Category: 10 to Track

’10 to Track’ Weekend Edition soccer matches – World Cup, MLS, NWSL lead Sat.

The ten most important matches to follow for us – the newish American fans of the global game.  This is Noob’s mantra.  Come, Noobites – let us learn of the clubs and leagues of the world.

And please don’t mind the inanity.  And don’t feed the bears.

(Updated Saturday, 4:20 PM EST to include Sunday feature matches)

Saturday

  1. Sweden vs. England – FIFA World Cup

The oddsmakers favor England 19:1, Noob has read.  They are ranked 12th in the world.  Sweden – just 24th.  But England has had just about nothing but failure against Sweden in international play in recent years.   Believe me, the betting houses are sweating this.

Kane has been the star for England, unsurprisingly and yet much to Noob’s chagrin.  (Noob despises his club team, the traitorously-named Tottenham Hotspur.)  A name that gets mentioned less is Trippier.  He’s not one of their great scoring threats, but they don’t need him to be.  He holds the midfield defense excellently.  Look for him to be booting balls into the box on set pieces as well.  Betcha he gets an assist today.

Sweden don’t have any stars.  Marcus Berg is perhaps the most likely man to score for them.  Noob thinks Sweden will play this match defensively, hope to take their chances in penalty kicks.  England won their last match that way, but they’d had a hex on them in that regard for a long time.

And there you have it, Noobites.  Mini-preview success!  Enough to get you through any barroom soccer chat you find yourself in.  Now go, be free!  Search out more in-depth analysis, should you be so inclined.  Noob is, and will, too.

RESULT:   England   0-2    A dominating performance for “The Three Lions”.

Image result for Sweden angry

 

 

 

Is this Sweden supporter angry with Noob, or did his face just freeze like that before leaving home?

B.  Real Salt Lake vs. Dallas FC – Major League Soccer

With their monstrous win over Eastern Conference #1 Atlanta United on the Fourth, they have taken over 1st place in the West.  It was a surprisingly high-scoring affair at 3-2, as Dallas’ success has been predicated primarily on defense.

RSL got off their Noob-approved winless streak last outing with a shocking win over previous West #1 Kansas City.  Noob further approves another streak of suckitude.  “Real” my buttocks.   We’ve no royalty here, and I will proclaim my cause until there is change.

RESULT:   RSL   2-0

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Real Salt Lake, you have provoked also the ire and rage of Number B.

  1. Seattle Reign vs. Houston Dash – National Women’s Soccer League

How much is this North Carolina Courage’s league?  Seattle only scored twice in their last five matches, only one won, and are still #B.

Houston scored an impressive win over Orlando last match.  Noob was rooting for a 0-0 draw.  If there’s one thing The Management and I scorn (besides “real”s in ‘Muricuh) it’s cities built on swamps.    Anyway, Houston is in 6th. Top four make the playoffs, but the women’s season isn’t all that long.  They have little time to leapfrog teams.

RESULT:   Seattle   3-1

  1. Nashville vs. Cincinnati – United Soccer League

Nashville, you rascally little expansion upstarts, you.  Sneaking into the top three in the East.   Game of the year right here for you and the fans then.  #1 Cinci comes calling.

Wait, what’s this?  You’d lost two in a row before beating Atlanta II a few days ago?   Isle of Sodor Cup coverage has blinded me to your impressive beginning.  Apologies.

Cinci haven’t lost a league match since May 12.  They score, score some more, and then their fans continue to push for this to be an MLS expansion club.  And they likely should be.   Treeee-mendous supporters.

RESULT:   0-0

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Just for not realizing how good Nashville had been playing?   C’mon, ref!   That’s a yellow at worst.

  1. Suwon Bluewings vs. Jeju United – South Korea K-League 1

Jeonbuk has already opened up a nine-point lead in the table, just over a dozen matches into the season.  These two are Bth and 3rd.  If either is to have a chance at catching the leaders a move right now is imperative.

The top three in this – the 3rd-most highly rated league in Asia – will make the federation’s next Champions League.

RESULT:   Jeju   2-3    back of forth the whole way before the winner was scored at 88′!   Jeje climb to #B, Suwon drop to 4th (based on other match results).

Sunday

  1. New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls – Major League Soccer

The return of the Hudson River Derby is nigh!  In their most recent meeting in the U.S. Open Cup, Red Bulls embarrassed the Blues 4-0.

NYRB haven’t lost in five consecutive league matches.  Defense is their strength and theirs is superior to NYCFC.  Defense travels, and it doesn’t have to travel far today even.

The wild card factor today is that Red Bulls head coach just resigned.  He appears to be headed for a posh gig managing Red Bull Leipzig in the German Bundesliga.

RESULT:   NYCFC   1-0    The Blues move to #B, NYRB 3rd in the East now

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Yes, Jesse, that way to Germany.

  1. Portland Timbers II vs. Fresno FC – United Soccer League

The top eight in each conference in America’s second-tier pro league make the Playoffs.  These two perfectly straddle that thin line.

Portland II are on a three-match slide, and mostly against competition they were thought better than.  Fresno just stopped a two-game losing streak of their own with a shiny win over Sacramento Republic.

These two look the same on paper.  If momentum or lack thereof mean anything, expansion Fresno could tiptoe away with three points tonight.

RESULT:   Fresno   2-4    They remain 7th and 9th in the standings, but things for that last playoff spot are all the tighter now.

  1. Deportes Valdivia vs. Barnechea – Copa Chile

The Quarterfinals are on in Chile’s FA Cup.  These are both second-division teams, so a Minnow of sorts is headed to the Semis one way or another.  Neither is doing anything special in their league.

Barnechea needed penalty kicks to win their Round of 16 two-legged tie, but took down a Primera side.  Valdivia nearly blew a 4-0 lead against a fellow second-division club (agg. 4-3).  The winner here gets either Audax Italiano or Huachipato, both Primera leaguers.  This is the first leg of the tie today.

RESULT:   Barnechea   0-1

Image result for deportes valdivia 2018

  1. Djurgarden vs. Norrkoping – Sweden Allsvenskanliga

4th hosts 3rd as two traditional powers in Sweden face off in a league just outside UEFA’s top 20 in strength.

Norrkoping bring a little more offense.  Djugarden had a nasty three-game skid a month that is the only reason they don’t lead this league.  They’ve not lost in seven straight matches now.  Neither Hammarby or AIK are far ahead of them.

RESULT:   1-1

  1. Tampines Rovers vs. Home United – Singapore S.League

Sinapore’s is also a league just outside its federation’s top 20.  As such, it will send only one team to AFC Champions League, and even that’s not guaranteed.  They could be sent to the lesser AFC Cup.

Alibirex Niigata are 14-0-0.  But they’re a Japanese club’s reserve side, and so aren’t eligible for international competition.  The #4 club is also from outside Singapore, and so can’t qualify for international tournaments through this league, either.  So one of these two is almost certainly going.  Rovers are #B and play much better defense than #3 Home Utd.

RESULT:   0-0

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The Stags lead Home by four points in the table.

’10 to Track’ soccer matches: Globetrotting Friday

TGIGF!

Since the World Cup is bringing new Noobite eyes, here’s our m.o.  Noob normally previews the ten most important matches to follow for us – the newish American fans of the global game.

On Friday, we start with these matches of matches, but then span the globe!  Friday schedules tend to be light, so we pack our gear, head off for soccer hinterlands less-known.

Let’s get to know some clubs, leagues and locales.  Up, up, and away.

  1. Brazil vs. Belgium – FIFA World Cup

And then there were eight, Noobites.  It’s a shame these two are meeting this early in the tournament, being the #B and #3-ranked teams in the world.

Brazil managed only a draw against Switzerland (which also advanced from the Group Stage), but has handled business perfectly since.  They beat Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16, with both teams getting mouthy during and after the match.  Brazil star Neymar did his usual routine by flopping around on the ground like he’d been Tasered when someone breathed on him hard.

Belgium made a little history in their last match, falling behind 0-2 to the loveable Japanese team before storming back.  If Noob understand correctly, no team in WC had come back from down two goals to win (maybe win specifically in regulation time) since WEST Germany back in the 1970’s.

Belgium’s subs saved them, being more physical than the starters and keying their comeback victory.  Talk is that they will start with more “power” for this match, play some of those guys earlier. And Belgium has already been the highest-scoring team in the tournament. Still, star midfielder de Bruyne is who to watch – the team goes as he does.  For Brazil, it’s Neymar.

And there you have it.  Mini-preview, enough to get you through over-the-neighbor’s-fence chat level.  Now go, be free!  Google you up some deeper pregame analysis if the itch needs more scratching.  Noob will, too.

RESULT:   Belgium   1-2     Brazil headed one into their own goal off a Belgian corner kick.    de Bruyne scored the game-winner.

Image result for chatting over the fence

 

 

“Your soccer knowledge impress me.

Mytwitfacespacebookme sometime, you hunky yard-raker, you.”

B.  East Coast Diesel vs. Cronk – Isle of Sodor Cup

The Round of 16 continues, as does Noob’s seemingly exclusive online coverage of the inaugural Sudric FA Cup!  Let’s get to know our combatants.

E.C.D is one of the two clubs formed in Vicarstown, which is just across the water from Cumbria, England.  They dominated their Group, winning all three matches by a total margin of 10-1.

They’ve been projected to be included in the first-ever IoS Premier League in a few months, though barely.  Their inclusion seems guaranteed now.  Which of the three divisions clubs will play in will be in part based on how teams fare in this tournament.

Diesel are a big-boy team.  They control space in the end thirds of the pitch, are as close to a physical team as Sodor has.  Teams that have success against them control the midfield with ease.  E.C.D.’s guys aren’t fast.

Cronk are slated to be in the Second Division, and not expected to complete for the title in Year one.  They may be the weakest team to have survived the Group Stage.  That said, they did manage a draw against much bigger Tidmouth City after being blown out by Knapford Town.

From a distance, Cronk proper looks like little more than an overgrown estate on a big rock overlooking a valley.  It is a traditional and historic village, just oddly- (and coolly) placed, overlooking the pristine Hawin Ab valley in the center of the Isle.  The small villages of Abbey, Kildane and Maron are all nearby, providing a bit larger of a pool of potential players to draw from than perhaps some realized.  Might be why they’re having a measure of success.

The winner today gets either Tidmouth City or Callan.

RESULT:   E.C.D.  0-0  /  5-4 pk       Scoreless after 90′ is NOT something one expects in Sodor.  A pop-up shower good and wet the field about 10 minutes in and that affected the pace.  

Image result for Vicarstown Ireland hotel

 

 

 

Noob just rents a room above the bar, my fave watering hole in the ‘Vic.

  1. Portland Thorns vs. Utah Royals – NWSL

Expansion Utah are making a move on the Playoffs!  A home draw against #B Seattle was a fine result, and then they walloped horrid Sky Blue FC.  They’re just a point behind Chicago for the last postseason berth.

Portland are trending the other direction, a point behind Utah in the table.  They only achieved a draw with Sky Blue before losing to Seattle.  Hardly a terrible loss, but will the Thorns be energized or deflated after losing to their regional rivals?

RESULT:   Portland   4-0

  1. Penn FC vs. Bethlehem Steel – USL

Bethlehem are in 8th place, hanging onto the last playoff slot in the Eastern Conference by the hair on their Steely chins.  They just thrashed 7th-place Charlotte.

Penn are in 11th and loved to take the air out of the ball early in the season.  They hadn’t been as successful that style as fellow Pennsylvanians Pittsburgh Riverhounds.  They scored a lot more in June and are on a five-match unbeaten streak.

RESULT:   Penn   3-2

Image result for Bethlehem Steel ben stiller

 

 

Derek Zoolander — #1 supporter

  1. Persija Jakarta vs. PSM Makassar – Indonesia Liga 1

And now we Trot the Globe!  Welcome to the #27-ranked league in Asia, just a shade below average.   The drama is anything but, though.  Just over a dozen matches into the season and 18th/last place and 1st are separated by just ten points in the table.

And #1 is Makassar.  Jakarta are four points behind in 3rd.  Only the league’s winner will even possibly make the AFC Champions League.  They could be instead assigned to the lesser AFC Cup.

Fun Fact:  Persija Jakarta are “the Kematyoran Tigers”, named for a subdistrict in Jakarta.

RESULT:   2-2

  1. Lao Army vs. Lao Toyota – Lao League

We move now a little north and a little farther down the AFC league rankings (#35) to Laos!  This league has eight clubs, down from 14 just two years ago.  Noob’s sources are conflicted as to whether two teams are still being relegated annually.

If that’s still happening, Lao Army are set to get The Boot, second-to-last place.  They don’t defend.  Noob’s not sure they try.  And that’s a bad tach when #1 is coming to town.  Lao Toyota have more than 4x the goal differential of any other team.

RESULT:     now slated for tomorrow

Image result for city of sandalwood vientiane

 

Fun Fact:   Lao Army are from the capital, Vientiane, which translates originally as “city of sandalwood”.

  1. Selenge Press vs. Daren – Mongolia Premier

Asian league #41.  The winner here will also only qualify for AFC Cup, and a Preliminary Round at that.  But hey – they’re playing!  These are the 5th and 6th-place teams in the league, respectively.

Fun Fact:   Ulaanbaatar translates to “Red Hero City”.  Most of the clubs in this league are from there, the capital.

RESULT:   Daren   0-2

  1. Nam Dinh vs. Song Lam Nghe An – Vietnam V.League 1

Let’s yo-yo up to the top half of the federation’s rankings (#19).  Even up here, the league winner may make Champions League or Asia Cup.

Nam Dinh are about to not be “up here”.  They’re in second-to-last place.  Should they stay there, they’ll have to play a Relegation match or matches with a V.League 2 club at season’s end.   Nghe An are one of the most successful clubs in the nation’s history, but only in 6th this year.

RESULT:   Nghe An   2-3

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Fun Fact:   Water puppetry was created in the Red River Delta region, which Nam Dinh calls home.

  1. Mawyawadi vs. Rakhine United – Myanmar National League

Same situation here in the #25 league.  The winner might go to CL or AFC Cup.

Not that either of these teams need worry about that.  Mawyawadi are in distant last place.  They’re biggest team weakness:  football.  Rakhine are in 9th place, should spend their season trying to stay out of second-to-last place and getting demoted.

Fun Fact:   Nay Pyi Taw – the purpose-built national capital city might be the home of Mawyawadi.  or it might be the former capital, Yangon, that is their home base.  Noob’s sources are conflicted.

RESULT:   2-6   Rakhine

  1. Zaria vs. Victoria Bardar – Moldova Cup

We’ll end the Track making or way back westward into Europe.  This FA Cup is in its Round of 16.  Zaria are in last place in the top-flight league, but won the first match in this two-legged tie 1-4.  Victoria Bardar are a midtable, second-division club.

This is one of the most competitive ties going this round.  There have been about nothing but epic blowouts in between most of the other teams.

RESULT:   Zaria   4-1

Image result for Zaria Balti auction

 

 

Fun Fact:   In 2009, Zaria auctioned off a one-year player contract online.

’10 to Track’ Midweek Edition soccer matches – World Cup and Isle of Sodor cup knockout stages lead the way

Updated.  For her pleasure (Wed., 3:35  PM EST)

Midweek Edition is now complete.  Matches for Thursday are previewed, results for previous days are UP.

  1. Colombia vs. England – FIFA World Cup

So lots of folks think England intentionally blew their last Group Stage match versus Belgium in order to get a perceived easier path to deep in the tournament.  Noob thinks that sort of stuff might have made Colombia’s locker room bulletin board.

England looked dynamite in their first tournament match — against Panama.  They squeaked by Tunisia 1-2 with an injury time goal.  This team didn’t come to Russia with tons of hype.  They’re very young.

Colombia pummeled Poland and took down Senegal to win their Group.  But that was after a loss to FIFA-ranked #61 Japan to start their WC.  Admittedly, Japan surprised everyone and advanced.  And Colombia had been down to ten men after an early handball saw one of their players red-carded.

James Rodiguez is Colombia’s star and was injured in the last match, if not seriously.  He should be available, but may doubt he will start the match.  England = Harry Kane.  He has five WC goals so far.

And there you have it, mini-preview success!  This should get you through water cooler chat-level convo about the game.  Now go, be free!   Search out in-depth pregame analysis if your heart goes pitapat for such.  Noob will; his does.   (2:00 PM Eastern, Fox)

RESULT:   England   1-1  /  3-4 pk      England gave up their lead in stoppage time, then fell behind in penalty kicks before coming back to win.

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Is it always sunny at the water cooler?

B.  Houston Dynamo vs. LAFC – MLS

Watch this game.  Expansion club LAFC score like it protects their mothers’ reputations.  Offense galore!   They struggle on defense, but they’re still #3 in the Western Conference.

Houston is 7th there, just outside the Playoff picture.  The Dynamo look superb on paper.  But they lose a lot of close matches, earn very few draws.  Is it a toughness issue?

One of LAFC’s key offensive cogs is red-hot Adama Diomande.  The Oslo, Norway native scored seven times in June.  Previously he has played for Hull City in England’s second-tier Championship league.  (9:00 PM, ESPN+)

RESULT:   2-2     Houston scored twice in the 90′ to come back for a draw.

Image result for adama diomande funny

 

Noob had no idea the balls they played with across the pond were so odd.

  1. Cabalnoo vs. Crovan’s Gate – Isle of Sodor Cup

The Round of 16 knockout stage continues!  Let’s profile today’s combatants:

Cabalnoo stunned the Isle in the Group Stage, winning Group B.  They scored far and away the most goals (25!) in the three matches while also giving up the most (15).   That slashing, daring style is hardly unique on Sodor, where defense isn’t exactly a prized virtue.  But those numbers are nutso.  Will they continue in the same aggressive fashion, or become conservative now that the tournament is one-and-done?

Cabalnoo is such a surprise because it is such a small village.  They’ve been projected to start their league play in the bottom, Third Division when the inaugural leagues start in a few months.  They had to win qualifying matches just to get to the Group Stage.

It’s just small, idyllic village on a railway line.  A lot of milling takes place for the surrounding countryside farmers here.  But no other villages of note are fielding an official Club anywhere else in this south-central part of the Isle, so they’re drawing players from a bit larger area than many may have realized.

The story of Group A was that Toryreck wrecked all comers.  Crovan’s Gate is a pretty low-end average team that beat the other two also-rans on tiebreaking goal differential by just not getting housed by the winners.

The Village of Crovan’s Gate is the most southwesterly incorporated area on Sodor, though well inland.  It’s a hub for industrial equipment repair, and so has a lot of transplants from other parts of the Isle.  Perhaps in some way people coming to live here for those particular jobs plays into the strange nickname for the football club – “The Grumpy Passengers”.

RESULT:   Crovan’s Gate   7-8     Neither side led by more than one AND CG game back to win late.

  1. Reno 1868 vs. Real Monarchs SLC – USL

Noob shakes his fist at you, “Real”!   No royalty in ‘Muricuh, not now, not ever.  Utah is weird.  OK, now that’s out of my system.

Reno haven’t lost a league match since mid-April, but lots o’ draws means they’ve only climbed to 5th place.  Accursed-SLC leads the Western Conference and man alive are they tough to score on.  Last year, Reno scored on everyone at will, but this year is more defensively-oriented.

Noob thinks the matchup is a bad one for the Nevadans.

RESULT:   Reno   3-0     Then again, they were at home 🙂

Image result for Reno 1868 funny

Noob can’t quite put his finger on why, but Chris Weham just looks Nevadan.  No matter where he might actually be from.

Wednesday

  1. Dallas FC vs. Atlanta United – MLS

Atlanta is coming of a pasting of rival Orlando City.  Possibility of a letdown is here, though one would think travelling to the #B team in the Western Conference will keep them on their toes.

Dallas trail only Kansas City in that conference, despite having lost two of their last three matches.  They win a lot, yet haven’t beaten a truly good team sin a month (LAFC).  This will be an excellent test to see if they’re truly capable of being a championship-caliber team.

Atlanta is a goal-scoring behemoth, yet Noob believes their success starts at the other end of the field.  Veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan spent nearly a decade in the English Premier League.  He is used to directing intelligent defenses, has the team as a top-three unit in the East.   (8:00 PM, ESPN+)

RESULT:   Dallas   3-2    Akindele with the tying and go-ahead goals at almost 90′.

  1. Real Salt Lake vs. Sporting Kansas City – MLS

Speak of the leaders and they appear.  They hadn’t lost a match since April until lowly Montreal beat them two-nothing.  As perplexing as that may be, the road is hard for most everyone.  They’re an incredibly well-balanced team.  Noob thinks they will hold one for the #1 seed in the West.

RSL is a target of Noob’s ire and rage!   I will never tire of pointing out that ‘Muricuh has no royalty to dub anything “royal”.  The “Claret and Cobalt” snobs are in 5th place, but how?  They can’t score worth a darn and yet have only two draws.  Win or bust for them most every time out.

The Management has KC ties and will be cheering hard for them.   Noob hates to suck up to the boss, but I will be joining him in it.  (10:00 PM, ESPN+)

RESULT:   RSL   4-2

Image result for ire and rage funny

 

Noob bottles none.  But may head to a bulk store and stock up now.

  1. North Carolina Courage vs. Chicago Red Stars – NWSL

Chicago’s been enjoying a favorable run in their schedule, haven’t lost in four matches, and have climbed into a tie for 3rd.  Wonderful!  Now they head into the #1 Courage’s gladiatorial arena, equipped figuratively with only a dull stick.  Footyball death and destruction await them.

RESULT:   NC   4-1

Thursday

  1. Toryreck vs. Ffarrquhar – Isle of Sodor Premier Cup

Play on Sodor has always been unstructured.  Mini-seasons between quickly-formed leagues, small day tournaments.  It’s always been there, but very fluid.  Because of this, the new FA on Sodor had a hard time judging which teams would be strongest.  They went primarily on town or village size for putting teams into Pots for the Group Stage draw.

And boy was that method seemingly inaccurate!  Toryreck were the lowest-seeded team in Pot 4.  They had to play qualifying matches against other very small village teams just to get to the Group Stage.  There, they dominated, outscoring opponents 15-3.

Not too far inland from Knapford on the east-central coat, Toryreck used to be known as a lead mining area.  These days, the joke about the village is not to drink the milk there.  One of the two main dairies on the Isle is nearby, but now the primary mining is of uranium.

Ffarquhar is a larger village, known most for its general rock-quarrying.  The big Anopha Quarry isn’t even all that far north of Toryreck, and so these teams know one another very well.  The double F were pretty average during the Group Stage, but did enough to finish second behind East Coast Diesel.

The winner here gets either E.C.D. or Cronk in the Quarterfinals.

RESULT:   2-3   Ffarquhar

Image result for radioactive milk

 

 

Noob loves how someone designed this to show that milk goes in the glass to complete the danger-cycle.

  1. Engordany vs. Folgore – Europa League

UEFA’s version of American’ college basketball’s NIT has already begun!   This is the Preliminary Round, where FA Cup and #B-finishers from the lowest-ranked Euro leagues compete.

Engoradny finished #B in Andorra’s top domestic league last season.  Folgore was second-best in San Marino.  The Andorrans won the first match of the two-legged tie 2-1.  The winner will advance to play Lithuanian club Zalgiris Vilnius.

Noob doesn’t have a lot to tell you about these teams, Noobites.  The point is more to know that the event has begun at all.

RESULT:   Engo   1-1   /  3-2 pk

  1. Ludogorets Razgrad vs. Slavia Sofia – Bulgaria Super Cup

The Bulgarian First League’s 2018-19 season begins in less than three weeks.  Like in many nations, they’re league defending champs and the last FA Cup winner face off in a fancy exhibition to whet folks’ appetites.  The game is in Sofia, though not at Slavia’s home pitch.

Slavia Sofia did very well to win the FA Cup.   They didn’t do all that well in league certainly.  They didn’t even make the top 6 (of14) and make the championship subdivision near season’s end.  Ludo (and CSKA Sofia) steamrolled the rest of the league.

Slavia beat Levski Sofia in this event last year.  Still, if Slavia can keep this within a goal today, Noob will be impressed.

RESULT:   L.R.   1-0

Image result for Bulgaria impressed funny

 

 

Breed a rideable sheep-pig?

THAT impresses.

’10 to Track’ soccer matches for Relegation Monday – World Cup, Isle of Sodor, suckitude, and Lalas

‘T’will be an EPIC Monday.

Relegation matches, celebrating the suckitude of teams about to go down a league?  Check.  Oh, and did Noob dig deep to find them.

World Cup!  Natch.  Isle of Sodor – Knockout Round of 16 begins.

And for that last, we’ve brought in Alexi Lalas, American soccer hero.  You read that right.  The Lalas.   Noobites, it’s a special day.

  1. Mexico vs. Brazil – FIFA World Cup

Many an American has jumped on the bandwagon for “El Tri”.  Many others have bashed the former for it.  Noob holds no position.  Root for a neighbor; cheer against our rivals.  No lives or loves are lost over it.  And it anyone gives you grief, you poonch that naysayer right in the snoosage.

Noob’s research shows Mexico are 6:1 underdogs.   Brazil are the five-time champions and ranked #2 in the world, so it’s understandable.  But Mexico did beat #1 Germany (now out of the tournament), so nothing result here would be earth-shattering.

Brazil brings so much firepower, they will be hard to contain.  Neymar.  Coutinho.  Paulinho, too, if those first two get too covered up.  For Mexico, Javier Hernandez if their penalty box-prowler who will be looking for stickbacks.

And there you have it, Noobites!   Just enough to get you through water cooler chat.  Now go, be free!  Search out more in-depth analysis on the interwebs, should the Spirit move you.  Noob will.   (10:00 AM, Fox)

RESULT:   Brazil   2-0     Mexico apparently talked a lot.  Neymar, as usual, flopped a lot and got tons of calls.

Image result for water cooler gossip funny

B.  Brendam Harbor vs. Junction & Sheds – Isle of Sodor Premier

Now that the Knockout Round is here, a little about each of our competitors:

B.H hosts today’s match.  Brendam is one of the few towns seemingly large enough for two clubs, even non-professional ones on Sodor.  Brendam Harbor draws its players from the actual harbor area and southern city-proper.  Everyone on Sodor is a hard worker, but this is definitely the blue collar, working man’s team.

Brendam United plays just north of the city, further inland on this south-centrally located peninsula.  They are more “suburban”, if Sodor has what most would call truly “urban” areas.

While there isn’t much in the way of mean-spiritedness regarding much of anything on Sodor (occasional crossness, certainly), be sure that the Harbormen are happy the purported best team on the island in United didn’t make it out of the Group Stage.  Harbor are considered second-best, on the entire Isle even.  Once the first-ever IoS Premier League starts in a few months, we’ll all see who everyone truly stacks up though.

Knapford is a larger town than Brendam, one of the two “main towns” on the island. It sits on the central West Coast, just southwest across the water from southeast Isle of Man.

Just like Brendam, the town fields two clubs (Knapford Town the other).  Both have their blue-collar bases.  Historically, J&S have drawn from the eastern, more inland portion of Knapford.  The club was started by railway workers.  (Knapford Town is east “old town” Knapford, predominately dockyard and harbor territory.

Only five of the eight teams from Pot One – considered the best on the Isle – survived the Group Stage.  Here, two of them face off.  Brendam Harbor won group D with what few teams play much of on Sodor – defense.  J&S go totally the other way.  They allowed 14 goals in three Group Stage matches, still advanced with a positive goal differential.

Noob is on the Tweeterbox, and had the good fortune to get in a Q&A with an American soccer all-timer and current broadcaster recently.   His take when asked who would win the match:

“Shed’s in the bag.” – Alexi Lalas

The Lalas has spoken!   Now to find out if his words are truly, well, truth.  Let the Round of 16 begin!

RESULT:   Brendam Harbor   4-4 / 3-2 pk      What a start to the Knockout Stage!    The Lalas got it wrong.  Chalk one up for Noobstradamus!   Though I’m not sure anyone saw the unusual manner of it all coming.

Late, one of the J&S players must have misunderstood something one of the BH players said.  The Shedder replied with a very unkind comment – which will not be repeated here – about the Harborman’s Manx heritage.

For those less familiar with Sudric culture — they’re a kind people, industrious… but good golly do they dislike the Isle of Man/Manx. 

They’re long since tired out on jokes about everyone knowing Man exists, but that some think Sodor is a fictional location just because of the books and TV series set there.

So J&S played the last 15 minutes with just ten players, Brendam H. caught up, and pk’s went the way of the hosts.  The Lalas is forgiven; Noobstradamus is commended.

Image result for Alexi Lalas funnyImage result for Noobstradamus

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, so this has-been ginger is doing your prognosticating now?  We’ll see about THAT.  My vision says Brendam Harbor wins, 6-1!  I am Noobstradamus.  -I- have spoken.

  1. Huachipato vs. Deportes Copiapo – Copa Chile

Chile’s FA Cup is also in its Round of 16.  Here, they play two-legged ties instead of simply single-match Knockouts.  10-th place Premier side Huachipato won the first game 1-2.

Copiapo plays in Primera B, the nation’s second tier.  They are part of a five-way tie in the table for three of the spots in the league’s Promotion Playoff.  Their focus should largely be on league, getting up to Primera level.  Hauchi will take this match, sweep the tie.   (8:15 PM, GOL TV)

RESULT:   1-1      Huachipato advances to the Quarters!

  1. LDU de Quito vs. Universidad Catolica – Ecuador Serie A

#1 hosts #3 in a distinct clash of styles.   Quito have built their three-point lead in the table (five over Catolica) on the league’s best defense.  UdC is tied for the league’s top offense.

RESULT:   Quito   2-1

Image result for LDU de quito funny

 

 

 

Que horror, es el pirate-Noob!

  1. Samgurali II vs. Aragvi Dusheti – Georgia Liga III

Third-tier Georgian league – you keep playing on Mondays, Noob’ll make you famous(ish)!

The bottom half of this 20-club league is jousting for Relegation Playoff seeding.  Samgurali are in second-to-last, and Noob thinks it could get worse.  Dusheti is in 13th, and that looks right, based on their stats.  S-II aren’t even an even match at home here.

Fun Fact:   Stalin would visit a  Bathhouse 9 in this spa resort town (Tsqaltubo) where Samgurali clubs are based.

RESULT:   Dusheti   0-4

  1. Guria vs. Matchakhela – Georgia Liga III

Matchakhela are in last place.  Neither they nor S-II can score worth a darn, but Match are less completely-awful on defense.  Not that they will be able to stop #4 Guria.  That team’s just two points outside a berth in the Promotion playoffs.  They hear the siren call of Liga II and will not be denied today.

RESULT:   Guria   1-0

Flag of Adjara

 

 

Matchakhela’s region of Adjara is an autonomous one within Georgia.

  1. Kolkheti Khobi vs. Samegrelo – Georgia Liga III

#16 Samegrelo are an interesting case in that they’re GD could or should have them much higher in the table.  They belong in the Relegation Playoff, make no mistake, but if they’d seal some deals instead of settling for so many draws, they could jump several spots in the table.

This won’t be the day they move that direction though.  K.K. are #B, and excel on both sides of the ball.  They’ll win by a couple.

Fun Fact:  When aske, “How do you pronounce Samegrelo’s townlet of Chkhorotsku?”, the correct response is to enunciate very slowly, “I don’t.”

RESULT:   K.K.   1-0

  1. Mjolner vs. Stabaek II – Norway Second Division

This is actually the Norwegian third tier of football.  Noob told you it was a time of year to dig deeply for Relegation sensation-matches.

Mjolner are 4th in the league.  They’ve played one fewer matches than most and will likely jump two spots after pasting today’s creampuffs.

Said creampuffs are one-win Stabaek II.  They do nothing remotely well and they are in last place, as is appropriate.  They’ll be one of the three teams that gets Relegated to Norway’s Third Division.

Fun Fact:  Stabaek’s first team plays in Norway’s top flight.  They are awful.

RESULT:   Mjolner   4-3

  1. Melhus vs. Levanger II – Norway Third Division

Noob wasn’t kidding.  There’s a Trackable fourth division in Norway.  And we’re on it.  There are 84 teams at this level, broken up into six (presumably regional) Groups.

Four teams will get The Boot into the fifth division (yup, it exists!) from each Group at season’s end.  Group Five’s Levanger II are in second-to-last.  They couldn’t find the back of an opponent’s net if you set them inside it.  5th-place Melhus are pretty average, but could make a move up the table after whacking these weasels today.

Fun Fact:   Levanger (I) played in the Second Division.  They’re lousy, too!

RESULT:   3-3

  1. Lokomotiv Oslo vs. KFUM II – Norway Third Division

These are the 12th and 13th-place teams in Group One.  Noob Tracks and celebrates the downtrodden, but wouldn’t want to watch this one live.  Neither team scores much or really allows tons of goals.  This will be a zero-zero draw.

RESULT:   Lokomtiv   5-0    Well, Noob was sort of half-right…

Image result for lokomotiv oslo 2018

 

“Lokomotiv Oslo — we play behind a middle school.”

And their marketing department is hiring.

’10 to Track’ Weekend Edition (6/30-7/1) soccer matches – World Cup and Isle of Sodor Cup knockout stages begin

The ten most important soccer matches to follow for us – the newish American fans of the global game.  Even with a World Cup off day in the mix, let us bathe in hot, steamy footyball goodness.

Reminder:  Isle of Sodor Cup draw for Knockout Stage matchups is today.  Woohoo!

  1. France vs. Argentina – FIFA World Cup

Let the Knockout Stage begin.  One and done now.  Noob is still just previewing one match per day, even though Uruguay-Portugal is just as “important”.

FIFA ranks these teams 7th and 5th, respectively, but it is France that won their Group.  Argentina snuck through with a winning goal in the 86’ in their last match against Nigeria.  This is not a team coming in hot.

France’s star, Pogba, sat out the last Group Stage match since the team was comfortably through to this Round already.  He has a tendency to get complacent on the pitch at times, but it’s hard to imagine him going all space cadet in World Cup.

For Argentina, well, you know the name Messi.   Marcus Rojo may have gotten the winning goal in the match against Nigeria, but he’s not a source for offense typically.

And there you have it!  Mini-preview success.  Just enough to get you through water cooler chat.  Now go, be free!  More in-depth pregame analysis is out there on the interblag.  Search it out, learn along with Noob.   (10:00 AM Eastern, Fox)

RESULT:   France   4-3      Mbappe with a brace!

Image result for Pogba funny

 

Perhaps Pogba has fought for one too many aerials…

B.  Columbus Crew vs. Real Salt Lake – MLS

4th -place teams from Eastern and Western Conferences – fiiiight!

Noob loathes teams this side of The Pond with “real” in their names.  No royalty here!   Long live the Revolution!

And RSL confounds Noob to no end.  They can’t score, they don’t defend particularly well, and their goal differential (minus ten) demonstrates it.  Yet 4th.  In their last two matches, they’ve been torched by the lowly Galaxy and barely managed a draw at home against lowlier San Jose.

Columbus are in a brutal part of their schedule.  They haven’t won a league match since May.  They’ve only managed one goal in their last three outings, losing to LAFC, Atlanta, and a draw against Red Bulls.  Noob looks for the Crew to get back on track here at home and for star forward Gyasi Zardes to be involved prominently.  The native Californian leads the team in goals at 18 (in 18 matches played).   (8:00 PM, ESPN+)

RESULT:   Columbus   2-1        And Zardes scores on a penalty in the 6′

Image result for letter B revolution

 

 

Who cares about letter A?

Let’s talk Number B.

3.  Chicago Fire vs. NYCFC – MLS

Chicago haven’t lost in a month, but they’ve only one twice.  In 7th, they’re just on the outside looking in for the Playoffs.  NYCFC have been running hot and cold like crazy.  Noob thinks the East’s #B team is due for another dip.   (8:00 PM, ESPN+)

RESULT:   Chicago   2-1     A brace for Katai!

4.  Atlanta United vs. Orlando City – MLS

Tripleheader me!

Atlanta are still #1 in the East, but just had a perplexing home draw against lowly Portland.  But Orlando has redefined perplexing.  They staged a mighty six-match winning streak in the spring, but the summer heat has wilted them.  They’ve now lost seven in a row in league.

Given The Management and Noob’s feelings about city’s built on swamps, we’re rooting for Orlando’s downward momentum to continue, down like all their metropolis will sink into the marsh one day!   (7:00 PM, ESPN)

RESULT:   Atlanta   4-0       Almiron with a brace in the blowout

Image result for three heads funny

 

 

Triple-header.

5.  Orlando Pride vs. North Carolina Courage – NWSL

North Carolina started to fall asleep at the wheel a bit there.  I guess that can happen when you’re running roughshod over an entire league.  But in beating Seattle last time out, the ladies of Courage bounced back from an embarrassing draw against Houston and worse loss at home to expansion Utah.

Orlando now occupies the revolving door here at is #B in the standings.  Losing at home to Houston in their last match can’t be giving them confidence with the league #1 coming to town.   (3:30 PM, Lifetime)

RESULT:   NCC   0-3

6.  Reno 1868 vs. Portland Timbers II – USL

#7 hosts #6 out West, two teams dogfighting to stay inside the playoff picture.

Reno’s record-breaking offense of last season has slowed mightily.  But they’re on a five-match unbeaten streak just the same, riding the backs of their defense now.

They’re catching Timbers II at just the right time.  They’ve lost to OKC and Colorado Springs their last two times out, two of the league’s weakest.

RESULT:   Reno   1-0

Image result for Portland stinks

 

 

Wow, all of mytwitfacespacebook.com dislikes Portland.

7.  Buriram United vs. Bangkok United – Thai League 1

Back on April 1, Bangkok Utd. lost a match.  They then rattled off 11 straight wins before getting only a draw in their last match.  This may not be a league most follow, but this is #1 hosting #B, and in a top 10 league in Asia to boot.  Noob will Track.

RESULT:   Buriram Utd   2-1      Home team gets the equalizer in the 86′!

Sunday

  1. Spain vs. Russia – FIFA World Cup

They’re the hosts and they advanced.  No reason for Russia to not be thrilled with how things have gone.  But now things are about to get very real.

Russia being ranked only #70 by FIFA is no accident.  #10 Spain is a whole different level than they faced in the Group Stage, and they got drubbed by just Uruguay last time out.

Spain have been hard to figure out.  They had that all-time fun match with Portugal to start the tournament that ended 3-3.  But didn’t put Iran away like they should’ve, and then only earned a draw against Morocco.  On the other hand, Noob’s aware they haven’t lost since summer -2016-.

All eyes are going to be on De Gea, the superstar goalkeeper for Spain who has suddenly started struggling mightily.  Russia scored a ton in their first two matches, so perhaps viewers will be treated to a stellar match.

RESULT:   Russia   1-1  /  3-4 pk

Image result for de gea funny

 

David De Gea.

Alpaca.

Noob needs no reason.

  1. Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls – MLS

It’s getting harder to believe that star-laden Toronto will make a push for the playoffs.   They’re only six points in back of 6th-place Philly for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but 10th place gives them too many teams to leapfrog.  They can’t achieve any kind of rhythm match to match – a hard-fought 1-2 loss at touch NYCFC, but preceded by a high-scoring home draw versus a poor D.C. side… they’re a see-saw.

Red Bulls have been more consistent in league play.  Must be why they’re 3rd place and playoff-bound seemingly.  They did have a weird gaffe losing to Philly two matches ago, but that was on the road and in the U.S. Open Cup, not league play.  NYRB can overtake NYCFC for #B in the table with a win today.

RESULT:   NYRB   0-1

  1. Chicago Red Stars vs. Washington Spirit – NWSL

The Spirit are going to finish in 2nd to last.  They’re way up on dreadful Sky Blue FC, way behind the surprisingly-surging Houston Dash.  So today s about 5th-place Chicago, one spot out of the playoffs.

Red Stars have been making some hay in a favorable part of their schedule, have climbed to within a point of the two teams ahead of them tied for 4th.  Three more points today would serve them particularly well before the go get stomped in North Carolina next time out.  Washington shouldn’t be able to score on them today.

RESULT:   Chicago   2-0

Image result for spirit funny

 

 

 

 

Yeah, Noob’s still picking Chicago to win.

’10 to Track’ Globetrotting Friday soccer matches – MLS, Isle of Sodor Cup, and then to hinterlands barely known!

TGIGF!

It’s our day of respite from the World Cup.  The Group Stage has concluded and Knockout Round matches won’t start until tomorrow.   Hey, just more time for Noob and Noobites to do their usual jetsetting!

As always, we’ll start in locales at or closer to home, then the world is our oyster to explore!  Wait, that’s not right.  Exploring oysters.  Sounds like a sketchy euphemism.  No matter – to the sportsball!

  1. Minnesota United vs. FC Dallas – MLS

Noob wonders which team can right their recently-foundering ship today.

Dallas had been on a five-match winning streak and eight-match unbeaten streak before having to travel to Western Conference #1 Kansas City and red-hot New York Red Bulls.  Defense has been a bit of a bugaboo for them all year, and it failed them on the road trip.  They’re still #B in the West though.

Minnesota United is in 9th, but it’s hard to say they’re really in the Playoff hunt.  There’s a fair-sized gap in the table forming between the bottom four and the rest of the pack.  Even though they’ve won five matches (that’s ok), they have the almost the worst goal differential in the league (that’s ungood).

MNU have lost three consecutive league matches, mostly through lack of offense.  Forward Ethan Finlay appears out for the season, so that’s no bueno.   (8:00 PM Eastern ESPN+)

RESULT:   Dallas   0-1

Image result for no bueno funny

 

This was the first image Noob found when Googling “no bueno funny”.

I don’t like to usually go blue here, but wow.

B.  Dryaw vs. Cabalnoo – Isle of Sodor Cup

It’s the last day of Group Stage matches in the inaugural FA Cup on Sodor!  All four matches today have direct impact on Group winners and Knockout Round berths.   Here’s how things break down for this Group Number B clash:

Cabalnoo — #B in the Group, trailing Kirk Ronan by three in the table, but ahead of them on goal differential.  Win the match, win the group.  Earn a draw, advance as the Group runner-up.

Dryaw – They trail Cabalnoo by three in the table, but are down by six on GD.   Win by four goals, advance as Group runner-up.  Win by three, and they’ll draw lots to decide who moves on to the Knockout.

So far, Dryaw has been in low-scoring affairs, while the Cabalnoo matches have been wide open ones.  One would think advantage to Cabalnoo then, yet Sudric pundits tell me Dryaw is set to break out and can make the comeback.  It’s also worth remembering that defense isn’t particularly prized on Sodor in general.

Oh, and by “pundits”, Noob means various resident or long-visiting authors with whom he’s been drinking.  This is why Noob chose Dryaw for the final stop of the Group Stage tour today.  I get an extra day to drink and cause mayhem with other writers.

Many have made this large-ish village home for extended periods.  The Rev. W. Awdry and his son Christopher both did, though at different times.  CYOA fantasy fiction and magic-realism author Dan Heck, former The Fall Guy actor and now-screenwriter Douglas Barr, and poet Ronald Wallace are all here imbibing with me.   Joseph Tidy’s in my all-time fave watering hole.

RESULT:   Cabalnoo   5-10

Image result for Douglas Barr drinking

 

You want to drink with Mr. Barr/”Howie Munson”. 

Man has his own vino, owns Hollywood and Vine Cellars.

  1. Dundalk vs. Cork City – League of Ireland Premier

It’s a two-horse race for the league title in Ireland.  Defending champs Cork City have more wins, but trail Dundalk by a point in the table.  Both are on HYOOJ winning streaks.  Cork City won the last matchup between these two at their place, 1-0.   Cork are better on both sides of the ball, but if they want the trophy, today is the day to show it.

RESULT:   Dundalk   2-1    Winner scored in the 90′

  1. Lincoln Red Imps vs. Ditra – UEFA Champions League

This is the Preliminary Round.  League champs from the lowest-ranked leagues in Europe play for one slot in the next Qualifying Round.

A couple days ago, Noob featured Kosovar club Drita winning their first match here.  Now they play the Red Imps in a true road game in Gibraltar.  The winner gets to play 2017 Swedish league champions Malmo.

RESULT:   Drita   1-4

 

Fun Fact:  After Gibraltar entered FIFA in 2014, these guys were the nation’s first to play in UEFA Champions League

  1. Vega Real vs. Atletico SF – Dominican Republic Liga Mayor

Welcome to the Track!   Don’t think we’ve ever featured a match from here before.   We need to know all our CONCACAF neighbors.

Four teams will make the Final Series, vie for the title at season’s end.  Vega are in a three-way tie for 4th.  ASF lead the league, though not by much at all.  They sport the best offense in the country and the second-best defense.  This should be one of the most competitive matches anywhere today.

Fun Fact:   La Vega was one of the most important cities in the Western world circa 1510 thanks to gold discovered there.

RESULT:   ASF   2-3

  1. Gor Mahia vs. SoNy Sugar – Kenya Premier

Kenya’s has not been one of the stronger leagues in Africa, but they’re climbing into the CAF rankings (top 28).  Here, we get to meet the runaway #1 club and watch them almost certainly pummel the league #17.

GM score nearly half again as much as anyone else in the league.  Their defense is only matched by a few clubs that score barely of third what today’s hosts do.

RESULT:   GM   1-0

Image result for Gor Mahia funny

 

Fun Fact:  That’s not a hole in this GM fan’s shirt.  That’s an official iron-on image.

 

The Management:   Noooooob

*covers ears* la la la la la la

  1. Cheng Fung vs. Policia – Macao Premier

4th hosts 7th in the #33 (of 46) -ranked league in the AFC.  CF isn’t a threat to get win the league and Policia aren’t in danger of Relegation.  Still, this would be an entertaining match to watch.  The hosts average two goals per game and the visitors give up three typically.

Fun Fact:  Cheng Fung plays in Taipa, an island connected to Coloane by an artificial landfill.  (OK, not the funnest fact…)

RESULT:   CF   4-0

  1. Al Shorta vs. Naft Maysan – Iraq Premier

Iraq’s top flight sits just outside the top 10 in Asia.

Al Shorta are in 4th, not quite a threat to the league leaders or to get the one AFC Champions League berth assigned here.  They’re probably the second-most talented team, but they can’t quite to seem finish off deals, already having ten draws.  Naft Maysan are down in 10th.

RESULT:   Al-Shorta   2-0

Image result for police cartoon funny

 

 

 

Fun Fact:  Al-Shorta are the police-sponsored team in Iraq.

  1. Vakinankaratra vs. Elgeco Plus – Madagascar Champions League

The best Malagasay league doesn’t show in in CAF rankings.  But hey, they’re playing!  These are the #1 and #B clubs in Zone C, one of four equal divisions.  They’re just three games into their season.

Fun Fact:   Vakinankaratra stole letter A’s from my best Scrabble set and Noob wants them BACK!

The Management:   Nooooooob….behave!

No, not the wire coat hanger!  I’m not baring my shoulders for that again.

RESULT:   E.P.   0-1

  1. Inter Club vs. JS Poto-Poto – Congo Ligue 1

This is not to be confused with the stronger Democratic Republic of Congo domestic league, which is top four in Africa.  This league is #10, if not because of these two teams.  They’re ranked 11th and 12, respectively.

Inter are a little better than their current table position, should be able to score multiple times against Poto-Poto, who struggle at keeping the ball out.

Fun Fact:  Current NBA basketball player Serge Ibaka played with Inter Club’s basketball team as a teenager.

RESULT:   Inter   1-0

Image result for Serge Ibaka waving

 

 

So long for now, from Noob and Serge!

’10 to Track’ Midweek Edition (6/26-28) soccer matches – World Cup, Isle of Sodor Cup, and a surprise!

Noob’s going to tease out the Midweek Edition match previews day by day.

Tuesday

  1. Denmark vs. France – FIFA World Cup

FIFA 7th-ranked France are already through to the Knockout Stage.  #12 Denmark is just two points back, would overtake them with a win today.  That said, Denmark only need a draw to advance.  If they lose, Australia knock them out of the tournament with a big enough win over Peru.  Noob is curious to see if Denmark will risk the loss to try and win the Group for better Knockout Stage-seeding.

France’s Mbappe became the youngest player ever to score at A World Cup in their last match (he’s 19).  A worthy Denmark note is they’ve decided to start their backup goalie Madanda.

And there you have it, Noobites!   Mini-preview success, enough info to get you through water cooler-level chat on the biggest match tomorrow.  now go, be free!  Join Noob in exploring as much in-depth pregame analysis out on the interwebs as your hearts may desire.    (10:00 AM Eastern, Fox)

RESULT:  0-0      And Peru topped Australia, so these two favorites have advanced

Image result for water cooler funny

B.  Killdane vs. Glennock – Isle of Sodor Cup

Every team in Group G has a win and no draws as they head into their third and final matches.  High drama!

Glennock have a ghastly minus six goal differential, have to notch a win today for any chance to advance.  Killdane trails Junction and Sheds by just one In the GD tiebreaker, and leads Ulfstead by just one.  A draw guarantees them nothing today.

Killdane surprised bigger J&S with a 1-5 thumping in their last match.  Qualifier-Glennock eked one out their win over Ulfstead.  Defense isn’t much part of the Suddric soccer DNA, but look for the home side to really push today, score early and often, try to put it out of reach by halftime.

RESULT:   Glennock   0-2      And Glennock is through!   The only question is whether they’ll finish #1 or #B in Hroup G

Image result for unique tiny bed and breakfast

 

Noob’s B&B treehouse in Killdane.

It’s a small village, even by Sodor-standards.

  1. Santa Coloma vs. Drita – 2018-19 UEFA Champions League

Wait, CL already?   You betcha!   The four domestic champions from the four lowest-ranked leagues in UEFA play in this Preliminary Round for one slot in the Qualifying Round.

Santa Coloma are out of Andorra, while Drita are the Kosovo champs.  Noob thought we’d track this one since Kosovo and football have been part of the news together.  Swiss players of Albanian descent have been making the double-eagle sign on the pitch at World Cup, seemingly supporting the disputed nationhood of Kosovo.  The match between the champs from Gibraltar and San Marino is of the same importance really.

RESULT:   Drita   0-2    The Kosovars are through to this Round’s final where they’ll face Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps.  Drita scored two extra period-goals for the win.

Wednesday

  1. Mexico vs. Sweden – FIFA World Cup

All four WC matches today have direct implications on which teams will advance from Groups E and F.  (When pods of four play just a single round-robin, not unexpected, Noob understands.)  We’ll focus on the one involving a CONCACAF team that can advance.

Sweden and Germany trail Mexico by three points and two in the goal differential-tiebreaker.  For “El Tri” to not make the Knockout Stage, Germany has to pound South Korea and Sweden win this one by multiple goals.

Andres Guardado hasn’t scored from his midfield position during this tournament, but he’s the Captain and the player to watch today.  Mexico will play for the win, but possession time will be a critical, particularly is Sweden happen to be in the lead late in the match

Ola Tovoinen for Sweden had a brutally bad year in Ligue 1 in France, but has already scored in Russia.  Look for him to be involved if Sweden is to register three points today.   (10:00 AM, Fox, Telemundo)

RESULT:   Sweden   0-3     So both these teams are through to the Knockout  Stage, Sweden winning the Group.  

Perhaps the biggest news is that this means defending champion-Germany is out.  They lost to lowly South Korea 0-2 today.

Image result for Andres Guardado funny

 

Guardado’s coif has never even heard of Fabio’s flowing locks.

  1. Wellsworth vs. Castle Rolf– Isle of Sodor

Like World Cup, the Group Stage is getting to its climactic end.  With one match left for everyone in Group E, no one has yet been eliminated or procured advancement to the Knockout Stage.  High drama!

Tiny little Wellsworth – expected to be a doormat in the coming league Second Division – lead Castle Rolf and Warwick by two in the table.  If they can even hold onto a draw today against future Premier Leaguers Castle Rolf, they move on.  That same said draw would guarantee Castle Rolf nothing.  Nor does a loss mean that they won’t move on.

Check out the table on the IoS Cup Page near top right of this site’s main Page.  Just remember that goal differential is the first and only tiebreaker before they just flip a coin.  (Goal differential and total goals scored wouldn’t be equitable because the matches are not on neutral grounds.)

RESULT:   5-5     The draw is enough to put Wellsworth through to the Knockout Stage., though not necessarily as Group winner.  

If Harwick and Suddery draw in the Group’s final match, Castle Rolf will almost certainly still advance on GD.  If either wins, that club will advance and knock. C.R. out.

  1. FC Sheriff vs. FC Milsalmi Orhei – Moldova National Division

Welcome to the #33 (of 55) -ranked league in UEFA!

These two finished #1-#B last season and occupy the same positions today.  Sheriff is the country’s primary powerhouse though.  They’ve scored a third again as many goals as any other team in ’18.  But the Red Eagles trail them by just three in the table.  The season here is about a third of the way through.

RESULT:   0-0

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Is that tourist carrying a bowling ball bag?

  1. Suduva vs. Zalgiris Vilnius – Lithuania A Lyga

What’s that you say, you enjoy #1/#B matchups and demand more?  Ask and receive, Noobites!

This league’s over halfway done and Suduva are stating to cruise, eight points up on the movie bad guy-named club in the world.  Zalgiris Vilnius needs to get ahold of some kryptonite and battle Superman in a movie theatre near Noob before too long.  Suduva are the real bad boys though – best O and D in the league.

RESULT:   Z.V.   0-1

Thursday

  1. England vs. Belgium – FIFA World Cup

These two have both already qualified for the Knockout Stage.  The question is which will get the superior seeding that comes from winning Group G.

They are tied in every way down to the seventh criterion, which is Fair Play.  If they tie today, England has the lead – barely.  But if they are naughtier than Belgium (yellow and red cards), they could still lose on this tiebreaker.  If they end tied in that regard as well, then there will be a drawing of lots.   That would be epic!

There seems to be some question as to whether England will start superstar Harry Kane, who has five goals in the WC so for.  They may rest him for the next round.  Two of Belgium’s biggest stars – Eden hazard and Lukaku – both were injured in their last match against Tunisia.  They may not be serious ouchies, but Belgium still could rest them, too.

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Andre demands Fair Play.

  1. Panama vs. Tunisia – FIFA World Cup

“Proshchay”, Panama and Tunisia.  Noob gives you propers for this, your last match before heading home.  These are Group G’s two point-less sides.

Kazri got both a goal and an assist in Tunisia’s last match.  If they are to end their 40-year streak of no WC wins, he will be involved.  For Panama, their celebrated player now is Baloy.   He got them their only goal in their last game, their first in this their first WC ever.

  1. Ulfstead vs. Junction & Sheds – Isle of Sodor Cup

And we stay in Group G.  Hello from Ulfstead!  Glennock lead this Group and have qualified to advance to the Knockout Stage already.

These two are #3 and #2, respectively – tied on points in the table, J&S up on goal differential.  So here’s the sitchie:   If they draw, Glennock wins the Group and J&S is #B.  If either team here wins, that team is the Group G winner and Glennock advances as #B.

If they play as they have so far, Ulfstead will try to keep the score low.  There’s a better-than-average chance of rain in the forecast, which could play a critical role toward that.  J&S like to run, run, run.  This is their first road match, so it will also be interesting to see if they handle hostile territory well.  Well, it’s Sodor.  Not “hostile”, but still.

Quirky note about Ulfstead — the Earl of Sodor position is based here, in NW-central Sodor.  But the name of the family line that holds it is “Norramby”, the name of a seaside resort village on the east coast.

Restored mine tipple in Nuttalburg (West Virginia) #wvtq

So long from Ulfstead!  Here’s Noob’s B&B — a restored and converted mine tipple.

(Slate is still quarried in the general area.)

’10 to Track’ soccer matches for Relegation Monday! Plus World Cup, Isle of Sodor Cup

The ten most important matches to follow for us – the newish American fans of the global game.  It’s what we do.

Monday, we hit the few big games on the slates, then turn out attention to teams about to possibly be dropped from their leagues for putrid performance.  Relegation Monday!

  1. Iran vs. Portugal – FIFA World Cup

Time to start the third and final matches in Group B!

Iran is in 3rd and must win today to advance, despite being only one point behind Spain and Portugal both.  One of their best players has yet to break out and score, Sardar Azmoun.  He plays in the Russian Premier League, one of the top ten in UEFA.

Portugal would advance with even a draw.  It will be interesting to see what pace, how defensively they play.  They are tied with Spain on both points and goal differential, but behind on the next tie breaker (“Fair Play’ points).  Will Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. push for a win and hope Spain can’t beat already-eliminated Morocco?  Winning the Group makes a difference in where a team is seeded for the Knockout Stage.

And there you have it!  Mini-preview success.  Just enough to get you through water cooler-chat.  Now go, be free!  Noob will be searching out deeper pregame analysis, invites you to do likewise, Noobites.  Our education is important.   (2:00 PM Eastern, Fox, Telemundo)

RESULT:   1-1    Portugal advances, though Spain wins the group by virtue of the second tiebreaker (total goals scored, 6-5).

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He learned footyball powers.  

We can, too.

B.  Suddery vs. Wellsworth – Isle of Sodor Cup

Ah, the Capital.  it’s good to be back.   You are deserving of the distinction of Number B.

These are the last two teams to be playing their second of three Group Stage matches.  So far, every match in this Group has ended in a draw, so the action is hot.

Suddery will likely start in the Premier division this coming and first-ever league season on Sodor.  They aren’t expected to do better than midtable.  In future years, that could get worse, too.  Word already is that the Capital will have a second club before long.

Wellsworth are expected to play in the Second Division, yet probably be a relegation candidate.  Small town.

RESULT:   Wellsworth   3-4      Check out the Isle of Sodor Cup Page link near the upper right of the home page for standings.

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Noob enjoyed drinking tonight with blind-Jeff Daniels and this other guy at Rover’s Return, Suddery.

  1. Thor Akureyri vs. Stjarnan – Iceland Cup

It’s the Quarterfinal knockout round in this FA Cup.  Thor Akureyri are one of two second-division clubs still playing.  They’re in 4th in their league.  Perennial power Stjarnan are #B in the Urvlasdield (top flight).  The home side’s name may sound cool, but they’d do well to keep this within a goal today.

RESULT:   Stjarnan   1-2

  1. Dinamo Brest vs. Gorodeya – Belarus Premier

Welcome back, Gorodeya!  Still in last place, Noob sees.  Good news though.  With a win, you’d climb over two clubs and out of the Drop Zone, for the moment.   A draw is far more likely though.  Why?  Midtable Dinamo Brest has earned draws in seven of their twelves games.

RESULT:   DB   5-2

 

 

Loving the font particularly

  1. Mariehamn vs. Kemi – Finland Veikkausliga

Kemi are in second-to-last place.  Whichever team finishes there will play a second-tier club for the right to play top-flight in 2019.

Mariehamn are one of the clubs that could end up there as well, just one spot higher in the table.  The home team today favors a higher-scoring game, so look for multiple goals both ways here.

Fun Fact:  The Kemi Kings have finished as high as 8th in Finland’s FA Cup

RESULT:   Mariehamn   2-1

  1. Pulau Pinang vs. PDRM – Malaysia Premier

Don’t be confused by the name – this is one of countries that uses “premier” to denote their second-highest league (“Super League” being higher).

Pulau Pinang are sort of in second-to-last.  Kuantan FA have been disqualified from play for financial issues, are listed with zero points, and appear set to be Relegated because of that.  P.P. can’t score, plain and simple.  PDRM are tied for #B, but have overachieved so far.   Could an upset be brewing?

RESULT:   Pinang   3-1     It’s a Relegation Monday miracle!

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Pinang Ultras Panthers supporters group throw toilet paper rolls on the pitch pregame traditionally.

  1. Aral Nukus vs. Xorazm – Uzbek Pro League A

Second-level Uzbek ball?  Yes, please!  Hey. They’re playing.

The league has just nine teams, yet two will be giving The Boot at season’s end.  Aral Nukus are in last.  Wanna know what’s Malay for “defense”?  Don’t ask Noob.  And don’t ask this club.  They’re the worst in that regard, and it’s not close.  Xorazm are midtable.

Fun Fact:   Aral Nukus played in the Soviet Second League for a deacde in the ’70s and ’80’s.

RESULT:   Xorazm   0-3

  1. Norin vs. Mash’al – Uzbek Pro League A

Double dip!  Norin are just a point ahead of Aral Nukus in the table, also in position to get moved down to Pro League B.  They will get housed by the league #1 today.  Worst offense, second-worst defense.

RESULT:   Norin   2-1    An even mightier Relegation Monday miracle!

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Norin’s Namangan region is famous for the  Beqasam (silk type) national dresses.

  1. Yozyovan vs. Lokomotiv BFK – Uzbek Pro League B

Hey, if you find a La Liga, Bundesliga, or English Premier match Noob’s not seeing on the world slate, lemme know.  Pretty sure they’re still in off-season.  So to the third tier we go!

This league is nine teams as well, also with two teams guaranteed to get moved down to the Regional Leagues.  BFK are in last, don’t look statistically like they have it in them to rise more than a spot in the table at best.  Fun-to-say Yozyovan are pretty average.

Fun Fact:   The Fergana Region where the village Yozyovan is located borders both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

RESULT:   Yoz   2-1

10.  Matchakhela vs. Aragvi Dusheti – Georgia Liga III

Welcome back, last place-Matchakhela! The Track has missed you.  Still figuring out the rules, Noob sees.  Try scoring.  At all.  This will improve your chances.  #13 (of 20) Dusheti at home might be the best win you’re capable of snaring this year.

RESULT:   Dusheti   2-3

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The ancient Roman fortress Gonio in Matchakhela’s base town is rumored to be the burial place of the Apostle Matthew.

’10 to Track’ Weekend Edition (6/23-24) soccer matches – World Cup, Isle of Sodor Cup, MLS, NWSL y mas!

Join Noob for ten of the most important soccer matches to follow for us – the newish American fans of the global game.  And for my on-site, seemingly exclusive online coverage of the inaugural Isle of Sodor Cup!

Saturday

  1. South Korea vs. Mexico – FIFA World Cup

South Korea lost their first match to Sweden here in Group, while Mexico stunned Germany 1-0.  They are ranked 57th and 15th in the world, respectively.

South Korea have a central midfielder who’s been playing for English Premier club Swansea City –Ki Sung-yeung.  Mexico may well decide to attack more from the edges so he’s not such a factor.

Mexico’s goal in Game One game from Hirving Lozano.  Can he strike again?

There you have it, Noobites!   Snack-sized preview to get you at least through water cooler chat.  noob will not have hurt feelings if you know go in search of even deeper pre-game analysis.  I’m going to certainly.  We learn, we grow.   (11:00 AM Eastern, Fox, Telemundo)

RESULT:   1-2   Mexico      No one is quite through or quite out yet, but these two are nearly so

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B.  New York Red Bulls vs. FC Dallas – MLS

Dallas have pulled into a tie for 1st place in the West with Kansas City.  Their five-match win streak is surely impressive.  It’s worth noting that the road wins have come against softer teams, because NYRB ain’t one.

Red Bulls bring the heat like anyone outside of Atlanta Utd.  They’re in 4th in the Eastern Conference, and have played one to three matches fewer than all the clubs ahead of them.  It’s strange.  They struggle some against teams from their region (except NYCFC), lay waste to most others.  If you like trends, put your money on the home side today.   (6:00 PM, Univision Deportes)

RESULT:   Red Bulls   3-0

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Number B, you are so money.

  1. LAFC vs. Columbus Crew – MLS

Our MLS undercard is hardly that as the conferences’ #3’s face off.

LAFC’s one recent league win was against league lowbies San Jose, and they needed two goals in the 90’ to achieve that much (3-4).

Columbus haven’t won since May, yet have mostly earned draws since that time to keep them well afloat in the table.  Their superb goalkeeping was bound to come back to earth a little after an amazing spring stretch. Can Zach Steffen recapture the magic?   (10:30 PM, ESPN+)

  1. Seattle Reign vs. North Caroline Courage – NWSL

It’s #B versus #1!   That will always have a certain luster.  Yet make no mistake, Seattle is a big underdog at home to the locomotive that is NCC.  The league’s only about a dozen games in and the Courage already lead by 11 points in the table.

Still, Seattle hasn’t conceded a goal in three straight matches, and NCC actually let lowly Houston draw with them their last match.

RESULT:   Courage   1-4

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Umm…thanks, Chuck!

  1. Junction & Sheds vs. Killdane – Isle of Sodor Cup

Junction & Sheds (Knapford) aren’t expected to be quite as strong as Knapford Town in the inaugural IoS Premier League coming in a few months, but they’ll be plenty competitive.  They’re one of three teams here in Group G with three points, so simply getting a draw today would hardly guarantee them advancement to the Knockout Round.

Killdane already knocked of a future Premier side in Ulfstead, so they won’t be intimidated.  Perhaps they should be though.  J&S won that first match of theirs by a Cup-largest margin of seven goals (1-8).  Killdane are expected to be a midtable side in the Second Division.

RESULT:   Killdane   1-5!     All of Group G is knotted up at three points apiece with just a match to go each.

Sunday

  1. England vs. Panama – FIFA World Cup

#55 FIFA-ranked Panama needs at least a draw to stay alive in Group G.  A win would guarantee #12 England advancement to the Knockout Round, though they’d need a big one to pass Denmark on goal differential for the Group lead.

England had a sensational first half against Tunisia, likely should’ve won by more than 1-2 as they did.   In all recent major tournaments, they struggle early and often, so “The Three Lions” are thrilled to have a W already.

Panama played a very, very physical style against Belgium, leaving things tied 0-0 at the half before Belgium solved them for a 3-0 win.  England should handle them, but this will be a different challenge presented.

Oh, and England’s coach dislocated his shoulder somehow.   And there you have it!  Mini-preview to get you through water cooler chat-level convo for tomorrow’s biggest WC match.  Now go, be free!  Explore more in-depth pregame schtuff if you are so inclined.  Noob will.  We’re all learning.   8:00 AM Eastern, FS1, Telemundo)

RESULT:   England   6-1

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  1. Atlanta United vs. Portland Timbers – MLS

Atlanta are perhaps the best team in all the league, and currently sit atop the Eastern Conference.  There can be little doubt Portland are the hottest team.  They had a rough start to 2018, but are now unbeaten in ten straight and are 6th in the West.

It’s the defense that’s got both clubs in playoff slots in the table.  The back lines are key for both sides.  Neither goalkeeper is in the top ten in saves, but ATL’s Brad Guzan has more in today’s matchup.  He played nine seasons in the English Premier League.  Can he keep a clean sheet today?   (4:30 PM, Fox)

RESULT:   1-1

  1. Kirk Ronan vs. Dryaw – Isle of Sodor Cup

Cabalnoo lead Group B, stunningly, are the only one of the four with a win.  All others have ties here, so if either can win this match outright today, we have a real race on our hands.

Dryaw had a weird, scoreless match with Norramby in their first and only match so far.  Defense isn’t a very Sudric thing in football.  Even given that, the ten goals Kirk Ronan conceded against Cabalnoo still has our heads shaking.  Perhaps at home the larger Churchmen club can right things.

RESULT:   Kirk Ronan   4-3

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Eeriest B&B in the world might be the original Ronan church (“kirk”) where Noob is staying.

  1. Kairat Almaty vs. Astana – Kazakhstan Premier

#B versus #1!   And in a way it’s even tighter.  Kairat Almaty are only five points behind the traditional league power and they’ve played two fewer games.  More, they’ve only lost once.  Astana has already taken two L’s.

Still, Noob’s not ready to call this one for the home team.  Astana would feel fine about a draw and can control the ball enough to get it.

RESULT:   Astana   1-2

  1. BATE Borisov vs. Shakhtyor Soligorsk – Belarus Premier

BATE is the historic great from this domestic lead, and they’re #1 again now.  But #4 Soligorsk have the best defense in the league.  BATE have to be favored, especially at home – and with the best offense to boot.  Still, this could end up the surprise upset of leagues today.

RESULT:   0-0

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If Noob weren’t in Kirk Ronan, Sodor for the Cup, I’d be saying, “So long from beautiful Barysaw, Belarus!”

’10 to Track’ soccer matches for Globetrotting Friday (6/22) – World Cup, Isle of Sodor Cup, and off to footyball hinterlands!

‘The ten most important soccer matches to follow for us – the newish American fans of the global game.’

On Fridays, that gets messed with.  We look at a couple matches that “matter” and then jetset off for wild and exotic football locales!  A little learning, a lot of fun, and you may just end up more edumuhcated than your soccer fan veteran friends.

Liftoff!

  1. Brazil vs. Costa Rica – FIFA World Cup

Welcome back to Group E!   All four teams have played a match now.  Serbia were the only to get a win, beating Noob-surrogates Costa Rica.  Brazil had a draw with the Swiss.

Costa Rica are the Noob choice for the Group Stage for the cheering.  They’re ranked almost right next to the U.S. worldwide, so seem a good surrogate for how ‘Muricuh might’ve fared.

There have been multiple arguments, with at least one broadcast live in their home country, between Costa Rica players since their first match in Russia.  Brazilian star Cutinho will likely be able to take advantage – or just win on having superior players.  They’re ranked #2 in the world for a reason.

There you have it, Noobites!   Just enough preview to get you through water cooler chat.  Now go, be free!  Noob will be reading more in-depth stuff on the interwebs in advance of the match.  Do likewise, should the Spirit move you.

RESULT:   Brazil   2-0    And with that, sadly Noob-fave Costa Rica is eliminated

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B.  Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns – NWSL

*shakes fist at Houston*   Swamp City-builders!  You don’t build on marshland.  Noob and The Management stand against you.

OK, with that bit of oddity out of the way, second-to-last place Houston have taken advantage of three straight home matches to put some distance between themselves and Washington.  They’re even within striking distance of the top four and a postseason berth!  They beat Washington, surprised Seattle with a W, and then most impressively earned a draw against league champions-in-waiting North Carolina.

To compare, 5th-place Portland got dubbed 1-4 by NC.  In general, they are fading.  They need to find their offense again or will wind up the next Dash victim.

RESULT:   Portland   1-3

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Number B is here to scare some sense into you, Houstonians.

  1. Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Penn FC – USL

For newer Noobites, let’s get real:   Often locale will trump “quality”.

TB and Penn are merely tied for 10thh in the Eastern Conference.   In Noob’s quest to himself learn and then in turn introduce you to soccer that could be most important to you, we’re going to get to know teams close to home.  Even when they’re potential also-rans in the second tier.

But hey — they’re only two points out of 8th and the league playoffs, so this is something of a key match!  If the match isn’t a draw, the mountain the loser has to climb gets really tough, even here at about the season halfway point.

The Rowdies are the better team, have the offense to perhaps make that move toward 8th.  At home, they should handle the team we knew last year as Harrisburg City.

RESULT:   Penn FC   0-2

  1. Arlesburgh vs. Brendam Harbor – Isle of Sodor Cup

Future Second Division Arlesburgh are the only team in Group D to net a win.  Any sort of result over one of the tourney-faves Brendam Harbor and they will be looking prime to advance to the knockout stage.

The Harbormen only managed a draw against D2 Lakeside in their first match.  They’ll be looking to break out the offense today and move toward the bracketed round.  They’re on the road for their second consecutive match, and so are slated to host their third and final one Arlesdale United.

Fun Fact:  Arlesburgh is perhaps the oldest settlement on Sodor.  As such, they have one of the largest supporter groups on Sodor – The Ancients.

RESULT:   Brendam Harbor  1-2

The fans dress like old people, stand entire matches.   The ones who look just middle-aged are, in fact, toddlers.

Image result for old people cheering

  1. Spartaks vs. RFS – Latvia Higher League

UEFA’s 41st-ranked league is strange in one regard:  About a dozen matches into the season, 1st and 5th place are separated by eight points.  5th and 6th are separated by twelve.

Spartaks are in 4th, but have played one less game than the two teams immediately ahead of them.  They are also the last team to beat #1 RFS.   The visitor’s today sport the best offense in the league.

Fun Fact:  FK Spartaks is closely identified as much or more with their Swimming School.

RESULT:   RFS   0-2

  1. Soccernet vs. FCI Levadia – Estonia FA Cup

The point here is just to know that the event is happening, really.  Both teams are from Tallinn The home side is from the 6th tier of Latvian domestic footyball.  FCI Levadia is one of the top-flight league powerhouses.

RESULT:   FCI Levadia   0-12       Words fail sometimes…

Image result for gif the more you know funny

  1. Than Quang Ninh vs. Sanna Khanh Hoa – Vietnam V.League 1

They’re all chasing Ha Noi in Vietnam for the only AFC Champions League slot the league receives.  They won’t be caught.  We’re still going!

#B hosts #4 in a very crowded part of the table.  Today’s visitors from Nha Trang have overachieved a little being even this high up.  Their negative goal differential gives them away.  TQN aren’t posers, might be the only team that could get a sniff at catching Ha Noi.

Fun Fact:   TQN have only two players who are not Vietnamese.  Both are Brazilian.

RESULT:   SKH   1-2

  1. EB / Streymur vs. KI – Faroe Islands Premier

Welcome to the track, Faroe Islands!   You’re an independent country that is somehow also part of the Kingdom of Denmark.  And we love you.  Despite or maybe even because you’re the 51st-ranked UEFA club of 55.

Unsurprisngly, Faroe Islands only get one team into the Champions League.  it’s a two-horse race, and KI are behind the league leaders by five in the table.  Matches against midtable teams like EB / Streymur are exactly the kind they can’t drop.  They likely won’t even, on the road.  KI is much better on both sides of the ball, can control this game no matter what sort of pace their hosts try for.

UnFun Fact:   In 2014, perhaps EB’s greatest player was killed when a bunch of boxes of frozen fish fell on him when he was on a trawler.

RESULT:   KI   0-2

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Too sad and weird for Noob to have made this one up.

  1. Voorwaarts vs. Inter Moengotapoe – Suriname Topklasse

Inter is sort of the best of the rest in Suriname.  The title chase is down to three teams nearly two dozen games into their season.  I.M. are 4th.  Voorwaarts are 9th.

Despite the country being not far off the Brazilian coast, this is a Caribbean-cultured nation.  And they are in CONCACF, not CONMEBOL.  Noob welcomes you to the track!

Fun Fact:   S.V. Voorwaarts was founded in 1919 by schoolkids from the Hendrickschool.

RESULT:   2-2

  1. Fosa Juniors vs. Meava – Madagascar Champions League

It’s an avalanche of newcomers to the Track today!    Good luck on your season that’s just starting.

This league is divided into four Groups.  These two finished in the middle of their zones last season.  That’s all Noob’s got for you on this one.  But they’re on our radar now, and we’ll be back to learn more some Friday soon.

Fun Fact:  Fosa Juniors are from the region of Boeny in the northeast, pop. around 800,000.

RESULT:   Fosa Juniors   3-0

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So long from scenic Arlesburgh, Isle of Sodor!

Be jealous of Noob’s eleveted B&B.