Tag: Rolland Sallai

Week 33:

Week 33:

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Recap

Tecnico Universitaro 0 – 0 Emelec (M)

Honestly, at this point I want to know how long Emelec can go with 0 – 0 draws?

Hearts 3 – 1 Rosenborg (M–Europa Conference)

Isak Thorvaldsson scored early to build the hopes of a Rosenborg romp, but Hearts two goals in the second half gave Hearts a decisive edge in the game, in the two-way tie, and in the race to stay alive in the European competition.

North Dakota 0 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

Delaney Lou Schorr picked up exactly where she left off as the Griz’s leading scorer netted the winner against the Eagles!

Hoffenheim 1 – 2 Freiburg (M)

The Bundesliga kicked off with a familiar feeling as Freiburg brought their best game to the table. We actually watched a bit as a family with Alex insisting that the boys from Breigsau were wearing stripes, while Owen thought they were wearing a giraffe print. Whatever he wears, Roland Sallai makes a great threat and his goal was the difference as Freiburg came away with three road points.

Airdrieonens 3 – 4 Ross County (Cup)

The Staggies are still going in the ViaPlay league Cup, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. Holding a 3-1 lead after Kyle Turner scored and assisted within 90 seconds, The Stags defense proceeded to give away the store in the last ten minutes with a penalty and a late equalizer for the lower level opponents. Fortunately, Eamonn Brophy came through with a winner in additional time to move the Stags to the last 8.

Zeleznicar Pancevo 0 – 1 Vozdovac

The Dragons got their first win of the season with a quick long ball finding Niska Vujanovic who dribbled and slashed enough to find the net for the game’s only goal.

Grenoble 0 – 0 Troyes (M)

Grenoble didn’t win but they did remain unbeaten for this campaign.

HamKam 3 – 0 Rosenborg (M)

Before the game I was fantasizing that a continued run of good form could help Rosenborg back into European places, but they were too burnt out from the game in scotland to keep up with HamKam

Photo of Eliza Bentler by Ryan Brennecke

North Dakota State 1 – 3 Montana Grizzlies

The Griz got their second win in the Peace Garden State (all the more impressive because it tripled their win total from 7 previous games there). Within 15 minutes the Griz got three goals off of four shots, as Skyleigh Thompson, Riley Carolan and Eliza Bentler all found the net.

NYCFC 0 – 2 Minnesota (M)

We were able to watch a little of this as a family too…you know, when you weren’t dive bombing your mom or playing drink coaster tricks, but we didn’t get to see a goal. While you were falling asleep Jan Gregus struck back, and then I could see Miguel Tapias and Dayne St. Clair contort their frames to avoid giving up a penalty and save an own goal before Mender Garcia got a final goal to pull away.

Cimarrones 4 – 2 Alebrijes

Julio Cesar Cruz got the first goal, but Cimarrones stormed right back and the Alebrijes dropped another.

News & Notes

We Have a Champion!

Spain became the second country to win both a Men’s and Women’s World cup. Unfortunately it seemed to validate the widely disliked and player loathed coach Jorge Vilda.

It’s an unfortunate story-line to hear developed. But, honestly, coaches don’t play the games, and their effect is often over estimated. I’m going to choose to celebrate Olga’s winning goal, Aitana Bonmati’s golden boot, and Salma Paralluelo instead of Vilda (or the louche of a leader the team is also dealing with).

Other Cup-Dates

Rosenborg’s hopes of moving on to the next round of European competition were dashed with Hearts having a great showing in Edinburgh…but again, it’s Edinburgh, hard not to have a good time there.

That didn’t take long (via USA TODAY)

Meanwhile, Ross County will stand with their fellow premier leaguers in their cup quarter finals. Next up will be Aberdeen on September 27th, four days after they play Aberdeen in the league…so familiarity will breed…something.

The Loons might not like their quarterfinal flame out against Nashville, but since the Music City Men made it to the final there’s some solace (also a little solace in the fact that Lionel Messi dominated literally EVERYONE)

The Gang’s All Here!

With the Griz back in action we can fully appreciate the game from Mount Sentinel to the Punjab plain, from the Black Forest, to the Gold Coast’s brightest star.

Player of the Week

Kyle Turner! (Via SkySports)

One of the many things I love about team sports is how substitutes can make as much of a difference for a team as the stars. When that sub helps win a game, it’s great. When he goes out and helps win another…that’s flipping awesome. So Kyle Turner’s gumption stepping up as Ross County’s midfielder merits this week’s award.

Standings

For the first time in Months a team not named Punjab is at the top of our standings (though with the wonkiness of my internet connection the bottom of the standings may not be as accurate)

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Montana2003.002.000.50
Punjab12351.951.950.95
Minnesota249111.842.391.20
Rosenborg237151.691.691.09
Legon Cities–b9781.421.251.29
Grenoble177171.411.151.05
Emelec81291.241.720.97
Ross County105131.251.571.54
Freiburg137191.181.261.62
Alebrijes6791.141.271.45
Vozdovac46110.860.711.57
Table Updated 8/24/23
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, August 24th

Montana Grizzlies v. MSU Billings (the Grandma Di Derby)

Friday, August 25th

Saturday, August 26th

Freiburg v. Werder Bremen(M)

Ross County v. Rangers

Vozdovac v. Red Star Belgrade

Auxerre v. Grenoble (M)

Sunday, August 27th

Rosenborg v. Aalesund (M)

Montana Grizzlies v. THE Ohio State University

Minnesota v. Seattle (M)

Emelec v. Delfin (M)

Monday, August 28th

Tuesday, August 29th

Correcaminos v. Alebrijes

Wednesday, August 30th

Minnesota v. Colorado (M)

Week 32: Catch-22

Week 32: Catch-22

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Recap

Punjab FC 0 – 0 Bangladesh Army (Cup)

Punjab got a point! But they still are looking a little punchless against some toothier competition. Macjen and Mera remain the teams’ focal points, but vision is getting blurry.

Rosenborg 2 – 1 Hearts (M–Europa Conference)

Sverre Halseth Nypan managed a pair of first half assists against a familiar Scottish foe and a rowdy crew of scots on the road. Nypan pressed forward repeatedly to make the right side supremely strong for the Trolls as they hit their seventh straight match without a loss.

Mineros 1 – 1 Alebrijes

The Oaxacans continued to have their testiness translate into some difficult situations. Coach Carlos Guittierez and Esteban Escobedo were carded right before the end of the first half, which left Oaxaca with just ten men (and a worried coach). Julio Cesar Cruz got the equalizer early in the second half which was fortunate as defender Miguel Arreolo was sent packing later in the half and right after the match, goalie Octavio Paz was given a red card to carry over into the next match. So 8 Alebrijes managed to hold on to a draw against 11 Mineros…YIKES

Nashville 5 – 0 Minnesota United (M-Leagues Cup)

Speaking of Yikes…this game. (DJ Taylor was ejected after 34 minutes, and the rest of the defense was totally torched)

Ross County 2 – 0 St. Johnstone

St. Johnstone had more looks at the goal, but County had the best looks…and they didn’t miss. Despite Yan Dhanda having to leave the game after just a half-hour, his replacement Kyle Turner did a superb job and got his first goal for the Staggies on an excellent long ball. Connor Randall found the net as well to thrill the home supporters, but the defense was in fine form and kept the box in front of Ross Laidlaw neat and tidy.

Vozdovac 1 – 1 FK Radnik Surdulica

Vozdovac was fortunate to equalize on an own goal, and even more fortunate not to concede a late winner after Filip Damjanovic left with a red card in the 81st

Grenoble 2 – 0 Paris FC (M)

Mathys Touraine is rapidly becoming the latest in a long line of super strong Grenoble defenders. Like Loic Nestor and Adrien Monfray, he’s been a tremendous asset both in attack and in defense. This week that included starting a great passing combination that lead to his own volleyed finish. His work this week gave Grenoble the needed push to make them one of only three teams to reach 2-0 in the young season

Emelec 0 – 0 Orense (M)

Emelec is also undefeated in this fall’s Ecuadorian campaign even though they haven’t scored a single goal yet. Unlike the six point gap between top and bottom of the French League, Ecuador’s has every team within one game of becoming league leaders.

SV Oberachen 0 – 2 Freiburg (M-Cup)

Oberachen welcomed Freiburg for the first round in the DfB Pokal, and Freiburg never looked remotely bothered. Rolland Sallai and Christian Gunter got the goals, and the boys from Breigsau geared up to start their season in earnest.

Alebrijes 2 – 1 Celaya

Oaxaca’s run of cards on cards on cards came to an end and also lead to their first win of the campaign. It helped to have Kaleth Hernandez strike within 1 minute of kick off. Despite giving up an equalizer, Julio Cesar Cruz nailed a penalty to take the lead.

East Bengal FC 1 – 0 Punjab FC (Cup)

Roundglass Punjab got one more shot at the Durand Cup and their first big result as part of the top flight of Indian Soccer, it went about like the others. Kiran Limbu has done his best, but there’s just not enough to push them past the strong defenses of the two Bengali clubs.

Emelec 22 – 0 La Familia (F)

That isn’t a typo, Las Electricas legitimately put twenty goals past their fellow Guayaquil team and then put two more through. It was 6 in the first 18 minutes and 12 in the first half.

News & Notes

Women’s World Cup-Date

The Women’s World Cup Final is set with Spain facing England on Sunday.

It’s worth noting that Spain is here, frankly, in spite of a host of problems with their national federation. The players, who fought for a decade to have any support for their team at all, have continued to advocate for what they want and need and frankly deserve. The response of the federation was to say, “stop asking for things or we’ll stop letting you play”. It has lead to the awkward experience of watching players celebrate the greatest moments in national team history without even looking back at the coach (the representative of the dismissive system).

Meanwhile, England has a massive psychological investment in winning a world cup and proving that they can still win trophies in the game they invented. So, quite a lot of drama is afoot.

Other Cup-Dates

Likewise the men are wrapping things up in their cups as well, both Minnesota and Punjab saw this chapter of their seasons crash down around them. While that’s disappointing, there’s still a long way to go for their regular seasons, so wait and see.

Freiburg’s cup run started well, and the women’s side will see the same start soon. Rosenborg has another match up with Hearts to stay alive in Europe (Hearts having one goal on the road will make this match in Edinburgh extra important). Meanwhile, Ross County will look to stay alive in the League Cup this weekend.

Vamos Electricas!

It’s been hard to follow, but there is a competition for the Women’s Side in Emelec. They’ll play this year in the Campeonato Provincial (for Guayaquil), win the league and you’ll have a chance to move up to the top league. (It may be hard to track down player names and statistics, but we’ll do what we can.)

It will be a little easier to follow the results for the Griz soccer team when they kick off this week (and when they do, we’ll have every team on the table)

Player of the Week

Mathys Tourainne might have had the best moment of individual play, and the Electricas had a tremendous outing, but I couldn’t identify any players to award. So instead, I’ll give this week’s honor to the often named but as yet unheralded Jayden Nelson.

Standings

With their twenty two goals Emelec has suddenly gotten an extra half a goal a game which doesn’t make much difference to the points total, but does keep them ahead of Ross County. The one mover is Grenoble that sneaks up to fourth place…while Punjab’s rough Durand Cup has them much closer to the chasing pack.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Punjab12351.951.950.95
Minnesota239111.812.401.23
Rosenborg176131.771.741.00
Grenoble176171.431.181.08
Legon Cities–b9781.421.251.29
Emelec81191.251.791.00
Ross County105131.251.571.54
Freiburg137191.181.261.62
Alebrijes6791.141.271.45
Vozdovac46110.860.711.57
Montana–b000———
Table Updated 8/17/23
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, August 17th

Tecnico Universitaro v. Emelec (M)

Hearts v. Rosenborg (M–Europa Conference)

North Dakota v. Montana Grizzlies

Friday, August 18th

Saturday, August 19th

Hoffenheim v. Freiburg (M)

Airdrieonens v. Ross County (Cup)

Zeleznicar Pancevo v. Vozdovac

Grenoble v. Troyes

Sunday, August 20th

HamKam v. Rosenborg (M)

North Dakota State v. Montana Grizzlies

NYCFC v. Minnesota (M)

Monday, August 21st

Tuesday, August 22nd

Wednesday, August 23rd

Cimaronnes v. Alebrijes

Week 25: Goals, Goals, Goals!

Week 25: Goals, Goals, Goals!

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Recap

Minnesota Aurora 5 – 1 Bavarian United (F)

Aurora managed to balance their attack again with five different goal scorers (including the usual suspects of Cat Rapp, Mariah Nguyen, Hannah Adler, Maya Hansen, and Tiana Harris). These highlights do an excellent job of showcasing Abby Ostrem and Cat Rapp providing passes so dangerous they come with a surgeon general’s warning.

Lyn Football 2 – 0 Rosenborg (F)

Rosenborg took a third defeat this season, a sign that the Toppserien is much more equal than it has been in the past. Though it was a bit surprising that the loss came to Lynn who is currently just above the relegation zone, a rare occurrence as the TrollKvinner tend to drop points to others competing for the title instead. Perhaps this is a sign that the Toppserien has becomemore competitive, and a more competitive league means more fun for everyone

Deportiva Cuenca 3 – 2 Emelec

Los Bombillos wrapped up their spring season with another defeat. They got two goals back from their early goal by Cuenca, but despite Alejandro Cabeza’s best work, Deportiva came back again and Emelec settled into 13th place.

Arna Bjornar 0 – 5 Rosenborg (F–Cup)

Lyn may just have woken up the sleeping giants in Trondheim. Pouring 5 past the weakened Arna-Bjornar side gave them a much needed boost heading into the quarterfinals. The surprising star of the show: Defender Sara Horte, who notched a defender’s hattrick just a few days after being named to Norway’s World Cup team.

RKC Soccer Club 1 – 8 Minnesota (F)

After thumping Racine by ten the last time out, the Aurora might have taken their foot off the gas by falling behind early and only scoring two in the first half. And then came six in a row in the second half. Hannah Adler and Kenzie Langdock each got a brace and the team saw Addison Weichers and Arianna Del Moral get goals off the bench.

News & Notes

Weekly Alex Highlights

It seems that big A has discovered a taste for scoring goals (3 of them). It helps when your team wins the game and you finally get a reason to gloat.

I made a lot of fatherly comments about “if you’re happy with how you played then you can always win,” and “I’m just proud that you played well with your teammates and supported them”. Which led to Alex groaning, “ugggh…fine dad, whatever.” (If only there was professional sassing, you’d be a prodigy.)

International Update

Teams are still warming up for the North American Gold Cup, and while he didn’t get on the field in Nations League finals for Canada, Dayne St. Clair will be at the ready for the second tournament.

Obviously, this comes from IMAGO (but it shows Adamu and Gregoritsch so I’m happy to provide a plug)

Fellow goalkeeper Mark Flekken also stayed on the bench for Holland and so did Mathias Ginter for Germany. Michael Gregoritsch and Phillip Lienhart did well in Austria’s Euro Championship qualifiers, getting a draw against Belgium and a win over with Sweden (they may also have made the final pitch to new Freiburg signee/Gregoritsch’s Austrian strike partner Junior Adamu). Roland Sallai wasn’t able to catch fire against Montenegro but did find the net to seal the win against Lithuana.

Beyond the west, Ritsu Doan got a goal in Japan’s drubbing of El Salvador, and Blongokhule Hlongwane put in a solid 15 minutes in South Africa’s win against Morocco, and Michael Boxall…well…

Standing with Boxy

The worst news that came out of this week of international soccer came from our favorite Minnesotan-Kiwi, Michael Boxall.

In the first half of a match against Qatar (yes, the same Qatar I snarked about all last December), Boxall reported being called a racial slur. When referees did nothing about it, the New Zealand team left the field and abandoned the match.

Qatar officials spent a couple days pretending that nothing happened, then claiming that it was just between two players, then claiming that the player in question (Yusuf Abdurisag) was actually the target of a slur from Boxall. Obviously, I’m not in a place to judge something that happened thousands of miles away, but given that New Zealand walked out when they were winning and that Boxall has never been accused of similar actions in six years within one of the most diverse leagues in the world…I have my doubts.

It doesn’t mean much, but we also stand with Boxy.

Player of the Week

As we look to honor often over looked talents, it’s worth saying that Boxy has helped lead the third best defense in MLS’ western conference (which would be even better if it didn’t have the 13th offense in the conference). But setting aside the field, Michael Boxall is imminently worthy of being saluted particularly because, in leading a protest, Michael Boxall did so much more than play a soccer game. He showed the kind of character I hope you boys do too.

Standing

Emelec will get a much needed break after their Copa Sudamericana tie this week and then it’ll be a summer of Minnesota and Rosenborg! (And a summer where Punjab keeps looking over their shoulders)

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Punjab–b12232.242.290.94
Minnesota16571.892.391.14
Rosenborg156101.651.740.90
Legon Cities–b9781.421.251.29
Grenoble–b156171.341.161.13
Emelec5871.151.201.20
Freiburg–b127191.131.241.66
Alebrijes–b5581.111.331.39
Ross County–b64121.001.231.50
Vozdovac–b43110.830.671.65
Montana–b000———
Table Updated 6/22/23
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, June 22nd

Friday, June 23rd

Saturday, June 24th

Rosenborg BK v. Asane (F)

Real Salt Lake v. Minnesota United (M)

Bavarian United v. Minnesota Aurora (F)

Sunday, June 25th

Rosenborg v. Sarpsborg 08 (M)

Monday, June 26th

Tuesday, June 27th

Wednesday, June 28th

Emelec v. Danubio (M-Copa Sudamericana)

Plus tracking results for Gold Cup matches and the impending Women’s World Cup.

Week 24: The Quiet Season

Week 24: The Quiet Season

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Recap

Rosenborg BK 4 – 0 Arna-Bjornar (F)

It seems that Rosenborg’s ladies have found their full stride, four goals in the first half put them far ahead, and coach Steinar Lein chose to solidify the lead after half time. Familiar attackers Anna Joesendal and Emilie Nautnes each got a goal, and back-up goalie Lene Christensen returned for the first time this season with a clean sheet.

Montreal 4 – 0 Minnesota (M)

With your mom having a girls night, we celebrated boys night with thirty minutes of soccer watching. Well, I watched and Alex asked questions and Owen bounced around slamming Anna and Elsa into everyone and everything. Sadly, Anna and Elsa had more fun than the Loons who were over run by Montreal including former Loon/Sassy Librarian Mason Toye. Michael Boxall and Miguel Tapias couldn’t do everything and Montreal’s great passes made them too dangerous to stop. But the Loons attack looked better with Emanuel Reynoso involved (though, it may lead to the return of “hero-ball-starring El Rey”…)

Legon Cities 3 – 2 Samartex

The Royals raced out to a quick lead with Ahmed Rahman and Ebenezer Armegah hitting the net before 10 minutes had passed, the Royals repeatedly taking full advantage of some shaky Samartex defending. With the advantage, Legon was able to absorb a lot of Samartex’s attacks, and when Michael Otou got the third with nine minutes to play, the Royals were safe. (It should be noted that Michael received the most Man of the Match honors in the Bet Pawa league this season: cue the slow clap).

Stabek 2 – 2 Rosenborg (M)

Rosenborg fell behind early (an inverse of Legon’s game) but kept driving forward until Jayden Nelson got the first. The second half showed Rosenborg storming the Stabek goal, but coming up empty handed until Erlend Reitan set up Carlo Holse for a last minute equalizer.

Chicago City SC 1 – 3 Minnesota Aurora (F)

The Aurora gave up another goal, but it didn’t make much difference with Kenzie Langdok, Hannah Adler and Mariah Nguyen finding the net and Tianna Harris continuing to lock down the defense en route to being one of the players of the month in the whole USL-W

Emelec 0 – 0 Gualaceo SC (M)

Yup, I got nothing to say here. I do expect that Emelec won’t be overly disappointed to have the first half of the season end on Sunday. (They’ll have one more group match in the Copa Sudamericana, and a win should get them through to the knock-out stage, but a break would not be a bad thing.)

Minnesota Aurora 5 – 0 Green Bay Glory (F)

Rolling smoke from Canadian wildfires made it unsafe to play outside on Wednesday night, but even under a dome and without the normally raucous fans the Aurora continued to run roughshod over opponents, this time with Cat Rapp notching a brace and the steady defensive line once again pitching a shutout.

News & Notes

Overbearing Parent/Coach Update

Alex Steps up

Alex had another great week at soccer. He ran up and down the field a lot, and continued to love getting in the way of shots, which was convenient because his four man team was dwarfed by a pair of 5 year olds who looked 7 so there was a lot of running to do. And again he got his team’s only goal….but that’s not as much fun as defending. The best thing though: he found several chances to cheer on his team as they ran including little Jack (from Owen’s Pre-school class)

Let’s get Messi

You may remember that I wrote about the delights of watching a World Cup final with you both and seeing one of the greatest players of this generation reach the greatest pinnacle of this sport. Well, that same legendary player has decided to write the last chapter of his story here in the United States, including in Minnesota (eventually).

Messi turned down hundreds of millions from Saudi Arabia (literally the Saudi Arabian government owns four teams…) just for playing, to instead accept hundreds of millions from American companies who will pay him for existing and thereby selling more streaming services, shoes and tickets.

The Loons won’t see him until 2024 at the earliest…assuming he’s willing to play on an icy/sweltering Minnesota pitch in the first place. I’ll continue my internal debate: go watch him, or sell the tickets for much more than they are worth.

International Update

We’ve reached the time in the year where (most) soccer players finally, mercifully, have a break.

Unless you’re really good, in which case you need to play more…but this time for your country!

We don’t have exact names of which players will be going where so here’s a brief overview of possible places to look.

North American players will be gearing up for the Gold Cup, but we’re surprisingly light on those. Dayne St. Clair will likely be hanging around Team Canada’s bench, while Samuel Rogers of Rosenborg could line up again for the US. Kervin Arriaga and Joseph Rosales will look to team up in Honduras’ midfield.

In Europe, we have more players based, but just as many hanging around. Mark Flekken the (now former) Freiburg keeper will be hoping to play in the Nations League semif-finals after start Justin Biljow was smoked by Croatia’s attack). Phillip Leinheart and Michael Gregositch will be ready to go for Austria, and Rolland Sallai will be on hand for Hungary in their Euro Tournament qualifiers, and Mathias Ginter will be the lone Freiburg representing Germany.

Finally, Asian/African teams will simply be getting their work outs in preparing for games ahead with Woo-Yeong Jeong joining South Korea, and Ritsu Doan suiting up for Japan, and Bongokhule Hlongwane aims to help South Africa.

Bet Pawa’s Final Update

And that, as they say, is that.

Medema SC held on to claim the title they were driving for. Their win over Tamale City also doomed the northerners to relegation, when Great Olympics got a big win over Nsoatreman to save their bacon…or fried plantain if you prefer. And unless I’m much mistaken Legon Cities’ 9th place finish equaled their best ever showing.

Player of the Week

As we enter the stage of the season where we only have a few teams playing each week, we’ll be able to reward some players who do extremely well and a few who had good years but weren’t able to be the best player on a given week. This week, it’s time to give an overdue shout out to Tiana Harris. As Alex continues to admire defenders, Ms. Harris is a heckuva role model.

Standing

The quiet season means we’re not real likely to see much movement in the standings, but with Minnesota and Rosenborg the only two sides still clicking along after this week (sorry for my pessimism Emelec), we should still have the race to pressure Punjab in full swing.

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Punjab–b12232.242.290.94
Minnesota14571.812.081.15
Rosenborg14691.661.690.90
Legon Cities–b9781.421.251.29
Grenoble–b156171.341.161.13
Emelec5861.211.161.11
Freiburg–b127191.131.241.66
Alebrijes–b5581.111.331.39
Ross County–b64121.001.231.50
Vozdovac–b43110.830.671.65
Montana–b000———
Table Updated 6/14/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Thursday, June 15th

Friday, June 16th

Saturday, June 17th

Minnesota Aurora v. Bavarian United (F)

Sunday, June 18th

Lyn Football v. Rosenborg (F)

Deportiva Cuenca v. Emelec

Monday, June 19th

Tuesday, June 20th

Wednesday, June 21st

Arna Bjornar v. Rosenborg (F)

RKC Soccer Club v. Minnesota (F)

Week 17: Wild Times

Week 17: Wild Times

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Recaps

Cimarrones 1 – 3 Alebrijes

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

Røa 0 – 3 Rosenborg [F]

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

FK Vozdovac 3 – 0 Napredak

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

Emelec 1 – 3 Palmeiras [Continental-M]

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

Punjab FC 2 – 1 Rajasthan United

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

Independents Del Valle 3 – 1 Emelec [F]

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

Alebrijes 0 – 0 Cimarrones

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

Hearts 0 – 0 Ross County

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

Hoffenheim 3 – 4 Freiburg [M]

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

Grenoble 1 – 1 Amiens

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

Rosenborg BK 0 – 1 Lyn Football [F]

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

Legon Cities 2 – 0 Elmina Sharks

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

TSC Backa Topola 1 – 1 Vozdovac

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

LAFC 2 – 0 Minnesota Utd

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

Churchill Brothers 2 – 1 Punjab FC

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

Deportiva Tachira 1 – 4 Emelec [Continental-M]

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

https://youtu.be/CLo49lacoL8

News & Notes

Special Guest Star: GRANDMA!

Grandma teaches Owen gegenpressing with a juicer metaphor

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

Explaining Oaxaca

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

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

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

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

Le Sigh..

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

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

*Other than Dankbar frustiert Auf Wiedersehn?*

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

Player of the Week

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

Standings Update

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

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

What’s Next

Wednesday, May 4th

Rosenborg v. Stabaek [F]

Thursday, May 5th

Friday, May 6th

Saturday, May 7th

Punjab FC v Sreenidi Deccan

Freiburg v. Union Berlin [M]

Ross County v. Motherwell

Grenoble v AC Ajaccio [M]

Minnesota United v Cincinnati [M]

Emelec v. Macara [F]

Emelec v. Mushuc Runa [M]

Sunday, May 8th

SC Freiburg v. SGS Essen [F]

LSK Kvinner v. Rosenborg BK [F]

Stromsgodset v. Rosenborg [M]

Grenoble v. Le Puy [F]

Monday, May 9th

Accra Lions v. Legon Cities

Cukaricki v. Vozdovac

Tuesday, May 10th

Week 8-10: Whew boy

Week 8-10: Whew boy

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

There will come a point in your lives boys, when you seem doing something vital from 4:30 in the morning until 10:30 at night. When that time comes, remember that you are enough just as you are, and your blog about parenting and soccer can take a break…assuming there are still blogs…and soccer…and parenting…you get the idea.

Results

Cimarrones 0 – 1 Alebrijes

Mineros 4 – 2 Alebrijes

Alebrijes 1 – 0 Celaya

Alebrijes continued their strong form. But as the defense goes, so goes the whole team, the slip against Mineros was the first time the team dropped points after scoring twice, but confirms that they’ve only lost matches after they give up two or more. Andre Alcaraz continues to be a brick wall in front of the goal, and Miguel Vallejo has done a masterful job on free kicks

Emelec 4 – 0 CSD Macara [M]

Independente del Valle 0 – 1 Emelec [M]

Emelec 2 – 2 Guyaquil City

Emelec’s return to action in Ecuador came with a trio of games against top opposition, and they didn’t disappoint. Sebastian Rodriguez has been huge so far, holding down a tight knit defense and scoring in the first two victories of the season while Alexis Zapata has shown up as a creative force for the attack. (As an added perk, rocking my Emelec jersey to school got multiple kids excited to talk about things…and then their learning!)

Hibernian 2 – 0 Ross County

Ross County 3 – 1 St. Johnstone

Motherwell 0 – 1 Ross County

Ross County 1 – 0 St. Mirren

The Staggies had an impressive showing over the last three weeks, so much so that suddenly, a team that seemed destined for demotion has hauled themselves up into the top half of the league. Again, Regan Charles Cook and Joseph Hungbo were huge for the Stags, while Alex Iacovitti and Jack Baldwin anchored a stellar showing by the back line.

Augsburg 1 – 2 Freiburg [M]

Freiburg 3 – 0 Hertha BSC [M]

Bochum 1 – 2 Freiburg [M-Cup]

RB Leipzig 1 – 1 Freiburg [M]

VfL Wolfsburg 4 – 1 SC Freiburg [F]

After a long lay off the ladies of Breigsau came back a bit rusty, but in their absence the men seem to have found a second win. Winning 3 of 4 and getting a vital draw with a fellow top six contender helps Freiburg stay close in the hunt for European places. Even better they are now just two steps away from the team’s first hardware in years with a spot in the semi-finals of DFB Pokal sealed against Hamburger SV. There were no shortage of strong performances, but we’d like to send a special tip of the cap to Nico Schlotterback’s defense and Rolland Salai’s role on the wing.

Nimes 3 – 1 Grenoble [M]

Nimes Metropole Garre 2 – 0 Grenoble Foot [F]

Grenoble 0 – 2 Toulouse [M]

Nancy 0 – 1 Grenoble [M]

Grenoble got one great win over the last three weeks. That is not a great record. But it did come with a fine showing from Brice Mableu back in goal with five saves and an assist. Now…can everybody in blue do that? (and can they do it against teams that aren’t sitting next to them on the bottom of the table?)

Vozdovac 0 – 0 Radniki Nis

FK Radnicki 1923 1 – 0 Vozdovac

Vozdovac 0 – 3 Red Star Belgrade

Mladost Lucani 2 – 4 Vozdovac

Let’s not dwell too long on the discouraging showings against Radnicki 1923 or the monsters of Red Star. A resilient draw against the better than most Radniki Nis team was nice, and the ability to show up and stick with a plan in Lucani was much appreciated. The Dragons didn’t have to do much to scorch the blue side’s defense, but the final goal by Marko Ivezic on a give and go with Stefan Hadjin was a beautiful bit of build up on a grey and dreary day.

Legon Cities 1 – 1 Hearts of Oak

Real Tamale 1 – 1 Legon Cities

Legon’s been unbeaten in their last 5 matches (though they’ve only won two of those). It’s all the more impressive as recent top choice keeper: William Essu is just 19 years old and standing up to the best shots that can be offered by much more established sides. Every year, it feels like Legon grabs a great keeper from nowhere: and here we are again. Medaase pii William!

Punjab FC 2 – 2 Churchill Brothers

Kenkre 0 – 4 Punjab FC

There was no shortage of offense for Punjab as they resumed their I-League campaign. Kurtis Guthrie has towered over the competition both literally (he’s 6’2″ in a team of 5 footers) and figuratively, scoring four goals over two matches to create a dominant attack (their eight goals outpaces every other team). Despite the slip against Churchill (a long standing local power), there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic for Punjab as they go for glory.

https://youtu.be/xwpIdZ9DRQE

Philadelphia Union 1 – 1 Minnesota United

Minnesota United 1 – 1 Nashville SC

A couple of draws don’t tell the whole story for Minnesota United. The team has looked surprisingly organized in midfield, going beyond Emmanuel Reynoso’s usual one man show. Hasani Dotson has been on point this year (after a less consistent 2021), and the team has been well organized from front to back even though the supposed offensive juggernaut has yet to click. (To be fair, Philadelphia and Nashville are two strong opponents).

News & Notes

Mr. Poopy Butt

President Poop Butt

That has become your boys’ go to insult of late, and while I’d really rather we not have it at all, if we’re going to use it it better be directed towards this snivelling, self-righteous schmuck. Vladmir Putin has such a hard time believing that his country can still be important without forcing others to obey him that he’s put millions of people at risk to soothe his own bruised sense of self. If you need a hug Vladmir, I’m happy to oblige, but if you want to keep hurting people, well you really are, in the words of Alex, “Vladmir Poo….p Butt!”

Most Systems Go

In the time we were away a few leagues returned into action: Serbia is back to finish their current season, with Vozdovac going from an outside shot at Europe to a much more realistic shot at relegation. Punjab FC restarted their season after the long COVID Delay (like a rain delay, but with more spike proteins). And Minnesota United sent out their attacking force and defensive suggestion to the new American season.

Only the Griz (still focusing on school thank you very much) and Rosenborg (almost wrapped up with the preseason) have yet to play.

Kurtis is Cruising

Player of the Week

Okay, there are several players to recognize after several weeks of dereliction of duty. So let’s acknowledge some of the biggest difference makers for three teams who had tremendous runs over the last few weeks. Miguel Vallejo has rejuvenated Alebrijes; Nico Schlotterback has been instrumental in keeping Freiburg near the top of Germany, and Kurtis Guthrie is a one man wrecking crew in the Indian league. So Miguel, Nico and Kurtis you are our three players of the week.

Standings Update

In their short time back, Emelec and Punjab have shot to the top of our standings, while Alebrijes Oaxaca is showing a strong third, and the next three sides are separated by only 4 hundredths points per game. Strangely, two teams have the same average points/goals for and goals against per game: Minnesota (which after two matches isn’t too surprising) and Freiburg (which after 13…is a bit)

TeamWDLPPGGFAGAA
Emelec2102.32.30.7
Punjab1102.03.01.0
Alebrijes de Oaxaca5321.81.21.0
Ross County5331.641.51.2
Freiburg6341.621.61.6
Legon Cities4421.601.40.6
Minnesota0201.01.01.0
Grenoble3370.90.91.5
FK Vozdovac1130.80.81.4
University of Montana–b——————
Rosenborg BK–b——————
Table Updated 3/9/22
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, March 9th

Thursday, March 10th

Friday, March 11th

Punjab FC v. Aizawl

Saturday, March 12th

Freiburg v. Wolfsburg [M]

Great Olympics v. Legon Cities

Vozdovac v. FK Spartak Subotica

Grenoble v. Rodez [M]

Sunday, March 13th

SC Freiburg v. FC Carl Zeiss Jena [F]

Gualaceo SC v. Emelec

Grenoble Foot v. Montabaun [F]

NY Red Bulls v. Minnesota United [M]

Monday, March 14th

Tuesday, March 15th

Punjab FC v. Sreenidi Deccan

Pau v. Grenoble [M]