Category: 10 to Track

The heart and soul of this site is ’10 to Track’, the most important games for us, the newish American fans, to follow.  Friday’s are a bit lighter in the world schedules, so we jet around the globe, in search of new-to-us football to discover.

As always, Noob starts you off with more familiar locales, and then we’re off!

1. Toronto FC vs. Real Salt Lake – MLS

The only MLS game today pits the defending champs against last year’s Western Conference #8.  TFC are the defending regular season and MLS Cup champions.  They sported the best offense and defense in 2017.

Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake continues to offend Noob’s sensibilities to the core.  The name “royal” was not that well-received in Utah when the club first came to be.  We have nothing to do with royalty in this country!  Salt Lake, you make George Washington, Paul Revere, and Sherman Helmsley turn over in their graves.

RESULT:   Toronto   3-1

Yes, Sherm was as much about freedom as anyone.

B.  Houston Dash vs. Utah Royals – NWLS

Same owner for the expansion women’s club.  *shakes fist at Dell Loy Hansen*

What kind of name is “Loy” anyway?

RESULT:   Utah   0-1

Number B-bear is unimpressed with Dell Loy.

3. Morelia vs. Guadalajara – Liga MX

Morelia are the Monarcas.  Good golly, Miss Molly!   There are no kings and queens ruling or offering soccer patronage and blessings in Mexico, either.

RESULT:   Guadalajara   1-2

4. Middlesbrough vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers – English Championship League

Middlesbrough are the “Smoggies”.  Woverhampton’s two nicknames are built right into the club name.  We finally get to a match in a country where there are royals…razzlefrazzlerazzle!

Oh yeah, footyball stuff.   6^th hosts 1^st.  Wolverhampton will almost certainly be promoted to Premier for next season.  Middlesbrough are in the last position to get to be in the playoff for a third and final promotion.

RESULT:   Wolverhampton   0-2

Sad that the nickname really comes from the area’s smog.  These are Middlesbrough fans.  Really.

5. Ciego de Avila vs. Guantanamo – Cuba National Championship

Welcome to the Track, Cuba!   This league’s a bit of an odd duck.  The 12 teams divide into three Groups.  The top two finishers from each will make the league playoffs.  Last year, the regular season was only a dozen games.  3^rd-place Guantanamo would have to about run the table to catch up with #B Avila.

Fun Fact:  Ciego de Avila is the capital city of the province of the same name.  The province was created by Fidel Castro in 1975.

RESULT:   CdA   2-1

6. Tianjin Quanjian vs. Guangzhou Evergrande – China Super League

Last year’s #3 visits the defending league champs.  The season there is just begun.  TQ had oodles of trouble scoring, despite their nice finish.  Noobstradamus is envisioning a road win for “the Southern China Tigers”.

RESULT:   Evergrande   0-1

"中国南方的一只老虎曾经偷过我的裤子"

7. Karnataka vs. West Bengal – Santosh Trophy

This is a Knockout semifinal match.  This is a tournament for state and regionally-based teams.  West Bengal are the defending champions.

Fun Fact:  West Bengal have won this event 31 of the 43 times in which they’ve appeared in it.

RESULT:   WB   0-2

8. Welayta Dicha vs. Mekelakeya – Ethiopian Premier

Apologies, Ethiopian Premier League.  Last week, Noob introduced you to the Track as a not-too-strong one.  Now I discover you’ve made the CAF rankings, which only list the top 18.  Mea culpa.  These two clubs are not the strongest there though – #9 and #13, respectively.

RESULT:   0-0

9. Extension Gunners vs. Miscellaneous – Botswana Premier

Gunners were featured earlier this month, got a win over a team one spot higher in the table.  Today, the midtable hosts get a tougher matchup against the oddly-named #3 club.

Fun Fact:  Gunners’ home of Lobatse was the first town to have a tarmac road.  Ok, that wasn’t “fun” fun.   But is is a fact.

RESULT:   Misc.   0-1

10. Rahimo vs. Etoile Filante – Burkina Faso Premier

This may only be worth trying to find an interwebs pirated stream for if you like defense. A lot.  Filante are in 3^rd, but doesn’t score much for a top-of-table clubs.  Rahimo are in 12^th and they must just kick the ball out of bounds a lot.  Very, very few goals for or against them.

RESULT:   Filante   0-1

LOVE the kits, Rahimo!

It’s really just the European international break.  But hey, in Amuricuh we call our pro sports winners “world champs”.  So it slides.

Relegation Monday – Noob had to dig deep to find some sadsack clubs to parade.  And we’ll check out some league sand events from around the world to continue or footyball ongoing edication, Noobies.  Enjoy!

1. Ballymena vs. Ballinamallard – Northern Irish Premier

Ballinamallard is in last.  If they can climb one spot in the table, they’d have a chance to stay up via a playoff with a second-tier club.  That’s the best they can hope for this late in the season.  Noob uses the word “hope” loosely here.   They don’t score much, and have given up a mind-blowing 82 goals.  Woof.

Fun Fact:  Ballinamallard’s crest bird was chosen by a contest for third graders drawing the team’s namesake bird.  (Well, it looks that awful anyway.)

RESULT:   Ballymena   2-0

B.  Boca Unidos vs. Club Atletico Mitre – Argentina Primera B Nacional

The second-tier league in Argentina demotes five clubs annually, the most Noob has ever seen.  Boca Unidos are just in 19^th of 25, but they use a multi-year points system for giving teams The Boot here.  B.U. lives there thanks to the league’s worst defense.

Fun Fact:  Corrientes – B.U.’s home province – is famous among stamp collectors for the ones it produced in the mid-19th C.

RESULT:   Mitre   1-2

Jelly bean’s?  Noob’s going to eat you up, Number B’s!

3. Siracusa vs. Reggina – Serie C

Welcome to the Track, third-tier Italy!  Told you Noob was digging deep.  About 60 teams compete at this level, formerly known as LegaPro.  They are divided into three geographically-based divisions.  These two play in the South.

The bottom four from each division have a Playout tournament at season’s end to determine which gets sent down.  Or tournamentS.  Noob’s not sure if each division does their own if they all get tossed into one big quagmire.

Reggina is tied for 15^th of 20.  They can’t score to save their lives, so it’s a wonder they’re even this high up.  Siracusa are in 4^th.

Fun Fact:  Reggina are “the Amaranth”, based on their bright red primary color.  The same-named flower is also called “pigweed”.

RESULT:   0-0

That’s it for Relegation Monday Drop Zone matches.  The rest looks more like a Globetrotting Friday.  Still fun!

4. Wales vs. Uruguay – China Cup

This is a four-team tourney in China, just two games per team.  This is the Final, between teams ranked #34 and #68 by FIFA.  The Czech Republic and host China will play the 3td-place match today as well.

RESULT:   Uruguay   0-1

Welsh and Chinese dragons.  High five!

5. Portugal vs. Netherlands – international friendly

This is a World Cup tuneup for Portugal.  Netherlands, along with Italy, were a very notable team not qualify.  They’re ranked 7^th in the world by FIFA.  Portugal is #36.  (2:30 PM Eastern, ESPN Deportes)

RESULT:   Netherlands   0-3

6. Waterford vs. UCC – Irish League Cup

This is not the FAI Cup, or what in most countries is the FA Cup.  Unlike so many nations’ secondary Cup tournaments, top-tier leagues do participate in this one.  It’s regularly teams from as low as five divisions down, plus some even lower by invitation.

This is the First Round.  Waterford are playing Premier this year.  University Cork City are an average side from the Munster Senior League’s Premiere division – the Irish third tier.

RESULT:   Waterford   4-1

A little blue for Noob’s taste, but what a strong, strange burn.

7. Ak-Bet vs. Ekibastuz – Kazakhstan Cup

The Kazakh FA Cup is in its Group Stage.  The 13 participating clubs form the second and third divisions are divided Groups of three or four, with the winners advancing to the Knockout Round, where all the Premier teams will enter the event.  These two are second and third-tier teams, respectively.

RESULT:   Eki   1-4

8. Punjab vs. Kamataka – India Santosh Trophy

This is a Knockout tournament for state and regional teams being played in Kolkata.  The top two teams from each Group of five in this opening stage will advance to the Semifinals.  These two are second and third in their Group.

RESULT:   Punjab   2-1

Punjab kicked ass!

But could he have been portrayed with so many stereotypes today?

Can a turban really support that much weight?

9. Britannia vs. Estrella – Aruba Division di Honor

This looks like it could become a two-horse title race, and Estrella lead the pack.  Third-place Britannia can’t move up with a win today, but it would put them just behind the top two in points.

RESULT:   2-2

10. Cadiz vs. Huesca – Spain Segunda Division

Let’s finish the Track with a division two match one could actually find on TV in America, at least with comparative ease.

The top two finishers will automatically be promoted to La Liga.  The next four will have a playoff two determine one more to get moved up.  Huesca is tied for 1^st, while Cadiz are just three points back in 4^th place.  The hosts play a very more closed style, so if they control the pace, this may not be beIN Sports En Español’s most exciting match ever.  (3:00 PM).

RESULT:   1-1

Noob doesn’t know if this is a burn or a Spanish cartoon Viagra commercial.

The big European leagues may have the weekend off, but not us!   American leagues are getting underway, and their matches dominate our ‘ten most important for the newish American fan to follow’ this weekend.

Saturday, 3/24

1. FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers – MLS

The team that started strong and then wiped out last year and missed the playoffs hosts the defending Western Conference champions.  On paper, the best of many league matches today.  (3:30 PM Eastern, Univision Deportes)

RESULT:   1-1

Soccer paper dolls – print, color like your fave MLS teams

B.  North Carolina Courage vs. Portland Thorns – NWSL

Last year’s regular season #1 hosts the defending champions!  What a way for America’s top women’s league to kick off!  This is a nine-team league this year, as Kansas City and Orlando are both gone, but Utah Royals join up.  (3:30 PM, Lifetime network)

RESULT:   NC   1-0

Goodness!   Female Number B is a crazy B

3. Tulsa Roughnecks vs. Real Monarchs – USL

D-II!  Tulsa finished 7^th in the Western Conference last year.  Real won the West, much to Noob’s chagrin.

No reigning royalty in Amuricuh!  Our forefathers did not fight the Revolution War in vain, they sought to free us from the rule footyball kings and queens.   (Noob majored in English, not History…).

RESULT:   Real   2-3     Real got the equalizing and winning goals in the last two minutes.

4. Dumbarton vs. Inverness Caledonian Thistle – Scottish Challenge Cup

The Final!   This is not the FA Cup, just to avoid confusion.  This is a Knockout tournament that has featured teams from pretty much all the Scottish League except the Premiership.

These two are from the second-tier Championship league, are 8^th and 9^th in the table.  Inverness played Premier last season and should get the win in Perth today.  Dumbarton can’t score.

RESULT:   Inverness   0-1

If the soccer gets dull in Dumbarton, there’s always that view.

5. Canadia vs. New Zealand – international friendly

This just sounds like the friendliest friendly of al to Noob for some reason.  These two are FIFA-ranked #90 and #120 in the world.

RESULT:   Canadia   1-0

Sunday, 3/25

6. Houston Dash vs. Chicago Red Stars – NWSL

Chicago just snuck into the playoffs as the #4 team last season.  Houston finished 8^th.  Houston is a The Management-reviled Swamp City, and we will root against them, as is good, right and appropriate.

RESULT:   1-1

Noob & Staff support smart urban planning.

7. Las Vegas Lights vs. Reno 1868 – USL

Last year, Reno broke the league record for goals in a season with an astounding 75.

Las Vegas is one of the league’s expansion teams this year.  They have made Noob the sad.  Someday, there will be a professional sports franchise in Vegas with the only name one should carry – the Babies.

Testosterone-laden?  No.   But oh, so cool – “Vegas, baby, Vegas.”.   You have greater built-in name draw for targeting female fans.  And the merchandizing!  Sleek clothes for the gals.  Counter-intuitive stuff for the fellas.  And Noob loves to envision giant placards on sticks depicting the Gerber baby food baby at games.   Dare to dream…

RESULT:   1-1

8. Alajuelense vs. Saprissa – Costa Rica Premier

Noob loves this league!   Might be the second best in CONCACAF.  Only four points separate 1^st from 4^th place as they had into the last five matches of the Clausura (second half-season).  Alajuense lead, while perennial powerhouse Saprissa are 3^rd.

RESULT:   3-3      Drama!   Alajuense gets the equalizer at 90′.  But Herediano jumps over them to 1st place with their win today.

Past Alajuelense nicknames have been “The Mangoes” and “The Hedgehogs”.

9. Motagua vs. Olimpia – Honduras National League

They only have five matches each left in this league, too.  Motagua leads the Clausura while Olimpia are in 3^rd.  This should be a low-scoring game, defense being the biggest strength of both clubs.

RESULT:   Olimpia   0-1

10. Hassania Agadir vs. Ittihad Tanger – Morocco Botola Pro

Let’s finish off the weekend Track with a #B vs. #1!  Morocco’s is a strong league in Africa, sending two teams to the CAF Champions League.  These two are defensive juggernauts.  They’re biggest threat in the table will come from Raja Casablanca, who score like gangbusters.

RESULT:   1-1

Raja Casablanca supporters are–

Wait, is that guy bottom-center a vampire??

Most days,Noob find us the ten matches “worth tracking”.   Fridays, we jetset around the world, from familiar locales to the hinterlands.

Today, the world schedule is even lighter than usual.  We’re digging deep, geographically and in terms of which tiers of country’s leagues we’re seeing.  Enjoy the variety!

1. Mexico vs. Iceland – international friendly

World Cup tuneup for national teams FIFA ranks as #17 and #18, respectively.  (10:00 PM Eastern, Univision)

RESULT:   Mexico   3-0

Soccer + lucha libre = not working out

B.  Bala Town vs. Connah’s Quay – Welsh Premier

BT is just a point up on their guests (and one other team) for #B in the league and the automatic Europa League berth.  The next five teams in the table will have a playoff at regular season’s end to decide which other club goes to Europa.

Noobstradamus is calling this one for the CQ Nomads.  Bala Town actually have a negative goal differential.  Their inability to score like the other top league teams is going to start haunting them.

RESULT:   Connah’s Quay   0-1    CQ moves to #B

I’ve been scoring since well before Connah ever built a quay.

3. Werder Bremen II vs. Paderborn – 3. Liga

Welcome back to the Track!  Last we visited Paderborn, they were playing Bundesliga behemoth Bayern Munich in the Quarterfinals of German’s FA.  That match didn’t go well for them, but it was an impressive run.  They’re winning the third-tier league this year, should be in 2. for 2018-19.

Werder Bremen’s reserve side is in second-to-last.  Noob’s not 100% sure they can be demoted to Regionaliga; they wouldn’t be eligible for promotion were they at the top of the table, by rule, as a reserve side.

RESULT:   Paderborn   0-2

4. Rodez vs. Dunkerque – Championnat National

Rodez is tied for 1st in France’s third-tier league, in line to be promoted to Ligue 2.  Dunquerke sits midtable.   They would be 7^th, at least within shouting distance of the league leaders, but were deducted three points for some sort of financial naughtiness.

RESULT:   0-0

Now that’s financial naughtiness.

Ho ho ho.

5. Portadown vs. Newry City – Northern Ireland Championship

This league has divided into Title and Relegation halves now.  These two are #5 and #2, playing for that title and promotion to Premier.   The champ will move up, and the next two will have a playoff to do the same.

Fun Fact:  Portadown’s local rival is the Premier’s Glenavon, their matches called the Mid-Ulster derby.

RESULT:   Portadown   2-1

6. Maccabi Kiryat Ata vs. Hapoel Umm al-Fahm – Alef Liga

Israel’s third-tier league is divided into two 16-team divisions.  These two play in the North.  Kiryat Ata is on the edge of the Relegation Zone.  Al-Fahm are in 4^th place.  Only the top team from each division will get automatically promoted, but the next four will have a Promotion Playoff.

Fun Fact:  Kiryat Ata is still also known by a formerly official name, “Kfar Ata”.

RESULT:   MKA   2-1

Sweet modern architecture in Kiryat Ata, Haifa District, Israel.

7. Kerala vs. Manipur – Santosh Trophy

This is India’s tournament featuring teams representing their state and regional associations.  The 10 teams are divided into two Groups of five.  The top two finishers will advance to the Semifinals.  Kerala won their only game so far, while Manipur are 0-1-1.

Fun Fact:  The tournament is named for its founder, from Santosh – Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhary.

RESULT:   Kerala   6-0

8. Al-Nawair vs. Al Shorta – Syria Premier

7^th hosts 5^th place is Asia’s 16^th-strongest league.  As such, they only get one AFC Champions League berth.  These two have some serious ground to make up.  There’s a big gap between the top three and the rest.

Fun Fact:  Last time Nawair made the Track, Noob displayed their crest and wondered if ferris wheels were featured.  Whoops.   Uncultured rube!  This is a depiction of Hama’s famous norias, watering wheels.

RESULT:     ppd

9. Ann’s Grove vs. Western Tigers – Guyana GFF Elite League

Guyana is a country on the mainland of South America, yet they are not part of CONMEBOL, that continent’s soccer federation.  It’s culturally much more like a Caribbean country, and so is a CONCACAF member.  It’s early in their season.  Tigers are #B, Ann’s Grove 7^th.

Fun Fact:  Ann’s Grove is a village said to be purchased by former African slaves.

RESULT:   Tigers   0-2

10. Kidus Giorgis vs. Fasil Kenema – Ethiopia Premier

This is not one of Africa’s stronger leagues, but drama is everywhere!  They only get one CAF Champions League berth here.  KG is #B, FK #3.

Fun Fact:  Kidus Giorgis translates to “Saint George”, Noob thinks from Amharic.

RESULT:     ppd

Not subtle.  Boing boing to you. 

Good DAY.

The ten most important games for the newish American fan to follow – weekends are when things get serious.

Revisiting random classic movies.  Noob’s quest to replace number two with Number B in lists.  Being outraged at the existence of an English soccer team named for a historic traitor and so refusing to call it as anything but by a Thomas the Tank Engine  reference… like I said.  Serious.

1. Atlanta United vs. Vancouver Whitecaps – MLS

Only two games into the season, and they already have a common opponent.  Atlanta got curbstomped in Houston 0-4.  Vancouver, however, got a 1-2 road win there.  (7:30 PM Eastern, Fox Sports South)

RESULT:   Atlanta   4-1

Noob may never be able to write “curbstomp” without thinking of the brutal American History X scene.

B.  Liverpool vs. Watford – English Premier

Liverpool have slipped to 4^th, but that’s still in line for a Champions League berth.  And they have a small safety cushion from 5^th-place Chelsea.  This is a tougher-than-average “Hiccup Watch” game though.  They should handle 10^th-place Watford at home, but their guests won’t be overwhelmed.  (1:30 PM, NBCSN)

RESULT:    Liverpool   5-0      Check that – overwhelmed.  Mo Salah scores and incredible four goals

Thank you, Number B, for taking Noob back to a happy place after the above image.

Sweet relief.

3. Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion – English FA Cup

With league 1^st-place Man City surprisingly eliminated, Man Utd. are the favorite.  BHA doesn’t score enough to keep up, not against a league power and on the road.  This is the Quarterfinal Round.  (3:45 PM, FS2, Fox Deportes)

4. Swansea City vs. Tottenham Sir Topham Hatt Hotspur – English FA Cup

The other Quarterfinal today is more intriguing, since the favorite is on the road.  It will be interesting to see if Swansea goes all out trying to win, as opposed to resting some starters.  They’re on the edge of getting Relegated from Premier League, could reasonably choose to save m)st of their energy for league matches.  (8:15 AM, FS1, Fox Deportes)

RESULT:   Hotspur   0-3

How Noob feels about the reviled Hotspur probably winning.

5. Louisville vs. Nashville – USL

The defending champs take on one of the league’s four expansion teams.  It’s possible this will not be close, but given that MLS’ expansion LAFC has been off to a nice start, who knows?

The other expansion teams are Las Vegas Lights, Fresno, and Atlanta 2.  Two teams from the North American Soccer League (which has cancelled its season) have come over has well – Indy and North Carolina.  They lost teams as well, as Vancouver folded its reserve side, and Orlando’s is taking the year off along with Rochester.

6. America vs. Toluca – Liga MX

They’re well into the second half off the Clausura (second half-season) in Mexico, and these two are part of a three-way tie for #B.  CF America plays the best goal-defense in the league.  Noob thinks they will win today and be the one team that can possibly overtake #1 Santos.  (11:00 PM, Univision Deportes)

RESULT:   Toluca   1-2     Toluca to #B, America drops to #4

An even crazier tie?

7. Genk vs. Standard Liege – Belgium FA Cup

The Final!   These are the top-flight league’s 5^th and 6^th place clubs.  The math is being held at a neutral stadium in Brussels.   Liege is a shade weaker on defense, so look for “the Smurfs” of Genk to eke out a close one.

8. Fenerbahce vs. Galatsaray – Turkey Super League

Surprised we haven’t Tracked more matches from Turkey?  You should be.  They’re a top 10 league in Europe.  Here 4^th hosts 1^st.  They’re only separated by four points in the table.  Italy’s two-team title race might be more “important”, but Turkey ‘s is the most exciting.  (12:00 PM, beIN Sports)

RESULT:   0-0

Ooooh…kay?

9. Shkendija vs. SIleks – Macedonia First Football League

This nation’s league is in the bottom third of strength in Europe.  Why Track anything from here?

Noob and Noobite we may be, learning about the teams, leagues and tournaments of the world’s game together.  It would be easy to focus all our efforts on North America, western Europe, South America and the world’s best only.  Who knows.  It might even make more sense for our mission.  But I decided long ago we’d take the tach of getting to know all of Europe.

Shkendija is the runaway champion-in-waiting in Macedonia.  They have the best defense by a little and the top offense by leaps and bounds.  3^rd-place Sileks are in line for a Europa League berth.

RESULT:   Shkendija   1-0

10. Zrinjski Mostar vs. Zeljeznicar – Bosnia and Herzegovina Premier

Let’s finish off the Track with #1 vs. #2!   They’re a shade even further down the league strength-spectrum in Europe.  Noob cares naught about that!  These two are separated by only two in the league’s Championship table, and about even statistically.  Mostar won this matchup by a goal on 3/4.

Aaaand Mostar has a Bruce Lee statue.  We will always care.

RESULT:   3-3     And care we should!   Zeljeznicar was up 3-0 through 87 minutes.  Before 90 were up, the score was tied.   Unbelievable!

Your Friday jetset pack of ten soccer matches to Track comes a little more raw today.  No formatting, no proofreading, no wacky images or inane blathering (OK, less).

And our Friday couldn’t get started in more awesome fashion than with the return of…

1. Rio Grande Valley vs. Saint Louis – USL

Last year’s 11^th place team from the Western Conferences plays the #12 club from the East.  Ho hum.  But it means the return of American Division Two soccer is here!

What a strange year it will be.  We will meet some teams new to the league.  And it wlll be the only second-tier league.  The North American Soccer League cancelled its 2018 season after losing its lawsuit to be co-sanctioned by NSSF as Division Two.

To learn more about what happened regarding and generally about the NASL, far and away the most informative source a Noobite could visit is D-Twosdays Interviews link on this site.  Noob interviewed over a dozen different people, mostly on the NASL-side of D-Two.  They’re so unreal, you won’t believe they’re real!  At all…

RESULT:   1-1

B.  Puebla vs. Santos – Liga MX

6^th place hosts the leaders here in the Clausura (second half-season).  They finished 14^th and 15^th in the Apertura.  What’s they’re secret?  Ramped up offense.  11 games in, and they’ve both met or exceeded their goal output from the previous 17-game campaign.  At Puebla, Noob sees this as a toss-up.

RESULT:   Santos   0-1

3. Dundalk vs. Waterford – Irish Premier

Dundalk have yet to concede a goal five games into the season, and have scored nearly two per game themselves.  Yet they’re in 3^rd place.  Waterford are #B. freshly-minted from the second division last year.

RESULT:   Dundalk   1-0      Dundalk pulls up into a tie for #B with Waterford  (and ahead on GD)

4. T.N.S. vs. Bala Town – Welsh Premier

TNS will again be the Welsh champs.  Bala Town are in a three-way dogfight for automatic invitation to the next Europa League that comes with finishing #B.  They’re goal differential is zero.   Gritty, gutty, but with little seeming hope today.

RESULT:   TNS   3-0

5. Monaco vs. Lille – Ligue 1

PSG ended up running away and hiding from the rest of the league.  But whichever club finishes #B gets an automatic Champions League berth, too.  That’s AS Monaco right now.  But their lead is narrow over #3 Marseille.  3^rd place will qualify for C.L., too, but have to start play in an earlier round.

Lille are in second-to-last place, so Noob has us Tracking this as a possible “Hiccup Watch” match.  Monaco should win by a couple goals.

RESULT:   Monaco   2-1

6. Ried vs. Wacker innsbruck – Austria Football First League

Welcome to the Track, second-division Austrian football!  Top two will be automatically promoted into the country’s Bundesliga.  The 3^rd-place finisher will have a playoff with a bottom-rung Bundesliga club for a spot in the top-flight next season as well.

Ried is in a tie for 1^st.  Innsbruck are just two points back of them, and have two teams hot on their own heels just another point behind.  Ried scores a lot more and plays nearly as good of defense, should take care of business at home today.

RESULT:   innsbruck   1-3      Turns out a primary source of mine was out of date.  Innsbruck was in 1st by two points already.  Ried is in 4th.

7. Paradise vs. Notre Dame: – Barbados Premier

Last year’s #4 and #5 clubs do battle!  Their season is just beginning.

Fun Fact:  Paradise FC are from Dover, next to St. Lawrence Gap.  That’s the country’s famous mile-ish- long touristy stretch of hotels and bars in the country.

RESULT:   Paradise   2-0      It appears this match may have been played 3/15

8. Extension Gunners vs. Shooting Stars – Botswana Premier

Noob’s not exactly sure where this league ranks in Africa.  But CAF does not list it in its top 18 at the very least.   Football hinterland.  These two are a coupe of midtable teams, 8^th and 7^th place.

Fun Fact:  Extension Gunner’s hometown of Lobatse nearly became the capital when the national gained independence from Great Britain.  Instead, it became home for the judicial system.

RESULT:   Gunners   2-1

9. Binh Duong vs. Nam Dinh – Vietnam V.League 1

This league’s season is just starting.  Last year’s 11^th-place finisher plays host to a newly-promoted team.

Fun Fact:  Due to its strong financial backing, Binh Duong is knows as “the Chelsea of Vietnam”.

RESULT:   Binh Duong   2-1

10. Khujand vs. Khatlon – Tajikistan Tajik League

Given how little money the country has for its international team to travel, I’m surprised to find this is almost a top-ten league in Asian.   Here, too, the season very young.  This is last year’s #B versus I couldn’t find anything on them quickly-team!   Noob’s guess is they were promoted form a lower division for this year.

RESULT:   Khujund   2-1