Week 1: Ringing in the New Year

January 6, 2021 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Hibernian 0 – 2 Ross County

Having run to Easter Road on our last trip to Edinburgh, it was very cool to see a stadium that I knew in action. Even cooler was getting to watch part of the match thanks to the magic of technology and the free time of a necessary construction of Alex’s new bed frame. Even though you should have been napping Alex, it was also great to share a match with you and hear you cheer for “the blue guys” with gusto. To cap it all off, County started the year off with a win thanks to some great wing play and counter attacking style with Ollie Shaw scoring against his old club.

Hoffenheim 1 – 3 Freiburg [M]

The German League returned from their haitus faster than most, and it came at a great time for an in form Freiburg. Baptiste Santamaria has gone largely unsung on this blog, but the newcomer has been a vital part of the Freiburg midfield during their return. His booming goal kicked off a great showing, while Vincenzo Grifo picked up his personal best 7th goal in one season.

Liberty Professionals 1 – 0 Legon Cities FC

Again, Legon Cities proved that they have a top tier defense. (They finished third in fewest goals allowed in our table last year). But when the offense again comes up empty it doesn’t take much to lose the match. It makes 630 minutes without a goal from free play…any time Baby Jet….any time…

Ross County 1 – 1 St. Johnstone

John Hughes continued whatever weird science it is that has helped him in the turn around project in Dingwall. Given recent form, every point is deeply appreciated. Ross Draper and Stephen Kelly did a fine job slowing down the game in the middle and keeping things organized.

Clermont Foot 2 – 0 Grenoble Foot 38

2020 was not as great a kick off for Grenoble. They dropped their first competitive match since mid-October and none of our recently rewarded players (Jordy Gaspar, Jerome Mombris, or Jessy Bennet) looked particularly effective. The loss drops them down to third place in Ligue 2 with one more match before the midseason marker.

News & Notes

Transfer Time

The Winter Transfer window opened up and gave fans a lot to dream on. Though fewer players switch sides in the winter, it does happen.

Rosenborg has had a few players take off with Pa Momodou Konate and Vegar Eggen Hedenstad saying Ta-Ta to Trondheim. Meanwhile young Marvin Pieringer from Freiburg’s youth side left top of the table Freiburg II for more seasoning in the second tier of German soccer (with the well named: Wurzburger Kickers).

Punjab Takes to the Pitch

It’s been 10 months since Punjab played a competitive match, a lot has happened in that time. Beyond, you know, the world and what not, the team has changed owners, names, kits, and a big chunk of players. The season will take place in the Mumbai Bubble (not as cool sounding as the Bombay Bubble…but more respective of the people who, ya know, live there). Fingers are crossed that the new look Warriors shine again.

The new color scheme is for sure in line with the colors most associated with Punjab.

Best as I can tell, only two players return from the 2020 edition of Punjab FC: Defender Anwar Ali, and Midfielder Sanju Pradhan. But the squad will bring on Bhutanese striker Chenchyo Gyeltshen, which will give me a reason to talk about the Land of the Thunder Dragon, and I’m always okay with that.

Player of the Week

Granted, I may be biased because I watched him play, and because I may be wrong in my assessment of John Hughes’ revised game plan, but for me, Jermaine Hylton’s wing play was instrumental to Ross County’s strong showing to start the year.

Standings Update

I’m going to try to keep this up to date more effectively this year than last year, so I’ll use it each week to see if that helps.

Freiburg takes the top spot for now with 3 points in their one game, while Ross County sits second and Grenoble sits in an uncomfortable bottom spot.

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
SC Freiburg	1	0	0	3	3	1
Ross County	1	1	0	2	1.5	0.5
Legon Cities FC	0	0	1	0	0	1
Grenoble Foot 38	0	0	1	0	0	3
Rosenborg BK	0	0	0	–	–	–
Minnesota United	0	0	0	–	–	–
Emelec	0	0	0	–	–	–
Vozdovac FK	0	0	0	–	–	–
Punjab FC	0	0	0	–	–	–
Alebrijes de Oaxaca	0	0	0	–	–	–
University of Montana	0	0	0	–	–	–

Table Updated 12/31/2020

What’s Next

Wednesday, January 6th

Thursday, January 7th

Friday, January 8th

12:00 Legon Cities FC v. WAFA

Saturday, January 9th

4:30 AM Punjab FC v. Aizawl

8:00- Grenoble v. Auxerre [M]

8:30 Freiburg v. Koln [M]

9:00 Livingston v. Ross County

Sunday, January 10th

Monday, January 11th

Tuesday, January 12th

9:00 Venados v. Alebrijes

Year 1

January 2, 2021 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I started this blog a year ago thinking it would be a fun thing to do during the season with a little light reflection during the summer. Instead the entire world turned upside down and I found myself trying to make meaning from press releases in March and bubble tournaments in August.

Here’s how things shook out in 2020 among our favorite 11 sides on the planet.

Final Standings

Team	W	D	L	PPG	GFA	GAA
Rosenborg BK	27	13	10	1.88	1.74	0.96
Minnesota United	13	6	6	1.80	2.08	1.12
Emelec	17	9	12	1.58	1.71	1.03
Grenoble Foot 38	10	6	7	1.57	1.39	1.35
FK Vozdovac	11	2	12	1.40	1.60	1.64
SC Freiburg	18	11	18	1.38	1.36	1.53
Punjab FC	2	5	2	1.22	1.44	1.33
Ross County FC	11	5	18	1.12	0.97	1.62
Alebrijes de Oaxaca	5	4	12	0.90	1.00	1.52
Legon Cities FC	3	8	8	0.89	0.63	1.16
University of Montana	0	0	0	–	–	–

Table Updated 12/31/2020

As was becoming apparent by the middle of the summer, the longer Rosenborg’s women went undefeated, the more likely they were to win our trophy. In the end, Rosenborg’s Men struggled to finish off the season gave Minnesota United a closer chance than you might have expected in November.

Emelec wins my money this year for the best showing of a team whose jersey I didn’t own going in (but I’m seriously mulling doing something for Grenoble to shore up my fandom bonafide as they fight for *knock on wood* Ligue 1 promotion)

SC Frieburg’s struggles saw them slip to the middle of the table just above Punjab FC which has been idle for months now, and the Lady Griz must be licking their chops to finish above Asamoah Gyan and company in 2021.

Players of the Year

Rather than choose 1 best of best, given that my entire theme this year was coming together and relying on others, it only made sense to award a full team.

Up top, it should be no surprise that we chose the two most imperious scorers in our year especially given Marit Clausen’s sizzling summer and Farcundo Barcelo’s amazing autumn.

The midfield was trickier. There was no shortage of good candidates, but in the end we couldn’t ignore the excellent run of young Julie Blakstad, the superb creativity of Emanuel Reynoso, or the consistency of Vincenzo Grifo. Kristoffer Zachariassen claimed the last spot due to his goal scoring prowess and excellent control for a Europa League bound side.

We probably could have done more to recognize defenders during the season, but as center back was our own position of choice on the rough and tumble pitches of Great Falls, Montana we were proud to recognize the Grenoble tandem of Jerome Mombris and Jordy Gaspar. On top of that Dominique Heintz seemed to always be the answer to the question “how did Freiburg stop fill in the blank Bundesliga striker king from scoring?” And Alex Iacovitti provided the most iconic image of the most iconic win of the year with his delirious wheeling joy after sealing the win over Celtic.

There was no shortage of great candidates in goal either. We went with Vozdovac’s Miloje Prekovic whose arrival coincided with an excellent unbeaten run for the Red Dragons.

Our bench has two players we really struggled over putting in the top XI: Grenoble’s Jessy Benet and Minnesota’s Michael Boxall, but we know they’ll be ready to step up for a sixty or a six minute shift. We also got a chance to recognize all the other teams in our list: strikers Asier Dipanda, Luisa Espinoza, and Franco Arizala represent Punjab, Las Electricas de Emelec and Alebrijes de Oaxaca respectively. Klara Buhl will be the one we ask to fill in all over the field (the least she can do after leaving Freiburg for Munich). And Fatua Duda holds down the Legon Cities spot in the squad (the Royals may be bottom of our table, but Duda is the unquestioned leader and has kept scores low while the offense sputters).

We were sorry not to find a representative for the Grenoble women’s side (we’d love if the social media squads from Rosenborg and Emelec could show them how its done), and we hope to include more than a few Grizzlies when they finally get back on the pitch this spring.

What’s Next

I really like soccer. Like, a lot a lot.

I really like writing. Like, a lot a lot

Doing this project for a year reminded me how much I like both, and also how impossible it is to do both, and parent, and teach, and write what is burning a fire in my brain.

So here’s the plan Stans: I’m keeping this site alive. The annual fee is a small price to pay for keeping track of all the lectures you’re going to get in your life. I won’t post in it as often. (One weekly update, One monthly video with all three of us (barring tantrums), and one monthly commentary).

I’m going to work on writing other things I’m fired up about. But rest assured, I’ll always love sharing lessons with you boys and I’ll love sharing them over soccer matches too.

(Oh, and if this is being read by someone other than my sons, feel free to write a note below so they know other people are judging their dad too).

52. Lessons from 2020

December 26, 2020December 31, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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 things because 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.

Week 50: Turnabout is Fair Play

December 14, 2020December 15, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Independiente del Valle 0 – 3 CS Emelec [M]

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.

Ms O’Reilly meet Rosenborg, Rosenborg meet Heather O’Reilly. (Blakstad, Clausen, O’Reilly…I’ve got goose bumps).

Us 59 – 1 Trump

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.

What’s Next

Wednesday, December 16th

11:30 Schalke 04 v. Freiburg [M]

1:00 Javor v. FK Vozdovac

1:45 Livingston v. Ross County

Thursday, December 17th

3:00 CS Emelec v. Olmedo [M]

Friday, December 18th

1:00 Sochaux v. Grenoble [M]

Saturday, December 19th

9:00 Legon Cities FC v. Ebusa Dwarfs

9:00 Ross County v. Hamilton Academical

Sunday, December 20th

7:00 Bayer Leverkusen v. SC Freiburg [W]

11:00 Freiburg v. Hertha Berlin [M]

Monday, December 21st

Tuesday, December 22nd

11:00 Sandefjord v. Rosenborg [M]

1:00 Grenoble v. Troyes [M]

Week 48: Staggies Topple Celtic!!!!!

December 2, 2020December 11, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Legon Cities FC 0 – 0 Medeama

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.

Celtic 0 – 2 Ross County

HOLY HOLY HOLY HOLY HOLY HOLY HOLY HOLY HOLY!!!
SHHHHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!

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!

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–

Tuesday, December 8th

Week 43: Close Run

October 27, 2020October 29, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Vozdovac 3 – 2 Gráfica [Cup]

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

Alebrijes 1 – 2 Celaya

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

Union Berlin 1 – 1 SC Freiburg [M]

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

Motherwell 4 – 0 Ross County

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

Grenoble v. Nancy [M]

Postponed due to COVID

Emelec 0 – 0 CSD Macara [M]

That is a thing that happened.

Cincinnati 0 – 1 Minnesota United

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

Sarpsborg 08 1 – 2 Rosenborg BK [M]

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

Proleter 1 – 1 FK Vozdovac

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

Pumas Tabasco 0 – 2 Alebrijes de Oaxaca

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

News & Notes

Asamoah Gyan’s Homecoming?

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

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

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

Player of the Week

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

What’s Next

Wednesday, October 28th

7:00 Minnesota United v. Colorado Rapids

Thursday, October 29th

Union v. Emelec [M–South American Cup]

Friday, October 30th

Saturday, October 31st

10:00 Dundee United v. Ross County

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

2:00 FK Vozdovac v. TSC Backa Topola

Sunday, November 1st

6:00 Rosenborg BK v. Avaldsnes [W]

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

11:00 Rosenborg BK v. Start [M]

6:30 Sporting KC v. Minnesota United

Monday, November 2nd

Tuesday, November 3rd

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

Week 26: Auf Weidersein and Velkommen

June 29, 2020June 29, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Rosenborg BK 2 – Bodo/Glimt 3 (M)

This. Was. Epic. This match had everything. Captain Tor Reginussen digging the team an early hole with a silly foul in the box. A studs up challenge eliciting a straight red card for Birger Meling leaving us all to believe that RBK was doomed.

UNTIL….a pair of meticulously placed crosses unsettled Bodo/Glimt, witnessed a screaming volley from Anders Trondsen, and gave Rosenborg an unlikely lead with only 8 minutes to play, at home. Leaving us all to believe that RBK was a lock.

UNTIL….a pair of clinical passes slipped between an outnumbered and overwhelmed RBK back line. Meaning that Bodo/Glimt took the win, and Rosenborg coach Eirik Horneland headed for an exit of his own (see news).

SC Freiburg 4 – Schalke 0 (M)

In their last match of the year, Freiburg turned in a fabulous performance that emphasized how close they are to the next tier of Bundesliga sides. While Schalke has more resources, more recent history and a higher profile coach (hi former US International David Wagner!), they hadn’t won in 15 games, and Freiburg made it 16.

It’s hard to pick out my favorite part: two strong goals from Gian-Luca Waldschmit, two stellar assists from Christian Gunter to go along with his usual solid play at fullback, Vincenzo Grifo with another pin point pass to set up a goal. All in all the number of times you hear the wordless chorus to “I Will Survive” ensures it will be in your head until next season kicks off.

Frankfurt 0 – SC Freiburg 2

Saving the best for last, the ladies Bundesliga finished a day after the menfolk. And again, Freiburg has plenty of reason for hope. Sure Klara Buhl will take her talismanic ways to Bayern Munich, but Hasret Kayikci’s second goal in as many games means that the Lady Griffins end the year having won four of their last six. (I can’t find any highlights, so lets just enjoy the I will survive chorus a couple more times!)

Brann 1 – Rosenborg BK 2 (M)

Rosenborg got their first win of the season, but still made it interesting. Conceding painfully early to Brann gave them plenty to worry about, and Samuel Adegbenro’s early injury left them without their most dynamic play maker. But perhaps they just needed the pressure on.

As with the come back against Bodo/Glimt, Rosenborg again scored late and often. First a sweet end of the half strike from Even Haland tied the game. Then, a bonkers 90th minute deflected chip from Carlo Holse stole the points from Brann.

News & Notes

Horneland gets the hook

Eirik Horneland had built a bit of a reputation for stylish and attractive football over three seasons with FK Haugesaund. But that didn’t quite translate to Trondheim.

Horneland heads for the exit.
From Ole Martin World (Dagbladet)

Last January he was appointed to take over the title holders after the man who saw them to three titles and several double wins (taking both the title and the single elimination cup) Kare Ingibritsen. Ingibritsen’s excellent record in Norway won him more chances in Europe. (sidebar: Ingibritsen should be careful what he wishes for. After dominating Norway, his Dutch side barely ducked relegation, he was lured to mercurial Cyprus giant Apoel, and got dumped after just 45 days…their 11th manager in 7 years. Wanna come home Kare?)

The hopes that Horneland could duplicate the meteoric rise have turned much more into a asteroid-falling-from-the-sky kind of effect. After squeaking into the top 3 last year, this season began with strong but unsuccessful efforts leaving the giants of the league rooted to the bottom, 13th in a league of 16. The win over Brann boosted them to tenth, and there’s much more to play.

Deutschland, Deutschland, over already…

Grateful as we are for the Bundesliga leading the way for teams and leagues to return to action, we knew it meant they would be the first ones finished with their season. Still, Freiburg gave us some great football to enjoy while they were back.

They Ladies may have finished just below mid-table and far off the pace of VfL Wolfsburg, but they clearly played their best games of the season after the restart, and are just a short summer training session away from building on the momentum again.

Streich on side
(Robin Rudel for Pressefoto)

Meanwhile the men’s side seems to be on the verge of something special. This is not a team that can/will be satisfied with surviving the league any more. With Christian Streich re-signed and a squad strong enough to draw attention of big European sides, there’s lots of reason for optimism in the summer ahead.

Man of the Matches

No doubt about it Christian Gunter was critical to the superlative showing by Freiburg over the weekend. He may not always get two assists, but he has been invaluable in solidifying the boys from the Black Forest during the return to play.

What’s Next

Wednesday, July 1

1:30 Rosenborg BK v. Valerenga (M)

Thursday, July 2

Friday, July 3

12:45 Rosenborg BK v LSV Kvinner

Saturday, July 4

Sunday, July 5

1:30 Stabaek v Rosenborg BK (M)

Monday, July 6

Tuesday, July 7

26. Silence the Roar

June 24, 2020June 24, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Dear Boys,

In soccer, as in most things, the rush of a crowd’s support is a special type of thrill.

Professional athletes know this. There are plenty of trite claims about the roar of the crowd or effect of the fans like an extra player. But it’s true. An audience can inspire greatness. It does it for amateurs and in other arenas too. My biggest audiences–a couple dozen parents at ten year old soccer finals, a few hundred at a school play, thousands of neighbors strung along a 26 mile marathon course–certainly had an effect on me. I felt bolder, braver. Every kick or joke or stride brought a jolt of excitement and purpose.

Marathon Sunday (from City of Minneapolis)

But we must do without crowds in the age of pandemic. It is strange to see players playing their trade in front of a sea of empty seats. Many leagues have turned to ambient match sounds to replace the cavernous echoing thump of cleat against ball.

Still there’s something to appreciate in the absence of crowds and something to avoid in their presence. Despite the excitement that comes with being the center of attention, never confuse a crowd’s approval with your virtue.

Think of Vozdovac, where fans have been back at stadia for three weeks (despite serious health professional opposition–because Serbia).

Racist symbols at Rad (from Linglong Superliga Youtube)

In the three matches where fans were present, we have several highlights of fan sections adorned with far right racist symbols: Celtic crosses, Confederate stars and bars, Reichskriegsflagge. While I loved seeing those behind the confederate flag go silent after a goal, I know that Vozdovac’s Invalid section use similar imagery.

That makes cringe. It also reminds me that crowds create corrupted logic. The entire stadium is a crowd. The fans use the flags. The club tolerates them. The players build affinity for supporters and their symbols. It all creates a vicious circle.

The acceptance by all parties at a stadium makes it okay to wave symbols of hate, which makes more people fly it, which makes it easier to accept. The crowd has created a mass delusion that racist symbolism is fine, because its theirs and the crowd validates them.

Those same cycles occur in our own neighborhoods as well.

Hundreds of protesters have torn down monuments to vile, bigoted, people. Statues that honor those who pillaged, murdered, enslaved, and belittled people of color deserve to come down and I’m glad they did. However, the image of toppling statues to cheers can invite a generalized belief that such grand actions do good on their own. Across the St. Croix river, Wisconsinites angry at an unjust arrest tore down sympathetic statues. They didn’t have reasons why. The anger of the crowd vindicated these illogical actions which incite more anger, which leads to more illogical actions.

These muddled motivations are nothing next to those who defend the racist symbols. That includes our president who called statues of slave holders, military bases named after traitors, and symbols of racial animosity “our beautiful heritage.” (Just to make this clear: Serbian football fans aren’t advocating for a more agrarian society and decentralized government…they know it’s a racist symbol, that’s why they like it.)

If all you want is applause, what you do to get it says a lot about you. (From the Oklahoman)

Again, the crowd corrupts the logic. A group that wants so badly to be different than the protesters ends up defending an indefensible target. A man who thrives on the applause of others lauds the inane logic, breeding more distrust and enmity because the cycle of cruelty, to a cheering crowd, to cruelty continues without end.

A group of politically engaged citizens, protesters, or soccer fans is not, by itself, a dangerous group. But confusing the collection of people with the confirmation of righteousness is dangerous. Crowds aren’t bad. What we do to join, to animate, or to earn the praise of a crowd is.

As a counterpoint to Serbian Hooligans and racist dogwhistles, consider Vincenzo Grifo from Freiburg. He has long been a top tier player, thriving on big Bundesliga stages, and appearing for the elite Italian national team.

Now, even in empty stadia he continues to do his best. Among all the empty stands, he know who he is and loves what he does. He doesn’t need a crowd to spur him on, and one goal suggests why.

Consider the curling wonderstrike against Hertha Berlin. At a moment where many players might use the crowd to urge them on, the absence of support might mute your performance. Not so Grifo. He stands tall, delivers a great goal, and then runs to the nearest camera. He screams a greeting to his family and hometown. Even with an empty stadium, the inspiration and encouragement exists in his heart, his history, something far beyond a few thousand fans on a Friday night.

Grifo doesn’t need a crowd to do great things, and neither do you. By all means, enjoy a crowd, revel in the roar. Just don’t conflate a crowd with correctness.

Week 25: Welcome back Norway, Bye-bye Serbia

June 23, 2020June 23, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Rosenborg BK 0 v. Kristiansund 0 (M)

It was a great day at Lerkendal stadium. The sun was shining. The drone footage was captivating. The players were reunited.

Eric Pal Helland not scoring and Samuel Adebengro’s individual runs going to waste were after thoughts. The Eliteserien is back and we are grateful.

Here’s hoping the video from Norway works

SC Freiburg 2 v. Hertha Berlin 1 (M)

Coming off a draw that buoyed their chances for Europe, Freiburg got a vital victory to move in to keep the pressure on Hoffenheim.

After a raft of great opportunities went lacking in the first half, an absolute thunder crack from Vincenzo Grifo put the Griffins ahead (after video review had spared them giving up a thundering shot at the other end). After a foolish stumble gave the lead back, Nils Petersen again scored the kind of goal that older brothers use to domineer their little brothers all the time. Some goals are beautiful, some aren’t. They all count.

SC Freiburg 0 v. VfL Wolfsburg 2

Watching Wolfsburg play in the Women’s Bundesliga is a little like watching Duke basketball play in the Montana High School League. It’s the same game, and every opponent can have a good stretch, but the outcome is rarely if ever in doubt.

So Freiburg’s loss isn’t remarkable, but the fact that they held the champs to two goals, for the first time since a November draw against Bayern and only the fourth team all year to hold them under 3 (Bayern, FC Twente in the Womn’s Champions League and SC Sand on opening day). But despite a few solid goal scoring chances, it was Wolfsburg’s day dominating in the opposing box.

FK Vozdovac 1 v. FK Radnik Surdulica 1

Clearly feeling themselves in the midst of a fine run of form, the Red Dragons fired at Radnik Surdulica early and often. Seemingly every inch of space invited a shot, and while many had the look of Goalazos the ice breaker turned out to be a solid headed redirection with Lazar Zlicic elevating to nod in the aggressive attacking defender and captain, Nikola Mikic. The first goal seemed only to whet Zlicic’s appetite with his blasts coming faster and faster as the match wore on.

When Vozdovac failed to push in a free kick that seemed to run along the entire length of the goal line, Radnik capitalized. A straightforward cross could have been easily cleared, but Nemanja Pejcinovic’s foot angled toward goal and the gift was given and the points were shared.

Bayern Munich 3 v SC Freiburg 1 (M)

Munich had won another title so they didn’t have much reason to try in this match. But they are Bayern Munich, so, of course, they did. Robert Lewandowski did what he always does: score goals. A great run by Jonathan Schmid and a well placed tap-in from Lucas Holer gave us a little hope, but…it wasn’t to be.

That result, combined with Hoffenhiem’s win over Union Berlin ended any remaining daydreams of Europe for Christian Streich and company. But that’s all the more reason to start dreaming about next year!

Molde 1 v. Rosenborg BK 0 (M)

The reigning champions versus the eternal champions set up a rather tasty early fixture on the Eliteserien schedule. Molde wasn’t about to let the chance to bring fans into the stands go to waste, as for the first time outside Serbia we could hear timely, topical cheering (mercifully without the neo-nazi undertones).

The two sides showed their class in a pacy, back and forth match. Each side had clear cut opportunities, each had some urgent defensive lapses. In the end, the result hinged on two players. First, there was the rampaging class of Molde’s Ohi Omoijufano who seemed as confounding for Rosenborg as Minnesota’s maintenance of Lutefisk is for regular Norwegians. Second the lucky bounces of the ball from off Ola Brynhildsen, off keeper Andre Hansen back off Brynhildsen and finally off the post to deny Molde a second.

SC Freiburg 1 v. SGS Essen 2

The women from Freiburg had hopes of returning to winning ways, but it wasn’t to be against the side from Essen. The ominous omen for the rest of the match had to be Hasret Kayikci’s golden chance in the opening moments. Alone against the keeper Kayikci whiffed on her shot and may have earned some blooper music too.

Essen seemed to control the match the rest of the way, not withstanding a Janina Minge goal that bounced perfectly between the opposing keeper’s legs to remove some of the sting for Freiburg’s faithful.

Another attempted video upload, this time from the German Federation proper

News & Notes

FK Vozdovac wraps up

Ending much later than anyone anticipated, the Serbian league ended as it so often does: with Red Star Belgrade triumphant, Partizan Belgrade right behind them, and FK Vozdovac back in the distance.

While it may not have ended in hard ware, the comeback from an abysmal February to a respectable mid-table finish seems promising for the Red Dragons, and we hope that there’s more good news ahead.

Warriors Lose Starlet to Odisha FC

The awesome writers at the Away End, particularly the great and good Nehal are always our go to spot for info on the Indian game. This week the news was less than good. 17 year-old Thoiba Singh Moirangthem has left the Northwest. Though he wasn’t a permanent starter in Punjab, Moirangthem has the kind of potential you have to dream on. Or, if you’re a lower division club, sell on to try to keep yourself afloat during a pandemic.

Rosenborg add the Golden Boot Winner

Torgeir Borven lit up the Eliteserien for Odd last year, striking 21 times to top all players. That performance earned him a step up in profile and a move to the higher profile RBK to boot. He’ll start in August

Velkommen, Torgeir! #Børven2022 pic.twitter.com/zdHltlEuPD
— Rosenborg Ballklub (@RBKfotball) June 17, 2020

Man of the Matches

While I’m tempted to name a Red Dragon as a parting gift, or a Rosenborger as a welcome back present, we can’t keep ignoring Vincenzo Grifo. With the Griffins, Grifo has done it all to boost them back into Europe. Powerful spot kicks, masterful distributing, without him there was every reason to fear a slide toward relegation. Instead, we got the thrilling final month. (He even took a break in being awesome to say hi to his hometown) Grazi Vincenzo.

What’s Next

Wednesday, June 24

Thursday, June 25

1:30 Rosenborg BK v. Bodo/Glimt (M)

Friday, June 26

Saturday, June 27

8:30 SC Freiburg v Schalke 04 (M)

Sunday, June 28

7:00 Frankfurt v. SC Freiburg

1:30 Brann v Rosenborg BK (M)

Monday, June 29

Tuesday, June 30

Week 24: So Much News

June 15, 2020June 16, 2020 by scruffyrube ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Scores

Rad Beograd 0 – FK Vozdovac 2

It might be the scheduling, it might be the refreshing pandemic break, whatever it is, it’s working for the Red Dragons

After 6 games without a point, Vozdovac has won 3 in a row. They vaulted two spots up the standings, with the best performance of any Belgrade team since the restart. (Their 3 opponents stood, 16th, 12th, and 15th in the 16 team Super Liga, but they still are in the Super Liga)

The derby with Rad was marked with typical Serbian League struggle. The home team looked imperious, only for some sterling defensive work to save the day. Some bitter exchanges climax in a red card (this time for Rad’s Veljko Trifunovic who made a stupid stomp even more ridiculous with the biggest “come at me bro” body language outside your local frat house). Vozdovac made their advantage count with two goals in the next half hour as Stefan Hajdin slapped in a low bouncer and Dragan Stoisavljevic finished a beautiful team goal made sweeter by coming right in front of a Confederate flag. (Screw you systemic racism, and screw you Rad Beograd.)

Next Saturday, Vozdovac wraps up their season at home. Next season is secure, and Europe is too far off. But another win would be a great vote of confidence going into the summer.

(M) Wolfsburg 2 – Freiburg 2

When you give up 4 goals in 30 minutes, you need a lot of things to salvage a point. Two overturned goals and a pair of sterling finishes gave SC Freiburg exactly that in their do-or-die tilt for Europe on Saturday.

The Wolves could have sealed a victory early on, but Daniel Ginczec’s rotten luck saw two of Wolfsburg four twine ticklers get pulled back, while gargantuan Dutchman Wout Weghorst capitalized first on a volley and then on a penalty that played a part in cancelling out one of the goals.

The reprieve was reason enough for Freiburg to come back with a sterling second half. Lucas Holer’s diving header from Vincent Grifo’s cross pulled one back before the break, and Roland Sallai’s looping chip of a header won the point.

The draw kept Freiburg’s hopes of a spot in next year’s Europa League alive for now. Given the strength of the German league right now, the team need only reach 7th to go gallivanting about on a Eurail pass. Right now Hoffenheim has that spot, 1 point clear with three to play. Both sides have one likely L in the offing (against Bayern Munich and Dortmund). Hoffenheim plays the teams that are lower on the table (Union Berlin & Augsburg) while Freiburg have the teams in worse form (including Schalke with 1 point in their last 5). There’s a kind of trophy to be had in this weird season after all.

SC Freiburg 6 – FC Koln 1

Another week, another six goal shellacking by the women of SC Freiburg who, in 8 days, went from -14 goals to -3.

Our favorite wündermadchen, Klara Bühl scored again, but the battle to replace her saw Naomi Megroz score twice (I’d love to give more details, but I can’t seem to track down highlights).

To temper our joy, the Griffins have League leading Wolfsburg next. A team that let in 6 goals over the first six months of the campaign and skunked Freiburg 8-0 IN Freiburg last fall. If they rack up 6 on Wolfsburg, I will do the Gangnam Style dance for 90 minutes.

News & Notes

Best. Move. Ever.

Yoric Ravet is officially the first player to jump from one of our family teams (Freiburg) to another (Grenoble). Though he hasn’t seen the pitch for Freiburg this year, and only factored on the team sheet three times as a substitute, he has a strong history lighting up both Swiss and second division French football. The move will see him return to his first club, Grenoble, and hopefully give the French side a much needed offensive boost. (His twitter feed is a bit out of date, but the plethora of Grenoble cheering tweets will warm your heart)

Loons drawn into local crew

Last week I mentioned that Minnesota United would join a mini-tournament in Orlando. They now know their fate: facing fellow mountain/Midwest sides Salt Lake City, Colorado, and Kansas City. Given the friendly rivalry with KC and the barely restrained animosity with Colorado, this could get interesting.

Staggies Shuffle the Deck

Ferguson (L) and Kettlewell (R) planning
their next stratagem. (The Scotsman)

After two years, a cup title, promotion, and survival in the top league, Ross County have made some changes. Steven Ferguson leaves the technical area to be the club’s chief executive, covering signings as well as academy plans. Stuart Kettlewell takes some control of the first team while veteran midfielder Don Cowie retirés to join the coaching staff and captain Marcus Fraser moves on to new pastures after turning down a County contract.

Legon Cities Eyes the Axe

With a six week restart still required and a lot of the season left to play, Legon Cities and a number of other sides in Ghana seem to prefer cancelling the remaining season and starting afresh in the fall. Whether or not the local federation would approve with the tv money at risk and a battered reputation to clean up, remains to be seen.

Man of the Matches

Give some credit where it is well due, even without scoring a goal, Vazdovac defender Nikola Mikic made all the right moves under the floodlights in Belgrade. He broke up early goal scoring opportunities, added pressure to unnerve big runs and kept his team calm while Rad broke down in dissent with the officials and frustration with each other. Hat tip to you Nikola.

Nikola Mikic rocking scarves and beards with pride

What’s Next

Tuesday, June 16

11:00 Rosenborg BK v. Kristiansund (M)

1:30 SC Freiburg v Hertha Berlin (M)

Wednesday, June 17

7:00 SC Freiburg v. VfL Wolfsburg

Thursday, June 18

Friday, June 19

Saturday, June 20

8:30 Bayern Munich v SC Freiburg (M)

11:00 FK Vozdovac v. FK Radnik Surdulica

1:30 Molde v. Rosenborg BK (M)

Sunday, June 21

7:00 AM SC Freiburg v. FC Koln