Flying Kiwis – August 27
Joe Bell – Viking FK (Norwegian Eliteserien)
Joe Zen Robert Bell you are bound for the Champions League. Viking did the business in their UCL qualifying playoff against Dinamo Zagreb, capitalising on their battling 2-2 comeback draw in the away leg by winning 3-1 in front of their jubilant home fans for a 5-3 aggregate triumph and a place in the UCL League Phase. Everybody follow Joe Bell’s lead and eat your kiwifruits with the skins on because since Bell dropped that culinary nugget he’s won the Norwegian Eliteserien, played at a World Cup, and now qualified for the Champions League.
This is the first time in Viking’s history that they’ve ever won a two-legged Champions League tie. Back in the 1970s-80s they qualified for six European Cups but each time were knocked out in the first round. After their 1991 Eliteserien championship they returned to the stage and were promptly eliminated by defending champs Barcelona in the 1992-93 edition, the first since the Champions League rebrand. Only lost 1-0 on aggregate though. None of those previous entries required qualification rounds so this triumph over Dinamo snapped a streak of seven consecutive eliminations in UCL two-leggers of any variety. With Bodø/Glimt breezing through their own playoff (winning 6-1 on aggregate against NEC Nijmegen of Netherlands) that means it’ll also be the first time in 27 years that two Norwegian teams have made the UCL.
Same as in the first leg, Viking were atrocious to begin with. They couldn’t win a header and were second to every second ball as Dinamo Zagreb’s line-up alterations, bringing in some more physicality up top, paid off with Arber Hoxha giving them the lead in the tenth minute. The fortunate thing was that at least VFK were only one down after ten minutes this time, compared to the 0-2 hole they were in at the same stage of the away leg. But then something magical happened. Viking finally got forward for their first attack of any note and, after Zlatko Tripic and Joe Bell worked a short throw out by the sideline, Tripic’s cross hit a defender’s arm and the VAR intervened as a penalty was awarded. First glimpse of any attacking threat and there was Tripic blasting in an equaliser from the spot (18’).
Suddenly the crowd was pumping and the home team had settled. Dinamo continued to keep most of the possession but chances weren’t coming so quickly. Viking finished the first half with their best sustained spell of pressure and then picked up where they left off with Bell attempting a volley from the edge of the box, as he so often does when set piece deliveries are only half cleared, which was diverted on target by a teammate leading to a smart save. That was the warning. Minutes later, Edvin Austbo scored one for real with a banger finish on the end of some slick transitional stuff (48’) and then the club’s homegrown midfield prodigy Tobias Moi hit a deflected attempt from Bell territory after a corner (50’) and Viking were 3-1 up.
From there they only had to manage things, a mode they grew accustomed to during their Norwegian title run last year. Dinamo were rattled and began getting caught offside, conceding fouls, and arguing decisions. When Zagreb did create chances they spurned them. Time ticked away and eventually it ran out altogether, sparking some almighty celebrations in the stands of Viking Stadion and all across the Stavanger region.
They’ll find out tomorrow who they’ll play. The League Phase format means that there will be eight games, four home and four away, against eight different opponents (rather than the groups of four with six games against the same three teams) and while that’s a bit of a silly format overall it’s great for a team in Viking’s position. They’ll get an array of different UCL experiences. Not sure if Bellinho has ever claimed a boyhood favourite club the way that, say, Libby Cacace (Napoli) or Ben Waine (Newcastle) have done – but he was born in Bristol so an away trip against any of the English clubs would surely stand out. Viking will be in pot four of the seeded draw. You play two teams from each of the four pots, cannot be drawn against another club from your own nation, and can only play a maximum of two clubs from any single nation. Other than that it’s all go.
New Zealanders to have played in the UEFA Men’s Champions League
Wynton Rufer – 10 games for Werder Bremen (1993-94)
Marko Stamenic – 7 games for FC København (2022-23) & Crvena zvezda (2023-24)
Chris Killen – 5 games for Celtic (2007-08)
Kim Wright – 2 games for Floriana (1993-94)
Danny Hay – 1 game for Leeds (2000-01)
Joe Bell – TBD... for Viking FK (2026-27)
Also gotta give a shout out to Gianni Stensness who was outstanding in the first leg and overcame a shaky start to impress again in the second leg. Aussie international these days though an NZ Olympian before that. Can’t really count him on that list but maybe he can have an asterisk.
One quick note is that Joe Bell did cop another yellow card in this match, same as in the first leg. This time it was very much a voluntary yellow, dragging down a runner to prevent an attack with his team nursing that two-goal lead. They held on to win so it was worth it, especially since the UEFA regulations state, under article 63.04, that: “all yellow cards and pending yellow-card suspensions expire on completion of the play-offs. They are not carried forward to the league phase”. So if you’re wondering if that might affect him down the line, it appears that it won’t. The threshold for a one-game accumulation suspension in the League Phase is four bookings.
Up Next: Can’t forget they’ve also got an Eliteserien title to defend, with Viking vs Aalesund at 4am on Sunday (NZT)
Chris Wood & Tyler Bindon - Nottingham Forest (English Premier League)
A new Premier League season is upon us and Chris Wood was only on the bench for Nottingham Forest’s opening game. Not an unusual place for him to be. Back in 2023-24, he didn’t start for NFFC until the eighth game and it was the same at Newcastle United the year before. This current situation is also explained by the simple fact that he was late back for preseason after the World Cup and had a minor injury that held him up further. Plus with new manager Oliver Glasner bringing his heavy duty tactical ideas along with him, he was undercooked in that regard too. Plenty of logic why Chris Wood wasn’t ready to start in the first game. Igor Jesus took the striker’s role instead with Morgan Gibbs-White and Dan Ndoye playing behind him. It was Wood plus MGW & Jesus that finished last season so well as an attacking trio, albeit under a different coach.
Happily, Chris Wood did still get an extended run. This wasn’t one of those tiny cameos towards the end, they gave him around half an hour to try and find a winning goal against Leeds United. He had one major chance to do exactly that, cleverly staying onside during a bit of broken play, summoning a pass in his direction... but then rushing the shot first-time and dragging it wide. That was his moment and his lack of preseason minutes perhaps contributed to some rustiness. Forest went on to concede from a late free kick that beat Mats Sels at his near post. 1-0 loss to Leeds United. Not ideal.
They were gifted with a rematch a few days later in the EFL Cup. Glasner promised not to rotate too much, wanting to take the cup stuff seriously, and was true to his word... although he did bring Chris Wood into the starting eleven among the couple of changes he did make. Alas, their Elliot Anderson-less midfield didn’t give him much to work with (Morgan Gibbs-White was also rested with a minor knock) aside from two major moments. One was a transitional attack where he was slipped through in a 2v2 spot with a pass that was slightly underhit but he used that to nutmeg his defender and get into the area... only for a terrific sliding challenge from his blindside to prevent him getting a shot away. That was in the first half. Later in the second, he held deep for a pullback cross and struck it pretty well first time only for the keeper to make a fine save diving back against his momentum. Two big chances. Two wonderful bits of defending. Other than that he worked hard holding the ball up and looking for links but Nottm Forest weren’t up to a whole lot and ended up losing 2-0.
That’s a pesky exit because those EFL Cup ties could have kept The Woodsman busy if Glasner doesn’t think he’s match-fit enough to start Prem games yet. Especially now that they’ve added another striker to the pool in Chelsea forward Liam Delap. Big money signing despite a rubbish season with the Blues, Forest banking on being able to get him back to his immense promise for Ipswich Town before that – and for good reason since this club has been very successful with reclamation projects in recent years (Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ola Aina, Anthony Elanga, etc.). In summary, the Woodsman is heading into the final twelve months of his contract. He’s turning 35 in December and suffered an extended injury absence within the past year. New manager. Limited preseason. Now he’s competing with both Igor Jesus and Liam Delap for minutes in is specialist position.
But it could have been a lot worse. After his confidence-denting Chelsea spell, Liam Delap might not be seen as an immediate first eleven addition and more of a mid-to-long term replacement. He’s a similar style of striker to Woodsy in that he relies on his strength and physicality, granted with an added dribbling threat, so from his perspective this is awesome because he’s going to get to learn the craft from The Woodsman himself. It’s only natural that NFFC would be trying to build beyond Wood, all things considered. He can’t take his Premier League status for granted beyond this year – his job is to compete for starts, score some goals, and be a worthy teammate. Then whatever happens beyond that, happens. Delap has had a lot of injuries in recent times, while Igor Jesus has tended to look most effective when used as a secondary striker, therefore Wood will should still have some room to do what he does best, even if it’s not an every week thing. Pity he couldn’t emphasis his case with a goal from those three big chances.
Chris Wood: “We’re a very ambitious club and that shows it by what we’re spending on players like [Delap]. Good players. It’ll be fantastic to get Liam through the door. Hopefully that all gets signed and sealed. And it’s one of those, it’ll be great for our team. Healthy competition. We’ll all be better players for it.”
Then there’s Tyler Bindon who was issued with a jersey number (#32) ahead of the first game but wasn’t included either of those matchday squads. It’s always been leaning towards a Championship loan move there and the latest word is that he’s on the shortlist for Watford where he could be joined by NFFC teammate Zach Abbott who is also available for loan as Oliver Glasner tries to trim his squad back to a more manageable size. Watford began the season with only two available centre-backs so this would hopefully be a desination where he can immediately be a starter. The Hornets were a Premier League club as recently as 2021–22.
Sky Sports News: “Watford are ramping up their pursuit to bolster their defensive options before next week’s transfer deadline. It’s understood the club are working their way through their shortlist of centre-back targets - with the Championship side looking for two in that position before the window closes. Sky Sports News has learned that Watford are working on deals for Al Gharafa’s Mason Holgate, Manchester City’s Stephen Mfuni and Nottingham Forest duo Tyler Bindon and Zach Abbott. They’re also exploring moves for QPR centre-back Jake Clarke-Salter, Sheffield United’s Mark McGuinness and Strasbourg’s Soumaila Coulibaly.”
What’s more, Watford is also the club that All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley spent the first ten years of his playing career, making 283 league appearances. Lock him in for first eleven status with the national team moving forward then (jokes, he’d have been starting regardless). NFFC have offloaded defender Morato to Roma but that won’t affect Bindon’s situation.
By the way, Woodsy does usually go pretty well in opening games. That wasn’t the case in his early days but he’s been padding the numbers more recently to where he’s now scored 5 goals in 10 matches in his club’s Premier League opener, working out to a goal every 107 minutes...
Chris Wood In EPL Opening Fixtures Through The Years
2014-15 (Leicester City) – Scored in 2-2 draw vs Everton (12 mins)
2018-19 (Burnley) – 73 mins in a 0-0 draw vs Southampton
2019-20 (Burnley) – 90 mins in a 3-0 win vs Southampton
2020-21 (Burnley) – Scored in a 4-2 loss to Leicester City (90 mins)
2021-22 (Burnley) – 90 mins in a 2-1 loss to Brighton
2022-23 (Newcastle) – 1 min in a 2-0 win vs Nottm Forest
2023-24 (Nottm Forest) – 1 min in a 2-1 loss to Arsenal
2024-25 (Nottm Forest) – Scored in a 1-1 draw vs Bournemouth (72 mins)
2025-26 (Nottm Forest) – Scored twice in a 3-1 win vs Brentford (79 mins)
2026-27 (Nottm Forest) – 28 mins in a 1-0 loss to Leeds
After making his West Brom debut late season in 2008-09, he spent most of the next few years out on loans and it wasn’t until he was with Leicester City that he finally played in week one. Scored off the bench... then hardly got a look in the rest of the season before going out on loan again and eventually joining Leeds United on a permanent move. His transfer to Burnley occurred a couple weeks into that campaign so he missed the start. There was also a year where Burnley didn’t play in week one due to a postponement, therefore week two was his team’s first outing and he scored in a loss against one of his old clubs, Leicester City (2020-21). We’re counting that, mate.
Up Next: Liverpool vs Nottm Forest at 11.30pm on Saturday (NZT)
Helena Errington – FH Hafnarfjörður (Icelandic Besta Deild)
Joe Bell wasn’t the only New Zealander with an important European game this morning. Had to push back Flying Kiwis for a Thursday this week to include that game but also this game, where FH Hafnarfjörður travelled to Cyprus to face Apollon in the Europa Cup qualifying rounds.
They’d tried to give Helena Errington some rest in the previous league match, naming her on the bench to face last-placed Víkingur (there were only seven starters in common for the upcoming Apollon game) but that didn’t work because an injury meant she was subbed on after only quarter of an hour. It was a terrible game where FH fell behind after 21 mins and then wasted a bunch of opportunities to get level, none worse than a missed penalty in the 88th min, on their way to a 1-0 defeat. Title contenders losing to relegation battlers. Second defeat in a row after previously getting beaten in their top-of-the-table clash with Breiðablik (who subsequently lost 2-0 by Stjarnan to minimise the damage for FH). But Errington was really good. Six shots including three on target, plus she won the penalty.
Alright, shrug that one off, the Europa Cup was the big date this week and you know what happened there? FH won 2-0 in the away leg to set themselves up beautifully in the tie and it was Helena Errington who scored their first goal. Typical Helena goal, burying it first touch from a cut-back. If a better quality video emerges then you’ll see it on TNC’s socials though for now you can see it here...
This is the first qualifying round and the second leg will happen in week’s time back in Iceland. Should they progress then they’ll find out their second round opponents a couple days afterwards. Those games will be played in late September – it’s the second qualifying round when Fenerbahçe (Katie Bowen) and Rangers (Hannah Blake) enter after dropping down from Champions League qualies. Following the QR2, it goes straight into the round of sixteen for the actual competition. This is the second year that the Europa Cup has existed, Grace Wisnewski and FC Nordsjælland made it to the quarter-finals in the inaugural version. As did FH’s domestic rivals Breiðablik before they were thumped 11-1 on aggregate by eventual winners BK Häcken of Sweden.
Up Next: Valur vs FH at 1am on Monday; then FH vs Apollon at 4am on Thursday (NZT)
Callum McCowatt – Silkeborg IF (Danish Superliga)
Callum McCowatt has scored a lot of goals for Silkeborg but that might be the best of the lot. Stunner of a left-footed volley that fizzed past the keeper before he could barely move. Phwoar what a hit! Second of the season for McCowatt who also has two assists and those four goal contributions add up to the entirety of Silkeborg’s attacking output across the first five games of the season. They have not scored a goal that McCowatt was not directly involved in. He played midfield in this game, deeper than he’s usually deployed, and still proved to be the main man.
Sadly they lost 3-1. This goal had SIF leading at half-time against Brøndby following a very impressive opening 45 minutes... yet they couldn't keep it up against one of the top teams in the division. Three unanswered goals after the break, so it goes (Aussie youth international Marcus Younis set up the second of those goals). That leaves Silkeborg with a 1-1-3 record.
Callum McCowatt: “I don't think Brøndby was that good today. We let them off the hook but that's how football goes sometimes. It can all of a sudden get away from you fast when you visit Brøndby Stadium. They came out well in the second half and were the best team from there. So they probably deserved the victory, even though we should have scored more.”
All of which has gotta be making the Minnesota United accountants sweat. The Loons haven’t given up on that transfer yet, into the last week of the European window, having lodged another bid in recent days. The first one was undisclosed but estimated to be around €1m. That was rejected. The new one was for around €1.28m with an additional €426k in bonuses (US$1.5m with $500k bonuses). That was also rejected. McCowatt is Silkeborg’s best player and he’s under contract for another year therefore they’re under no pressure to sell him for anything below their valuation and in the past five years they’ve sold six separate dudes for bigger fees than what the Loons have offered so far (the record being €4m for Alexander Lind from Pisa in 2024). In other words, if Minnesota Utd combines those two bids then they might have a shot but what they’ve offered to date ain’t gonna cut it.
Jesper Stüker, SIF Sporting Director: “Right now there is nothing new and we are still far from a sale. Things must be aligned for all parties. We want the right price for Callum, and if it does not come, well we are only happy to keep him. We will not be pressured to sell a player even though he would like to try something new. This is not how we do business. But there are still some days left in the transfer window and there could yet be an offer that’s acceptable to all parties. We’ll have to see.”
There has been a complication for Minnesota United with their football director (“Chief Soccer Officer” in local terminology) Khaled El-Ahmad leaving imminently for Austin FC and an interim fella taking over that role in the meantime. Sounds like a stitch-up with the timing but that could be a good thing given how Minnesota Utd have been lowballing these McCowatt offers.
Mentioned before that McCowatt has scored a lot of goals for SIF... the actual number is 30 goals in 111 matches (24 goals in 92 games specifically in Superliga). That means he now ranks 21st on Silkeborg’s all-time scorer’s list – making him the club’s second highest scoring foreigner behind Christian Holst with 47 goals... that fella played for Faroe Islands but was born in Denmark so perhaps McCowatt oughta be number one, having surpassed Davit Skhirtladze (Georgia) and Marvin Pourie (Germany) with his last couple strikes. Considering his transfer situation, it’s possible he might have already played his last game for Silkeborg, or that he might squeeze in two more before departing, or that he might have another 6-12 months to keep piling them on. As the sportsman said, we’ll just have to see.
We also got a full 30 minutes for Dalton Wilkins off the bench for Sønderjyske this round. Brought on at left-back to try and do something about a 2-0 deficit they found themselves in at home against Nordsjælland. Sonders ended up losing 3-0 but good to see Wilkins getting some significant game time. That’s his second bench appearance from five matches thus far. Sonders have had a stinker of a start to the season drawing once and losing the other four.
Up Next: Danish Cup second round, Vejle vs Silkeborg on Friday at 5.30am; then Silkeborg vs Midtjylland in the Superliga at 0:00 on Monday (NZT)
Michael Boxall – Minnesota United (American Major League Soccer)
Michael Boxall has played All Whites games alongside Tyler Bindon, a centre-back partner close to 17 years his junior... but doubtful he’s ever shared the pitch with anyone with a bigger age gap than the toddler who crept onto the field of play during Minnesota United’s 5-1 win over San Jose Earthquakes. Cam Knowles joked afterwards that the little one was a bit young to already be flirting with a stadium ban.
Knowlesy was in a mood to joke after finally breaking his long MLS winless run as Loons coach. He’d made an excellent start to his coaching tenure but Minny Utd have stuttered in the past few months, with the 2-1 loss to Atlanta United last Thursday NZT making it nine matches without a victory in Major League Soccer action. Tristan Muyumba with the 78th min winner for ATL that day.
They didn’t get off to a great start against San Jose when Timo Werner converted from the penalty spot in the fourth minute after his own shot had struck the arm of a Loons defender. But if Boxy thought that was going to signal another long day at the office, it didn’t. Joaquin Pereyra scored an astonishing rabona finish that caught everyone off guard and crept inside the post in the 10th min. Boxall bunted one over the top from some post-corner head tennis shortly afterwards but that miss didn’t mean anything because Kelvin Yeboah scored a double late in the half (40’, 44’) before Marcus Caldeira (65’), Mauricio González (86'), and an unnamed toddler made this a night to remember in San Jose.
That win levels Minnesota’s season out at seven wins, seven draws, and seven losses. They’re back up within goal difference of returning to the playoff conversation (for which a 5-1 win really helped). There’s never been any job security pressure upon Cam Knowles who worked his way up in this organisation and is well-liked by the fanbase. Blame for their recent slump seems to be targeted way more towards ownership. Nevertheless, he seemed very relieved to finally be able to celebrate another win.
As for Michael Boxall, he celebrated his 38th birthday a week ago. Still the club captain, still one of the first names on the teamsheet. But he is into the last few months of his current contract and while he’s fit enough to keep going for another couple years if he wants, he’s also the type of dude who won’t invite any fanfare around his retirement whenever that may be. In other words, we hope and pray he intends to continue on but if he is, God forbid, planning on retiring now that he’s ticked the World Cup off his career bucket list then we’re not gonna know about it. Something to be aware of over the rest of the season.
Most All-Time Appearances for Minnesota United
Michael Boxall – 293 (269 in MLS, inc. Playoffs)
Wil Trapp – 194 (178)
Robin Lod – 185 (171)
Hassani Dotson – 176 (160)
Bongi Hlongwane – 169 (148)
(Boxall, Trapp & Hlongwane are all current players)
Most All-Time MLS Appearances By NZers
Michael Boxall – 289
Simon Elliott – 247
Duncan Oughton – 143
Bill Tuiloma – 141
Ryan Nelsen – 86
Tyler Boyd – 79
Andy Boyens – 72
Jake Gleeson – 60
Finn Surman – 58
Elliot Collier – 54
Minnesota United have 13 games left in the regular season plus hopefully a few more in the playoffs to follow... and Boxy is seven games shy of becoming the first player to reach 300 games for Minnesota United and he’s 11 games shy of becoming the first NZer to play 300 MLS games (remember he had a stint with Vancouver Whitecaps very early in his career, hence the discrepancy).
Already mentioned in the McCowatt segment how “Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director” Khaled El-Ahmad has departed MNUFC. If you thought Chief Soccer Officer was a very American name, know that the new interim fella in that role is called ‘Hank Stebbins’. The club CEO said that they were very surprised by El-Ahmad’s departure, particularly at this time of the year with the transfer window nearing its close. The Loons have managed to acquire Aziel Jackson (USA) on loan from Jagiellonia Białystok and Maurice Malone (Germany but eligible for USA) from Sturm Graz within the past week or so, both of them forwards. Neither of those moves precludes a Callum McCowatt transfer although they’re not exactly showing a lot of intent to meet Silkeborg’s valuation yet and time is running out.
Up Next: Minnesota Utd vs Orlando City at 12.30pm on Sunday (NZT)
Finn Surman - Portland Timbers (American Major League Soccer)
It’s not a goal clip like last week but to be fair Finn Surman blocking shots is much more what we’re accustomed to (even if he does seem to be adding a bit more attacking threat to his game lately). Better check in with one of our favourite stats, right?
Most Blocks in MLS 2026
Finn Surman (Portland) – 40
Lucas Bartlett (DC United) – 21
Manu Duah (San Diego) - 21
Lucas Herrington (Colorado) – 20
It was a good week for the Portland Timbers, who won 3-1 against San Diego on Thursday NZT and then grabbed a pretty decent 1-1 draw away to LAFC three days later. Four good points as the Timbers continue to climb back up into playoff contention after their poor form pre-World Cup. Nothing too fancy from Surman in amongst those two performances other than his usual defensive rock quality. The question is how many more games for Portland he’s got left in him, because after being linked with Derby County a few weeks ago it’s now been reported that Burnley have have two separate bids rejected for his services.
Either he leaves in the next week (next Wednesday NZT is the deadline) or he sticks it out for the rest of the season. With a one-year option on his contract he’d still fetch a healthy price in January, plus he wouldn’t have to feel like he’s skipping out with unfinished business. No indication whatsoever that he’s angling for a move (like Callum McCowatt has done) and the club certainly wouldn’t want to part with one of their key dudes just when they’ve gotten things back on track... although the Timbers have just sold forward Kevin Kelsy to Rangers for US$13m so playoff push or not, they’ll accept a fee if it’s hefty enough. No surprises there. The most likely outcome right now seems to be that Surman completes the season and leaves a hero in January, though there’s a week left for things to change.
Up Next: Portland vs Austin at 2.30pm on Sunday (NZT)
Malia Steinmetz – FC Nordsjælland / Ally Green - FC København (Danish A-Liga)
The good news from the weekend’s A-Liga happenings is that Malia Steinmetz’s team won 9-1... the bad news is that Ally Green’s team lost 9-1. Some compatriot crimes were committed there, with FC Nordsjælland absolutely tonking promoted Copenhagen to explode into form after a slow start to the campaign. Just what they needed.
There is an odd situation brewing for Malia Steinmetz here because they kept her at centre-back for another game (not deterred by the own goal she scored from that position last week). Same as how Grace Wisnewski hada run of games in that position last season. Having said that, you play CB in a 9-1 win and you might as well be playing midfield anyway – Steinmetz had an astonishing 166 touches in this game. She completed 124/134 passes, including a perfect 79/79 in her own half. Very good defensive numbers too (2 interceptions, 2 clearances, 2 shots blocked, 10 recoveries) although let’s be real that wasn’t the toughest task she’ll face if she sticks around in that position. Gotta be a confidence booster though.
Ally Green, on the other hand, only played 56 minutes at left-back and they were already 7-0 down when she was replaced. Got torched for pace for the first goal, with her captain/centre-back stepping across and conceding a penalty against Nsira Ouedraogo (two goals and three assists for the Ivorian). Was booked later in the first half. Got dribbled past on five occasions. Not that you can single her out – her entire team had no answers against a far more athletic opponent. FC København have lost all four games since promotion although it has been a really tough run of fixtures. They’ve already faced three of last year’s top four and they’ll complete the set when they face Brøndby next round.
Up Next: Brondby vs FCK at 1.30am on Sunday, Nordsjælland vs Kolding at 5am on Wednesday (NZT)
Tim Payne – Club Olimpia (Paraguayan Primera División)
The second leg of the Copa Sudamerica knockouts went pretty crap for Olimpia. They’d battled hard for a 0-0 draw away to Vasco da Gama in Brazil, parking the bus with great success, but despite scoring first in the return leg they ended up being smoked 4-1. Tim Payne was an unused substitute same as in the previous game but also just like the previous game there was a league fixture to play three days later and that was when T-Payne got his chance. He was very tidy on starting debut in a 2-1 win against CS Ameliano last week... and equally so in the local derby against Cerro Porteño, where Olimpia conceded just before the break but fought back to win courtesy of goals from Eduardo Delmas (58’) and Hugo Sandoval (63’).
Tim Payne played ninety minutes and is already looking pretty composed at this level. Anyone who is still sniffing their noses at this transfer, calling it a marketing ploy or whatever, is beginning to look dumb as Payne continues to make smart decisions on the ball, whip very accurate crosses into the attacking area, and defend with his typical rugged assuredness. Dude’s simply putting his head down and doing the work.
Olimpia vs Cerro Porteño is known as the Superclasico over in Paraguay, such a big deal that the chap in that interview clip actually had asked him if playing in that game was “one of the best moments of [his] career”... no doubt it’s a biggie but this bloke did play at a World Cup a few weeks ago. The interviewer does regain some credit for calling him “mate” at the start of that chat though.
That’s now three games that he’s played for Olimpia and they team has won all three whilst scoring multiple times in each. Compare that to the five games that he’s sat on the bench for where they have one draw (the away leg vs Vasco) and four defeats and have scored one goal in total. The numbers balance out a bit more if you consider they were already 3-0 up when he was subbed on for his debut but okay let’s allow for that and even still the numbers are in his favour:
Olimpia with Tim Payne on the pitch (all comps):
201 MIN | 6 GF (2.7 G/90) | 2 GA (0.9 GA/90) | +4 GD (+1.8 GD/90)
Olimpia with Tim Payne on the bench (all comps):
519 MIN | 4 GF (0.7 G/90) | 8 GA (1.4 GA/90) | -4 GD (-0.7 GD/90)
Forget about asking if Tim Payne can cut it in Paraguayan footy, they should be asking whether he’s suddenly the team’s best player. There is an asterisk to this because they played a cup game this morning against Club Cristóbal Colón and won 5-3 with Tim Payne rested entirely... finally winning a game without him although conceding three in a victory against a third tier club isn’t the brag it might initially sound like. That game’s not included in the stats above (he wasn’t on the pitch or on the bench, after all). Take note that the other right-back in the squad, Raúl Cáceres, was captain for that one.
Up Next: Recoleta vs Olimpia at 9.30am Sunday (NZT)
Elijah Just & Marko Stamenic – Swansea City (English Championship)
Marko Stamenić: “Yeah I’ve brung [Elijah Just] along. Nah it’s good to have a fellow New Zealander. I think he has similar traits as a person so he slots right in, the boys love him, he’s a talented and great player and obviously a great guy. Really happy to have him here and I’m hoping the club is going to see what he brings. He showed his qualities in the Scottish league and then obviously at the World Cup he scored three goals over three games. Two big stages. I think he’s ready, he’s showed what he’s capable of in trainings and now it’s about translating that into games.”
The Championship stuff took a dip this week with Luke Brooke-Smith returning to the bench for Portsmouth, although he did still get five minutes in a 3-1 win against Lincoln City. Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, the whizzkid on loan from Chelsea (who somehow is even younger than LBS) took his place in the eleven... and scored the opening goal. That’s fine, this is more what we anticipated the role would be for Brooke-Smith at Pompey, at least to begin with. All part of his development.
Nor did we see Max Crocombe or Libby Cacace for their respective teams. Wrexham drew 1-1 with Watford with the coach saying beforehand that Cacace and a couple others would be tested ahead of the match to see if they could partake. He didn’t partake... but at least that suggests he might be close. He’s already missed more time than you’d expect for a case of “fatigue in his calf”.
Max Crocombe lost out on his goalkeeper duel with Lukas Jensen at Millwall so he wasn’t involved as the Lions swept past Norwich with a 3-0 win. Norwich played the last half hour with ten after a red card. Consecutive clean sheets for Jensen to kickstart the Championship stuff... but Crocombe did get a chance in the EFL Cup where he kept a very safe clean sheet in a 1-0 win against League One’s Cambridge United. Only had one save to make and he made it, as Jake Cooper's ninth minute goal proved enough. Nice and solid. The most helpful thing there is it guarantees them another cup game early in the season which will keep Crocs somewhat active. Millwall will host Newcastle United in the third round.
Currently Crocombe (Millwall) and the injured Matt Garbett (Peterborough) are the only kiwis left in the English League Cup, granted that could change depending on what happens in the rest of the transfer window. Very much anticipating at least one more addition to the Championship contingent in the coming week... but none of that’s happened yet so right now it’s all about Elijah Just and Marko Stamenić at Swansea City.
Both All Whites started against Sheffield United, neither were able to inspire a goal yet nor did they allow anything back the other way. The Blades came closest when they rattled the crossbar in the first half but yeah nah put that down as a 0-0 draw. Like last week, EJ & Stam were in a midfield trio with Scotsman Jay Fulton who played more defensively to allow Stamenić more room to go box to box. Exciting stuff. They’re allegedly also closing in on a deal for Canadian international midfielder Stephen Eustáquio from Porto (who scored Canada’s winning goal against South Africa in the first knockout round at the World Cup). That may in turn free Elijah Just up to move into the front three... or merely add more competition to the midfield spots knowing how long and intense the Championship season can be. Either way, seems a choice signing.
Up Next: Derby County vs Swansea City at 11.30pm on Saturday (NZT)
Matt Dibley-Dias – Newport County (English League Two)
Another kiwi in Wales, would you look at that. Newport County did employ Nik Tzanev for half of last season although he lost his starting gig with the team down near the bottom of the division and then gapped it to Huddersfield. Now Dibs has belatedly replaced him which means again that three of the four Welsh clubs in the EFL have New Zealanders: Elijah Just & Marko Stamenić at Swansea City, Libby Cacace at Wrexham, Matt Dibley-Dias at Newport County... it’s only Cardiff City that are lagging. Merthyr Town are also in the sixth tier, below the EFL, but we won’t bother about them.
The announcement called this “a short-term agreement” for MDD with Newport, not sure what to make of that. Often those short term loans turn into longer term loans once everyone’s settled and satisfied. But one thing at a time, right? What we know for sure is that this move reunited Dibs with coach Hayden Mullins whom he previously played 31 times under for the Fulham U21s (many as captain) including their Premier League Cup title in 2023-24. He has had previous loans at Northampton, Chesterfield, and Braintree but it’s his mahi for the Fulham U21s that best reflects what he’s capable of so linking up with the manager who has seen him at his best seems like an ideal outcome. It does mean League Two footy but he wasn’t in a position to command anything higher given his injuries and lack of senior experience for his age and even if he was, the Mullins reunion would have been worth it anyway.
Dibley-Dias is in the last year of his contract with Fulham and hasn’t been able to forge his own path yet due to recurring injuries. After getting some momentum on loan at Braintree Town late last season, alongside Tommy Smith, Dibs hung around with Fulham throughout preseason and managed to play 26 combined minutes across their slate of friendly games. However, when they announced their squad numbers there were 26 players on the list and he wasn’t one of them. Nor was he included in the matchday squad for the Premier League opener against Chelsea. He was still listed as an U21s player (he turns 23yo in October) on the Fulham club website up until the Newport County move was confirmed except they hadn’t updated his profile picture like they had for almost everyone else. A loan was inevitable, it was simply a matter of where.
Newport County were flirting with relegation during Nik Tzanev’s time there before managing to scrape through to safety by a four-point margin thanks to six wins from their last 12 matches. Mullins was only appointed as their new manager a few weeks before the season after Christian Fuchs suddenly resigned in late June. They’ve begun the season with a 3-0 win over Rochdale and then a 5-3 loss away to Bristol Rovers. After a full Premier League preseason, Dibs oughta be fit enough to go straight into the side in some capacity. Fingers crossed.
Up Next: Newport County vs Tranmere at 2am on Sunday (NZT)
Olivia Page - Huddersfield Town (English National League North)
Debut for Liv Page at Huddersfield. She got a full game at right-back in a 5-1 win against Loughborough Lightning, assisting the first goal and then playing a role in the move for the third. Almost scored one of her own near the end, dragging a snapshot slightly wide while in the box for a corner kick. No worries about match fitness having come directly across from the NPL. Here’s hoping Huddersfield can string together a promotion push.
Up Next: Away to Boldmere St Michaels at 1am on Monday (NZT)
Alex Paulsen – Motherwell (Scottish Premiership)
Motherwell had no fair about the visit from Freiburg in their Europa Conference League playoff first leg. Up against a Bundesliga team who were beaten finalists in the Europa League last season, they even took an early lead when Regan Charles-Cook put one away in the second minute of the match. Fast start against a team who may have outranked them for pedigree but who were also playing their first competitive fixture of the season compared to Motherwell who were onto game number eight.
But Freiburg soon got up to speed and the rest of it was pretty ugly. The German club scored three times and Motherwell had to do the last half hour with ten men after defender Martin Moormann was red carded. They got swamped and the away leg will be extra difficult after they conceded the third goal deep into stoppage time – meaning they don’t just need to win in Germany, they need to win by multiple goals to keep their continental quest alive.
Righto, so that’s probably not happening. However, what we did have from this game was another superb performance from Alex Paulsen whose seven saves ensured that the damage was a lot less than it could have been. He was also quick off his line and continues to give this team an extra element with his passing game (still needs to get a lot more accurate over longer distances but that’ll come with experience). The three goals he conceded in this match are more than he’d leaked in his previous six appearances for the club combined – all three were from set pieces (two headers, one penalty) – but regardless it was yet another performance that raises his profile in European footy.
There was only one match in the Scottish Premiership this week and that was Dundee United 0-2 Dundee. Jesse Randall was the only one of the Anzac strike trio to start for United and he was subbed off at half-time. Not a game worth dwelling on. This was supposed to be the reprieve for Dundee Utd after a run of really tough opponents and instead they carried on their rotten run. One draw and two defeats in the league, thrashed in the League Cup knockouts. Scoreless in their last three. There’s work to be done there.
As for Kilmarnock, they had the week off from any games however the backrooms were busy with further transfer buzz about George Stanger. He’s repeatedly been linked with Burton Albion in England’s League One. Initially that felt like a ruse to get a new contract but nope this was the real deal and Killie have had to reject a fairly substantial bid for the centre-back. Add his name to your alerts over the last week of the window.
Daily Record: “Kilmarnock have knocked back a £150,000 offer from Burton Albion for George Stanger. The English League One outfit is keen to land the New Zealand international. Neil McCann turned down their offer because it was below his club’s valuation. He also knew it would be a struggle to replace Stanger. Burton now have to decide whether or not to go back in again.”
Meanwhile, way down in the Scottish Challenge Cup there was a 2-0 win for Elgin City away to Clachnacuddin FC which involved a successful (only just) penalty scored by Oli Colloty. Check the highlights here. Lawton Green also got a game, and a clean sheet, in a 3-0 win for Alloa Athletic vs Motherwell Reserves. The Scottish Challenge Cup is for the 30 teams in League One, League Two, and the Highland/Lowland Leagues (third, fourth, fifth tier) plus the U21 teams from the 10 Scottish Premiership clubs. They each play six games in a League Phase before the Championship (second tier) clubs enter in the knockout stages.
Up Next: Freiburg vs Motherwell in the ECL playoffs at 4.45am on Friday (NZT)
Owen Parker-Price – Örgryte IS (Swedish Allsvenskan)
Örgryte had themselves one of those unenviable bottom of the table clashes this week, hosting Halmstad for what turned out to be a 1-1 draw after a pair of first half goals. Nothing there that gives either side much to get excited about although it doesn’t do either of them any damage either. Both coaches sounded frustrated at being unable to find a winning goal. Don’t blame OPP for that because he had three key passes and did plenty of good defensive work. Continues to be one of the most undercover impressive lads in the Flying Kiwis realms.
Up Next: Göteborg vs ÖIS at 2.30am on Monday (NZT)
Ryan Thomas – PEC Zwolle (Dutch Eredivisie)
Had to go with some Turkish broadcaster highlights for this one because none of them popped up on YouTube and they needed sharing since PEC Zwolle pocketed a 2-0 win away against Heerenveen. Goals from Nick Viergever (50’) and Koen Kostons (61’) did the trick after they survived a tricky first half. They’d begun the season with multi-goal defeats against Ajax (2-0) and FC Twente (3-1) so this one gets them on the board in style, leaving four teams below them who still haven’t won through three rounds.
Ryan Thomas was defensively superb at the base of midfield with five tackles, three interceptions, five clearances, a shot blocked, eleven recoveries... and one foul for which he was booked. He doesn’t tend to go marauding forward too much these days although it was his tight passing that triggered the phase of play for the second goal. Plus he did have a shot attempt during the first half. Nothing special, merely a dragged effort wide from slightly outside the box... but notable because he hadn’t even attempted a shot in the opening two matches.
Up Next: PEC Zwolle vs NEC Nijmegen at 7am on Sunday (NZT)
Meikayla Moore & Tilly James – Calgary Wild (Canadian Northern Super League)
Tilly James and Meikayla Moore were often starting LB and LCB combination for Calgary Wild while they were struggling and winless. Then they made a couple of transfer additions in an attempt to salvage their campaign and that caused James to switch to right-back and Meikayla Moore to right centre-back where all of a sudden they won two in a row. There’s your magic formula, folks.
Ah but previous right-back Grace Stordy returned from suspension for the trip to Montreal so James dropped to the bench as the Wild only drew 2-2. Two kiwis and two wins. Stands to reason that they’d be half as effective with half as many on the field. James did get on for stoppage time while Moore captained the team and did a full ninety. Calgary’s late season resurgence leaves them with eight remaining matches to try and overhaul a 12-point gap between themselves and second-to-last Halifax Tides.
Up Next: Vancouver vs Calgary at 10am on Sunday (NZT)
Sarpreet Singh - SC Farense (Portuguese Liga 2)
First game of the season, Sarpreet Singh was an unused sub in a 2-1 win vs Torrense.
Second game, Sarpreet Singh was subbed on with two minutes left in a 3-1 win vs Porto B.
Third game, Sarpreet Singh got 15 minutes in a 1-1 draw vs Felgueiras.
With each subsequent week, he’s getting more of a run. Clear evidence that they’re building him up in this early portion of the season... meaning we should get to indulge in some Sarpreet clips sooner rather than later. But all things in good time for a bloke who has had more than his share of injuries in his career. With two wins and a draw to start the campaign, Farense sit second on the ladder thanks to goal difference with only Academica (3 wins) having more points. Very healthy start as they aim for promotion to the Portuguese top division.
Up Next: Away to Sporting B at 5am on Monday (NZT)
Finn McKenlay – Finn Harps (League of Ireland First Division)
Debut for Finn McKenlay at the first time of asking, straight into the Finn Harps midfield for a 3-1 loss to Cobh Ramblers. They were two goals down after nine minutes and three down after thirty although the second half was a lot better. McKenlay sat at the base of midfield, looking to get on the ball and shift it around. Also got forward enough to supply a couple of shots for the highlights package.
Harps have lost seven matches in a row, six of those in the league. They remain dead last in the LOI First Division... and it doesn’t even matter because there’s no relegation from this league so they’ve got eight free hit games left to try and find something to carry into the next campaign. McKenlay is signed until the end of the season which makes this an audition for him too. A 3-1 loss wasn’t much fun but it beat the consecutive 5-0 defeats they’d had prior, plus they didn’t have anyone sent off like they did in those ones.
Up Next: UCD vs Finn Harps at 6.45am on Saturday (NZT)
Ollie Whyte – FC Haka (Finnish Ykkösliiga)
Good form from Oliver Whyte, good form from FC Haka. Whyte’s got four goals and two assists in his last six matches while FCH are on a seven game unbeaten streak and have won five in a row. They didn’t gain any ground this round because KTP and PK-35 Vantaa also both won but they’re applying the pressure from third-place with promotion very much the target. FC Haka play leaders KTP next up and if they win that then they’ll really shuffle the deck at the top of the division.
Up Next: KTP vs Haka at 3.30am on Saturday (NZT)
Kyle Adams - Louisville City (American USL Championship)
It was Kyle Adams’ turn to get on the scoresheet in the American lower leagues this week. Second of the season for the Louisville City captain (third if you include the USL Cup), who was awarded Defender of the Year across the USL Championship in 2025. Admittedly, they did lose 2-1 to Indy Eleven and that continues the sketchy form from his team this season. After winning four straight to begin with, Lou City have not won consecutive league games again since to leave them lingering in fifth in their conference with the potential to drop lower when others play their games in hand. This was a side that had the best regular season record of all last year and were strong championship favourites heading into the playoffs... only to get bounced at the first hurdle in a major upset. Intentions were to make up for last year and win a trophy but they’re not really playing like that at the moment. They are into the USL Cup semis, though.
Beyond that, it’s all injuries in the USL Championship. Alex Greive hasn’t played all year for San Antonio while Riley Bidois was really making a name for himself at Monterey Bay after scoring in four consecutive games back May... and that scoring streak is still active because he hasn’t played since. The update there is that he’s back in Aotearoa with a moon boot so don’t expect anything to happen there in a hurry. MLS Next Pro is a little more fruitful with Troy Putt (Minnesota Utd), Codey Phoenix (Tacoma Defiance), and Thomas Raimbault (Carolina Core) all playing fairly regularly. It’s hard to know what to make of a closed reserves league like that which has only been around for a couple of year. It didn’t help Ronan Wynne or Jay Herdman crack it in the MLS but perhaps these three will have more luck. Here’s a bit more on Codey Phoenix courtesy of the bro Pablo...
Up Next: Louisville City vs Detroit City at midday on Sunday (NZT)
Dane Ingham - Sabah FC (Malaysian Super League)
Dane Ingham signed a two-year contract with Sabah FC so he’s back and ready to build upon a pretty disappointing ninth-placed finish last season (out of 13 teams). Not where this team expected to be after three consecutive third-placed efforts before that... although what they lacked in the league, they largely made up for in cup competitions by making it to the final of the FA Cup (where they lost 5-0 vs Johor Darul Ta'zim) and winning the Challenge Cup (contested amongst the clubs who don’t progress to the quarters of the Malaysian Cup).
Across all those competitions, Dane Ingham made 38 appearances scoring two goals with one assist. His six yellow cards in the Super League were equal most across everyone and what do ya know he’s already bettered his league goals tally from last season. From zero to one, after netting the opener in a 3-1 win against Star City to get the new campaign underway. He also got another yellow card just to make sure folks know that it’s him.
Up Next: Sabah vs Penang at 11.30pm on Friday (NZT)
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