Scores
Vozdovac 0 – 0 Javor
It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t pleasant. But it did the job. The 0-0 draw kept the Dragons above the line (thanks in no small part to Rad Beograd falling behind and only managing an equalizer in their match–hence the anxious watching at the video’s end.). Vozdovac survived, and will still stand with the SuperLiga come the fall.
Emelec 2 – 0 Tolima [M–Copa Sudamerica]
Starting off the final run of Copa Sudamerica games at home, Emelec was full of optimism. When Tolima again stymied the attacking force through the first half there might have been some nerves. But Sebastian Rodriguez and Dixon Arroyo took charge in the midfield in the second half, creating repeated problems for their opponents. An own goal for the Colombians and a later strike from Joao Rojas put los bombillos on the precipice of the next round of South American action.
Rosenborg 3 – 2 Brann [M]
Kristoffer Zachariassen is special. I mean, he looks like Ted from Schitt’s Creek which is pretty special in the first place, and then he notches a hat trick to lead a comeback win at home. Seriously, this man is quite accomplished and, as the attacking corps still looks to find its feet, he’ll be vital to boosting the Trolls’ chances in the league.
Tolouse 3 – 0 Grenoble [M–Playoffs]
After all the build up, it all came undone for Grenoble. Though Brice Mableu saved an early penalty, Toulouse buried the rebound and cruised the rest of the way. Just wait till next year, and the very real hope that the Alpiners will be set to stake their claim on a top spot.
Rosenborg 2 – 0 Staebek [F]
The most dominant side in MacKenzie Cup 2020 is back in action, with Rosenborg hosting, and besting Staebek. After last year’s undefeated season, there’s reason to hope for the same this time around, and Lisa-Marie Utland started things out well with a great first goal of the campaign, and the whole team looked as fluid and integrated as if they were in mid season form.
Frankfurt 3 – 1 Freiburg [M]
A long shot for Europe got a lot longer when Freiburg ceded a penalty in the second half, and longer still, when they could only manage one goal in response. They were truly dead after Frankfurt’s last two goals won it. (Even though it wasn’t enough for them to jump into Champion’s league places). A solid, but unspectacular middle of the table finish for the Griffins. But the continued strength of Vincenzo Grifo and Christian Gunter plus the emergence of Baptiste Santamaria bodes well for the future.
Tecnico Universario 1 – 0 Emelec [F]
Las Electricas continue to search for their first goal and first win. Soon…it’s destiny.
Mushuc Runa 1 – 2 Emelec [M]
In the middle of their continental adventure, los bombillos made time to face off with the resurgent Runa. Throughout the whole time period, the replacement attack force of Sebastian Rodriguez and Alejandro Cabeza have bolstered the attack and kept them in great shape. It certainly helped that Mushuc Runa ended the match with an ugly clothesline in the box, but Emelec still had to convert
Hoffenheim 4 – 2 Freiburg [F]
Sigh…sorry Freiburg Frauen
Legon Cities FC 2 – 0 Aduana Stars
Legon had all the legs they needed for this pell mell race towards goal. Jonah Attaquye was a huge part of it with the first goal and multiple additional opportunities created to boost Legon with another win. (Sidebar, Thank you StarTimes for commentary…it’s much more fun than me trying to slow mo videos to spy player numbers)
Rosenborg 2 – 3 Molde [M]
Again Kristoffer Zachariassen had a beautiful header, but it was not enough to overcome some extra sloppy defending both at the start and the close of the match. Rosenborg continues to click on the attack..one the back foot…not so much (oh for a return of Tore Reginiussen).
Emelec 1 – 4 Talleres [M–Copa Sudamerica]
Coming in Emelec controlled their destiny. When Talleres took the lead within a quarter of an hour, it started to slip away, and before you knew it the team that had led the group from the first day was on the outside of the knock out round looking in and wondering what went wrong.
News & Notes
You Go Yogi
After saving Ross County from relegation, John Hughes step aside from his position at Ross County. Now the board will look for a new manager to boost the team up the table next year.
Bringing the Frank Pain
The Loons finally finished the transfer for Argentine winger Franco Frangapane (who you might remember from such contests as against Emelec a few weeks ago…but not this week, thankfully). The Loons’ offense has been real bad ineffective, so with him and Frenchman Adrien Hunou there’s hope that the second half of the season is more successful (or at least entertaining) than the first.
Player of the Week
We had hoped there would be some heroics in Belgrade to award, but aside from one critical tackle there just wasn’t much going on. Meanwhile, it’s just to easy to award Kristoffer Zachariassen especially when he Krist-offers so many goals! (Seriously, I’m really enoying watching Schitt’s Creek with your mom and these are almost too easy to write.)
Standings Update
Vozdovac, Grenoble, and the Freiburg men hit the break this week. As we hit the summer there will be several teams taking a break while national team competitions grab the spotlight. We’ll keep updating events as Rosenborg and Emelec try to track down the Grizzlies.
| Team | W | D | L | PPG | GFA | GAA |
| University of Montana–b | 9 | 0 | 2 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 0.6 |
| Emelec | 13 | 4 | 6 | 1.87 | 1.5 | 1.1 |
| Rosenborg BK | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1.83 | 2.5 | 1.3 |
| Grenoble Foot-b | 10 | 7 | 8 | 1.48 | 1.2 | 1.1 |
| Punjab FC–b | 7 | 4 | 6 | 1.47 | 1.2 | 0.9 |
| Ross County–b | 8 | 2 | 9 | 1.37 | 1.3 | 1.5 |
| Legon Cities FC | 7 | 5 | 7 | 1.37 | 1.3 | 0.8 |
| Freiburg | 11 | 4 | 13 | 1.32 | 1.6 | 1.7 |
| 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 | 0 | 4 | 1.00 | 0.8 | 1.7 |
b–Team is between seasons
What’s Next
Wednesday, May 26th
Thursday, May 27th
Sandefjord v. Rosenborg [M]
Friday, May 28th
Saturday, May 29th
Rosenborg v. Kolbotn [F]
Real Salt Lake v. Minnesota United
Emelec v. LD Juvenil [F]
Sunday, May 30th
Ashanti Gold v. Legon Cities FC
Rosenborg v. Stabaek[M]
Emelec v. Independiente del Valle [M]
MacKenzie's Boot Room 