Week 40: The Name of the Game is Consistency

October 6, 2021October 7, 2021 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Alebrijes 0 – 1 Tapatio

Even at home Oaxaca can’t seem to buy a goal. They’ve had 3 in 5 September matches.

DC United 3 – 1 Minnesota United

The Loons had put together a nice little run just in time for a ping ponging road trip. First a trip to the capitol where their reliance on Emanuel Reynoso, as a team that usually expects a goal or two (based on advanced statistics) barely managed enough to expect .25 of a goal. (Thanks to the oft overlooked Bakye Dibassy for laughing in the face of that math.)

University of Montana Grizzlies 1 – 0 Sacramento State Hornets

Rack up another text book Griz shutout. Get the one goal you need and trust your keeper to do the job (Camilla Xu clearly is targeting a new Clean Sheet Record).

Caitlin Rogers' goal leaves Montana in the lead as the first half comes to an end. Go Griz! pic.twitter.com/TpqUrNBQtY
— Montana Griz Soccer 🐻⚽️ (@MontanaGrizSOC) October 1, 2021

SC Freiburg 2 -2 VfL Wolfsburg [F]

A point-free campaign lady Griffins got a lot better with a draw against Champions League regulars Wolfsburg. Hasret Kayicki did what she does with another goal, and welcome Mia Büchele to the party with her first of the campaign. Best of all, we actually have highlights!!

Hertha BSC 1 – 2 Freiburg [M]

Meanwhile, the men folk of Freiburg continued their fine form. Christian Gunter delivered a couple of great corner kicks to set up both the opener and the winner. They are now the only unbeaten side left in the Bundesliga and sit one point back of legendary leaders Bayern Munich.

Dundee United 1 – 0 Ross County

On the other end, County has still yet to get a win this season and this was only the third game where they limited their opponents to one goal.

FK Spartak Subotica 0 – 4 Vozdovac

True story, I was helping Alex on the potty as my phone blew up with goals from Subotica.

Me: Wow the dragons are scoring a lot of goals!

Alex: well…they are dragons.

So, congrats Nikola Vujnovic and company. You’re magical beasts in fine form.

Grenoble 2 – 0 Pau [M]

The Alpiners are on a roll at the moment: unbeaten in 3 and coalescing around Yoric Ravet to spur a solid attack. Mamodou Diallo scored a stunning volley, but Ravet’s been a creative force and challenged the defense with every set piece. The right side of the midfield still looks dubious. If only there was an answer? Maybe one that starts with a J- and ends with an -essy Bennet?

Dallas 0 – 0 Minnesota United

Reynoso was back but when no one puts the biscuit in the basket against the most porous team in the Western conference … well all the creativity in the world can’t replace accuracy.

Thonon Evian 1 – 1 Grenoble Foot [F]

It was another late goal that saved the day for Grenoble, this time an 88th minute equalizer from Claudia Fabre to compensate for a first half defensive miscue.

Kristiansund 1 – 0 Rosenborg [M]

After three big wins RBK couldn’t grab another in trying circumstances. Normally reliable Adam Anderson’s first minute [FIRST MINUTE!!] red card for pulling an opposing striker to the ground. Forced the trolls to play down a man for the whole match. Kristiansund got their goal quickly and only a great game by goalie Julian Lund kept it close. So moral victories it is!

Tecnico Universitario 1 – 0 Emelec [M]

Now winless in three straight, Emelec is slipping far from their chances to sweep the seasons. They’re guaranteed a playoff spot, but they’d much rather play like Emelec 6 months ago than Emelec now…shame time travel doesn’t work.

Montana Grizzlies 0 – 0 Portland State Vikings

The Griz lost their winning streak but Camilla Xu made it 7 straight shutouts during Sunday’s game at South Campus Stadium.

Venados 1 – 1 Alebrijes

It took a last second Josue Gomez equalizer to save the Oaxacans from another defeat. Well, the last second equalizer and a whole bunch of good fortune on some too close for comfort Venados attacks. But however you save the day, we’re glad that the day is saved.

News & Notes

Hey! More World Cup Qualifiers!

The cancelling of all matches for six months has put an extra bit of pressure on World Cup qualification, so we’ve got a ton of teams racing to qualify for the tournament in Qatar next winter. So, what could have been a little distraction is instead an all hands on deck situation.

Pay. The. Refs.

A weekly reminder that Ecuador should pay their referees.

Vaccine Cards Up, Volume Down

I’ve been conflicted all year about attending soccer matches. In my dream, I can take one of you guys, laugh, play, eat something fried and/or cheesy and come home with a bonding experience. In reality, the stupid virus is still out there and the absence of masks in the stands makes me wary and your mom terrified.

To this purpose, a lot of programs have started requiring vaccine proof or a recent negative test. But our local team is not.

So, some of our fellow Minnesotans have decided to stop attending matches. Especially those that lead the chants, the cheers, and build the atmosphere. The team hasn’t really listened to prior requests, so this may be a good demonstration for you in how to make change, or at least, try to.

Player of the Week

I’m torn this week. On the one hand, Grenoble’s surge in form owes a lot to Yoric Ravet. On the other, Montana’s increasing dominance owes a lot to Camilla Xu. On a suddenly growing third hand, Nikola Vujnovic’s goals are a big help to Vozdovac’s season goals. With a couple recent shout outs to Grenoble, we’ll spread the wealth around and applaud the Freshman keeper, Camilla Xu. Congrats!

Standings Update

Rosenborg and Emelec losses dropped them farther off the pace set by the Griz. But Minnesota’s lost road trip hurts the most, dropping them from fourth to seventh. And at the foot of the table Alebrijes has slipped below 1 point per game.

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
University of Montana	16	1	6	2.13	1.6	0.7
Rosenborg BK	31	4	12	2.06	2.3	1.2
Emelec	22	10	12	1.73	1.6	1.2
Punjab FC–b	7	4	6	1.47	1.2	0.9
Grenoble	16	9	14	1.46	1.2	1.2
Freiburg	17	8	16	1.44	1.5	1.5
Minnesota United	10	8	9	1.41	1.1	1.2
Legon Cities–b	11	6	11	1.39	1.2	1.0
FK Vozdovac	10	7	16	1.23	1.1	1.5
Ross County	10	5	15	1.13	1.2	1.5
Alebrijes	5	12	11	0.96	1.1	1.7

Table Updated 10/6/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, October 6th

Thursday, October 7th

Friday, October 8th

Saturday, October 9th

Rosenborg BK v Arna Bjornar [F]

Sunday, October 10th

Grenoble Foot v. Nimes Metropole Gard [F]

FC Carl Zeiss Jena v. SC Freiburg [F]

Minnesota United v. Colorado

Northern Colorado v. Montana Grizzlies

Monday, October 11th

Tuesday, October 12th

Alebrijes v. Jaibos

Week 39: Welcomes and Farewells

September 29, 2021September 29, 2021 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Viking 3 – 1 Rosenborg [M-Cup]

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

Red Star Belgrade v. FK Vozdovac

Postponed. See News Below

Atletico Morelia 1 – 0 Alebrijes

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

Rodez 1 – 1 Grenoble [M]

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

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 0 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

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

Avaldsnes 0 – 1 Rosenborg [F]

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

Motherwell 2 – 1 Ross County

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

Minnesota 2 – 0 Houston Dynamo

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

Freiburg 3 – 0 Augsburg

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

Grenoble 0 – 1 Olympique Marseille [F]

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

Rosenborg 3- 1 Mondalen[M]

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

Southern Utah Thunderbirds 0 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

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

Emelec 2 – 2 Universidad Catolica

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

FK Vozdovac 1 – 1 Mladost Lucani

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

News & Notes

Welcome to the Community Owen

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

Whatever Red Star wants….Red Star gets

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

Sweet Dreams Dreisamstadion

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

Player of the Week

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

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

Standings Update

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

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
University of Montana	15	0	6	2.14	1.7	0.7
Rosenborg BK	31	4	11	2.11	2.3	1.2
Emelec	22	10	11	1.77	1.7	1.2
Minnesota United	10	7	8	1.48	1.2	1.2
Punjab FC–b	7	4	6	1.47	1.2	0.9
Grenoble	15	9	14	1.42	1.1	1.2
Freiburg	16	7	16	1.41	1.5	1.5
Legon Cities–b	11	6	11	1.39	1.2	1.0
FK Vozdovac	9	7	13	1.172	1.0	1.5
Ross County	10	5	15	1.167	1.2	1.5
Alebrijes	5	11	10	1.00	1.2	1.7

Table Updated 9/29/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 29th

Alebrijes v. Tapatio

DC United v. Minnesota United

Thursday, September 30th

Friday, October 1st

University of Montana Grizzlies v. Sacramento State Hornets

Saturday, October 2nd

SC Freiburg v. VfL Wolfsburg [F]

Hertha BSC v. Freiburg [M]

Dundee United v. Ross County

FK Spartak Subotica v. Vozdovac

Grenoble v Pau [M]

Dallas v Minnesota United

Sunday, October 3rd

Thonon Evian v. Grenoble Foot [F]

Kristiansund v. Rosenborg [M]

Tecnico Universitario v. Emelec [M]

Montana Grizzlies v. Portland State Vikings

~~Emelec v. Orense~~

Monday, October 4th

Tuesday, October 5th

Venados v. Alebrijes

Week 38: When it’s good, it’s great

September 22, 2021September 24, 2021 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Sporting KC 4 – 0 Minnesota United

There’s ugly and then there’s this. A bare-bottomed spanking (something you boys know nothing about) gave the Loons a lot to think about before their next match against another top opponent.

California State Long Beach 0 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

This is the game plan of Chris Citowicki at work. Knowing your strength in defense, frustrate the opponent for most of the match and hit them quick before it ends. Camilla Xu continues to show up like Claire Howard between the sticks, and her long ball to start the attack gave the Griz just what they needed to knock off another top opponent.

Let's see that from start to finish. How many great touches can you count? pic.twitter.com/4Y3HUbjo3D
— Montana Griz Soccer 🐻⚽️ (@MontanaGrizSOC) September 17, 2021

Toulouse 4 – 1 Grenoble [M]

Remember when Grenoble was close enough to Toulouse that this was a marquee match up? It was 4 months ago. Aka a long long time. This ain’t your spring time Grenoble. So we’ll do what we can.

Mainz 0 – 0 Freiburg [M]

Mainz had the better of the match against Freiburg. To be fair, Freiburg was running a little behind without some of their most in form players (Vincenzo Grifo and Woo-Yeong Jeong), so the draw still feels worth it.

Ross County 2 – 2 Hearts

Who’d have thought that finally playing Regan Charles Cook up in the attack would pay off (for the record: all the Staggies fans for two years…all of them…the whole time). He buoyed Blair Spittal in the midfield, helping him to a first half brace. Also Ashley Maynard-Brewer made his first appearance in goal and despite the late equalizer, acquitted himself well.

Vozdovac 1 – 2 FK Radnicki 1923

While Milos Milovic netted a strong equalizer, it was a short lived draw. Radnicki got the lead back within another minute and thus the Dragons continued to slip.

Minnesota 3 – 0 LA Galaxy

I helped get you two to bed and raced over to catch the second half of the game with 19,000 close friends (and a double layered mask). It did not disappoint. I missed Emanuel Reynoso’s superb first half goals, but I did see a special appearance by Ethan Finlay who made every run more dangerous, scored a solid goal, and stopped another attack dead in its tracks, more on that later.

Sarpsborg 08 1 – 3 Rosenborg [M]

Stefano Holmquist Vecchio continued to be in great form, as Rosenborg continued to battle towards the top. Meanwhile the back line continued to control the area and refused to let Sarpsborg near the goal. So tip the cap and say a “tusen takk” to Even Hovland and Erland Dahl Reitan.

LDU Quito 3- 2 Emelec [M]

The replay of last week’s postponed game was a barnburner, the down side being that the loss dropped Emelec out of fist place. It was an impressive piece of story telling as Andersson Ordonez finished a game winning penalty after giving up an own goal in the first three minutes.

Grenoble 4 – 1 Nancy [M]

Apparently it’s also not Friday’s Grenoble, as they absolutely dominated Nancy throughout the field. (To be fair, Nancy has a scant three points in the year, so…really shoulda won it). While the back line was make shift, Loic Nestor made the most of his player of the week honors with a goal, Yoric Ravet (our first two favorite team player) got a goal, an assist and a man of the match honors.

News & Notes

Conveniently COVID

Naturally, you boys celebrated your first week back at school with that school’s first ever positive COVID test. The school was shuttered on Monday, and your mom and I made sure that you had somebody to be with (ie. us rather than your grandparents.) It’s just a little hard that this thing that has shifted all our expectations for your life and world is still complicating life 18 months after it started.

Lerkendal’s Legend Grows

With Stefano Holmquist Vecchia’s brace Rosenborg hit the Century mark for goals scored this year between both the Menner og Kvinner. So cheers to everyone who made it happen: especially Julie Blackstad, Lisa Marie Utland, and Kristoffer Zacharaissen (yes…I used this as an excuse to bring up my three favorite Norwegians).

Player of the Week

I can admit that I’m biased, but since I saw him, and I was in such a good mood watching his performance that Ethan Finlay made my night. So Ethan gets the shout out.

Standings Update

Despite a split in the week, Grenoble got the points they needed to move one thousandth of a point ahead of Punjab FC into fourth place, while the Grizzlies continue to keep Rosenborg in their sights for the top spot.

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
Rosenborg BK	29	4	10	2.12	2.4	1.1
University of Montana	13	0	6	2.05	1.8	0.8
Emelec	22	9	11	1.8	1.6	1.2
Grenoble Foot	15	8	13	1.472	1.2	1.2
Punjab FC–b	7	4	6	1.471	1.2	0.9
Minnesota United	9	7	8	1.42	1.1	1.2
Legon Cities–b	11	6	11	1.39	1.2	1.0
Freiburg	15	7	16	1.37	1.5	1.6
Ross County	10	5	14	1.21	1.2	1.5
FK Vozdovac	9	6	13	1.18	1.0	1.5
Alebrijes	4	10	8	1.00	1.3	1.9

Table Updated 9/22/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 22nd

Viking v. Rosenborg [M-Cup]

Thursday, September 23rd

Red Star Belgrade v. FK Vozdovac

Atletico Morelia v. Alebrijes

Friday, September 24th

Rodez v. Grenoble [M]

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks v. Montana Grizzlies

Saturday, September 25th

Avaldsnes v. Rosenborg [F]

Motherwell v. Ross County

Minnesota v Houston Dynamo

Sunday, September 26th

Freiburg v. Augsburg

Grenoble v. Olympique Marseille [F]

Rosenborg v. Mondalen[M]

Southern Utah Thunderbirds v. Montana Grizzlies

Emelec v. Universidad Catolica

Monday, September 27th

FK Vozdovac v. Mladost Lucani

Tuesday, September 28th

Week 37: Bare Knuckle

September 15, 2021September 17, 2021 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Dorados 2 – 1 Alebrijes

A rough year only got tougher for Oaxaca. Memories of a dominant 2019 campaign are long gone. And they must be grateful relegation is cancelled for four more years.

Montana Grizzlies 5 – 0 Texas Southern Wildcats

The Griz got back to winning ways against an admittedly weaker opponent. Taylor Hansen (2 assists, 1 goal) seems determined to dominate the game like the bicep flexing badass she is.

Goal No. 4! Taylor Hansen unassisted! pic.twitter.com/uf3D7PzVz8
— Montana Griz Soccer 🐻⚽️ (@MontanaGrizSOC) September 10, 2021

Freiburg 1 – 1 Koln [M]

Freiburg was fortunate to snatch another point despite their most lackluster showing of the season. Sometimes you’re good, sometimes you’re lucky. Both are valuable.

Celtic 3 – 0 Ross County

For 65 minutes it looked like County might continue to shock the Hoops. then the dam burst, and it was your typical Scottish smack down.

Grenoble 2 – 1 Nimes [M]

Les Grenobloises are down to a smattering of last year’s core. Fortunately sometimes a smattering still does the trick (like with brown sugar on oatmeal or applause and my ego). Credit to Maumadou Diallo for being the offense this week and Loic Nestor for continuing to be a boss at the back.

Bayern Munich 4 – 0 Freiburg [F]

We’re only three weeks into the season, but the Frauen auf Freiburg have gotten no points and no offense since Hasret Kayicki’s first week goal.

Seattle Sounders 1 – 0 Minnesota United

I had hoped we could watch a Lions win while cleaning the house. Instead you (rightly) demanded to play outside and the Loons looked to annoyed to capitalize on their chances. Adrien Honou continues to miss golden chances, and when professional troublemaker Ozzie Alonso is the voice of calm…you’re struggling to get it together.

Radnicki Nis 1 – 0 Vozdovac

The Red Dragons lost their three game winning streak on Sunday. But as 3 of their 4 wins this year have come from the bottom four teams of the table, there’s still reason to be cautious in praising coach Pedrag Rogan’s team or dismissing this as a one off.

Rosenborg 3 – 2 Tromso [M]

The Black and white looked to be on cruise control early on with Noah Holm and Emil Ceide running riot. But Tromso equalized through a pair of hopeful long balls and defensive confuzzlement. However the second line offense provided by substitutes Stefano Vecchia and Carlo Holse continued to threaten until they connected on the headed match winner late in injury time. It wasn’t quite as triumphant as it felt early on

LDU Quito v. Emelec

Postponed…see note below

Yzeure Allier 0 – 1 Grenoble [F]

Make it two from two for les grenobloises. Again it was one goal that made the difference, but this week the honors go to Andrea Commper Banguillot. The win on the road has put the alpiners on top of their division two group, ahead of a big visit from historic side Olympique Marseille in a few weeks.

Montana Grizzlies 1 – 0 Boise State Mustangs

And that’s why you don’t schedule cupcakes. Coach Chris Citkowski was validated in his choice to put the Griz up against some of the best programs west of the Mississippi this season by notching a signature victory, better still it was young talents leading the way. Camilla Xu has stepped up in goal to be a tough nut to crack in front of goal (all this as a redshirt freshman). While true freshmen (ie kids I could have taught in quarantine last year), Bella O’Brien and Delaney Lou Schorr connected to notch the goal against one of the top teams in the Mountain West. [Hat tip to the controlling defense of upperclassmen Caitlin Rogers and Allie Larsen and to Tommy Marino for the photo we used to head this post.]

Goal by No. 13 Delaney Lou Schorr! pic.twitter.com/ayZZvnIKKH
— Montana Griz Soccer 🐻⚽️ (@MontanaGrizSOC) September 12, 2021

Alebrijes 2 – 1 Mineros

The Oaxacans got their first win of the season! [Insert trumpet noises here]. It took a bit of doing, including a fortunate flick of the head by Josue Gomez, and a last minute winner for Jaidivert Hurtardo. But a win is a win and leaping up several spots in the standings is always welcome.

News & Notes

Alex 0 – 3 Playground Kid

I’m sorry to put you on blast big A but your little playmate, Lily, absolutely worked you. She ran on to every ball in space (and yes she did scoop it up and run with it like a football while you tried to explain how to play…but toddler rules are toddler rules man). It’s rough after you owned a six year old this summer, but hey like we say: girls are good.

No pay, no play

Emelec isn’t unbeatable, but they do have odds in their favor coming in to the end of the Ecuadorian league. But even they can’t win when referees aren’t able to call the game. Since the Ecuadorian federation hasn’t paid the referees in the local league for two weeks, the “arbitros” went on a mini-strike, affecting the premier game of the weekend.

Obviously, we would like to see Emelec continue to dominate the game. But we’d rather people get paid what they are owed. Go ahead Ecuadorian refs, get what you deserve.

Player of the Week

Keeping the tiny trophy of our imaginations in the Alps, let’s pay some respect to Loic Nestor who has had to step up in a major way to keep Grenoble something close to afloat, and helped deliver a vital victory this last weekend (not to mention the ones he helped with during the last campaign).

Standings Update

One great week was all Grenoble needed to leap up four spots (it helped that a few other teams slipped up on the same week, but the middle table remains a tough battle.

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
Rosenborg BK	26	4	10	2.05	2.5	1.2
University of Montana	12	0	6	2.00	1.8	0.8
Emelec	22	9	10	1.8	1.6	1.2
Punjab FC–b	7	4	6	1.471	1.2	0.9
Grenoble Foot	14	8	2	1.471	1.1	1.2
Minnesota United	8	7	7	1.41	1.1	1.1
Legon Cities–b	11	6	11	1.39	1.2	1.0
Freiburg	15	6	16	1.38	1.5	1.6
FK Vozdovac	9	6	12	1.22	1.0	1.5
Ross County	10	4	14	1.21	1.2	1.5
Alebrijes	4	10	8	1.00	1.3	1.9

Table Updated 9/15/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 15th

Spotting KC v Minnesota United

Thursday, September 16th

California State Long Beach v. Montana Grizzlies

Friday, September 17th

Saturday, September 18th

Toulouse v Grenoble [M]

Mainz v Freiburg [M]

Ross County v Hearts

Vozdovac v FK Radnicki 1923

Minnesota v LA Galaxy

Sunday, September 19th

Sarpsborg 08 v. Rosenborg [M]

Emelec v. Universidad Catolica

Monday, September 20th

Tuesday, September 21st

Grenoble v. Nancy [M]

Week 35: Before the Break

September 1, 2021August 31, 2021 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Rosenborg 1 – 3 Rennes [M-Europe]

The last glimmers of Rosenborg’s quest for Europe vanished with their loss at home to the French side. Both the men and women faltered in the past two weeks, but both came closer than any other European side.

Cal Poly Mustangs 2 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

The Griz got their first lead of the season on Sydney Haustein’s first goal (a banger too). But a late defensive miscue led to their third loss of the season (more defeats than the entirety of the spring campaign)

You’ve been waiting and here is that Sydney Haustein goal! #WhatAFinish pic.twitter.com/UVVf7UHHVa
— Montana Griz Soccer 🐻⚽️ (@MontanaGrizSOC) August 27, 2021

Hoffenheim 2 – 1 Freiburg [F]

Hasret Kayicki got Freiburg off the mark quickly and on top of the league for 11 glorious minutes. Then the second half started with a Hoffenheim equalizer and hope faded fast.

Stuttgart 2 – 3 Freiburg [M]

Woo-Yong Jeong racked up a brace within 10 minutes to send Freiburg flying past former goalie Florian Muller. Fellow striker Carlo Holse made it three before the trouble started. Stuttgart made a good comeback before the first half ended but Freiburg shut the door in the second half to grab the win.

Sochaux 1 – 0 Grenoble [M]

Grenoble got a win last week but slid right back to losing ways this week. Loic Nestor and Adrien Monfry did well to frustrate Sochaux’s attack…but couldn’t beat back the tide.

Houston 1 – 2 Minnesota United

Adrien Honou found his scoring boots and not a moment to soon as an injury ravaged Loons team got a valuable win to end their dry spell. He didn’t knock in any beauties, but he did what needed to be done with the strong service from Ethan Finlay that made it all possible.

[Rosenborg 0 – 3 Barcelona–F Friendly]

This won’t count in our standings as a victory would have been meaningless, but it’s worth noting that this was the first time one of our teams faced one of the game’s 12 behemoths…it didn’t go well, but now RBK can reset and build up to this level.

Emelec 4 – 0 Olmedo [M]

Beating up on the bottom side put Emelec in first place for the moment, closer to claiming the league title outright. Though with 9 games to go, it’s too early to pop champagne corks in Guayaquil. Joao Rojas remains on fire, as the offense shows no sign of slowing down [they’ve scored two in 5 of the 6 games since the start of phase 2]. Emelec’s performance was about as superlative as it’s possible to be…just enjoy the highlights.

Aberdeen 1 – 1 Ross County

Regan Charles Cook hasn’t gotten his name on here nearly often enough (spotty playing time and teammates’ inconsistent finishing on his key passes hasn’t helped). A solid goal following up on a gilded opportunity gave County hope, but he was unable to haul the staggies over the line. But, frankly, we’re ok with that. (Former Minnesota United player Christian Ramirez struck the equalizer in his enthusiastic door busting style. So this is a time when everybody wins even when no one does)

Viking 2 – 1 Rosenborg [M]

Young midfielder Olaus Jaír Skansen gave a strong showing in the new transfer’s first real runout with Rosenborg. Being tasked with providing the replacement creativity for man crush Cristopher Zachariassen isn’t easy, but he showed good promise… fellow midfield newcomer Pavle Vagic…not so much.

UDG 1 – 1 Alebrijes

So…flipping…close!!!

Oaxaca had a man advantage. They got the lead from Lizandro Echeverria’s solid header with just six minutes to play….and yet…

An 88th minute hand ball from (I think) Adrian Vasquez gave the black lions a valuable penalty that turned into the equalizer and left Alebrijes on 3 points in five matches. [Insert heavy sigh]

Montana Grizzlies 4 – 0 Montana State University-Billings Yellow Jackets

The Griz got their first win of the fall. Yes, it came against a lower Division side. No, it doesn’t outweigh the frustrating narrow losses to tougher opponents. But a Jaden Griggs hat trick, and the defense’s first clean sheet, did the job. So let’s root for positive momentum heading in to next week.

Jaden Griggs 1st career goal.
Watch @ESPN; https://t.co/SRDCTSqPn6 pic.twitter.com/kpFvZXEnZL
— Montana Griz Soccer 🐻⚽️ (@MontanaGrizSOC) August 29, 2021

FK Vozdovac 2 – 0 Kolubara

The Red Dragons got a few extra days off and delivered a win over the newly promoted Kolubara to push them into a three game winning streak. The newly promoted Green-Blacks never looked terribly dangerous in attack and often appeared wrong footed in defense. Milos Pantovic carved them up with Nikola Vujnovic and Justas Lasickas providing the goals. Before you could blink Vozdovac is in 5th place

News & Notes

Taking a[n International] break

This week most men’s leagues are taking a break to squeeze in a rapid round of World Cup Qualifiers. Simultaneously, we’ll be trekking to and from Montana for farewells to some extended family. So expect few details and more family time.

The Devil’s Candy

When I was a kid, the first European kit I had that most people recognized was Manchester United. An English team with a chunk of championships, a masterful manager, and ubiquitously famous players. They were easy to dislike.

The last decade has been less kind as managers burn out, famous stars flame out, and champs become chumps (especially as their cross town rivals became a dominant side) . But in the span of a few hours this week they relearned all the disgust and loathing from around the world.

How? By re-signing former star, frequent candidate for worlds best, and maddeningly perfect Physical specimen: Cristiano Ronaldo. Thanks for doing what you always do and making it easy to dislike you Man U.

Player of the Week

There were lots of scoring stars we don’t talk about much this week: Woo-Yong Jeong, Adrien Honou, Jaden Griggs. But we can’t deny that we’ve probably owed a nod to Nikola Vujnovic whose excellent form has hoisted the Red Dragons from the depths of Serbia’s league to the outskirts of the European chase.

Standings Update

Rosenborg’s grasp on the top spot slipped after a rough week and the Griz were there to claw their way back to a tie (only goal differential separates them). The same is true for Punjab and Freiburg where Chencho Gyeltshen’s offense helps keep the goal advantage

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
Rosenborg BK	24	4	10	2.00	2.5	1.2
University of Montana	10	0	5	2.00	1.8	0.8
Emelec	22	9	10	1.8	1.6	1.2
Minnesota United	8	7	6	1.476	1.1	1.1
Punjab FC–b	7	4	6	1.471	1.2	0.9
Freiburg	15	5	14	1.471	1.6	1.6
Legon Cities–b	11	6	11	1.39	1.2	1.0
Grenoble Foot	11	8	12	1.32	1.1	1.2
FK Vozdovac	9	6	11	1.27	1.0	1.5
Ross County	10	4	13	1.26	1.2	1.4
Alebrijes	4	10	8	1.00	1.3	1.9

Table Updated 8/30/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, September 1st

Alebrijes v Raya 2

Thursday, September 2nd

Friday, September 3rd

Saturday, September 4th

Rosenborg v Vålerenga [F]

Sunday, September 5th

Freiburg v Eintracht Frankfurt [F]

Grenoble v ASPTT Albi [F]

Gonzaga Bulldogs v Montana Grizzlies

Monday, September 6th

Tuesday, September 7th

Week 34: New Top of the Table!

August 25, 2021August 25, 2021 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Alebrijes 2 – 3 Tepatilan

The Oaxacans continue to struggle to catch anything remotely resembling a break. Even after another Julio Cesar Cruz equalizer and a Lizandro Echeverria goal to take the lead, they couldn’t hold on. In 360 minutes this season, they’ve lead for 18 of them (5% of the season). Clearly there’s still work to be done in the back.

FC Minsk 1 – 2 Rosenborg [F-Europe]

Rosenborg got to host playoff games en route to the Women’s Champion’s League and they kicked off with a big win over FC Minsk (courtesy of your favorite tandem and mine: Julie Blakstad and Lisa-Marie Utland)

Rennes 2 – 0 Rosenborg [M-Europe]

It’s not terribly surprising that Rosenborg struggled against a team from the top tier of French football. And needing two or more goals at home is something they can manage…if they’re on point. (Sidebar: Baptiste Santamaria made his Rennes debut after leaving Freiburg last week…so, the revolving door of Rennes and our favorite teams remains).

Creighton Bluejays 2 – 1 Montana Grizzlies

The Griz had an adventure getting to Omaha (good thing they’re elite athletes, it made running across Denver Airport a little easier), but once there they gave the bigger program all the could handle. Caitlin Rogers put in an iron woman shift on the back line (going all 108 minutes), and Montana’s own Josie Windaur got her first career goal in the garnet and silver, but in the end the Griz fell on a late winner from Creighton. Still a positive start for the team looking to punch above expectations for the Big Sky Conference.

GOAL MONTANA!

Josie Windauer with career goal No. 1 as Montana ties it at 1-1. pic.twitter.com/lJGIq3lP6H
— Montana Griz Soccer 🐻⚽️ (@MontanaGrizSOC) August 20, 2021

Metalac 0 – 1 Vozdovac

Nikola Vujnovic kept up his strong form with another goal on a stellar little run. Better still, the Dragons’ defense delivered their first clean sheet of the season.

Freiburg 2 – 1 Dortmund [M]

One of the German giants came to Breisgau and left disappointed. Freiburg got ahead early (thanks Vincenzo) and didn’t let up (that second goal…wowza…Roland Sallai did just about everything). But after epic victories, it’s important not just to talk about the goals that won it, but also the defense that made it possible. So kudos to the defensive core of Phillip Leinhart, Nico Schlotterback, and Christian Gunter for stopping a star studded offense.

Grenoble 2 – 0 Quevilly [M]

The sun lifted les grenoblois off the bottom of the table, and for the first time in forever, everybody seemed to be on point. Mableu, Nestor and Monfray held down the back while Yoric Ravet lead the line with both a goal and an assist. Plus Charles Pickel did his best Jessy Bennet. (It was so convincing that right after the game he got to leave Grenoble!)

Minnesota United 0 – 0 Sporting KC

I was very excited to watch this game with you boys. Covid’s return meant I couldn’t take you. Technology issues meant we missed the first 15 minutes. 10 minutes later you decided you wanted a snack and then forgot about the game to go play in the backyard.

We made the right choice.

Stats suggest the Loons should have scored three goals, instead they got zero. The inability to put the biscuit in the basket is starting to drive even the most loyal fans up a wall…

Levante 4 – 3 Rosenborg [F-Europe]

Rosenborg wasn’t able to launch themselves into the group stages of the women’s champion’s league despite home field advantage as Levante prevailed in an epic encounter. The Troll Jenter were chasing the game for the much of the match and this might be the first time we’ve ever seen Kristine Nostmo so wrong footed and out of her element. (It was also by far the most goals scored against the black and white in our time writing about the team). Again Blakstand and Utland delivered vital goals, but it wasn’t enough and Rosenborg will have to wait a year for a shot at the biggest stage in Europe.

Nueve de Octubre 2 – 2 Emelec [M]

It was definitely a point win for Los bombillos, who looked to be facing their second loss in 2021 Liga Pro (the last one also to Nueve). Down two goals and one player with ten minutes to go, Joao Rojas scored twice on a pair of…close…offsides calls. It was all they needed to salvage a point and keep them in 2nd place.

Ross County 2 – 4 Rangers

I try to be optimistic, but I really doubted County’s ability to keep up with Rangers. Granted, the didn’t really keep up, but they scored twice and weren’t played off their own field so…yeah, I guess…moral victory?

Rosenborg 5 – 0 Odd [M]

The troll boys handled Odd with ease, with Stefano Vecchia notching two goals, Verbjørn Hoff getting two assists and Emil Konradsen Ceide getting one of each. (That even leaves out Noah Holm’s blistering run to score) We hope they still feel fresh for the match with Rennes next week (maybe Vecchia and Ceide merit another runout together…just saying))

Montana Grizzlies 0 – 1 Portland Pilots

While the Pilots have a storied history, their recent past gave the Griz some hope, but it wasn’t to be as both back lines stood tough until a beauty of a curler beat blue haired Elizabeth Todd for a gorgeous winner. Again the Griz were tough against a high profile opponent, and Owen got to watch with me as Taylor Hansen flexed her leadership, Ava Samuelson showcased her fresh flair, and McKenzie Kilpatrick did our name proud.

News & Notes

Gre-NOOOOOOOOO-ble

The French side mired at the bottom of Ligue 2 in desperate need of some good news went and found the opposite this week by sending Charles Pickel to Portugal (immediately after his man of the match performance) and releasing captain and strong defender Jerome Mombris. The comments are a special blend of sports fan frustration and French ennui. We thank Charles and Jerome for their work, and would like to Jerome that Madagascar defenders [like his teammate/pal Romain Metanire] are welcome at Minnesota United…just saying…

Jérôme Mombris n'est plus Grenoblois !

D'un commun accord, le GF38 et Jérôme Mombris ont résilié leur contrat qui les liait jusqu'au 30 juin 2022. https://t.co/1tAlqxbWBR pic.twitter.com/AWcfR4hVvC
— Grenoble Foot 38 (@GF38_Officiel) August 18, 2021

Never vacuum

The only goal in The Griz’s game this weekend was scored when we were vacuuming (well, I was vacuuming, Owen, you were running away and flopping on any soft surface you could find). The lesson is clear: never vacuum. [Another valuable lesson watching the game, be like the bros who rocked overalls, bare chests, and cowboy hats to a soccer game…that’s how we do soccer in the big MT]

Way to Advertise Women in Europe!

I knew there was some news about Rosenborg facing reigning European women’s champs Barcelona (they meet in a friendly Saturday), but in doing that research I uncovered an utterly unremarked upon entry in the local team history, namely that our favorite lady trolls vied for qualification in Europe this week. Some reviews and the kind public service provided by femfootball let us cover it, but a little too late.

Player of the Week

For 10 weeks, Emelec and Rosenborg have dominated the player of the week conversation. Even when other teams were in action their performances never quite measured up. This week there were great showings from all of Rosenborg and Joao Rojas. But there was also Nikola Vjunovic and Yoric Ravet bringing back some struggling sides. But we’ll go with Christian Gunter who both bottled up Dortmund darling Erling Haaland, delivered some delicious passes, and set a new Freiburg record for appearances en route to their win.

Standings Update

And for the first time in a long time, we have a new leader in the standings!! The pair of defeats dropped the Griz from the top to…well..very nearly the top, as Rosenborg was there to capitalize despite their own inconsistent week. It’s going to be a battle for the top as we enter the final four months of the campaign.

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
Rosenborg BK	24	4	8	2.11	2.6	1.1
University of Montana	9	0	4	2.08	1.7	0.8
Emelec	21	9	10	1.8	1.6	1.2
Punjab FC–b	7	4	6	1.471	1.2	0.9
Freiburg	14	5	13	1.469	1.6	1.5
Minnesota United	7	7	6	1.40	1.1	1.2
Legon Cities–b	11	6	11	1.39	1.2	1.0
Grenoble Foot	11	8	11	1.37	1.1	1.2
Ross County	8	2	12	1.27	1.2	1.4
FK Vozdovac	8	6	11	1.20	1.0	1.6
Alebrijes	4	9	8	1.00	1.3	2.0

Table Updated 8/24/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, August 25th

Thursday, August 26th

Rosenborg v. Rennes [M-Europe]

Cal Poly Mustangs v. Montana Grizzlies

Friday, August 27th

Hoffenheim v. Freiburg [F]

Saturday, August 28th

Stuttgart v. Freiburg [M]

FK Vozdovac v Kolubara

Sochaux v. Grenoble [M]

Houston v. Minnesota United

[Rosenborg v. Barcelona–F Friendly]

Sunday, August 29th

Aberdeen v. Ross County

Viking v. Rosenborg [M]

Emelec v. Olmedo

UDG v. Alebrijes

Montana Grizzlies v. Montana State University-Billings Yellow Jackets

Monday, August 30th

Tuesday, August 31st

Week 33: Darker Before the Dawn

August 18, 2021August 18, 2021 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Results & Recaps

Tlaxcala FC 1 – 1 Alebrijes

Julio César Cruz bagged the first goal of this year’s campaign on a simple but effective attack. However, it wasn’t enough to net Oaxaca’s first win.

Arminia Bielefeld 0 – 0 Freiburg

Freiburg was unable to find a way past Beilefeld’s keeper, but can take some comfort from a strong attack that kept their opponents on the back foot.

Also, this happened…

https://twitter.com/silvaculture/status/1427479206359969793

Sandviken 2 – 0 Rosenborg BK [F]

With their second loss to Sandviken, there’s no denying it anymore: the unbeatable Rosenborg is not the best team in the Topp Serien. Hard as it is to admit, it does focus the campaign not on staying unbeaten, but on reaching the Champions league (So far, so good)

Niort 1 – 0 Grenoble [M]

Mon dieu. It’s getting grim in Grenoble, as manager Maurizio Jacobacci has yet to win a match and our Alpiners are rooted to the bottom of the table.

Minnesota United 0 – 1 Los Angeles Galaxy

Another week, another Loon’s home match I had to miss. This time there wasn’t much to see as despite a strong defense and the usual Bébelo magic, the Loons couldn’t finish their chances.

Emelec 3 – 0 CSD Macara

Despite being a man down for much of the match (why cleat someone on your run Sebastian Rodriguez…why?), Los Bombillos dominated. Jose Cevallos had become an invaluable target man (just ask Dixon Arroyo), and Facundo Barcelo offers another bolt of speed to burn the opposition. Don’t look now, but Emelec’s just two points off the lead in the league and gunning for a season sweep of trophies.

Vozdovac 3 – 2 Novi Pazar

With Nikola Vujnovic leading the way the Red Dragons got another win. None of the goals were beautifully developed, but beauty and Serbia don’t exactly go together, I mean, just watch the wrasslin’ move that took down Milos Pantovic in the second half…eeks.

Mjondalen 1 – 2 Rosenborg [M]

While Carlo Holse hasn’t been the big name on recent Rosenborg score sheets he had a great game here supported by goal scorers Anders Konradsen and Erland Dahl Reitan. It still took some doing for Rosenborg to withstand the final onslaught of attacks, but they managed to make it across the finish line.

San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 1 Minnesota United

A late night match that I wasn’t going to stay up for, the Loons started out with an uncharacteristic gaffe from Bakye Dibassy at the back. Even with the Quakes losing a man a few minutes later, Minnesota struggled to get much of anything connected (playing two games in three days can have that effect on you).

News & Notes

Here come the Griz

It’s Taylor time! The Griz will follow the lead of fifth year seniors Taylor Stoeger in the front and Taylor Hansen in the back as they seek to cement their spot at the top of our MacKenzie Cup standings. The big challenge there will be extending their competition beyond the Big Sky. While Conference games made up 9 of their 11 matches in the spring, they start out with 8 non-conference games including three against power sides like Creighton, Gonzaga, and Boise State. Even their conference schedule is less comfortable with 5 road games (including at co-favorites Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado) as opposed to 4 home matches.

Hopes for Afghanistan

After 20 years, the United States armed forces (including a few dozen of your dad’s high school classmates), have left the nation of Afghanistan. The war started shortly after your mother and I met. It continued long enough for me to teach refugees from it and future soldiers in it. And then, we left with the same people in power as when it began and the same threat to women, girls, and contrary thinkers as we had at the beginning. We hope that the people of Afghanistan are safe and secure and remember that soccer is nothing next to that.

Player of the Week

Despite the lasting Kristoffer Zachariassen sized hole in our Rosenborg hearts, Anders Konradsen’s great form has gone a long way to easing the pain.

Standings Update

The Griz get back into action this week with their lead on the line. Kicking off with the Big East’s Creighton (alma mater of a couple Loons players), is going to put them to the test right away. Meanwhile, Alebrijes slides to the bottom of the table.

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
University of Montana	9	0	2	2.5	2.1	0.6
Rosenborg BK	22	4	6	2.2	2.6	1.0
Emelec	21	8	10	1.8	1.5	1.2
Punjab FC–b	7	4	6	1.47	1.2	0.9
Freiburg	13	5	13	1.42	1.6	1.5
Minnesota United	7	6	6	1.42	1.2	1.2
Legon Cities–b	11	6	11	1.39	1.2	1.0
Ross County	8	2	11	1.32	1.2	1.3
Grenoble Foot	10	8	11	1.31	1.1	1.3
FK Vozdovac	7	6	11	1.13	1.0	1.7
Alebrijes	4	9	7	1.05	1.3	1.9

Table Updated 8/18/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, August 18th

Alebrijes v Tepatilan

Thursday, August 19th

Rennes v Rosenborg [M-Europe]

Creighton Bluejays v. Montana Grizzlies

Friday, August 20th

Metalac v Vozdovac

Saturday, August 21st

Freiburg v Dortmund

Grenoble v Quevilly [M]

Minnesota United v. Sporting KC

Nueve de Octubre v. Emelec

Sunday, August 22nd

Ross County v. Rangers

Rosenborg v Odd [M]

Montana Grizzlies v. Portland Pilots

Monday, August 23rd

Tuesday, August 24th

San Jose Earthquakes v. Minnesota United

Week 32: Making Moves

August 11, 2021August 12, 2021 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

News & Notes

Rosenborg 6 – 1 Domzale [M-Europe]

The Norwegian squad welcomed the Slovenian side with a barrage of attacks with Dino Islamovic again at the point of the attack with Emil Konradsen Ceide linking beautifully. Left Back Adam Andersson continued to build up his resume on both sides of the ball notching a goal of his own and a solid spell at the back.

Stabaek 2 – 5 Rosenborg BK [F]

That was almost a stunner. Bunched up in the bottom Stabaek had two leads over RBK (1-0 and 2-1) but then they ladies of Rosenborg rose to the occasion and left no doubt, knocking in 4 goals in 15 minutes. Lisa Marie Utland’s hat trick stole the show and set up a vital match at Sandviken next week.

Grenoble 0 – 0 Guingamp [M]

When a nil-nil result is the best outcome of the season so far, you can see why Grenoble has struggled of late.

Minnesota United 2 – 0Houston Dynamo

I was really hoping to go to this, but the cold that tore through our house made it unviable. I missed out on a good one for the Loons as Emanuel Reynoso continues to make magic happen with a pair of great assists and numerous dangerous chances.

Hibernian 3 – 0 Ross County

The Staggies met a clearly better side and came out clearly the worse for it.

Wurzburger Kickers 0 – 1 Freiburg [M-Cup]

Starting off the season against a Wurzburger side that’s struggling in the fourth division didn’t ask much of the makeshift Freiburg side, but the back line showed well and Jonathan Schmid scored the winner.

Vojvodina 2 – 0 Vozdovac

The Red Dragons continue to struggle this season, as the defense continues to rattle and the attack struggles to connect.

Delfin 1 – 2 Emelec [M]

Los Bombillos seem to be finding their stride, showing strong control over Delfín. The balls were consistently flying in from the wings, but when Alejandro Cabeza got it at his feet in the area it was all they needed with a desperate Delfin unable to stop him when he was that close.

Domzale 1 – 2 Rosenborg [M-Europe]

Rosenborg had to came back to win it, but Domzale’s struggles to score in the first half made clear they wouldn’t be able to challenge RBK’s 6-1 edge. Lower wattage stars: Noah Holm and Andres Konradsen looked to have a great connection working in the second half. The continental squad hasn’t been tested yet but that will change against France’s top flight side: Rennes.

News & Notes

Blood Feud in Bergen

This weekend sees the rematch between Rosenborg and the team that ended their unbeaten run in the Toppseiren (and the current first place side) Sandviken. This time Rosenborg is on the road so the battle will be by all the more difficult, but we have hope: blind foolish hope.

El Rey de las Estrellas

While most leagues save their awards for the end of the year, the MLS likes shouting out superb players mid season to represent the league in a friendly against Mexico’s all stars. This year Reynoso was chosen to represent Minnesota (who’ve never had more than one rep despite a strong first four years in the league).

Messi’s Moving

This week the greatest player of this (maybe any) generation had to leave his life long club. Before I could write this he signed with well-financed French giants Paris Saint-Germain. He’ll make 41 Million bucks for two years, play with some superb teammates and have a chance to win the most coveted club trophy in the world. But what if….he got offers from some of our favorites.

What follows are pitches from possible landing spots for Lionel Messi

Minnesota United: come bring the CONCACAF Champions League to the US! You’ll play alongside a miniature version of yourself in Bébelo, and we’ll pay you Joe Mauer Money ($109 mil)

Emelec: the only trophy that compares with the Champions League is Copa Libertadores, which you can win with us while also avoiding partisan club fans in Argentina. We don’t have quite the same players but we’ll pay more ($75 Million)

Legon Cities: Come change the world and lead us to African Champions League Glory! You’ll probably get Asamoah Gyan to target…eventually and we’ll give you 500 Million Cedis (please don’t ask about the exchange rate)

Rosenborg BK: Why change the world when you can change history! We’ve got elite players, and with you on board we can make UEFA Inter gender teams the future of the sport! Blakstad, Utland, Messi!!! Make it happen (we’ll just give you a share of the team)

Player(s) of the Week(s)

Every little thing he does is magic, give it up for Emanuel Reynoso.

Standings Update

The Troll Teams are giving the University Of Montana very little room for error as a three win week keeps them well within reach of their second strait MacKenzie Cup.

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
University of Montana–b	9	0	2	2.5	2.1	0.6
Rosenborg BK	21	4	5	2.2	2.7	1.0
Emelec	20	8	10	1.8	1.5	1.2
Minnesota United	7	5	5	1.53	1.2	1.2
Punjab FC–b	7	4	6	1.47	1.2	0.9
Freiburg	13	4	13	1.43	1.7	1.6
Legon Cities–b	11	6	11	1.39	1.2	1.0
Grenoble Foot	10	8	10	1.36	1.1	1.3
Ross County	8	2	11	1.32	1.2	1.3
Alebrijes	4	7	6	1.05	1.4	2.1
FK Vozdovac	6	6	11	1.04	0.9	1.7

Table Updated 8/11/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, August 11th

Tlaxaca FC v. Alebrijes

Thursday, August 12th

Friday, August 13th

Saturday, August 14th

Arminia Bielefeld v. Freiburg

Sandviken v. Rosenborg BK [F]

Vozdovac v. Novi Pazar

Niort v. Guingamp [M]

Minnesota United v. Los Angeles Galaxy

Sunday, August 15th

Mjondalen v. Rosenborg

Emelec v. CSD Macara

Monday, August 16th

Tuesday, August 17th

San Jose Earthquakes v. Minnesota United

Week 25: Summertime Snowflakes

June 23, 2021June 22, 2021 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

CS Emelec 2 – 0 Guayaquil City FC [F]

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

🤩 Sumamos de a 3 🤟🏻

📹 Revive nuestros goles cortesía de @chalacofilms #Juntos9traVe2 #VamosEléctricas #LaOtraMitad ⚡ pic.twitter.com/JFpbA1iMAB
— Club Sport Emelec Femenino (@ElectricasCSE) June 20, 2021

Dallas 1 – 1 Minnesota United

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

Rosenborg BK 0 – 1 Sarpsborg 08 [M]

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

Rosenborg BK 1 – 0 Avaldsnes [F]

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

News & Notes

International Affairs Update

South American CopaAmerica

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

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

Neymar was having fun against Peru 🤩

(via @CopaAmerica)pic.twitter.com/qimKwxlx94
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 18, 2021

European Euro Championships

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

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

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

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

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

Victor Orban’s A Special Snowflake

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

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

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

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

Coyle Goes Green

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

✈️ Another new recruit from the States 🇺🇸

We're delighted to announce the signing of @CoyleAlexa from @MontanaGrizSOC.

Welcome to Hibernian, Alexa 👋
— Hibernian Women (@HibernianWomen) June 18, 2021

Player of the Week

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

⏱️ 45' termina el primer tiempo en #Casa

@ElectricasCSE 🆚 #GuayaquilCityFC #VamosEléctricas #LaOtraMitad pic.twitter.com/zDFbwdfub2
— Club Sport Emelec Femenino (@ElectricasCSE) June 19, 2021

Standings Update

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

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
University of Montana–b	9	0	2	2.5	2.1	0.6
Rosenborg BK	8	2	3	2.0	2.2	1.1
Emelec	15	6	7	1.8	1.5	1.1
Legon Cities	10	5	8	1.5	1.2	0.8
Grenoble Foot-b	10	7	8	1.48	1.2	1.1
Punjab FC–b	7	4	6	1.47	1.2	0.9
Freiburg–b	12	4	13	1.38	1.7	1.6
Ross County–b	8	2	9	1.37	1.3	1.5
Alebrijes-b	4	7	6	1.12	1.4	2.1
FK Vozdovac–b	5	6	9	1.05	0.9	1.6
Minnesota United	2	2	4	1.00	0.9	1.5

Table Updated 6/22/21
b–Team is between seasons

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 23rd

Minnesota United v Austin FC

Thursday, June 24th

Legon Cities FC v. Hearts of Oak

Friday, June 25th

Lillestrom v Rosenborg BK [M]

Saturday, June 26th

Lillestrom Kvinner v Rosenborg BK [F]

Macara v. CS Emelec [F]

Portland Timbers v. Minnesota United

Sunday, June 27th

Monday, June 28th

King Faisal v Legon Cities

Tuesday, June 29th

58. Forgiveness and the Tolerance Paradox

June 20, 2021January 7, 2022 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

As you grow up boys, you should know that every thing you say and do has consequences. Missteps and misdeeds are shared more broadly and more quickly than ever. And more and more people are ready to denounce those people they find lacking.

Some see that as overreacting. But as one of my colleagues told me: If you tolerate intolerant people, then you are tolerating intolerance.

Dear Boys,

There is an ideal symbol for this debate right now in the manager’s office in Dingwall, Scotland (not far from where your centuries-past MacKenzie relatives tilled the field and apprenticed to tailors). Malky Mackay is officially the Staggies manager, and he has said and done more than a few things that are blatantly, obviously, intolerant.

These statements (reviewed in more detail here) aren’t tone deaf moments, or failures to understand. They’re straight up, no questions asked, racist, sexist, anti-Semitic, and homophobic. Mackay’s offenses are clear. But County’s hiring him is less so.

If you agree that tolerating such an intolerant man is, itself, an act of intolerance, then County’s decision to hire him, suggests tolerance for those abhorrent views. Fans decision to cheer the Stags who execute his game plan suggests the same. But things aren’t that simple.

The strongest complicating force is that many people, myself included, feel a philosophical, almost spiritual calling to forgive others. I believe, truly, that others deserve not just second chances, but third, fourth…infinite chances.

That seems inherently unfair in some cases. After all, if everyone knows they will get more chances, than those who make racist, sexist, anti-Semitic, or homophobic statements/actions may never really face consequences. If people know that we’ll tolerate their misdeeds, then everything we do will enable intolerance.

But here’s the distinction I make, and I hope you boys consider as you make up your own mind: you don’t tolerate the intolerance, you tolerate the people.

The word “tolerance” has come to mean “authorizing the existence of something unpleasant”. But the word’s Latin root (and another meaning of the word) is “endurance of pain”.

There’s a flawed logic in the idea that we can authorize or de-authorize any person. It assumes that we have a power to make other people do what we want. It suggests that some people are superior to others [better, holier, etc.].

Endurance is more passive, and more realistic. We don’t like to admit or face the fact that we CAN’T change the world, or even other people. But the truth is we can’t. Sometimes, all you can do is endure the relationship with a man who makes your skin crawl and stomach churn. And that is the stage we are at with Mr. Mackay.

I don’t authorize MacKay’s statements. I haven’t found a Staggies fan yet who does. I hope the Ross County board was explicitly clear with him. I hope they made clear that any such repeated statements, in public, or in his capacity as team manager (ie. discussing players/agents/owners/opponents/fans, etc), will not be tolerated. The penalty should be swift, and immediate, including termination of contract and repayment of wages (preferably to be donated to organizations that do reflect the club’s goals and mission). Such a requirement makes clear that Mackay is being tolerated, but intolerant actions will not.

Original Obelisk to the Earl of Cromarty (Sir George MacKenzie)…endured 200 years (a smaller replica has stood for 100 years itself)

I hope Mackay does well. I hope he apologizes for his past intolerance and works to build a better community in the weeks and months ahead. I hope he coaches a team that stays up. I hope his players learn from him and grow toward their full potential. (Given his half-hearted apologies and lousy managerial record, I anticipate doing much more “enduring” than admiring, but time will tell.)

I have no power over Malky Mackay, or the Ross County board, or anyone else anywhere on the planet. I cannot authorize or de-authorize anyone. I will oppose his intolerant actions/beliefs by not paying for any County seats or paraphernalia during Mackay’s tenure. But I will endure Malky Mackay. Managers come and go, but love for heritage, love for people, love for the Staggies, will endure.