Scores and Recaps

Ross County 2 – Livingston 0

Some players are made for the biggest stages in the world. And some are made for random Wednesday nights in Dingwall.

Billy McKay’s brace helped the Staggies to a vital victory in the battle to stay off the bottom. With 8 games till the end of this first session, they’ll look to keep strong against overconfident sides at home, and salvage the off draw on the road.

Legon Cities FC 1 – Elmina Sharks 0

It was a rather uninspiring day in Accra, as the two teams combined for few quality chances. Those chances that did come seemed to owe as much to slipshod defending as serious skill.

It took until a hand ball from Elmina in the 89th minute for a break to truly hurt one side. Karim Jabilla calmly stepped to the spot and slotted home a much needed winner for the Royals.

Blooming 0 – Emelec (M) 3 (Copa Sudamericana)

Our favorite Ecuadorian side got 2020 off to a great start: racking up 3 away goals against Bolivia’s Blooming. Uruguay’s Facundo Barceló bookended the score sheet with a pair of goals from tight angles, and Dixon Arroyo slammed home a strong header to seal the win,

As a straight knockout tournament, the Copa Sudamericana offers plenty of drama, and though it’s less historic/prestigious than the Copa Libertadores, its a great chance for Emelec to step up on a continental stage

The score line gives Los Bombillos a significant advantage coming into their home leg, which should set them up well for the round of 32.

Interallies 1 – Legon Cities FC 1

Head coach Goran Barjaktarevic wanted a better performance from his side than what they turned in at midweek. Instead his side conceded an early penalty that scrapped their game plan.

A more aggressive Royals attack provided valuable pressure. But it took another penalty, committed by InterAllies keeper, to set up Legon’s goal: another Karim Jabilla penalty.

SC Freiburg (M) 1 – TSG Hoffenheim 0

One end of the Schwarzwald Stadion saw all the most decisive action Saturday. First fullback Christian Gunther was taken down/tapped lightly on a run in from the wing, drawing the penalty that Gian-Luca Walschmidt converted to give Freiburg the lead.

But it was almost all for not when Hoffenheim’s Christian Baumgartner dashes past the defense with a well-Angled low shot. Fortunately for Freiburg, it hit the post. Unfortunately, it caromed right back into Baumgartner’s path. And that’s where Dominique Heintz saved the day and three points

https://youtu.be/pPLRNnw6kVA

Alebrijes de Oxaca 1 – Dorados 1

Dorados put everything they had into their opening salvo: dominating possession and pushing Alebrijes deeper and deeper into their shell. Finally there was one cross too many and the visitors went on top.

That seemed to be enough to wake up Alebrijes who promptly peppered the Dorados defense with all manner of attacking moves: runs, crosses, through balls, but it wasn’t until Daniel Cisneros’ free kick pinged off a defender’s skull and into the net that the hosts went level. Despite several more opportunties for both sides to net the winner from less than 6 yards out, it finished that way.

Mohun Bagan 1 – Punjab FC 0

The I-League’s top of table clash didn’t disappoint. A late first half goal by Baba Diarwa set the Kolkata club on top. Then the sailors weathered a storm of Warriors attacks in the second half, with Leonardo Barboza looking particularly menacing.

At the start of the day, there were six points between the sides, and a win for the visitors would have shrunk the gap to 3. Instead it’s now 9 points and without any more head-to-head fixtures the title may be done and dusted.

Le Havre 4 – Grenoble Foot 38 (F) 0

It was a tough trip to Normandy for the Grenobloises, but the “Sky and Sea” were too much for them. To be fair, any team whose crest boasts a dragon in a pink scarf is tough to beat, or even to want to beat.

Lens 0 – Grenoble Foot 38 (M) 0

It wasn’t much better for the men up at Lens. Outmuscled in the midfield, they created more chances than their opponents, but they weren’t quality. Keeping up with a team fighting for promotion is promising. Coming up short is aggravating.

News & Notes

Minnesota United Ranked 7th in Western Conference before Season Starts

When not making sense of American elections, 538.com applies statistical analysis to ascertain potential and strength of various teams/leagues around the world.

Our local team has gone from laughing stock to reliable playoff threat, but with only a 50/50 chance (according to the statistical model) it might be a more tense atmosphere

What’s Next

Wednesday, February 12

1:45 Hibernian v. Ross County

Thursday, February 13

5:30 East Bengal Club v. Punjab FC

Friday, February 14

1:00–Grenoble Foot 38 (M) v. Niort

Saturday, February 15

8:30 Augsburg v. SC Freiburg (M)

9:00–Ross County v. St. Johnstone

10:00 Mladost Lucani v. FK Vozdovac

11:00–Legon Cities FC v. Great Olympics

2:30–Orense v. Emelec (M)

Sunday February 16

2:30–Punjab FC v. Real Kashmir

7:00–SC Sand v. SC Freiburg

Monday February 17

Scores and Recaps

Punjab FC 3 – Neroca FC 2

If you fall behind by two goals, at home, within 20 minutes, you might well expect it to be a miserable night.

When Asier Dipanda leads your attack, any night can be legendary.

The Cameroonian’s first two goals saved the day, his 90th minute hat-trick winner was nothing short of magic.

Rangers 2 – Ross County 0

The Staggies finished their Glasgow vacation with another defeat, as the Old Firm duopoly continues to bully the rest of Scotland. Worse still Rangers and Celtic also short spitballs at the back of Ross County’s head on a trip to Kelvingrove Art Museum.

Alebrijes de Oaxaca 3 – Cimarrones 0

Playing at home for the first time in the Clausura, Alebrijes celebrated with a thorough and throttling attack. Under pressure from the off, the visitors ceded a penalty, an own goal and too much space for Michael Orozco’s victory sealing third.

Karela United 3 – Legon Cities FC 0

While Legon Cities have a mammoth stadium and make a clear point of bringing in big names to fire up the half time crowd, Kerala United’s investment in squad cohesion might be a better choice. On a dusty field with no clear seating arrangement, Kerala clobbered the Royals with clever combos and clinical finishing sending the big budget boys home with another loss.

Troyes 1 – Grenoble Foot 38 2 (M)

At last Grenoble seemed to find an attack that got results. A pair of strong assists down the right side from Man of the Match, Pierre Gibaud led to well struck goals for wingers Arsene Guintangui, and Willy Semedo.

Kilmarnock 3 – Ross County 1

For their third away game in a week, County looked quite road weary. From the beginning Killie had the advantage, dominating throughout the field.

Iain Vigurs lashed home the Staggies best opening of the first half, giving a lead against the run of play. But in the second half Kilmarnock got what they deserved with Eamon Brophy leading the way., sending the Stags farther down the table.

Koln 4 – SC Freiburg 0

It’s worth asking why and how Freiburg can be so tireless against heavyweight opponents, and so abysmal against what, on paper, seem like pushovers.

You could say Koln was lucky. Up two in stoppage time, it was only total indifference from the visitors that created the lopsided score line. But saying, “you only beat us because we weren’t trying to win” snacks a little of gym class bullies my excuses.

Grenoble (F) 0 – Arras 1 (Cup Quarter Finals)

When you make a cup run, you might well make every game feel like a finals. Grenoble certainly acted like this last 8 match was for all the marbles. despite seeming to be the better side throughout regulation, one well timed shot from Arras meant the dream ended just as we were getting to the good part.

Grenoble (M) 1 -Le Havre1

Just when it seemed they had things figured out, Grenoble struggled in the attack again. A bit of fortune finally gave them a rueful smile, awarding a late penalty for team talisman Jessy Bennet to put away and save a point at home.

News & Notes

Nothing to report

What’s Next

Wednesday, February 5

1:45–Ross County V. Livingston

Legon Cities FC V. Elmina Sharks

Thursday, February 6

4:15–Blooming v. Emelec (M) (Copa Sudamericana)

Friday, January 31

Saturday, February 8

Interallies V. Legon Cities FC

8:30–SC Freiburg (M) v. TSG Hoffenheim

5:00 PM–Alebrijes de Oxaca v Dorados

Sunday February 9

5:30 AM–Mohun Bagan v. Punjab FC

Monday February 10

1:45–Lens v. Grenoble Foot 38 (M)

Scores and Recaps

Ross County 0 v Hearts 0

The Staggies season seemed auspicious when they fought for a draw in Edinburgh early in the season, but the calamitous collapse of Hearts has made it seem like less of a quality result each week.

Desperate for a win Hearts came to Dingwall looking to stanch the bleeding in their potentially lost season. Ross County had the better opportunities all night long including multiple Billy McKay chances that just came to nought. It says something about both teams that newly promoted, tiny Ross County was clearly better and ought to be disappointed not to take 3 points against one of the glamour teams in Scottish soccer history.

Then again, maybe Hearts just got a lousy pep talk.

Universidad de Guadalajara 1 v Alebrijes de Oaxaca 0

The return of Liga MX Acenso could have been a celebration for first half champions Alebrijes away from home. Instead it was a frenetic affair with many chances for the home side, and even more frenzy when things exploded in the 66th minute.

Omar Bravo clocked Mario Orozco, and Giovanni Leon responded with a shove of his own that escalated to a mini-melee. I’m the end Bravo and Leon were dismissed, and the match restarted with a different shape.

The change in tactics gave the Black Lions an advantage they did not waste. Without a center back, and with their left back Orozco hurting, the defense fell apart even more. In the 81st minute Jose Hernandez struck to give the hosts a victory and start Alebrijes’ second half of the season on the wrong foot.

Legon Cities FC 1 v Bechem United 0

After three matches without a goal and two underwhelming performances in their new home, the Royals didn’t take long to change their fortunes in Accra. In what can best described as an attempted trick play, two Legon Cities players feigned an argument over who would take a 5th minute free kick, only for Abdul Karim Jabila to strike it clean and true past the Bechem keeper.

Striking quickly to start the game gave some the feeling that the Royals were about to blast off. Instead, they were again unlucky not to score another despite numerous strong chances.

Still a win is a win, and the Royals fans don’t mind if it was five minutes of fun and 85 more of fear.

Grenoble Foot 38 0 v Chambly 0 (Men)

Grenoble Foot continued their goalless 2020 with a torpid affair at home against Chambly. The result was their league leading 12th tie of the campaign and kept their goals for/against at a delightfully relevant 20-20

Freiburg 0 v Paderborn 2

After a rip-roaring return to action last week, the Breisgauer might be accused of taking bottom of the table Paderborn too lightly, and they paid for it at home Saturday.

The same strategy of long crosses to hopeful heads was far less successful against the bigger Paderborn defense. Some opportune goal scoring was all the last-place side needed as even going down a man wasn’t enough to help Freiburg over the line

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtBZg9aOIA4

Celtic 3 v Ross County 0

Given that the previous installment had ended 6-0 to the Green-Hooped Gods of Glasgow, this result might feel like a big step up for the Staggies.

It was a close run affair until a late first half penalty allowed Callum McGregor to put the Hoops ahead. But the second half belonged to diminutive Odsonne Édouard who netted his 15th and 16th goals of the campaign just in time to inspire some last minute transfer bids. Glad we could help.

Grenoble Foot 38 1 – Lille 2 (Women’s League)

The Grenobloise managed as many goals as the men’s teams combined this weekend, but it wasn’t enough to see off Lille.. the result brought much delight to your uncle Simon, who likes Lille much as I like Grenoble. Only, I–of course–am right.

News & Notes

Minerva Punjab FC Owner Urges Youth Investment

Ranjit Bajaj cuts an outsized figure promoting soccer in a cricket mad subcontinent. Unapologetic and provocative, he believes whole heartedly in youth training. (His Minerva Punjab training camp reluctantly rebranded the first team this session to expand beyond their own tight knit community to the whole state.)

On the “Rupeeball Podcast” Bajaj took time to reaffirm his love for youth training. His ardent belief in cutting out fees to make coaching easier for others is a basic plan for improvement. The big dream though, World Cup 2036,requires a bit more: national agreement to offer top notch coaching to five year olds in academies. That may seem staggering but frankly, I’m for anything that gives more young people a harsh reed educatin

What’s Next

Wednesday, January 29

2:30 AM–Punjab FC V Neroca FC

1:45 PM–Rangers V Ross County

Thursday, January 30

8:30PM–Alebrijes de Oaxaca V Cimarrones

Friday, January 31

1:00 PM Troyes V Grenoble Foot 38 (M)

Saturday, February 1

7:00 AM (Friendly) Rosenberg BK v Stjørdals Blink

9:00 AM Kilmarnock V Ross County

Sunday February 2

8:30 AM Koln v SC Freiburg

TBD: Grenoble (F) v. Arras (Cup Quarter Finals)

Monday February 3

1:45 Grenoble (M) V Le Havre