The Norway thread

Toppserien is back after the international break. The 18th matchday is spread out over ten days, with four games this weekend:

Stream links:
23 Sep: Vålerenga vs Avaldsnes (2:00pm)
23 Sep: Kolbotn vs Trondheims-Ørn (3:00pm)
23 Sep: Klepp vs LSK Kvinner (5:00pm)
24 Sep: Røa vs Grand Bodø (3:00pm)

 

A little update on Toppserien. Two postponed matches from earlier rounds to be played this Wednesday:

Stream links:
27 Sep: Klepp vs Avaldsnes (6:00pm)
27 Sep: Vålerenga vs Stabæk (7:00pm)

Then the NM Cup semifinals on Saturday, both televised. Don't know if streams will be available:

30 Sep: Vålerenga vs LSK Kvinner
30 Sep: Avaldsnes vs Arna Bjørnar

The 18th Matchday, of which four matches were played this weekend, will be completed next week:

03 Oct: Sandviken vs Stabæk
04 Oct: Arna Bjørnar vs Medkila

The round-up of matchday 18 won't be posted until next Wednesday.

For those who want to have live coverage of the women's game in Norway, you can go to NFF direkte. Just select Toppserien from the menu and/or NM kvinner (for the domestic cup). Line-ups before kick-off, every goal-scorer, every booking and substitution will come up here as it happens.

 

Sure, Blissett. Might as well post the summary instead of waiting eight more days for the last two games. An incomplete 18th matchday brought us 10 goals.

Klepp vs LSK Kvinner 0-2
0-1 Sophie Haug (Ingrid Moe Wold) 47
0-2 Ingrid Spord (Guro Reiten) 73
The yellow and black machine rolls on.

Vålerenga vs Avaldsnes 0-1
0-1 Elise Thorsnes (Francielle Alberto) 66
Vålerenga looked good for large parts of this game, but had goalkeeper Michelle Betos sent off early in the second half. Avaldsnes scored the winner in numerical advantage.

Kolbotn vs Trondheims-Ørn 0-1
0-1 Cesilie Andreassen 12 (free-kick)
A bizarre winning goal to say the least. Last year's Medkila captain scored the winner to give her former team mates a shimmer of hope.

Røa vs Grand Bodø 4-2
1-0 Nora Byom Nilssen (Katrine Jørgensen) 22
1-1 Anne-Marthe Birkeland (Savannah Francis) 42
1-2 Vilde Fjelldal (Anne-Marthe Birkeland) 50
2-2 Lisa Marie Utland (Therese S. Åsland) 52
3-2 Line Holter (Lisa Marie Utland) 59
4-2 Lisa Marie Utland (Gunhild Herregården) 89
Always a fiesta of goals when Røa play at home - at both ends.



TOP SCORERS
18 - Guro Reiten, LSK Kvinner
15 - Lisa Marie Utland, Røa
12 - Sophie Haug, LSK Kvinner
10 - Cecilie Pedersen, Avaldsnes
10 - Tameka Butt, Klepp
9 - Elise Thorsnes, Avaldsnes
9 - Anne-Marthe Birkeland, Grand Bodø
9 - Melissa Bjånesøy, Stabæk
7 - Emily Gielnik, Avaldsnes
7 - Marte Berget, LSK Kvinner
7 - Rakel Engesvik, Trondheims-Ørn
6 - Josee Nahi, Arna Bjørnar
6 - Victoria Ludvigsen, Stabæk
6 - Elise Krieghoff, Vålerenga
5 - Trine Skjelstad Jensen, Grand Bodø
5 - Ingrid Kvernvolden, LSK Kvinner
5 - Ina Skaug, Røa
5 - Sofie Skjelstad Jensen, Sandviken
5 - Andrea Wilmann, Stabæk
5 - Elen Melhus, Trondheims-Ørn
4 - Luana Bertolucci, Avaldsnes
4 - Vilde Fjelldal, Grand Bodø
4 - Hege Hansen, Klepp
4 - Hanne Kogstad, Klepp
4 - Vilde Hasund, Røa
4 - Cesilie Andreassen, Trondheims-Ørn
4 - Oda Fugelsnes, Trondheims-Ørn
4 - Maren Hauge, Vålerenga
4 - Gunnhildur Jonsdottir, Vålerenga
4 - Jennie Nordin, Vålerenga
3 - Amalie Eikeland, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Lisa Naalsund, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Synnøve Hafnor, Grand Bodø
3 - Kirsty Yallop, Klepp
3 - Juliette Kemppi, Kolbotn
3 - Synne Skinnes Hansen, LSK Kvinner
3 - Ryoko Takara, LSK Kvinner
3 - Line Holter, Røa
3 - Rebecka Holum, Røa
3 - Therese S. Åsland, Røa
3 - Julie Adserø, Trondheims-Ørn
3 - Andrea Haugstøyl, Trondheims-Ørn
3 - Aivi Luik, Vålerenga
3 - Anne Lise Olsen, Vålerenga

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2 - Maria Brochmann, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Emma Fletcher, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Helene Gloppen, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Karoline Haugland, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Cecilie R. Kvamme, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Emilie Nautnes, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Ine Marie Wedaa, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Francielle Alberto, Avaldsnes
2 - Hanna Dahl, Avaldsnes
2 - Andrine Tomter, Avaldsnes
2 - Gry Tofte Ims, Klepp
2 - Karina Sævik, Kolbotn
2 - Isabell Bachor, LSK Kvinner
2 - Silje Blakstad, LSK Kvinner
2 - Anja Rasmussen, Medkila
2 - Gunhild Herregården, Røa
2 - Nora Byom Nilssen, Røa
2 - Marina Jensen, Sandviken
2 - Synne Jensen, Stabæk
2 - Frida Maanum, Stabæk
2 - Tina Fremo, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Theresa Nielsen, Vålerenga
1 - Ingrid Altermark, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Ingrid Stenevik, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Meryll Abrahamsen, Avaldsnes
1 - Ingrid Ryland, Avaldsnes
1 - Daiane Santos, Avaldsnes
1 - Synne Vatnem, Avaldsnes
1 - Maiken Bakke, Grand Bodø
1 - Line Danielsen, Grand Bodø
1 - Ingeborg Nordheim, Grand Bodø
1 - Linda Ruutu, Grand Bodø
1 - Elisabeth Terland, Klepp
1 - Maria Thorisdottir, Klepp
1 - Ina Gausdal, Kolbotn
1 - Antonia Göransson, Kolbotn
1 - Maren Johansen, Kolbotn
1 - Marit Bratberg Lund, Kolbotn
1 - Camilla Ose, Kolbotn
1 - Ingrid Spord, LSK Kvinner
1 - Anja Sønstevold, LSK Kvinner
1 - Ingrid Moe Wold, LSK Kvinner
1 - Emilie Woldvik, LSK Kvinner
1 - Jackie Altschuld, Medkila
1 - Krystina Iordanou, Medkila
1 - Jenna McCormick, Medkila
1 - Martine Olsen, Medkila
1 - Alex Quincey, Medkila
1 - Kristine Leine, Røa
1 - Marije Brummel, Sandviken
1 - Camilla Ervik, Sandviken
1 - June Hammersland, Sandviken
1 - Stine Hovland, Sandviken
1 - Sofie Bloch Jørgensen, Sandviken
1 - Elida Knudsen, Sandviken
1 - Sunniva Lillestøl, Sandviken
1 - Sina Tosterud, Sandviken
1 - Vilde Øyri, Sandviken
1 - Heidi Ellingsen, Stabæk
1 - Martine Flakk, Stabæk
1 - Celine Granli, Stabæk
1 - Siri Nordeide Grønli, Stabæk
1 - Mina Kjørum, Stabæk
1 - Cecilie Liane, Stabæk
1 - Rebecca Mykland, Stabæk
1 - Stine Reinås, Stabæk
1 - Marit Clausen, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Ochelle de Courcy, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Maria Olsvik, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Synne Christiansen, Vålerenga
1 - Frida Lyshoel, Vålerenga
1 - Stephanie Verdoia, Vålerenga

ASSISTS
10 - Guro Reiten, LSK Kvinner
8 - Therese S. Åsland, Røa
7 - Elise Thorsnes, Avaldsnes
7 - Ingrid Moe Wold, LSK Kvinner
6 - Elise Stenevik, Arna Bjørnar
6 - Cecilie Liane, Stabæk
5 - Francielle Alberto, Avaldsnes
5 - Line Danielsen, Grand Bodø
5 - Synne Skinnes Hansen, LSK Kvinner
5 - Sophie Haug, LSK Kvinner
5 - Gunhild Herregården, Røa
5 - Theresa Nielsen, Vålerenga
4 - Cecilie Pedersen, Avaldsnes
4 - Hege Hansen, Klepp
4 - Ingrid Spord, LSK Kvinner
4 - Lisa Marie Utland, Røa
4 - Marije Brummel, Sandviken
4 - Aivi Luik, Vålerenga
3 - Amalie Eikeland, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Cecilie Redisch Kvamme, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Emilie Nautnes, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Luana Bertolucci, Avaldsnes
3 - Emily Gielnik, Avaldsnes
3 - Ingrid Ryland, Avaldsnes
3 - Sigrid Helbostad, Grand Bodø
3 - Amalie Johnsen, Grand Bodø
3 - Kirsty Yallop, Klepp
3 - Ryoko Takara, LSK Kvinner
3 - Emilie Woldvik, LSK Kvinner
3 - Vilde Hasund, Røa
3 - Marita Iversen, Røa
3 - Sina Tosterud, Sandviken
3 - Synne Jensen, Stabæk
3 - Oda Fugelsnes, Trondheims-Ørn
3 - Elen Melhus, Trondheims-Ørn
3 - Synne Christiansen, Vålerenga
3 - Johanne Fridlund, Vålerenga

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2 - Emma Fletcher, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Lisa Naalsund, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Josee Nahi, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Andreia Rosa, Avaldsnes
2 - Andrine Tomter, Avaldsnes
2 - Savannah Francis, Grand Bodø
2 - Hanne Kogstad, Klepp
2 - Marit Bratberg Lund, Kolbotn
2 - Karina Sævik, Kolbotn
2 - Anja Sønstevold, LSK Kvinner
2 - Ida Fossem, Medkila
2 - Rebecka Holum, Røa
2 - Heidi Ellingsen, Stabæk
2 - Mina Kjørum, Stabæk
2 - Ingvild Isaksen, Stabæk
2 - Rakel Engesvik, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Andrea Haugstøyl, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Maria Olsvik, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Maren Hauge, Vålerenga
2 - Gunnhildur Jonsdottir, Vålerenga
1 - Maria Brochmann, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Karoline Haugland, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Hanna Dahl, Avaldsnes
1 - Gema Simon, Avaldsnes
1 - Anne-Marthe Birkeland, Grand Bodø
1 - Sara Eggesvik, Grand Bodø
1 - Vilde Fjelldal, Grand Bodø
1 - Synnøve Hafnor, Grand Bodø
1 - Trine Skjelstad Jensen, Grand Bodø
1 - Ingeborg Nordheim, Grand Bodø
1 - Marie Andresen, Klepp
1 - Tuva Hansen, Klepp
1 - Gry Tofte Ims, Klepp
1 - Maria Thorisdottir, Klepp
1 - Siw Døvle, Kolbotn
1 - Maren Johansen, Kolbotn
1 - Tonje Pedersen, Kolbotn
1 - Isabell Bachor, LSK Kvinner
1 - Silje Blakstad, LSK Kvinner
1 - Anna Westerlund, LSK Kvinner
1 - Lotte Fossem, Medkila
1 - Maria Hustad, Medkila
1 - Alex Quincey, Medkila
1 - Line Holter, Røa
1 - Katrine W. Jørgensen, Røa
1 - Nora Byom Nilssen, Røa
1 - Ina Skaug, Røa
1 - Camilla Ervik, Sandviken
1 - Marina Jensen, Sandviken
1 . Madeleine Veivåg, Sandviken
1 - Melissa Bjånesøy, Stabæk
1 - Victoria Ludvigsen, Stabæk
1 - Trine Rønning, Stabæk
1 - Andrea Wilmann, Stabæk
1 - Julie Adserø, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Ingrid Engen, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Tina Fremo, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Kristin Jørgensen, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Tanja Myrseth, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Kristine Nøstmo, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Svanhild Sand, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Elise Krieghoff, Vålerenga
1 - Camilla Kur Larsen, Vålerenga
1 - Jennie Nordin, Vålerenga
1 - Anne Lise Olsen, Vålerenga
1 - Stephanie Verdoia, Vålerenga

 

Two Toppserien matches yesterday:

Klepp vs Avaldsnes 1-0
1-0 Hanne Kogstad 47
Klepp got revenge on Avaldsnes after losing on penalties in the NM Cup a few weeks ago. A fully deserved win it was yesterday. Avaldsnes rested Cecilie Pedersen, and Elise Thorsnes was pulled back to the centre-back position with limited success. She "set up" Kogstad for the winner. Avaldsnes' title ambitions are just about gone. LSK now only need one more point to clinch the league championship.

Vålerenga vs Stabæk 1-1
0-1 Andrea Wilmann (Melissa Bjånesøy) 14
1-1 Emilie Østerås (Theresa Nielsen) 77
May be there could be a race for that second CL spot after all? Stabæk gained a point on Avaldsnes and are now eight points behind and have two matches in hand. Unfortunately for them, Stabæk couldn't hold on to the lead, which would have put them in an even better position. Emilie Østerås equalized late in the game with her first ever Toppserien goal, set up by Danish Euro-star Theresa Nielsen.

 

Both semi-finals of the NM Cup played today:

Vålerenga vs LSK Kvinner 1-0
1-0 Stephanie Verdoia 17
Wow. LSK's bid of a fourth straight domestic double ended today. Vålerenga have improved slowly but steadily after the summer break, and Verdoia became the match-winner knocking in a goalpost rebound from close range early in the first half. LSK looked worryingly subpar with the CL game against Brøndby coming up soon. Guro Reiten went off at half time not to risk an injury, she felt something in her thigh. Despite loads of success, LSK took this loss surprisingly hard. Players in tears.

Avaldsnes vs Arna Bjørnar 1-0
1-0 Andreia Rosa 72
Fittingly enough a semi-final between two Western teams was played on a water-logged and heavy pitch. A Brazilian combination was behind the winning goal; a Francielle corner headed in by Andreia Rosa. A well deserved win. Arna Bjørnar's season is taking a nosedive.

The NM Cup Final will be played on November 18 at the Telenor Arena between Avaldsnes and Vålerenga. None of the clubs have won a major title in Norwegian women's football before.

 

I'm very curious about the upcoming Champions League games. I don't know what to expect from the Norwegian clubs this time. Last year LSK and Avaldsnes took on both the eventual finalists in the first round. The draw is better this time. LSK were certainly stronger last year, but Brøndby should be beatable. I feel Avaldsnes are more or less on the same level as last year, but Barcelona on the rise might be too tough.

BTW, check out the luxurious headquarters of LSK Kvinner:

 

Martin Sjögren has selected his squad for the World Cup qualifying match away against the Netherlands (Oct 24). A welcome return of an old hero, and a pleasant surprise selection of a relegation threatened defender:

Goalkeepers
Ingrid Hjelmseth (Stabæk)
Cecilie Fiskerstrand (LSK Kvinner)

Defenders
Maren Mjelde (Chelsea)
Ingrid Moe Wold (LSK Kvinner)
Elise Thorsnes (Avaldsnes)
Maria Thorisdottir (Klepp)
Ina Gausdal (Kolbotn) NEW
Stine Reinås (Stabæk)
Kristine Minde (Linköping)

Midfielders
Ingrid Spord (LSK Kvinner)
Ingrid Schjelderup (Eskilstuna United)
Anja Sønstevold (LSK Kvinner)
Guro Reiten (LSK Kvinner)
Frida Maanum (Linköping)

Forwards
Synne Skinnes Hansen (LSK Kvinner)
Lisa-Marie Utland (Røa)
Emilie Haavi (LSK Kvinner)
Caroline G. Hansen (Wolfsburg)
Isabell Herlovsen (Jiangsu Suning) NEW

Out: Kristine Leine (Røa)

 

Exciting days ahead. The remaining two matches of Toppserien's 18th matchday:

03 Oct: Sandviken vs Stabæk (4:30pm)
04 Oct: Arna Bjørnar vs Medkila (7:00pm)

And also Champions League:

04 Oct: LSK Kvinner vs Brøndby (7:00pm)

(The only Avaldsnes vs Barcelona stream I know is behind a paywall)

 

Regarding Champions League..

Avaldsnes haven't looked really good in more than one or two games in Toppserien this year. Only twice have they beaten Top 8 teams with more than one goal. So when Barcelona come to town, you don't expect a spectacular performance from Avaldsnes suddenly. A 4-0 defeat was just about right. The goals came quite late, but fully deserved. If owner Arne Utvik's ambitions of playing a CL final by 2020 is to come true, he better work some magic on the transfer market soon. He won't achieve that goal with the current group of players for sure.

LSK, on the other hand, had another subpar performance like against Vålerenga in the NM Cup on Saturday. A goalless draw against this Brøndby edition must be disappointing for Hege Riise & Co. Still everything to play for, but two games in a row without scoring is alarming. A badly timed goaldrought, and your best player struggling with fitness problems, is not what you want at this stage of the season.

--

More Toppserien action. The last two matches from the 18th matchday played this midweek:

Sandviken vs Stabæk 1-2
0-1 Victoria Ludvigsen (Cecilie Liane) 5
1-1 Marije Brummel 23
1-2 Melissa Bjånesøy (Siri Nordeide Grønli) 58

Arna Bjørnar vs Medkila 6-0
1-0 Helene Gloppen (Elise Stenevik) 11
2-0 Amalie Eikeland 41
3-0 Amalie Eikeland (Karoline Haugland) 53
4-0 Thea Bjelde (Josee Nahi) 75
5-0 Josee Nahi (Ingrid Altermark) 86
6-0 Ingrid Altermark (Kristin Risnes) 90

 

We are approaching the end of the season. Toppserien matchday 19 coming up:

Stream links
07 Oct: Stabæk vs Vålerenga (3:00pm)
08 Oct: Grand Bodø vs Klepp (2:30pm)
08 Oct: Medkila vs Røa (3:00pm)
08 Oct: Trondheims-Ørn vs Sandviken (3:30pm)

Already played:
06 Sep: Avaldsnes vs Kolbotn 4-1
06 Sep: LSK Kvinner vs Arna Bjørnar 2-0

 

Toppserien 2017, matchday 19 completed. Few goals but very decisive ones scored this weekend.

Stabæk vs Vålerenga 0-1
0-1 Maren Hauge (Theresa Nielsen) 44
After going unbeaten at home for years recently, Stabæk have now lost three home matches this season (four, if you include NM cup defeat). This time a beautiful lob by Maren Hauge made the difference. Vålerenga continue to surf on the good wave after beating LSK in the NM cup semifinal last week, but the surge is too late to achieve anything more than midtable this season.

Grand Bodø vs Klepp 1-4
0-1 Tameka Butt (Kirsty Yallop) 15
1-1 Christina Burkenroad (Anne-Marthe Birkeland) 27
1-2 Tameka Butt (Hanne Kogstad) 60
1-3 Lena Soleng Hansen 67
1-4 Elisabeth Terland (Lena Soleng Hansen) 81
You can always count on goals when Grand are playing, usually both ways. No club in Toppserien is involved in more goals. Christina Burkenroad scored her first goal in her eighth game after the transfer from Orlando Pride. Defender Lena Soleng Hansen scored her first ever goal for Klepp after seven years at the club.

Medkila vs Røa 1-0
1-0 Anja Rasmussen 76
Wow. The relegation battle is suddenly somewhat alive again thanks to a late strike by Anja Rasmussen. Didn't I just put that final nail in Medkila's coffin a couple of weeks ago? Today's performance was easily their best of the season, not only because of the win, their overall game was way better than normal. Crystal Thomas even missed a penalty after 82 mins which could have put them two up. Instead an heroic defensive performance saw them weather out the storm, as Røa kept aiming for Utland in the box with long balls in the final minutes.

Trondheims-Ørn vs Sandviken 0-0
This was a rather uneventful match. Few chances at both ends. Sandviken came closest to scoring when Sofie Skjelstad Jensen hit the crossbar. Sandviken are in the wilderness on the table with no chance of climbing further up and no chance of falling down to relegation either. Ørn still fight hard for a Top 6 position which will earn them an extra week of training camp in Spain sponsored by NFF. A big deal for the clubs.



TOP SCORERS
18 - Guro Reiten, LSK Kvinner
15 - Lisa Marie Utland, Røa
12 - Tameka Butt, Klepp
12 - Sophie Haug, LSK Kvinner
10 - Cecilie Pedersen, Avaldsnes
10 - Melissa Bjånesøy, Stabæk
9 - Elise Thorsnes, Avaldsnes
9 - Anne-Marthe Birkeland, Grand Bodø
7 - Josee Nahi, Arna Bjørnar
7 - Emily Gielnik, Avaldsnes
7 - Marte Berget, LSK Kvinner
7 - Victoria Ludvigsen, Stabæk
7 - Rakel Engesvik, Trondheims-Ørn
6 - Andrea Wilmann, Stabæk
6 - Elise Krieghoff, Vålerenga
5 - Amalie Eikeland, Arna Bjørnar
5 - Trine Skjelstad Jensen, Grand Bodø
5 - Hanne Kogstad, Klepp
5 - Ingrid Kvernvolden, LSK Kvinner
5 - Ina Skaug, Røa
5 - Sofie Skjelstad Jensen, Sandviken
5 - Elen Melhus, Trondheims-Ørn
5 - Maren Hauge, Vålerenga
4 - Luana Bertolucci, Avaldsnes
4 - Vilde Fjelldal, Grand Bodø
4 - Hege Hansen, Klepp
4 - Vilde Hasund, Røa
4 - Cesilie Andreassen, Trondheims-Ørn
4 - Oda Fugelsnes, Trondheims-Ørn
4 - Gunnhildur Jonsdottir, Vålerenga
4 - Jennie Nordin, Vålerenga

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3 - Helene Gloppen, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Lisa Naalsund, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Synnøve Hafnor, Grand Bodø
3 - Kirsty Yallop, Klepp
3 - Juliette Kemppi, Kolbotn
3 - Synne Skinnes Hansen, LSK Kvinner
3 - Ryoko Takara, LSK Kvinner
3 - Anja Rasmussen, Medkila
3 - Line Holter, Røa
3 - Rebecka Holum, Røa
3 - Therese S. Åsland, Røa
3 - Julie Adserø, Trondheims-Ørn
3 - Andrea Haugstøyl, Trondheims-Ørn
3 - Aivi Luik, Vålerenga
3 - Anne Lise Olsen, Vålerenga
2 - Ingrid Altermark, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Maria Brochmann, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Emma Fletcher, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Karoline Haugland, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Cecilie R. Kvamme, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Emilie Nautnes, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Ine Marie Wedaa, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Francielle Alberto, Avaldsnes
2 - Hanna Dahl, Avaldsnes
2 - Andrine Tomter, Avaldsnes
2 - Gry Tofte Ims, Klepp
2 - Elisabeth Terland, Klepp
2 - Karina Sævik, Kolbotn
2 - Isabell Bachor, LSK Kvinner
2 - Silje Blakstad, LSK Kvinner
2 - Gunhild Herregården, Røa
2 - Nora Byom Nilssen, Røa
2 - Marije Brummel, Sandviken
2 - Marina Jensen, Sandviken
2 - Synne Jensen, Stabæk
2 - Frida Maanum, Stabæk
2 - Tina Fremo, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Theresa Nielsen, Vålerenga
1 - Thea Bjelde, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Ingrid Stenevik, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Meryll Abrahamsen, Avaldsnes
1 - Ingrid Ryland, Avaldsnes
1 - Daiane Santos, Avaldsnes
1 - Synne Vatnem, Avaldsnes
1 - Maiken Bakke, Grand Bodø
1 - Christina Burkenroad, Grand Bodø
1 - Line Danielsen, Grand Bodø
1 - Ingeborg Nordheim, Grand Bodø
1 - Linda Ruutu, Grand Bodø
1 - Lena Soleng Hansen, Klepp
1 - Maria Thorisdottir, Klepp
1 - Ina Gausdal, Kolbotn
1 - Antonia Göransson, Kolbotn
1 - Maren Johansen, Kolbotn
1 - Marit Bratberg Lund, Kolbotn
1 - Camilla Ose, Kolbotn
1 - Ingrid Spord, LSK Kvinner
1 - Anja Sønstevold, LSK Kvinner
1 - Ingrid Moe Wold, LSK Kvinner
1 - Emilie Woldvik, LSK Kvinner
1 - Jackie Altschuld, Medkila
1 - Krystina Iordanou, Medkila
1 - Jenna McCormick, Medkila
1 - Martine Olsen, Medkila
1 - Alex Quincey, Medkila
1 - Kristine Leine, Røa
1 - Camilla Ervik, Sandviken
1 - June Hammersland, Sandviken
1 - Stine Hovland, Sandviken
1 - Sofie Bloch Jørgensen, Sandviken
1 - Elida Knudsen, Sandviken
1 - Sunniva Lillestøl, Sandviken
1 - Sina Tosterud, Sandviken
1 - Vilde Øyri, Sandviken
1 - Heidi Ellingsen, Stabæk
1 - Martine Flakk, Stabæk
1 - Celine Granli, Stabæk
1 - Siri Nordeide Grønli, Stabæk
1 - Mina Kjørum, Stabæk
1 - Cecilie Liane, Stabæk
1 - Rebecca Mykland, Stabæk
1 - Stine Reinås, Stabæk
1 - Marit Clausen, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Ochelle de Courcy, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Maria Olsvik, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Synne Christiansen, Vålerenga
1 - Frida Lyshoel, Vålerenga
1 - Stephanie Verdoia, Vålerenga
1 - Emilie Østerås, Vålerenga

ASSISTS
10 - Guro Reiten, LSK Kvinner
8 - Therese S. Åsland, Røa
7 - Elise Stenevik, Arna Bjørnar
7 - Elise Thorsnes, Avaldsnes
7 - Ingrid Moe Wold, LSK Kvinner
7 - Cecilie Liane, Stabæk
7 - Theresa Nielsen, Vålerenga
5 - Francielle Alberto, Avaldsnes
5 - Line Danielsen, Grand Bodø
5 - Synne Skinnes Hansen, LSK Kvinner
5 - Sophie Haug, LSK Kvinner
5 - Gunhild Herregården, Røa
4 - Cecilie Pedersen, Avaldsnes
4 - Hege Hansen, Klepp
4 - Kirsty Yallop, Klepp
4 - Ingrid Spord, LSK Kvinner
4 - Lisa Marie Utland, Røa
4 - Marije Brummel, Sandviken
4 - Aivi Luik, Vålerenga
3 - Amalie Eikeland, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Cecilie Redisch Kvamme, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Josee Nahi, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Emilie Nautnes, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Luana Bertolucci, Avaldsnes
3 - Emily Gielnik, Avaldsnes
3 - Ingrid Ryland, Avaldsnes
3 - Sigrid Helbostad, Grand Bodø
3 - Amalie Johnsen, Grand Bodø
3 - Hanne Kogstad, Klepp
3 - Ryoko Takara, LSK Kvinner
3 - Emilie Woldvik, LSK Kvinner
3 - Vilde Hasund, Røa
3 - Marita Iversen, Røa
3 - Sina Tosterud, Sandviken
3 - Synne Jensen, Stabæk
3 - Oda Fugelsnes, Trondheims-Ørn
3 - Elen Melhus, Trondheims-Ørn
3 - Synne Christiansen, Vålerenga
3 - Johanne Fridlund, Vålerenga

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2 - Emma Fletcher, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Karoline Haugland, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Lisa Naalsund, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Andreia Rosa, Avaldsnes
2 - Andrine Tomter, Avaldsnes
2 - Anne-Marthe Birkeland, Grand Bodø
2 - Savannah Francis, Grand Bodø
2 - Marit Bratberg Lund, Kolbotn
2 - Karina Sævik, Kolbotn
2 - Anja Sønstevold, LSK Kvinner
2 - Ida Fossem, Medkila
2 - Rebecka Holum, Røa
2 - Melissa Bjånesøy, Stabæk
2 - Heidi Ellingsen, Stabæk
2 - Mina Kjørum, Stabæk
2 - Ingvild Isaksen, Stabæk
2 - Rakel Engesvik, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Andrea Haugstøyl, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Maria Olsvik, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Maren Hauge, Vålerenga
2 - Gunnhildur Jonsdottir, Vålerenga
1 - Ingrid Altermark, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Maria Brochmann, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Kristin Risnes, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Hanna Dahl, Avaldsnes
1 - Gema Simon, Avaldsnes
1 - Sara Eggesvik, Grand Bodø
1 - Vilde Fjelldal, Grand Bodø
1 - Synnøve Hafnor, Grand Bodø
1 - Trine Skjelstad Jensen, Grand Bodø
1 - Ingeborg Nordheim, Grand Bodø
1 - Marie Andresen, Klepp
1 - Lena Soleng Hansen, Klepp
1 - Tuva Hansen, Klepp
1 - Gry Tofte Ims, Klepp
1 - Maria Thorisdottir, Klepp
1 - Siw Døvle, Kolbotn
1 - Maren Johansen, Kolbotn
1 - Tonje Pedersen, Kolbotn
1 - Isabell Bachor, LSK Kvinner
1 - Silje Blakstad, LSK Kvinner
1 - Anna Westerlund, LSK Kvinner
1 - Lotte Fossem, Medkila
1 - Maria Hustad, Medkila
1 - Alex Quincey, Medkila
1 - Line Holter, Røa
1 - Katrine W. Jørgensen, Røa
1 - Nora Byom Nilssen, Røa
1 - Ina Skaug, Røa
1 - Camilla Ervik, Sandviken
1 - Marina Jensen, Sandviken
1 . Madeleine Veivåg, Sandviken
1 - Siri Nordeide Grønli, Stabæk
1 - Victoria Ludvigsen, Stabæk
1 - Trine Rønning, Stabæk
1 - Andrea Wilmann, Stabæk
1 - Julie Adserø, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Ingrid Engen, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Tina Fremo, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Kristin Jørgensen, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Tanja Myrseth, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Kristine Nøstmo, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Svanhild Sand, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Elise Krieghoff, Vålerenga
1 - Camilla Kur Larsen, Vålerenga
1 - Jennie Nordin, Vålerenga
1 - Anne Lise Olsen, Vålerenga
1 - Stephanie Verdoia, Vålerenga

NEXT MATCHDAY
14 Oct: Vålerenga vs Trondheims-Ørn (3:00pm)
14 Oct: Klepp vs Medkila (3:00pm)
14 Oct: Arna Bjørnar vs Røa (3:00pm)
15 Oct: Kolbotn vs LSK Kvinner (1:00pm)
15 Oct: Sandviken vs Grand Bodø (4:15pm)
15 Oct: Stabæk vs Avaldsnes (4:30pm)

LSK Kvinner will clinch the league championship with a point at Kolbotn.

 

Three to go.

The tie-breaker is goal-difference. If equal, it's most goals scored, if still equal, it's head-to-head between the clubs involved. Don't forget Kolbotn still aren't safe either. It's a three horse race now. Remaining matches:

Kolbotn:
H vs LSK Kvinner
A vs Medkila
H vs Grand Bodø

Grand Bodø:
A vs Sandviken
H vs Vålerenga
A vs Kolbotn

Medkila:
A vs Klepp
H vs Kolbotn
A vs Avaldsnes

 

Good to see LSK put on a fine performance in Europe again. A 3-1 away win at Brøndby was convincing. Based on chances, it should have been an even bigger winning margin to be honest, but who am I to complain? Two great goals. Isabell Bachor's cracking volley and Emilie Haavi's goal from inside the centre circle. Haavi for long stretches had such a poor match, and I couldn't understand why she has been preferred over Takara recently, but that goal sealed the match.

Emilie Haavi følger opp 😅😅👏👏 pic.twitter.com/h7rpZGvVl9

— Mattis Holt (@MatrixHolt) October 11, 2017

 

Back to Toppserien again - 20th matchday (of 22). LSK need only a point at Kolbotn to win the championship. Stabæk need to beat Avaldsnes to still have a chance of stealing that second CL spot away from them. And of course the relegation drama is very much alive again. Pretty much every game has something at stake. Interesting weekend ahead!

Stream links
14 Oct: Vålerenga vs Trondheims-Ørn (3:00pm)
14 Oct: Klepp vs Medkila (3:00pm)
14 Oct: Arna Bjørnar vs Røa (4:00pm)
15 Oct: Sandviken vs Grand Bodø (12:00 noon)
15 Oct: Kolbotn vs LSK Kvinner (1:00pm)
15 Oct: Stabæk vs Avaldsnes (4:30pm)

 

Toppserien 2017. The 20th matchday brought us no less than 23 goals. LSK Kvinner clinched the league championship for the fourth successive year. There is increased drama in the race for that second CL spot, and status quo at the bottom as all three teams involved lost.

Klepp vs Medkila 2-0
1-0 Tameka Butt (Hanne Kogstad) 3
2-0 Hanne Kogstad (Susanne Vistnes) 76
This turned out to be a suprisingly even affair. Medkila fought for their Toppserien contract and after going down early, battled hard to get something out of this game. They had some good scoring chances even if Klepp had most of them. When Kogstad added a second after a misunderstanding between keeper and defender, the game was over. After the international break, Kolbotn travel to the North for a do or die match against Medkila.

Vålerenga vs Trondheims-Ørn 2-2
1-0 Gunnhildur Jonsdottir 16
1-1 Elen Melhus (Oda Fugelsnes) 28
2-1 Camilla Kur Larsen 32
2-2 Julie Adserø (Elen Melhus) 56
A highly entertaining game with two teams currently in no man's land on the table. Ørn came back twice to earn a draw. Jonsdottir's goal was a thunderous shot from long range, one of the best of the season. Ørn's summer signing Adserø also scored a nice individual goal. It's a tight race now for those Top 6 spots who get a sponsored training camp at La Manga this winter.

Arna Bjørnar vs Røa 0-2
0-1 Vilde Hasund (Therese S. Åsland) 32
0-2 Lisa Marie Utland (Kristine Leine) 40
A game which Røa won on their efficiency. A-B had most of the chances, but wasted them all.

Sandviken vs Grand Bodø 6-2
1-0 Marina Jensen (Sofie Skjelstad Jensen) 24
2-0 Sunniva Lillestøl 43
3-0 Camilla Ervik 48
4-0 Marte Hjelmhaug 52 (free-kick)
5-0 Sofie Skjelstad Jensen (Karoline Bakke) 65
5-1 Cecilie Falch 73 (free-kick)
5-2 Anne-Marthe Birkeland 83
6-2 Elise Kvinge (Karoline Bakke) 87
Just an ordinary Grand Bodø game when the opponents score half a dozen. Some of them quality goals. Birkeland reaching 10 goals this season for struggling GB is quite a feat. She was top scorer at Level 2 last year. Bigger clubs will be after her if Grand go down.

Kolbotn vs LSK Kvinner 1-3
1-0 Karina Sævik (Nora Eide Lie) 33
1-1 Emilie Haavi (Guro Reiten) 36
1-2 Emilie Haavi (Guro Reiten) 80
1-3 Ingrid Kvernvolden (Emilie Haavi) 85
Kolbotn fought well and hard for some much needed points, had plenty of scoring chances, but had to succumb to the LSK pressure towards the end. LSK champions again. Inspired by her goal from the centre circle against Brøndby in the midweek, Emilie Haavi easily had her best performance since returning from injury. All four goals in the game were quality.

Stabæk vs Avaldsnes 2-1
1-0 Heidi Ellingsen 10
1-1 Elise Thorsnes (Emily Gielnik) 44
2-1 Victoria Ludvigsen (Cecilie Liane) 90+2
Stabæk were the best team in the first half, Avaldsnes in the second. And just like when the teams met earlier in the season, we had a match-winning goal virtually on the last touch of the ball in the game. This time it was Stabæk getting the winner in injury time. They cut the gap to Avaldsnes from five to two points with two matches to go. The race for the second CL-spot is still open.



TOP SCORERS
18 - Guro Reiten, LSK Kvinner
16 - Lisa Marie Utland, Røa
13 - Tameka Butt, Klepp
12 - Sophie Haug, LSK Kvinner
10 - Cecilie Pedersen, Avaldsnes
10 - Elise Thorsnes, Avaldsnes
10 - Anne-Marthe Birkeland, Grand Bodø
10 - Melissa Bjånesøy, Stabæk
7 - Josee Nahi, Arna Bjørnar
7 - Emily Gielnik, Avaldsnes
7 - Marte Berget, LSK Kvinner
7 - Victoria Ludvigsen, Stabæk
7 - Rakel Engesvik, Trondheims-Ørn
6 - Hanne Kogstad, Klepp
6 - Ingrid Kvernvolden, LSK Kvinner
6 - Sofie Skjelstad Jensen, Sandviken
6 - Andrea Wilmann, Stabæk
6 - Elen Melhus, Trondheims-Ørn
6 - Elise Krieghoff, Vålerenga
5 - Amalie Eikeland, Arna Bjørnar
5 - Trine Skjelstad Jensen, Grand Bodø
5 - Vilde Hasund, Røa
5 - Ina Skaug, Røa
5 - Maren Hauge, Vålerenga
5 - Gunnhildur Jonsdottir, Vålerenga
4 - Luana Bertolucci, Avaldsnes
4 - Vilde Fjelldal, Grand Bodø
4 - Hege Hansen, Klepp
4 - Julie Adserø, Trondheims-Ørn
4 - Cesilie Andreassen, Trondheims-Ørn
4 - Oda Fugelsnes, Trondheims-Ørn
4 - Jennie Nordin, Vålerenga

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3 - Helene Gloppen, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Lisa Naalsund, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Synnøve Hafnor, Grand Bodø
3 - Kirsty Yallop, Klepp
3 - Juliette Kemppi, Kolbotn
3 - Karina Sævik, Kolbotn
3 - Synne Skinnes Hansen, LSK Kvinner
3 - Ryoko Takara, LSK Kvinner
3 - Anja Rasmussen, Medkila
3 - Line Holter, Røa
3 - Rebecka Holum, Røa
3 - Therese S. Åsland, Røa
3 - Marina Jensen, Sandviken
3 - Andrea Haugstøyl, Trondheims-Ørn
3 - Aivi Luik, Vålerenga
3 - Anne Lise Olsen, Vålerenga
2 - Ingrid Altermark, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Maria Brochmann, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Emma Fletcher, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Karoline Haugland, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Cecilie R. Kvamme, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Emilie Nautnes, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Ine Marie Wedaa, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Francielle Alberto, Avaldsnes
2 - Hanna Dahl, Avaldsnes
2 - Andrine Tomter, Avaldsnes
2 - Gry Tofte Ims, Klepp
2 - Elisabeth Terland, Klepp
2 - Isabell Bachor, LSK Kvinner
2 - Silje Blakstad, LSK Kvinner
2 - Emilie Haavi, LSK Kvinner
2 - Gunhild Herregården, Røa
2 - Nora Byom Nilssen, Røa
2 - Marije Brummel, Sandviken
2 - Camilla Ervik, Sandviken
2 - Sunniva Lillestøl, Sandviken
2 - Heidi Ellingsen, Stabæk
2 - Synne Jensen, Stabæk
2 - Frida Maanum, Stabæk
2 - Tina Fremo, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Theresa Nielsen, Vålerenga
1 - Thea Bjelde, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Ingrid Stenevik, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Meryll Abrahamsen, Avaldsnes
1 - Ingrid Ryland, Avaldsnes
1 - Daiane Santos, Avaldsnes
1 - Synne Vatnem, Avaldsnes
1 - Maiken Bakke, Grand Bodø
1 - Christina Burkenroad, Grand Bodø
1 - Line Danielsen, Grand Bodø
1 - Cecilie Falch, Grand Bodø
1 - Ingeborg Nordheim, Grand Bodø
1 - Linda Ruutu, Grand Bodø
1 - Lena Soleng Hansen, Klepp
1 - Maria Thorisdottir, Klepp
1 - Ina Gausdal, Kolbotn
1 - Antonia Göransson, Kolbotn
1 - Maren Johansen, Kolbotn
1 - Marit Bratberg Lund, Kolbotn
1 - Camilla Ose, Kolbotn
1 - Ingrid Spord, LSK Kvinner
1 - Anja Sønstevold, LSK Kvinner
1 - Ingrid Moe Wold, LSK Kvinner
1 - Emilie Woldvik, LSK Kvinner
1 - Jackie Altschuld, Medkila
1 - Krystina Iordanou, Medkila
1 - Jenna McCormick, Medkila
1 - Martine Olsen, Medkila
1 - Alex Quincey, Medkila
1 - Kristine Leine, Røa
1 - June Hammersland, Sandviken
1 - Marte Hjelmhaug, Sandviken
1 - Stine Hovland, Sandviken
1 - Sofie Bloch Jørgensen, Sandviken
1 - Elida Knudsen, Sandviken
1 - Elise Kvinge, Sandviken
1 - Sina Tosterud, Sandviken
1 - Vilde Øyri, Sandviken
1 - Martine Flakk, Stabæk
1 - Celine Granli, Stabæk
1 - Siri Nordeide Grønli, Stabæk
1 - Mina Kjørum, Stabæk
1 - Cecilie Liane, Stabæk
1 - Rebecca Mykland, Stabæk
1 - Stine Reinås, Stabæk
1 - Marit Clausen, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Ochelle de Courcy, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Maria Olsvik, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Synne Christiansen, Vålerenga
1 - Camilla Kur Larsen, Vålerenga
1 - Frida Lyshoel, Vålerenga
1 - Stephanie Verdoia, Vålerenga
1 - Emilie Østerås, Vålerenga

ASSISTS
12 - Guro Reiten, LSK Kvinner
9 - Therese S. Åsland, Røa
8 - Cecilie Liane, Stabæk
7 - Elise Stenevik, Arna Bjørnar
7 - Elise Thorsnes, Avaldsnes
7 - Ingrid Moe Wold, LSK Kvinner
7 - Theresa Nielsen, Vålerenga
5 - Francielle Alberto, Avaldsnes
5 - Line Danielsen, Grand Bodø
5 - Synne Skinnes Hansen, LSK Kvinner
5 - Sophie Haug, LSK Kvinner
5 - Gunhild Herregården, Røa
4 - Emily Gielnik, Avaldsnes
4 - Cecilie Pedersen, Avaldsnes
4 - Hege Hansen, Klepp
4 - Hanne Kogstad, Klepp
4 - Kirsty Yallop, Klepp
4 - Ingrid Spord, LSK Kvinner
4 - Lisa Marie Utland, Røa
4 - Marije Brummel, Sandviken
4 - Oda Fugelsnes, Trondheims-Ørn
4 - Elen Melhus, Trondheims-Ørn
4 - Aivi Luik, Vålerenga

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3 - Amalie Eikeland, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Cecilie Redisch Kvamme, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Josee Nahi, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Emilie Nautnes, Arna Bjørnar
3 - Luana Bertolucci, Avaldsnes
3 - Ingrid Ryland, Avaldsnes
3 - Sigrid Helbostad, Grand Bodø
3 - Amalie Johnsen, Grand Bodø
3 - Ryoko Takara, LSK Kvinner
3 - Emilie Woldvik, LSK Kvinner
3 - Vilde Hasund, Røa
3 - Marita Iversen, Røa
3 - Sina Tosterud, Sandviken
3 - Synne Jensen, Stabæk
3 - Synne Christiansen, Vålerenga
3 - Johanne Fridlund, Vålerenga
2 - Emma Fletcher, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Karoline Haugland, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Lisa Naalsund, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Andreia Rosa, Avaldsnes
2 - Andrine Tomter, Avaldsnes
2 - Anne-Marthe Birkeland, Grand Bodø
2 - Savannah Francis, Grand Bodø
2 - Marit Bratberg Lund, Kolbotn
2 - Karina Sævik, Kolbotn
2 - Anja Sønstevold, LSK Kvinner
2 - Ida Fossem, Medkila
2 - Rebecka Holum, Røa
2 - Karoline Bakke, Sandviken
2 - Melissa Bjånesøy, Stabæk
2 - Heidi Ellingsen, Stabæk
2 - Mina Kjørum, Stabæk
2 - Ingvild Isaksen, Stabæk
2 - Rakel Engesvik, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Andrea Haugstøyl, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Maria Olsvik, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Maren Hauge, Vålerenga
2 - Gunnhildur Jonsdottir, Vålerenga
1 - Ingrid Altermark, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Maria Brochmann, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Kristin Risnes, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Hanna Dahl, Avaldsnes
1 - Gema Simon, Avaldsnes
1 - Sara Eggesvik, Grand Bodø
1 - Vilde Fjelldal, Grand Bodø
1 - Synnøve Hafnor, Grand Bodø
1 - Trine Skjelstad Jensen, Grand Bodø
1 - Ingeborg Nordheim, Grand Bodø
1 - Marie Andresen, Klepp
1 - Lena Soleng Hansen, Klepp
1 - Tuva Hansen, Klepp
1 - Gry Tofte Ims, Klepp
1 - Maria Thorisdottir, Klepp
1 - Susanne Vistnes, Klepp
1 - Siw Døvle, Kolbotn
1 - Maren Johansen, Kolbotn
1 - Nora Eide Lie, Kolbotn
1 - Tonje Pedersen, Kolbotn
1 - Isabell Bachor, LSK Kvinner
1 - Silje Blakstad, LSK Kvinner
1 - Emilie Haavi, LSK Kvinner
1 - Anna Westerlund, LSK Kvinner
1 - Lotte Fossem, Medkila
1 - Maria Hustad, Medkila
1 - Alex Quincey, Medkila
1 - Line Holter, Røa
1 - Katrine W. Jørgensen, Røa
1 - Kristine Leine, Røa
1 - Nora Byom Nilssen, Røa
1 - Ina Skaug, Røa
1 - Camilla Ervik, Sandviken
1 - Marina Jensen, Sandviken
1 - Sofie Skjelstad Jensen, Sandviken
1 - Madeleine Veivåg, Sandviken
1 - Siri Nordeide Grønli, Stabæk
1 - Victoria Ludvigsen, Stabæk
1 - Trine Rønning, Stabæk
1 - Andrea Wilmann, Stabæk
1 - Julie Adserø, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Ingrid Engen, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Tina Fremo, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Kristin Jørgensen, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Tanja Myrseth, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Kristine Nøstmo, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Svanhild Sand, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Elise Krieghoff, Vålerenga
1 - Camilla Kur Larsen, Vålerenga
1 - Jennie Nordin, Vålerenga
1 - Anne Lise Olsen, Vålerenga
1 - Stephanie Verdoia, Vålerenga

NEXT MATCHDAY
28 Oct: LSK Kvinner vs Stabæk (1:00pm)
28 Oct: Arna Bjørnar vs Sandviken (1:00pm)
28 Oct: Røa vs Klepp (1:00pm)
28 Oct: Medkila vs Kolbotn (1:00pm)
28 Oct: Trondheims-Ørn vs Avaldsnes (1:00pm)
28 Oct: Grand Bodø vs Vålerenga (1:00pm)

 

The national team travelled to the Netherlands on Monday - a whole week before the sold-out match in Groningen. And they have scheduled press conferences almost every day. I can't remember Norway ever having such a pre-camp for an away game in a qualifier before. Let's hope it pays off. The good news is that Martin Sjögren in the first two qualifiers has thrown away the Linköping formation he used at the Euros, and now use a more suitable formation for the player material available with wingers.

I wonder who Sjögren will pick at left back to play direct against the quick Van de Sanden, who was a problem for us at the Euros. Thorsnes was not a success in that role. I believe it will be Kristine Minde. It could be Maria Thorisdottir also, but she is much needed in central defence. I think Sjögren is scratching his head about this.

In the last qualifier against Slovakia (6-1) we lined up like this:

..........................Utland

.....Thorsnes.......Reiten..........CGHansen

.................Mjelde(c).....Spord

Minde........Thorisdottir.....Reinås......Moe Wold

........................Hjelmseth

I think we might only see one change against the Dutch: Isabell Herlovsen for Lisa Marie Utland up front. Emilie Haavi has been excellent for LSK in the last couple of games and could replace Thorsnes, but I'm less sure about that. If Thorisdottir is moved to left-back to solve the VdS problem, a lot of reshuffling will be forced to be made. Minde will most likely replace Thorsnes on the left wing and a new centre-back will be needed. There is only one out-and-out centre-back left in the squad; the debutant Kolbotn captain Ina Gausdal. The other option would be moving Maren Mjelde down, opening up for Frida Maanum in midfield instead. Yep, he must be scratching his head.

 

Not much domestic action during international breaks, not even at Level 2. We might as well take a look at the situation at Level 2. It now looks certain Lyn finally will win direct promotion, which they missed out on last year when they lost to Medkila in the play-offs. Lyn are a club from Oslo with very young players, many from the youth national teams. A club which attracts many of the most promising teens all over Norway, and put them in top schools where they can combine education and elite training facilities for football. Frida Maanum played there last year, along with Stabæk's Andrea Wilmann and Heidi Ellingsen. Caroline Graham Hansen is Lyn's best and most famous product.

Personally, I think Lyn will be too lightweight for Toppserien next year and go down again, unless they make some experienced, quality signings. What they have now won't be enough to stay up. Talk about staying up.. Look at that relegation battle! Six teams can still go down with two matchdays to go. Like Toppserien, the last two matchdays will be held Oct 29 and Nov 04.



Top scorers
20 - Melissa Wiik, Urædd
14 - Guro Ramstad, Byåsen
12 - Runa Lillegård, Bossekop (now Lyn)

 

Yep, Amazon got relegated from Toppserien in 2015, and finished 10th in Level 2 the following year, so they are in equally much trouble this year. I think they lost most of their players after relegation and had to start all over again. Just hanging in there now. Level 2 is a difficult league to predict. It seems everybody is beating everybody. Lyn lost at home to bottom team Kongsvinger here the other week.