MID-WEEK WRAP: Tuesday 28th - Features Goal and Shut-out in Finland, Debut in Europa League Qualifier

Got a little action going on today, primarily in Finland. Some of the players/teams we follow will be involved in Europa League/ Euro Champions League Qualifiers in the coming weeks, today we had on US player involved in the Europa, and it was also his debut for his new team - pretty cool. Also a mention for goalkeeper Scott Angevine, who along with his team YPA took a lot of flack for the beginning of the season, they have turned it around, and Scott registered a shut-out today - good job Scott. Finally, Jakeem Johnson has had a pretty good season so far, after scoring today he has 4 goals in 8 games for PEPO 1 in Finland.

To the list.....
 
GK Tim Murray went 90 for Ekenas in Finland's Ykkonen as they fall 1 - 2 to JJK Jyvaskyla

Daniel Stevens came off the bench for the final 15 minutes as GrIFK hosted #1 KPV and Mike Banner (90) who was returning from injury. GrIFK got the 2nd half goal, and that was enough for the victory. KPV remain league leaders, 4 points ahead with a game in hand

Etchu Tabe (90) and Haka won their game against Jazz Pori and Gabriel Wirtz (90) 2 - 0 on 2 penalty kick's - Jazz remain in the cellar of Ykkonen

Isaac Kannah came off the bench at 64, but it was not enough as 10 man KTP fell 1 - 0 at Oulu. Oulu move into 2nd place (on GD) following th win.

In Kakkonen (Group A) Jakeem Johnson went 90 and Scored as PEPO 1 visited KuFu-98 and came away with a point, in a 2 - 2 draw - this was Jakeem's 4th league goal (in 8 appearances)

In Kakkonen (Group C) Lawrence Smith (90) and Chris Corcoran (18) as GBK stumbled in their bid to take over the league lead as GK Scott Angevine registered a Shut-out and YPA continued their rise from the dark pit of this season's start, with their 3rd consecutive win 0 - 2

Jossimer Sanchez (90) and Narpes Kraft (like YPA), are fighting their way out of the bottom half of the Kakkonen (Group C) table. Today they did themselves a favor winning 4 - 2 over PPT

Martin Ontiveros got his first start for his new team, Luxembourg out-fit Jeunesse Esch, and it was a Europa League Qualifier (first leg) in Ireland, against St Patricks AFC. Mid-Fielder Martin went 80 minutes in a 1 - 0 loss (not bad for an away game in the Europa League) Jeunesse will be hoping for a positive result in the 2nd leg back home. More on Martin here

Oh dear, in Iceland Daniel Acoff (90) and Throttur visited Olafsvik in Pepsideild and took a 2 goal lead in the first 3 minutes!!!! Then, well they let Olafsvik back in the game, and the home side, scoring late, won the game 3 - 2

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TRANSFERS: Martin Ontiveros Moves from Hamm-Benfica to Jeunesse Esch in Luxembourg Premier

Austin Texas native, mid-fielder Martin Ontiveros, has left BGL League club Hamm Benfica for rivals Jeunesse Esch after a year at the former. Martin and his brother Omar, who play's for CS Grevenmacher, also in BGL, are our 2 US players in Luxembourg.

Martin (24) left IMG Bradenton Academy in 2010 and joined the Akron Zips for a year before transferring to Furman. After school he joined PSA Elite for a short stint before traveling overseas to Europe, and Luxembourg.

Martin had 5 goals and 3 assists last season for Hamm Benfica in 24 league appearances, Hamm finished 9th in the 14 team BGL. Jeunesse would seem a step up, as they finished 1 spot out of a Euro place next season, entering the Europa League Qualification Round.

Good Luck to Martin with his new club

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WEEKEND WRAP: 3 Day Weekend Wrap - Features goals in Iceland and Philippines

So Copa and the Euro's are at their height and league games are few and far between, so I combined the 3 days of the weekend in hope that their was going to be enough action to write about - there was. 2 Goals, one in Iceland's 2nd Division and 1 (see note*) in the Philippines, where we have a few Americans (mostly dual's) playing. Joseph Jackson (West Virginia) started his first game in Ireland, and USYNT Romain Gall was on the right-side of a 0 - 7 dismantling of the opposition.

Here's the list......
 
FRIDAY

GK Ciaran Nugent was in 18 / DNP as his team, Sligo Rovers played Bray to a goalless draw in Ireland Premier League

Young American defender Joseph Jackson made his first start, picked up a yellow card in 90 minutes as Drogheda lost 1 -2 on an 85th minute goal by UC Dublin in Ireland Division 1

In Iceland Inkasso-deildin, Selfoss and JC Mack (90) met Grindavik and Will Daniels (in 18/DNP) in a 1 - 1 draw

GK Will Dieterich was in the 18 / DNP for Haukar as they won 4 - 3 over Keflavik

Johnatan Lama joined the action in the 68th minute as Huginn fell at home to Leiknir F. Huginn still looking to break out of their slump

Daniel Acoff started went 69 as Throttur met their match at home and lost big 0 - 5 to Fjolnir in Iceland Pepsidelid

Miguel Tanton (Dual Philippines/USA) from Santa Clara Scored Kaya's first goal in a 0 - 6 away win at Pasargad in the Philippines UFL (Premier League)
*NOTE: This will probably be the first and last mention of Miguel who was chosen for a recent WC Qualifier for the Philippines - where he scored - Incidentally, Philippines coach is ex-USMNT Thomas Dooley

SATURDAY

Iceland Division 2, Vestri with GK Cyrus Mohseni and Matt Nigro visited Magni Cyrus went the full 90 in goal and Matt also went 90, and Scored for Vestri as they fell 5 - 2

Hottur and Jordan Tyler visited Volsungor in Division 2 as both struggling teams look for points. Jordan went the full 90 as Hottur fall 2 - 1

SUNDAY

GK Daniel Schmidt allowed a late goal as Yamaga visited Kyoto in Japan's J-League 2, but they had the game well in hand and notched another win 1 - 2 and maintained their 3rd place spot

In Sweden Division 2, Eddy Prugh started and went the full 90 as Bodens BK visited Sodehamns and lost 3 - 1. Bodens BK have now lost 2 in a row, and dropped to 3rd place in the league.

USYNT Romain Gall, started and went 74 minutes, picking up a yellow, as Nykopings went to Carlstad and totally dismantled them in a 0 - 7 victory in Sweden Division 1 (Norra)

GK Josh Wicks, started and went 90 as AFC United visited Dalkurd and came away with a point, in Sweden Superettan. With a draw and a loss in consecutive games AFC has fallen from the top spot to 3rd as points seem to be hard to come by for them right now. Next up league leaders Halmstad

The final game this weekend (for our US players) In Sweden Superettan, #1 Sirius with Patrick Hopkins (90) and Paul Torres (3 mins) hosted last place Angelholms and Ryan Finley (90) in a top v bottom game, with an expected outcome. 1 - 0. Sirius jumps over three teams and is now in 2nd place just 1 point below the leaders in Superettan.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 6/18 / Sunday 6/19 - Features Goals in Finland and Sweden

With players and teams deep into the international break, I decide to combine the 2 weekend days together. The 4 games involving Americans on Saturday gave us a goal and assist , Sunday, a goal and a shut-out.
That shut-out, Chicago born, GK Daniel Schmidt, with Yamaga in Japan, now has 10 this season in 19 games - pretty amazing.

To the list;

SATURDAY

Will John started and went 90 for RoPS as they hosted Ilves in Finland's Veikkausliiga ending Ilves 4 game win streak, with a 1 - 0 win.

Romain Gall started for Nykopings in Sweden Division 1(Norra). Romain went 90 and is creditted with the Assist on Nykopings goal in a 1 - 1 draw with Brommapojkarna

Jochen Graf started for Oskarshamns in Sweden Division 1 (Sodra). Jochen went 81 minutes and Scored Oskarshamns 2nd goal as they visited Tvaakers and came away with a point in a 2 - 2 draw

Ryan Finley started for Angelholms in Sweden's Superettan. Ryan went 90 as his team fell apart in the 2nd half. Following a goalless first half (and loss of Ryans forward partner) Angelholms let in 3 goals in the 2nd half and lost this home game 0 - 3 to Atvidabergs. 

SUNDAY

GK Daniel Schmidt gets another shut-out as Yamaga face off with Yamagata in Japan's J-League 2. It took Yamaga 90 minutes to find the back of the net, but that's all it needed, as they go on to win 1 - 0

Eddy Prugh started for Bodens BK as they fell at home 1 - 2 to IFK Timra, the loss has put them further behind #2 Hudiksvalls in the race for promotion (gap is now 5 points) at the seasons halfway point

Patrick Hopkins (90) and Paul Torres (9) help their team Sirius to a 3 - 1 win over Ljungskile in Sweden Superettan

In Finland, GK Craig Hill (90) and KuPS welcomed Inter Turku in their Veikkausliiga game and played to a 2 - 1 win

Also in Veikkausliiga, Brian Span (90) and Mariehamn hosted Christian Eissele and Kemi. Mariehamn scored right at half-time and just before the final whistle to secure a 2 - 0 win

Dropping down to Ykkonen, Etchu Tabe made his return to Haka, starting on the bench, came on at the 64th minute in Haka's 1 - 2 loss to TPS Turku

Josue Soto started for Jaro, went 81 minutes, picked up a yellow and Scored and Kyle Curinga played the 2nd half and also picked up a yellow, as Jaro faced off with Gabriel Wirtz (90) and Jazz Pori in a battle of the bottom 2 clubs. Jazz came out on top 3 - 4.

League leaders KPV were minus Mike Banner but that didn't stop the coming back from a 2 goal deficit to beat Ekenas and GK Tim Murray (90) 3 - 2

Daniel Stevens came off the bench in the 39th minute for GrIFK, but by then they were 3 goals down as they visited Oulu, but GrIFK limited the damage, and even created a goal to end the game with a 3 - 1 loss

In Kakkonen, Group A, PEPO 1 finished the day 0 - 1 losers at home to JaPS. Both Americans on the PEPO 1 squad featured, Jakeem Johnson started and went 59 minutes and Nathan Stokie went the full 90

In Group C play, GBK and Lawrence Smith (90) visited PPT and found the going easy as they win 1 - 3 and move into 2nd place in the league.

Jossimer Sanchez started and went 90, picking up a yellow, as Narpes Kraft traded goals with GK Tyler Back (90) and Santa Claus (yup that's correct) in a game that ended in a 2 - 2 draw

In our final game from Finland today, GK Scott Angevine and YPA scored all of the games goals as they met with Hercules, 3 were to their advantage (1 own goal) the 3 - 1 win continues YPA's revival after a torrid start to the season, and they are out of the bottom 3 for the first time.

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TRANSFERS: US Goalkeeper Brendan Moore Signs with Torquay United

Photo: Pinnacle

After a successful loan period at Torquay (12 games 5 clean sheets) Brendan Moore returned to Fleetwood at the end of the season to find himself released. In comes Torquay, who probably could not believe their luck, and snapped up the young American keeper, who had become a fan favorite at Torquay.

Player-manager Kevin Nicholson is delighted to sign one of his main targets for the new season.
“I’m very, very happy that Brendan has agreed to come back” said Kevin.
“Brendan was a bright spark in our season when he joined the club on loan. He played a massive part in us staying in the National League.
“He plays like a very experienced goalkeeper. His ability to come for crosses, the way he distributes the ball, the confidence he gives to the backline, is something you rarely see at this level.
“I don’t think we’ll have Brendan for long. If he plays to the level he can, he has the potential to play in a higher league. We have signed another ambitious player, and it is important that we make sure that we’re fighting at the top end of the table. It would be nice to keep this squad together for a few years.”

Good Luck to Brendan as he settle in at his new club - definately a player to watch in the coming years

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TRANSFERS: USMNT Emerson Hyndman Signs with English Premier League Bournemouth

USMNT Emerson Hyndman has left Championship side Fulham for Premier League AFC Bournemouth.  The Reports have Emerson signing a 4 year deal. Emerson (20) had told Fulham that he would not extend his contract.

AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said, "We've moved swiftly in the window to secure Emerson’s signature and we are delighted to have finalized the deal to bring such a promising young talent to AFC Bournemouth.

"Emerson is a highly rated young player and already boasts international experience, so will be a welcome addition to Eddie and Jason's squad.

“We now look forward to seeing him in action at Vitality Stadium in of our second season in the top flight."

Good Luck to Emerson in the EPL and with his new club Bournemouth

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WEEKEND WRAP: Sunday 6/12/2016 - Features Goals in Finland & Iceland

If your name is Will, chances are you scored today. Not that many more games than yesterday, and like yesterday we have goals, one in Finland, two in Iceland. With exception of one game in Japan, all our games are in  Iceland and Finland.

To the list!

In Japan, GK Daniel Schmidt (90) and Yamaga suffered only their 2nd loss of the season as they visited Okayama in J-League. Just 2 points separates #1 form # 6 in the table, a win today would have put Yamaga top (its that tight)

In Finland's Veikkausliiga, Will John (85) and RoPS visited #1 HJK. Will started on the bench, but quickly found himself in the game due to a 5th minute injury. With his team down a goal and and time running out Will Scored and RoPS left HJK with a 1 - 1 draw. RoPS have been struggling this season so every point has extra importance.

Christian Eissele was in 18/DNP as Kemi best Lahti 2 - 1. Kemi are well placed in the league but their season has been inconsistent and Christian's goal tally for the season has been missing - maybe not playing will spur him on

Brian Span (90) started for Mariehamn as the hosted SJK, Mariehamn won the game 1 - 0 and are now tied for 1st place in Veikkausliiga. Both teams HJK and Mariehamn are on 28 points - with HJK having the edge on GD - and they are 7 point clear at the top.

GK Craig Hill, was on the bench for KuPS as they visited PK-35 in a game that ended 1 - 1.

In Finland Ykkonen, GK Tim Murry (90 + yellow) and Ekenas found themselves on the wrong end of a disappointing 0 - 2 home loss to TPS Turku. Ekenas are now in a 3-way tie for 2nd spot (& promotion)

Not much separates Jaro and GrIFK (2 points) and today as they faced each other that was destined to stay that way. Kyle Curinga (21) and Josue Soto (in 18/DNP) saw a 2 goal lead vanish as Daniel Stevens (30) and GrIFK hit a late ET goal that tied things up.

In Iceland Inkasso-deildin GK Will Dieterich (in 18/DNP) had to watch from the bench as his team was dismantled by last place Leiknir Fáskrúdsfj 4 - 0 - now that's not good!

Will Daniels (11) has been off, due to injury, for some time. He had been on the bench for the last 2 games for Grindavik. Today he came off the bench and had an immediate impact Scoring for his team as they fought back at Kopavogur. Alas Will's goal was not enough as Grindavik fall 2 - 1 cellar dwelling Kopavogur. Good to see Will back, and scoring

It looked like Huginn and Johnatan Lama (45) where finally going to break the funk of 4 straight losses today as they visited Thor Akureyri - but an ET goal (90+3) ended that hope and Huginn find themselves in the cellar of Inkasso-deildin

In Finland Kakkonen Group C, Lawrence Smith (90) and GBK welcomed Narpes and Jossimer Sanchez (90) with a 3 goal drubbing that pushes them to 2nd place and an opportunity for promotion.

GK Scott Angevine, after last weekends shut-out, held his own as YPA visited Virkia (aka Lapua) and came away with their first win of the season 1 - 4. YPA are still at the bottom of the table (10 of 12) but after a disastrous start a draw and a win in the last 2 games will give the team hope for the coming games.

JC Mack (90) started for Selfoss in Iceland's Inkasso-deildin as they took on Fjardabyggd, in a game that saw Selfoss score all 3 goals in a 2 - 1 win. JC Mack Scored the winning goal (his 2nd of the season)

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 6/11/2016 - Features Goals in Sweden and Iceland

So, just a handful of games today, in Finland, Iceland or Sweden, saw 2 goals and a shut out. Iceland Division 2 will take a few weeks off, but Sweden, Finland and Norway continue play, so we are not shut-down totally. We will continue tracking our guy's through this extended international break.

To the list;

Gabriel Wirtz started and played 75 minutes in Jazz Pori's 2 - 3 loss to KPV in Finland's Ykkonen. KPV who has American Mike Banner in their squad (not in 18) are currently in the #1 position in Ykkonen, Jazz are in last place, with only 2 points from their first 8 games

Chase Miller (90) and Eddy Prugh (90) both started for Bodens BK in Sweden's 2nd Division as they visited Friska Viljor FC, and came away with a 0 - 3 win. Bodens are now in sole possession of 2nd place in the league.

In Sweden Superettan, Tristan Bowen started his first game for AFC, and Scored his first goal, AFC United's first (& winning) goal, and GK and Captain Josh Wicks kept a clean sheet in another Shut-out until he was substituted in the 79th minute (no word on injury yet) as AFC welcomed Orgryte to town and won 2 - 0. AFC are tied at the top of the league

Also in Superettan, Patrick Hopkins, (90 & yellow card), and Paul Torres, who went 90 for the first time this season, started as Sirius visited GAIS, and despite being a man down, came away with a point in a 0 - 0 draw. The draw pulled them up to 3rd spot in the league

In Sweden's Division 1, Jochen Graf came off the bench for Oskarhamns in the 85th minute in a humbling 0 - 3 home loss to Prespa Birlik

In Iceland Division 2, Jordan Tyler (in 18/DNP) and Hottur were involved in a hard fought game at home against Jannik Eckenrode (90) and Aegir that ended in a 2 - 2 draw. Aegir gains a desperately needed point, and a 2nd straight draw, after a disastrous start to the season.

Also in Division 2, Harrison Hanley put his side Njardvik ahead when he Scored their 2nd goal, after they went a man down, he left the game 3 minutes later (56th minute) and visitors Magni scored tieing the game at 2 - 2 for the final

Finally, the last game of the day for us, Vestri GK Cyrus Mohseni (90) and Matt Nigro (24) had a hard time handling lowly Volsungur, coming back from a deficit twice to end up with a 2 - 2 draw at home. I'm sure that Vestri will look on this game as 2 points lost.

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TRANSFERS: Jerome Kiesewetter Signs with Fortuna Duddeldorf in Germany's 2Liga

Photo: Salt Lake Tribune

According to the Fortuna Dusseldorf Web-Site US U23 winger Jerome Kiesewetter has signed a 2 year deal. Jerome has spent the last 2 seasons with Stuttgart, playing mostly for their junior side in 3Liga.

Jerome' step up follows a season where he played 14 times, and was picked to play for the USMNT senior squad twice. In a straight (Google) translation Jerome says;

"I am very happy now to be a part of Fortuna. The anticipation of the preparation start (pre-season) is correspondingly large for me. (Head Coach) Friedhelm Funkel gave me during their talks a very good feeling. Thus was clear to me that the Fortuna is the right next step for me. "

Head Coach Friedhelm Funkel added

 "With he's dynamic and his speed Jerome Kiesewetter will be an asset to our attacking department. It is no coincidence that he at a young age first inserts the Bundesliga team VfB and in the American national team has already won. We will make every effort to further promote its undoubted qualities. "

 Note: Gotta love Google Translate.

The up-shot is Jerome is happy with the move and the Dusseldorf coach has him in his plans. Incidentally, Jerome leaves American Joel Sonora at Stuttgart and joins Justin Kinjo at Dusseldorf

Good Luck to Jerome

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Contracts: USYNT Gboly Ariyibi Could Find Himself at Rotherham United in England's Championship

As has been reported earlier today, Alan Stubb's the manager at Championship side Rotherham United has expressed interest in Gboly Ariyibi, who is currently under contract with Chesterfield in League One.  Stubb's has looked at Ariyibi before when he was manager of Scottish team Hibernians, but reportedly where slow to move and lost out.

The South Yorkshire newspaper The Star is reporting the goings on

"Ariyibi's agent would only confirm to the Derbyshire Times that they are in talks with Chesterfield over a new, extended deal."

The Star says

"His current contract runs out at the end of next season.Last season Ariyibi set out to play more regular football and did so, making 41 appearances.At times he looked unplayable in League One and was involved in 10 goals, scoring three of those himself."

More on this as it play's out

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MID-WEEK WRAP: 6/8/2016 Features a Brace from USYNT Romain Gall and a Shut Out in Finland

Just a quick posting, seeing as there is so little going on right now because of the International break. A few of our guy's (9 players)
had games today, and we had a Brace scored in Sweden, a shut-out in Finland and a big 1st v 2nd in Japan....so here's the list;

In Japan, GK Daniel Schmidt and #2 Yamaga hosted #1 Sapporo in a Japan J-League match-up. Yamaga came away winners in a close game, at 3 - 2 and have moved to within 1 point of Sapporo.

In Finland Ykkonen, Josue Soto (76) and Kyle Curinga (14) and their team Jaro visited Ekenas and GK Tim Murray. Time held off his fellow Americans, and claim's a shut-out as Ekenas wins this one 1 - 0

In Svenska Cupen qualification in Sweden, 1st Division Nykopings and Romain Gall visited Aby in a lop-sided game that had Romain Scoring the first two goals for his team in a 0 - 5 win, Romain on-target again

In the Icelandic Cup, 2nd Division Vestri with GK Cyrus Mohseni and Matt Nigro, lined up against Inkasso-deildin's (1st Division) Fram as they fell after a hard fought comeback from 3 goals down, eventually losing 2 - 3

Will Daniels, just back from injury, did not make it off the bench today for Grindavik in an Icelandic Cup game that saw them fall 0 - 2 to Fylkir 

Dion Acoff went 61 minutes for Throttur, in their 4 - 0 Icelandic Cup home win against Grotta

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CONTRACTS: Rumors Abound for Released Americans in England

Photo: The.Examiner (UK)

The number of Americans playing in England took a hit with the end-of-season retained lists seeing some of our guys without teams going into silly season. There has been some movement/news over the past few days though about 3 of them;

According to Torquay's Herald Express, goalkeeper Brendan Moore is their number one target for the upcoming season. Brendan, the report states, is in the US checking out possibilities of signing with MLS. Brendan (24) is from Atlanta, so hooking up with his hometown MLS expansion team would probably be his target, although no news has come out of the Atlanta FC United camp - and seeing as the very first signing by the club was goalkeeper Alexander Tambakis, it seems unlikely that Brendan will get the starting job that he desires.....I'm guessing that there is more to come on this story very soon.

Duane Holmes was released by Huddersfield last month, but if reports are true he seems to be on the radar of a few clubs already. Charlton Athletic have him high on their list, and incidentally, new coach Russel Slade was targeting Duane before he signed (today) with the Addicks. Most have Charlton as his final destination. Duane also trialed with Barnsley and remain in the mix, although not much has been said since his April trial. Then there's Portsmouth who are also interested, although most pundits believe this is the least likely spot for Duane to end up. "Pompey boss Paul Cook is keen on American-born attacking talent" according to reports.

Another goalkeeper looking around this summer is Cody Cropper, released by MK Don's. MLS Soccer is reporting that the US U23 net-minder is exploring a MLS option with Minnesota and Atlanta (both expansion teams and both city's where Cody has ties)

Silly Season. It all begins on July 1st when the summer version of "Silly Season" starts - keep checking here for updates / rumors /and actual signings.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Sunday 6/5/2016 - Features USYNT Player Goal in Sweden, Lawrence Smith 4th Goal and a Shut-Out for Angevine

So this was a surprise, with so few games, 2 Goals, one in Sweden and one in Finland. Poland finished its season off, and we have a sighting of an American in the Faroe Islands. There was a shut-out in Finland for Scott Angevine, which also gave his team their first point of the season. Finally I had enormous trouble getting info out of Finland today, please forgive that I have published with some info missing...I have contacted the Finnish FA about this - hopefully they will replace the match info for Kakkonen back onto their site.

OK to the list;

Hunter Gorskie, started and went 90 for Legnica as they hosted Olsztyn and were victorious 1 - 0 in their closing game of Poland's Division 1 season. Legnica finished 7th on GD (2 teams on 51 points) After a shaky start Hunter became a regular (usually left back) starting in 12 games (just 2 yellow cards) and scoring 1 goal.

USYNT Romain Gall (90) started the comeback for Nykopings in Sweden's Division 1. After giving up 2 goals to Pitea, Roam Gall Scored the opening salvo of the comeback, 5 minutes laster it was 2 - 2, then the team ran out of steam, gave up an ET goal and fell 2 - 3 (Romain has now scored 3 times in 8 games)

Jochen Graf only lasted the first half today as Oskarhamns had their hands full with high scoring Utsiktens. Things just didn't go there way right from the outset and they found themselves down by 2 goals at the half. Oskarshamns attempted a comeback, but ultimately fell 4 - 2

In Finland Ykkonen, Daniel Stevens (6) and GrIFK battled to a 1 - 1 draw with Gabriel Wirz (90, Yellow card) and Jazz Pori. Only the 2nd point of the season for Jazz, and GrIFK miss an opportunity to get into promotion mix. Literally a draw where nobody wins

Mike Banner (not in 18/card accumulation) and KPV won today's game against visiting KTP and Isaac Kannah (90) 1 - 0

In the Faroe Isles (yes we even follow there) Mayowa Alli started and went 75 as Klaksvik beat Runavik 4 - 0 to take the league lead, in their quest to represent the Faroe Isles in the Champions League

Lawrence Smith (70) Scored again for GBK - That's 4 Goals in 3 Games, (are you kidding me, - from a defender??) GBK won 0 - 4 at the quaintly named Santa Clause, GBK lost Captain Chris Corcoran in the 21st minute to a foot injury - GBK has moved into 4th place in Kakkonen Group C

Narpes Kraft lost their home game 0 - 3 to Hercules also in Group C - forward Jossimer Sanchez played the full 90 for Narpes

Back in Kakkonen Group C, GK Scott Angevine played for YPA today, he had a shut-out and YPA earned their 1st point of the season. Good to see this

In Iceland Pepsideild Dion Acoff (90) and Throttur went to Akranes and won on a very late goal 0 - 1

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 6/4/2016 - Features Games in Iceland, Sweden and Germany

This is the time of year when getting up early in the AM is the hardest. Following the lower leagues, and smaller teams presents many challenges. That said, I love the research work this time of the year, finding and tracking (new) young Americans out there trying to make a name for themselves has its own rewards. Today, very few games for a weekend day - with Euro 2016 and Copa Centennial, most leagues have suspended play for a few weeks. But fear not I have games and Americans players out there even in these lean times.

To the list;

GK Daniel Schmidt started, went the full 90 for Yamaga in Japan's J-League as they won 2 - 1 as they beat Kitakyushu to extend their winning streak to 3 (4/5) and move into 3rd place.

In Sweden Division 2. Both Eddy Prugh and Chase Miller started and went 90 for Bodens BK as they visited Anundsjo and came away with a 0 - 3 win - which puts them at tied first in the division.

In Iceland Inkasso-Deildin Johnatan Lama (62) and Huginn, visited GK Will Dieterich (in 18/DNP) and Haukar. Huginn lost this one 3 - 0 and are still in need of points

In Iceland Division 2, Jannik Eckenrode, 90 min, yellow card and Aegir hosted Vestri, who had two American starters, Matt Nigro and Brodie Steigerwald, who both went 90, with GK Cyrus Mohseni on the bench - the game ended in a 1 - 1 draw, giving Aegir their first point of the season.

Also in Iceland Division 2, Hottur and Jordan Tyler, who started and went 90, visited KV Reykjavik, gave up an early goal and never recovered as they fell 1 - 0

In Sweden Superettan, GK Josh Wicks, started, went 90 and Tristan Bowen came off the bench at minute 82, picked up a yellow, as AFC United beat IK Frej 1 - 0. AFC are now top of Superettan

Ryan Finley started, went 90 and picked up a yellow card as Angelholms had a hard time at home and lost 0 - 2 to Varbergs in their Superettan match up

In Sweden Division 2, GK Jeff Gall, started and went 90 as Lidkopings FK visited Rynninge and came away with a 0 - 2 win, always good to get an away shut-out.

In Germany Oberliga Play-offs, we have just one team to follow Altona 93. They are currently top of Group A, following a 0 - 2 win over Bremer SV. Cody Shields started and went 90 in the victory, and Nicholas Ledesma, was in the 18/DNP, as Altona targets promotion to Regionalliga.

In Superettan, Patrick Hopkins started went 90, Paul Torres was in the 18 but DNP, as Sirius hosted Trellebergs and won 2 - 1. Sirius now in 3rd place in Superettan.

In Iceland Inkasso-deildin, JC Mack started and went 90 as Selfoss fell 0 - 1 to Thor Akureyri 

Harrison Hanley started for Njardvik and went the full 90, as they visited Volsungur in Iceland Division 2 and came away with a point in a 1 - 1 draw - Njardvik move into 3rd spot

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CONTRACTS: Fleetwood Release Both of its American Goalkeepers

Brendan Moore at Torquay United

US Goalkeepers Brendan Moore and Alex Gogic have both fallen foul of the end of season bug in England.

Aleksander Gogic at Nike Academy

Fleetwood Town has released both American Goalkeepers, Brendan Moore (24) from Elmira NY, who was loaned out to Torquay United, in the middle of last season, and had a stellar season, 12 starts 6 Shut-outs, returned off loan to be jobless. Alex Gogic (20), who is one of the young upcoming Goalkeepers, a Nike Academy and NY Red Bull Alum provided backup to the starting netminder, all season long, was also released

Both players are young and should have successful Careers ahead of them

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