Flying Kiwis – July 24
Elliot Collier – Chicago Fire (American Major League Soccer)
Oh yes always rate a Flying Kiwis goal. Especially one with a little panache like this sucker, Colly giving it the dropskees down the sideline before cutting in and saying ‘mine, please’ by nutmegging the keeper. That’s his second goal for the Fire. Capped off a 4-0 win in the US Open Cup vs Louisville City.
It was the fourth of those goals and it came with Louisville already down to ten men. Nemanja Nikolić did the goods quarter of an hour in for the lead and Chicago were in control from there against a lower league opposition. Aleksandar Katai doubled the lead before the break. The game carried on in more casual fashion after that, Chicago playing it around, until Kyle Smith was sent off in the 84th for a sprigs-up lunge. Diego Campos robbed the keeper like he was Hugo Lloris to make it 3-0 in the 90th then Collier did what he did. Louisville got another red card after that for a dude lashing out. Just to polish it off. Chicago advances to the semis.
Bastian Schweinsteiger: “It is important. It is a trophy to win. Now we have a chance to come closer. We play Philadelphia. It’s not an easy game to play, but we will definitely look forward to win that game and to come closer to win the trophy.”
But then the Fire made a handful of changes for the MLS game at home against Toronto FC and Collier wasn’t even included on the bench. New signing Raheem Edwards stepped in to start and nudged everyone else down a spot. Fellow signings Nicolas Del Grecco and Nico Hasler were with Collier outside the matchday 18.
And Chicago lost. Fell behind straight after half-time through Sebastian Giovinco and while Nikolić did equalise in the 62nd minute it was only three more rotations of the little hand before Jonathan Osorio bagged what proved to be the winner. 2-1 to Toronto and these two teams play again this weekend. Ideally with more Collier involved. Chicago’s now falling kinda far out of the playoff picture so they’ll probably target that Open Cup semi.
Up Next: Toronto vs Chicago, Sunday at 11am (NZT)
Ali Riley – Chelsea FC (English Super League)
The move to Chelsea’s now official and Ali’s rocked up to a very warm welcome in London. Definitely worth checking out this Q&A that she did with the club on arrival, some of which was released as clips elsewhere, here’s a small taster…
Ali Riley: “From everything I see, it feels like this is where it is at for women’s football. Seeing what Chelsea have achieved and what their ambitions are really matches what I dream of for my career. I just love how they are putting women’s football on the map. I think Chelsea of all the clubs is doing such an amazing job with that and that is important to me. It is definitely going to be competitive and I love a challenge. Coming in to try to do something even better than this club achieved last year will definitely be a challenge, but that is what I want to do and speaking to everyone around the club, they want to win the Treble and that is my goal as well.”
Ali was already playing at one of the top teams in Sweden, so she’s certainly within her depth at this level. But Chelsea are on a different tier to all but the best clubs in the world in terms of investment in the women’s team. Being able to watch a kiwi player competing for trophies in England and in the Champions League, with the exposure and publicity that’s becoming common in those competitions, is going to be outstanding. Get excited for this one.
Up Next: A few introductions
Katie Bowen – Utah Royals vs Abby Erceg – North Carolina Courage (American National Women’s Soccer League)
Big ol’ Flying Kiwis derby here although with Katie at right back on one side and Abby at centre back on the other side there wasn’t a whole lot of direct competition. But still the Royals rocked up to host the runaway Courage and, check it out, they brought the goods. In a game with a kiwi defender on each side we got the ideal result… a 0-0 draw. A clean sheet for each.
Funny old game. Utah dominated possession but could barely get a shot off while the Courage settled for their 40% of the ball but had all the relevant shots at goal. The American team was in camp so both teams were missing key players and not having that cutting edge of the likes of Crystal Dunn and Amy Rodriguez hurt both of them. Having said that, five minutes in Abby Erceg was only denied by a brilliant save after she’d unleashed a wicked header at goal. Katie Bowen had a dig from distance later on but it was saved more comfortably. Erceg again came close right at the end but this wasn’t gonna be that day. Hard fought nil-all and a point for each.
Elsewhere in the NWSL it was bare cupboards with Rebekah Stott only fit enough to make the bench for Sky Blue as they lost, yet again. Didn’t feature there while Rosie White’s Chicago team had a week off without a game.
Up Next: International break so yeah, no footy next week
Stefan Marinovic – Vancouver Whitecaps (American Major League Soccer)
Finally back in action after a long injury break, Big Stef returned just in time for a bit of a derby game against the Seattle Sounders. Hadn’t played an MLS game since May and he wasn’t given much time to settle back in as Seattle scored from the penalty spot five minutes in. Marinovic went the wrong way. He also then went the wrong way in the 31st minute as Nicolas Lodeiro scored a second. Very uncharacteristic from a dude who has usually been extremely consistent. See what you make of this…
Doesn’t really look like there’s a deflection there either, just got done by the swerve and the angle. Not much else happened. Marinovic did make a nice stop one on one to deny Raúl Ruidíaz – the Peruvian international – but his teammate Efrain Juarez got a red one with less than quarter of an hour left. It probably should have been worse than 2-0 on the face of the performance, to be honest.
Eighty-Six Forever Report Card: “Stefan Marinovic: 4.0 - One to forget for the Kiwi. Marinovic let in a Karius-esque long range goal. It should be noted that he also made a good save on Ruidiaz but still not a great turn out.”
Prior to that there was the matter of the Cascadia Cup, a Canadian cup competition, where Stef made his first start in any comp since his injury. A lesser competition but still a winnable one and the Caps were away to Montreal Impact. What’s more is that Myer Bevan was also included on the bench, although he wouldn’t get out there for a club debut. Getting closer, though.
The Caps lost it 1-0 thanks to an Alejandro Silva goal. They now need to win in the home leg if they’re going to progress to the final. Much better game from Marinovic in that first game back.
Up Next: Return leg vs Montreal, Thursday at 2pm (NZT)
Chris Wood – Burnley (English Premier League)
The Woodsman: “It was a frustrating one, it was nice to finish with some goals but ultimately being out injured for a large chunk of the season wasn’t great. I think as a team we did fantastic.”
Apparently 10 goals in 20 Premier League games last season wasn’t good enough for Chris Wood, he’s targeting plenty more and a full season of fitness to boot. Scoring goals is what he’s been doing for a couple years now so you can’t put it past him. One thing that stands up nicely is that goals to game ratio already.
More Woodsman: “I’m pleased with that record and hopefully I can continue that for years to come. I keep striving to do better and become a better player. If I can get to 15 or 20 I think everybody will be extremely happy, me included, the gaffer included and the fans included. You’ve got to take it season by season and see where you can go.”
Burnley are already well into preseason and Woody’s been getting games. He’ll need them too because Europa League qualifying begins on Friday NZT. Burnley are away to Aberdeen, with the return leg a week later. Get pumped for that one.
Up Next: Aberdeen vs Burnley, Friday at 6.45am (NZT)
Michael Boxall – Minnesota United (American Major League Soccer)
Gotta love two wins in a week, that’s for sure. Didn’t take long before Christian Ramirez did his best Darwin Quintero to chip the keeper against New England Revolution not even five minutes in. After some battling stuff for the rest of the half, Quintero then got in the act himself with yet another ripper of a goal in injury time and Minny were in the money. Seriously, this Quintero guy’s season highlight reel will be golden.
Diego Fagundez scored from the penalty spot but that was the only way past Bobby Shuttleworth in goal on this day. The Loons were looking sharp with that new back three. They had to hold on at the end there but a 2-1 win and they’re playing their best footy of the season right now, as evidenced by what they went and did next.
Then they got a go at LAFC and gave them a good whupping. This is a very strong LA team, sitting in reach of the top of the Western Conference and coming off a win in the cup against Portland which is no mean feat these days. Yet despite starting the same XI for the third game in nine days, Minnesota were just way too good on the day. 5-1 the final score, not even joking.
LAFC brought the heat and Minny just absorbed it all, then later on they turned it back upon them. Straight murder on the counter attack here. This one was good fun, check the goals out.
Up Next: Sunday at 2pm against Vancouver, how about it? (NZT)
Jeremy Brockie – Mamelodi Sundowns (South African Premier Soccer League)
Wow would you look at that? It took a while, it took more than a while. After 13 games and 528 minutes Jeremy Brockie has finally scored his first goal for Mamelodi Sundowns. The man was an unused sub as the Brazilians lost 1-0 away to Togo-Port in the CAF Champions League, which leaves them in a tricky position with only two points from three games in the group stage, albeit with two home games in their last three. But he got a good run from the start a few days later as Sundowns beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 to claim the Shell Helix Ultra Cup.
Quick bit of context here, the ‘Shell Helix Ultra Cup’ was basically a glorified preseason friendly. MS are back into the African continental stuff early but their league title defence doesn’t start for a while yet. Kaizer Chiefs picked a full-strength team but Sundowns, coming off that trip to Togo, gave their second stringers a go. Brockie being one of them but he used the occasion to open his account in front of 49,000 fans. Not that it counts as an official goal… let’s not spoil the moment though.
Typical preseason game, there wasn’t much in the way of flowing footy. There wasn’t even a shot on goal until almost half-time. However seven minutes after the resumption came the thing we’ve been waiting months for…
Times LIVE: “But if there is a player who has the potential to gel with his teammates in an explosive fashion this season it is Brockie. With his first six months at Chloorkop spent without a goal after a reported R12-million move from SuperSport United, finally the Kiwi scored on Saturday, sweeping in the rebound after Laffor had broken and rolled a shot onto the left upright. The Kiwi celebrated like he'd scored in a cup final, not a preseason friendly. The beginning of a Brockie deluge? The coming season will tell.”
That was for the lead. Themba Zwane confirmed the result with a goal in stoppage time, although the Chiefs did then pull one back right at the death thanks to Bernard Parker. Too little too late and Sundowns got themselves the win. Oddly both teams changed their kit colours at the half, although it clearly worked for old mate here.
Up Next: CAF Champions League at home to Togo-Port on Saturday at 7am (NZT)
Tyler Boyd – Vitória de Guimarães (Portuguese Primeira Liga)
Last week we looked at Tyler’s prospects now that he’s back at his parent club based on a few preseason appearances. This week we get to take that even further after some impressive contributions right when it’s starting to matter. Boyd set up the first goal, an own goal, in a 2-2 draw with Desportivo das Aves, whipping in a cross that was deflected into the net by a defender trying to clear the ball. There were four new signings in the XI for that game (defender Rafa Soares, midfielder Pêpe and forwards Davidson and Alexandre Guedes), with Boyd also sort of among those ranks after being out on loan last season.
Vitória also just signed Dutch winger Ola John, another dude to threaten our dude’s position. For now Tyler Boyd’s sitting in some winger/wide forward stocks that also include Davidson, Hélder Ferreira, Xande Silva and Rincon. So lots of competition. But he did what he needed to do to stake his claim in the fifth and final friendly of the season, starting again and getting swiftly on the scoresheet in the second minute. That one ended up as a 3-2 win over CD Santa Clara. Boyd started on the right of a front three that also included Davidson and Alexandre Guedes.
Which means significant contributions in all five friendlies, time for a recap…
- 3-1 vs Penafiel: Started & played 45 mins
- 1-0 vs UD Oliveirense: Subbed on & played 45 mins
- 1-0 vs CD Tondela: Started & played 45 mins
- 2-2 vs Desportivo das Aves: Started & set up a goal
- 3-2 vs CD Santa Clara: Started & scored a goal
Also of relevance was the unveiling of club numbers. Generally the cool ones go to the best players and all that, so it’s promising to see Tyler get his mitts on 23. Not quite 7, 9 or 10 but also much better than 39 or 47 (no offence to Ricardo Carvalho (not that one) or Castro). Certainly looks like he’ll be with the Vitória firsties this season. Now to see how much footy he gets. Starting in exactly a week’s time with the first competitive game of the season against his old loan buddies Tondela in the Portuguese League Cup.
Up Next: Monday, TBD, Vitória vs Tondela, Taça da Liga second round (NZT)
Jake Gleeson & Bill Tuiloma – Portland Timbers (American Major League Soccer)
Neither of these lads got to play in the MLS game this week as the Timbers twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Montreal Impact, ensuring they remain unbeaten in 13 straight league games. Sam Armenteros and Diego Valeri scored the goals there. Gleeson and Tuiloma were unused subs.
However a few days earlier there was the small matter of a US Open Cup quarter-final to deal with against LAFC and while Gleeson still didn’t get a game there, Bill Tuiloma was named to start in the heart of defence. It was only a few days after the two teams had drawn 0-0 in MLS action but there were goals here, don’t even worry about it.
Fourteen games unbeaten in all comps stepping into this one for Portland and Dairon Asprilla probably shoulda done better with his two shots 18 minutes into things. But he didn’t and that meant that David Guzman’s 33rd min own goal gave LAFC the lead. Five minutes later Carlos Vela doubled it after some sustained LAFC attack, the Timbers unable to clear the pressure.
Yet right on the brink of the half-time whistle they dragged one back. Deep ball into the box from a free kick and Bill Tuiloma was right there on the end of it… but it went slightly over his head and Julio Cascante got there instead. Still, same result. Marco Urena scored to make it 3-1 early in the second (played on by Tuiloma) but Vytas made it 3-2 with still more than half an hour to play.
Ten minutes left and Tuiloma was replaced for an extra attacking option. They never got the leveller though. Actually they were lucky their offside trap held out and LAFC weren’t able to add to things. 3-2 it was, the Timbers finally lost and their US Open Cup run is over. Portland did try complain about the number of foreign players that LAFC used but they withdrew that soon after and the result stood. Back to the training paddock then.
Up Next: Home to Houston Dynamo on Sunday at 1pm (NZT)
Tommy Smith – Colorado Rapids (American Major League Soccer)
It was only Tommy Smith this week. Deklan Wynne’s slipped back to the bench now that the defence is at full fitness and it was Axel Sjöberg and Kortne Ford joining Smithy in the back three this time, while Edgar Castillo and Johan Blomberg as the wingbacks. And, ah, fast forward twenty minutes and they were 2-0 down away to Real Salt Lake. Nice work, fellas.
Smith didn’t cover himself in glory for either goal, beaten for the header for the first and then getting skinned down to the by-line for the cross for the second. Things were looking awful. Then the lightning came and the game was delayed for a pretty long stretch of time.
Anthony Hudson: “To be honest, it was a really, really bad start for us and the weather delay sort of helped us because we were able to look at it and change a few things with the shape and make some personnel changes. I think everyone in the locker room — we weren’t happy with how we started and we knew that had to change. Full credit to the players. Their response was excellent.”
Yeah so 71 minutes later the game restarted with Huddo making a sub and changing formation to a 4-4-2. Soon enough a controversial penalty allowed Jack McBean to pull one back and Tommy Smith hit the crossbar with a left-footed stab early in the second half. Much better from Colorado yet with a few minutes left they were still trailing 2-1. On came Dillon Serna then. Castillo on a mazy run, enabled by some tired defence, and Serna was there to slip it in from close range after Castillo’s shot was parried away. Weird old game and the Rapids were kinda stoked with a 2-2 draw under the circumstances.
Also keep an eye out as they play a friendly against Boca Juniors in the coming days. Probably gonna see some significant squad rotation there though.
Up Next: Sunday at 12pm away to DC United (NZT)
Francis de Vries - Nyköpings BIS (Swedish Division One Norra)
Back in the Flying Kiwis crew after a fine stint with Canterbury United in the last national league season, FDV has inked himself a deal with Swedish club Nyköpings BIS. The Swedish season is already halfway through so he’s joining a team currently sitting mid-table in the Division One North. That’s running parallel to the Div 1 South lot where Joel Stevens currently plays (joined for a while there by Myer Bevan), the third tier of footy in the country. Yet another kiwi player finding a home in the Swedish lower leagues.
FDV: “I am very pleased to come to Nyköping and look forward to playing with the team this autumn.”
Brian Clarhaut, manager: “We are excited to add Francis to our squad to help the backline. He is a good player with a good football IQ. A player of high character, just as we were looking for now to strengthen our team.”
Up Next: Next game’s away to Rynninge at midnight on August 19, with Sweden currently in their winter break for the next month (NZT)
Clayton Lewis – Scunthorpe United (English League One)
Following on from stretching the legs out with 70 minutes in a 0-0 draw against SV Seekirchen a week ago, Lewis had a good 73-min runout against SV Wals-Grünau with the Iron still on tour in Austria. Had a couple chances to score in a 3-0 victory. Also helped set up the opening goal. It was always gonna be tough for him his first season as a pro and so it proven with games incredibly hard to come by. But with a new gaffer and a full preseason hopefully the hard work will pay off soon.
So far so good then. Scunthorpe now return to Blighty for the rest of their preseason fixtures before cracking into the real stuff in a couple weeks. Lewis also started and played 45 mins in an 8-1 win over Winterton Rovers before they jetted off to Austria. They then had a friendly against Alfreton cancelled because of injuries in an already thin squad. Those factors could allow Lewis the chance to break into the team a little easier, especially as the midfield area is especially slim. Or it could mean a bunch more signings to come. We’ll see how it cracks.
Up Next: Season begins away at Coventry at 2am on Sunday 5 August (NZT)
Steven Old – Morecambe (English League Two)
Must be a new season on the brink. Stevie signed a new two year contract at the end of the last campaign and shapes to be a key player in the Shrimps line-up this campaign. Should be good.
Up Next: Kicking off weekend after next with a Sunday game away to Crewe (NZT)
The USL Hombres
Kip Colvey (Colorado Springs Switchbacks) – Straight into it with his new loan club, playing the full thing at right back in a 4-2 win over Tulsa.
Kyle Adams (RGV Toros) – Dropped to the bench for a 0-0 draw away with Swope Park Rangers. Toros dominated but couldn’t find a winner. Adams was subbed on in the 74th minute.
James Musa (Phoenix Rising) – Full game with a yellow card as the Rising held on for a 1-0 win over Seattle Sounders 2, getting back to the their clean sheet form after a wonky game last week. The Moose even got credited with the assist for the goal, although it was a big long ball so nothing of the Iniesta/Xavi variety… this week.
The Trial Files
Adam Mitchell remains attached to Bolton Wanderers, for whom he was a bit of a star with the Under-23s on their way to the 2017-18 Development League championship (the second tier of the Professional Development League structure in England). But not being on a senior professional contract or whatever he’s still allowed to leave for free. Hence he’s been trying his luck with League One side Walsall. Sounds like he had a decent performance there too. Fingers crossed he’s playing senior football this upcoming season.
Express and Star: “Meanwhile, the Express & Star understands Bolton defender Adam Mitchell is the mystery centre-back who featured for the Saddlers in the win against Ajax. The New Zealand international, whose mother is Croatian, impressed in youth football in his homeland before being spotted by Red Star Belgrade. Mitchell had a number of loans while with Serbian giants before joining Bolton where he impressed for their under-23 side. But while he is still training with the Championship side, he is available on a free transfer.”
Max Mata’s month-long trial with Grasshopper Club Zürich will be over by next week’s Flying Kiwis, which means decision time is nigh. Doing the research out there, it’s curious that he’s been referred to as NZ’s finest talent since Chris Wood. Not sure how Ryan Thomas feels about that but all good, whatever gets him signed. Max was included in their preseason training camp and featured in a few friendlies too.
GC Zürich are already into their season, starting with a 2-0 defeat against Young Boys, the defending champions. Mata’s going to be seen as more of a development player if they do sign him. Should know what’s up there in the next few days.
Then we’ve got Logan Rogerson over there in Germany, signing a two-year contract with Carl Zeiss Jena and celebrating by coming off the bench in the 65th minute of their final preseason friendly and scoring a goal. He started and played the first half in the previous friendly in which the entire team was subbed out at the break.
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