Flying Kiwis – June 15
Nikko Boxall – SJK (Finnish Veikkausliiga)
Can always trust Nikko Boxall to get amongst it, although the week in which he gets prime real estate in Flying Kiwis didn’t initially look like a great showcase for him. SJK lost 1-0 to KuPS in the past midweek – his old club, awkwardly. They were arguably lucky not to go down to ten men in on 18 mins as the goalie rushed out and took down a striker... but KuPS scored from the free kick anyway, Urho Nissila with the goal, and that was the killer blow.
It was far from the end of the drama of this contest though. Boxall had a few half-shouts for a penalty against him when he came barging across and shouldered a forward off the ball as he was about to shoot, but that’s just good defending. SJK only really threatened from a few crosses in the first half yet a brilliant start to the second saw them have about three shots blocked in front of goal, one of them on the line, and multiple shouts for handballs.
Nothing cooking though and it wasn’t until the last ten minutes that they were able to muster that level of pressure again... and it nearly backfired as the goalie had to make a sliding challenge in transition after going up for a Boxall long throw as KuPS broke away. SJK survived, pumped the ball back into the box, and things immediately got weird as the ball dribbled gently away for the KuPS goalie to pick up only for some kerfuffling to explode off the ball and after a bit of the usual crowding/arguing a penalty was awarded to SJK deep into stoppage time. Then it was saved and SJK lost 1-0.
Thankfully they had another game to get the tastes out of their mouths and this time a close result went their way. It was goalless against Ilves for the longest time, both teams starting brightly with plenty of shots but nothing that could beat either keeper – Ilves threatening with long shots and balls over/behind while SJK’s best stuff was from set pieces.
However into the second half, SJK started to find a little joy from open play by moving the ball quickly around the outside of the centre backs. One shot wide, another square ball poked past the post (would be one of those ‘easier to score than miss’ ones had it not been smashed at his belly from ten yards away... firm low cross and for sure that was a sitter), a better cross side-footed straight at the keeper. Chances were coming.
Thus in the 78th minute they finally scored one. Powerful header from Cristian Valencia after the ball was swung back in following a scramble off another one of those Boxall long throws. Wee bit of defending to do to close it out from there but they did so for the 1-0 win that lifts them up to sixth after seven games played – which is an important point given the league splits into top six and bottom six later in the season, don’t wanna get stuck trying to dodge relegation.
Full games for Nikko Boxall on both occasions, which is the norm. Looks like he usually features on the right of a back three. You may also notice a captain’s armband on NB too. Dig it.
Up Next: Away to Inter Turku on Saturday at 3.30am (NZT)
Joe Bell – Viking FK (Norwegian Eliteserien)
This may be the shortest Flying Kiwis effort for a couple of years, so no need to worry about that cup of tea going cold while you’re reading. Most of the European leagues are into their offseason while the MLS is having a bit of a break for a couple weeks and it was an international window for the ladies too. Plus the transfer window doesn’t officially open for another fortnight. But there’s always someone holding down the fort and this week... that someone was Joe Bell.
The week off did the Vikes good. They took on Vålerenga and looked completely refreshed as they surged out with a number of early chances. Joe Bell even cracked one on target, a low volley after a long throw had been partially cleared. Edge of the box and he struck it well but maybe not enough power on it and the keeper got down to push it away. Bell remained influential aside from that with his whipping corner kicks causing trouble. Plus there was a great move on 24 mins when he stepped up and intercepted the ball on halfway then threaded a ball through the defence, that attack only missing the final touch.
But then for all that they went and conceded in the 35th minute. Free kick whipped to the back post and Henrik Udahl was stunningly wide open only six yards out and he bagged that one for the sucker punch goal. Tough blow for Viking and they’d have been in for a right old serve at the break... had Veton Berisha not popped up in the third minute of injury time to level things. Opportunistic finish after a terrible punch clear from the Vålerenga and there you go.
VFK then rolled them in the second half. It started with a 57th minute penalty, Berisha again with the goal. But it was the winning of the spottie that really stood out as Joe Bell lifted a quick free kick over the top for Berisha about thirty metres away. Berisha ran between keeper and defenders onto the ball and was knocked over, whistle blew. Samuel Kari Fridjonsson then curled in a beaut from the edge of the box on the cut-back in the 73rd minute to give the home side some breathing room. Then a slick run onto a square ball allowed Shayne Pattynama to clinch it at 4-1 right near the end. Full game for Joe Bell who is looking even more assured these days, setting up for a big season.
Up Next: Sunday at 1am away to Sandefjord (NZT)
Kyle Adams & Max Mata - Real Monarchs (American USL Championship)
“In his first return to his former club, defender Kyle Adams led the teams defensive effort, making several major clearances and plays to keep the opposing team from finding the back of the net, including a block on a clear goal-scoring opportunity in the final moments of the match.”
Hey that’s cool. Apart from the bit where the Monarchs lost 1-0 against Rio Grade Valley (Adams’ old club), a 60th minute goal for Wan Kuzain the difference there, robbing a defender in the penalty area which is a terrible way to concede the only goal of the game. RM hung about despite not having a single shot on target all game (and only three in total) but they were clearly second best and any hopes of a comeback were probably squandered when Timi Sobowale was given a straight red card with ten minute to play. Max Mata was an unused sub so there was the problem.
They did have a lovely 2-0 win against Sacramento Republic in the midweek before that... but Adams only played the last two minutes off the bench and Max Mata didn’t play at all so who cares about that one.
Up Next: Saturday at 2pm against El Paso Locomotive (NZT)
James Musa, Noah Billingsley & Deklan Wynne – Phoenix Rising (American USL Championship)
Only James Musa in the side again as Phoenix took on Tacoma Defiance and thoroughly defied them. A 3-0 win with Solomon Asante getting a double. It was a competitive first half with the Rising keeper having to make a couple useful stops to keep things even but then Asante struck in the 40th minute from a great strike at range. Then ten minutes into the second stanza they made it two as Asante again tried his luck from distance and this time a handy deflection sorted him out. Tate Schmitt then scored on debut off the bench with ten to play and there you go.
Spare a thought for Rising striker Santi Moar in amongst all that, by the way. Didn’t score a goal here... that snaps a run of seven straight games in which he’d hit the back of the net. Oh well. Phoenix are starting to carve out a bit of room between themselves and the chasing pack on top of the Western Conference standings now. They’re looking sharp and James Musa has been huge for them. Now just need the other two NZers to get an extended chance.
Up Next: Away to San Diego Loyal at 2.30pm on Sunday (NZT)
Joel Stevens & Francis De Vries – IFK Värnamo (Swedish Superettan)
It’s been an incredible start to the season for Värnamo... although that start took a little bit of a knock this week as they fell 1-0 against Trelleborg to cost them a shot at first on the ladder, albeit with a game in hand that could put them top again (they currently sit second, two points behind Landskrona). Still, for a club that’s just been promoted that’s madness. A few quality signings, a bit of momentum, and some fantastic defence is doing the trick so far. They’re not scoring a lot but the goal that sent them to defeat against Trelleborg snapped a run of six straight clean sheets before that.
Stevens didn’t play in the latest one. First game he’s missed all term after seven starts and one app of the bench. Francis De Vries did play and he’s started six and come off the bench in three. Pretty impressive from those two as well that they’ve adapted to the step up in divisions and continue to get minutes. You would be reading a whole lot more about them... except all the highlights are behind paywalls as are all the major Swedish news sites (and none of the minors are gonna go deep on second division footy). So it goes. But that’s an update on the plight, at least.
Not as much fun for Matt Garbett and Falkenbergs. They’re sitting near the bottom of the table after ten games, only two points off last. But they have taken four points from their last two matches so maybe they’re starting to turn things around. Garbett has played in six of those games, four of them starts.
Up Next: Norrby vs Värnamo, 1am on Sunday (NZT)
Hannah Wilkinson – MSV Duisburg (German Bundesliga)
That’s just confirmation of what was already suspected. The Zebras got relegated, Wilkie was only there on a short term deal... that’s how it goes. Three goals and some consistent games goes down nicely ahead of the Olympics though.
Up Next: Footy Ferns, mate
Greg Draper – The New Saints (Welsh Premier League)
GD: “Myself and the club had a chat to sort something out that they could offer me that would suit both parties. Something that appeals to both and would allow me to continue playing elsewhere. I have had a few conversations with other clubs, but is difficult staying in the Cymru Premier and playing while at the same time working as a coach for TNS. So I’m trying to work around that, and it might have to be a side in the league below.
It has been nice though having a bit of time off. For ten years I’ve had a three week break and the players at TNS went back last week and I couldn’t think of anything worse. It’s still early before the season starts, so I’ll see what happens. I heard a few clubs in England were interested, but that is something I will probably rule out because of travelling and not being able to commit every week through coaching. To be honest, it is likely I’ll be at a side in the league below. Money doesn’t come into it because I won’t be able to play week in, week out. I’m having a few conversations at the moment so we’ll see what happens.”
That’s Draper speaking on his future now that he’s left TNS in a playing capacity. He’s only 31 years old and wants to keep at it... but he’s also going to be a coach at TNS so that complicates things. GD says there that he’ll likely play part-time at the level below to allow him to keep his brand new day job as a forwards coach with TNS, working with all age groups including the brand new women’s team, apparently. So good for him.
Up Next: Bit of a rest by the sounds of it
Ali Riley - Orlando Pride (American National Women’s Soccer League)
And a dose of this to finish…
Up Next: Monday at 10am against Gotham (NZT)
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