Tag: Robin Lod

Week 39: Welcomes and Farewells

Week 39: Welcomes and Farewells

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Viking 3 – 1 Rosenborg [M-Cup]

Age Hareide fielded a strong side for the cup but they never got out of first gear, and Rosenborg made an exit far earlier than their dominant performances suggested they would.

Red Star Belgrade v. FK Vozdovac

Postponed. See News Below

Atletico Morelia 1 – 0 Alebrijes

Man, Oaxaca can’t build on their momentum can they? Their longest unbeaten run of the year has been two games….a pair of draws…so it was back to the struggle bus here.

Rodez 1 – 1 Grenoble [M]

Speaking of teams without an ounce of momentum, Grenoble’s defense seems just too tired to hold on at the end of games, giving up another stoppage time goal. This one came off a late foul deep in their area, and resulted in dropped points in a game they coulda shoulda won. One silver lining, it is their first road point of the campaign so…thank heaven for small mercies.

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 0 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

You wouldn’t know it from my incessant praising of the Griz, but there are those who felt they were a soft Conference Champion, as their final opponent in the tournament (these same Lumberjacks) were disqualified due to COVID rather than truly beaten. But Caitlin Rogers’ long distance free kick and Camilla Xu’s growing confidence in goal were enough to silence those doubters and put the Griz back atop the Big Sky again.

Avaldsnes 0 – 1 Rosenborg [F]

The Troll Ladies were a little slow to shake off the rust, but Sarah Kanutte Fornes did the job as an 81st minute substitute driving in an 87th minute goal on a textbook spin in the box. With 5 matches left, Rosenborg remain favorites for European qualification again this year…knock on all the wood.

Motherwell 2 – 1 Ross County

County’s hopes for a turn in fortunes were doused with another lightning fast goal, with Motherwell’s Callum Slattery netting a goal in the 2nd minute. Regan Charles Cook continued his strong form with an equalizer, but couldn’t get the defense to do the job.

Minnesota 2 – 0 Houston Dynamo

Again, the Loon’s attack was impressive right off the bat. Ethan Finlay scored his second in as many games, and Robin Lod made up for Emanuel Reynoso’s unusually underwhelming performance. But the midfield and defense ran out of gas in the second half, and only a great showing by Tyler Miller kept the score line comfortable.

Freiburg 3 – 0 Augsburg

The Griffins turned out the light on their old grounds in style. Lukas Kübler had a great showing after moving up to midfield from his usual right back role, but Lucas Höler was similarly strong and the whole squad played superlatively.

Grenoble 0 – 1 Olympique Marseille [F]

Les Grenobloises dropped their first points of the year…but I have no highlights so…that’s all I know.

Rosenborg 3- 1 Mondalen[M]

Stefano Holmquist’s ridonkulous form continues. In his past 5 Eliteserien games he has 7 goals, including two more at home this weekend. It’s a nice bounce back after being bumped out of the cup earlier in the week.

Southern Utah Thunderbirds 0 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

The Griz are back to bossing around the big sky conference. Even on a road trip with a redshirt freshman in goal, they’ve pulled off a pair of clean sheets to open conference play. This time it was Bella O’Brien knocking in a pass during your standard crash the box corner kick.

Emelec 2 – 2 Universidad Catolica

It took a late equalizer from Jose Cevallos trundling the ball in for Emelec to dodge two defeats in a row. The dropped points of the past few weeks makes a season sweep far less likely for Los Bombillos, but the team spirit should give hope that they’ll be well suited to claim the title at the end of the year.

FK Vozdovac 1 – 1 Mladost Lucani

The Dragons should be rightfully downhearted about only scraping a point against bottom of the table Lucani. But as it’s only their first draw of the season, and it was buoyed by a brilliant Milos Pantovic run, maybe there should be some pride in coming back at least a little?

News & Notes

Welcome to the Community Owen

We celebrated Owen’s baptism while your uncle Simon and I surreptitiously checked our phones for news of the North London derby. Spoiler alert: the baptism went better. And that’s even when the pastor’s “you are blessed by the water” was met with a firm “NO! I AM NOT!” (To be fair you were pretty sick Owen, nobody was getting a smile from you.)

Whatever Red Star wants….Red Star gets

This time it was a postponement for the match against Vozdovac. It was definitely because of COVID tests (among injured players) and not at all about needing a break from a schedule that called for six games in 14 days. (Narrator voice: it might have been, but they’re the dominant team in Serbia so…)

Sweet Dreams Dreisamstadion

For almost 70 years, the best of Freiburg fußball has had one home, one the banks of the Dreisam River. But the last match is now in the books, and in 20 days a new era will start at the new Europa Stadion. New is nice, and tradition is powerful. Here’s to the past and the future in Freiburg!

Player of the Week

I tried hard to spread around the awards, recognizing teams that didn’t dominate the summer lull. But we can’t pretend like Rosenborg’s best isn’t also the best in our world this week, or even the last month: Stefano Holmquist come on down!

Stefano Vecchia - File 2020 10 24 Djurgardens If Ik Sirius Fk Stefano Vecchia 04 Jpg Wikimedia Commons : Statystyki w obecnym sezonie zawodnika stefano holmquist vecchia (rosenborg trondheim) występy bramki asysty

Standings Update

The Griz got back to the top of the heap this week after their two strong road wins to kick off conference play. Meanwhile the middle of the pack got thoroughly shuffled With Minnesota climbing, Grenoble falling, and the Staggies and Dragons starting to split hairs

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana15062.141.70.7
Rosenborg BK314112.112.31.2
Emelec2210111.771.71.2
Minnesota United10781.481.21.2
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Grenoble159141.421.11.2
Freiburg167161.411.51.5
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
FK Vozdovac97131.1721.01.5
Ross County105151.1671.21.5
Alebrijes511101.001.21.7
Table Updated 9/29/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 29th

Alebrijes v. Tapatio

DC United v. Minnesota United

Thursday, September 30th

Friday, October 1st

University of Montana Grizzlies v. Sacramento State Hornets

Saturday, October 2nd

SC Freiburg v. VfL Wolfsburg [F]

Hertha BSC v. Freiburg [M]

Dundee United v. Ross County

FK Spartak Subotica v. Vozdovac

Grenoble v Pau [M]

Dallas v Minnesota United

Sunday, October 3rd

Thonon Evian v. Grenoble Foot [F]

Kristiansund v. Rosenborg [M]

Tecnico Universitario v. Emelec [M]

Montana Grizzlies v. Portland State Vikings

Emelec v. Orense

Monday, October 4th

Tuesday, October 5th

Venados v. Alebrijes

Week 29-31: Take a Breath

Week 29-31: Take a Breath

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Wait, What Happened?

In short…this…

First, the big thing that happened: your grandparents went on vacation. That meant we got to play, and run, and wrestle, and tell stories, and bowl, and swim, and just about everything else. It also meant, that I did not have time to review such things as soccer highlights, or write about matches. So, here’s a recap of the last three weeks with notes about each team and how they fared starting with the two big stories from the end of July

Did Emelec win it all or get knocked out?

Manta 0 – 4 Emelec [M]

Liga de Marcas 1 – 1 Emelec [F]

Emelec 1 – 4 Deportiva Cuenca [F]

Deportiva Cuenca 0 – 1 Emelec [M]

Barcelona 3 – 0 Emelec [F]

Emelec 2 – 2 Aucus

BOTH! Let me explain

The men’s victory of Manta clinched the first stage title! Facundo Barcelo and Dixon Arroyo led the way as los bombillos celebrated their first taste of glory since 2018.

The women’s team did not fare as well, following a draw with the lowly Liga de Marcas with a pair of defeats to regional rivals that stopped them from progressing to the playoff portion of the season. [The commments on their see you next year tweet seem to be encouraging whole sale change]

But, as the men start the second half of the season there’s still a good amount of hope that they can hoist the big trophy at year’s end, even if the draw at home to Aucus doesn’t exactly inspire dreams of a dominant campaign.

Were the Royals Relegated?

Legon Cities FC 3 – 2 Eleven Wonders

Miraculously, NO! Despite looking every bit the chaotic and relegation doomed side in the first half (when the Royals very much were looking at a season with a bloated payroll in a lower league), the Royals came back with goals from Hans Kwofie and Matthew Anim Cudjoe to save the win and jump from 16th to 11th place (it’s a little crazy in Ghana). [Though that’s only my read of the events]

Vozdavac’s Victory…and other outcomes…

Cukaricki 2 – 1 FK Vozdovac

Vozdovac 2 – 1 Proleter

Paritzan Beograd 4 – 0 Vozdovac

Serbia’s league kicked off with Vozdovac in much the same place that we lost saw them…struggling in the middle of the table. But now that the league only has 16 teams (as opposed to last year’s 20) the cushion at the bottom might not be as soft for the Red Dragons. In the duopoly of Serbia, your best hope is a tough defense…but the leaky new Vozdovac defense makes that uncertain. The highlight was surely Ivan Milosavljevic’s brace from beautiful runs to beat Proleter.

Troublesome Trolls

Rosenborg BK 0 – 2 Sandviken [F]

Tromso 1 – 3 Rosenborg [M]

FH Hafnarfjodur 0 – 2 Rosenborg [M–Europe]

Melhus 0 – 7 Rosenborg [M-Cup]

Rosenborg 4 – 1 FH Hafnarfjodur [M-Europe]

Orkla 1 -11 Rosenborg [M-Cup]

Yes, against all odds the only flaw in the ointment of Rosenborg’s recent run was the Women’s team who lost for the first time while repping the black and white in the league. Sandviken’s win gave the women something to think about for the last few weeks during the mid-season break, and hopefully they’ll be back to full strength this coming weekend.

Meanwhile the men ran roughshod over some (admittedly) lower wattage opponents, during the Eliteserien’s approximate mid-way point. Against lower level local clubs they ran up a stunning 18-1 goal difference with Dino Islamovic notching 5 between the two matches. Emil Konradsen Ceide also notched a hat trick and they head to the round of 32 without breaking a sweat.

The outlook is similarly bright in the hunt for a berth in Europe’s lowest league. Having decked their Icelandic opponents, Rosenborg is now set for a match with Slovenia’s Domzale and the winner of that is left with a pair of matches against French foes (and former home of the Loons’ Adrien Honou) Rennes. Factor in all these matches (plus the win at Tromso) and Dino Islamovic is up to 8 goals in his last 5 matches. Or enough for a blow out win against all their opponents combined. (Kudos also to Andre Hansen, Even Hovland and Adam Andersson for anchoring the overpowering defense).

Stellar Staggies Survive Sickness

Ross County 0 – 3 Dundee FC [Cup]

Bora Rangers 0 – 1 Ross County [Cup]

Ross County 4 – 1 Montrose [Cup]

Ross County 0 – 0 St. Johnstone

Yup, Ross County was not miraculously unscathed by the global pandemic and had to forfeit their second match of the cup thereby eliminating them from the competition before they ever kicked a ball. But, once they were able to run out (against lower level sides) they looked the part of a solid squad. Credit to the players for coming back from illness and getting prepped for kicking off the league with your standard issue goalless Scottish draw. (Thanks Ross Laidlaw and Alex Iacovitti for being the new powers behind County’s class, Blair Spittal for the world class goal, and YouTube User RossCounty 1929 for the highlights and pump up music..)

Loons Land Safely

Minnesota United 1 – 0 Seattle Sounders

Minnesota United 2 – 1 Portland Timbers

Los Angeles FC 2 – 2 Minnesota United

Vancouver Whitecaps 2 – 2 Minnesota United

With the European Cup competitors back in the fold the Loons hoped to sail into a trick series of games with some renewed energy. They succeeded.

Robin Lod has shone since I gave him up as a lousy waste of space last year and notched three goals to help the team along, but the stars are still unquestionably Emmanuel Reynoso who makes miracles happen with the ball at his feet (even while he has struggled to connect with other players on the field) and Hasani Dotson who has grown into the kind of player you just want to see on the pitch wherever possible because he’s always got something going for him. After a dismal start to the year, the Loons have gotten back into the playoff hunt (even if the Delta Variant’s resurgence has made taking either of you to a game an impossibility at present).

Good God, Grenoble!

Grenoble 0 – 4 Paris FC

Auxerre 3 – Grenoble 0

Well…that was a rough way to start off a new campaign.

Grenoble looks utterly wiped out, and the once powerful defense has been absolutely ripped from pillar to post. Brice Mableu, Loic Nestor, Jerome Mombris, and Adrien Monfry have given up 7 goals, supported none, and though it is very VERY early in the campaign, last year’s 4th place team is bottom of the barrel.

Alright Alebrijes!

Pumas Tobasco 0 – Alebrijes 0

Alebrijes 0 – 1 Cimarrones

Meanwhile, frequent strugglers Alebrijes of Oaxaca got a point…against a strong team in Pumas…on the road!! And while that came without a single goal scored, we’ll take what we can get with Alebrijes. (Especially given that they then dropped a match at home…but only by 1 goal!!)

News & Notes

Gosh Dang it Ghana!

I love Ghana. I really do. I love soccer, that should be obvious. But man, Ghanaian soccer makes it hard to love the two together.

Hashmin Musa being the hero…or not…

Here’s the latest drama: the Ghanaian police and Football Association are investigating match fixing…again. Yup, the same thing that destroyed the previous Ghanaian Premier League, threatens to destroy the new version within just two years! [A new record pace perhaps?] The dead rubber between top tier Ashanti Gold and relegated Inter Allies was always likely to end lopsidedly, but the dimwitted defense and goalkeeping that made it 5-0 were dubious. Then…came Hashmin Musa…who absolutely, no doubt, by his own admission scored own goals on purpose and pissed off his goalie to no end.

Musa claims that he was ruining the prearranged 5-0 score line…but the possibility that someone paid him even more to make it 7-0 is still out there and…because it just wouldn’t be as messed up as possible unless Legon Cities were also involved…the sudden barrage of goals to save the wealthy and high profile Royals from relegation is also coming under question. Suffice to say, there were plenty of ugly defense to help the Royals find the net, but there were also a few moments where it would have been easy to throw the game but players and referees didn’t oblige..so…[shrug emoji] So despite extended questioning and possible further destruction of the domestic game, Legon Cities is safe, for now.

Goodbye sweet prince

Best of luck Kristoffer!

The Transfer Market hulaballoo has tempered down as Ross County set their line ups through surgical masks and Vozdovac vets the team their sending out, but there’s still action, including a painful farewell.

Kristoffer Zacharaissen is too good for this humble corner of the internet where we gawk at his chiseled jaw bone and make allusions to Schitt’s Creek because we can’t really break down his game effectively. Whatever the case, he has left Rosenborg for greener pastures and greener kits joining Hungary’s Ferencvaros, a side with a shot at the top league in Europe (and a chance to be brutally repressed by Viktor Orban…so, keep your nose clean Kristoffer)

Roster Updates

A few other notes as we missed kickoffs for Grenoble, and Oaxaca and got back just in time for Freiburg.

Oaxaca

As a lower division team in the middle of a global pandemic/recession, Alebrijes did not have a lot of extra cash to throw around, so the lean mostly on loans (both in and out). While forward Ricardo Monreal is probably the biggest name to depart, there are several defenders who also left the fold (Daniel Cisneros, Oscar Torres, Yohan Zetuna, Jair Cortes, Fernando Plascencia).

The only defenders who have come in are Ernesto Reyes of Cimarrones, and youngster Adrian Vazquez on loan. Instead, Oaxaca focused on bringing in some more veteran attacking presences. Most notable: Cristian Panesso a Colombian coming in from Portugal, and Leandro Torres an Argentinian coming down from Liga MX. Local and familiar faces from the league around them, Armando Gonzalez, Lizandro Echeverria, Miguel Vallejo, and Alexis Conrado.

Grenoble
Sign this man!

After Phillipe Hirchenberger led the side quite well for 3 years, he left for Amiens and new man Maurizio Jacobacci made a big swap. Yes, Grenoble did something I never expected,and am frankly broken up about: they said farewell to leader and mastermind Jessy Bennet (more shockingly Jessy still hasn’t signed anywhere…and he’s only 26…seriously…Ross County…Legon Cities…Punjab… ANYBODY!! GET JESSY BACK!)

Willy Semedo, Kevin Tapoko, and Haroun Demba also left, but the club did net 1.5 million euros for Moussa Djitte’s move state side. (Sad but less shocking that Jessy (SERIOUSLY! I WILL PAY PART OF IT MYSELF!!). The side got a lot younger in response (without spending much of anything), bringing in Georgian Winger Giorgi Kokhreidze and two 20 something Swiss midfielders from FC Basel: Yannick Marchand and Orges Bunjaku.

Freiburg
Welcome aboard Nishan (center)

Our German reps opted against a spending spree this year…so much so that they haven’t spent a thing.

Gone are Chang-hoon Kwon (back to South Korea), greatly improved goalkeeper Florian Muller and attacker Guus Til, and up to the senior squad come six young players, none older than 21. The most intriguing players coming in are attacker Nishan Burkart (who learned the game at Man United), Noah Weishaupt (who has surged up the depth charts on the left side), and keeper/local boy made good Noah Atubolu

Freiburg and Grenoble’s women’s teams will get another month of prep kicking off August 28th (in Germany) and September 5th (in France)

Player(s) of the Week(s)

We’ll put three players on the pedestal for the past three weeks. Let’s tip the hat to Rosenborg’s attack and defense by admitting that Dino Islamovic’s attack has been ridiculously good, and that Even Hovland has done it all on both sides of the pitch. Our third award winner has to be from the new trophy winners in Ecuador: Emelec, and to keep it all balanced, midfielder and team leader Dixon Arroyo gets our nod.

Islamovic and Horvland celebrating their awards (and probably wins)

Standings Update

We had to break down to three decimal points for the first time ever! Freiburg, Ross County, and Grenoble are splitting hairs, it’s hardest for Grenoble who plummet from 4th to 9th. Meanwhile the Loons leap up to fifth and are getting closer to the top tier of teams.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b9022.52.10.6
Rosenborg BK18452.22.51.0
Emelec198101.81.51.2
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Minnesota United6551.441.21.3
Legon Cities–b116111.391.21.0
Freiburg124131.3791.71.6
Ross County82101.3751.31.3
Grenoble Foot107101.3701.21.3
Alebrijes4761.051.42.1
FK Vozdovac5691.040.91.6
Table Updated 8/4/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, August 4th

Rosenborg v. Domzale [M-Europe]

Thursday, August 5th

Friday, August 6th

Saturday, August 7th

Stabaek v. Rosenborg BK [F]

Grenoble v. Guingamp [M]

Minnesota United v. Houston Dynamo

Sunday, August 8th

Hibernian v. Ross County

Wurzburger Kickers v. Freiburg [M-Cup]

Vojvodina v. Vozdovac

Delfin v. Emelec

Monday, August 9th

Tuesday, August 10th

Donzale v. Rosenborg [M-Europe]

Week 26: You Never Go Wrong with Julie Blakstad

Week 26: You Never Go Wrong with Julie Blakstad

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Minnesota United 2 – 0 Austin FC

The Loons announced their return to full stadia with authority in a strong shutout win lead by the newly terrifying trio of Bébelo, Frangapane and Adrien Honou. We stayed home to take care of a sick baby Owen, but hopefully the convincing win is the best medicine.

Legon Cities FC 1 – 2 Hearts of Oak

Falling behind quickly to local giants Hearts of Oak was predictable. The eventual loss was too. But Victorian Adebayor’s goal, will hopefully be the boon to the teams last four weeks (with far less fearsome opponents)

Lillestrom 2 – 0 Rosenborg BK [M]

In Round 1 of the Lillehammer/Trondheim tilt of the weekend, the gentlemen were wrong footed from the beginning. The attacking line couldn’t find a way through, and Even Hovland and Kristoffer Zachariassen were uncharacteristically poor. I’m not sure why Åge Hareide insists on putting Zachariassen, one of the country’s best midfielders, in attack rather than next to fellow excellent midfielder Alexander Tetty, but…here we are

Lillestrom Kvinner 0 – 3 Rosenborg BK [F]

Lillestrom Kvinner (or LSK) was the only team to beat Rosenborg last year, knocking the otherwise indomitable Trolls out of the cup competition. Lillestrom looked quite capable of challenging Rosenborg again, but the defense held firm and Kristine Nostmo stopped anything within her reach. Better still, Julie Blakstad was quite ready to take it to the rivals. Our favorite winger netted twice to lead a trouncing in Lillehammer to split the club series.

Macara 3 – 0 CS Emelec [F]

Another loss by las eléctricas raised the question of when to shift defensive strategy or staffing completely.

Portland Timbers 0 – 1 Minnesota United

The Loons were quick to strike with that blitzing trio of attackers in Portland, but hopes of a big win were dashed as a defensive showcase broke out with arguably the best game by the back line all year. So tip the hat to Michael Boxall and Bakye Dibassy for shutting down the space in front of goal (and of course Tyler Miller for coming up whenever he needed to).

King Faisal 2 – 0 Legon Cities

After a solid but ineffective showing against Hearts of Oak, the Royals should feel disappointed not to get points against the struggling Insh’allah boys. Their last three matches remain vital to survival.

News & Notes

Disappointing

Be Better Franco [From MLS]

Franco Frangapane has done quite well since his addition to the Minnesota line up. Unfortunately, that’s tempered by accusations that he used a racial insult towards an opponent (Diego Charra) in Saturday’s win.

The matter will be investigated, but if true we’ll be enduring Frangapane more than cheering. If not, he’s got a way to go to get us cheering again.

International Affairs Update

South American CopaAmerica

Pedro Ortiz was demoted from the starting spot with minimal improvement for Ecuador, a 2-2 draw with Peru and a 1-1 draw with Brazil. Shockingly that was enough for Ecuador to back in to the knockout stage.

European Euro Championships

With the end of the group stage came the end of the road for many of our favorite players.

Despite another Roland Sallai assist and a late lead against Germany in Munich, Hungary drew their last match to finish last in their group. Our regret for Sallai is surpassed only by our delight that special snowflake Viktor Orban gets no second act.

Finland leaves with memories [Photo from UEFA]

It’s hard to tell which is tougher, Finland’s elimination as one of the two weakest third place teams (despite strong showings from Lod & Raitalta) or Slovakia finishing as the other weakest team with only token appearances from Jan Gregus. Both are left wondering, what if…

The only two Bootroom XI reps in the Round of 16 were Phillip Leinhart and Christian Gunter. Sadly neither made the field and both saw their teams bounced out of the competition (albeit by a surprisingly slim margin in the case of Leinhart’s Austria)

Player of the Week

Franco Frangapane has played well and behaved badly. That’s never an issue with Julie Blakstad. Let that be the message this week: you can never go wrong with Julie Blakstad

Sara Kanutte summarizes our feelings if we ever meet Julie Blakstad [Photo from RosenborgKvinner Instagram]

Standings Update

A big two win week for Minnesota sees them catapult off the bottom of the table and up into 6th.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b9022.52.10.6
Rosenborg BK9241.92.11.1
Emelec15681.81.41.2
Grenoble Foot-b10781.481.21.1
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Legon Cities10581.401.20.9
Minnesota United4241.401.01.2
Freiburg–b124131.381.71.6
Ross County–b8291.371.31.5
Alebrijes-b4761.121.42.1
FK Vozdovac–b5691.050.91.6
Table Updated 6/29/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 30th

Rosenborg BK v. FK Haugesund [M]

Rosenborg BK v. Klepp [F]

Thursday, July 1st

Friday, July 2nd

Saturday, July 3rd

CS Emelec v. Carneras UPS [F]

Minnesota United v. San Jose Earthquakes

Sunday, July 4th

Legon Cities FC v. Bechem United

Odd v. Rosenborg BK [M]

Valerenga v. Rosenborg BK [F]

Monday, July 5th

Tuesday, July 6th

Week 25: Summertime Snowflakes

Week 25: Summertime Snowflakes

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

CS Emelec 2 – 0 Guayaquil City FC [F]

Las Eléctricas were clicking in their local Derby, with Adriana Valenzuela notching the first and celebrating the result with style. Even better news, we’ve finally got highlights!!

Dallas 1 – 1 Minnesota United

The Loons came out well and faded in the Texas heat. Franco Frangapane got his first in the black and blue off a direct rebound and the team generally looked more organized in the back. The squandered chances and desperate last second saves of the second half were a little underwhelming, but, that’s a little picky. Soon, we’ll have tickets of our own to use.

Rosenborg BK 0 – 1 Sarpsborg 08 [M]

With Kristoffer Zachariassen serving a one game suspension, the trolls lacked an attacking edge. Despite new man, Alexander Tettey, looking strong as a midfield partner, the forwards continue to struggle (sorry Dino Islamovic and Emil Ceide, I love ya but it’s true).

Rosenborg BK 1 – 0 Avaldsnes [F]

The Trolljenta remain unbeaten as Lisa Marie Utland offered all the offense they needed. (Especially as they’ve yet to ship a goal in 2021 the defense was ready to stop everything in the same area code. For Rosenborg one goal might as well be 100). It’s just the result they need before facing fellow unbeaten Lillestrom Kvinner.

News & Notes

International Affairs Update

South American CopaAmerica

Pedro Ortiz really ought to have done better against perpetually underwhelming Venezuela. But despite Ecuador dominating control and most of the chances, Pedro let in two of the three chances he faced and La Tri only managed 1 point.

In another news, Owen’s response to Neymar’s dribbling was just to say “Dance! Dance!!” He’s not wrong

European Euro Championships

The Euro Tournament is in full swing and so are some of our favorite players. (Still not Christian Gunter though)

Our Robin Lod versus Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard (Telegraph)

The Finnesota contingent again looked good with Robin Lod linking lots of good passes into the attack while Rasmus Schuller and Jakku Raitalta held their own against Russia (even though the Finns lost). They didn’t look as good in the loss to Belgium (though it’s hard to ever look as good as Belgium)

Phillip Leinhart again came on for Aleksandar Dragovic at Austria’s right back. But it was too late to stop the Dutch attack from notching a two goal win. (Likewise Jan Gregus’ late showing for Slovakia versus Sweden).

Rolland Sallai had the best showing. Creating frequent chances against the world champions France and delivering an assist that had Hungary ahead for a bit, before the French fought back for the draw.

Victor Orban’s A Special Snowflake

Most powerful man in Hungary can’t handle kneeling, because he’s too tired to get up that far.

Hungary’s home matches in Budapest have been rowdy, enthusiastic affairs. They’ve also had a consistent sampling of homophobic, racist, and fascist overtones. Weirder still, asked why he was cool with booing anti-racism (thus effectively cheering racism), prime minister/former right winger/current right wing demagogue Victor Orban said:

If you’re a guest in a country then understand its culture and do not provoke it…Do not provoke the host. We can only see this gesture system from our cultural vantage point as unintelligible, as provocation.

Victor Orban press conference reported by Bein Sport

So, to Orban, players kneeling silently is the same as someone daring you to punch them. Solemnly opposing racism is unintelligible because Hungary didn’t have slaves, which is the only racist thing ever,. And, apparently when in Hungary for a 90 minute game, you can’t possibly think about anything other than how Hungarians think of it. No word on how our favorite Hungarian (Roland Sallai) is responding. Hope you look for ways to stand for those in greater need Roland.

Coyle Goes Green

Griz striker Alexa Coyle will continue her career in beautiful Edinburgh playing for Hibernian Ladies. Having visited Easter Road, I’m pumped (not as pumped as I would be if she was joining a Ross County women’s side…but as that doesn’t exist, I suppose it’s ok).

Player of the Week

No one set the world on fire so let’s shout out Adriana Valenzuela for breaking las Eléctricas bad luck.

Standings Update

The Loons grabbed another point but their return keeps them entrenched at the bottom of the barrel. But the Ladies kept both Emelec and Rosenborg going strong near the top of the table.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b9022.52.10.6
Rosenborg BK8232.02.21.1
Emelec15671.81.51.1
Legon Cities10581.51.20.8
Grenoble Foot-b10781.481.21.1
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Freiburg–b124131.381.71.6
Ross County–b8291.371.31.5
Alebrijes-b4761.121.42.1
FK Vozdovac–b5691.050.91.6
Minnesota United2241.000.91.5
Table Updated 6/22/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 23rd

Minnesota United v Austin FC

Thursday, June 24th

Legon Cities FC v. Hearts of Oak

Friday, June 25th

Lillestrom v Rosenborg BK [M]

Saturday, June 26th

Lillestrom Kvinner v Rosenborg BK [F]

Macara v. CS Emelec [F]

Portland Timbers v. Minnesota United

Sunday, June 27th

Monday, June 28th

King Faisal v Legon Cities

Tuesday, June 29th

Week 24: Nevermind

Week 24: Nevermind

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Scores

Emelec 0 – 0 Barcelona SC [F]

Las Electricas showed up to play in the Guyaquil Clasico. It was only their 5th point all campaign, but even sweeter for coming against their long time rivals.

Karela United 2 – 0 Legon Cities FC

The goodtimes ran out for the Royals as Karela continued to vie for a spot in the African Champion’s League. Despite the recent strong form, Legon is still just 6 points clear from relegation with ten games to play.

Stromsogodset 2 – 1 Rosenborg BK

Rasmus Wiedesheim Paul got the Trolls off to a great start by capitalizing on a defensive mistake. But it all came undone in the last half hour when our dreamboat Kristoffer Zachariassen ceded a penalty and then Stromsogodset continued their near ceaseless pressure to win it in the end.

News & Notes

International Affairs Update

Three matches is our low mark for the year, but let’s take a moment to recognize the other players in international duty.

Asian World Cup Qualifiers

Kiran Limbu Chempjong wrapped up Nepal’s campaign with a strong showing against Australia. (Nepal lost 3-0, but making 9 saves was a pretty good shift for Kiran.) We hope to see him again someday and wish him well as he leaves Punjab.

Chang Hoon Kwon had a short shift in the lopsided drubbing of Sri Lanka and another great outing in South Korea’s win over Lebanon to top their World Cup Qualifying group (next to our most favorite-est player right now: Hyung Min Son)…Chang Hoon is, like Kiran Limbu, headed back home to play for Suwon Bluewings in Korea. But may not stay there for long.

North American World Cup Qualifiers

Dayne St. Clair didn’t get another go in goal as Canada let top keeper (and Red Star Belgade’s choice man) Milan Borjan, complete the first step and help the side get all the way in to the final stage of qualifying.

South American CopaAmerica

Getting the start in the opener of the CopaAmerica, Pedro Ortiz was unlucky to give up the only goal of the match to Colombia, and unluckier still to get zero offensive support in the match.

European Euro Championships
It’s easy to pick on him…

The Euro Tournament is in full swing and so are some of our favorite players. Well..not Christian Gunter, who has has still yet to see the field for Jorgi “Love my Boogers” Low (though let it be a sign to you that you can pick your nose and still win a world cup). Rolland Sallai was vital to helping Hungary keep reigning champs Portugal scoreless (until he left the field and they ran up a 3-0 lead). Jan Gregus got a late run out to shore up the defense in Slovakia’s win over Poland. Meanwhile in two first ever tournament wins, Phillip Leinhart kept the defensive shape while David Alaba ran rampant for Austria, and Jakku Raitalta and Robin Lod stood side by side in their victory over Denmark (though that win was…awkward).

Major Tournament Moments

It’s worth noting that Finland’s victory came after Denmark’s most dynamic playmaker (and another of our favorites), Christian Eriksen suffered a mid-match heart attack. Eriksen’s teammates wanted to play on, and Finland made the most of it…but clearly there are a lot more important things than a game winner in that moment.

Speaking of more important things: Structural Racism! England has created a routine of kneeling in protest of said racism, and…because people will do stupid things when they don’t understand something…some are booing that (notably, supporters of anti-immigrant British politics, and hard right wing Slavic countries (looking at you Hungary)). Kneeling won’t end racism, but creating an antagonistic atmosphere against calling it out actively prolongs it. So, again, Screw You Systemic Racism.

Player of the Week

With very little to choose from in the club side, let’s shout out Chang Hoon Kwon coming into his own for South Korea this last week. Well done Kwon!!

Chang Hoon Kwon in the win over Lebanon, we’ll miss him in the Red/Black of Freiburg

Standings Update

An unimpressive week doesn’t drop anyone down the standings, but Legon is right to notice that their fourth place position is slipping ever closer to the mid table.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b9022.52.10.6
Rosenborg BK7222.12.81.3
Emelec14671.81.41.2
Legon Cities10581.51.20.8
Grenoble Foot-b10781.481.21.1
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Freiburg–b124131.381.71.6
Ross County–b8291.371.31.5
Alebrijes-b4761.121.42.1
FK Vozdovac–b5691.050.91.6
Minnesota United2141.000.91.6
Table Updated 6/15/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 16th

Thursday, June 17th

Friday, June 18th

Saturday, June 19th

CS Emelec v. Guayaquil City FC [F]

Dallas v. Minnesota United

Sunday, June 20th

Rosenborg BK v. Sarpsborg 08 [M]

Monday, June 21th

Tuesday, June 22nd

Rosenborg BK v. Avaldsnes [F]

Week 23: Dominance

Week 23: Dominance

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Scores

Legon Cities 2 – 1 Uncle T United [Cup]

It took a little bit, but the Royals took the win at home over Uncle T. Richmond Antwi had to shoulder the load with both strong runs and a booming shot from outside the box in order to overcome the lower tier side. But a win’s a win and progress is progress. And HEY! Asamoah Gyan was on the pitch for 30 whole minutes!

Deportiva Cuenca 6 – 0 Emelec [F]

This would be one of those times I’m ok NOT seeing highlights. Oof…

Arna-Bjornar 0 – 2 Rosenborg [F]

Rosenborg’s ladies’ side remains defensively perfect this season and unbeaten in their entire league history. Again Lisa Marie Utland and Julie Blakstad drove the attack but credit also goes to Kristine Nøstmo on her third straight shutout.

SC Freiburg 5 – 0 Meppen [F]

Meppen needed a win to have a chance at avoiding relegation. Freiburg did not oblige. the onslaught started quickly with Janina Minge. Rebecca Knaak, Sandra Starke, and Marie Muller, quickly followed and Meppen’s hopes were truly dashed

Legon Cities 1 – 0 Inter Allies

The Royals have finally found their form, winning their third straight this time courtesy of Cephas Doku’s looping header, didn’t hurt that Inter Allies is sitting at the bottom of the table, but they all get you three points. We saw the return of Fatua Duda in replacing Sylvester Sackey after an ugly injury early on in the match. Duda’s return was…adventurous…but effective none the less.

News & Notes

Minnesota Grows the Game

There will be a new team in our community next spring, as Minnesota welcomes a pre-professional women’s league. The team will be led by a women’s ownership group, and aim to create an inclusive and equitable organization. It will not officially be linked to Minnesota United, but as we want to include the top talents in the local areas around each side, we’ll be happy to include them in next year’s boot room. (Even more so if they look to the west and see just how awesome University of Montana players are….dare we dream of a Mimi Eiden Homecoming?!?)

International Affairs Update

While most of our teams are out of action, we can bring a few updates from a few players who saw the field in international matches this week.

Asian World Cup Qualifiers
We don’t get a lot of traffic from China anyway…

Kiran Limbu Chempjong pitched a shutout against Taiwan (unless you’re a foolish autocratic Winnie the Pooh look a like, in which case he did it to “Chinese Taipei”). But he ceded 3 goals to Jordan. So…a mixed bag as befits Nepal’s standing in Asia.

Chang Hoon Kwon had a stellar showing in South Koreas win over Turkmenistan. A goal an assist and a heap of great passes made him man of the match.

North American World Cup Qualifiers

Dayne St. Clair kept a clean sheet in another drubbing for the Canucks (It did help that opponents Aruba didn’t get a shot off).

South American CopaAmerica

In the last tune up qualifiers before the Copa America neither Pedro Ortiz nor Dixon Arroyo saw the field.

European Euro Championships

Most Euro teams are in their final tune ups for the big tournament, but Kristoffer Zacharriassen did make his debut for Norway’s national team in a match with no impact on anything. Hopefully he can influence events a littl emore soon. Meanwhile Jakku Raitalta turned in a good showing in a discouraging loss for Finland (dropping to lowly Estonia isn’t going to boost much confidence, I’m afraid). Jan Gregus and Phillip Leinhart battled to a draw in Austria and Slovakia’s warm up. Meanwhile Christian Gunter was a substitute for Germany in both of their games, while Ermedin Demirovic was wrapped up without a shot on goal in Bosnia’s match with Denmark,

Player of the Week

We are unabashed Rosenborg fans here, and as Lisa-Marie Utland continues the thrilling showings of excellent and dominant performances by Troll Jenta attackers. She’s been in superb form to start the season, and she is our player of the week (shown here hoisting long time Boot Room Fav Julie Blakstad up for a hug)

Blakstad and Utland…Bravissimo (from @RosenborgKvinner on Instagram)

Standings Update

Freiburg’s women’s side took their season bow this week, putting another team in the clubhouse for the time being. More substantially, Rosenborg continues their quest to repeat as champions closing the gap on the Griz at the top of the standings and Legon Cities leaps up again to fourth place

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b9022.52.10.6
Rosenborg BK7212.32.61.1
Emelec14571.81.51.2
Legon Cities–b10571.61.30.8
Grenoble Foot-b10781.481.21.1
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Freiburg–b124131.381.71.6
Ross County–b8291.371.31.5
Alebrijes-b4761.121.42.1
FK Vozdovac–b5691.050.91.6
Minnesota United2141.000.91.6
Table Updated 6/8/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 9th

Thursday, June 10th

Friday, June 11th

Saturday, June 12th

Emelec v. Barcelona SC [F]

Sunday, June 13th

Karela United v. Legon Cities FC

Stromsogodset v. Rosenborg BK [M]

Monday, June 14th

Tuesday, June 15th

Week 22: Summer Time and the Points are Easy…

Week 22: Summer Time and the Points are Easy…

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Scores

Sandefjord 1 – 2 Rosenborg [M]

It was not pretty, but it was effective for Rosenborg. A fine showing in goal from Andre Hansen kept Sandefjord at bay and made up for some sloppy defense, and Guillermo Mollins’ stoppage time slap dash strike secured the three points.

Rosenborg 3 – 0 Kolbotn [F]

In their first match against our first favorite Troll Jenta (Marit Clausen) and her new team, the ladies of Rosenborg looked completely unfazed. The incessant attack put Rosenborg in command early on and kept them there when, despite a goalless first half, the three goals came quickly after with the force of Bragstad, Blakstad and Utland.

Real Salt Lake 1 – 1 Minnesota United

While the Loons were lackluster (again) on the field, they have more than a few injuries to contend with (and a new striker in Adrien Hunou who is still finding his feet with the squad). There were chances created, but quality shots were still hard to come by, here’s hoping Bebelo Reynoso is ready to go for the next part of the season (and that Tyler Miller shares goalkeeper secrets with Dayne St. Clair)

Emelec 4 – 1 LD Juvenil [F]

I told you it was a matter of time! Sure enough, Las Electricas showed up to play and brought home a big win with four mighty goals. (Again…highlights would be helpful, but for now let’s enjoy this big smile from Josylene Borbor after the side’s second goal).

Ashanti Gold 0 – 1 Legon Cities FC

The Royals got a second win in a row (something about Ashanti Gold allows them to be in fine form), and with a final ruling giving them the win over Ebusa a month ago, that makes 4 out of 5 for Legon Cities. This time they capitalized on some very questionable Ashgold decisions, and with Victorien Adebayor causing trouble every where they turned, Isaaka Mohammed knocked in a rebound from a free kick just before half time to get the win.

Rosenborg 4 -2 Stabaek[M]

The Trolls’ defense continues to be suspect, but as long as the attack is flying as high as it has been lately, many sins can be forgiven. Again Kristoffer Zachariassen was a human Visa Card (everywhere you wanna be), but it was nice to see Emil Ceide show up with some sparkling play to lead the come back in the second half as well.

Emelec 0 – 0 Independiente del Valle [M]

Emelec’s offense was shut down for the first time in the local league since March 21st. With two matches left in the first half of the season, the apertura title is almost in grasp, so a slip in form is not the end of the world, but with little margin for error and a match against 2nd place Barcelona on tap, the pressure’s only going to build.

News & Notes

Staggies Say What?!?!?

So…we’re Ross County through and through. That’s our origin, that’s our family symbol, that’s our side. But the last week has uh….not been great for County.

Mr. MacKay (Scottish Sun)

John Hughes’ departure was understandable. The team’s replacement hiring of Malky MacKay was less so. MacKay has a manager’s pedigree. He’s got experience at the top flight of England and the international level. He’s also got a habit of insulting people based on their sexuality, race, and religion. So….not ideal.

County Fans were understandably upset by the appointment, and we’d like to join them in their protest. We will follow and support the Stags during the matches during McKay’s tenure, but we won’t purchase any club paraphernalia during that time.

But just in case there were any bridges left untouched, the team then released a number of players including long time club fixtures and relegation saviors Ian Vigurs and Michael Gardyne. No farewell, no final lap of honor, not ideal. So yeah, Staggies we love you but…whoo boy.

Ghana’s Cup Action

While most of the next week will feature the women’s game, we will get a few matches for Legon Cities, including their Round of 64 tie against the junior side “Uncle T United”, there’s not much to say about that except, once again…there’s a team in Ghana called Uncle T United. (They would be our team if we had an Uncle T…but until then, Legon Cities it is!)

International Affairs Ahead

With the onset of summer comes a plethora of intenational contests: qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in Asia and North America, and the top continental prizes in Europe and South America. As we hit this shift in seasons, we’ll provide periodic updates on the players that we track most closely.

Asian World Cup Qualifiers

Recent Punjab Keeper, Kiran Limbu, will be in the goal during World Cup Qualifiers for Nepal. He may have returned to Nepal this offseason, but he’s still number 1 in our hearts. (At least among keepers in Asia… #ClaireHowardForever). Meanwhile Chang Hoon Kwon will try to build on a good year of development at Freiburg with a few appearances in South Korea’s qualification campaign.

North American World Cup Qualifiers

Dayne St. Clair is the lone representative fighting for World Cup qualification in North America standing alongside the Canadian National Team

South American CopaAmerica
The trophy chased by the most boot roomers

While the tournament has bee in a terrible state of flux (owing to unrest and covid cases in the original hosts they moved to the one country that has plenty of BOTH! Brazil), Emelec’s reps are quite consistent. Pedro Ortiz and Dixon Arroyo will represent Ecuador

European Euro Championships

It’s a Freiburg heavy contingent, with Roland Sallai playing for Hungary, Phillip Leinhart in the back for Austria, Ermedin Demirovic likely to lead the line for Bosnia, and Christian Gunter hoping to hit the pitch for perennial power Germany. Minnesota will have a few attendees as well, with Jan Gregus repping Slovakia and the teammates of Robin Lod and Jakku Raitalta seeking to boost the Finns in their first major tournament.

Player of the Week

In the last few weeks, Legon has gone from bonafide bottom dwellers to confident mid-table side. (Sure there’s still only 3 points between them and the drop, but the form and style have been awfully encouraging.) To that end let’s recognize the biggest game changer the Royals have, Niger’s Victorien Adebayor whose impact goes beyond the score sheet into creating and complicating opponent plans.

Adebayor (Center in White)

Standings Update

As we head into the summer slowdown, Rosenborg is making the most of their continued presence on the pitch and (in addition to topping both men’s and women’s leagues), are sneaking up behind the University of Montana. Meanwhile, Legon Cities jumped ahead of Ross County and is almost set to pass up top tier finishes in Grenoble and Punjab (despite struggling to escape the bottom of Ghana’s table).

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b9022.52.10.6
Rosenborg BK6212.22.71.2
Emelec14561.91.61.0
Grenoble Foot-b10781.481.21.1
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Legon Cities FC8571.451.30.8
Ross County–b8291.371.31.5
Freiburg114131.321.61.7
Alebrijes-b4761.121.42.1
FK Vozdovac–b5691.050.91.6
Minnesota United2141.000.91.6
Table Updated 6/2/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 2nd

Thursday, June 3rd

Legon Cities v. Uncle T United [Cup]

Friday, June 4th

Deportiva Cuenca v. Emelec [F]

Saturday, June 5th

Arna-Bjornar v. Rosenborg [F]

Sunday, June 6th

SC Freiburg v. Meppen [F]

Monday, June 7th

Legon Cities v. Inter Allies

Tuesday, June 8th

Week 20: Survival and Step Ups

Week 20: Survival and Step Ups

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Scores

Legon Cities 2 – 1 Liberty Professionals

Both sides levvied a barrage of shots but brought the on target drama when it counted most. Liberty took the lead with 10 minutes to go, gave it back on an own goal 5 minutes later and lost it when Jonah Attaquye came through just before the final whistle through the goalie’s legs.

Ross County 2 – 1 Hamilton Academical

With the Accies in a win or else situation, they came out and took the lead on a well placed free kick. As soon as the Staggies had their backs against the wall, they fought to get it back. Jordan White led the charge, notching both assists on clever back passes. With that County gave themselves a fighting chance before the final game on Sunday.

Minnesota United 1 – 0 Vancouver Whitecaps

The wait is over, the Loons have their first points. Much was made of the team’s choice to bench young keeper Dayne St Clair, who had been fine while the offense sputtered. Tyler Miller was equally effective, while the attack (Lod, Reynoso, Dotson, and Abila) finally looked dangerous. So, naturally the coach gave the credit to Miller because correlation equals causation.

Rosenborg 5 – 0 Viking [M]

Trondheims top side looked the part at home in Lerkendal. Markus Henriksen’s early departure after scoring the opening goal seemed ominous. But Carlo Holse’s arrival led to the Dane contributing two assists and Kristoffer Zachariassen ran the show in the center. Half the league has yet to play, but Rosenborg looks well equipped for the season to come.

Freiburg 2 – 2 Bayern Munich [M]

Munich already have their 31st title (9th straight) in hand, but Freiburg held their own regardless. After an ugly foul in the box set up Robert Lewandowski for a record tying penalty (his 40th of the campaign). Mark Flekken has turned up to stake a claim to the goal (and deny Lewandowski a record setter), and Christian Gunter delivered a scintillating run to level the match before time. With one game to go the Griffins remain mathematically (but not really logically) in the hunt for Europe.

Partizan Belgrade 3 – 0 FK Vozdovac

For a little while it looked like the Red Dragons could keep up and get a vital point. But Aleksander Bogdanjovic’s own goal ensured that Vozdovac’s last game would be the decider (the extra goals by Partizan made goals even more important).

WAFA 1 – 0 Legon Cities FC

While Asamoah Gyan finally saw the field for LCFC, it didn’t make a difference. The Royals still haven’t had consecutive points since February, or consecutive wins since January. (Good news, those opponents are coming up in a couple weeks so…fingers crossed)

Grenoble 1 – 0 Rodez [M]

The Alpiners were held in a scoreless draw for most of the match. Long enough to feel Auxerre breathing down their neck and feel the frustration of every scuffed shot. Then a wide cross from Anthony Belmonte missed Marcellin Anani who took a (admittedly exaggerated) tumble. But that set up Jessy Benet for the penalty, the win, and the guaranteed home field for the first round of promotion playoffs.

Emelec 1 – 0 Guayquil City [M]

It took a while but Emelec got what they needed when a late penalty gave Sebastian Rodriguez the winner at home. Emelec now tops Ecuador (though not our little league).

Minnesota United 1 – 0 FC Dallas

It took the Loons even longer to get their winner but flying Fin Robin Lod notched the game’s only goal with a vital poke in stoppage time. The Loons have some polarizing data. First hand accounts report their haplessness. Stats suggest they could be 4-0-2 instead of 2-0-4. At this stage that’s the difference between second and eleventh in the league. One non-stat to bear in mind: Emmanuel Reynoso shoots the ball so hard factory machines who assembled it wince.

Motherwell 1 – 2 Ross County

When Owen woke up the Staggies were taking the pitch. When Alex joined us, doom surrounded us (an early deficit and Kilmarnock leading their match). As I popped cinnamon rolls in the oven, I implored you to say “cmon you Staggies!!”. Moments later Ian Vigurs grabbed the equalizer with one of the most beautiful bits of footwork and placement you’ll ever see to shift the momentum. Michael Gardyne’s winner was a delightful bit of icing on the saved season.

Bodo/Glimt 2 – 2 Rosenborg BK [M]

Facing the title holders had Rosenborg a bit behind the ball. Though they had to come back twice, they did the needful as Carlo Holse notched another goal.

Carneras UPS 2 – 0 Emelec [F]

I’ve said before, I will say again: my kingdom for highlights.

Grenoble 2 – 0 Paris FC [M]

The first of three stages to reach the promised land of Ligue 1 got off to a great start with Marcellin Anani delivering both a solid header and a vicious rebound to grab the lead. From then on in fell to Brice Mableu and his defense (especially Adrien Monfray and Haruna Demba) to stymie the attack. But when they were finally able to launch a counterattack late in the game, the fresh legs of Willy Semedo sped all the way to the box to deliver the clincher.

News & Notes

Royals Rouser

Few things are quite as fun as seeing Legon Cities’ celebration in just coming to the stadium (also, Asamoah Gyan, it’s the nicest bus in Ghana…why are you riding your fancy car just to sit around and watch…?)

Quo Vadis?

That’s latin for “What’s Next” (a favorite phrase around our family). Ross County is now safe, though unfortunately soon to be without the services of some very strong loanee players (looking at you Leo Hjelde of Norway).

But Grenoble marches on to face Toulouse in their second round on Friday. The Alpiners are definite underdogs against the third place side that was so close to automatic qualification. But surprises do happen, and with an awesome hashtag on Grenoble’s account right now, I really hope they continue to happen. (Together we will reach the peaks)

Serbia’s Swan Song

Vozdovac’s season ends this weekend. Their situation is marvelously simple: beat Javor and they stay up. Drop points and they have to hope results go their way.

Freiburg’s Farewell

With one match left in the Bundesliga, the Griffins are still in the hunt for a spot in European competitions. They’d need to beat Frankfurt (themselves fighting for a spot in the Champion’s league). They’d also need Stuttgart, Munchengladbach, and Union Berlin to lose (all of them are playing sides battling for Europe or a place in the league). So there’s plenty to watch for.

Player of the Week

It’s hard to choose between superlative moments and surpassing support, luckily this week’s player of the week was supportive throughout the season’s final stages and had an absolute golden moment on the weekend: Ian Vigurs was every bit the captain you want to see for Ross County and his thunderous shot that saved the Staggies season was an absolute beauty. Thank you Ian Vigurs.

Michael Gardyne is probably congratulating Ian on staying up, but maybe it’s winning this little honor instead.
Photo Credit (The Herald)

Standings Update

Ross County heads into their break on a high while Grenoble has a few more matches to go to determine their league status next campaign. The Loons finally notched some points on the board, but remain stuck at the bottom of the table (for now)

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana–b9022.52.10.6
Emelec11442.01.61.0
Rosenborg BK1201.72.71.0
Grenoble Foot10771.541.31.1
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Freiburg114111.421.61.5
Ross County–b8291.371.31.5
Legon Cities FC6571.281.20.9
Alebrijes-b4761.121.42.1
FK Vozdovac5591.050.91.6
Minnesota United2041.000.81.7
Table Updated 5/19/2021
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, May 19th

Vozdovac v. Javor

Emelec v. Tolima [M–Copa Sudamerica]

Thursday, May 20th

Rosenborg v. Brann

Friday, May 21st

Tolouse v. Grenoble [M–Playoffs]

Saturday, May 22nd

Rosenborg v. Staebek [F]

Frankfurt v. Freiburg [M]

Tecnico Universario v. Emelec [F]

Mushuc Runa v. Emelec [M]

Sunday, May 23rd

Hoffenheim v. Freiburg [F]

Legon Cities FC v. Aduana Stars

Monday, May 24th

Rosenborg v. Molde [M]

Tuesday, May 25th

Emelec v. Talleres [M–Copa Sudamerica]

Week 13: We can see Claire-ly Now

Week 13: We can see Claire-ly Now

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Scores

University of Montana Grizzlies 2 – 1 Portland State Vikings

Friday night lights in Big Sky Country showed the Griz continuing their winning streak. While Claire Howard gave up her first goal of the year, Avery Adams scored the first two of her college career to win it.

Celaya 0 – 0 Alebrijes

Not all scoreless draws are the same. In this one Oaxaca withstood a late onslaught after Esteban Torres was sent off in the 84th minute. Still, running the scoreless streak to 210 minutes isn’t making for thrilling football in Mexico’s second tier.

Churchill Brothers 3 – 2 Punjab FC

Punjab’s truncated season came to an end Saturday in Mumbai. While Golukam Kerala ran up their score, Churchill’s late concessions to Joseba Beitia and Baba Diawara solidified the goal difference edge. Not exactly the role Punjab would prefer to play in deciding a title, but a solid first showing for coach Curtis Fleming.

[Bonus reading: our friends at the Away End had a great summation of the end of the campaign]

Guyaquil City v. Emelec [F]

Silly me. If the past year has taught us nothing else, it’s taught us to expect delays especially to start seasons, especially for women. [sigh]

SC Freiburg 1 – 0 Turbine Potsdam [F]

Hasret Kayikci hasn’t been talked up enough this year. She’s always there in Freiburg’s hour of need. Another late goal blunted Potsdam’s momentum and kept the griffins in the hunt for 4th place.

University of Montana Grizzlies 3 – 0 Portland State Vikings

After two more tense affairs, this one was Grizzlies from snout to tail. Another Alexa Coyle banger, a heckuva shot from Allie Larsen and a record setting 30th shutout for Claire Howard!

Dorados 1 – 1 Alebrijes

Alebrijes is getting used to this point a game thing…maybe a little too used to it. With four draws in a row, they’re starting to run out of points to make up. (Hate to think of where they’d be without Julio Cesar Cruz’s clinical penalty taking.)

News & Notes

International Affairs

While most of our teams were not in action, lots of our favorite players were. Here’s a quick peek at how they fared.

Africa
Ethiopia celebrates…not pictured Mombris and Metanire go: “huh”? (CAF Online)
  • Our favorite Madagascar madmen (Jerome Mombris and Romain Metanire) got gobsmacked when their team was bested 4-0 by Ethiopia. By the time that they had to win and see Ethiopia lose to move on. Ethiopia did falter…but Madagascar couldn’t get a goal, and the darlings of the last tournament ran out of luck.
  • Ghana’s Black Stars will be at the cup of nations (as well). Though Center Back Joseph Adjei didn’t play in their final two qualifiers, he continues to take strides towards hitting the field in Cameroon this summer.
  • Harouna Demba of Grenoble was on the bench as Mauritania drew with Morocco but was on the field for their 1-0 win over CAR that booked them a spot in the finals.
Asia
  • Freiburg’s Woo-yeong Jeong got his first run out for South Korea in a friendly against Japan. Sadly, it was a 3-0 drubbing against arch rivals, but it didn’t impact their quest for cups.
Europe
Robin Lod celebrates
  • Finland saw two Minnesota United stars–Jakku Raitala and Robin Lod–(and one former player, Rasmus Schuller) take the field in a pair of draws
  • One of those draws came against Bosnia/Herzegovina and included Ermedin Demirovic of Freiburg as part of the attack that Raitala had to repel in the game’s dying minutes. Demirovic got the start in Bosnia’s friendly against Costa Rica, but didn’t get any goals. The final match against World Champs France happened after I posted this
  • Justas Lasickas of Vozdovac saw lots of action for Lithuania and did his best to put up with the offensive onslaught from Kosovo, Switzerland, and Italy.
  • Andre Hansen had to come on at half-time when Norway was getting spanked by Turkey. He didn’t see action when the team faced Montenegro, which spared him the awkwardness of facing a teammate.
  • The best represented nation from our teams: Montenegro which features three players (Vozdovac’s Milos Milovic and Nikola Vujnovic and Rosenborg’s Dino Islamovic). Sadly none of them made the pitch, until Dino Islamovic came on against Norway in the second half (he didn’t make much impact)
  • Iceland left Rosenborg’s Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson on the bench as they scuffled back down the table
North America
  • Dayne St. Clair was part of Team Canada, but didn’t get on the pitch.
  • Hasani Dotson and Callum Montgomery were part of the US and Canada youth teams vying for an olympic berth. While both played well, neither will have a chance to march in the opening ceremonies in Tokyo.
Limbu Loves it (wefutbolfans.com)
South America
  • Emelec sent three players to the Ecuadorian national side (Keeper Pedro Ortiz, Defender Romario Caicedo, and Midfielder Dixon Arroyo). However, a qualifier with Venezuela was called off, and the friendly tune up with Bolivia only saw Arroyo on the field (he was solid in distribution, if unremarkable in their win)

Limbu lays it on the line

As the I-League ends, it’s worth rewarding the best in the competition. In particular, Kiran Limbu who led the stingiest defense in the competition. Winning best keeper is nice, and should be a first step on the road to winning it all next time round.

Las Electricas are Back

With limited news reporting on South American women’s teams (insert shocked not shocked emoji here). I missed the news that Emelec’s ladies will be back in action. The team will see weekly action through the first weeks of July. If they finish in the top four of the southern league, they’ll advance to the playoffs against one of the top four from the north (likely someone from Quito). The biggest change this means is that we get to appreciate more awesome branding images like this one…

Queen Claire

Player of the Week

You might argue that since she already won a Player of the Week recently, we ought to look elsewhere, but come on…Claire Howard broke a Big Sky conference record and has kept her team perfect through the first five games of the season. (We’ll share a nod with Kiran Limbu for his keeping award as well)

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Standings Update

Not much changed here…most notably, Punjab FC has entered their offseason and will be locked in at their Points Per Game until the 2021-2022 season kicks off in…many many months. Oh, and Claire Howard continues to carry the Grizzlies to the top of our table.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
University of Montana50032.00.2
Emelec3112.01.81.0
Freiburg8261.61.51.4
Punjab FC–b7461.471.20.9
Grenoble Foot6451.471.11.1
Legon Cities FC4431.451.20.8
Ross County5171.231.21.5
Alebrijes3641.151.51.7
FK Vozdovac2350.90.71.6
Rosenborg BK000–––
Minnesota United000–––
Table Updated 3/31/2021
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, March 31st

Thursday, April 1st

Friday, April 2nd

10:00 FK Vozdovac v. Macva Sabac

5:00 Sacramento State Hornets v. University of Montana Grizzlies

Saturday, April 3rd

9:00 Madema SC v. Legon Cities FC

9:00 Ross County v. Inverness CT [Cup]

1:00 Grenoble v. Chateroux

1:30 Borussia Munchengladbach v. Freiburg [M]

CS Emelec v. CD Macara [F]

Sunday, April 4th

2:00 Sacramento State Hornets v. University of Montana Grizzlies

3:00 Olmedo v. Emelec [M]

Monday, April 5th

Tuesday, April 6th

5:15 Emelec v. CSD Macara [M-Cup]

9:00 Alebrijes v Jaibos