WEEKEND WRAP: Amazing Friday, Saturday, Sunday - Features (13) Goals, (6) Shut Outs, (6) Assists

An amazing 3 days of soccer by our lads in Europe and around. 13 Goals (at last count) 6 Assists and 6 Shut Outs. The big news, I guess is Bobby Wood's goal, his 2nd in 2 games, and of course the Iceman Aron Johannson back as a started for Bremen scored from a PK - I watched the game and he was truly ice-cold on the kick, finally DeAndre Yedlin got off the mark as well at Newcastle. Elsewhere our USYNTeamers were going great guns, Haji Wright scoring and Weston McKennie with an assist in a U19 game for Schalke, Romain Gall scored again in Sweden as well as Mukwelle Akeale getting a goal and an assist in Spain for the Villarreal C squad and Kyle Scott got an assist for Chelsea in EPL2. Daniel Schmidt continues to get shut outs for Yamaga in Japan, and Brendan Moore finally gets his first since joining Torquay full time. Finally we had 2 lesser known players who both scored twice for their teams and deserve a shout-out. Alassane Kane scored for Bayern Hoff in Germany and Kyrian Nwabueze scored his brace for Ararat in Armenia. OK to the list

If you want just the short version read on below. Otherwise the full details are below (by day)


GOALS
Danny Williams (England)
Kyrian Nwabueze x 2 (Armenia)
Jann George (Germany)
Haji Wright (Germany)
Alassane Kane x2 (Germany)
Bobby Wood (Germany)
Romain Gall (Sweden)
Ryan Malone (Germany)
Mukwelle Akale (Spain)
DeAndre Yedlin (England) 
Aron Johannsson (Germany)

SHUT OUTS
Brendan Moore (England)
Danny Rogers (Scotland)
Bakary Sanyang (Germany)
Daniel Schmidt (Japan)
Josh Wicks (Sweden)
Tim Murray (Finland)

ASSISTS
Kyle Scott (England)
Conor O'Brien x 2 (Denmark)
Weston McKennie (Germany)
Duane Holmes (England)
Mukwelle Akale (Spain)


FRIDAY

Christian Eissele came off the bench at minute 68 as Kemi lost their home meeting with League leaders HJK 0 - 2 in Finland's Veikkausliiga

Will John was an unused sub for RoPS as they lose at Ilves 2 - 1, with just 7 games left RoPS has picked a bad time to go flat, they have now dropped from 3rd (Europa) to 5th in the table, and it doesn't get any easier

KuPS with GK Craig Hill (in 18) defeated 2nd place visitors Mariehamn and Brian Span (87 ) 2 - 1 a result that moves KuPS up to 3rd and pings Mariehamn's attack on 1st place in the league. Mariehamn are 4 points out of 1st place and have a game in hand, as they make their charge.

Russel Canouse went 90, picked up a Yellow, in Bochum's 0 - 2 defeat at Wurzburger in Germany's 2Liga. This was Russel's first start for Bochum

Royal Fennel went 90 for his new team Hallecher as they won 2 - 1 at home against Munster

Marc Heider, went 90 and picked up a Yellow, as Osnabruck beat Wehen 1 - 0 in Germany 3Liga

Alex De John was an unused sub, in Start's 1 - 4 home loss to Aalsund in Norway's Tippeligaen

JC Mack went 86, in Selfoss's goalless draw with Fram in Iceland's Inkasso-deildin

Gedion Zelalem went 90 for Arsenal's U23 squad as they visited Derby County U23 and won 1 - 3

GK Quentin Westberg had a tough day for Tours as they fell 3 - 1 at Amiens in France Ligue 2

Jordan Siebatcheu went 82 as Reims had no trouble with GFC Ajaccio in France Ligue 2, winning 2 - 0. Reims have now moved in the #2 spot

Kyle Scott started for Chelsea U23, as they beat Tottenham U23 in England Premier League 2 - Kyle was extremely active and although not credited with an Assist his shot, that was parried by the Tottenham GK, went directly to a Chelsea player for a header and a goal

Julian Green was an unused sub, as Bayern visited Schalke and got a 0 - 2 result, keeping them perfect for the season, in Bundesliga

Danny Williams went 90, and Scored on an ET (94) PK to give Reading a 2 - 1 win over Ipswich in England's Championship. After a slow start Reading now has 7 points from their last 3 games and move into 3rd place in the Championship.

SATURDAY

Jamil Fearington went 90, picked up a yellow as Bronshoj visited Fredensborg BI in Denmark Division 2

Also In Denmark Division 2, Anton Peterlin went 90, as B93 visited HIK and came away with a 0 - 2 win

Kyrian Nwabueze Scored Twice, as Ararat visited Alashkert in Armenia's Premier League in a game that Ararat won 1 - 3 - their first win of the season

In Denmark Superliga, George Fochive (90 + Yellow) hosted Conor O'Brien (90 + 2 Assists) and Horsens in a game of 2 halves, Viborg scored twice in the first 25 minutes and looked good for the points, until Horsens turned it on with 4 unanswered goals, to win 2 - 4

In Germany 3Liga, Sean Barry (in 18/DNP) could not stop Sonnenhof and GK David Yelldell (in 18/DNP) as they fell 1 - 3 at home

Also in 3Liga, Jann George Scored Regensburg's 2nd goal as they visited Lotte and took a 2 goal first half lead, but ultimately fell short, losing 3 - 2

In Germany Junior Bundesliga (Nord) McKinzie Gaines (62) and Wolfsburg U19 are on top of the league following their 2 - 0 win over Braunschweig U19

In Junior Bundesliga (West) Schalke U19 with Weston McKennie (90 + Yellow + Assist) made his debut and Haji Wright (90) visited M'Gladbach U19 and won 0 - 2 with the first and winning goal Scored by Haji Wright on the stroke of half-time

In Finland Kakkonen (Group A) PEPO with GK Nathan Stokie (90) and Jakeem Johnson (90) lost their home game against visitor KuFu 98 1 - 2 after scoring in the 90th + minute - PEPO have had a pretty good season (currently 4th) but are a little to far behind to make a run at promotion this season

IN Germany's Regionaliiga (Bayern) Alassane Kane Scored twice for Bayern Hof as they visited Burghausen and came away with a point in a 2 - 2 draw Alassane went 90 and picked up a yellow in the game, which gives him 3 goals this season

In Finland Ykkonen, Mike Banner came off the bench for the final 18 minutes to help #4 KPV win 2 - 3 at #3 TPS Turku

In Kakkonen (Group B) Mitchel Lopez went 90 as BK-46 beat visitors SalPa 1 - 0 to put them into a promotional play-off spot BK-46 have won 4 of their last 5.

In Iceland Inkasso-deildin, Johnatan Lama came off the bench with 5 minutes left in the game as Huginn visited Leiknir and managed a 1 - 1 draw, and a valuable point as they pull 3 points clear of the drop zone

In Bundesliga, Timothy Chandler went 90 for Frankfurt as they visited Darmstadt in a 1 - 0 loss (both teams have a win and loss to start the season)

Also in Bundesliga, Ingolstadt and Alfredo Morales (58 + Yellow) have not had a good star to the season. Today they fell 0 - 2 to a high flying Hertha and John Brooks (90) who are currently in the #2 spot

Bobby Wood Scored for Hamburg (2 goals in 2 games) giving them the lead as they visited Leverkusen, and Hamburg may have gotten away with a point - but 2 Leverkusen goals in ET handed them a tough loss - Bobby went 81 minutes today

In England.s Premier League, GK Brad Guzan (in 18/DNP) gave way to Victor Valdez, following his WCQ in the US. as Middlesborough fell 1 - 2 at home to Crystal Palace for their first loss of the season

In EPL (Battle of the Cameron's) Geoff Cameron (90) and Stoke were walloped by Cameron Carter-Vickers (in 18/DNP) and Tottenham 0 - 4. This has been an absolute disastrous start of the season for Stoke with 1 point from 4 games and 3 straight loses

In England's Championship, Johnathan Spector went 90 and picked up a yellow as Birmingham beat Fulham at Craven Cottage 0 - 1 (Note: no Americans in the Fulham(erica) 18 today - Tim Ream rumors off MLS return? )

GK Paul Rachubka held his usual spot as back-up GK for Bury as they won 2 - 1 at home against Shrewsbury in England League One

Gboly Ariyibi and Chesterfield could not break through home team Oldham's defense in a game that ended goalless

Duane Holmes got an Assist on the first goal, and went 81 minutes as Scunthorpe thumped visiting Southend 4 - 0 putting them into 2nd place with a game in-hand

GK Brendan Moore must be feeling good after today's Shut Out for Torquay as they beat York 2 - 0 in the English National League

In Iceland Inkasso-deildin, Grindavik with Will Daniels firmly planted on the bench, visited Thor Akureyri and were beaten 4 - 3. Grindavik still look a good bet for promotion

Perry Kitchen went 90 and Bjorn Maars Johnsen came off the bench at minute 62 as Hearts won their 3rd straight over visitors Hamilton, 3 - 1 and climbed into the #2 spot (splitting the Glasgow teams - Celtic & Rangers)

GK Danny Rogers claimed the Shut Out for Falkirk as they visited Raith Rovers in Scotland's Championship and came away 0 - 2 winners

Kevin Dzierzawski (90) and Peterhead gained their first win of the season as they beat Queen's Park 2 - 0

Romain Gall Scored early for Nykopings (the eventual winner) as they went on to beat Enskede 3 - 0 in Sweden's Division 1 (Norra) This is Nykopings 3rd straight win / 4 of 5

In Regionaliiga (Sudwest) Ryan Malone Scored, received a Yellow in 88 minutes of play as Stuttgart Kickers visited Koblenz and drew 1 - 1

Also in Regionaliiga (Sudwest) Charlie Rugg came off the bench at 59 minutes as Pirmasens visited Saarbrucken and drew 1 - 1

In Oberliga (Bayern Nord) Oscar Ortiz went 90 as SC Feucht visited Wurzburger and fell 3 - 0

In Oberliga (Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar) GK Bakary Sanyang gets the Shut Out for TSG Pfeddersheim as they visited Burgbrohl and Charlie Butte (90) and won 0 - 1

In Oberliga (Bayern Nord) Julian Ceesay went 90 as Amberg hosted Eichstatt and drew 1 - 1

In Sweden Division 2 (Norra Svealand) Sasa Plavsic was in the 18 (no further info) as S. Kerbura lost 2 - 0 at Sundbybergs and their collapse continues with 4 straight losses, that have taken them out of promotion contention.

In Sweden's Division 1 (Sodra) Jochen Graf came off the bench with 15 minutes left in the game as Oskarshamn dropped points at home in a 0 - 2 defeat

In Sweden Division 2 (Norra Gotaland) GK Jeff Gal (90) and Stephen Golz (90) conceded an early goal by Orebro-Syrianska, then Lidkopings FK fought back to take the lead, finally conceded again in a game that end at 2 - 2

Ismar Tandir was in the 18 but did not play as Javor visited SP. Subotica in Serbia's Super Liga in a game that ended with a 1 - 1 draw - Javor only have 2 points from their last 5 games

Jon-Paul Pittman (67) started for Harrogate as they suffered their first defeat of the season to Alfreton 1 - 0 in England's National League (North)

Kris Scott was removed/replaced from the bench before the game (injury?) started today as Nuneaton came from a goal behind to tie Alfreton 1 - 1

Mukwelle Akale Scored for Villarreal C squad against CF Torre Levante in Spain and is also credited with an Assist in the 2 - 1 win - wow! This was the game, #1 and #2 (same points separated by GD) now there is separation

In Norway Tippeligaen, GK Alex Horwath was on the bench as Brann drew 0 - 0 with Viking - the result hurts Brann in an extremely contested league, where 2 points separate #2 Brann from #6 Sarpsborg - Brann cannot be dropping points at this stage especially at home

Christian Pulisic was an unused sub as Dortmund visited, Bundesliga newcomers, RB Leipzig and fell 1 - 0 for their first loss of the season (Note: no T Boyd for RBL)

Rubio Rubin was an unused sub for Utrecht as they tied 1 - 1 at Zwolle - Utrecht are having a slow start only 3 points from 5 games and still looking for their first win

DeAndre Yedlin came off the bench at the 73 minute, and Scored in ET sealing the 0 - 2 win for Newcastle as they visit Derby County in the Championship. That's 4 wins out of the last 5, and a #2 spot for Newcastle, after an awful start to the season

Cordt Andreas Flätgen (69) and Borussia Neunkirchen lost at home 0 - 2 to Hertha Wiesbach in Oberliga (Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar)

Hunter Gorskie went 90 as Legnica went to Olsztyn in Poland Division 1, and came away with the win, 3 points and a 2 game win streak

Timothy Tillman (72 + Yellow) and Bayern U19 were handed their first loss of the season as they lost big to Mainz U19 Final Score 1 - 4

Kevin Coleman got 5 minutes as Kaiserslautern U19 visit Karlsruher U19 and won 1 -2 in Junior Bundesliga (Sud)

Toni Suddoth (90) and Stuttgart U19 didn't have any answers when Freiburg U19 came to town, losing 0 - 2 also in Junior Bundesliga (Sud)

SUNDAY

GK Daniel Schmidt earned another Shut Out as Yamaga beat Kyoto 2 - 0 in Japan's J-League Division 2. This was Daniel's 3rd straight Shut Out

In Germany's 2Liga, Jerome Kiesewetter came off the bench at minute 65 and Dusseldorf drew 1 - 1 with Furth. Dusseldorf's 3rd draw in their 4 games this season

Also in 2Liga, Andrew Wooten went 90, as Sandhausen beat Kaiserslautern 2 - 0 for their first win of the season.

In Denmark Division 1, Ryan Finley joined the action at minute 71, as Naestved fell 1 - 3 to cellar dwelling Vendsyssell

Oh dear, Caleb Stanko (28) and Vaduz got absolutely clobbered by Lausanne 5 - 0 in the Swiss Super League. Vaduz has 2 wins in the last 5 and 3 losses.

Eddy Prugh received a straight RED Card and Bodens fell 1 - 3 to Strombergs in Sweden's Division 2 (Norrland) Bodens has had an OK season, sitting in the #3 spot, but have lost 2 straight games and now have lost their captain, for at least the next game

Eric Lichaj, went 90 as Nottingham visited Aston Villa in the English Championship and earned a point in a 2 - 2 draw with the relegated Villa

In Finland Kakkonen (Group C), Lawrence Smith (90) and Chris Corcoran (in 18/DNP) and GBK visited GK Scott Angevine and YPA in a game that had GBK score twice and walk away with all three points

Also in Finland Kakkonen (Group C), Jossimer Sanchez went the full 90 as Narpes visited PPT and lost 2 - 1

In Sweden's Superettan, AFC and GK Josh Wicks (90), faced off with Assyriska FF and Paul Torres (90) and settled for a goalless draw. Of course until a few weeks back Paul Torres and Josh Wicks were team-mates at AFC.

Babajide Ogunbiyi went 90 as Hobro beat Nykobing 1 - 0 in Denmark's Division 1. Hobro have started the season well, and sit in 2nd(tied) 1 point off the league lead

In Bundesliga, Aron Johannsson, seemingly back in form following his long term injury, stamped his return in his 2nd game, with an ice cold PK Goal, the score putting Bremen in the lead going in at half-time. Unfortunately Bremen could not hold the lead and fell at home 1 - 2 to Augsburg. That's 2 games and 2 losses for Bremen

In Germany Regionaliiga (Sudwest) Bryan Gaul (90) and Matt Taylor (86) had a tough time of things at home against Trier in a game that ended 1 - 1

In Regionaliiga (Nordost) The battle of Leipzig ended with RB Leipzig and Terence Boyd (70 + Yellow) and Ken Gipson (44 + Yellow) winning 0 - 1 over Lokomotive Leipzig. Ken left the game in the 44th minute (?injury)

In England Premier League 2, Brooks Lennon came off the bench as Liverpool U23 continued their weekend dominance of Leicester City winning this one 4 - 0

In Iceland Division 2, Harrison Hanley came off the bench at 57th minute as Njardvik lost 1 - 2 at home to Grotta on an ET goal

Aris Briggs Zustra came off the bench (71) as Osnabruck II beat HSC Hannover in Oberliga (Niedersachsen)

Matt Miazga was an unused sub today (he did play 45 minutes yesterday for the reserve squad) as Vitesse visited Ajax and lost 1 - 0 - Vitesse was somewhat hobbled in their attempted comeback after they had a red card and were reduced to 10 men

In Denmark Division 1, GK Michael Lansing was in the 18 as back-up goalkeeper for Vejle. His team lost 0 - 2 to Koge, maybe its time to change goalkeepers?

In Sweden's Superettan, league leaders Sirius and Patrick Hopkins (90) visited Syrianska and won 0 - 2. Sirius have extended their lead to 4 points.

In Iceland Division 2, Aegir with Daniel Kuczynski (90) and Jannik Eckenrode (12) almost pulled off the away win, despite being a man down, but ended giving up an ET goal in an game that came down to the wire at KF

Jordan Tyler went 90 as Hottur lost their home game 2 - 3 to Sindri in Iceland Division 2

Kyle Curinga (90) and Josue Soto (90) helped Jaro beat Haka 3 - 0 in Finland Ykkonen. Etchu Tabe (81) had a mad 5 minutes with 2 x Yellows/RED card for Haka. Jaro moved into 4th place within striking range of promotion

In Finland Ykkonen Isaac Kannah (90) and KTP lost to Ekenas 0 - 1 on a late goal. GK Tim Murray gets the Shut Out for Ekenas. KTP are in a spot of bother having lost 3 in a row, and are now in the relegation zone

In Sweden's Allsvenskan, Ostersunds and Andrew Stadler (5) won at home against Helsingborg and GK Matt Pyzdrowski (in 18/DNP) by a 2 - 0 scoreline, moving them to 6th place

In Norway Tippeligaen, Stabaek and Cole Grossman (90) found no relief, as they hosted runaway league leaders Rosenborg and fell 0 - 2. Stabaek have enough time to get out of the relegation zone - unfortunately today was #1 Rosenborg, next up #2 Odd - they have a relegation battle on their hands

In Iceland Division 2, an exciting goal-fest between Vestri and Matt Nigro (28) and Afturelding. It looked like it would be a low scoring affair with a 0 - 0 half-time. But then it got wild with 6 goals in the 2nd half and a 3 - 3 final score, as the the teams traded goals for the last 40 minutes.

In Cyprus First Division, Louis Bennett II was in the 18 again today - he didn't make the field, but its good to see him in the mix. Anorthosis won this game at Aris 1 - 2 starting the season with 4 points from a possible 6

Josh Gatt came off the bench at 67 minute mark, for Molde in their goalless draw with Haugesund in Norway Tippeligaen - Molde are 1 point out of a Europa League spot.

Dion Acoff (84) helped last placed Throttur beat Akranes in Iceland's Pepsideild 3 - 1, which is their  first win in 12 attempts, its still very unlikely that they will avoid relegation

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday/Sunday 8/13/ and 8/14 2016 - Features Young Americans, 16/17 Seasons begin

Not a good weekend to be late reporting...sorry...Well today (Saturday) starts a new year/season in the major European leagues. It's always an exciting time. 

For the future of US soccer, today is especially exciting and this season feels like the future will be on display around the world. In England, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Lyndon Gooch , Emerson Hyndman and Gedion Zelalem are gaining traction in the EPL. In Germany, Christian Pulisic, Julian Green and Russell Canouse look set for senior play this season. (IMHO) This year is the first of the transition years as US Youth stake their claim for USMNT spots for the coming 4 or 5 years. The next group are also starting their ascendancy, just a year or 2 behind, McKinze Gaines, Dallas Aminzadeh, Gboly Ariyibi,  Mukwelle Akale, Romain Gall and Luca De La Torre - to name just a few of many - just an amazing group of new young Americans on the horizon.....so yes its an exciting time for US Soccer.

Today's List is long, so if you don't want to read the whole thing, here are the notable highlights first;

Goals
Christian Eissele (Finland)
Eddy Prugh (Sweden)
Matt Nigro (Iceland)

Assists
Gboly Ariyibi (England)
Brian Span (Finland)
Cole Grossman (Norway)

Shut Outs
Daniel Schmidt (Japan)
Ethan Horvath (Norway)
Scott Angevine (Finland)
Jeff Gal (Sweden)

Here is the full (well most) list for this weekend;


SATURDAY

Russell Canouse came off the bench at the 85th minute, as Bochum visited Karlsruher and held them to a 1 - 1 scoreline for the away point in Germany 2Liga

In Sweden Division 2, Eddy Prugh Scored Bodens 2nd goal as they won at home game against Ange 2 - 0

Devante Parker went 90 for Mainz II as they visited Duisburg in Germany 3Liga, and probably wished they had stayed at home - losing 4 - 0. The early season has not smiled on Mainz II so far.

GK Kenneth Kronholm went 90 as Kiel fell 1 - 0 at Fortuna Koln on an early first half goal

Jann George (90) and Regensberg still have not lost so far this season as they visited FSV Frankfurt (who were missing Shawn Barry) and came away with a 1 - 1 draw, a point and a place on top of Germany 3Liga

Marc Heider (82) started for Osnabruck and Robbie Kristo was (in 18 / DNP) as Osnabruck beat Magdeberg 3 - 2 on an 87th minute goal, maintaining their record of no losses so far this season

GK David Yelldell did not make the roster today for Sonnenhof

In Finland Veikkausliiga, Kemi and Christian Eissele hosted Inter Turku. Christian came off the bench, for Kemi, at minute 82, and Scored at 90+ from a PK in a 3 - 1 win

Will John (90) and RoPS visited SJK in Finland's Veikkausliga as they battle for a European spot next season. SJK were to strong on the day as RoPS fall 3 - 1

Theo Siebatcheu came off the bench for Reims at minute 72 as they visited Valenciennes in a France Ligue 2 game that ended goalless.

In Germany 2Liga, Fafa Picault went 90 as St Pauli fell 0 - 2 at home to Braunschweig for their 2nd loss in their opening 2 games

McKinze Gaines (67 + Yellow) as Wolfsburg U19 faced off with Hannover 96 U19 and Lyonel Hyer (8) in Junior Bundesliga (Nord/Nordost) in a game that saw Wolfsburg U19 2 - 0 winners

In Germany Regionalliga (Nordost) Devann Yao went 90 as BAK 07 beat Meuselwitz 1 - 0

Dallas Aminzadeh came off the bench at minute 49 as Oldenburg visited Lupo Martini and came away with a 0 - 1 win in Regionalliga (Nord)

Omar Castro played the first half in Braunschweig II 1 - 2 loss to Norderstedt also in Regionalliga (Nord)

Ryan Malone (90 + Yellow) and Stuttgart Kickers visited Elversberg and came away with a point after a 1 - 1 draw

In Finland Kakkonen (Group C) Lawrence Smith (90) and Chris Corcoran (90) could not find a way through the defense of Hercules in a game that ended goalless

Conor O'Brien (89) and Horsens held on for a 3 - 3 draw with Silkeborg in Denmark's Superliga , as Silkeborg came from a 3 - 1 deficit to tie things up late in the 2nd half.

England's Premier League is back, Cameron Carter-Vickers (in 18/DNP) as Tottenham visited Everton and drew 1 - 1 (no DeAndre Yedlin today)

Stoke had Geoff Cameron in their 18, as they visited Middlesbrough and drew 1 - 1 (no Brad Guzan today) Geoff never got off the bench in a typical 1st game of the season

In England's Championship opening day Johnathan Spector and Birmingham visited Leeds and came home with 3 points after a 1 - 2 win

Fulham who have a small American contingent only used Tim Ream as a time waste 90 min sub, as they visited Preston and won 1 - 2

Adam Henley only lasted the first half as Blackburn visited Wigan and were trounced 3 - 0

Reading are another team with a small group of US players, started Danny Williams (90) as they made the trip to Wolves. 2 goals either side of half-time (42 & 47) sealed the home teams win as Reading fall 2 - 0 to start their season

Gboly Ariyibi (90) and Chesterfield had no trouble in their home opener against Swindon in England's League 1. winning with ease 3 - 1 Gboly was credited with the Assist on their 3rd goal

Duane Holmes went 58 for Scunthorpe as they fought back from a 2 goal deficit to draw 2 - 2 at Fleetwood in League 1

GK Paul Rachubka was an unused sub as Bury visited Gillingham and fell 2 - 1

GK Brendan Moore (90) was on a shut-out until the 90th minute when Torquay's defense let him down and Barrow scored an equalizer in 1 - 1 draw in the Vanarama National League

Perry Kitchen played the 2nd half as Hearts visited Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League in a game that saw no goals by either side.

Kevin Dzierzawski (90) and Peterhead seem to have started this season in a real funk, losing their pre-season cup games and friendlies and now both of their league games. After battling, and just coming up short of promotion last season, they are winless this. today they fell 0 - 3 to East Fife.

In Sweden Superettan, Sirius and Patrick Hopkins (90) extended their lead at the top of the table to 5 points, beating Ljungskile 0 - 2

In Germany Oberliga (Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar) GK Bakary Sanyang (New York) started and went 90 in TSG Pfeddersheim's 3 - 1 loss to SV Rochling

Also in Oberliga (Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar) Charlie Butte went 90 for SpVgg Burgbrohl in their 0 - 4 dismantling by SV Gonsenheim

In Oberliga (Bayern Nord) Julian Ceesay went 90 in Amberg's 3 - 0 over FC Sand

Eric Friedlander was in the 18, but did not play for SpVgg Ansbach in their 1 - 1 draw at Erlenbach/Main in Oberliga (Bayern Nord)

Oscar Ortiz went 90 in SC Feucht goalless draw at Wurzburger II, also in Oberliga (Bayern Nord)

GK Alex Horwath never got off the bench as Brann visited Valerenga in Norway's Tippeligaen in a 3 - 2 loss. Brann are still holding on to 3rd place despite the loss

Lyndon Gooch made his EPL debut today putting in 65 energetic minutes in Sunderland's 2 - 1 loss at Manchester City 

Mukwelle Akale gets his first senior squad minutes as he comes off the bench at minute 61 for  Villarreal in a friendly loss with  CD Leganés 3 - 2

SUNDAY


Timothy Tillman went 90 as Bayern Munich U19 hosted Freiburg U19 in a Junior Bundesliga game that saw Bayern win 2 - 1

GK Daniel Schmidt gets another Shut Out as Yamaga visit C-Osaka in Japans J League 2 and come away with a 0 - 1 win and maintain the 2nd place position

Emerson Hyndman was not in squad today (Ankle Injury) for Bournemouth in their EPL opener against Manchester United - Final Bournemouth 1 - 3 Manchester United

GK Ethan Horvath gets the Shut Out for Molde as they visit Aalesund in Norway's Tippeligaen and leave with 3 points, winning 0 - 2

Royal Fennel was in 18/DNP as Wurzburger were held at home 1 - 1 by Kaiserslautern in Germany's 2Liga

In Germany's Regionalliga (Nordost) Masami Okada went 85 as FC Schonberg visited Luckenwalde and drew 1 - 1

In Finland Kakkonen (Group C) GK Scott Angevine gets the Shut Out as YPA win again (4 out of 5) this time 1 - 0 over 2nd place MuSa

In Iceland Division 2, Vestri overcame Aegir 2 - 0 as Matt Nigro (86) Scored Vestri's opening (and winning) goal. Aegir and Jannik Eckenrode (58 + Yellow) had no answer today and have now lost 4 in a row, relegation problems really will worry them now

In Sweden Superettan, Paul Torres (90) and Assyriska fell 0 - 1 at home to Degerfors a disappointing result for Assyriska, who have lost 4 of the last 5 and are now in the relegation zone 5 points from safety, behind Degerfors

Also in Superettan, AFC United, GK Josh Wicks (90) and Tristan Bowen (59) gave up a 2nd half goal as they visited IK Frej and lost 1 - 0. AFC remain in 3rd place, and are still within range of 2nd place as Halmstad also lost today (2 points separate the teams)

In Sweden Division 2 (Norra Gotaland) Lidkopings FK beat Kortedala IF with GK Jeff Gal getting the Shut Out for Lidkopings

In Iceland Division 2, Jordan Tyler (90) and Hottur beat KV Reykjavik by 3 - 2. Hottur are in 8th (12 team league) place and look sure to end in the middle of the table, as they are to far behind for promotion, and to far ahead for relegation.

Harrison Hanley went 83 minutes for Njardvik as they drew 2 - 2 with Volsungurin Iceland's Division 2.

In Finland's Veikkausliga, Brian Span (90) was credited with the Assist on Mariehamn's first goal, as they went on to beat VPS 0 - 2. The win, the first in 5 games has given Mariehamn the top spot in Veikkausliga.

In Finland Ykkonen, Jaro with Josue Soto (90) and Kyle Curinga (90) visited GrIFK and came away 2 - 3 winners as they continue their rebound (2 wins 2 draws in last 4 games)

Mike Banner (90) and KPV hosted Gabriel Wirtz(in 18/DNP) and Jazz Pori in a 6 goal thriller that ended in a 3 - 3 draw. Both teams with something to play for, Jazz to salvage their season and escape relegation, KPV to move into a promotion spot (they are 4 points behind)

In Kakkonen (Group C) Jossimer Sanchez (90) and Narpes Kraft put together an emphatic 4 - 1 win over Lapua. Narpes are now 6 points clear of the relegation zone

In Sweden's Allsvenskan, Brendon Hines-Ike and Orebro found a way to win at Hacken, 0 - 1, and break a 2 game losing streak and snatch up 3 points, in a very close grouping of teams battling for the last Europa League spot ( Malmo are 6 points ahead of this group of 4 teams)

In Norway's Tippeligaen, Start and Alex De John (in 18/DNP) gained a rare point as they visited Stromsgodset and left with a 1 - 1 draw. Start who almost certainly will be relegated playing spoiler - Stromsgodset were hoping for 3rd place after this weekend

Stabaek are still struggling, but today Cole Grossman (90) was credited with an Assist on their first goal, then later they had to fight back to get a 2 - 2 draw at Viking. Stabaek have now had 4 draws and a loss in their last 5 games, they are 2nd from bottom, but amazingly only 3 points from safety

In a friendly news, Timothy Chandler started for Frankfurt as they beat Spanish side Celta Vigo. Christian Pulisic was not in Dortmund's squad for the German Super Cup (he is playing Monday in another friendly) and Julian Green was in the 18 / DNP for Bayern Munich in their win

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WEEKEND WRAP: Sunday 7/31 : Features Goals in Sweden, Bosnia

Today was one of those busy, but unremarkable day's. We saw a couple of players starting with new clubs, loanee Caleb Stanko, Robbie Kristo, AJ Soares all made debut's. Ken Gipson started for RB Leipzig II, Connor O'Brien continues to start, and 2 Americans in Bosnia, Danijal Brkovic and Nermin Crnkic both played the first 2 games of the season (Brkovic has scored in both games)

To the list;

GK Daniel Schmidt and Yamaga visited Tokushima in Japan J League 2 and came away with a point as they drew 2 - 2. Yamaga has slipped into 2nd place, but still in a good position for promotion

Caleb Stanko went 90 minutes for Vaduz as they fell to league leaders, Basel in the Swiss Super League 1 - 5. This was Caleb's first appearance for his new club, probably not one he will want to remember

In Germany 3Liga, Marc Heider (87) and Robbie Kristo (13) helped their team Osnabruck win their season opener at Munster 0 - 1, good omen, lets hope

In Sweden's Superettan, GK Josh Wicks (90) and Tristan Bowen (66 + Yellow) helped get their team AFC Utd. back on track, as they beat Varbergs 0 - 2, solidifying 3rd place in the league - 2 points out of 2nd place and 4 points out of the top spot

In Germany Regionalliga (Nordost) Matsumi Okada (90) and Schonberg hosted Devann Yao (90) and BAK 07 in their season opener. Schonberg had little trouble with the visitors winning the game 3 - 0

Also in Regionalliga (Nordost) Ken Gipson (90) and RB Leipzig II won their opener at home 2 - 0 against Hertha II

In Denmark's Superliga, Connor O'Brien (90 + Yellow) has now played in all three games for Horsens and all three have been draws !! Today they kept the streak alive as Horsens and Connor drew 2 - 2 at (busy with Europa League Qualifying) Brondby

In Sweden Division 2 (Norrland) Bodens continued their travels up the league table with a 1 - 2 win at Valbo. Eddy Prugh started, went 90 and Scored Bodens first goal. Bodens are now in 3rd spot, 2 points away from automatic promotion.

In Germany Oberliga (Bayern Nord) Julian Ceesay (90) and Amberg walloped Erlenbach 6 - 0

In Sweden's Allsvenskan, GK Matt Pyzdrowski was in 18/DNP as Helsingborg visited Hacken and gained a point in a 1 - 1 draw

In Bosnia's Premier League Celik Zenica visited Radnik Bijeljina and came away with a 2 - 3 win. Danijal Brkovic Scored Celik Zenica's 3rd and winning goal in ET (90+1), that's 2 goals in 2 games for his new team

A full menu of games in Finland today

In Veikkausliiga, KuPS and GK Craig Hill (in 18/DNP) hosted RoPS and Will John (73) in a 1 - 1 draw. Just 1 point separates the two 4th and 5th spots.

Veikkausliiga leaders Mariehamn and Brian Span (90) visited Lahti and only managed a 1 - 1 draw. The result opens the door for HJK to gain and pass Mariehamn at the top, they are now just 1 point behind

In Ykkonen, Mike Banner (90) and KPV held off JJK after falling behind, to win this one 2 - 1

In Kakkonen (Group C) Jossimer Sanchez went 90 as Narpes Kraft fell 0 - 3 to MuSa (who now share top spot) Narpes are far enough above the drop zone that they should survive

GK Scott Angevine (90) and YPA had their 5 game win streak ended by league leaders OPS 1 - 3. It had to come to an end sometime, no shame in losing to top team.

In Norway Tippeligaen, #3 Brann and GK Alex Horwath (in 18/DNP) beat #2 ODD 1 - 3 - Brann are now just 1 point out of 2nd place (both Brann and ODD are in Europa League spots)

In Denmark Superliga, AJ Soares got his first 16 minutes of playing time with Aarhus as they suffered their first loss at home to Randers 1 - 2 

In Bosnia Premier League, Nermin Crnkic put in a days work for Sarajevo as they won 2 - 0 over Zrinjski, with a 1 and 1 record (4pts) they share top spot with a slew of clubs.

Cole Grossman (90 + Yellow) and Stabaek visited Stromsgodset in Norway's Tippeligaen, after 3 goals in the first 7 minutes things calmed down and the game ended a 2 - 2 draw. The fortunes of both clubs are affected by the result - Stabaek are just above the relegation zone on GD and Stromsgodset are just out of European Play, by GD

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WEEKEND WRAP: Long Weekend - Friday/Saturday - Features Goals and Opening Day's

A pretty busy weekend, that started yesterday. Leagues around the world are starting their fall seasons as most that are playing are now starting to clear-up the pro/rel situations (yes, there is plenty of time still) So far this weekend we have Goals, including a Hat-Trick and a 2 goal performance, in Australia, Finland, Israel and Scotland. We have Shut Outs by our goalkeeper core, in France and Scotland  and just for good measure 2 players appeared for Tottenham against Atletico Madrid in their friendly.

Let go to the list;

FRIDAY 

In Finland's Ykkonen,  Jazz Pori and Gabriel Wirtz (30) was on the end of a whooping 0 - 4 by TPS Turku. Jazz fall further behind, with only 1 point in last 5 games and are 9 points adrift at the bottom of the league ....sad

In Denmark Superliga, Viborg and George Fochive (in 18/DNP) have had a rough start to the season, but today's 2 - 1 win over Esbjerg has given them hope, I'm sure.

Alex De John (in 18/DNP) and Start have 7 points (7 Draws) from 18 games, today was no different from a team that just can't figure out how to win, losing 1 - 0 at Sarpsborg in Norway's Tippeligaen. Start are now 6 points behind there closest rival.

In Sweden Division 2 (Norra Gotaland) GK Jeff Gal did not have one of his best days as his team Lidkopings FK lost 2 - 0 at Grebbestads IF

In Germany Regionalliga (Nord) Omar Castro ( 90 + Yellow) and Braunschweig II visited Meppen for their first game of the season and lost 3 - 1

In France, Ligue 2 kicked of its season, and Tours with GK Quentin Westberg registered a Shut Out as they were held 0 - 0 by AC Ajaccio

In Poland, Hunter Gorskie and Legnica played the first game of the season in the Polish Division 1. Hunter went 90 and Legnica won 1 - 0 over Gornik Z. Good start to the season

GK Ciaran Nugent (in 18/DNP) and Sligo Rovers managed yet another draw at home (that's 3 draws in the last 4) in their game with #3 Derry County, in Ireland's Premier League.

FRIENDLIES

Good performance (although a loss) as 2 US players represented Tottenham as they played Atl. Madrid in a game that ended 0 - 1. Cameron Carter Vickers started and went 90, and USMNT, DeAndre Yedlin went 60 (interestingly at left back)

SATURDAY

In Australia's, NPL Victoria, the North Geelong Warriors won 3 - 0 on a HAT-TRICK by Kene Eze (72) over Whittlesea Ranges. - FYI Kene is a 24 y/o striker from Sayreville NJ and played for Pittsburgh Riverhounds before moving to Australia

3Liga kicked off in Germany, and the small contingent of US players
GK David Yelldell was in the 18/DNP for Sonnenhof as they visited Chemnitzer (Mario Rodriguez was not on the roster today) and came away with a goalless draw

GK Kenneth Kronholm (90) and Kiel welcomed Shawn Barry (67) and FSV Frankfurt for their opener in a game that ended 1 - 1

Mainz and Devonte Parker (90) started their season off with a 2 - 2 draw at home against Zwickau after falling 2 goals down, then hitting 2 in 2 minutes

Jann George (90) helped Regensburg win their first game of the season (and first game back in 3Liga) 2 - 0 over Rostock
                                                                                                                   
In Finland Veikkausliiga, Christian Eissele (8) came off the bench late for Kemi as they ended goalless with visitors VPS. Kemi are far enough the drop zone to probably be safe, but 2 points from their last 5 games will make their fans a little nervous

In Finland Kakkonen (Group A), GBK beat AC Kajaani 3 - 0. Lawrence Smith Scored 2 of the 3 as Kajaani drop their first in 5 games (and 1 spot - to 3rd) while GBK get their first win in 5 (and move up to fifth). Chris Corcoran (90) played a full game for GBK.

In Germany's Oberliga (Bayern Nord) Oscar Ortiz went the 90 as SC Feucht lost at home to Viktoria Aschaffenburg 0 - 2 - That's just 1 point in the first 4 games of the season for SC Feucht

In Scotland's BetFred Cup, Falkirk and GK Danny Rogers get the Shut Out as they win 2 - 0 over Brechin and advance to the next round

In Sweden's Allsvenskan, Ostersunds and Andrew Stadler (18) were held to a goalless draw against Elfsborg

In Scotland's BetFred Cup, Peterhead won 3 - 4 over Dumbarton on PK's after an exciting match finished even at 3 - 3. Kevin Dzierzawski Scored Peterhead's opening goal (he also scored his PK), but Dumbarton came flying back taking a 3 - 1 lead, before Peterhead found the way back to equalize. The PK's were a disaster for both sides Dumbarton 'missed' 5 and Peterhead 'missed' 4 to decide the outcome

In Sweden's Superettan, Assyriska and Paul Torres (90) whooped Atvidabergs 4 - 0. Paul is still trying to get his first score of the season under his belt, and Assyriska seems to be giving the opportunity with 2x90 minute games since he joined. Today's win pull Assyriska out of the relegation zone.

In what must be the laugher of the day, Augsburg II and Benedict Laverty (30) absolutely dismantled Seligenporten 12 - 0 (Correct - Twelve) in Regionalliga (Bayern)

Alassane Kane came off the bench for the 2nd half as Bayern Hof dropped a home game to 1860 Munich II 1 - 3 in Regionalliga (Bayern)

In Sweden's Superettan, league leaders Sirius and Patrick Hopkins (90) visited Ryan Finley and Angelholms and came away with all 3 points in a 0 - 2 win. Sirius now 2 points clear at the top (5 games 5 wins), Angelholms are next to bottom

In Israel's Toto Cup, H. Tel Aviv won their opener 0 - 2 over Yehuda. Aaron Schoenfeld Scored the first (an ultimately winning) goal

Ismar Tandir came off the bench at minute 83, as Javor drew 1 - 1 with Novi Pazar in Serbia's Super Liga, so 2 draws to start the season for Javor

As a young player, its difficult to break into the first team, Theo (Sachem) Wilson is in that position. He did not make the 18 today (his 2nd time) but with his team winning in the early season most coaches will not change what's working. Today Gorica beat Radomlje 2 - 1 and puts them tied at the top of Slovenia Prva Liga. 

Don Cowan, started went 90 for Longford Town in Ireland's Premier League, as they drew 1 - 1 at home with Galway. Their second draw in as many games still leaves them 5 points adrift at the bottom of the table.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Sunday 7/24/2016 - Features 2 x 2 goal games Plus more goals

Well today's game's took on an unexpected vibe. Way fewer games than yesterday involving US Players and way more goals!  First, congratulations to GK Daniel Schmidt who now has 11 shut-outs in Japan. Denmark and Moldova (yes) opened their season's for real this weekend, with many more starting this coming week or so. OK Goals!!! there were goals (7), including 2 brace's in Finland and in Germany (Friendlies), Congrats to Jakeem Johnson and Jerome Kiesewetter and, we identified a US player Florida born Mitchell Lopez who is a dual USA - Brazil, who scored in Finland today.

Lets go to the list;

GK Daniel Schmidt does it again with a Shut-out for his team Yamaga in Japan J2 as they win 1 - 0 over V-Vareen Nagasaki. This is Daniel's 11th shut-out in 24 games this season (Record is 24 games, allowed 20 goals, 11 Shut-outs)

In Denmark SuperLiga, Connor O'Brien goes 90 for Horsens as they draw 1 - 1 with Sondejyske, this makes it 2 draws in 2 games

In Denmark Division 1, Naestved and Sammy Adjei lost their season opener 0 - 1 to Nykobing.

In Sweden Division 2 (Norra Svealand) Sasa Plavsic went 90 for S. Kerbura as they visited Habo and lost 4 - 3 on a 90 +7 minute goal

Alex De John started and went 90 in Norway's Tippeligaen as Start hosted Valerenga in a bottom of the table clash and as has been the case all season Start lost 2 - 4 - even though it is only half-way through the season Start look doomed and Division One football next year looks almost certain.

Mitchell Lopez (USA/Brazil dual) Scored BK-46 2nd goal in their 1 - 3 win over EsPa in Kakkonen (Group B) Mitchel (90 + yellow) is a 23 year old MF from Opa-locka Florida, played a year for Ft Lauderdale before moving to Finland and BK-46

In Sweden Superettan, AFC with GK Josh Wicks (90) and Tristan Bowen (61) suffered a rare home loss to Trelleborgs 1 - 2. Over the past few weeks AFC has some shaky form (2w, 2l, 1d) that has toppled them from early season dominance into 2nd place (Halmstad, in 3rd, are a point below and play later today)

In Moldova, Academia Chisinau and Jairo Aquino won their season opener 4 - 1 against Ungheni in Divizie Nationala...the win puts them top on GD

In Finland Veikkausliiga Kemi and Christian Eissele (81) visited Ilves scored first but ended having to settle for a point in a 1 - 1 draw, giving them their first point in 5 games.

RoPS and Will John (25) did just enough to win 1 - 0 over HIFK and increase their unbeaten streak to 7 (in league play) and move them up to 3rd place.

In Finland's Ykkonen, an exciting game between GrIFK and Daniel Stevens (20) and Ekenas and GK Tim Murray ended in a 3 - 2 win for GrIFK. It looked as though Ekenas would grab a point when they scored in the 90th minute and made it 2 - 2, but GrIFK hit back at 90+3 to take all 3 points

In the other Ykkonen game KTP and Isaac Kannah (90) visited TPS and came away with the points as Isaac Scored the opener for KTP in their 1 - 3 win.

In Kakkonen (Group A) PEPO 1 had no trouble when they visited Futura. Jakeem Johnson Scored a brace in the 1 - 3 win, which takes them out of the relegation zone.

In Sweden Allsvenskan, GK Matt Pyzdrowski is still polishing the woodwork, and had to watch Helsingborg lose at home again 0 - 2 to Hacken. That's 4 loses in the last 5 games as Helsingborg sink lower in the standings.

In Sweden Superettan, an exciting game between leaders Sirius and Patrick Hopkins (90) and Assyriska FF and Paul Torres (90) who just transferred from Sirius. It looked like the game was going to be a laugher after Sirius took a 3 - 0 lead, then Assyriska went on a tear scoring 3 unanswered goals to tie things up shortly after the start of the 2nd half. But Sirius is just to strong this season scoring two 2nd half goals to win the game 5 - 3 and extend their first place points.

Angelholms had the unenviable task of visiting high flying Halmstad in Superettan today. Ryan Finley (90 + yellow card) and Angelholms did 'OK' losing by only 1 - 0.Halmstad now pass AFC into 2nd place splitting the two teams that have US players #1 Sirius (and now) #3 AFC. (only 4 points separate 1 thru 3) at the season mid-point.

FRIENDLIES

In Germany, 2Liga Sandhausen and Andrew Wooten (85) took on Spain's Seville in a pretty close match that Seville won 1 - 2. Sandhausen's goal was Scored by Andrew, briefly giving the hosts the lead.

In another of those laugher's, that they seem to love in Germany, 2Liga side Dusseldorf and Jerome Kiesewetter visited Regionalliga's Wegberg-Beeck, who were today's punching bag, in a 1 - 8 thumping. Jerome Scored 2 goals

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WEEKEND UPDATE: 7/9/2016 PLUS Europa Quals - GOALS GALORE (7) This Saturday

Catching up a bit with the Europa League Qualifiers, only 3 of our teams  made it through to the next round. A little bit of action on Friday and Today, which has seen 7 goals. Will Daniels back from injury and now back in form hits 2, as did Justin Kinjo in a friendly in Germany..Marc Heider in his first game for his new club hit one to. I added in Daniel Kuczynski's brace in Iceland although there is some question on whether the Cal State grad is US or Can? (Iceland FA says US, Club says Canada) With so much going on I have reverted back to splitting the weekend into two.

Here's the list

EUROPA LEAGUE QUALIFIERS

Stabaek and Cole Grossman booted from Europa League Qualification 1 - 0 by Welsh team Connah's Q

Gorica and Theo Wilson lost 1 - 0 (4 -0 agg) to M. Tel Aviv and are out. Only the 2nd game played for Theo since he joined Gorica (both in Europa League) Don't fret Theo there will be good times to come

Brian Span went 90 for Mariehamn as they tied 1 - 1, but were eliminated 2 - 1 by Norway's Odd

Will John went 90 in RoPS 1 - 1 draw, but the good news is that their 2 - 0 first leg win gives them a 3 - 1 agg and they move on to the next round (RoPS play the 1st leg at home v Lokomotive Zagreb of Croatia)

Eder Arreola was not involved, but Shirak beat Dila Gori of Georgia 2 - 0 after penalties for a 2 - 1 agg win, as they get ready for the next round (Shirak start the next round at home to Trnava of Slovakia)

USMNT Perry Kitchen went 90 picked up a yellow (the only MF not subbed out) for Hearts as they beat Infonet of Estonia 2 - 4 (agg 3 - 6 ) and take this dominating performance into the next round (Hearts will travel to Malta and Birkirkara for the opener of the next round)

Martin Ontiveros started went 86 in only his 2nd game (both Europa League) for Luxembourg's Jeunesse Esch as they won there home leg 2 - 1 but are eliminated on away goals by St.Patricks of Ireland

FRIDAY

In Norway Start and Alex De John (90) really haven't started yet - they have yet to win a game this season P15/W0/D6/L9 - today the misery continued as they dropped their home game against Bodo/Glimt 1 - 4 as they say in London "woe, woe and thrice woe.

In Iceland's Inkasso-deildin, Leiknir F. put up a fight against Keflavik but succumbed to a 90+ goal to lose 2 - 3. Alexander Ainscough was in the 18/DNP and is still looking more his first minutes with his new club

Things went a little better for JC Mack (90) and Selfoss as they managed a 2nd half goal to tie things up with Fram and get out of town with a valuable point

SATURDAY

Gabriel Wirtz (90) and Jazz Pori had a difficult time with Oulu in Finland's Ykkonen as they settled for a 2 - 2 home draw. Jazz remain bottom of the league with just 6 points from 12 games.

In Iceland Inkasso-deildin, Johnatan Lama started and went 60 as Huginn fell 0 - 1 to Leiknir on an 84th minute goal. Huginn are now firmly entrenched at the bottom of the league with only 4 points from 9 games

In Iceland Division 2, Aegir are battling themselves out of trouble, they won today over Volsungur 3 - 0 with 2 goals Scored from American Daniel Kuczynski (Cal State) went 90 along with Jannik Eckenrode, Danial's tally is now 3 goals in 3 games. Aegir have now won their last 2, but still is the cellar of the league

Also in Division 2, Matthew Nigro (90) and GK Cyrus Mohseni (in 18/DNP) battled Grotta in a game that ultimately ended scoreless. Vestri are 5 points off the lead but must get some consistency going

In Sweden Division 1 (South) Jochen Graf came off the bench at minute 73 as Oskarshamns visited Hollvikens and came away with all 3 points in a 0 - 1 win

Back to Iceland Division 2 where Njadrvik visited bottom team Fjallabyggd. Harrison Hanley started for Njardvik, who lost on an own goal, matters were not helped by a 67th min red card. Njardvik were down 1 - 0 in the first half and had the advantage of an extra man for half an hour but couldn't capitalize

Jordan Tyler (90) and Hottur hosted league leaders Afturelding and scored all 3 goals in the game (Own Goal) as they won 2 - 1 and knocked the leaders off their perch

In Inkasso-deildin Grindavik thumped Thor Akureyri 5 - 0 - Will Daniels came off the bench for the 2nd half and Scored twice as Grindavik had a 4 goal 2nd half.

In Norway's Tippeligaen, Brann hosted Vålerenga with GK Alex Horwath on the bench. Brann certainly had fun as they win this one 4 - 1 and move up to 4th place in the league

Molde visited Sogndal in Norway for an exciting game that saw Molde come back from 4 goals down, but ultimately run out of time and lose 4 - 3. GK Ethan Horvath spent the game on the bench - you have to wonder if he was playing would Molde have let in 4 goals?

FRIENDLY

Justin Kinjo Scored twice as Dusseldorf drew 3 - 3 at France's L'Orient

Marc Heider who joined Osnabruck on July 1 opened his account for his new club when he Scored the opening goal in a 3 - 0 win over Dortmund II

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WEEKEND WRAP: 1/2/3/July - Features Iceland, Finland and Sweden and Goalkeepers

Strange weekend, a few games, but no goals, instead we have 3 Shut-Outs. Goalkeepers weekend this. Scott Angevine gets his 2nd straight shut-out, Nathan Stokie and Craig Hill round out the three - Congrats to the American goalkeeper corp across the pond this week. Other than that we are really seeing the leagues shape up, with the bulk of teams/players we watch either vying for promotion or trying to avoid relegation. Still its still early in the (ongoing) seasons and much could change.

On Friday, one American played, in Iceland Jannik Eckenrode went 90 for Aegir as they visited KV in Division 2 play, Aegir started well enough, but ultimately KV won this one with ease at 4 - 1

Saturday

Mike Banner (90) and KPV, hosted Etchu Tabe (90) and Haka in Finland's Ykkonen. KPV took the early lead that they held until the 83rd minute, when following 2 red cards they collapsed giving up 4 goals (83, 90+1, 90+3, 90+4) before the final whistle and a crushing 1 - 4 home defeat. Despite 2 straight loses KPV still leads Ykkonen by 3 points (over Haka)

(Dual) Isaac Kannah (61) and KTP hosted GrIFK and Daniel Stevens (85) in there Ykkonen mid-table clash. GrIFK held a 2 goal advantage at the half, as KTP could only manage a late goal to end the game 1 - 2 in GrIFK's favor

In Kakkonen (Group C) Jossimer Sanchez (70) and Narpes Kraft drew 1 - 1 with League leaders TP-47 on an 81st minute equalizer

GK Scott Angevine and YPA now have the best record in Kakkonen (Group C) through the last 5 games with 13 points from a possible 15. Today Scott registered his 2nd straight Shut-out as YPA visited PPT and came away 0 - 1 winners. I'm guessing all the fall-out at the seasons beginning is now forgotten as YPA move up the table.

In Norway's Tippeligaen, Alex de John (90) and Start visited #3 Haugesund in one of those top v bottom games. Start have been horrendous this season (with 0 wins in 14 games) Today started promising enough with a 0 - 1 lead at the half, but that was as good as it would get as they fall 2 - 1 and remain firmly at the bottom of the league.

In Sweden's Superettan GK Josh Wicks (90) and #1 AFC United had no trouble disposing of #2 Halmstad 4 - 1 in a top of the table match-up ( #3 Sirius - with Patrick Hopkins and Paul Torres, play Assyriska tomorrow and could move top)

In Sweden Division 1 (Norra), Romain Gall (87) and Nykopings took the late lead despite being a man down, only to relinquish it in ET in a game that ended all even at 1 - 1 against #2 Akropolis

In Iceland's Inkasso-deildin, Will Daniels (73 / Yellow Card) and #3 Grindavik visited Fjardabyggd and fought back from 2 goals down to draw 2 - 2

Johnatan Lama (90 / Yellow Card) and Huginn visited Keflavik, as they look for points. The game ended scoreless, but the 1 point (the first in 5 games) draws them closer to fellow cellar dweller Leiknir F. and gives a little hope of revival of the season

In Iceland Division 2, Jordan Tyler (90) and Hottur hosted Magni in a mid-table battle. Hottur prevailed 2 - 1 with both goals coming in the first half

In Sweden's Superettan, Ryan Finley (90) and Angelholms went a goal down early to Degefors, but a goal both sides of half-time gave them the lead which they held on to, winning 2 - 1. This was Angelholms first win in the last 5 games and the 3 points lifted them from last place and into striking distance of safety from the relegation zone

In Iceland Inkasso-deildin, Alexander Ainscough** was in the 18/DNP for Leiknir F. (2nd from bottom) as they visited Thor (2nd from top) in a game where both teams needed maximum points - Thor with 3 points are now tied at the top of the league (with 5 wins in last 5 games) - Leiknir F. are still 2nd from bottom of the 12 team league.
** Alexander Ainscough is a new discovery for me, he joined Leiknir F. in late May. He played college ball at Stamford and Northeastern, and joined his new club straight out of school. Inkasso-deildin is a pretty competitive league, so good move on his part. Looking forward to tracking Alexander in the coming months (and years)
In Iceland Division 2, Vestri with Matt Nigro (90) and GK Cyrus Mohseni (in 18/DNP) faced off with Sindri, as Vestri looked to get back to winning ways. Mission accomplished, a 3 - 1 home win will cheer American coach Joe Funicello, who also received a yellow card on the side-line

SUNDAY

Things are tightening up in Japan's J-League 2 with only 8 points separating 1 from 5. Yamaga and GK Daniel Schmidt had a bit of a shock today as they faced Mito, and were down 2 goals at the half, but they overcame the deficit and won 2 - 3 to retain their 3rd place spot.

In Sweden's Division 1 (Sodra) Oskarshamns and Jochen Graf (10) met their match at Qviding as they fall 3 - 1 in a game of (near) bottom teams

Finland has a pretty busy day today, in Veikkausliiga, first up GK Craig Hill gets the Shut-out as KuPS visited Lahti and came away with a point in a goalless draw.

Kemi and Christian Eissele (9) had 2 red cards as they hosted HIFK in a 1 - 2 home loss. Kemi has now lost their last 4 games and have slipped out of the top 4

In Ykkonen, Kyle Curinga (90) and Josue Soto (90) and Jaro were held to a 1 - 1 draw (Jaro scored both goals) with Oulu

Gabriel Wirtz (90) and Jazz Pori found that GK Tim Murray (90) and Ekenas IF were to much to handle today as the visitors Ekenas IF won this one 1 - 3. Jazz currently are stuck at the bottom of the league, while the win pulls Ekenas IF out of the danger zone.

In Kakkonen (Group A) PEPO 1 had no trouble dispatching Kapa 3 - 0 with GK Nathan Stockie (90) - who gets the Shut-out, and Jakeem Johnson (87) seeing their team win with their first victory in the last 5 attempts

What looked like the perfect start for GBK, with a 2 goal lead at the half, turned into a perfect disaster in the 2nd half. Lawrence Smith (90) and GBK find themselves on the wrong end of a 2 - 4 home defeat by OPS. GBK's 2nd defeat in 2 weeks drops them from 1st place to 4th, but with a close competition at the top of the league (3 points separates the top 6) there is plenty of time to recover and move back up.

In Sweden's Superettan Patrick Hopkins (90) and Paul Torres (in 18/DNP) faced Assyriska FF with the chance to go first at the seasons half-way point. They took their opportunity and won the game 1 - 2 and are now a point clear at the top from Josh Wick's AFC United.

In Norway's Tippeligaen, Stabaek and Cole Grossman (90) continue their troubled season as they lose 0 - 1 at home to Sogndal, Stabaek are now 15th in a 16 team league (they really could use Bob Bradley back)

Also in Norway, GK Alex Horwath sat on the bench as his team Brann visited Sarpsborg and lost 1 - 0, Brann have now lost 3 of their last 5.

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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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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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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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