Scores and Recaps
Punjab FC 1 – Mohun Bagan 1
Welcoming the league leaders to Ludhiana, Punjab had a great opportunity to inject some drama into the title race. An early goal from Asier Dipanda offered exactly that possibility. Stout defense for 88 minutes made it much more of a probability. But, Subha Ghosh’s late equalizer left everyone with a point and the guys in gray 3 points behind despite an extra game.
Legon Cities FC 0 – Ashanti Gold 0
It was Ladie’s Night, and the feeling was right. It was Ladie’s Night. Oh, what a night….for another goalless outing by the Royals.
On the plus side there was another great concert.
Mainz 05 1 – SC Freiburg 2
The official return to league action saw Freiburg take the field in a purple kit that might best be described as: dueling highlighters.
The team provided their own highlights with a pair of pretty side volleys in the first half to leave the home side chasing the match and earn a convincing win to start the year.
Ayr United 1 – Ross County 0
The Staggies started their year by falling out of another cup competition. Debutants Jordan Tillson and Coll Donaldson offered strength in the back, but the Honest Men of Ayr were honestly better and took the victory.
Aduana Stars 2 – Legon Cities FC 0
Even the normally indefatigable LCFC media team struggled to find silver linings here. A pair of free kicks saw the Stars to victory, including an admitted howler from Legon’s keeper Prosper Gbeku.
Punjab FC 3 – Gokulam FC 1
At the same time Baby Owen broke his poop less diaper streak, the Punjabi Warriors broke their winless streak.
As I rocked Owen, bottle in hand and soothing shh-es on blast, Sergio Barboza scored and danced. And when Owen dozed off, Asier Dipanda braved himself for a second half brace to seal the victory.
It may be coincidence, but just in case I’m going to need Punjab FC to win a match every night. Please and thank you.
News & Notes
Any Man in Possession of a Love of Soccer Must be in Want of a Women’s Team to Root For
While I always make a point of bringing up the University of Montana Lady Griz, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge and recognize that many of the clubs I’ve included here also feature a women’s team in competition. I’ll do my best to track down data and results for them too. So when SC Freiburg and Emelec Feminina return they’ll be included above, and while there are few photos and fewer highlights I’ll shout out Les Femmes de Grenoble Foot who won 4-2 at the start of the year against Olympique de Valence.
In the meantime, please appreciate the Lady Griz keeping warm in a Montanan winter with squash games
Minnesota United Corners Kiwi Market
As for our local XI, the thinking seems to be to expand the club vision from Minnesota, to the Upper Midwest, and then just outside of Wellington.
In addition to international center back Michael Boxall, the Loons drafted fullback Noah Billingsly, then signed Central Midfielder James Musa. This means that the rest of the team will need to binge Flight of the Conchords as soon as possible to keep up on references.
Transfer Roundup
Minnesota did the most adding this week with the two Kiwis plus Los Angeles goalkeeper Tyler Miller and homegrown goalkeeper Fred Emmings.
Across the pond there were mostly departures, as Rosenborg waved farewell to stalwart Midfielder Mike Jensen who spent 7 years in Trondheim before heading to Cyprus. (Olaus Skarsem and Djordje Denic also left Lerkendal).
Ross County’s young midfield star Mark Gallagher looks on the cusp of a move to Aberdeen (the pereptual bridesmaid to Celtic and Rangers) and Freiburg sent Jerome Gondorf on loan to second division Karlrhuser
What’s Next
Wednesday, January 22
1:45 PM–Ross County v Hearts
Thursday, January 23
8:30 PM–Universidad de Guadalajara v Alebrijes de Oaxaca
Friday, January 24
12:00 PM–Legon Cities FC v Bechem United
1:00 PM–Grenoble v Chambly
Saturday, January 25
8:30 AM–Freiburg v Paderborn
9:00 AM– Celtic v Ross County
MacKenzie's Boot Room 