Logan Rogerson & Ollie Whyte - FC Haka (Finnish Veikkausliiga)

The whole year has been building up towards this for FC Haka and their two kiwi compadres. We’re talking about the start of Europa Conference League qualifying, where Haka had been drawn up against Crusaders of Northern Ireland. Haka’s season hasn’t been much fun to date as they’ve struggled for consistency on the domestic front but this ECL stint was a reward for last season so no dramas there. And say would you look at that? Logan Rogerson scored in the first leg.

Crusaders had taken the lead in Finland after 22 minutes. It was a scrappy bit of footy on the edge of the area until all of a sudden Jordan Forsythe stepped up and put his foot through it and boom, top corner (via a touch off the keeper’s gloves). But Haka turned that around after ten minutes spent in deficit. A handball allowed Rogerson to step up and bury the equaliser, cool and calm on 33’ (he had missed a pen in preseason so phew), then three mins later Tiemoko Fofana got a crucial wee touch on a rapid delivery across goal and there you go. From losing to winning in about the time it takes to fry an egg.

There wasn’t much else that went down in the first half which was fine from Haka’s perspective. But the second half became increasingly fraught. Haka got away with one when a flicked header equaliser was flagged offside. They then hit the crossbar themselves from a free kick before their own keeper parried a similar effort around the post at the other end. Not ideal but they were still winning, still in a good spot. At least they were... until Janne-Pekka Laine left a foot in on 66’ and drew a red card. Crusaders levelled up from a direct free kick (although not the free kick from the red card) very soon afterwards.

Logan Rogerson was subbed following that and Ollie Whyte had to settle for being an unused substitute... although there will be reshuffles in the return leg thanks to the red card so he may benefit there. Fair play to Haka, they were at least able to hang on for the 2-2 draw. Don’t really want to be drawing your home leg but under the circumstances it’ll have to do. These early qualifying rounds are often blind tests as teams unused to playing continental footy meet with no idea of how the respective standards will compare. They’ll have a much better idea for the next game.

In the meantime Logan Rogerson has become the fifth NZer to play in the new Conference League. A sixth followed soon after while hopefully Ollie Whyte will become number seven in a few days. Ryan De Vries got there first with Sligo Rovers. When he left, he was replaced by Max Mata and Nando Pijnaker who joined him as ECL qualifying reps while Joe Bell got amongst it for Brøndby as well. Mata scored twice in his ECLQ campaign so LR’s goal was the third by a kiwi.

Up Next: ECL first qualifying round second leg, Crusaders vs Haka, Friday at 7am (NZT)

Zac Jones – Haverfordwest County (Welsh/Cymru Premier)

Already alluded to another Conference League qualifier, now here he is. Zac Jones was one of the heroes as Haverfordwest County stormed the Welsh qualifiers to progress to this competition and was rewarded with a one-year contract extension in order to taste the fruits of his labour. There’s a doco series on their YouTube channel about the season just gone and this episode covers that whole European qualification scenario in appropriately dramatic fashion...

Haverfordwest County were drawn up against Shkëndija of Macedonia, an even more obscure tie than what we saw in the segment above. Both these clubs are still between seasons so this is catching them in glorified preseason mode despite probably being the feature fixtures of their entire campaigns... weird dynamic. It was the away leg first for Haverfordwest. Zac Jones started in goal. And they lost 1-0.

But that’s nothing so terrible. It’s only halfway in the tie plus they’re at home for the next one and only a goal down. Jones was beaten to an angled ball in behind on 16’ but the touch from the striker drifted wide of the post. Later in the half there was a very good low save touching a curling shot away for a corner. That one could’ve been going wide anyway but there’s no doubt about the stoppage time shot he denied with hie feet rushing out. Huge save.

That kept it even into the break but unfortunately it took barely ninety seconds for Shkëndija to turn one home from a low cross into the six yard box. Striker got free with his near post run. Nothing any keeper could do about that other than to stay big and hope it hits him. It didn’t. 1-0 to the home side. However Jonesy and company did managed to keep it at ones despite a very one-sided game overall (shot counts read 20 to 2 in favour of the home side). Further ZJ saves ensued – he made eight of them in an excellent individual performance, stepping up to the occasion. This was a semi-pro team against a professional team yet Haverfordwest County have kept themselves in it with ninety more minutes to go back in Wales.

Catch the livestream for the second leg over here.

Up Next: Friday at 6.45am it’s Haverfordwest vs Shkëndija in the ECL first qualifying round second leg (NZT)

Max Mata & Nando Pijnaker – Sligo Rovers (League of Ireland Premier Division)

Say, what do you know? A mint header from Max Mata, down and in at the near post, and he had his 11th goal of the League of Ireland season to draw him back level at the top of the standings. He’s scored a lot of headers this season. He’s also missed a couple more than he’d like... but this was all class right here. Got over the top of it with another of those gravity-defying leaps and put his team up after half an hour.

Sligo Rovers were up against Cork City, one of the only two teams below them on the ladder, and already by then Nando Pijnaker had been required with a lunging block to deny the visitors at close range. But that goal soon changed the tone and once they got into the chunky part of the second half the Bit’O’Red romped clear. Jonas Brannefalk put one in directly from a corner on 52’ (only just going over Mata’s head), although it went down as an own goal due to a glance off a defender, then Stefan Radosavljevic tapped in a sitter on 72’ after the keeper had spilled a Max Mata cross. Those two nearly teamed up for another six minutes later with Mata’s cut-back finding Rado only for a defender to block the shot. It ended 3-0 to Sligo Rovers.

Oh yes and how about these apples?

Chris Forrester’s team didn’t play this week which was helpful (European postponements for the top clubs), but Max Mata is back tied-first. Get in.

Sligo bought a new striker this past week: Portuguese forward Pedro Martelo, a 23yo who once scored the winning goal at the European U19 Championships. Martelo was able to get the last ten minutes off the bench in place of Mata for a debut. Will be interesting to see how those two are used, whether they can play together in the current formation for example. Would imagine that part of this move was to insure themselves in case an English club moves in for Mata. Also better shout out a fine clean sheet for Pijnaker and his defensive crew. This was one of the most complete performances all season from Sligo Rovers.

Up Next: FAI Cup against Drogheda United at 6.45am on Saturday (NZT)

Marco Rojas – Colo-Colo (Chilean Primera División)

Marco Rojas to TNT Chile: “It was nice to see everyone again and to say goodbye the right way. They welcomed me and I’m leaving with good wishes. I am grateful to have shared the dressing room with them. I had a lot of fun, they are very good people. The cultural experience was something I always wanted to have, get to know my dad's country. It is very different from what I’d known and I take nice memories of everyone. I'm leaving because of a personal and family issue. I have time for my family, I will enjoy that opportunity. I want to take this time. This journey gave me some beautiful moments, and I thank the fans who supported me in everything, it was an unforgettable experience. There were ups and downs. Last year's championship is something I really appreciate. We will see where my future lies but the main thing first is to spend time with my family. Then I will see. The truth is that I haven’t decided anything yet.”

Words from the man himself about his Colo-Colo exit. It initially seemed a pesky thing that he’d have to head back to Chile to finish the release paperwork after the international break but it sounds like that ended up being quite a valuable experience with his farewells. There still hasn’t been official confirmation from the club itself but the fact that he’s played his last game for the club has been widely publicised for a long time and now even Marco has discussed it publically. Never forget that he will always now be the first New Zealander to play in the Copa Libertadores.

Meanwhile here’s a timely chat from a lovely bloke...

Up Next: Let’s let that one simmer for a while, aye?

Michael Boxall – Minnesota United (American Major League Soccer)

A couple of weeks ago Minnesota United bounced back into form with a 4-1 win over Portland Timbers. Michael Boxall had to serve a one-game suspension for yellow cards in the next game and without him they lost 4-1 at home to Austin FC. Following that, Boxy returned to the line-up – alongside new signing Teemu Pukki – and guess what happened?

Emphatic footballing activities against the Houston Dynamo. Bongi Hlongwane scored after quarter of an hour, a composed finish after a sweet move sparked by a short Boxall pass stepping up and a long Emanuel Reynoso pass splitting the defence through the channel. Five minutes later a brilliant turn from Reynoso led to another defence-splitting pass with Pukki running through from the halfway line to score on debut. Wonderful goal.

Houston had some quality territory throughout the rest of the half but Boxy’s lads kept them in check. That threat increased in the second half with keeper Dayne St Clair getting his gloves dirty a couple times. Time passed and still they kept the Dynamo at arm’s length until Ismael Tajouri scored on the counter attack to made sure of it. Only 27% of possession for Minnesota United yet they won 3-0. Scored a couple early goals then settled down to the defensive arts.

That was in the midweek. A few days later they took on Los Angeles FC and managed to take a point off them too. Wasn’t a continuation of the big win trend (when Boxy plays) but against the second top team in the Western Conference that’s no small feat.

1-1 was the final score. Both goals were scored midway through the first half. Carlos Vela got it going for LAFC after 20 minutes but the inspired Manny Reynoso equalised within five mins. The Loons had already gone achingly close a couple times so they weren’t exactly stoked when Vela got in behind and held off Boxall to round the keeper and score. But Minnesota’s own goal was so pretty that soon they’d forgotten those other frustrations. The lifted flick from Kervin Arriaga and the running finish from Reynoso. Chef’s kiss.

Things eased off after a fascinating first half. Perhaps because both teams had played in the midweek. No dramas. A plucky draw against the defending champions means four points from these two games which doesn’t quite put them into the playoff places but they do have a game in hand that would get that done. Now they take a break from the MLS for a month as they embark upon the Leagues Cup, a former gimmick competition that is this year being expanded into legitimate status by including every top tier club from USA and Mexico. Group stage, then single elimination knockouts. Minnesota have drawn Puebla and Chicago Fire in their pool.

Up Next: Puebla vs Minnesota on Monday at 1pm in the first Leagues Cup match (NZT)

Bill Tuiloma – Charlotte FC (American Major League Soccer)

Funkiness abounded with Bill Tuiloma getting another start at right back for Charlotte, offering that extra solidity at the back in a 4-3-3 formation. He’s copped some criticism from fans along the way having not really settled with his performances since being traded to this team... but the coach clearly loves him. He loves him so much that he left him out there the whole way even with a more naturally wide attacking fullback option on the bench (Jaylin Lindsay) and the team chasing goals at 2-0 down.

Yeah... this whole Tuiloma x Charlotte thing has carried bad vibes from day one. The team’s only won six of 23 games so far and don’t seem much like fixing that ratio. Tuiloma’s found himself offside with a lot of the fanbase because he was a prominent recruit who hasn’t changed things. The coach may love him but they’re doing nothing to bring out his set piece abilities which is baffling because that’s the most elite thing about his whole game – as a defender at this level he will make mistakes now and then but last year, his best MLS season by far, he balanced that out with goals. Now they’re ignoring the goal potential and therefore simply have an occasionally error-prone defender on their hands.

In 2022 Bill Tuiloma averaged 0.15 xG/90min. In 2023 so far he’s averaged 0.03 xg/90min. He’s gone from 1.88 shots per ninety to 0.40 shots per ninety. He’s only taken two free kicks all year after attempting 14 of them last time – season’s not done yet but it’s not looking like he’ll catch that tally. Based on all that evidence it kinda seems like they traded for the wrong player.

The goals they conceded against Montreal, two quickfire strikes between 29’-31’ on the clock, were nothing to do with Tuiloma. One came down the left side of defence and the other directly over the top. Hopefully they give him a decent chance to settle at right back if this is a genuine plan moving forward but nothing’s for sure when teams are losing. Maybe their luck will change in the Leagues Cup.

Up Next: Saturday at 1pm, Charlotte vs Dallas in the Leagues Cup (NZT)

Marko Stamenic - FK Crvena Zvezda (Serbian SuperLiga)

So, to recap here... Marko Stamenic joined Red Star Belgrade in the days before they began their preseason activities (albeit having confirmed the deal months earlier). He went straight into the action playing the first half of a 3-1 win against a local select team. A few days later they beat Boracn Banja 2-0 and Stamenic played an hour. This was covered in previous Flying Kiwis yarns.

Next they travelled to Russia for Zenit St Petersburg’s Pari Premier Cup and there they began by beating the hosts 2-1 with Stamenic playing 78 minutes, the second-to-last of the starters to be subbed off. Again, there’s a FK’s entry about that too – it’s the one where he got booked and the ref nearly knocked his head off. Since then they’ve beaten Netfci Baku 4-0 with Stamenic getting an hour and then beat Fenerbahce 3-1 with Stamenic doing 77 mins to win that cheeky Pari Premier Cup.

The last couple games he seemed to play a bit deeper as Guelor Kanga came off the bench instead (he’d been the CDM in the first few games), whereas in the earlier matches MS had been an eight with licence to drift into the penalty area. He’s started every preseason game so far, all victories, and has been tried in multiple roles in that midfield. This for a team that has automatic qualification into the Champions League this season. Obviously the Women’s World Cup is the main story in NZ footy right now... but this is shaping up to be an undercover blockbuster. You heard it here first, mate.

Up Next: Red Star vs Fiorentina at 6am on Thursday 27 July (NZT)

Alex Greive - St Mirren (Scottish Premiership)

Don’t worry about it only being mid-July, the Scottish season is already underway thanks to the annual League Cup group phase. And just like last year it looks like the Buddies will be treating it like preseason frivolity based on a 1-0 loss against third-tier Montrose.

St Mirren are still working on acquiring at least one more forward so with their limited stocks it was always likely that Alex Greive would start (they’ve signed Israeli forward Stav Nahmani but sold Curtis Main to the Indian league). That he did, with Greive getting 69 minutes against Montrose. Lots of his usual mahi hunting as a second striker, drifting out wide and making those aggressive runs. There was one lovely bit in the first half where he did just that but couldn’t quite get past the last defender to unleash a shot. But nothing clear in terms of goal-scoring opportunities.

At the other end, St Mirren were looking strangely stretched at the back so when they finally leaked one after 58 minutes it was more of a shrug than a shock. It had been coming. They did put up a response with a few crosses leading to their best attacking moments in the wake of that concession. However they never figured out how to bundle one over the line so the season began with defeat. Still got a couple more games to make amends.

Up Next: St Mirren vs Arbroath, Sunday at 2am (NZT)

George Stanger – Ayr United (Scottish Championship)

There was better news for George Stanger as he was given a debut in central defence for his new club Ayr United in a 1-1 League Cup draw against Stirling Albion. Probably should’ve won against a team a division below them but they did claim the penalty shootout for a bonus point so close enough.

That was then followed by a home game against Stenhousmuir (League Two)... which they won 1-0. George Stanger got another ninety minutes at the back, already settling in smoothly. You’ll have to go searching for those highlights later though because they’re not yet up at the time of publishing.

And you know what? Similar yarns for Will Gillingham who debuted in a back three for Cove Rangers as they won their first League Cup match 5-2 against Clyde. Not so much fun for Alex Greive so far in this League Cup campaign but the two kiwi lads in the lower leagues had a blast. WG is number six in the pic below...

Up Next: St Johnstone vs Ayr Utd, Wednesday at 6.45am (NZT)

Michael Woud – Kyoto Sanga (Japanese J-League)

A curious thing has happened lately... Michael Woud has begun popping up on the bench for Kyoto Sanga in J-League games. It’s still the case that his only appearance has come in the Emperor’s Cup, in which he saved a penalty but then went off injured before his team was knocked out in a shootout. He wasn’t heard of for the following fortnight... but since then he’s appeared on the bench in four straight games.

All four of those matches have involved Gakuji Ota as the starting keeper. He’s normally been the second stringer with Tomoya Wakahara the main man between the sticks. But he strained the PCL in his right knee last month so he’s going to be missing for at least a few more weeks. It’s basically that simple... although Woud’s backup stint does at least suggest he’s nudged back ahead of January signing Warner Hahn – a Dutch keeper who’s addition didn’t make much sense at the time and now looks even weirder.

Annoyingly, as one kiwi in Japan’s had a slight upswing, the other has had a downswing with Michael Fitzgerald going missing from Albirex Niigata’s team for the past few games. Presumably an injury since he hasn’t even been on the bench. At least they’ve got Aussie defender Thomas Deng to hold his spot down while he’s out.

Up Next: Two weeks off, then Kyoto Sanga vs Kashowa Reysol at 10pm on August 6 (NZT)

Henry Gray - Ipswich Town (English Championship)

Finally got that official word from the club: Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of NZ U20s international goalkeeper Henry Gray, a former Wellington Phoenix Academy prospect... although we already knew this was coming after ‘Ipswich Town’ popped up as his club on the squad list for that U20 World Cup. Cat out of the bag. But now ITFC have made it known for all, unveiling Gray as part of a triple pledge of young goalkeepers. Gray joins Scotland U18s keeper Woody Williamson and local prospect Antoni Burt, who is of Polish descent, in signing fresh contracts.

Rene Gilmartin, ITFC head of goalkeeping: “This shows our commitment to nurturing young talents and building a strong squad for the future. We firmly believe that their unique skills and passion for the game will contribute significantly to the Club's success. Henry is someone we’ve known about for a while now, so it’s good to have him here. Woody had an impressive season last year and has the potential to continue his development further, while Antoni Bort is a prime example of someone who’s committed to working hard and not letting setbacks get in the way of his development. I’m looking forward to seeing their progression over the course of the season.”

It’s a two-year contract for Gray and if he manages to progress to the first team then he’ll join Lee Norfolk, Tommy Smith, Rory Fallon, Chris Wood, and Monty Patterson as NZers to have played for the Tractor Boys.

Up Next: It’ll be academy footy to begin with – he’s listed with the U18s on Wikipedia for what that’s worth

Kyle Adams & Elliot Collier – San Diego Loyal (American USL Championship)

A 5-0 win for San Diego capped off by Elliot Collier popping up with a tidy finish. This was a rampant performance from San Diego who were already up two goals when Romario Williams was sent off for Colorado Springs after only half an hour. They were then up four by the half. Collier came off the bench a few minutes before his goal so that was a handy cameo, though curiously Kyle Adams didn’t start either. He was brought on at half-time in a rare instance of substitute duty after also playing off the bench the week before. In 140 USL games Adams has only played off the bench eight times and two were in the past fortnight. Hopefully just a matter of managing his minutes, although they had been on a little results-skid so can’t say that for sure. San Diego now have a week off followed by a friendly game against touring Borussia Dortmund which is bound to be an experience.

Up Next: Friday 28 July at 2pm, it’s San Diego vs Dortmund (NZT)

Moses Dyer - FC Tulsa (American USL Championship)

Stunning delivery. Dyer now has 3 goals and 4 assists this season with three of those goal contributions coming in the past four games. FC Tulsa have won all four of those matches to shoot back up into the playoff positions in the Eastern Conference.

Up Next: Tulsa vs Rio Grande Valley at 1pm on Saturday (NZT)

Tommy Smith – Free Agent

If you’ve been wondering what Tommy Smith might get up to after being released by Colchester (along with pretty much all the stacks of ex-Ipswich players they’d signed in bulk a couple years ago) then wonder no more. He’s currently on trial with League Two club Milton Keynes Dons.

Smith has been there for roughly a week now, featuring off the bench in a preseason game against Barnet in which he got 20-odd minutes (listed on the teamsheet as ‘Trialist B’). The assistant coach then said some nice things about his professionalism and experience and then next thing you know Smithy’s part of their training camp in Germany. All boding very nicely for a permanent deal based on those omens.

Chris Lucketti, MKD assistant coach: “He's come in, he's available and we said we'd take a look at him. We know his experience, he's played at a higher level, and it's an opportunity for us to have a look at him, and for him to have a look at us. You can see within a few days, he's a top, top professional. It's always good to have those types of player in your squad.”

MK Dons were relegated from League One last year so he’s staying at a similar level to where he’s been lately with Colchester. He’ll even get to play against his old club a couple of times. MK Dons are, of course, the team that split off from Wimbledon in a rather acrimonious situation a couple decades ago, leading to the formation of AFC Wimbledon which is where Nik Tzanev currently plays. Still some hints that Tzanev may be on the move this transfer window but for now it seems there could soon be an extra rivalry in those All Whites tours.

Up Next: Pen on paper would be the preferred next step

Liberato Cacace – Empoli (Italian Serie A)

The Cacace Era has begun, with Fabiano Parisi’s transfer to Fiorentina now done and dusted. Signed, sealed, delivered. This should mean he’s now considered the first choice left back at the club and he’s welcomed those glorious days in with a sneaky goal and an assist (or two if you wanna be generous and count the cross that was spilled to a striker for another goal) in a 10-0 win against Calcio Castelfiorentino.

It’s only preseason and waaay tougher tests will follow even before the real stuff begins. But cool to see him amongst the attacking mahi – it’s fair to say that his defensive work has been much more effective than his attacking stuff since he got to Europe. His last league goal at club level came for the Wellington Phoenix. Only two assists in 50 games for Sint-Truiden and none so far in 22 for Empoli. There was a goal controversially disallowed back in Belgium so there’s been some back luck involved and some of his underlying stats in Italy are quite impressive, he just hasn’t had the extended opportunities.

All of that has been preparation for this: the breakout season in Serie A. Just gotta hope that Empoli don’t waste money on a fullback between now and the end of the window, although it would be a surprise if they did seeing as Cacace has clearly been groomed to take over this role at this time. Cacace Season is here.

Up Next: More friendlies until 20 August when the new Serie A term gets underway

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