Tag: Rosenborg BK

Week 44: Jet Lands and a few fly to playoffs

Week 44: Jet Lands and a few fly to playoffs

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Minnesota United 2 – 1 Colorado Rapids

It’s been six unbeaten for the Loons. But they haven’t really looked unbeatable since early September. This time a late own goal helped them across the line despite Emmanuel Reynoso’s best efforts to connect with attack partners.

Union 0 – 1 Emelec [M–South American Cup]

Los Bombillos May still be languishing in domestic contests but they do what’s needed on the bigger continental stage. A vital goal away from home came from an opportunistic Facundo Barcelo who punished the Argentines for not clearing the ball more decisively.

Dundee United 2 – 1 Ross County

Oliver Shaw got his first goal as a Staggie on an excellent sprint. But by that time the Tangerines of Dundee had the game in hand. So the Stags took another tough defeat.

2:00 Niort v. Grenoble [M]

Cancelled due to COVID 19

FK Vozdovac 2 – 0 TSC Backa Topola

For a team that was winless for most of the spring, Vozdovac looks equally consistent now, albeit in a much better way. It certainly helps to have a stronger back line anchored by a keeper in great form. So, as is becoming habit around here, thanks Miloje Prekovic.

Rosenborg BK 3 – 1 Avaldsnes [W]

A decisive and vital win against a fellow top 4 contender saw Rosenborg jump into first place (with Valerenga’s win over LSK they fell back to second). As top opponents shut down passing lanes for Clausen/Blakstad other options have had to rise up, including this week’s star: Lisa Marie Utland. Her headed brace gave her 5 goals on the season and further cemented the team’s attacking strength.

SC Freiburg 2 – 4 Bayern Leverkusen [M]

After several close contests, Freiburg’s battle with Bavaria’s top team was a little more open. Despite an early goal, the Griffin’s defense couldn’t hold back a Leverkusen attack, with Florian Müller conceding more than he saved

Rosenborg BK 1 – 0 Start [M]

As with the women, Rosenborg’s attack has needed to diversify of late, but they’ve made it work. Carlo Holse has served as a super sub and scored again here

Sporting KC v. Minnesota United

Yup COVID got the loons…again…though with playoffs clinched its not the worst thing to happen.

Aucus 1 – 1 Emelec [M]

Emelec hadn’t dropped points to Aucus since May 2018. In the last match before COVID closure they trounced the red and gold 4-0. This time they only managed a point as Marlon Meija’s first half red card stretched them too thin to cope.

7o de Febrero 0- 4 Emelec [F]

With a resounding win, las Eléctricas sealed a spot in the super league playoffs. Ginger García found the net inside of two minutes, but it was striker Luisa Espinoza’s brace that sealed the victory and advancement.

*The most important contest of this year Biden (D) v. Trump (R)*

NO RESULT AS OF PUBLICATION TIME…or even several days later when I finally had time to find the videos and images I wanted.

News & Notes

Baby Jet Flies Home

Last week, we had high hopes that black stars legend Asamoah “Baby Jet” Gyan would be coming to Legon this year.

Consider him arrived.

Playoffs?!?!?

Yes, those leagues that wrap in the winter are nearing their conclusions, which means a shorter series of matches among the best of the best to determine a champion.

Rosenborg’s 16th straight result means that even if the Trolljenter totally collapse they’ll finish in a top 4 spot.

Emelec’s Eléctricas also qualified, though less conclusively than their Norwegian cousins.

And, despite a desperately underwhelming run of form and enough COVID cases to make you wonder if socially distanced positioning might be a game plan, Minnesota United’s points per game was enough to guarantee them a crack at the cup this year.

Player of the Week

It must be said: Luisa Espinoza lifted las Electricas to the next round of the Superliga Feminina this week. A great performance and a great result is exactly what Player of the Week was built for.

We Love you too…and we’re about 80% sure this is Luisa Espinoza…seriously Emelec, clarify!

What’s Next

Wednesday, November 4th

7:00 Minnesota United v. Chicago Fire

Thursday, November 5th

4:15 Emelec v. Union [M-South American Cup]

Friday, November 6th

1:45 Ross County v. Livingston

Saturday, November 7th

6:00 Rosenborg BK v. Sandviken [F]

8:00 Grenoble v. Le Havre [M]

8:30 RB Leipzig v. Freiburg [M]

1:00 Cukaricki v. FK Vozdovac

Sunday, November 8th

7:00 SC Freiburg v. Werder Bremen [F]

11:00 Viking v. Rosenborg BK [M]

5:30 Minnesota United v. Dallas [5:30]

6:00 Alebrijes de Oaxaca v. Atalante

Monday, November 9th

Tuesday, November 10th

1:45 Elgin City v. Ross County [Cup]

Week 43: Close Run

Week 43: Close Run

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Vozdovac 3 – 2 Gráfica [Cup]

The Red Dragons fell behind early, but made a stirring second half comeback to tie the match. Then it was Milos Krunic playing hero with crucial penalty saves to push them on to the last 16 of the Serbian Cup.

Alebrijes 1 – 2 Celaya

Oaxaca held their own for much of the match. Keeping the score level through 45 minutes. But a second yellow to Victor Reyes opened things up for league leading Celaya, and Diego Chorena’s late red will only complicate things following another loss

Union Berlin 1 – 1 SC Freiburg [M]

In a very even contest, Vincent Grifo netted an opening goal from a tough angle that was promptly negated on the next sequence. It was the type of draw where it seemed like the best outcome. Both sides deserved something, and both sides got something.

Motherwell 4 – 0 Ross County

Young Ross Doohan did not shine on the day. A week after keeping Hibs off the board, the Celtic loanee mustered only one save against an imperious Motherwell.

Grenoble v. Nancy [M]

Postponed due to COVID

Emelec 0 – 0 CSD Macara [M]

That is a thing that happened.

Cincinnati 0 – 1 Minnesota United

The loons continued to struggle to regain their old form. Again there were moments of quality, tempered with moments of agonizing awkwardness. It took until 2 minutes into stoppage time for a break through, with Jan Gregus’ great corner kick meeting Michael Boxall’s head. While the post blocked Boxall, nothing stopped Aaron Schoenfeld’s winner.

Sarpsborg 08 1 – 2 Rosenborg BK [M]

Pa Konate scored his first goal since joining Rosenborg in September, and Dino Islamovic netted another penalty as Rosenborg kept up the race for Europe staying just one point behind Molde.

Proleter 1 – 1 FK Vozdovac

Though former Olympiakos starlet Leandro Pinto struck first for Proleter, Vozdovak came back with a second half equalizer to grab a vital point on the road. Dragan Stoisavljevic’s half-volley capped an excellent attacking streak from the Red Dragons. That’s the system needed to keep the race for top 3 tight in Serbia

Pumas Tabasco 0 – 2 Alebrijes de Oaxaca

Things got a little wild when Pumas’ goal keeper Jose Castillo executed a hefty challenge well outside his area on veteran striker Franco Arizala. After a Pumas complaint and a substitution, Oaxaca’s Rodolfo Vilchis absolutely cranked his free kick into the upper right corner to give Alebrijes a lead. Despite being a man up, Oaxaca still looked shaky at the back but Arizala continued to torment Pumas’ defenders setting up more chances for a security goal that finally came in stoppage time. It was certainly a fortunate and not terribly convincing win, but it was a win, and Alebrijes needs those.

News & Notes

Asamoah Gyan’s Homecoming?

One of the biggest players in Ghanaian soccer history may be on the verge of a return home.

Asamoah Gyan

Arguably the biggest striker in the Black Star’s golden generation, Gyan has bopped around the world with stops at big clubs in Italy, France, and England and big money moves to Qatar, China, and India.

Now at 34, he’s certainly nearing the end of a storied career and has pledged to cap his career back at home in the nascent Ghanaian Premier League. But…while the former Asante Kotoko fan has said he’d like to play in Kumasi, Legon Cities, our very own Royals, appears set to swoop in with big bucks and bring him on to their side.

Player of the Week

We’ve been recognizing a lot of defenders lately, so let’s take a moment to appreciate Franco Arizala of Oaxaca. Though he didn’t get his name on the score sheet he was integral to Oaxaca’s third win. From the penalty drawn on Tabasco’s keeper (which…on replay might have been a little…embellished) and providing the opening for the first goal, to the dipsy-dooo-drop-aroo moves that tormented the thinly stretched Pumas defense, to requiring a double team that opened the net for the second, Franco was critical.

Franco Arizala feels fine (La Marca)

What’s Next

Wednesday, October 28th

7:00 Minnesota United v. Colorado Rapids

Thursday, October 29th

Union v. Emelec [M–South American Cup]

Friday, October 30th

Saturday, October 31st

10:00 Dundee United v. Ross County

2:00 Niort v. Grenoble [M] Cancelled due to COVID 19

2:00 FK Vozdovac v. TSC Backa Topola

Sunday, November 1st

6:00 Rosenborg BK v. Avaldsnes [W]

8:30 SC Freiburg v. Bayern Leverkusen [M]

11:00 Rosenborg BK v. Start [M]

6:30 Sporting KC v. Minnesota United

Monday, November 2nd

Tuesday, November 3rd

*The most important contest of this year Biden (D) v. Trump (R)*

Week 42: Hold on, For one More Day…

Week 42: Hold on, For one More Day…

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Minnesota United v. Chicago Fire

Seriously, did they think it would take them four days to beat COVID? Who do they think they are? A bunch of obese 70 something reality stars turned politicians with access to obscenely expensive health care?

Emelec 1 – 0 Orense [M]

Emelec started their second half in a high grabbing a valuable win to restart their campaign with a good chance to compete. Dixon Arroyo’s 2nd half goal was a fortunate combination of positioning and sloppy defense.

Correcaminos 3 – 2 Alebrijes

A week after final breaking through with a goal, Oaxaca got two more to lead then tie a solid Correcaminos side. Sadly a third goal ceded made it moot, and left us all hopping for moral victories before the last month of the year.

Eintracht Frankfurt 0 – 1 SC Freiburg [W]

Lina Burger opened the match with a solid finish from a well worked team goal and from then on it was just a matter of holding on. The lady griffins did manage a few more strong forays into the Frankfurt area, but even though they came away goalless, they got what they needed.

SC Freiburg 1 -1 Werder Bremen [M]

Christian Streich’s side started out hot with a pair of goals inside 20 minutes from Phillip Leinhart (on a deflection) and Jonathan Schmid. Sadly, Schmid’s was negated by VAR and after a sloppy tackle from Lucas Holer gifted Bremen a penalty, it was all Christian Günter and company could do to salvage the draw.

Ross County 0 – 0 Hibernian

Connor Randall’s second half red card meant there was a very tense last ten minutes, with Staggies left grateful and aggrieved when a late tackle of Ross Stewart didn’t lead to a penalty.

FK Vozdovac 2 – 1 FK Spartak Subotica

The Red Dragons got their first win against a top six side in their ongoing push to be part of the third place race (behind Partizan and Red Star’s Duopoly). Nikolai Vujnovic netted a screaming winner as Keeper Miloje Prekovic was again crucial to the points.

Amiens 1 – 0 Grenoble [M]

On paper, this was a clear opportunity for Grenoble to grab some points away from home. But things were a lot less clear on the field, where Grenoble’s previously potent attack ground to a halt, and one slip was all it took for Amiens to capitalize and win it.

Emelec 0 – 2 Barcelona SC [F]

It was another hard derby for las electricas with Barcelona’s non-international Ecuadorian equivalents painted Guayaquil yellow again

Valerenga 1 – 1 Rosenborg BK [W]

The match of the weekend was as thrilling as advertised. Despite an early goof of a goal from a Valerenga cross, Rosenborg didn’t bend. Most surprising was the last moment equalizer from Sara Kanutte Fornes to keep RBK unbeaten. Ultimately the quest for an Invincible season, might be a distraction. The Trolljenta will be vying for the title in a final four playoff, but an unbeaten year would just feel so sweet.

Kristiansund 0 – 0 Rosenborg BK [M]

Not for the first time we wished the men’s team was playing at the level of the women’s side.

Bravo Merignac

Merignac 0 – 1 Grenoble [F]

Jade Decilap made the difference on the road as the ladies of Grenoble got a valuable win. Side bar: hat tip to Merignac for rocking the chipmunk crest!

Minnesota United 2 – 2 Houston Dynamo

In an act of snatching a stalemate from the jaws of victory, the Loons gave up a pair of second half goals. For a team that’s past it’s injury woes (as seen by a brilliant return by Ethan Finlay) and has said goodbye to young prospects to bring in “proven winners” this collapse (both on field and in standings) is…frustrating.

Guayaquil City 1 – 0 Emelec [M]

The blue side of Guayaquil came out pale after dropping the second derby of the week. After a bright start to the second half of the campaign, some fans may feel hope dimming that los bombillos can shine any morethan they did before. (Did you like that plethora of lightbulb allusions?)

News & Notes

Grenoble Grippe

Macron’s Mask Mandate (Washington Post)

Minnesota United got some company in their infectious disease section of our standings this week as Grenoble Foot’s coach, plus 18 other players and staff members, tested positive for Corona-Virus.

This is part of a bigger local trend. French President, Emmanuel Macron (aka the Economist’s biggest crush), instituted a stricter curfew on nine cities, including Grenoble.

Player of the Week

So many sides needed sterling defensive showings to hold on to their points, it only makes sense to honor the defensive side of the game this week. We’ll acknowledge Miloje Prekovic, who, despite giving up a goal and looking a bit lucky has been so critical to Vozdovac’s surge up the standings that he’s well over due for some recognition.

Prekovic, who frankly looks like he’s interviewing to be your gym teacher

What’s Next

Wednesday, October 21st

Vozdovac v Graficar [Cup]

Thursday, October 22nd

7:00 Alebries v. Celaya

Friday, October 23rd

Saturday, October 24th

8:30 Union Berlin v. SC Freiburg [M]

9:00 Motherwell v. Ross County

12:00 Grenoble v. Nancy [M]

6:30 Cincinnati v. Minnesota United

Sunday, October 25th

12:00 Sarpsborg 08 v. Rosenborg BK [M]

2:00 Proleter v. FK Vozdovac

Monday, October 26th

Tuesday, October 27th

8:05 Pumas Tabasco v. Alebrijes de Oaxaca

43. Squeaky Bum Time

43. Squeaky Bum Time

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Dear Boys,

This past weekend witnessed a whole lot of tension for all of our favorite sides. Despite hours and hours of training, preparing, and strategizing everything that you want to go right may yet go horribly, horribly wrong, and there’s not much you can do about it.

In the same way, after a bit of over-confidence in 2016 led to a crippling four years of permanent anxiety, I’m constantly looking over news feeds for evidence of everything going wrong again. Again I’ve prepared. People I care about have prepared. But we know it might yet go wrong.

At times like this I think of a phrase from the great Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson (which I think I first heard from a Canadian colleague, Neeraj Prakash). He called it “squeaky bum time”, which I took to be that time when the end is nigh, and excitement has built to a fever pitch, but you can’t do anything about it.

My advice for you boys isn’t just to know that phrase, it’s a bit about what to do at times like that.

When you’re worried it will all go wrong, just try to do what you know to do.

Herr Leinhart (Freiburg.com)

Think of Freiburg. An early goal, and a quick concession and then ferocious pressure from Werder Bremen. At the core of all of it was Phillip Leinhart, who not only scored the Griffins’ goal, but anchored the defense to the bitter end.

Or there’s Rosenborg’s Kvinner. This team of tremendous attacking prowess, with all their threats and various ways to beat you finally faced the reality of a defeat, and responded by turning to the attack with even greater certainty until Sarah Kanutte Foldes won the day.

Even in America, we see it with Presidential Candidate and walking grandpa joke, Joe Biden. He’s never been the most eloquent, the most inspiring, or the most flashy. What he has been is reliable, dependable, charming, and genuine. So as the biggest campaign of his life (and indeed almost all of our lives) winds down, he is being that. Not being sucked into silly squabbles or crowd comparisons, just being himself.

All too often it gets hardest right before the end. Always remember that while you can’t control any outcomes, you can control your inputs. Rather than trying to do something new or staggering or amazing, do what you know.

Rosenborg Celebration (Time24)

Be Phillip Leinhart with his lockdown defense. Be Sarah Kanutte Foldes with her opportunistic attacks. Be Joe Biden with responsible, folksy, charm.

Or, if you boys end up like me, write about it.

Week 41: Skin of the teeth

Week 41: Skin of the teeth

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Rosenborg BK 1 – 0 Kolboltn [W-Cup]

In a quick break before the biggest game of the season against Valerenga, the troll girls, found a way to snatch a valuable win. It took until a late corner kick for them to find the goal, courtesy of a Kristine Minde header. The squad is already set for the quarterfinal against fellow Toppserien titans, LSK in early November.

Turbine Potsdam 3- 0 SC Freiburg [W]

Meanwhile, in Germany, Freiburg was overwhelmed by Potsdam. A total team effort left the lady Griffins labored and a little lost before the weekend’s big clash against German Giants Wolfsburg.

Montrose 3 – 4 Ross County [Cup–PKs]

Ross County’s offense sprang to life only to see their defense shrivel like a sheep’s stomach in the oven. Despite racing out to a three goal lead, they were pushed to the limit until a sterling PK performance got them the win.

Mineros 1 – 0 Alebrijes de Oaxaca

Did you know that Oaxaca is home to some of the oldest structures in all of Mexico, they even excavated a mountain for a new settlement atop of what is now Mount Alban. They even used it to do astronomy. So, Alex, they have a great environment you’d love. See, losing a soccer game [again] isn’t nearly as important as that cool stuff.

SC Freiburg 1 – 1 VfL Wolfsburg [W]

Might Wolfsburg hadn’t dropped a point since late August when they fell in the Women’s Champions League Final. They’d beaten Freiburg the last three times by a combined 18-2. But one late Hasret Kayicki header was all it took to save a thrilling point for the last griffins.

Grenoble Foot 1 – 1 Olympique Marseille

After losing 3-1 to Nice last weekend a match against one of France’s biggest names might have been doomed. But a second half equalizer by Andrea Compper and a crucial penalty save by Julie Perrodin saved the point, with Perrodin’s performance serving some extra-special saves for Les Grenobloises.

Alebrijes 1 – 0 Venados

Great day in the morning Oaxaca won a game. Daniel Cisneros capitalized on a rebound to end a 394 minute goal-less streak. That was enough as Alebrijes leaned on Angel Alonso to stop Venados constant atacks, and they held on for the team’s first point in five matches. It’s a feast or famine schedule from here, with two games against struggling sides, one against a mid-table crew, and one match a piece against the top 3 teams.

Dallas v. Minnesota United

Postponed

Ross County 2 – 1 Arbroath [Cup]

Falling behind, to a lower league team, at home, isn’t ideal. But like so many other teams this week (including themselves), the Staggies were able to do what had to be done to get the win. In particular, Ross Stewart delivered both a header and a penalty winner to boost County to top of their Cup division.

News & Notes

COVID catches Loons

With all the safeties and protocols surrounding sports at the moment, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global pandemic is under control. Nope.

Minnesota United is the first of our eleven teams to have someone test positive. In fact they had two. And so their match in Dallas, their training, and all gatherings are on hold. Come on you Loons, Get Well Soon!!

Return of the Royals

With about a month until the Ghanaian premier league kicks off again, Legon Cities has returned to training for year two. The squad has a few additions, and will be playing this year on the grounds of University of Ghana (koohhhhh Ghana!)

Player of the Week

In a week where it was a matter of inches, let’s acknowledge someone who had to be inch perfect to keep their team in the clear. Sadly, with no statistics we have to base our evaluation totally on the eye test, and as our eyesight isn’t every good we’re going to play it safe and split the award between Julie Perrodin of Grenoble, and Angel Alonso of Oaxaca.

What’s Next

Wednesday, October 14th

7:00 Minnesota United v. Chicago Fire

Thursday, October 15th

7:00 Correcaminos v. Alebrijes

Friday, October 16th

Saturday, October 17th

8:30 SC Freiburg v. Werde Bremen [M]

9:00 Ross County v. Hibernian

12:00 Amiens v. Grenoble [M]

1:00 FK Vozdovac v. FK Spartak Subotica

Sunday, October 18th

7:00 Eintracht Frankfurt v. SC Freiburg [W]

9:00 Valerenga v. Rosenborg BK [W]

11:00 Kristiansund v. Rosenborg BK [M]

7:00 Minnesota United v. Houston Dynamo

Monday, October 19th

Tuesday, October 20th

Week 40: That Happened

Week 40: That Happened

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Rosenborg BK 0 – 2 PSV Eindhoven [M-E]

It was always a long shot to beat the Dutch giants. While coming up one win short of European competition is hard, bowing out against a great side with a better performance than their last meeting is tolerable.

Jaibos 2 – 0 Alebrijes

Oaxaca’s slide continued. 272 minutes since their last goal, Alebrijes may be desperate to find the net as a suicidal tuna.

Dortmund 4 -0 Freiburg [M]

On a tipsy turvy year with two titans of the Teutonic table floating in the middle of the pac Freiburg could have laid claim to a top tier spot with a stunning road win. But they didn’t. Courtesy of Erling Braut Håaland, who first tormented Rosenborg…not cool Erling, not cool.

Macva Sabac 0 – 2 FK Vozdovac

In four minutes the Red Dragons laid waste to their host. Marko Putacanin provided both a devastating header and perfect through ball to Justas Lasickas. Meanwhile, keeper Miloje Prekovic pitched his third shutout in four tries since joining the team.

Grenoble 2 – 0 Valenciennes

Yoric Ravet turned in a man of the match performance with his first goal of the year on a PK. Meanwhile Brice Maubleu kept another clean sheet and Jordy Gaspar anchored the defense that made Ravet’s surge possible. The squad has yet to drop a point in Stade des Alpes.

Minnesota United 2 – 0 FC Cincinnati

A year ago the loons spanked Cincy, 7-1. There was no drubbing this year. But a pair of well worked chances created by Bébelo Reynoso, and more sterling saves from Dayne St Clair might help reclaim the team’s top of table form.

Freiburg 0 – 0 MSV Duisburg [W]

Well, that happened.

OGC Nice Côte d’Azur 0 – 0 Grenoble Foot [W]

So did that. Seriously, trying to find summaries of elite women’s matches is hard. 0-0 draws? No chance.

Rangers 2 – 0 Ross County

The Staggies played a fine and competitive match against the league leaders. An early penalty put them behind, but 70 scoreless minutes showed strength. They’ve slipped into the bottom half of the league again, but the signs are bright for the future.

Rosenborg BK 3 – 0 Lyn [W]

Julie Blakstad roared back with a vengeance scoring her first goal since August, and never looked troubled against Lyn. All eyes now turn to Oslo in two weeks when they play Vålerenga in a match that may well decide the league.

Rosenborg BK 4 – 1 Odd [M]

Åge’s boys bounced back emphatically against rivals for European berths Odd. A resounding 4-1 win led by Dino Islamovic’s double and Kristoffer Zacharissen sweet talking another goal.

Universidad Catholica 4 – 1 Emelec [M]

Across the ocean there was another resounding victory, but this one sent Los Bombillos reeling again. Having won only once since August, they certainly deserve their low ranking on the table. But hope is on the way (see News for more)

Nashville 0 – 0 Minnesota United

The grass grew a microscopic amount. Otherwise nothing really happened (after all, these teams are exhausted and playing on short rest in the middle of a pandemic)

News & Notes

Striker Swaps

The transfer window slowly winds down, but two of our favorite sides have swapped out striking talent in rather surprising ways.

Torgeir looks troubled
(Trollfootball)

Torgeir Børven, last years golden boot winner in Norway played well in Trondheim but manager Åge Hareide seemed to have other plans, working in everybody but Børven stop the attack. So he’s off to join Ankaragucu in Turkey.

Meanwhile, Minnesota, young, brash scorer Mason Toye said his goodbyes as well. The team’s top draft pick had enjoyed several runs of sterling form, but with three more veteran names on the roster, he was expendable. I don’t feel too bad either, he gets to learn from legendary goal scorer Thierry Henry.

Hylton hops to the Staggies

At the same time, a few more striking talents made their way to teams we root for. Jermaine Hylton left Motherwell for Ross County, the exceedingly rare Staggies pick up that actually cost money. He brings with him some goal scoring boots to boost the defanged attack. And Rasmus Wiedesheim-Paul will swap Sweden’s second tier for Norway’s first as Borven’s replacement in the Rosenborg squad. He also has a scorer’s pedigree and, at a mere 21 years old, represents a long-term investment.

Emelec hits Reset

As poor as Emelec’s form has been the last few weeks, there is hope. The split season format, an alien concept to many, but a familiar favorite of anyone who watched Pioneer League baseball, is here.

The first half of the season crowned one champion, and now every one has the chance to start fresh and try again. Emelec may have finished a discouraging 12th of 16 for the first half, but if they win the second half, all is forgotten. Truthfully they’d have to do even worse to slide into relegation, so rather than play out the string and barely stay above water, this is a chance to start fresh and furious. We can hardly wait.

Player of the Week

Minnesota United has generally done a strong job of selecting talented players out of college. Hasani Dotson and Mason Toye earned call ups to the youth national team and Chase Gasper has been a reliable starter as well. But Dayne St. Clair has been an absolute savior after Tyler Miller’s injury and the injury struggles of stalwarts Ike Opara and Oswaldo Alonso. So to you St. Clair of Canada congrats on player of the week honors.

What’s Next

Wednesday, October 7th

10:00 Turbine Potsdam v. SC Freiburg [W]

Kolbotn v. Rosenborg BK [W-Cup]

1:45 Montrose v. Ross County [Cup]

Thursday, October 8th

7:00 Freiburg v. VfB Stuttgart [M]

7:00 Mineros v. Alebrijes de Oaxaca

Friday, October 9th

Saturday, October 10th

Sunday, October 11th

7:00 SC Freiburg v. VfL Wolfsburg [W]

4:00 Alebrijes v. Venados

7:30 Dallas v. Minnesota United

Monday, October 12th

Tuesday, October 13th

1:45 Ross County v. Arbroath [Cup]

Week 39: Rough going against the giants

Week 39: Rough going against the giants

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

SC Barcelona 4 -1 CS Emelec [W]

The local derby went no better for las electricas than they did for los bombillos. A consolation goal really wasn’t at the end, but this is only part one of several stages in the campaign.

Columbus Crew 2 – 1 Minnesota United

An uneven schedule means that the Loons got landed with the best team in the East while some rivals face far less intimidating opponents. The team brought their best effort but couldn’t keep up with Columbus, losing vital ground despite the resurgence of Robin Lod.

Rosenborg 1 – 0 Alanyaspor (M-E)

Having changed my classroom background for the occasion, I was quite glad to see RBK justify my love and maybe even earn a new fan from among my students. (Sure, none of them could pin Rosenborg, Alanyaspor or half the Europa league on a map but hey! They know the name now). Anders Konradsen made the difference and set up a next round battle with…uh-oh…PSV Eindhoven…who rocked Rosenborg (4-1) last year in the same contest.

Alebrijes 0 – 1 Atlético Morelia

It was tantalizingly close to a vital point (or more) for the Oaxacans, but Gustavo Ramirez Rojas 88th minute winner kept the silver linings far from view.

Emelec 2 – 0 Deportivo Cuenca (M)

It was a much needed win for Emelec, even if it came against the bottom team on the table. Joao Joshimar Rojas certainly had the most eventful week, with an early goal to save an almost botched opportunity. Then a late red card to give everybody something to talk about [Cuenca’s two red cards made it a little less dire].

Kolbotn 2 – 2 Rosenborg [W]

A rare slip from the Troll girls. Up 2-0 [with a Marit Clausen goal, naturally], two late goals conceded left them to split the spoils and miss a golden chance to grab the title race by the horns.

Ross County 0 – 3 Aberdeen

Manager Stuart Kettlewell called it the team’s worst game of the season. Unfortunately, they’re about to follow it up with a trip to play league leading Rangers, so buckle up Staggies.

Bayern Munich 1 – 0 Freiburg [W]

The biggest organization in German soccer is a little behind the curve in the Women’s game, but with former Freiburg starlet Klara Buhl on their side, they’re taking steps to address it. Buhl helped work up Bayern’s winning goal, but we’ll always have her early years to remember.

Guingamp 1 – 0 Grenoble [M]

Grenoble Foot’s winning run came to an end, but the side still seems vastly improved from last year. An early injury to Florian Michel might have enabled Guingamp’s winning goal, but however it happened, Grenoble will look to get back to winning soon.

FK Vozdovac 5 – 0 Radnicki Nis

It is a rare thing for me to get distracted during teacher training. (Not sarcastic, seriously, I like learning about things…you boys have a nerd for a dad.) But 5 goals for the Red Dragons definitely caught me off guard. In three weeks they’ve had results of 4-0; 0-6; 5-0. Somewhere Novak Djokovic is thinking of his tennis results. This week’s shout outs go to Nikola Vujnovic, Marko Putincanin, Ivan Milosavljevic, Milos Pantovic and Milos Stojcev.

Emelec 3 – 0 Club 7 de Febrero [W]

A quick start with goals from Adriana Valenzuela and Ginger Garcia gave Emelec all they needed to knock out the 7/2s. Substitute Emily Tomala’s final notch was icing on the cake.

Grenoble 3 – 3 Montaubaun [W]

Les grenobloises stormed back from down 2-0 in the first half to the lead but gave it back with only five minutes to go. Sarah Magnier of Grenoble blasted a header against the bar before a final whistle ended things in a draw.

Aalesund 1 – 2 Rosenborg BK [M]

A brace from the best looking man in Trondheim, Kristoffer Zachariassen put Rosenborg firmly amid the chase for second place in the Elite Serien. With Bodo/Glimt dropping only 4 points all year, there’s four teams within 3 points of each other for the silver medal. Rosenborg doesn’t need to celebrate silver…but after the dire start (1 point out of 9), it would be appreciated.

Freiburg 1 – 1 Wolfsburg

For 30 glorious minutes, Nils Petersen’s header put Frieburg into second place in all of Germany. But the offense couldn’t find any other routes through the Wolfsburg defense and solid goal for the opponents left them only in 5th (still ahead of giants Munich and Dortmund though).

Minnesota United 0 – 0 Real Salt Lake

Again I got to watch some of the match when you boys went to bed. And again I saw a Minnesota team struggle and ultimately fail to get anything to go there way. On paper every thing is there: sterling attackers, creative play, strong chance creation. On the pitch, they can’t seem to seal the deal. It’s a trite phrase but this was “not 1 point earned, but 2 points lost”.

News & Notes

Oaxaca Wipe Out

Nowhere to run to.

One year ago Alebrijes was en route to their first hardware. Promotion to the top flight was a real possibility.

Now they’re at the bottom of a newly restructured pyramid. None of our other teams have sunk this low, not Ross County or Grenoble on their goalless runs, not Vozdovac in the midst of their months without a win.

More thoughts on this later this week.

Player of the Week

Kristoffer Zachariassen would be the Norwegian Ronaldo, if Ronaldo were half as good looking.

I like to spread the wealth as much as possible, but lets face facts: Kristoffer Zachariassen played a vital part in a Europa league win and netted a brace over the weekend.

Best looking man in Norwegian soccer (check). TWO time Mackenzie Boy’s Boot Room Player of the Week (Double check).

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 30th

Thursday, October 1st

12:00 Rosenborg BK v PSV Eindhoven [M-E]

9:00 Jaibos v Alebrijes

Friday, October 2nd

2:00 Universidad Catholica v Emelec [M]

Saturday, October 3rd

8:30 Dortmund v Freiburg [M]

9:00 Macva Sabac v FK Vozdovac

12:00 Grenoble v Valenciennes

7:00 Minnesota United v Cincinnati

Sunday, October 4th

7:00 Freiburg v MSV Duisburg [W]

8:00 OGC Nice Côte d’Azur v Grenoble Foot [W]

9:00 Rangers v Ross County

9:00 Rosenborg BK v Lyn [W]

1:30 Rosenborg BK v Odd

Monday, October 5th

Tuesday, October 6th

7:30 Nashville v Minnesota United

39. Notorious

39. Notorious

by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

A week ago, you were cuddling on the couch. Immersed in the hugs of your mom, and grandma, and auntie. Then they stopped, stared at their phones in horror, and tried to explain why they felt so sad.

Dear Boys,

I can’t add to what they said, because while the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg affects me and will affect you, it means something else for women. Also, much of what I’ve drafted has been deleted as it sounds like a man telling young men, “here’s a quick guide to feminist ideology and contemporary sexism”.

RBG was an icon. A diva who turned into a rock star. An idealistic ideologue who made time to share appreciate the passions and of her rival jurists.

Our lives are richer because she was in a powerful position to affect our world. As she said

Vitally, Ginsburg frequently argued before the Supreme Court prior to joining its ranks as a justice. She held, as did the renowned Title IX law, that:

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Title IX of Education Assistance Law (1972)

Too often, sports becomes an exclusionary place, especially in terms of gender. Too often, we fixate on the men of the sport and isolate women’s games to the fine print, or ancillary commentary.

Title IX challenged that notion. It insisted that young women have access to all the athletic programs that young men accessed by default. While college football and basketball are big business; women’s sports have brought in a more diverse and equitable student body.

Without Title IX, there likely wouldn’t be the bevy of young female soccer players in the US. Without that market (and corporate sponsorship that goes with it) there likely wouldn’t be the women’s game around the world as we know it today. Without that international competition, I wouldn’t be reporting breathlessly on the Rosenborg Kvinner, or the Grizzly Soccer team, or Freiburg, Emelec, and Grenoble.

Without Title IX, without a firm and emphatic belief that no person should be excluded from activities, including sports, on the basis of sex, our world would be poorer, our experience, more shallow.

Title IX is a droplet in the ocean of Ginsburg’s work. But the ripple effects of it crash ashore each and every day. We make mistakes (my ignorant titling of weekly MVPs at the start of this year is but one of my many). But with the challenging, strident, and invaluable contributions of women, especially those like RBG in places where decisions are being made, we grow.