Flying Kiwis – March 6
Chris Wood – Burnley (English Premier League)
Yeah, we missed you Woody. Flying Kiwis hasn’t quite been the same without the big fella scoring goals for fun. Back at close to full fitness now, having burned some more minutes in another closed-season friendly in the midweek, he was named on the bench again as Burnley took on Everton, looking for that elusive win which had now escaped them for 12 games going back to mid-December.
They didn’t win a game while The Woodsman was out. As he sat on the bench against Everton they went about getting on top of things and Ashley Barnes was denied only by an impressive Jordan Pickford. Then Cenk Tosun scored his first Premier League goal twenty mins in and frustration set in. Down 1-0 at the half, Sean Dyche decided something needed to change if they were to avoid dropping another close game thanks to wasteful attack and rough luck. So he went and commissioned this beautiful image…
As soon as Woody was on, replacing Jeff Hendrick, it was became a new game. His power and enthusiasm up the top alongside Ashley Barnes offering similar threats meant two focal points to the attack and the Everton defence had no idea how to deal with it, particularly Ashely Williams. Barnes and Wood reuniting a strike partnership that began several years ago back in the 2010/11 League One season with Brighton. Safe to say they’ve figured a couple things out.
It took ten minutes for that pressure to toll. Ashley Barnes made a sharp run to get on the end of a fantastic through ball from Matt Lowton and he smacked it home. If either team was gonna win it from there, the Clarets looked far more likely. Wood was pleasantly threatening and he got his reward in the 80th minute. In came the corner from Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Wood was left free enough to get up on his own and nod that thing down into the net. Bingo, there’s the winner.
The Guardian: “In the process, Burnley beat their past. Michael Keane’s return to Turf Moor felt traumatic. Burnley pocketed £30m for his services last summer. Barnes escaped from his former team-mate to score the leveller. Wood outjumped the man whose sale helped finance his arrival for the decider. Nor did Keane’s centre-back sidekick fare any better. Williams was the first to lose Wood when Johann Berg Gudmundsson centred. “We decide not to defend a corner properly,” said Allardyce.”
Ashley Williams had enough time left to get sent off for elbowing Ashley Barnes and Burnley went on to win it 2-1 and snaps that winless streak. All it took was Chris Wood, apparently – gotta think he’ll be starting next week.
Chris Wood: “It was a great ball in from Johann from the corner. They play zonal so no-one’s really picking you up. Wardy’s done a great block on the line and I’ve got up and stuck it away, which was nice. It’s been hugely frustrating for everybody and especially me. It’s nice to be back and nice to be playing again and hopefully there’s a lot more to come.”
Lancashire Telegraph: “A week ago Dyche was criticised for not using his substitutes, the first time he hadn’t gone to his bench in two years. Against Everton he made only one change but it was a positive and early substitute and it had a huge impact on the game. Jeff Hendrick had another difficult 45 minutes in the number 10 role but having seen his side go in behind, despite playing well, Dyche took the bull by the horns. Off came Hendrick, on came the returning Wood. The change increased Burnley’s dominance. Ashley Williams and Michael Keane couldn’t cope with the twin threat and Barnes and Wood struck up a promising partnership.”
Up Next: Just in time to play West Ham away at 4.00am on Sunday… although he won’t get to take on Winston Reid… (NZT)
Winston Reid – West Ham United (English Premier League)
It’s been a little while since we last saw this sight, Winston Reid in the West Ham starting lineup. Between a groin injury and a throat infection he hasn’t been sighted on the pitch for the Hammers since the first week of January. We might not see it again this season.
Reid started, as you can see, alongside Declan Rice and Aaron Cresswell in the back three. Not exactly first choice there but Angelo Ogbonna was out with illness (it’s been freezing in the UK lately, you might have heard) and James Collins tweaked a hammy while Jose Fonte fell out with Davie Moyes and was released last week to go play in China (his first game was an 8-0 defeat in which he gave away a penalty, so tough break lad). Meant that Winnie’s way back into the team after returning to fitness was a lot simpler than it might have been.
And West Ham were up against Swansea which meant taking on Andre Ayew, their one-time record signing who was sold back to the Swans in January after never quite fitting in in London. Back in Wales though, things have been grand. Carlos Carvahal has guided them to wins over Liverpool and Arsenal as well as keeping them in the FA Cup and if a 4-1 defeat against Brighton was a rocker last week, Ki Sung-Yeung’s eighth minute leftie strike into the bottom corner swiftly had them back on track. Adrian saw it late and Winston couldn’t get a deflection on it.
Then in the 17th minute, with Swansea on attack, Reid stretched to try challenge Mike van der Hoorn after a Swansea corner routine and looked to land backwards over his own knee. He lay motionless with pain in the six yard box as play briefly continued, Swansea winning the corner. It’d be more than eight minutes until play resumed as the stretcher came out and Winston was loaded upon it, oxygen mask and all, and carried off to respectful applause from the crowd. Also Andre Ayew and Cheikhou Kouyate shared some angry words in the midst of it for some reason. Notably, Marko Arnautovic was the teammate who hung with him the most while he was getting treatment.
Upon closer replays, it turned out that as he fell he took an accidental elbow to the head from van der Hoorn which actually knocked him unconscious. The concussion probably would have ended his afternoon early anyway however it’s the knee that he landed on that’s the long-term worry. The rest of the game was stupid. Sam Byram replaced Winston and the Hammers lost 4-1, Michail Antonio again scoring a consolation goal just as he did against Liverpool. Moyes called it his worst result at West Ham. He wasn't wrong.
David Moyes: “Winston has obviously been knocked out and concussed. When he’s fallen he’s hurt his knee or damaged his knee in someway so I think that’s our biggest concern. More his secondary injury. He’s awake and in the dressing room, he’s fine now, he’s talking. He’s got no problem that way, I think they have got to get [scans] done and checked to see what the knee problem is.”
He was walking around later on… but not very well.
Up Next: See above
Ali Riley – FC Rosengard (Swedish Damallsvenskan)
Yet again Footy Ferns captain Ali Riley is leading the way, selected amongst 55 players in contention for FIFPro’s 2017 Women’s World XI, as voted for by more than 4100 professional female players around the world. It’s the third year that the global player’s union has hosted a women’s World XI selection like this and the second time in a row that she’s made the 55-player shortlist. They didn’t release a shortlist the first time, btw, as they were still refining the process. So two outta two for Riley, hopefully she gets some kiwi company next year.
Of course right now she’s with the Football Ferns and you can expect a recap of their games against Scotland on TNC on Wednesday, sweet as.
Up Next: National Team duty calls
Ryan Thomas – PEC Zwolle (Dutch Eredivisie)
The one criticism you could have on Ryan Thomas’ otherwise immaculate 2017-18 season is that he doesn’t score enough goals. If he could also get forward enough to take a few cheeky shots, to score 8-10 goals this season, then he’d be in Eredivisie Player of the Year reckoning. As it happens he doesn’t really assist a lot either. It’s not strictly his job as a central midfielder but it’s one are he could affect games more in if he improved there. Like this one, for example…
The problem with missing a chance like that is that your team then goes and only draws 1-1 at home against VVV-Venlo, maintaining its recent slump in form. Zwolle had 71% of possession and twice as many shots but only 3 of their 18 digs were on target. Really wasteful and that’s not something they can afford at the moment. Vito van Crooy gave Venlo the lead in the 68th but Mustafa Saymak hit back straight away. The PECers are seventh and it’s getting nervy.
Up Next: Away to Groningen at 12.30am on Monday (NZT)
Elliot Collier – Chicago Fire (American Major League Soccer)
The word was already out that this was coming but now it’s official and Elliot Collier’s signed his MLS contract. Yet another New Zealand player who’ll be playing professionally in America this season, leaving behind his insecure unsigned draft pick status for guaranteed footy. He might well still be loaned out but it’s better than being told to pack up and go home. And, right now, it means that he’s a teammate of World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger. Collier signed along with Diego Campos, a fellow SuperDraft selection (going one round earlier than EC).
Chicago Fire: “The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Wednesday that the club has signed MLS SuperDraft picks Diego Campos and Elliot Collier for the 2018 season with club options for 2019, 2020 and 2021. “Diego and Elliot have each demonstrated a good level of talent in the attacking phase of the game. Importantly, they have also exhibited a hungry attitude to improve and compete relentlessly,” said Fire president and general manager Nelson Rodríguez.”
What’s notable there is that both players have options through to 2021. Doesn’t mean the club can’t cut them after one season but it does mean that if they impress then the club’s got that easy trigger to keep them around.
Hot Time In Old Time: “Collier could add a new dynamic to a Fire attack that was oftentimes stale last season. Standing at 6’4, he is quite the threat in the air. Some teams will look to park the bus against the Fire, allowing possession without conceding many chances. The easiest way to break those teams down is in the air, and Collier could come off the bench to offer the Fire a target to aim for. Whether it be winning headers or bringing the ball down to set up others, he could be the target man that the Chicago have been needing for a while.”
And the big fella celebrated by scoring a goal off the bench in the team’s last friendly match before the new MLS season. Against Tulsa Rednecks, Collier was sharp enough to pick off a bad pass from the defence and slip it into the net. Swish.
Up Next: Chicago Fire vs Sporting KC, Sunday 12.00pm (NZT)
Marco Rojas – sc Heerenveen (Dutch Eredivisie)
Slowly working his way back into contention, Marco Rojas got his most minutes in an Eredivisie game since October when he was chucked out there 25 minutes into their game against Willem II after Arber Zeneli was injured in a tackle by Eyong Enoh and had to be replaced. Couldn’t run it off and ended up having scans at the hospital later that day which came through all clear.
Marco’s side were already up 1-0 when he came on courtesy of Lucas Woudenberg’s rocket left foot. They continued to boss the show after Rojas entered, as you’d expect against a team lingering narrowly above the relegation zone. And Marco was hovering when Denzel Dumfries whipped in a fine loss cross into the box soon after the break which Reza Ghoochannejhad turned into the net for 2-0. The kiwi winger had a couple pops later on, coming close to adding a third as the game ticked down, as well as creating a few chances for some of his buddies. But 2-0 it ended. Good to see Rojas getting some time to impress.
Also a crucial win for the team, who’d only taken two points from their last four games. Nice to get back to winning ways with a clean sheet and a couple goals. Gives their hopes of Europa League playoff contention another breath. Pleasant stuff all around. Especially with Ajax up next.
Up Next: Ajax vs Heerenveen, Monday 2.30am (NZT)
Jeremy Brockie – Mamelodi Sundowns (South African Premier Soccer League)
Jerry’s settling-in period took another turn as he was an unused sub for Sundowns this weekend. The team were too good for AmaZulu, responding well to Mhlengi Cele’s free kick equaliser to cancel out Ricardo Nascimento’s earlier penalty to score twice after the break (both goals to Sibusiso Vilakazi) to win it 3-1 and take three more valuable away points – they’re now seven clear at the top. Wasn’t much need for Brockie when they were already two goals up after an hour, especially not with a CAF Champions League game coming up midweek. Brockie could make his CAF CL debut against Rwandan champs Rayon Sports FC on Thursday morning. He made the final of the Confederation Cup with SuperSport (effectively Africa’s Europa League) and spoke of his desire to compete for the African title when he signed with Sundowns. First leg of two coming up, winner advances to the group stage, loser goes into the playoffs for the Confed Cup.
By the way, one thing you won’t find in Flying Kiwis is gullible speculation, like the chatter that Usain Bolt was preparing to sign for Mamelodi Sundowns earlier in the week. Turned out to be a publicity stunt (and a good one) ahead of a charity game later in the year in which he’ll act as a captain. Bolt had trained with Sundowns recently and the club’s participation in the hoax was probably down to their shared Puma sponsorship.
Up Next: Rayon Sports vs Mamelodi Sundowns, Thursday at 5.00am (NZT)
Kirsty Yallop – Klepp IL (Norwegian Toppserien)
No longer playing for internationally, Kirsty Yallop’s got a bit more time to focus on the ol’ club career these days. Klepp finished strong last season, finishing fourth after four straight wins then a draw to close it all out. Two more weeks before the new season. Keep ‘em peeled.
Up Next: Klepp vs Arna-Bjørnar on March 24 (NZT)
Michael Boxall – Minnesota United (American Major League Soccer)
Born ready. War ready.
The Loons, as they’re known, began their new season with an away game against San Jose Earthquakes. Michael Boxall started at centre-back in an XI which was largely full of returning players from 2017. It was Mike and Francisco Calvo at CB, same as the end of last season. And just like last season they leaked a bunch of goals.
Not a lot they could do about Danny Hoesen’s opener which was a lovely first-time strike from outside the box in the 27th minute. Up until then it was Minny that were playing most of the footy yet as soon as they leaked one they leaked two. Within a minute Vako Qazaishvili had added another. Calvo’s sloppy clearance was charged down and then Boxall missed a block at the near post. Some rapid stuff around the penalty area created room for Hoesen to make it 3-0 in the 59th minute.
In the last ten minutes they made a game of it. Kevin Molino got a double to bring it back to 3-2 however they ran out of time to find an equaliser. Disappointing to see the defence still making crucial errors but they were pretty decent outside a few poor moments on the whole. Might be able to have a little more success in their second season in the league.
Minnesota Star Tribune: “Heath said he would have to think about the possibility of making changes along the back line. Mears, Boxall, Calvo and left back Jerome Thiesson worked together all preseason. The most likely change, should there be one, would be Brent Kallman stepping in for Boxall. Kallman started before Boxall’s arrival last season and is Calvo’s replacement when the Costa Rican heads to the World Cup this summer.”
Up Next: Orlando City vs MU, Sunday 1.30pm (NZT)
Stefan Marinovic & Myer Bevan – Vancouver Whitecaps (American Major League Soccer)
Of the teams with kiwis in the MLS, it’s the Whitecaps that are probably the closest to challenging for a title in 2018. There’s been a bit of a shakeup since last time out and probably for the better, getting rid of seventeen players, many fringe dudes but also a few first XIers who maybe weren’t doing it anymore. Plus they’ve got two New Zealanders on the roster, Myer Bevan officially making the opening day squad of 26 players. Thanks to some Canadian blood he doesn’t even count as an international player, unlike Stefan Marinovic. Didn’t make the match squad for the first game but no worries there. It’s a long season and he’s already ahead of schedule.
Stefan Marinovic did though, starting with the gloves on as anticipated as his Whitecaps claimed a 2-1 victory against Montreal Impact. Tough game, clearly an early season contest, yet in a game of few real opportunities (especially in a dull first half) goals to Kei Kamara (a powerful flicked header in the 63rd that shoulda been saved if the keeper was in a better position) and Alphonso Davies (70th minute slotter that he hit back at the goalie only for it to still squeeze in) were the differences. Matteo Mancosu ruined Stefan’s clean sheet with a header at the far post, somehow getting up unchallenged inside the six yard box. Mari wasn’t happy – although he might have saved it had he not overcommitted with the jump. Mancosu then missed a wonderful chance to level it and the Caps took the three points at home… just. Other than the goal he missed, Marinovic didn’t actually have another shot to save.
Vancouver Whitecaps Team Profiles:
Stefan Marinovic – A New Zealand international keeper with a penchant for highlight-reel saves. Entering his first full season in MLS.
Myer Bevan – A 20-year-old New Zealand international striker who earned an MLS contract after impressing with WFC2 last season.
Up Next: Houston Dynamo vs Vancouver Whitecaps at 12.00pm on Sunday (NZT)
Jake Gleeson, Bill Tuiloma & Stuart Holthusen – Portland Timbers (American Major League Soccer)
Lots has happened at the Timbers since last season. The manager, Caleb Porter, unexpectedly resigned and was replaced by Giovanni Savarese. They traded US international Darlington Nagbe but otherwise kept most of their core intact, as well as adding depth at most positions – including Peruvian winger Andy Polo who, like Billy T, came off the bench in the first and then started the second World Cup qualifying playoff when New Zealand and Peru clashed last year.
Jake Gleeson: “Any change is new and it takes a while to adjust. We're still learning. We still have a long way to go to get to where we want to get to... But it's been good so far and it's only going to get better.”
Lots to work with in Portland for Savarese, hence Bill Tuiloma might be shaped for some MLS action this season but he’s starting from down in the depth chart. Jake Gleeson was poised to be the backup keeper until Jeff Atinella picked up a groin strain which allowed Jake to open the campaign between the sticks as the gaffer made his MLS introduction against LA Galaxy - although Bill Tuiloma was left out of the matchday squad altogether. He’s gonna need to wait his turn to get named on that bench, no dramas.
The Oregonian: “Another positional battle that fans should be keeping an eye on is at the goalkeeper position. Jeff Attinella and Jake Gleeson split time in the net during preseason as both players dealt with knocks at different times. While Attinella entered the year as Portland's presumed starter after claiming the starting role in 2017, Gleeson put in a strong outing against Sporting Kansas City in the club's final game of preseason Saturday. While health could dictate which goalkeeper gets the nod on opening day, Gleeson and Attinella will likely continue to battle for that starting role in the coming weeks. ”
The Timbers looked like they weren’t ready for it though, the Galaxy catching them out disjointed under the new regime. They had Gleeson to thank a couple times with some decent saves but it was chance after chance for the home team. Eventually Ola Kamara and Romain Alessandrini broke it open for 2-0 at half-time. It was better after the break, the Timbers playing with more confidence and managing to take a bit of control back. Sebastian Blanco even pulled a goal back. But only the one and they lost 2-1.
As for Stuart Holthusen, the Portland Timbers 2 side made a bunch of signings recently to help fill out their roster to an even dozen players. None of their draft picks were amongst them and obviously they need a couple more dudes in there, so chances are we see their four second-day SuperDraft selections turn up with the T2 side in the next two weeks before the season kicks off, though there’s also the chance that Holty gets released. Fingers crossed.
Up Next: Away to New York Red Bulls at 11.00am on Sunday (NZT)
Tommy Smith, Kip Colvey & Deklan Wynne – Colorado Rapids (American Major League Soccer)
Deklan Wynne and Tommy Smith started again. Second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League, away to Toronto, and both of them were in the XI again. This time Danny Wilson was given his club debut at CB and Wynne moved out to his more familiar left wing-back.
Smithy’s a sitter for a starting spot though Wynne’s got competition. Edgar Castillo is one, Dillon Serna is another. But Wynnebags got the go in the second leg and did his bit on the way to a Colorado clean sheet. Which sounds nice but when you’re already 2-0 down from your home leg, a dull and uneventful 0-0 draw in which neither team really got going doesn’t do many favours for you. Hudson made a couple subs this time and each team kept trying for goals but this early in the season they’re hardly at full click. Not a lot of mentions of Deklan Wynne in the recaps which is probably a good thing, shows he fitted in kinda well, though Smithy was a little off the pace which is understandable given he’s at a new team having not played much football over the last seven or eight months.
Anthony Hudson: “Where we were at the beginning of preseason to where we are today is huge. We’re making huge strides forward. The last game we played our first game at altitude against the champions. Tonight… everyone probably in this room wrote Colorado Rapids off… on the back of that I hope the team gets credit because for 50-60 minutes they were the better team, for sure. The chances Toronto had were mistakes from us for the majority and I think the chances that we had… we actually created some very good chances. Then at the end Toronto were the stronger team but to come here and get a point, a clean sheet – a point, you know – is a really, really… this is preseason for us. That’s the bottom line. If this is a preseason game for us before we lead into the season, we’re very, very happy.”
Some old Huddo tricks at work there, claiming moral victories and talking up a clean sheet and a point in a two-legged knockout defeat. He acknowledged the point thing was more a figure of speech since clearly this wasn’t a league game but then a draw was never worth anything after a lost first leg. Also talking about the altitude as a weakness… mate. That was your home game! The field ain’t gonna sink into the ocean between now and the next match.
Yet at the same time he’s very right about the different states of the two teams. Toronto are pretty much the finished product, ready to defend their championship title, while the Rapids are at the very beginning of a new cycle. New players being integrated, new styles being learned. Can’t expect too much too soon even if it’s been a disappointment to see them phone in the Champions League like this. The regular season begins next week for Uncle Tony and the lads.
Up Next: New England vs Colorado, Sunday 7.30am (NZT)
James Musa – Sporting Kansas City (American Major League Soccer)
Seemed like another subtle hint there. The preseason’s been full of them so it was no surprise at all when James Musa was told, three days before the new MLS season, that he was surplus to requirements. The Moose got waived, after playing exactly one game with Sporting KC following his promotion from their USL side back in August. But all goods, because this then happened…
James Musa: “I am honoured to have joined Phoenix Rising FC after watching closely the club’s evolution over the past few seasons on and off the field. Phoenix Rising FC was always one of the more difficult opponents and hope that my experience and qualities will help the club earn trophies this season and beyond. The Club’s first-class ownership, training facilities, coaching staff, front office and roster quality as well as a chance to play in front of a packed stadium were all huge factors in my decision. I have one thing in mind this year and that is lifting the USL Final Trophy and cannot wait to join the group to get started on this new challenge.”
Opportunities were slim at the top level for Moose but he was a superstar in the USL with Swope Park, winning the team’s MVP award in 2017. Phoenix Rising are not a team with an MLS affiliate but, with a high profile ownership team that includes Didier Drogba (also still a player for PR), they’re very keen on entering the league via expansion. Having won 10 of their last 12 games last season they were red hot going into the playoffs only to be knocked out on penalties in the quarters by… Swope Park Rangers. Without James Musa though, he was with the MLS team at the time. Funny how these things work.
Up Next: Sunday 18 March at 3.00pm away to Orange County (NZT)
Tyler Boyd – CD Tondela (Portuguese Primeira Liga)
Word is that Tyler Boyd has made the decision to decline any potential recall to the All Whites in order to focus on his club career as he looks to establish himself in Portugal. A damn shame for the national team, who could use a player with his attacking attributes, but an understandable one as well given how precarious his career is at the moment. Even as he’s playing a fair bit lately he’s still only there on loan. Pity he didn’t think he could balance both, at least he’s not an All Whites regular walking away though. Hopefully it's only temporary.
Boyd’s latest was a 2-0 win over Chaves and for the fourth game in a row he was given the start. He’d only kicked off twice all season prior to that. Ricardo Costa scored just before the break and then Tomane added a second deep into stoppage time. Like, more than six minutes into stoppage time. Tomane didn’t do a lot though, all he did was thump it in after Tyler Boyd had dribbled it 50 metres, destroying his marker for pace, then sliding it across for the finish. Hard not to imagine him doing that for Chris Wood, so it goes.
Up Next: Away to Belenenses at 7.00am on Monday (NZT)
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