after a miserable first half).

Sudeva FC 1 – 1 Punjab FC

It was a heart breaker, with Luka Macjen putting the warriors ahead courtesy of Chenchyo Geltsyen’s incisive pass it took a last second goal from Sudeva to drop the points. Worse, the tense and chippy atmosphere led to a post whistle red card for defender Huidrom Singh. With 5 matches left, Punjab is in a dead heat with Sreenidi Deccan, and promotion will be on the line.

Legon Cities FC 3 – 1 King Faisal

We have to say, there are few things as fun as Legon Cities in fine form, and that’s what we finally got to see against King Faisal this last weekend. Jonah Attaquye got the first from a solid free kick opportunity just outside the box. The Royals kept the pressure high through the next half until the frenetic final 10 minutes including a Felix Hammond chip and a mammoth free kick from Nasiru Moro. It was a wild but joyous pile on for the Royals, and while it might be expected against a relegation area side in King Faisal, they’re all valuable.

Jade Decilap (from GF 38)

Grenoble Foot 3 – 3 Montauban (F)

The ladies of Grenoble got back in business as well. The were strong right out of the gate with a goal from Jade Decilap straight away after kick off. They held firm and added two more to have a 3-1 lead with 15 minutes to play. Then a poor challenge from defender Elsa Domenjoud gifted Montauban a penalty and reduced the ladies to 10 players. It still took a desperation shot at the end of the match for Montauban to get the draw and spoil the return. Still, hope is high for further progress among the Grenobloises

Sandhausen 0 – 2 Freiburg (M-Cup)

Sandhausen opted to bunker down and absorb everything that Freiburg could throw their way, and it almost paid off with a big cup win. Notice, I said “almost”.

Despite the long defensive slog thrown up by the second division side, Freiburg finally broke through with Phillip Leinhart’s goal that bounced off a Sandhausen defender. After a great block by Lucas Holer, they got another from super sub Nils Peterson to put it beyond doubt, and so, for the second time in two years: Freiburg is headed to the quarterfinals of the Cup.

https://youtu.be/bBJgCs4dG1k

Vierzon FC 0 – 1 Grenoble (M-Cup)

More surprising, the same can be said about the Alpiners! Grenoble has reached the final 8 of the Coupe de France (albeit by beating the underdog darlings of Vierzon FC…not to be confused with Verizon FC…which has marginally less coverage than the third division French side). Loic Nestor delivered the winner after Grenoble besieged their opponent’s goal, and the triumph will put them into a conflict with slightly more prestigious sides.

Alebrijes 0 – 3 CD Tepatitlan de Morelos

An early red card was enough to put Oaxaca at a disadvantage, but two more in stoppage time is true commitment to recklessness.

This result is not reflected in the standings

News & Notes

Uncle Simon celebrating

Your Uncle Simon bests me in golf (both real and imaginary)

Your Uncle Simon is about to be a dad in his own right, so he and I had our own brother bonding time, not unlike yourselves…only with less headlocks that lead to someone running into their room and slamming the door.

An accomplished video game player and golfer, he had a clear advantage in Mario Golf. Still, it was good fun just to joke with him in a game. And I even beat him (on one hole…by one stroke…because the game had a glitch)

Jet-Setting

The biggest club competitions in the world are kicking off again. The Club World Cup in Morocco pits the continental champions from each part of the world against one another. And given that Minnesota United lost to Seattle twice last year, I think it’s fair to say that we’ probably have lost in the Semi-finals just like Seattle did.

And Europe’s elite club competitions (The Champions, Europa, and Conference Leagues) will also kick back into gear this month. Freiburg is our only side still in the hunt (as they have been since last fall) so let’s all knock on some wood.

Player of the Week

At the risk of making this space a Grenoble Appreciation segment, the truth is les Grenobloises are in a groove and its hard to ignore their strong work. This week, we’ve got to tip the hat to Matthaias Phaeton for leading the attack both with distribution and delivery.

Standings

Vozdovac is at the top! (Well they only have 1 match under their belts, so there’s a limited sample size) but even though Punjab has faltered, Grenoble has tied them and has to hope that the ladies give them an added boost.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Vozdovac1003.001.000.00
Punjab4212.002.291.29
Grenoble6222.001.500.90
Legon Cities1311.200.800.80
Freiburg2131.171.172.83
Ross County1330.860.861.00
Alebrijes1040.501.001.60
Rosenborg–b000———
Minnesota–b000———
Montana–b000———
Emelec–b000———
Table Updated 2/8/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, February 9th

Golukam FC v. Punjab FC

Friday, February 10th

Saturday, February 11th

FK Vozdovac v. Red Star Belgrade

Freiburg v. Vfb Stuttgart (M)

Grenoble v. Pau (M)

Sunday, February 12th

SC Frieburg v. Meppen (F)

Samartex v. Legon Cities FC

Albi Marsacc v. Grenoble Foot (F)

Monday, February 13th

Aizawal v. Punjab FC

Tuesday, February 14th

Wednesday, February 15th

Alacranes v. Alebrijes

Week 4: The Big 4 – 0

Week 4: The Big 4 – 0

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Recaps

Punjab FC 2 – 0 Real Kashmir

We don’t take enough time to appreciate Brandon Vanlalremdika the little magician who manages to make a whole heap of Punjab’s surging attack possible. He got a goal and continued to thread expert passes throughout Punjab’s latest win, all the more impressive when you see how physically manhandled he was by their north-western rivals.

Legon Cities 1 – 3 Bechem United

Things started out well for the Royals with Alex Aso’s first goal for the club, but the normally formidable back line became too leaky and Bechem capitalized

Freiburg 3 – 1 Augsburg (M)

Freiburg got back on track with a stirring showing at home, and they were led by a strong showing from their Austrian contingent. Michael Gregoritsch scored the opener, and Phillip Leinhart offerd both lock down defense and a strong head to convert the finishing goal in the 85th minute.

Ross County 3 – 0 Kilmarnock

The Staggies found their scoring shoes before this game and suddenly looked like a team transformed. They developed a clearer game plan built on break aways and crosses (boosted by a slightly staggered Killie defense). It also helped that Nohan Kenneh, newly arrived from Hibernian managed to connect the dots for two different goals as Jordan White and Yan Dhanda started to synch up in their attack.

Grenoble 0 – 1 SC Bastia (M)

Grenoble will rue their missed opportunities on the day, as their nine shots produced nothing of note, and a late winner from SC Bastia cost them very winnable points.

Grenoble 1 – 0 Quevilly (M)

Which is why it is so gratifying to see them come back and get all the credit against Quevilly. While the shorthanded squad fielded a lot of reserves, they did send out returning favorite Jessy Benet and (quelle surprise) he scored the winner. As the rest of the attacking force comes out there will be high hopes to keep climbing the table.

Ross County 1 – 1 Hibernian

The Staggies got another positive result against the surging Hibs in Dingwall. Hibs controlled much of the game and at times the County midfield and defense looked over run (particularly when the back line made a particularly poor decision that gifted Hibs their goal). But all it takes is one sterling moment, and that’s exactly what they got when Yan Dhanda lashed a gorgeous corner kick that befuddled everyone and levelled the score.

Kenkre FC 3 – 3 Punjab FC

It wasn’t looking brilliant for the Punjabi Warriors against lowly Kenkre. They gave up two early goals and were suddenly chasing the game. But then, they absolutely ran their opponents down into the dirt with Chenchyo Geltshen and Luka Macjen in fine flow together at the top. An own goal gave them the lead…but then they promptly gave it back and played out the rest of the match in a stale mate.

Hearts of Oak 0 – 0 Legon Cities

The Royals can count this as a moral victory after playing much of the second half down to 10 men. But moral victories aren’t quite as valuable in the table as actual ones (Legon only has 1 in their last 8 matches)

Tlaxcala 3 – 1Alebrijes

Julio Cesar Cruz got the lone goal after Tlaxcala got out to a fast start. It’s shaping up to be another arduous campaign for Oaxaca.

News & Notes

Your Dad is getting Old

I turned 40 last week. And I felt great. Then, while arranging a fight between Captain America (Alex), Moana (Owen), and a dragon (me) I slipped on the stairs and crashed down a whole flight of them. So, I feel lots of pain, and suddenly 40 isn’t quite so great.

USA-USA-USA Update

Samuel Rogers got 18 minutes worth of time with the US Men’s National Team, which is 18 more than almost everyone else in the country. He connected all ten of his passes, but wasn’t able to take the ball away from Colombian opponents. It wasn’t quite announcing his presence with authority, but he can keep working himself into the conversation as time goes on.

Transfer Tips

The transfer window closed for the winter on Tuesday, with only a few more minor moves of note: County added another pair of strikers in Eamon Brophy and Simon Murray (both of whom are quite familiar with the Scottish league) and brought on two less familiar faces in loan deals with Wigan Athletic with attacker Josh Stones and defender Gwion Edwards respectively.

Damjan is in the Details

The Loons also brought in a new player in Sweden’s Mikael Marques, a young defender. I’m not sure how much he’ll actually play having made the jump from the second tier of Sweden into the top US League, but we’ll be happy to see him all the same.

Dragons Take Wing Again

This weekend sees the kick off of the Serbian Primere League’s season. There will be three more months of matches and then, hopefully, Vozdovac will be in the championship play off looking towards the next stage of qualification for a European tournament. But to get there they’ll need to grow more as a team and learn to live without iron man defenders Stefan Hajdin, and Milos Milovic. In their wake has come former local starlet Damjan Danicic, back to his roots, and younger attacker Haris Kadric

Player of the Week

We might have been open to some debate before, but the corner kick sealed it beyond any doubt: Yan Dhanda, take a bow!

Standings

Much as we admire Freiburg, this was not the ideal week to kick off their 2023, as they slide in below even the equally unsteady Ross County and Oaxaca. Meanwhile, despite their defeat, Punjab continues to show serious strength at the top of the table (even if they are no loner perfect)

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Punjab4112.172.501.33
Grenoble4121.861.290.86
Freiburg1111.331.332.67
Ross County1321.000.830.83
Legon Cities0310.750.750.75
Alebrijes1040.501.001.60
Rosenborg–b000———
Minnesota–b000———
Vozdovac–b000———
Montana–b000———
Emelec–b000———
Table Updated 1/12/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, February 2nd

Friday, February 3rd

Nimes v. Grenoble (M)

Saturday, February 4th

FK Radnicki 1923 v. FK Vozdovac

SC Freiburg v. VfL Wolfsburg (F)

Dortmund v. Freiburg (M)

Rangers v. Ross County

Sunday, February 5th

Sudeva FC v. Punjab FC

Legon Cities FC v. King Faisal

Grenoble Foot v. Montauban (F)

Monday, February 6th

Tuesday, February 7th

Sandhausen v. Freiburg (M-Cup)

Wednesday, February 8th

Vierzon FC v. Grenoble (M-Cup)

Alebrijes v. CD Tepatitlan de Morelos

Weeks 2-3: Guess Who’s Back!

Weeks 2-3: Guess Who’s Back!

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Recaps

Guingamp 2 – 4Grenoble (M)

It was a barn burner for the Alpiners, who fell behind on an ugly give away, came back, took the lead, lost it, and then scored twice in the last ten minutes to win the game. Jordan Tell had two goals but substitute Pape Meissa Ba assisted on the last two goals to ensure the victory.

Punjab FC 3 – 0 Kenkre FC

Juan Mera scored twice and Luka Macjen had the last one to break Kenkre pressure as Punjab cruised to the top of the table before their big match with Sreenidi Deccan.

Motherwell 1 – 1 Ross County

It’s good that a team comes alive when they have to, but unfortunate they wait that long. Once County fell behind they pushed hard for an equalizer. Jordy Hiluwa got it for them, but the Stags need more wins more quickly.

Nsoatreman 0 – 0 Legon Cities

The Royals have nothing but draws so far this year…and have no goals in the last 197 minutes. (Oof)

Sreenidi Deccan 4 – 0 Punjab FC

We’ll that didn’t go as planned.

Punjab was in prime position to expand their lead over their closest rivals, only to get punched in the kisser. worse, the potentially formidable front line duo of Macjen and Gyeltsen got nothing going…still with a game in hand they may be able to take the top of the table yet.

Venados 2 – 1 Alebrijes

Alebrijes got their first goal of the campaign, but it was small consolation in a losing effort.

Wolfsburg 6 – 0 Freiburg (M)

Let us never speak of this again

Hamilton Academical 1 – 0 Ross County

The Scottish FA Cup match ended in a shootout, and it was unfortunate that Jordan White, the Staggies most consistent striker was the first to falter (in the opening kick of the shootout no less).

Mohammedan SC 0 – 4 Punjab FC

Punjab came roaring back into action on the weekend with Juan Mera and Luka Macjen each scoring twice. Better still, seeing a fully integrated Chenchyo Geltsen getting in on the action is mouthwatering to say the least. (Well, it is in Punjab; other teams would be excused if things are more pants-wetting)

Stade Plabennec 0 – 1 Grenoble (Cup)

Granted, Stade Plabennec is not exactly a mighty rival for Grenoble (they are currently eighth in the Bretagne section of the fourth division), but still Grenoble should be proud to get the win they need when they need it, with Amine Sbai getting the winner early and the defense and midfield standing strong the rest of the match.

Freiburg 1 – 1 Frankfurt (M)

Freiburg continues to scuffle in 2023. The draw dropped them from 2nd to 5th, and while there’s still plenty of season to show off and reclaim their dream campaign momentum is not on their side. Things don’t get much easier with Borussia Dortmund and a DFB Pokal Octa-final to come.

Alebrijes 3 – 0 Dorados

Alebrijes’ 3 goal explosion, tripled their goal total for the season so far and finally got them some points. Julio Cesar Cruz struck twice with a pair of absolutely mind-boggling goals and the team blitzed Dorados for all their goals within a scant 15 minutes. Now they challenge will be to do it again.

Splashing Contest…

News & Notes

50th to the MacKs Fun in the Sun

We had a wonderful time at your Grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary, though it was a little short on soccer time (it didn’t seem right to skip a dinner to see if I could figure out how to watch Alebrijes on tv). But there was still a lot of great competition.

Alex learned the ropes of Mario Kart and boosted himself from consistent 12th place finishes on easy mode, to consistent 3rd place finishes on easy mode! He also became a dunk machine in water basketball (though it might have helped to be standing outside the pool rather than swimming in it). And Owen learned that twirling constantly isn’t exactly the best strategy in hot potato.

Setting aside all the competition things. Just being yourselves was a beautiful thing to behold.

Transfer Tips

JESSY BENNET IS BACK!! Our favorite Grenoblois midfielder has rejoined the Alpiners for the last stretch of the season, and I’m utterly delighted. He chipped in the assist to put them over Plabennec and we can only hope that he brings additional strength to a midfield that could use it. And what’s more…

CHENCHO GYELTSEN IS BACK!! The Bhutanese master striker has returned to Roundglass Punjab for the stretch run of the I-League campaign. Promotion is in the offing and Chencho is out to get it done! Double dragon fire power ahead for Punjab!! (I mean if you ignore the 4-0 drubbing against Sreenidi Deccan)

In less fun news Bikash Yumnam, the highly touted 19 year old defense prospect has left Punjab for the greener fields of the Indian Super League. We’re still excited to follow his journey on major news site the Athletic, and will never forget his roots.

USA-USA-USA

While we certainly invested in the American’s performance during December’s World Cup, it wasn’t exactly memorable or thrilling to see. But we have new found reasons to watch with the National Team Call Up of Rosenborg’s Samuel Rogers! Rogers will be the first American player we follow to have a run out for the national team (assuming he doesn’t get stuck on the bench during matches of little consequence…which, frankly, sounds kind of rude).

Players of the Week

We get to give out two awards this week and there’s no doubt that one has to go to Luka Macjen, who has been threatening to break through for a while but with three goals and multiple assists he left no doubt this round.

For the other recognition, we’re going to turn to someone we haven’t talked a lot about, but who comes highly recommmended: Yves-Franck Bambock from Grenoble’s Midfield. Bambock was a pivotal cog in both of les Alpiners wins providing strong defense and consistent support in the attack and we’ll gladly take the opportunity to shout his praises (especially alongside Jessy Bennet)

Standings

Much as we admire Freiburg, this was not the ideal week to kick off their 2023, as they slide in below even the equally unsteady Ross County and Oaxaca. Meanwhile, despite their defeat, Punjab continues to show serious strength at the top of the table (even if they are no loner perfect)

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Punjab3012.252.501.25
Grenoble3111.601.000.60
Legon Cities0201.000.000.00
Alebrijes1030.751.001.75
Ross County0220.500.251.00
Freiburg0110.500.503.50
Rosenborg–b000———
Minnesota–b000———
Vozdovac–b000———
Montana–b000———
Emelec–b000———
Table Updated 1/12/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, January 26th

Friday, January 27th

Punjab FC v Real Kashmir

Legon Cities v Bechum United

Saturday, January 28th

Freiburg v Augsburg (M)

Ross County v Kilmarnock

Grenoble v SC Bastia

Sunday, January 29th

Monday, January 30th

Tuesday, January 31st

Grenoble v Quevilly (M)

Ross County v Hibernian

Wednesday, February 1st

Kenkre FC v Punjab FC

Hearts of Oak v Legon Cities

Tlaxcala v. Alebrijes

Week 1: The Familiar and the Fresh

Week 1: The Familiar and the Fresh

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Recaps

Atlante 4 – 0 Alebrijes

It was a forgettable start to the spring campaign for Alebrijes. Without a number of their attacking options and defensive veterans, they struggled to contain the fall champions and ended up with the very fuzzy end of the lollipop.

From Midilibre (Stephane Pillaud)

Grenoble 1 – 0 Nimes (M–Cup)

Loic Nestor jammed up the defense and delivered a crucial assist in the 88th minute to Abdoulie Sanyang in a tightly contested match that Grenoble will proud to win. The victory moves them on the final sixteen of the international club tournament La Coupe de France (which ties in teams from every sector of the country)

Accra Lions 3 – 1 Legon Cities

The Royals were under heavy pressure from Accra throughout the match, but managed to hold strong until the dam burst. The Lions went ahead in the 77th minute and added two more leaving Legon Cities reeling.

Ross County 0 – 2 Livingston

The midfield was overrun for the Staggies and the Defense didn’t stand as stout as it had against Aberdeen the week before. The loss was County’s 7th at home this season…which is an awfully sad sentence to write.

Punjab 3 – 1 Neroca

Lucka Macjen and Brandon Vanlalremdika connected within three minutes of each other to give Punjab a strong lead in that beautifully cold north Indian winter. They held fast for the rest of the match to keep themselves just two points off the top of the Hero League leader board (though they’ve played one fewer match than current leaders–and next Tuesday’s opponent–Sreenidi Deccan).

Grenoble 2 – 3 Thonon Evian (F–Cup)

Les Alpines made a solid attempt at a come back, but couldn’t match the men’s advancement in the Coupe De France.

Pau 0 – 0 Grenoble (M)

After the rush of the Cup, Grenoble was wiped out and mustered a very lackluster showing against Pau, making a mere two points from their last four matches.

Legon Cities 0 – 0 Dreams FC

This game also happened. From the summaries I see, Legon Keeper Sylvester Sackey made several solid saves to preserve the point.

Alebrijes 0 – 1 Celaya

Despite being down to ten men for most of the match (Luis Moret’s early double booking takes the blame for that), Oaxaca held on gamely until finally conceding in the last 7 minutes of regular time.

News & Notes

Soccer Shots remains dominant in the basement

At Alex’s request we have been playing frequent soccer matches in the basement, each time with Alex representing himself and his friends on The Soccer Shots team, while I play as various people that amuse me. For a good v. evil battle Alex has had me play as Russia’s national team, and since I don’t know many Russian players I have been name checking Russian writers, poets, philosophers and the occasional educational psychologist (all of whom perform well but sneer at coach Vladmir Putin’s machinations).

And yet, Alex has won the last two games 15-13 and 15-8 (shooting directly at goal while I’m putting a point on the scoreboard may have an effect on that–also Alex insists that games must be played to 15 rather than for a specific length of time…)

Transfer Tips

Literally as I was writing this, Casper Tengsedt, fresh off his record setting run at Rosenborg made a move to the much more prestigious Portuguese club of Benfica. Hard to blame him taking a shot at a Champions League level squad, but it will be a darn shame for the Norwegian league. Replacing Tengsedt (possibly) is Isak Snaer Thorvaldsson who joins from Icelandic side Breidablik.

While there weren’t many other notable moves made we thought we’d take a minute and profile the winter changes we do know about for the other teams that are in action right now: Punjab, Grenoble, Legon Cities, and Ross County…or rather, I would but they haven’t made any real moves of note

Adios, Muchachos

This Sunday we are heading out on a vacation to Puerto Vallarta to celebrate Grandma and Grandpa MacKenzie’s 40th anniversary. As such we’re going to try to leave the technology behind a bit and focus in on the people at hand. Rest assured we’ll summarize the matches we missed (and hopefully, in the case of Alebrijes, watched on local tele) and even see if we can capture something of the magic of you boys playing against your uncles

Player of the Week

While Punjab got more of the goals (and Lucka Macjen’s hair and beard combo have me feeling like I’ve found a lost brother–hence his spot at the top of this post) Loic Nestor provided more of the heroics. Let’s make it four years running of appreciating Loic Nestor!

Standings

After several more teams took the field in 2023, Ross County slid down the table. Alebrijes’ awful week sees them at the bottom, and Punjab’s big win takes them to the top.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Punjab1003.003.001.00
Grenoble1111.331.000.00
Legon Cities0101.000.000.00
Ross County0110.500.001.00
Alebrijes0020.000.002.50
Rosenborg–b000———
Minnesota–b000———
Freiburg–b000———
Vozdovac–b000———
Montana–b000———
Emelec–b000———
Table Updated 1/12/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, January 12th

Friday, January 13th

Guingamp v. Grenoble (M)

Saturday, January 14th

Punjab FC v. Kenkre FC

Motherwell v Ross County

Sunday, January 15th

Monday, January 16th

Nsoatreman v. Legon Cities

Tuesday, January 17th

Sreenidi Deccan v. Punjab FC (Top of the table on the line!)

Wednesday, January 18th

Venados v. Alebrijes

Thursday, January 19th

Friday, January 20th

Saturday, January 21st

Wolfsburg v. Freiburg (M)

Hamilton Academical v. Ross County

Sunday, January 22nd

Mohammedan SC v. Punjab FC

Yzeure Allier v. Grenoble (F)

Monday, January 23rd

Tuesday, January 24th

Wednesday, January 25th

Freiburg v. Frankfurt (M)

Alebrijes v. Dorados

Year 3

Year 3

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Last year I thrilled at how I was able to have a normal-ish routine through this writing….then I absolutely lost all sense of routine. Still and all, I’m glad to look back on the year that was and the fates of our favorite 11 sides on the planet.

Final Standings

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Rosenborg BK–b3611171.862.231.2
Minnesota–b288151.801.841.27
Freiburg–b2614141.702.411.54
Punjab12671.681.521.36
Alebrijes–b141481.561.280.83
Vozdovac–b149121.461.031.14
Montana–b7761.401.250.85
Legon Cities1214101.391.060.61
Grenoble Foot2110221.351.251.19
Emelec–b1713181.331.501.27
Ross County139211.121.121.46
Table Updated 12/31/22
b–Team is between seasons

None of our favorite teams won any hardware this year, but while no one hit the heights of last year, there was some impressive consistency up and down the table.

Rosenborg takes home this year’s sippy cup, built on a consistent run from both the men and the women. Minnesota came close to matching them, but the Loons couldn’t maintain their mid-summer surge leaving Aurora carrying the load for our local sides.

Freiburg and Punjab put together great runs as well, and the Griffins came away with the most heart breaking outcome of the year losing the German Cup on penalties to more of a money bag team. Punjab’s rotating managers and star players makes it a little hard to build consistency, but clearly they have a strategy that has worked well for them.

Alebrijes de Oaxaca had the greatest improvement from the last year, jumping half a point per game, while Montana had a disappointing turn dropping from dominant to merely good. Still with the Griz seeing tremendous showings from a lot of underclassmen, the future is bright again.

At the bottom of the table, Emelec had a great showing in the Copa Liertadores, but couldn’t keep the same form in Ecuador, meanwhile the ladies became the first team we follow to be relegated out of their division after a dismal campaign, Even so, they still out showed Ross County whose strong finish to the 2023 season has been washed away in an underwhelming fall.

Players of the Year

Coming back with another year of favorite players was again difficult, but we’re noticing that there are some players who are pretty much always on the team sheet. Hats off to Romario Caicedo, Hasret Kayici, and Jonah Attaquye for being in the starting line-up two years running, and welcome back Vincenzo Grifo.

Grifo’s former defensive teammate, Nico Schlotterback, also made the starters. Even though he moved to Dortmund during the summer, his showing with Freiburg left no doubt that he was deserving. The only other team to get multiple players in the starting XI, was Minnesota Aurora off their undefeated regular season with Mackenzie Langdock, and Sarah Fuller.

Antonio Portales’ captaincy and leadership of the vastly improved Alebrijes made him their first starter, and Sarah Kanutte Forness took the Julie Blakstad endowed chair in the midfield (I’m going to bring up Julie Blakstad once a year, so help me goodness).

And at the front of the attack, we put Casper Tengstedt, who led Rosenborg, despite only playing for them for half the year, and the golden boot winner in Scotland: Regan Charles Cook.

We also expanded our bench (if 9 subs is good enough for the World Cup, it’s good enough for us!). This helped us to find spots for every team in our list including Laliz Tenorio for las Electricas, and our favorite Haitian international: Sherly Jeudy. Allie Larsen reps the Grizzlies, while Milos Pantovic, and Kurtiss Guthrie get the nods for Vozdovac and Punjab. Minnesota United also contributed two members to the bench as Robin Lod and Dayne St. Clair had great years, but not quite great enough to take starting jobs from the others.

What’s Next

I can and will be more consistent in writing, and after the fun of having you boys contribute ideas and messages to the videos after matches, I want to plan on taking you to more games (Minnesota Aurora for sure, maybe we can find a plac eon our family vacation in Mexico.

Last year I also tried to set a standard of talking to reps from each team, but only got two done before the move consumed my life. We’ll try again this year.

The Big Lesson from the World Cup

The Big Lesson from the World Cup

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

This World Cup, like every world cup, had a lot to teach us. But one story stood out above the others: the fairy tale story of Lionel Messi.

Messi is world renowned, possibly the most famous soccer player of our age even though he looks like your run of the mill hipster barista. His skills make him possibly the most outstanding player alive, but to many he couldn’t compare with legends of the past, because he hadn’t won the World Cup.

This year was likely to be Messi’s last chance to win the cup. Think pieces, documentaries, podcasts, everyone was talking about Messi’s chance to end his career with a happily ever after. But when the tournament started with a stunning defeat to Saudi Arabia and a lackluster win against Mexico, many people began to talk about how it wouldn’t end well for him. So there was a lot of excitement and uncertainty as the next round approached.

Twas the night before the Second Round

And all ’round the earth

No one was comfortable

In their Round of 16 Berth…

–A silly poem I wrote to your uncles and grandpa before the second round

But as the tournament progressed, Messi grew into the matches. He helped pilot the team through the challenges of knockout matches. As time went on the best teams continued to win, and the best players continued to showcase their skills. Suddenly there was a feeling that Messi might yet win the trophy that had eluded him and end his international career with a flourish.

Still there was reality to deal with. Specifically the fact that real life isn’t a fairy tale. There are any number of fairy tales that could happen, but don’t. In this tournament there were fifteen other teams that felt just as destined. There was a raft of other great stories to hear and legends to tell, and there was excitement for all of them. There was every reason to expect that the fairy tale wouldn’t come true. And as first Australia and then Holland pushed Messi’s team to the limit, only for them to come out on top anyway. But there was still a final to play.

The upsets were over

But the drama was great

both legends and new stars

had made the last eight…

Then during the quarters

There arose such a clatter

Even non-fans tuned in

to see what was the matter

Surprise wins delighted

and PKs caused pain

As Brazil and Ronaldo were ousted

And so too, Harry Kane

Three more stanzas of poetry written after the octa/quarter finals

So we reached the final. The last team in the way of the fairy tale ending was France, the reigning champions, and a team with little patience for narratives. Your grandpa came over, and the whole world tuned in. It looked as though Messi would lead his side to an easy win…until it didn’t.

First one goal, then another, and France had the momentum. Messi scored again…and so did France. It seemed that the fairy tale would end…until, it didn’t, and the dream came true.

Then with the last whistle blown

and the trophy raised high

All our month-long obsessions

Vanished like dust in the sky

With Leo Messi triumphant

And Argentinean victory

We relish the moments

And call on our memories

–Post semis and finals stanzas

That was the big take away. Everywhere I turned, all those think pieces, documentaries, and podcasts, they all echoed the same thing. I tried to think of something different, another moral, another lesson, but honestly, that’s the truth. sometimes, fairy tales do come true (especially if you work tirelessly).

That’s something worth remembering. Given that most of the World Cup carried the stink of corruption, of bribery, of abuse and intolerance, it’s easy to forget that there are magical things that happen. That cynicism can creep into everything that we do until we blind ourselves to even the non-Messi fairy tales.

Dear Boys,

I even saw it a few days after the tournament, as an article introduced a new series on another website. The Athletic will follow 7 players from around the world before the next World Cup kicks off in 2026. One of them, Bikash Yumnam, plies his trade for our own Roundglass Punjab FC. So this series is right in my wheel house, and I was discouraged to read a comment from a fellow reader.

I don’t see the point of following a player who’s still playing in the 2nd Indian division at age 19. He’s likely not going anywhere.

–Athletic Reader “Kim P.”

Perhaps I’m defensive of Punjab FC. Perhaps I’m sentimental. Perhaps I personalized an online comment that maybe took the writer twenty seconds to think about. But this is exactly what drives me crazy. We just saw a fairy tale ending for one of the greatest players of all time. Why can’t we suspend our disbelief and hope for a fairy tale for 19 year old Center back from Manipur?

We can. We should. Because fairy tales come true. Bikash likely won’t win the World Cup in 4 years, but maybe it will. Maybe his fairy tale will end with a Hero League trophy. Maybe it will end with an Asian Cup appearance. Maybe it will end with a hamstring tear that leaves him to find the love of his life. Who knows what it will be, but whatever it is, maybe we can appreciate the magic of it just as much as we believe in the magic of Messi.

Yay Likovic, yay Hakimi

Yay Doan and Gakpo

Yay McCallister, yay Kudus

Yay Adams and Ramo–s

We’ll cheer and we’ll cheer

all through the highlights

Happy World Cup to all

And to all a goodnight

–The end of my poem, another silly bit with dreams about future stars.
Week 50: Back in the Saddle Again

Week 50: Back in the Saddle Again

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Recaps

Churchill Brothers 0 – 0 Punjab FC

This was a match that happened.

Ross County 1 – 2 St. Johnstone

In the first match-day back on the British Isles, Yan Dada did his Welsh family proud with some insightful passing that set up a great opener from Jordan White. But two goals in two minutes from Alistair Crawford undid all that good work…sigh…

Punjab FC 1 – 0 Gokulam Kerala FC

The Warriors of Punjab continued their strong end to 2022 with another win, and remained undefeated at home (just down the road from Chandigarh). Luka Majcen was the man behind the big goal, getting revenge on his former team after a sloppy tackle, with his fourth goal in 6 matches. He’s rapidly becoming our favorite Slovenian!

Kotoku Royals 0 – 3 Legon Cities FC

On the one hand, the Royals are firmly rooted to the bottom of the table in Ghana. On the other hand, you need victories over poor teams just as much as you need them over good teams. Legon got their holiday started early with three goals, their most since April, and will hope to kick off 2023 with as much panache as they finished up their 2022.

News & Notes

Small Man Lifts Big Trophy

We had a heck of a time watching the World Cup final with your grandpa.

Okay, I had a heck of a time watching the World Cup final with your grandpa, and you guys had a great time running around, smashing legos into walls and singing/dancing to your hearts content while jacked up on sugary donuts that grandpa brought. But you both watched for at least 15 to 30 minutes, cheering, clapping, and generally getting sucked into the same feeling that your grandpa and I did: it was very nice to watch Lionel Messi, a man whose nickname should probably be “statistical outlier“, finally win the biggest trophy of them all. Alex in particular has decided that the blue and white shirts are his new favorite. So congrats Leo, you are officially in the stratosphere of Pele and Maradonna…and you have another 5 year old fan.

Yup, well-earned (from CNN.com)

Player of the Week

We’re late in getting back to these, but it’s worth saying that almost every highlight we see of Punjab FC includes the man-bunned #99, Lucka Majcen celebrating with someone else. So let’s thank him the only way we know how: by writing his name in an obscure corner of the internet, where maybe his mom will be amused!

Majcen (middle) celebrating, which he’s done a lot this year (Photo from ILeague)

Standings

The Table remains pretty locked in place, but Legon did see their win vault them up past Montana, and Punjab ended up just outside of the top three. We’ll see if Grenoble or Ross County can adjust their place again.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Rosenborg BK–b3611171.862.231.2
Minnesota–b288151.801.841.27
Freiburg–b2614141.702.411.54
Punjab12671.681.521.36
Alebrijes–b141481.561.280.83
Vozdovac–b149121.461.031.14
Legon Cities1213101.401.060.60
Montana–b7761.401.250.85
Grenoble Foot2110211.401.251.19
Ross County139191.171.121.46
Emelec–b1713180.671.501.27
Table Updated 12/21/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, December 22nd

Friday, December 23rd

Ross County v. Rangers

Saturday, December 24th

Sunday, December 25th

Elves v. Reindeer (North Pole Classico)

Monday, December 26th

Quevilly v. Grenoble (M)

Tuesday, December 27th

Wednesday, December 28th

Dundee United v. Ross County

What’d we Miss?

What’d we Miss?

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

It was a regular year, until it wasn’t.

Not in a world shaking, business shuttering, economy crashing, global pandemic way.

But it was a hefty change in the way we lived and the work that was needed.

We bought a house.

My waking hours shifted from leisurely repair projects punctuated by writing inspiration, to an incessant to do list of packing, repacking, scheduling, painting, rescheduling and suddenly recalling undone tasks.

I had hoped that when we moved in, I could return to writing more. I neglected to notice how the minor house issues you put off become a lot more vital once you move in.

I’m under no illusions now. This project sits firmly to the side on my list of hustles (in the non-profitable category). But I remain dedicated to that idea, that if you show the world how you play, it will show the world who you are.

If we look at and cheer for eleven teams around the world, it can show us how to live. This year, we cheered more than we watched. But we can still see how to live.

How did they do, while life forced us to make other plans? What can we learn from it all…here are their results and our thoughts

Rosenborg

Women’s Record: 9 W-2 D-6 L// 30 GF-20 GA

Men’s Record: 16 W-4 D- 5 L//75-GF 38-GA

Story: as has been the routine, Rosenborg has all kinds of attacking strength. They spent most of the summer pouring in goals. Émilie Nautnes and Sara Kanutte Forness led one line while mid season acquisition Casper Tengstedt set the other one on fire (15 goals in 14 matches…yikes!)

But each side also faced some serious challenges. The men couldn’t seem to hold a defensive shape, scoring and ceding goals in droves en route to another distant third place finish. Meanwhile the troll kvinner got knocked down by Real Madrid’s ladies side and seemed to end an otherwise stellar season in a rotten funk losing three of their final four to miss out on another crack at the Champions League next year.

Lesson: balance yourself, neither your strengths nor your struggles define you.

Minnesota

Women’s Record: 13 W-1 D-1 L//39 GF-10 GA

Men’s Record 9 W-4 D-9 L//34 GF – 41 GA

Story: Locally we had some absolutely marvelous moments this summer. I say that not only because I had you boys with me at a few matches, but because the quality of the games was superb.

For a stretch, no one was playing better soccer than Minnesota United. Dayne St. Clair was stopping everything hit his way, Emmanuel Reynoso was connecting with everyone around him. Robin Lod had made me look utterly foolish by becoming someone people around the world were eyeing hopefully.

It all came undone of course. The Loons ended up squeaking into the playoffs and then bowing out quickly, but it was still wonderful while it lasted.

Likewise the first season for Minnesota Aurora was practically perfect. The team went unbeaten throughout the regular season and combined superb defense with a dynamite attack. Sarah Fuller anchored the defense in the goal, and Morgan Turner poured in the goals, and the team became a vital part of the larger community connecting players, fans, coaches, and staff. Even though it ended in defeat at the final hurdle (seems to be a theme for our favorites), it was a marvelous way to spend a summer.

(As an added bonus, the youngest member of Aurora, Bayliss Flynn, signed to join the Montana Grizzlies, so she is the second athlete to play for two of our favorites)

Lesson: There’s no place like home.

Freiburg

Men’s Record 15 W – 5 D – 3 L// 42 GF- 22 GA

Women’s Record 6 W – 1 D – 3 L// 25 GF- 14 GA

Story: Janina Minge has emerged as a leading innovator offensively for die Freiburg Frauen. But, they have continued to lack a decisive element that would vault them up into the Bundesliga’s top tier alongside Wolfsburg, Bayern, or Frankfurt. (Maybe they could use some of Minnesota Aurora’s squad…just saying)

But that’s exactly where the men’s team has found a new stride. Christian Stretch’s steady presence has been a model for players who bring out their best every week, even with an extra competition in the Europa League to challenge them, the Griffins are having another tremendous season, with Mathias Ginter and Christian Günter leading the defense, and newly adopted Ritsu Doan joining Vincenzo Grifo to lead the attack.

Lesson: much as we want the shiniest trophies, being your best, regardless of the result can be the greatest reward

Round Glass Punjab

Record: 4 W- 1D-1L//7 GF-5 GA

Story: While most of the world turned their attention to the World Cup in Qatar, Punjab’s season got started, but with a different look than usual. Gone is last year’s dominant scorer Kurtiss Guthrie (off to play in Scotland against Ross County), in are a host of eastern european veterans. Gone are the run of British coches, in is Greek manager Staikos Vergetis. But best of all, Nepali keeper Kiran Limbu Chempjong (though, he hasn’t been as unbeatable this year as he was in his previous run with the club).

Still the special winter season on the subcontinent has a long way to go before we’re done, so we’ll sit back and enjoy what is rather than wonder about what was.

Lesson: Whatever else you focus on, life carries on.

Alebrijes de Oaxaca

Record: 4 W-9 D-5 L//22 GF-18 GA

Story: Alebrijes closed out the spring season with a sterling showing. They seemed to have everything well handled in attack and defense. But then they were undone in the playoffs, and come the fall campaign seemed to have lost all their mojo. The departure of Juan Portales made the defense less stable, and the crucial finishing touch to turn draws into victories. And then they lost in the playoffs.

Lesson: what seem like your best days and hardest days all end in the same place.

Vozdovac

Record: 9 W-4 D-6 L//17 GF-22 GA

Story: The Red Dragons continue to methodically build their team and their identity the hard way. Match by match, game by game, step by step. After saying goodbye to a raft of their regular talents, the team got significantly younger during the offseason, bringing in a raft of under 21 talent to nurture and grow on their own. Even though the team still hasn’t hit the top of the table (thanks again Partizan and Red Star), they are consistently a team to challenge you, and Milos Pantovic has proven himself (at only 20 years old) to be a dynamic scorer. (I’m still hoping for some more break out showings by Bogdan Jocic, and Borisav Burmaz.)

Lesson: Hope is a thing with dragon wings.

Montana

Record: 7 W-7 D-6 L//25 GF-17 GA

Story: The years we’ve kept track on this blog have been a consistent study in the excellence of the Griz. So much so that it started to seem like a forgone conclusion. The Griz were certainly prepped to bring another conference title home after holding their own against non-conference opponents (including ties against much more prestigious schools including Creighton and close defeats to Pitt and Portland).

But every year is different, and it seemed as though the other teams found a path through the vaunted Griz defense, or at least that there was more pressure than usual on Camilla Xu. Maysa Walters and Delaney Schorr were a solid goal scoring combination, but ultimately there was more depth and diversity in attack from Northern Arizona and Idaho (whose goalies also managed to stop more shots than Xu). The Griz did what they do well, other teams just did it better.

Lesson: Game Recognizes Game.

Grenoble

Women’s Record: 4 W-1 D-5 L//18 GF-13 GA

Men’s Record: 7 W-5 D-3 L//16 GF-12 GA

Story: The records don’t tell the whole story for the Alpiners. Nicolas Delpine’s side continued to showcase the skills and talents of Sherly Jeudy week in and week out, but (as we’ve seen before) the defense has been more suspect, giving up about three goals per game. But, things have turned around well the last couple of weeks and the team heads into the break with two wins in a row (three if they win in the Cup this Sunday)

Meanwhile, the men dusted themselves off after a lackluster previous season and are well positioned to, once again, put themselves in contention for promotion during the season’s second half. The team has been on a seven match unbeaten run with a trio of new attackers leading the charge. Pape Meissa Ba, Jordan Tell, and Abdoulie Sayang are all new to the squad in the year 2022, and they have led the scoring. But the team has been Matthias Phaeton, the Guadeloupe player who has featured in every match as a sub or a starter and has bopped everywhere there’s grass in pursuit of the game. Add this to our beloved backline squad and you have a strong team that may just get stronger in the spring.

Lesson: Never underestimate the element of surprise

Legon Cities

Record 3 W-8 D-5 L//8 GF-8 GA

Story: I love Legon as much as I love Nkatekwan, and as you boys seem to have inherited my zeal for all things peanut buttery, I think you’ll know that’s a lot of love. Legon loves Jonah Attaquye as well. He’s only 22 and he has fast become their talisman. And yet, Jonah can’t do it all on his own. The increasing pressure of carrying the load for the team, distributing the ball to scorers who struggle to connect and running the show. This season, he and defender Suleman Mohammed have missed a total of 5 minutes across all their games.

Lesson: Love is Love, but dependency is dangerous.

Ross County

Record: 7 W-4 D-10 L//25 GF-31 GA

Story: A year ago, the fall campaign was anything but kind to the Staggies. The team looked to be every bit as shaky as it was when it faced relegation, but then the ship was righted and they got their best final table position in about a decade.

But that was with Reagan Charles Cook playing chef du’jour. With his departure for Belgium, County had to try to fill in with a raft of other players to match his same creativity and finishing. While midfielder Yan Dhada brings an impressive resume and strong creativity, we’ve yet to see either Jordy Hiluwa or Jordan White dominate the game the way Regan did. So it’s a lot like last season…but that turned out pretty well so lets be patient.

Lesson: Enjoy the comfort food of home cooking while it lasts.

Emelec

Women’s Record: 1 W-1 D-4 L//4 GF-11 GA

Men’s Record: 7 W-5 D-5 L//23 GF-17 GA

Story: Los Bombillos and Las Electricas had a little less productive campaign than in prior years. The goals seemed to dry up and there was no clear answer in goal. Laliz Tenorio, the woman who is older than your Uncle Simon and twice as powerful, led the attack (as best she could). Unfortunately, things were so ineffective, that Emelec was dropped out of the top Women’s League in Ecuador and will now need to earn promotion again. I’ve been looking for where I can find coverage of the amateur women’s leagues in Ecuador, but I may not be able to find it…hopefully we’ll see Las Electricas again soon.

Likewise, the men who offered such dominance in prior years, could not break through to the upper echelon of the league. In the past they might have been able to pull some surprises against opponents in knock-out stages, but this year it was only the champion of each half of the season. The team did break through into the knock out stages of the big continental battle of the Copa Libertadores, bowing out to former Brazilian boss “Hulk”. Even though his career in Guyaquil looks to be over, Sebastian Rodriguez closed out his three year career with the club as a leader and definitive goal scorer. And as ever, Romario Caiceido continues to be the air raid master in his dangerous balls.

Lesson: Part of the journey is the end, and that’s beautiful too.

Standings

There are two more weeks of relevant matches, but the standings are pretty clearly set. Grenoble and Legon Cities could reach the mid-table and Punjab could climb as high as 3rd. But Rosenborg BK has set themselves up for their second Sippy Cup in three years.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Rosenborg BK–b3611171.862.231.2
Minnesota–b288151.801.841.27
Freiburg–b2614141.702.411.54
Punjab11571.651.611.48
Alebrijes–b141481.561.280.83
Vozdovac–b149121.461.031.14
Montana–b7761.401.250.85
Grenoble Foot2110211.401.251.19
Legon Cities1113101.351.000.62
Ross County139181.201.131.45
Emelec–b1713180.671.501.27
Table Updated 12/15/22
b–Team is between seasons
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

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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]