Lightning did not strike twice and the mighty Celtic got their expected win. But hey remember that magic win a few weeks back. Those were the days.
VfB Stuttgart 1 – 0 Freiburg [M]
Vincenzo getting the yellow (Getty Images obv.)
An early goal for Stuttgart gave them the edge, and with Vincent Grifo cautioned, Freiburg was less aggressive than they had been during their winning streak.
Ross County 0 – 2 St. Mirren
Bright side: County kept a tie game despite being a man down for 60 minutes and two men down for 15!
Downside: County defended poorly enough to have two red cards in one match…why?!?
Elves 0 – 6 Reindeer [North Pole Classico]
(originally drawn by simbalovepikachu)
Blitzen’s aggressive defense and the front two of Dasher and Comet continued to make the annual 5-a-side friendly a mismatch. Also, an elf in goal just doesn’t seem fair.
News & Notes
Team of the Year
While we spent most of the year in deep and abiding gratitude for Rosenborg’s attacking force, it was their defense that got them national recognition this week. Two members of the side were named to the NorskeFotballKvinner’s 2020 Team of the year. RBK’s Midfielders, Emile Joramo and Cesilie Andreassen won the recognition.
The official league wide 2020 team included Cesilie and, our favorite teen idol: Julie Blakstad
Player of the Week
It feels weird to award a County defender after a pair of 2-0 defeats, but given that Alex Iacovitti got the best marks of any player in action this week, he wins thanks to the two sweetest syllables in the English language De-Fault
A year ago, I stared this blog with the thought of how I could share life lessons and understandings that can show us what matters. An added perk of this is that, much like your uncles and I started keeping a list of lectures your grandpa was going to give us, now you have a list of my 52 lectures in 2020.
Dear Boys,
1. All our teams and how out of many, we are one
2 Legon Cities FC and appreciating new beginnings.
3 Grenoble Foot 38 and the importance of giving a fork about what you do, not over how it is received.
4 Transfer Rumors and John Fowles’ three types of people
5 Ross County, Rabbie Burns and how we want to do hard thingsbecause they are hard to do.
6 SC Freiburg and why “why” is one of the best questions you can ask.
7 Impeachment, Jersey Swaps and how gracious living is easy to do if you practice when it’s hard.
8 Minnesota United, Luis Amarilla and why, While it’s easy to fixate on the best, don’t let it distract you from the very good right in front of you.
9 Ross County and the value of playing to the whistle
10 Manchester City, Mike Bloomberg and why you ought to use your power thoughtfully, with truth and talent.
11 You can’t avoid burnout, but you can acknowledge it and select the most vital and most life giving tasks to focus on.
12 Covid Closures and why even if we’d be okay, we need to do what’s best for the others around us.
13 Rosenborg BK and how you are both a hope surpassed and a history alive
14 FK Vozdovac and why none of us are ideals
15 Diego Maradona, Macho Man Randy Savage and how to make believe safely
16 Ross County and why what you are loyal to is just as important as the loyalty itself
17 SC Freiburg and why you should keep curiosity in your mind and change in your heart.
18 Why debating all time greats is fun, but also pointless.
19 University of Montana Grizzlies and why I hope you have a fire in your heart, and a light in your eyes
20 Minnesota United and how we are stronger together than we could ever be alone.
21 Japanese Art, Freiburg and why you should appreciate what a thing is
22 Screw you systemic racism
23 Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe and why you should look inside yourselves and ask “how can I help?” as often as possible.
24 ignore those who urge you or anyone to “stick to sports”
25 Freiburg, Vozdovac, and why you should extend yourself and others a little grace.
26 Protests, FK Vozdovac Hooligans, Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo and why you should never confuse a crowd’s approval with your virtue.
27 Star Wars, Freiburg, Rosenborg, Donald Trump and why leadership without accountability is just authority.
28 Rosenborg BK and why you can’t prepare for the future by trying to recreate the past
29 Rosenborg’s Women, Ross County, Racialized Debates and why context is king.
30 American Soccer, American society and how a team of competing individuals can lose, but competitive individuals together on a team cannot.
31 Emelec and why you should leave more than you take
32 Ross County and why owning your struggles, your instabilities, your pain is the most healthy way to handle it.
33Minnesota United and why you should keep your goals within your control
34 Grenoble Foot 38 and how you are never alone in the world if you have people you can rely on.
35. Black Lives Matter
36 Julie Blakstad, Marit Clausen, and why you can absolutely do things alone, but helping someone else succeed often helps you too.
37 Pedro Martinez, the Great Falls Dodgers, Freiburg, Minnesota United and why you shouldn’t begrudge players leaving our teams behind, appreciate what they brought while they were here.
38 Alebrijes de Oaxaca and why you should enjoy what your style is.
39 Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the University of Montana, Women’s soccer and how contributions of women lead to growth
40 The Minnesota Twins, Alebrijes de Oaxaca and how learning loyalty is rewarded with loyalty of its own.
41 My least favorite coaches and why what goes around comes around.
42 Professional athletes, teachers and how everyone benefits from a break.
43 Freiburg’s Men, Rosenborg’s Kvinner, Joe Biden and why when you’re worried it will all go wrong, just try to do what you know to do.
44 Franco Arizala, Alebrijes de Oaxaca and why nothing is worth letting the whole world burn.
45 Asamoah Gyan and how we are marked by our pain, both in scars and in strength.
46 Donald Trump, Minnesota United, FK Vozdovac and why you don’t fight the fights you can win, you fight the fights that need fighting
47 Legon Cities and why when you have to face the future, you should approach it as an opportunity to seize not a challenge to be feared.
48 Diego Maradona and why it’s best to love the good in all people
49. Ross County, Rosenborg’s Kvinner and why there’s something to enjoy in both expected and the unexpected events.
50. Minnesota United & why you don’t need to worry about losing, especially when you can just enjoy living.
51. Punjab FC & how what we build, is built with others
52. So…what does all this mean for you boys, for what I think matters and what I think is important. This challenge to write over fifty posts with an eye to you boys and to what matters most.
There are plenty of overlapping themes, but the things that stand out most are simply these two: live in community with others and appreciating both the good and the bad.
And in case there needs to be one more individual lesson it’s this: know how to fold them. I love you boys. I love soccer. I can’t keep writing two posts a week. I’ll keep this site, I’ll post updates and results. But I’m going to scale back my lectures, both for my sake, and for yours.
Despite Grenoble dominating the possession, the shots, the passing, and all the attempts, Grenoble couldn’t find a way through. To be fair, it was a second string side (Bennet, Diallo and Djite, came on with about 30 minutes left) and they still did quite well to dominate a top half of the table team and pick up a point on the road.
Javor 3 – 1 FK Vozdovac
A third minute penalty was a pretty clear signal that it would be a rough day for the Vozdovac defence. Despite Marko Putincanin’s late first half equalizer, two more cases of sloppy defense undid the Dragons and saw them slip to 9th place. (4 points from their past 18 possible is a sign of the struggles)
Schalke 04 0 – 2 Freiburg [M]
There’s a whole book to be written about Schalke’s fall. Flush with Russian oil money, they’ve slowly collapsed like a bridge made out of flan. But that’s someone else’s job, our job is just to say: BRAVO ROLLAND SALLAI! Two quality goals in the second half gave the Griffins a much needed second win in a row, so things are trending up just when they are most needed.
Livingston 2 – 0 Ross County
Welp. There goes the plan to focus on the cups.
Deportiva Cuenca 2 – 1 Emelec [M]
This was a hard one. Despite being a man up for almost an hour, Emelec could not find a way through Cuenca’s defense. Diego Dorregaray managed to get two goals against the run of play including a 90th minute winner to undo Jose Cevallos’ late equalizer. The result, plus rival Barcelona’s win at the same time makes for a very challenging final match on Sunday. Emelec would need to win against Olmedo and Barcelona would have to lose to Universidad Catholica, PLUS they would need a 6 goal swing to take it (so Emelec winning 3-0 while Barcelona loses 0-3).
Sochaux 1 – 1 Grenoble [M]
Jessy Bennet again ran the show for Grenoble and set up another Moussa Djitte goal. Unfortunately, Grenoble couldn’t capitalize on a Souchaux red card and ended up ceding an equalizer before half time.
Legon Cities FC 1 – 2 Cape Coast *Mystic* Dwarfs
An early Benjamin Acquah brace was enough for Cape Coast and their Dungeons & Dragons avatar/team name. Good news: the Royals scored for the first time in 450 minutes. Bad news: it was another penalty, so in addition to Asamoah Gyan staying goalless, the team has yet to score in regular play all season.
Ross County 0 – 2 Hamilton Academical
Welp. So much for being able to focus on the league.
Bayer Leverkusen 2 – 1 SC Freiburg [W]
Despite Stefanie Sanders’ second half equalizer, Freiburg couldn’t snatch a point in Bavaria.
Freiburg 4 – 1 Hertha Berlin [M]
Meanwhile the gentlemen Griffins continued their winning ways with Vincenzo Grifo notching a goal and another assist. The result came at the expense of former Freiburg stopper Alexander Schwolow who’s done about as well as frequently fallible Florian Muller.
CS Emelec 4 – 1 Olmedo [M]
Los bombillos did their best to inject some drama in the final match of Ecuador’s season. Jose Cevallos 40 minute hat trick gave them a great start towards closing the gap against Barcelona. But as their rivals played out a goalless draw, Emelec settled in to a strong second place.
Sandefjord 0 – 0 Rosenborg [M]
In the final match of the season, Rosenborg was…uh….there? Goalless draws are never terribly noteworthy, and this one, away from home, without retiring captain Tor Reginusen, to seal a respectable but not shattering fourth place finish, was particularly inert.
Grenoble 2 – 0 Troyes [M]
When Troyes lost a man to a red card in the second half, Owen was crying bloody murder and Alex was doing anything but resting. 30 minutes later, Mamadou Dialo and Jessy Benet had both delivered goals for a great win over their top of the table rivals. At the break, Grenoble sits atop of the league on goal difference.
News & Notes
Buh-Bye Hot Boy
Kevin Molino, Minnesota United’s first big name signing announced his plan to leave the team. This might be the biggest surprise of the Loons’ Off-Season so far. Molino was a long-standing favorite of coach Adrian Heath, and he earned the fans respect too for working hard in any role he landed in. With cuts in cost across the board and a sizable offer from Minnesota, a lot of folks are wondering where he could be heading. (I know he’d be a savior in Oaxaca, but think he’d have more fun along side Yoric Ravet and Jessy Bennet in Grenoble)
Tusen Takk Tor
Rosenborg captain Tor Reginusen has retired before the end of the season walking out on his own terms and with gratitude for the club. The veteran defender was still earning caps with Norway’s national team in November,but its nice to see him exit with grace.
Two decisive defeats in a week was two too many for Stuart Kettlewell. After six months as solo coach, and three years as at least co-manager, the long standing Staggies man stepped aside after the loss to Aberdeen. Clearly the club wanted him to succeed (he’d done wonders with the youth team before joining the first team), but to stay afloat in Scotland it’ll take something more than he’s mustered.
County will hope that something can be unlocked by John Hughes former manager of their highland rivals, Inverdonian Caley Thistle. Hughes has led a few rescue missions for teams facing the axe, and a few cup triumphs. But he has also led some botched rescues. Here’s hoping for the best.
Player of the Week
It’s a close call between two very strong midfield mavens. With a pair of big wins and more big goals I will tip the cap to Vincenzo Grifo with his goal and assists, but note again that Jessy Benet may have been the biggest difference between Grenoble being top of League 2 or top of League 3 right now. Of course, Grifo is the difference between a comfortable Freiburg season
For the first time in a while Emelec didn’t seem to have much of anything going for them. Worse, this loss gave loathed rivals Barcelona sole claim to the top spot in the league
Rosenborg BK 1 – 0 Mjondalen [M]
Rosenborg snapped their skid, but it wasn’t exactly convincing. Åge Hareide’s team couldn’t find a way through throughout regular time despite dominating the run of play. But Ol Piercing Blue Eyes himself Kistoffer Zachariasen saved the day with a last minute winner.
Asante Kotoko 1 – 0 Legon Cities
Against the most legendary club in Ghanaian soccer the Royals looked majestic again in name only. The defense should be commended for their resilience but now would be the time for the attack to flourish as well. (h/t Fatua Duda for winning commendations despite losing)
Freiburg 2 – 0 Arminia Bielefeld [M]
Christian Streich switched to a three man back line a month ago. In the four matches with that formation they’ve drawn twice and won once. It’s not a tremendous turnabout but it’s a big improvement from the side that drifted down the table in October. Phillip Leinhart and Vincenzo Grifo’s surge in form sure helps too.
Aberdeen 2 – 0 Ross County
Speaking of drifting down the table, the Staggies have sunk to the bottom of the premiership. They haven’t gotten a point from the league since early November, and haven’t won since two months before that. They may still have a shot at cup trophies, but their time in the top league may be done after this year.
FK Vozdovac 0 – 2 Partizan Belgrade
I’d be lying if I said I expected anything else, but kudos to the dragons for holding the league leaders scoreless for more than one half!
Grenoble Foot 4 – 0 Dunkerque [M]
Grenoble’s performance in the shadow of the Alps was nothing short of dominant. Again led by Jessy Benet and rampaging full backs Jordy Gaspar and Jerome Mombris they looked every bit the first place (yes, first place) team they have become.
CS Emelec 3 – 0 El Nacional [M]
Estadio George Capwell would have been rocking had people been allowed in. A win over bottom of the table Nacional isn’t exactly surprising, and never seemed to be in doubt., but Jose Cevallos’ brace and another clean sheet sure feels good.
Meppen 0 – 1 SC Freiburg [W]
Meppen has struggled this year, and as Freiburg grows into form they looked strong throughout. Lina Bürger’s late winner was well deserved.
Rosenborg 3 – 1 Molde [M]
A week after a red card got him an early shower, it was a day of good Dino Islamovic. It couldn’t have come at a better time. His brace against fellow top 4 side Molde went a long way to seal a shot at European soccer.
News & Notes
See You Loons
As has been the habit each year, Minnesota United celebrated the end of the season by declining a big pile of contracts.
It’s not too surprising that Kei Kamara and third string keeper Greg Ranjitsingh were let loose. Frequent role players Jose Aja, Aaron Shoenfeld, and Raheem Edwards were a little more surprising, but, without ticket sales, costs must be cut.
HAO! Rosenborg!
O’Rielly trading Stars and Stripes for just stripes?
On the BBC’s world football podcast American soccer legend Heather O’Reilly admitted that she felt tempted to come back from retirement for a shot at the European Champions League.
A year into her retirement, O’Reilly might need some time to gear up again. So she’s likely have to target the 21-22 campaign. She’s also working as a coach of younger players. So that would be a good thing to continue abroad. And if she seeks to just play in the champions league, a Scandinavian side makes sense….chances are you see where I’m going with this.
Another score from the election. This certainly looks decisive. With no time left on the clock, there’s no real chance for a comeback. But President Trump continues to insist that he’s winning and refusing to leave the field. So…not unlike games I used to play against your uncles in the backyard.
Player of the Week
Since they came back from COVID Cancellations, Jordy Gaspar has played 518 of Grenoble’s 540 minutes. In that time, they’ve allowed only two goals and scored ten. He’s been excellent on both sides of the ball, and this week his assist gives us an excuse to finally reward him.
In what has become the friendliest rivalry in all American soccer, the Loons could well have been outmatched away from home by the top team in the west. Instead, they cruised again. Emanuel Reynoso ran riot with three assists, Kevin Molino again scored a brace, Robin Lod and Ethan Finlay again created havoc and Osvaldo Alonso and Bakaye Dibassy shut things down in the back. It’s pretty great when your local team does this well.
Napredak 3 – 1 FK Vozdovac
Milos Pantovic put the Red Dragons ahead early on. But that was about as good as it got. Miloje Prekovic’s first seven games of glory were amazing, but he’s averaged over 2 goals a game in his last four and is about to face Partizan Belgrade so….c’mon Miloje, we’re rooting for you.
Freiburg 2 – 2 Borussia Munchen Gladbach [M]
Again the good news in Freiburg came from a draw. Albeit another one that grew from a faltering first half lead. Florian Muller continues our trend of struggling goalies, but Vincent Grifo remains as impressively creative as ever, and Phillip Leinhart’s bicycle goal is going to be a highlight of the year.
Dreams FC 0 – 0 Legon Cities FC
If this seems familiar, it’s because it is exactly how Legon’s last match went. Despite putting Asamoah Gyan into the permanent rotation, the goals remain hard to come by for the Royals and new coach Basiru Hayford.
Caen 1 – 1 Grenoble Foot [M]
Yoric Ravet’s early goal was great to see on a brilliant long ball. But him grabbing his hamstring in pain immediately afterward was the opposite of that. Add to that foul trouble for the defensive line ending in Loic Nestor ceding a game tying penalty and again it feels like a bit lost.
Klepp 1 – 2 Rosenborg BK [W]
In a frustrating anti-climax, Rosenborg completed their undefeated season in second place. The win over Klepp was never much in doubt, and when Valerenga took an early lead against Arna-Bjorner, the slim hope of a goal difference comeback was gone. Still, it was a great first season for the Trolljente who officially qualified for the Women’s Champion’s League next year.
Ross County 0 – 4 Rangers
Rangers may also play in Glasgow, but they are clearly not Celtic, because, and you may remember this from last week: Ross County beat Celtic!!! (That has nothing to do with this, but I’d rather focus on that win because it’s so much cooler than this loss!)
CS Emelec 1 – 1 Barcelona SC [M]
Finally, a Guayaquil Derby that didn’t end in bitter disappointment for los Bombillos. To be fair, it also didn’t end in victory and they remain deadlocked with Barcelona and fellow local rivals Guayquil City for the top spot, but it wasn’t the worst. (And yes, Facundo Barcelo scored….AGAIN).
Don’t ask…
Valerenga 1 – 0 Rosenborg BK [M]
Apparently it wasn’t enough for the women of Valerenga to dash the hopes of Rosenborg, the men got in the act too. The loss made it four straight for the Troll Boys and it’s starting to feel a little like Troll 2 in Trondheim. (Illogical, unnerving, and kinda sickening)
Seattle 3 – 2 Minnesota United
Welcome to Minnesota Sports Fandom Boys: The Loons took the lead. The Loons built the lead. The Loons were fifteen minutes away from glory and trophies and recognition. And they lost it all. Dayne St. Clair’s luck in goal ran out at exactly the wrong moment (hey, that’s three struggling keepers!). The defense looked completely gassed. Emanuel Reynoso’s offensive magic couldn’t muster enough spark to save the day. It was a gut punch which is perfectly in keeping with how it always seems to go around these parts.
Yup…that seems about right
News & Notes
Hayford takes the helm in Legon
Bashiru Hayford has officially taken over at Legon Cities FC in another swoop for status among our Ghanaian favorites. In addition to helming Asante Kotoko to a title, the Ghanaian ladies to the Africa Cup of Nations, he helped lead Somalia to their first international win in World Cup Qualification ever. Now: integrating Asamoah Gyan into a side that hasn’t gotten much together in their existence.
Technically Minnesota United finished runner’s up in the Western Conference, and with Rosenborg’s women’s team clearly finishing second in their league there’s a little more shine around our teams this winter. It’s all nice, but quite clearly everyone’s already thinking ahead to taking a step forward in 2021.
Player of the Week
It may not have ended with all the glory we wanted but it must be said: Emanuel Reynoso has had everything to do with Minnesota’s amazing surge this season and every play he makes feels dangerous in a way that’s absolutely thrilling.
One of the trickiest parts of being a sports fan is balancing your delight at surprising results with the satisfaction of seeing talent triumph.
Last weekend we got a great dose of the former, and this weekend we will likely see a splash of the latter.
It was a shock to see the notice that “Ross County Scores!” When we knew the opponent was mighty Celtic. Unbeaten Celtic. Irredoubtable Celtic. It was even more of a shock to see the second goal come in for the Staggies as well.
Same Alex, Same.
As I wrote in the weekend review, Ross County was an absolutely shocking winner. Even though Celtic hadn’t dominated of late, they were Celtic, and at home, and riding an 8 match winning streak against County. The Staggies chances were cast off with a laugh.
Then it happened. And the sheer disbelief on Alex Iacovitti’s face mirrored the delighted shock on faces from Dingwall to our doorstep.
That chance to shock, astound and delight is part of what makes sports special. Delighted surprise and unexpected joy: not a bad way to spend a Saturday.
Next Saturday, Rosenborg will face Klepp in the last match of the Toppserien. The will probably win and seal second place. I don’t frequently adopt such confidence, but Rosenborg’s Women have given me no reason to feel otherwise.
This year there have been few constants: death, critical mishandling of facts, and points for the women of Rosenborg. They’ve lost once in 19 games.
Always a pleasure, never a chore.
They’ve been great with Marit Clausen leading the attack, and with Julie Blakstad cutting in, and with Lisa-Marie Utland capitalizing on stretched defenses. They’ve won going away and late. They’ve battled to stalemates and they’ve had lucky equalizers. The one thing they haven’t done is play badly.
That’s a second great pleasure of sports. Seeing talented athletes do what they do so well. Astonished amazement and sincere appreciation: a great treat before you start the work week.
Sports show us a lot, that’s the whole premise of this blog after all, but one of the best/simplest lessons is there’s something to enjoy in both expected and the unexpected events.
Not much more to say about that. Even with Goran Barjaktarevic out of a job the results did not seem to shift much for the Royals.
Mushuc Runa 2 – 3 CS Emelec [M]
Los Bombillos started out strong with a couple of early goals (including another one for Facundo Barcelo). But it was a second half goal on a Romario Caicedo. That gave them the cushion they needed when Mushuc Runa made a late comeback.
Grenoble 0 – 0 Paris FC [M]
A top of the table battle ended up in a stalemate. Neither side could seem to find an advantage in an ongoing midfield tussle.
Augsburg 1 – 1 Freiburg [M]
While they’ve struggled over the last few weeks to find a consistent form. But the moments where they work a beautiful opening goal through Vincenzo Grifo showed just what they can do. Of course, the flub by Florian Muller a few minutes later is a sign of what they have been doing.
Seriously, there’s just not enough reaction for this. County won. They won against Celtic. They won against Celtic in Glasgow. Little old County, little old Staggies, THEY ended Celtic’s 3 year run of winning every trophy in Scotland.
Ross Stewart hit a vital penalty. Ross Laidlaw and the defense stood up to the Hoops for the rest of the match. Alex Iacovitti hit a huge header to put it beyond reach and the look on his face when he did it was beyond joy. This…this is why we’re fans.
FK Vozdovac 3 – 2 Mladost Lucani
At home, the Red Dragons are nigh on indomitable. Even though Mladost Lucani came back to equalize, Nikola Vujnovic was able to blast home an excellent goal and walk out a winner.
Bodo/Glimt 5 – 1 Rosenborg BK [M]
It hasn’t been a great run for Rosenborg, and losing their third on the spin was hard. Losing it this big was even harder. But with four matches left in the season, it’s starting to get tetchy whether they can hold on to their top four spot or not.
Chateauroux 0 – 1 Grenoble [M]
While Grenoble seemed stuck in another goalless draw. Chateroux’s Ibrahim Cisse’s red card gave them just the edge they needed to break the deadlock.
CS Emelec v SC Barcelona [M]
Postponed to the coming weekend
News & Notes
Seriously, Celtic LOST!
HO-LY-HELL!!!!!!!!
Okay, let’s be extra clear about this. Celtic is one of the greatest teams in Scottish history. They have won a tonnage of titles, a pile of individual accolades and…just to put an underline on this…they had won 9 straight trophies. They won 35 straight tournament games. They have a wage bill ten times greater than Ross County. Ross County should absolutely not have won that game, especially not AT Celtic’s home turf.
Player of the Week
Ross Laidlaw lost his starting spot a couple months ago and ended up as a back up keeper for a struggling defensive team. That he was between the posts against Celtic wasn’t a vote of confidence. That he helped blank them was….well….[chef’s kiss]
What’s Next
Wednesday, December 2nd
Thursday, December 3rd
Sporting KC v. Minnesota United
Friday, December 4th
Napredak v FK Vozdovac
Saturday, December 5th
Freiburg v. Borussia Munchen Gladbach [M]
Dreams FC v. Legon Cities FC
Caen v. Grenoble Foot [M]
Sunday, December 6th
Klepp v. Rosenborg BK [W]
Ross County V. Rangers
CS Emelec v. Barcelona SC [M]
Monday, December 7th
Valerenga – Rosenborg BK [M]
–Western Conference final @ Seattle if Minnesota wins–
A man and a goal down at half time, you’d be excused if you thought Emelec was doomed.
After LDUQ lost one of their players, Los Bombillos stormed back, with Sebastian Rodriguez equalizing on an absolute howler and Jose Cevallos winning it in the 90th minute with a shot that left Universidad completely stunned on the field.
Not far from the fields in MT (Photo: University of Ghana)
Accra Great Olympics 3 – 0 Legon Cities
Fun Fact: Accra Great Olympics used to train across the street from a middle school I taught at in Legon.
Less fun fact: they totally dominated the professional team from Legon as if they were only middle schoolers
Kilmarnock 3 – 1 Ross County
It takes a special team to go down a man inside of 8 minutes and still dominate a match. It also takes a special team to be up a man for 92 minutes and never look competitive. Ross County is special (you can tell from the score line why they are).
Pau 0 – 2 Grenoble
In the long slog of a spring Grenoble’s lone solace seemed to be midfielder Jessy Benet. The lone creator and goal scorer of February has now become just another cog in a well run machine but after netting a penalty (made possible by his own creativity) and enabling an assist (for defensive standout Loic Nestor) it’s nice to remember what a gem Jessy is.
FK Vozdovac 1 – 1 Novi Pazar
Ivan Milosavljevic’s tremendous control in his eighth minute goal put the Red Dragons ahead and the stingy defense kept them there. Until an absolutely silly hand ball by Marko Gajic gifted a late penalty to the visitors, which they duly buried. Maybe it’s worth saying: in class put your hands up, on the pitch, keep them down.
SC Freiburg 1 – 5 TSG 1899 Hoffenheim [F]
It’s hard to put a shiny face on what was a complete and total domination by Hoffenheim. Instead we’ll just tip the cap to Hasret Kayicki on returning to the score sheet for the first time since her excellent equalizer versus Wolfsburg.
SC Freiburg 1 – 3 Mainz [M]
It just wasn’t a great day for the Griffins, as fans might have been grateful to be barred from entrance. Frenchman Jean Phillipe Mateta’s first half hat trick was plenty, as Keeper Florian Muller and Phillip Leinhart must have seemed about as intimidating a couple Breisgau cream puffs.
CS Emelec 3 – 2 Delfín [M]
In a match that absolutely explained the contrast between Emelec’s first campaign of this fall and their current one, Los bombillos fell behind (again). Then stormed back with a brace from (yup) Facundo Barcelo to win it at the death.
Minnesota United 3 – 0 Colorado Rapids [Playoffs]
The Loons first playoff win since 2012, was a very strong showing. Despite having little to show from an opening 20 minutes when I was trying to get you to sleep, Owen, the team was cohesive and strong throughout. Emanuel Reynoso’s two assists and Kevin Molino’s two goals gave us all some much needed relief in 2020.
Rosenborg BK 2 – 3 Brann [M]
Despite a Norway’s most handsome striker led comeback (kudos Kristoffer Zachariassen) leaving all your offense for the last ten minutes was not an effective game plan for Rosenborg.
Grenoble 1 – 0 Nancy [M]
In their first COVID make up game les Grenobloises met the moment. Particular gratitude goes to Jordy Gaspar and Adrien Monfry for holding down the right side for their second shutout in four days.
News & Notes
The Royals Need a New King
Barjakta-ball never took hold (Photo: Prime Ghana)
Another underwhelming start to the season sealed the fate of Legon Cities’ Bosnian coach Goran Barjaktarevic
With as much as LCFC is doing to set themselves apart off the pitch you can only tolerate underwhelming results on it for so long. Three wins in the first year of the club just can’t cut it. Though, to be honest, the sparse press release announcing the firing left much to be desired. I’d have loved if a hip life star had dropped the announcement in a half time show.
Player of the Week
Hot Boy on Fire (Photo from MPR News)
Kevin Molino was the first widely known player to join the MNUFC roster. His best matches often lead to our greatest triumphs, his longest absences mirror our worst runs of form. He’s no longer required to be the star, Emmanuel Reynosa has that covered but when Hot Boy is hot, so is the team. And the Loons first playoff win in 8 years is a testament to his dedication.
Also, his teammates roasting and his kids celebrating is further testament to this awesomeness
Already up 3-0 at half time a red card to Portoviejo’s Ayrton Cisneros gave Emelec all they needed to dominate the bottom team in Ecuador. Still Facundo Barcelo’s four goals, including two within two minutes may finally light up Los Bombillos attack
Cancun FC 0 – 2 Alebrijes
In a stunner, Oaxaca topped a top 4 side in the league (courtesy of Franco Arizala’s penalty following a rather suspect hand ball penalty and a deceptively fast free kick). The win gave them hope of not finishing at the bottom of the league, before the season finale on Tuesday.
Yup Rosenborg’s Women’s team lost a match for the first time in 2020. The league streak and chance for a title still hangs in the balance on their last match…whenever it may be…
St Ettiene 3 – 2 Grenoble
Mousa Kaillou Djite’s pair of goals put Grenoble in a great position. But uncharacteristic lapses from keeper Brice Mableu lost the edge on a crushing 90th minute winner.
Ross County 3 – 0 Sterling Albion [Cup]
Yup Ollie Shaw scored again, County won again. With the league slipping away, the Staggies are looking to focus on the Cup, but with most lower league sides about to bow out and the best teams yet to arrive on the scene, I’m not sure how long the run can go on.
SC Barcelona 2 – 1 CS Emelec [F]
The second leg of the playoff started well for las eléctricas. Luisa Espinoza scored again giving them both the lead and an invaluable away goal. Though they gave up an equalizer, there were plenty of reasons to hope…until…defender and team captain Bowen conceded a penalty, received a red card, and watched helplessly as the yellow rivals won it from the spot. It’s a bitter end note to the 2020 season. Here’s hoping for more next year.
Legon Cities 1 – 1 Berekum Chelsea
The Royals started on the back foot, as the did so often last season. But a Jonah Attaquye penalty and a strong defensive showing sealed a draw. (A particularly valuable draw as 7 of 9 matches ended in draws.
Klepp v. Rosenborg BK [F]
The second wave of COVID in Europe wiped out most final matches in Norway’s women’s league. no word yet on make up date, but at least the team got a fun flight out of it…?
SGS Essen 0 – 0 SC Freiburg [F]
Despite a late red card for Essen, Freiburg couldn’t notch a win.
Emelec 1 – 1 Técnico Universitario [M]
Facundo Barcelo continued his hot streak with a penalty equalizer to keep the Guayaquil blues firmly in the tables top half as the second stage reaches its midpoint.
Alebrijes 2 – 4 Cimarrones
With Franco Arizala putting them up 2 after the half, Oaxaca could be excused for getting a little confident. Giving up 4 in ten minutes at home?!?! Why?!?
The Instagram feed for Trondheim based artist @Perolavik features some deep cuts of Norwegian politics and homages to influential figures from RBK’s storied past. This week they got around to noting RBK’s bright future with caricatures of Trolljenta’s top stars.
COVID Spikes Start Cancellations Again
As the weather turns and people retreat indoors, the long awaited “second wave” of COVID-19 has begun. (To which Americans scoff and say, psssh! It’s our third wave! USA! USA! USA!)
France has cancelled all lower level women’s leagues until January. And, despite having a lower infection rate than much of the world, Norway postponed the “gold matches” to decide their end of year champions. As yet, the men’s game has only delayed international contests, but time will tell what comes next.
Meanwhile America celebrated positive signs from a new vaccine with record highs in positive cases, hospitalizations, and petulant grandstanding to risk public health. USA! USA!
Player of the Week
Facundo Barcelo’s five goals for four points in Two games is pretty flipping stellar if I say so myself. And as I write this, I do.
The Loons left their come back pretty late (which happens when Emanuel Reynoso spends most of the match on the bench). The absence of Michael Boxall, Ike Opara and Ozzie Alonso continues to be exploited, and coach Adrian’s Heath’s choices are….interesting (that’s Minnesotan for infuriating)
Emelec 1 – 2 Union [M-South American Cup]
Despite coming in with a hefty advantage Los Bombillos bombed out of the competition. Facundo Barcelo’s second half equalizer was diminished as Union peppered keeper Pedro Ortiz with twice Emelec’s shot total.
Ross County 1 – 1 Livingston
Ollie Shaw seems to have found his shooting boots (or skull rather), scoring for the second time in two weeks. Meanwhile Ross Doohan has continued to find himself at the mercy of opponents. Doohan’s let in 7 over 4 games, but with Ross Laidlaw ceding 16 in the first 10, the Staggies might just be sunk between the goalposts (particularly with as thin the defense has been stretched by low cross after low cross).
Rosenborg BK 1 – 1 Sandviken [F]
Rosenborg remained undefeated but the only action came from an own goal off each side, so it wasn’t exactly a thriller or even particularly edifying. The team will now have one last match to try and swipe the title out from the hands of Valerenga, whose loss to Lyn has finally left the two teams equal. Any result better than the Oslo side will do it, Otherwise they’d need to win by 5 more goals than their rivals…
Grenoble 2 – 1 Le Havre [M]
In their first match back from quarantine Grenoble hit their marks with aplomb (it was probably the hot pink tops). Kevin Tapoko built a goal out of absolutely nothing with an interception, secondary assist and goal in about 10 seconds, while Willy Semedo’s winner showed a strength in attack that GF38 sorely needed.
Final Result: Joe Biden [D] 306 – 229 Donald Trump [R]
The Sunday Paper with Elections, sports and murder…
This is probably the most relieved I’ve felt in a looooooong time. And with a 5 Million vote edge translating into just a 77 electoral vote margin that felt more comfortable than it ever seemed on the day. Just for fun, here’s how Grenoble covered both the election and the victory.
RB Leipzig 3 – 0 Freiburg [M]
From one angle, Freiburg started well, only losing one of their first five matches. From the other angle Freiburg are in terrible form taking only 3 points from 6 matches. The truth may lie somewhere in between but we hope Christian Streich finds it and fast.
Cukaricki 3 – 2 FK Vozdovac
Credit where it’s due, from falling behind on an early penalty, the Red Dragons fought back to take the lead in the second half. But a fine Cukariki goal and another penalty wiped that away.
Emelec 0 – 0 CS Barcelona [F]
The quarterfinal in this year’s women’s league was an all Guayaquil affair with the local derby determining the next step towards national triumph. Las Electricas held their own earning a goal-less draw with their rivals. But with a second leg still to come, they actually have a great opportunity. A win or a draw should see them through!
📸 Postales de nuestro encuentro de ayer por los cuartos de final (Ida) de la @superligafef. ¡Vamos #Eléctricas! 💪🏻
After falling behind in the first four minutes, Freiburg stormed back to take the lead back before half-time and hold on from there. Sandra Starke became the first player with two goals (that probably has as much to do with the team’s recent scoreless streak as it does the lack of a dominant force like Klara Buhl).
Viking 3 – 0 Rosenborg BK [M]
Rosenborg lost for the first time in the league since the beginning of August and it wasn’t particularly close. Despite dominating the possession, they got absolutely slaughtered by Viking’s counter attack. Here’s hoping that they took the L so the ladies don’t have to.
Minnesota United 3 – 0 Dallas
We’ve raved about Emmanuel Reynoso, whose first goal was an absolute banger. But it’s worth taking some time to shout out Kevin Molino. The first high profile Loons signee, has paid his dues on the bad teams, sat on the bench to heal an injury during the last good season, and now is leading the charge into the playoffs (though having Reynoso along side him sure helped).
Alebrijes de Oaxaca 1 – 2 Atalante
Oaxaca started out on the right foot, taking the lead through Hector Reynoso Lopez. While the team held on well against the top 4 side for a full hour, a pair of late goals sank their hopes and dropped them back to the bottom of the league.
Emelec 2 – 0 Universidad Catholica [M]
Los Bombillos celebrated the Reddy Kilowatt 5 K with a pair of goals to win their second of five. (For comparison they had only won 2 of 8 to wrap up the first half of the season). Dixon Arroyo’s absurdly placed ball to Romario Caicedo who seemed to be gliding through mile 2 was pretty to watch, and Bryan Carabali hammered home a cross like a quart of chocolate milk at the end of the run. (Trust me, these running references are on point)
Elgin City 1 – 4 Ross County [Cup]
As a Premier League club County should expect to beat up on their fourth tier opponents. As a team in terrible form, nothing can be taken as a given. Fortunately Oliver Shaw (yup, him again) broke open the scoring and the Staggies never looked back). (Here’s hoping Ross Laidlaw gets a second chance soon)
News & Notes
Setting Schedules for the Spring
Both The University of Montana and Punjab FC have announced their schedules for the coming season. The only downside, their seasons won’t start until 2021. But let’s take a look.
On January 9th, India’s soccer will kick off again in Kolkata. Punjab FC will again take part, this time under the leadership of Roundglass Sports, and, judging from the Orange-ified logos, a brand new look too.
The season will be a two part process, rather like the current Scottish style. After one half of the season (a single match against each opponent), teams will be split in to two halves. The top half will play eachother for the title, the bottom half will play eachother to avoid relegation. (Sidebar: Minerva Punjab is also in training…which team we stick with…well…we shall see)
Meanwhile, in Missoula, the Grizzlies have set a very localized schedule in their quest to repeat as Big Sky champs 18 months later. While the fall season was mostly to keep in shape, before the next season, in the spring they’ll be playing for keeps.
Is our Big Sky opener still more than four months away? Yes
Global Energy Stadium is…partially filled! (MSN.com)
Ross County has become one of the first sides to officially let in fans (albeit fewer than they’d hope and farther apart than they’d hoped. But still fans were back and reported being quite happy to sit in the stands again.
France Shuts Down Lower Women’s Leagues
With a spike in Coronavirus cases, particularly around Grenoble, and even within the team, a shutdown seems fair. Not fun, but fair. That it now encompasses all of the lower leagues in Women’s soccer well…that’s a bitter pill to swallow…if only there were some good wine to wash it down.
Championnats D2F, U19F, Ligue et District suspendus
As if the struggles in playing well weren’t enough, Alebrijes de Oaxaca also had to deal with a conflict of a much more serious nature on Sunday. Center Back Yohan Zetuna was subjected to racist abuse by Ronaldo Gonzalez of Atlante. The two had been battling for a while (with each one earning a cuation from the ref), and while the incident is still in the “alleged” stage. We stand with Yohan as every player deserves to be welcomed on the field (wherever they’re from and wherever their field is)
With equal output and effect on the match, we have no choice but to split the honors this week. Handing half of the honor to a widely-regarded star calibre talen, and half of it to a little known, just emerging young talent. So Emmanuel Bebelo Reynoso for your plethora of assists, goals, and innovation: take a bow. Oliver Shaw for your star turn at a time the Staggies need it most: take a bow too.
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