Michael Boxall – Minnesota United (American Major League Soccer)

The MLS is underway for 2024, featuring all of your favourite players from Lionel Messi to Michael Boxall. Messi scored a brilliant late equaliser for Inter Miami in a 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy but, far more importantly, Minnesota United got going with a 2-1 win away to Austin FC. It was supposed to be their first game under a new manager, after Adrian Heath was let go last year, but they only today managed to officially secure Manchester United assistant coach Eric Ramsay (who at 32yo becomes the youngest MLS manager ever) a few days after that opening weekend fixture. So interim boss Cam Knowles was still in charge for game one and interim boss Cam Knowles chose Michael Boxall as his week one captain. Leadership personified...

Good ol’ Boxy letting them all know what’s what.

The Loons had a fantastic start to this game/season, playing with great tempo and creating chance after chance. Austin’s keeper made a few fine stops. Robin Lod his the post after a rapid attack that had begun with a looping long switch by Boxall (one of several from MB, within a Loons team that seemed to want to push the pace). Finally, Lod buried one in the 34th minute for the lead. No less than they deserved. Somehow they wouldn’t score a second until the 90th minute via Alejandro Bran, then spoiled the clean sheet by conceding a very late consolation. Annoying... but inconsequential as it was basically the last meaningful kick of the game. 2-1 to Minnesota United. Up and running with a win.

Didn’t see any Bill Tuiloma for Charlotte FC though. He’s also got a new British coach in Dean Smith (should mention Eric Ramsay is Welsh), which will hopefully be a boost for Tuiloma after struggling for game-time in the back half of last season under the last gaffer... yet we’ll have to wait to find out whether that’s the case because a left thigh injury kept him out of their season opener, a 1-0 win over New York City FC.

Up Next: Minnesota vs Columbus at 8am on Sunday (NZT)

Gabi Rennie – Åland United (Finnish Kansallinen Liiga)

Every year there are a couple of top notch players who graduate from USA universities and seek their belated starts in the professional realms. Those players never get drafted into the NWSL but they do tend to find their way into solid spots in Europe or in Australia. A few of this year’s crop chose to go back for an additional season but Gabi Rennie did the graduation routine at Arizona State and so we’d all been waiting to see where she’d pop up next. Turns out the answer to that is: Åland United.

This is the same club that gave Jacqui Hand her professional start after she finished college in the States. Hand was brilliant for them, working her way into the Football Ferns and eventually onwards to Lewes FC in England at the start of this year. After that glorious experience, AU weren’t about to enter the 2024 season without another lucky New Zealander on the books so they’ve signed the latest most eligible graduate. Gabi Rennie’s contract is for this year and she’ll join the squad imminently, with the new campaign kicking off in April.

AU chief trainer Riku Remes: “It's incredibly exciting for Gabi to join Åland United. She is in the early stages of her career and we think this is a perfect start to her Europe adventure. With her talent, speed, and strength, Gabi will strengthen our attack game. She has good footballing understanding and poses a threat to the opponents even without the ball. She moves well and knows how to find free surfaces in the opponents box. She will also make sure to create goals for her teammates. Finally, I would like to say that it will be incredibly valuable to have a player with World Cup experience in our squad in 2024. Warm welcome to our island Gabi Rennie!”

This is a great move. Rennie has been a regular in Ferns squads under Jitka Klimkova, amassing 33 caps. But after scoring on debut against Australia at the last Olympics, she’s only bagged one further goal since. She’s gotten lots of games at a time when the team was rebuilding its attacking group and with new options emerging she’s in a place where she needs a boost in order to remain in the picture. Åland United gave that boost to Jacqui Hand, now they’ll try do the same with Gabi Rennie.

Hopefully she doesn’t get seasick though... Åland United play in the Finland division but are based on an island much closer to Sweden so it’s a 10-hour overnight ferry trip for away games. Sometimes with another long bus trip on the other end of it.

Up Next: Game one of 2024 is KuPS vs AU on 14 April at 4am (NZT)

Liberato Cacace – Empoli (Italian Serie A)

The Empoli resurgence marches onwards and Liberato Cacace continues getting big minutes. He was right in amongst it from the start once again as Empoli added another thrilling victory to their recent tally by beating one of their relegation rivals. In fact, Empoli might not even be in the relegation zone any longer after this 3-2 win against Sassuolo raised them all the way to 13th on the ladder. Lucky 13... which just so happens to be Cacace’s shirt number.

When Davide Nicola took over as manager, the Azzurri were one spot above last place. Since then they’ve won three and drawn three, with Cacace starting four of those six games (including the last three in a row) and getting at least half an hour off the bench in the other two. He’s started 16 of his 20 appearances this season after only making 10 Serie A starts in his previous 1.5 seasons with the club. Easy to overlook this stuff when he’s playing for a team that loses a lot, when he’s not getting goals or assists or clean sheets, but now that the results are turning the achievement becomes brighter to see.

Empoli scored first against Sassuolo, taking an 11th minute lead as captain Sebastiano Luperto nodded in a free kick delivery. Hit his head on the post in the process but he was okay to continue after a mandatory check from the medics. Empoli thought they’d scored a second ten mins later but Youssef Maleh had handballed before putting his chance away. So far so good to that point... until Sassuolo were given a fortunate VAR penalty early in the second half which Andrea Pinamonti, a former Empoli loan player, buried to tie things up on 54’.

No worries as Empoli were soon given a penalty of their own after a handball, allowing M’Baye Niang to score from the spot for the third game running (his first three games for the club). Though the worries returned when Gian Marco Ferrari’s equaliser on 77’ seemed to have us poised for a point apiece. Cacace was subbed as part of a triple change in the 88th minute with a focus on restoring that lead... and wouldn’t ya know it in the fourth minute of stoppage time that’s what they did through Simone Bastoni. A lovely guided header from another free kick delivery. Sweet as. There we go.

Fairly standard Cacace performance here. Not a lot going on in the attacking third but he did pass the ball around smoothly at the back, helping to progress things along. Involved in the early stages of a few good moves. Chuck in his usual couple of tackles and clearances. He actually found himself marking Cristian Volpato for a lot of this game – an Australian youth international. Would say it’s the first time a Kiwi and Aussie have met in Serie A but Cacace’s the only Kiwi to have played Serie A so that’s redundant.

Up Next: Empoli vs Cagliari on Monday at 3am (NZT)

Alex Greive - Dundee United (Scottish Championship)

The late defeat against Raith Rovers last week complicated things for Dundee United but they did still remain in first place with their Championship/promotion fate in their own hands. That prospect got friskier after 22 minutes against Queen’s Park when their goalie spilled a simple cross which was then tapped in by Ruari Paton to give the visitors the lead... but DUFC recovered. They scored twice before the first half was through, first through Louis Moult (37’) with a brilliant free kick, then through Jordan Tillson (44’) with a close-range header after a corner kick.

That’s all well and good but Alex Greive didn’t get subbed on until the last half hour, chucked into a game that was still very much in the balance. So AG went and set up the clincher with a quick counter-attack in the 81st minute, peeling wide right to collect the ball then picking out Glenn Middleton on the cut-back. Middleton did the rest to give Greive his first goal contribution for his loan club as Dundee United took a 3-1 victory to maintain that one-point lead atop the ladder. That’s the way.

Meanwhile George Stanger was supposed to return from suspension this week for Ayr United but he was ruled out with illness during the warm-ups against Raith Rovers – a game that Rovers won 2-1. Pity Stanger wasn’t able to help a kiwi comrade out by taking points off the Dundee Utd’s main title rival but so it goes.

Up Next: Couple games for Dundee United this week, with Airdrieonians at 8.45am on Weds, then Partick Thistle away on Sun at 4am (NZT)

Logan Rogerson - FC Noah (Armenian Premier League)

There’s that Armenian Premier League debut for Logan Rogerson. He was subbed on at half-time of a 1-1 draw against Urartu, a game in which Noah had scored early (Edgar Movsisyan in the 8th minute) but a red card after 20 minutes gave them too much of a task to hold on for victory – with a 58th minute penalty for Urartu ensuring a share of the spoils.

It was an annoying result because, despite the ten-men, FCN rarely looked to be threatened outside of that one penalty, which was awarded for a handball. Rogerson came on as a left-winger, though later swapped over to the right, and showed that he’s lost none of his lightning pace in transit. But he had precious few opportunities to stretch his legs with his team stuck defending deep due to the numerical disadvantage.

He didn’t play as much in game two, subbed on for the last fifteen minutes in a 1-0 win against Shirak with the goal already scored in the 54th minute. But he did find a bit more room to run in this one, able dash forward and whip a couple of crosses into the area. Also at one stage the opposition coach got a yellow card for complaining after Rogerson was tripped shielding a defender away from the ball. They did have a few sharp intakes of breath from Shirak attacks in the latter stages but yeah nah the lads held on for the win. Keeps FCN in second place, one point behind Pyunik who have a game in hand. Pyunik are the only team to beat Noah in their past ten league fixtures.

Up Next: Alashkert vs Noah at midnight on Saturday/Sunday (NZT)

Elijah Just - AC Horsens (Danish Division 1)

Okay now here’s a strange one. There’s been a mysterious situation unfolding with Eli Just at AC Horsens, the club he joined in the Superliga last season but which was then relegated. At the halfway stage of this term it looks unlikely that ACH will even make the top half cut-off in Division 1, let alone compete for their spot back in the top flight.

Not sure if that stumble has anything to do with this mystery or not... but it has been reported in Denmark that Just left the squad during their winter break training camp in Spain and then spent time apparently training by himself rather than with the group. He wasn’t in their squad for the 2-1 loss to Kolding that marked their first competitive game of the year... however his agent says there’s nothing to worry about and that he’s back with the club again, having dealt with some personal circumstances.

The Agent, Gustaf Grauers to Tipsbladet: “He's back in full training with the team now. It is true that there have been some personal reasons why he has been gone, but it is not something he wants to be dug into. But now he is back and running full, which is the most important thing.”

Rightio. Apparently Just was also contacted and offered no comment. If he doesn’t want it pried into then we’ll respect that, and with a little luck he’ll be back on the pitch at the next opportunity... because Horsens do kinda need him, having now only won two of their past eight Division 1 games.

Up Next: Naestved vs Horsens at 1am on Monday (NZT)

Otto Ingham - AFC Eskilstuna (Swedish Ettan Norra)

After two seasons with Ljungskile playing alongside Kees Sims in the Swedish third tier. Ingham didn’t get huge minutes for LSK but he was always there or thereabouts – making 37 league appearances over those two seasons with one goal and an assist. After getting released at the conclusion of the 2023 season, Ingham took up the opportunity to hang out with Eskiltuna during their preseason, and it seems he made a proud impression because they’ve now given him a contract. Sweet as. Here he is scoring in one of those preseason matches...

Otto Ingham: “I really enjoyed it here during my trial and everyone has been very helpful. The atmosphere that our coaches are creating is great and I look forward to a really good season. I hope I can contribute as much as possible through both goals and assistants. I want to help the club get back to where AFC belongs.”

Eskilstuna were in the second tier in 2023 but got relegated in last place. They won their last game but so did two of the teams directly above, leaving two points adrift of safety. That means that Ingham will remain at the same level as he was with LSK except in the northern conference instead of the southern one, is all.

Up Next: The Ettan kicks off at 4am on 31 March with Eskilstuna away to Nordic United (NZT)

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

Ninety minutes for Pijnaker. Eighty-three for Mata. A 0-0 draw for Sligo Rovers against Derry City. Not much of a game for Mata who toiled away to little avail, instead it was Pijnaker who took the spotlight with three clearances, two tackles, and a blocked shot amidst a hard-earned clean sheet. Two draws in a row to begin the new season for the Bit’o’Red.

Up Next: Saturday at 8.45am against Shelbourne (NZT)

Ollie Whyte - FC Haka (Finnish Veikkaugsliiga)

A few things happened this week with regards to this situation. As we know, Ollie Whyte’s contract ran out at the end of last year but he’s remained with FC Haka on a trial basis during the League Cup group phase. One of several trialists with the team as they seek to fill out their attacking corps, with Whyte providing a goal and a couple of assists along the way.

But we’re still waiting on that new contract. Meanwhile Arlind Sejdiu, one of the other trial fellas, just got signed up on a one-year deal despite only having played one of those matches. He brings the overall squad up to 20 players so we’re fast running out of space. Also running out of time, because Haka’s Liigacup campaign is over now despite a 1-0 win over VPS in their fifth and final match. A 74th minute penalty from Evangelos Patoulidis did the job but results elsewhere meant they missed out on the knockout phase. What’s more is that Ollie Whyte missed this game entirely... although that was due to “a precaution” according to the club website. Probably injury or illness.

It’s another six weeks before the Veikkausliiga kicks off and they won’t be allowed test players by then. If Whyte’s done enough to earn another season with the squad then we ought to find out in the coming weeks.

Up Next: Haka vs VPS on 7 April in the first round of league action (NZT)

Tyler Boyd - Nashville SC (American Major League Soccer)

Oh would you look at that. A Champions Cup goal for Tyler Boyd, helping his new team to a 3-0 first leg win against Moca of Mexico. This was the away leg too, get in. Pure Tyler Boyd with that finish. Boyd then got a full game in a 0-0 draw against FC Dallas in their MLS season opener. Nothing much to write home about there but it’s at least a point on the board. Solid start to his time in Nashville from the ex-All White.

You may also be interested to know that Calvin Harris, the Hong Kong/England prospect who spent some time with the Wellington Phoenix Academy (though was limited by international transfer rules) scored for Colorado Rapids, albeit in a 4-1 loss against Portland Timbers. That’s his third goal in MLS, having played 43 times (although only 18 of those were starts). Four assists to his name also. Big week for the alternate universe Flying Kiwis.

Up Next: Thursday at 3.15pm in the second leg against Moca, then Sunday at 3.30pm away to Colorado Rapids in the MLS (NZT)

Myer Bevan - Cavalry FC (Canadian Premier League)

Tyler Boyd wasn’t the only fella getting Champions Cup run. Don’t forget Jay Herdman was called up to the bench for Vancouver Whitecaps in their first round first leg match a couple weeks ago, now Myer Bevan has also gotten amongst it. Only off the bench, despite being the club’s top scorer last year, but he still got a chunky thirty minutes... as Cavalry were thoroughly beaten by Orlando City in the home leg.

Lost 3-0, such is life. The MLS side proved too good for the CPL side. Cavalry’s best attacking spell by far came after Bevan was subbed, maybe that was down to Orlando being home and dried but it’s possibly something to take into the second leg. Regardless, it was a Champions Cup debut for Myer Bevan who joins Duncan Oughton, Jake Gleeson, Andrew Boyens, Dan Keat, Bill Tuiloma, Tommy Smith, Deklan Wynne - and maybe Tyler Boyd if you want to count him - as New Zealanders to have played in the premier North/Central American continental club competition.

Up Next: Wednesday at midday, second leg of the Champo Cup away to Orlando City (NZT)

Henry Gray – Chelmsford City (English National League South)

It was a stink week for most of the NZers in England. The women were all on international break. Chris Wood is injured. Plymouth Argyle had a wonderful 2-0 win over Middlesbrough but Ben Waine only got subbed on in the 83rd minute. Max Crocombe and Tyler Bindon both had defeats. Nik Tzanev and Jamie Searle didn’t play, as usual.

Ah but drop down into the National League South and Henry Gray’s fantastic form on loan with Chelmsford City continues unabated. A 1-0 win against league leaders Yeovil Town means that Gray has now kept eight clean sheets in 12 appearances for the club, who have won 10 of those games, drawing one and losing one. Outrageous success from the 18 year old glovesman. Yeovil Town are still 12 points clear in first with 12 games remaining but Chelmsford City are all the way up to second.

Up Next: Wednesday at 8.45am vs Farnborough away (NZT)

The Physio’s Table

Taking a moment here at the end of one of the quieter weeks (mostly due to the women’s international window... but also down to what we’re about to discuss) to throw out a few updates here. Specifically with an eye on the upcoming All Whites fixtures against Egypt and either Croatia or Tunisia. See, it wouldn’t be an international window without a few injury concerns, and the current situation is no outlier.

Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest) – Suffered a hamstring issue at the start of the month which was expected to keep him out for 6-8 weeks. The All Whites games align smack-bang in the middle of that timeframe so it’s a possibility. Flip a coin to see if he recovers in time – the last spell he spent injured, he made his first start back for the national team (albeit after one bench cameo for his club first).

Marko Stamenic (Crvena zvezda) – Not sure if this is an injury or not, just that Stamenic wasn’t in the squads for the first couple of Red Star games post-winter break. He didn’t play their third match over the weekend either, a 3-0 win against Cukaricki, though he was at least on the bench as an unused sub. He was pictured training with the team during the week so hopefully he was injured (otherwise it means he was dropped) but also hopefully it was nothing serious and he’ll be good to go from here on.

Matt Garbett (NAC Breda) – Remember when Garbs blew his shoulder out and they said he’d miss several weeks and then he returned after missing only one match? Yeah well he’s not been witnessed for three games since. Not sure if it’s still the shoulder that’s bothering him, all the club’s website had to say was that he was injured (specifically “not fit to play”).

James McGarry (Aberdeen) – Actually, this one’s tracking fine. McGarry missed a few months with a hamstring injury early in the season, then a few weeks back hurt the same hamstring again in a different way. He’s not played since December... but he’s now back in training and was even on the bench for the 2-0 loss against Kilmarnock over the weekend. Given that the Dons have not won a game in their last seven Scottish Premiership matches (their only win since McGarry’s injury being the very first match), surely new boss Neil Warnock won’t hesitate to give him a crack soon.

Matt Dibley-Dias (Fulham U21s) – Needed surgery on an injury he aggravated with the All Whites last tour, but we’ve already covered his return in these pages over recent weeks. MDD played ninety minutes in a defeat against Everton U21s this very morning – his first full match since his recovery.

Cheers for reading, if you appreciate the yarns then know that the only reason we’re able to keep serving them up is thanks to our generous supporters on Patreon and the Paid Substackers

Get amongst if you can, otherwise it still helps to whack ads, donate via Buy Me A Coffee, and to tell your mates all about Aotearoa’s top independent sports website

Keep cool but care