Marko Stamenic - FK Crvena Zvezda (Serbian SuperLiga)

Play that Champions League anthem and play it loud because Marko Stamenic just took on UCL title-holders Manchester City (again). Matchday one of the 2023-24 UCL and Man City hosted Red Star Belgrade. Stamenic started in the midfield for his fourth career appearance in the competition... and weirdly three of them have been against Manchester City. Two for Copenhagen last year (a 5-0 loss away and a 0-0 draw at home) and now this one.

Red Star are former European champions and perennial dominators in Serbia but their recent continental form has been bang average. That’s one of the reasons why they bought Stam: his experience in this competition from last season. The fact that they were drawn against City was a fluke... but playing away in England as an English speaker does have some advantages. Such as getting to do the pre-game press conference...

Only got a few questions directed his way, asking about whether they believed they could spring an upset (yes) and what advice he gave his teammates from having faced City before (get mentally prepared). But that’s enough to get a few headlines with his name in them. The agent’s bound to appreciate that.

It seems his teammates listened to him too because after a fascinating first half of footy it was Red Star who led 1-0. They’d had just 21% of possession. They’d had one shot compared to 22 (seven on target) from their hosts. City had made 41 touches in their penalty area compared to just two in response. Yet Osman Bukari’s goal just before half-time, initially given offside but overturned by VAR, was the only one that counted. Even their notoriously stern coach cracked a smile as Bukari celebrated. Dreams of the upset that Marko touted were spreading across the 3000 fans in the away section.

Naturally, it didn’t last. It took just 71 seconds from the second half kick-off for Erling Haaland to thread a delicious reverse pass into the run of Julian Alvarez who took two rapid touches to beat the keeper and score. Ruthless stuff. Man City then took the lead on the hour as Alvarez curled in from a wide free kick that Stamenic had conceded. Zvezda goalie Omri Glazer had been magnificent in the first half but his tendency to punch rather than catch got the better of him when he misplayed that Alvarez curler. Then Rodri did some Rodri things with a classy finish from the edge of the box on 73’ to clinch a 3-1 Manchester City victory.

Red Star’s plan was to sit deep and soak things up. Their coach said afterwards that he hates having to be so defensive (domestically they’re almost always on the other side of that equation) but that an opponent this good wasn’t ever going to give them that choice. Marko Stamenic lined up alongside new midfield signing Hwang In-beom, with Marko taking on the more defensive duties. He spent a lot of the game man-marking Phil Foden and occasionally Julian Alvarez and would often drop into the defensive line when it looked like a cross was forthcoming.

In fairness, Stamenic did start to supply a few chippy fouls in the second half too, which led to him being booked in the 82nd min. He’s now been booked in all four UCL appearances and, strangely, three of those have come in exactly the 82nd minute. This one was definitely for repeated offences – none of them were dirty or especially late or anything.

Realistically they could’ve been smoked by a lot more. 16 shots on target from Man City for their three goals. 37 shots in total. A couple hits of the woodwork. Some surprising misses. Some very good saves. So to get out of there with a 3-1 defeat wasn’t so bad, in fact it could come to their advantage if group stage placings end up requiring goal difference. CZ coach Barak Bachar said afterwards that he was proud of his team and hopes they can channel that energy into future games.

Also gotta tell ya that Marko Stamenic completed 21 of 23 passes. Not bad for a team that spent most of their team without the ball in their own half. The second half fouls probably detracted from his performance a bit, though he still looked entirely at home sharing a pitch with some of the world’s very best. This guy is 21 years old and he’s already the first kiwi bloke to have played UCL for two different clubs. Ali Riley is the only woman who’s done that (three clubs in her case: Rosengard, Chelsea & Bayern). Stamenic has started every single game for Red Star this season. What a talent.

They hadn’t exactly had the best preparation for this game either. Because just prior to travelling to Manchester they suffered a shock loss away to Čukarički in the Serbian SuperLiga. Their second loss in three league games having gone undefeated all of last term – they had only lost twice in their previous 139 league games.

There were warning signs from the outset against Čukarički with the Crvena zvezda defence struggling against the pace and press of their hosts. That led to Uros Spajic giving away a penalty in the 22nd minute which was converted by Milos Docic. Red Star woke up after conceding and should’ve been level on 32’ after some great work by Mirko Ivanic... except that Cherif Ndiaye got the ball stuck under his foot to miss an absolute wide open sitter.

Plenty more half-chances where that one came from but they were still 1-0 down at the break. A lucky twist in the tale came their way within a minute of the second spell beginning as they were awarded a phantom penalty. Jean-Philippe Krasso (a half-time sub) scored that one to get the train back on the tracks... but they never kicked on and would concede again with quarter of an hour left. A screamer of a finish after Stamenic had been cut on the turn just outside the area. Sunday Adetunji scored the goal. Stamenic was then subbed in the desperate search for goals but none were forthcoming in a 2-1 defeat. Looked like Stamenic may have spent the second half in defence after new signing Hwang In-beom, a Korean international, was brought on at the break.

Two defeats from seven games means that Red Star are only third on the table, behind TSC Backa Topola and Partizan, both of whom are undefeated. Red Star haven’t played either of them yet so they don’t need to panic. But it is a concern that they’ve lost two of their last three games. Luckily, the Champions League has done them a favour as they were supposed to meet TSC in the league four days after their trip to Manchester City with Partizan to follow a further four days later. The European champs and their two biggest title rivals within the space of nine days. However TSC also have a trip to England, to face West Ham in the Europa League, so they’ve agreed to postpone that match until after the international break. Zvezda will still face Partizan as scheduled but now they get a rest in between.

Up Next: Crvena zvezda vs Partizan on Thursday 28 September at 6am (NZT)

Meikayla Moore – Glasgow City (Scottish Premier League)

Still the resurgence goes on. After a couple of tough years struggling with injuries and perhaps a little bit of form as well, which culminated in Moore missing the last World Cup squad, it was time for a bounce back... and that’s exactly what appears to be happening. Every week brings new milestones with Moore now entrenched as a starting eleven player for the reigning Scottish champions.

Last week they surged through the first round of Champions League qualifying without conceding a goal. The draw has since been conducted and they didn’t get the best case scenario but they certainly didn’t get the worst either. Glasgow City will face SK Brann in a two-legged tie, home and away, for a place in the top-16 group stage. The champions of Scotland against the champions of Norway. Those matches will take place in early October with GCFC at home in leg one. You can’t really predict it but this does seem like a pretty even match-up.

That was last week. This week Glasgow City had two games. The first was in the midweek away against Hamilton Academical. This was their return to domestic action after the Lithuanian UCLW trip and as such the manager Leanne Ross took the opportunity to do a little squad rotation. Three players were given their first league starts of the campaign. The backup goalie got a chance. But Meikayla Moore still held her starting spot and with others absent that also meant this...

Captain Mouse. Moore wasn’t even a first eleven player for this club last year (when she was fit) and now she’s starting every week and has worn the armband. It’s been class. Nothing to worry about with this game either. Glasgow City took the lead inside of ten minutes and went on to claim a 5-0 victory against the Accies. Goals were scored by Lisa Forrest (8’), Kenzie Weir (30’) Aleigh Gambone (45’), Lauren Davidson (73’), and Brenna Lovera (82’). Nice and emphatic, with the obligatory clean sheet.

Then on the weekend they were back at home to meet Dundee United and although she did have to hand the armband back to Mairead Fulton this game ended up being even more memorable for MM. Get a load of this...

Not one but two. She’d almost scored early on as she headed a corner kick just past the post, one of several chances that the Glaswegians weren’t able to convert (including twice hitting the crossbar). They were well on top so it was probably only ever a matter of time until they scored but the game did drag pretty deep into the first half before they finally did. And who should have gotten that done? Meikayla Moore of course. Her goals were numbers one and two for GCFC, two rebounded efforts from corners coming in quick succession in the 38th and 40th minutes.

From there it was smooth sailing. 0-0 at the break might’ve been frisky but Moore’s two quickies were followed up by a wonderful Linda Mothalo finish on 45’ and then Aoife Colvill (63’, 90’) and Sophia Martin (75’) kept things up in the second half as Glasgow City won 6-0.

Across town there were also two games for Rangers, with Vic Esson starting the 4-1 win over Motherwell and Jenna Fife wearing the gloves for a 12-0 romp against Montrose. Esson definitely got the more difficult task there although she’ll have been disappointed to concede a long-ranger with five minutes to go. She’d already saved a similar shot down low to her right but this one seemed to catch her wrong-footed, perhaps a deflection, though still one she’d have expected to have kept out. Fife has started five games and conceded four goals, Esson has started three games and conceded two. The only game the ‘Gers didn’t win of those was the 1-1 draw with Glasgow City.

That brings us to the first international break of the campaign with Rangers in first place but Celtic and Glasgow City both within range due to their game in hand (against each other), having missed a bit of domestic stuff in order to play Champions League qualifiers. Glasgow City have the worst goal difference so far but their 11-goal week sure helps things and, with Moore in place, they do have the most impressive defensive record having only conceded twice in seven matches. The big three clubs have already pulled away from the rest of the pack.

Up Next: SWPL Cup second rounder against Jeanfield Swifts on Monday 3 October at 2am (NZT)

Claudia Bunge - HB Køge (Danish Kvindeliga)

That didn’t take long. First home game of the campaign and Claudia Bunge has already brought one of her most notable traits to her new club: scoring goals from corner kicks. Bunge played in that A-League final where Kyra Cooney-Cross won the title with an Olimpico goal directly from a corner but that’s not what we’re talking about here. This is about Bunge winning headers and driving in goals for her teams. She scored four times for Melbourne Victory during her time there. She knows how this thing is done.

This goal was the third in a 5-0 win against Kolding, in which Cecilie Fløe (17’) and Cornelia Kramer (34’) had given them a deserved lead but a lead that they did have to fight to sustain (and eventually extend). Bunge’s goal didn’t come until the 79th minute and then the floodgates finally opened with Beate Marcussen adding another two mins later before Deborah-Anne de la Harpe polished things off in stoppage time. 5-0 might’ve flattered them a little but it’ll be good confidence for the defending champs, particularly after failing to advance in Champions League qualifying. Bunge was subbed after the fourth goal, earning an early rest. Daisy Cleverley missed this game as she deals with an ongoing knee injury.

As far as the rest of the Kvindeliga Kiwis go, Malia Steinmetz played 74 minutes as Nordsjælland won 2-0 away at Aalborg. She seems to already be settling into a starting role for her new club same as her mate Claudia Bunge is at HBK. Check out the goals here if you’re curious, though Steinmetz wasn’t involved in either as a defensive midfielder. Meanwhile Ally Green didn’t feature for AGF in a 1-0 win against Thy-Thisted. They scored after 70 seconds and then held that lead the rest of the way. Dunno if Green was injured or rotated or maybe she’d left early for Football Ferns duty in Chile after her recall. Wins for all the relevant teams though. That’s cool.

Up Next: After the international break we’ve got AGF vs HBK on October 1 at midnight (NZT)

Ali Riley - Angel City FC (American National Women’s Soccer League)

There’s less than a month left in the NWSL regular season so it’s about time for an Ali Riley goal, right? Everyone else is scoring goals at the moment so ask and ye shall receive...

The VAR check was for a possible offside in the build-up but there was nothing to worry about. An Angel City player was in an offside position when the ball was sent over however they never interfered with play so that thumping close-range finish from Ali Riley stood, for her first goal of the season, and ACFC had the lead late in the first half against Chicago Red Stars.

This was a brilliant performance from Riley, surely her best of the season to date. Just what her team needed as they strive to maintain their current unbeaten run and climb up into the playoff spots. Riley was everywhere up that right sideline, especially with her scrambling defensive mahi. Plus she made good decisions in possession and was able to step through pressure when it arrived. And obviously she did score a rather important goal too...

That goal was extra important because ACFC had been under some pressure to that point. It wasn’t a crazy open game or anything but the better chances had fallen to the home team until Riley slammed that one home in the 38th minute. They were able to maintain that lead into the break and for a lot of the second half but never particularly convincingly so it wasn’t a shocker when Ava Cook pumped in an equaliser on 68’.

Jun Endo was able to put the Angels back in front almost immediately after a nice set up from Claire Emslie... but then just as quickly Cheyna Matthews tied things up again. One that the Angel City central defence shoulda done better with, so it goes. The game ended 2-2. Riley got herself a yellow card with fifteen to go. Angel City did have one big chance in stoppage time but that went to waste and they had to settle for the draw.

That makes it eight games undefeated in the NWSL, although four of those were draws. Granted, that’s better than Abby Erceg’s Racing Louisville who lost 1-0 at home to Houston Dash to spoil some of their recent momentum. With three games to go, Angel City is one point out of the playoff spots while Racing Louisville are a further point back. Both well in contention... but draws aren’t going to be enough. Both need wins. Both will have the international window free to figure out how to do that.

Up Next: Angel City next face Orlando Pride at home on 3 October at 3pm (NZT)

Joe Bell – Viking FK (Norwegian Eliteserien)

Huge result. Viking only won 2-0 against a Haugesund team in relegation trouble but all wins are golden on the home stretch of a title race. Just gotta keep grinding them out... and that’s exactly what they did this week. Haugesund had their vulnerabilities but VFK were a little inefficient with their initial attacks – a header straight at the keeper, a cut-back behind the striker – and then had their goalie (and a poor finish) to thank for not conceding after a defensive giveaway midway through the first half.

Nevertheless, they took the lead on 41’ when a Zlatko Tripic free kick was expertly headed into the top corner by Sondre Klingen Langas and with the lead they looked more comfortable. Joe Bell operated in a double pivot alongside Marcus Solbakken (a fellow curly-headed midfielder... not nearly as curly but at a distance it’s definitely hard to tell them apart). That lasted for about an hour until Bell was subbed off following a frisky start to the second half from the team. Can’t expect too much too soon from the bloke but he was decent here, getting lots of touches and keeping the ball moving - albeit not so much in an attacking context. Tripic scored for Viking straight after that double sub (they also replaced a winger at the same time) and from there the Vikes had things sorted.

Even better than their own 2-0 win was that title rivals Bodø/Glimt only drew 1-1 away to Rosenborg. That means just one win from B/G’s last five league games – including a defeat against Viking. Having to balance a league title challenge with Europa Conference League qualifiers has proved a brutal ask... but hey that’s their problem. That combination of results means that Viking FK are now two points clear in first place with nine more fixtures left. Tromsø are also within range while Molde and Brann ought never to be counted out but Viking are on a streak of having taken 28 points from a possible 30 and if they can keep this up then the championship will be theirs. That’s the contest that Joe Bell has gotten himself into.

Up Next: Viking vs Sandefjord on Monday at 4am (NZT)

Katie Bowen - Inter Milan (Italian Serie A)

It’s been a massive week for Internazionale with the men’s team absolutely smoking rivals AC Milan 5-1 in the derby... but even more important (okay, maybe not quiiiite... but still) was the debut of Katie Bowen as the femminile team got their new season underway with a 2-0 win away to Sampdoria.

Bowen wore the #3 jersey and played as the right-sided central defender. Not her preferred position but it may soon have to become such after her outstanding efforts as a CB during the World Cup – which is surely what earned her this transfer. Shout out to those American teams who all put her out at fullback or left her on the bench... now KB’s out there playing for Inter Milan as a week one starter.

Inter got their work done early. Sofie Junge Pedersen attackde a corner at the near post to score after 12 minutes (beating Bowen to the ball, or else it might’ve been an even better debut). Then Michela Cambiaghi shrugged off a defender and then fought through the keeper’s challenge to slide in a second five minutes later. They did hit the crossbar a little bit later with a looping header but they couldn’t find a third goal despite some prominent possession. Bowen might’ve had an assist with a deliciously placed long ball over the top but the defender copped a yellow by taking out the forward rather than letting it unfold.

Sampdoria did forge a couple of close chances within the final half hour, including hitting the bar as a striker spun into a half-volley under close attention from Bowen. But that was the home side’s only major chance. 2-0 win for Inter. Tidy clean sheet. Ninety minutes for Katie B. All primo stuff as Internazionale seek to move themselves into the upper echelon of Italian women’s footy.

Should also note here that Kiara Bercelli, NZ U20s forward, is on the books at Sampdoria. She played for their U19s last year and is now on loan at Chievo in the second division making that next career progression. Chievo also began their league season this weekend, losing 2-0 to Genoa. Bercelli was subbed on in the 73rd minute and gave them plenty of typical energy operating as an attacking midfielder. They’ve even given her the number 7 jersey. Catch a full replay over here if you so desire.

Chievo had one week earlier taken a 1-0 victory from their Coppa Italia round one tie against Brescia. Bercelli was named on the bench for that, only about six days after her loan deal was announced, but information is scarce so it’s not clear if she played or not. Therefore at least one of these games was her senior professional debut. Bercelli was previously with the Canterbury United Pride plus has also done some footy activities in Australia. Also guess what? Chievo have drawn Juventus in the second round of the cup. That’ll be an experience.

Up Next: Football Ferns followed by Inter Milan vs Fiorentina on Tuesday 3 October at 5am (NZT)

Chris Wood - Nottingham Forest (English Premier League)

The obligatory Chris Wood late cameo. Keeping himself fresh for All Whites duty, of course. But that obligatory cameo might not have been so obligatory after the transfer window, which did see Nottingham Forest move Brennan Johnson over to Spurs for a tidy sum... but also saw them add Divock Origi and Callum Hudson-Odoi (amongst others in less relevant positions) on deadline day. One other signing was Ivorian midfielder Ibrahim Sangare who used to partner Ryan Thomas in the midfield at PSV once upon a time. Respect to the folks who collect Flying Kiwis teammates.

Against Burnley, Woodsy’s old team, we got our first look at the New Forest after those moves were completed. The result was a 4-2-3-1 formation picked by Steve Cooper – having mostly used variations of a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 earlier in the campaign. Taiwo Awoniyi up front. Morgan Gibbs-White behind him. Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga on the wings. Origi was on the bench and, while he did come on before Wood did, crucially he was used as a winger in place of CHO. Wood then took Awoniyi’s spot for the last few minutes. That’s promising. That should mean there’ll continue to be plenty of room for the Woodsman to get these types of cameos moving forward. Good to know.

He almost scored with his first touch. A long throw sailed just beyond his reach in the middle of the area with a defender able to get a head to it instead. Wood also had a flick-on header that wasn’t too far from setting up a goal. Later on he should have gotten an early central pass from his fullback but instead there was a wasted cut-back... and Wood made sure to point that out to the bro Ola Aina. An eventful ten minutes or so from CW even if there wasn’t to be a late winner off his noggin on this occasion. Forest drew 1-1 with Burnley, Hudson-Odoi having cancelled out Zeki Amdouni’s earlier goal with a lovely curling finish.

Up Next: Manchester City vs Burnley on Sunday at 3am... might wanna get some scouting tips from Marko Stamenic (NZT)

Betsy Hassett - Stjarnan (Icelandic Besta Deild)

Good yarns. It’s not an assist but Betsy Hassett’s clever angled pass there did help set up the only goal of the game as Stjarnan delivered the best possible response to their UCL qualifying exit by beating the top-of-the-table team and giving themselves a huge boost towards getting back to the Champions League prelims again next year. The goal was scored by Andrea Palsdottir. Hassett started and got 59 minutes before being replaced (having played 198 minutes of UCL in the previous week).

Pesky development in that ambition: they then lost 2-0 to Breidablik three days later. Brutal run of important games all in a row and fatigue had to have played its part. But that game was second versus third and as a result of the result they swap places to be third and second respectively instead. Stjarnan have two games left and they’re going to need to win both of them. However they do have some hope remaining as Breidablik still have to face Valur so if the champs (Valur had already confirmed the title prior to losing to Stjarnan) can do them a solid there then the Stars can still reclaim that second spot before it’s over.

Up Next: Þór/KA vs Stjarnan on Sunday 1 October at 3am (NZT)

James McGarry - Aberdeen (Scottish Premiership)

This is the James McGarry section but we’re going to start with Alex Greive anyway. Only a quick breeze through because AG didn’t get on until the 83rd minute for the Buddies this week so no need to focus on the game itself. He did get a few touches but those were mostly about winding down the clock as St Mirren nursed a 1-0 lead over Motherwell. Scott Tanser had scored a sharp finish ten minutes into the second half and from that point onwards Motherwell, who’d been below par until that concession, stepped up and ran the show. Except they never found a way through. Two in-form teams but it was St Mirren that came out on top 1-0.

And the reason that’s getting a Flying Kiwis focus is this...

Second place behind Celtic. The only other undefeated team left in the Scottish top flight. St Mirren have been different gravy this season... although it’s still very early days so we shan’t get carried away.

Not so flash for Aberdeen though. They lost 2-0 to Hearts this week. A tough match against a fellow European qualifier and in the form that the Dons have been in lately it was always the smart option to bet against them.

James McGarry played as left wingback which meant a Wellington Phoenix reunion with Cam Devlin who had a great game in the midfield for Hearts. However it was McGarry who didn’t quite close down Yutaro Oda for the opening goal after 14 minutes with Oda’s shot taking a slight deflection off JM’s heel on its way past. McGarry had a deflected shot of his own up the other end that had the Hearts keeper scrambling to push it wide. Powerful volleyed attempt from outside the box that was partly charged down. Could’ve gone anywhere, as they say.

Aberdeen certainly weren’t out of it at that stage, they had their moments, but McGarry was subbed on 57’ and then Hearts hit the crossbar before later doubling the lead via Liam Boyce. 2-0 was the final score and Aberdeen remain winless after five matches. Now they’re off to Germany for some Conference League footy against Frankfurt. Travel’s not gonna help that form slump... though McGarry will hopefully become the first kiwi to play in the Conference League group stage.

Up Next: Friday at 4.45am, Eintracht Frankfurt vs Aberdeen in matchday one of the ECL group stage (NZT)

Indiah-Paige Riley - PSV Eindhoven (Dutch Eredivisie)

After scoring off the bench on debut, Indi Riley was elevated into the starting eleven to face ADO Den Haag in matchweek two. She played 80 minutes before being replaced and PSV were kinda lucky to hang on for a 0-0 draw in a much worse performance than last week, although last season’s standings did suggest that this was always going to be a fairly close contest. What matters is that Indi Riley is getting big minutes already. Now we see if she can take that buzz into the international window.

Up Next: PSV vs AZ, Sunday 1 October at 11.15pm

Jacqui Hand - Åland United (Finnish Kansallinen Liiga)

The frustrating thing is that Jacqui Hand seems to be playing quite well since returning to Åland post-World Cup. She’s been used in a few different positions - sometimes as a striker, sometimes in midfield, sometimes out on the wing – but regularly gets involved with both chances of her own and those she creates for others. But the finishing on both counts is a valid critique. No goals or assists since the World Cup yet... and AU’s form is really wobbling.

They only drew 2-2 with HPS this week. The fourth game of the last six in which they’ve dropped points which has not only spoiled a feasible title challenge but also left them on the outside for second place. Hand was skipping past defenders in the opening moments but it was HPS who hit the crossbar early then took a 13th minute lead. AU equalised on 26’ when Aada Torronen took advantage of a defensive giveaway yet were losing again by half-time after some sloppy defensive work of their own.

At least Sarah Troccoli was able to stab home from a corner kick scenario on 53’, though that was all despite a better second half. Hand was subbed on 64’ which didn’t help their chances (but it probably does help the Football Ferns). Highlights here. Three games remain in their season – and maybe for Hand’s time at the club, who knows? - and next is an absolute must-win against HJK if they’re going to finish second.

Up Next: AU vs HJK at 4.15am on Thursday 5 October (NZT)

Liberato Cacace – Empoli (Italian Serie A)

Generally don’t make a habit of covering games in which the kiwi lads don’t even play but this one has a purpose. Libby Cacace came into this season as Empoli’s starting left back but a series of awful results from the team have led to him being dropped (amongst others) for the past two matches. New signing Guiseppe Pezzella has instead fulfilled LB duties. GP looks pretty good and he does get very involved in the attack so no shade on that fella. But the two games that Cacace has missed have been a 2-0 loss to Juventus and now a 7-0 loss to Roma.

In other words, nothing has improved without him. Empoli have lost all four Serie A games so far and they’ve done so without scoring a single goal. Their only goal at all came in a 2-1 Coppa Italia defeat against a lower tier opponent (Cittadella). And, again, it’s not only Cacace who’s been shifted around. Sebastiano Luperto is literally the only bloke who has started all four league matches. It’s a sign of the shambolic state of the team that they have used 21 different starters in just four games – including three different goalkeepers. A mere month into the campaign they’re already in a relegation battle.

It’s so bad that Empoli’s sporting director made a point of apologising to fans after this Roma game and you know what usually happens next, right? Sure enough, manager Paolo Zanetti was fired two days later. That’s always a nervous thing for any player because you never know what a fresh manager might have planned for you... but in this case it ain’t so bad. Empoli have re-hired Aurelio Andreazzoli (for his fourth stint at the club). He’s the manager who signed Cacace in the first place.

Up Next: Alas, they’re hosting Inter Milan on Sunday at 11.30pm so it’s not getting any easier (NZT)

Myer Bevan - Cavalry FC (Canadian Premier League)

Another goal for Myer Bevan. This from the penalty spot to open the scoring in a 2-1 Cavalry win against Vancouver FC (whose goal was a stoppage-time consolation). That keeps Cavalry six points clear at the top of the ladder with three games remaining before the playoffs. Big deal. It also keeps Bevan in the Golden Boot hunt. He’s one goal behind Ollie Bassett right now, tied with Terran Campbell. Good couple games and it’s there for the taking... as is that league championship.

Up Next: York United vs Cavalry at 6am on Sunday (NZT)

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