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Canucks in Germany - September 2007


Guest Ed

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Well with all the turmoil in our little footy world, time to bring back the Canucks in Germany to this board for a bit. No action in either the Bundesliga 1 or 2 with the FIFA break so a bit of catching up.

A bit disappointing this season in that we only have ONE active player in the Bundesliga 1, in Daniel Imhof. Daniel was very late in getting re-signed by Bochum this summer and was very much in a back up role the first couple of games. But two weeks ago he came on as a late 2nd half sub and put in a career highlight goal from about 25 meters out against Hamburger SV, putting VfL Bochum into first place at the time. Hopefully Daniel can put up some minutes with Bochum this season and also get a look again with the Cdn senior nats, surely his experience and the level that he is playing at deserves some notice.

Ryan Gyaki signed with Hansa Rostock and is among a group of 3 young players who are considered real prospects for the newly promoted Bundesliga 1 club. Ryan has only played with the reserves to date and has been out with an injury after that 1st Oberliga Nord game) after a fairly decent showing in pre-season games. Might be some more information coming out this week as Ryan is on some meet the fans thing tomorrow (Thursday) according the club website.

In the Bundesliga 2, lots of news on Canadians.

The biggest signing over the summer would have to be that of Bundesliga 1 side Energie Cottbus' captain, Kevin McKenna going to FC Koeln who, under notorious coke-hound Christoph Daum, are very aggressively seeking promotion. The club has a number of internationals on the 1st team and sport a 2-1-1 (7 points) record after 4 games, with McKenna going 90 each game.

Not quite as big news for Germans, Patrice Bernier joined FC Kaiserslautern from Denmark over the summer but didn't do himself much good getting a 3 game suspension for a nasty tackle late in the game against 1860 Muenchen the 2nd game of the season. But Bernier has caught the eye of the Ktown fans and I am looking forward to him having a good season. Hopefully Josh Simpson will be joining him soon as he has been out forever with injuries.

Another big signing, by another big traditional club is that of Rob Friend from SV Heerenveen to SV Borussia Moenchengladbach. Friend has a good pre-season and we should see more of him as he seems to link up well with BM's top striker, German international Oliver Neuville. Moenchengladbach currently sit at a disappointing 1-2-1 record (5 points) but Rob Friend went 90 minutes this past weekend and set up Neuville for the winning goal in a big 2-1 home win over VfL Osnabrueck.

All of these clubs, Borussia Moenchengladbach, FC Koeln, FC Kaiserslautern and 1860 Muenchen are massive by North American standards. Kevin McKenna has played at home in front of 50,000 fans and last weekend away to 1860 Muenchena again in front of 50,000 fans. Great experience for our national team players.

Jonathan Bourgault is also now in the Bundesliga 2, as FC St Pauli were promoted last season. He had some work permit problems but is finally on the field and scored the winning goal for the FC St Pauli reserves this past weekend in the Oberliga Nord so expect to see him get a chance or two with the big squad as the season progresses.

Finally, the surprise of the early season in the Bundesliga 2 is 1860 Muenchen who after 2 dreadful campaigns have started out wonderfully this season, undefeated in 4 games. Nik Ledgerwood was put into a supporting role after a very good pre-season as his holding midfielder role has been handled by Daniel Schwarz and Lars Bender (one of the twins both playing for 1860 after coming up through their youth ranks). Nik did see some action as a fullback but this past weekend blew his ankle getting some playing time with the reserves on Sunday. With surgery, he will be out some 4 months.

And to end on a high, young Kennedy Owusu-Ansah was man of the match on Sunday as he scored both goals for Hertha Berlin's U19s in the highly competitive A-Junioren Bundesliga in their win over FC Carl Zeiss Jena.

More later on some of the youngsters heading over (of which we should see lots more this year and next with Thomas Niendorf working with the Whitecaps Academy).

In 1998/99, 3 youngsters were in Cottbus - all from Alberta and all spotted by Niendorf. McKenna, Hirschfeld and Nsaliwa have gone on to become solid professionals. Now almost ten years later, more Cdn youngsters are heading over.

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quote:Originally posted by Ed

And to end on a high, young Kennedy Owusu-Ansah was man of the match on Sunday as he scored both goals for Hertha Berlin's U19s in the highly competitive A-Junioren Bundesliga in their win over FC Carl Zeiss Jena.

That would suggest that he's playing something other than left back for Hertha wouldn't it? Any idea what position they're playing him in?

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quote:Originally posted by El Hombre

That would suggest that he's playing something other than left back for Hertha wouldn't it? Any idea what position they're playing him in?

Looks like he was playing left m/f although the DFB site's formations aren't always accurate.

Aufstellung:

Hertha BSC Berlin

Burchert

Laletin, Gerlach, Wahl, Adler, Turan (89. Morales)

Holland, Vogler (39. Neuhaus), Owusu-Ansah (88. Riedel)

Knoll (74. Lehmann), Torunarigha

Looks like Hertha has a strong U17 side. They beat another Berlin based U17 team 41-0 yesterday in a Berlin Cup competition.

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today I read in our newspaper that Dylan Hughes will join TUS Hohenecken. It is a suburb of Kaiserslautern and playing 5th league. As far as I remember he also has a canadian passport. He already played for the FCK in different youth teams.

To tell a little bit more about the Canucks here in KL.

Patrice Bernier settled in very well here in K´town. His first appereances for his new team were promising. Unfortunatelly he saw the red card at 1860 and is out for another game. Till his suspension the team was outstanding, but with his lost they lost the head end at the end they lost 3:1. After that a horrible game at home against Fürth and a lucky draw at Koblenz. So we´re all waiting for his comeback. He is humanly and athletecially a absolutly win.

A riddle for me is the injury of Josh Simpson. He suffered a knee injury in the last game of the post season. But he recovered so far that inbetween he trained with the squad. Since a few weeks he now suffered an edema in this knee. For me it looks like a missdiagnosis or a misstreatment. Hopefully he will recover soon his speed on the left wing is terribly needed. So get well soon Josh...

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Coming up this weekend.

In the Bundesliga 1, Hansa Rostock are away to the surprising Arminia Bielefeld. Ryan Gyaki is listed as being on the bench by Kicker, but Hansa Rostock site states that manager Frank Pagelsdorf wants a bit of stability in his lineup (he has used a truckload of players in the first 4 games).

Also on Saturday, VfL Bochum will be looking to stay near the top as they visit Bayer Leverkusen, Imhof on the bench initially.

In the Bundesliga 2, FC Kaiserslautern play tomorrow. Game fitness for Patrice Bernier is a moot point as he is serving the last of his 3 match ban for a vicious tackle some games ago. Josh Simpson is still out.

Looks like Jonathan Bourgault is called up with the big squad as FC St. Pauli host Kickers Offenbach this Friday; JBB has been on form since he only recently got his papers in order, scoring in the last two games for the St Pauli amateur/reserves.

thumb_image_118941359151.jpeg

On Sunday, leaders 1860 Muenchen are away to Alemannia Aachen (relegated from B1 last season); Nik Ledgerwood is out for 4 months.

FC Koeln host Greuther Fuerth on Sunday, McKenna starting, as usual.

Hopefully Rob Friend will be over his jet lag by Monday as his club Borussia Moenchengladbach travel east to take on Erzebirge Aue.

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Congrats to Jonathan Bourgault as I believe today's sub appearance 83 minutes in for FC St Pauli marks his pro debut! The Bundesliga 2 side storm out to a 3-1 win over Kickers Offenbach and the newly promoted side find themselves in good shape with 9 points after 5 games.

FC Kaiserslautern continue their poor start, with a 0-0 draw home to SC Paderborn. No Canucks for K-town today.

Rob Friend is tired but healthy and looking forward to Monday's game as Borussia Moenchengladbach are away to Erzebirge Aue.

No sign (as expected) of Riley O'Neill as SV Wilhelmshaven win 2-1 in the Oberliga Nord today.

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quote:Originally posted by loyola

I think Regionaliga is consider amateur.

You are of course both right. Anything below B1 and B2 in Germany is labelled 'amateur' although some players in the Regional League make superstar money compared to many on the TFC roster.

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Dylan Hughes was cap-tied to Wales by playing in a U-21 Euro match with Latvia in August 2004, as discussed in various previous posts. There was so me doubt cast on this status (and I will not say why there was confusion) when he was named to the preliminary U-20 World Youth Cup qualifying Canadian team (itself a miracles after the BS he pulled with the 2003 WYC team) in January 2005 (from which he was promptly removed after the CSA investigated his true status).

A less prominent version, but equally stinky, of his fellow quasi-Welsh Whoregreaves.

quote:Originally posted by frank

today I read in our newspaper that Dylan Hughes will join TUS Hohenecken. It is a suburb of Kaiserslautern and playing 5th league. As far as I remember he also has a canadian passport. He already played for the FCK in different youth teams.

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Not sure of my German sports injury terminology but McKenna came out at the 30 minute mark in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Greuther Fuerth and will be day to day this week. Here is the description of his injury: 'eine Muskelverhärtung im linken Hüftbeuger'.

Jonathan Bourgault has another strong outing, getting playing time with FC St Pauli amateurs in a 2-0 win yesterday in the Oberliga Nord.

Kennedy Owusu-Ansa helps Hertha Berlin U19's to a 2-1 win over Sachsen Leipzig in the Junioren Bundesliga Nord/NordOst. they are 2nd to Energie Cottbus who had a 1-0 win over hosts RW Erfurt, Sidra Mahir going 90 minutes at right back. I am trying to get official confirmation that Sidra Mahir is in fact 'Eddy' Sidra from the U of A Golden Bears as it appears. Here is a pic of 'Sidra', 1st row, 2nd in from the left.

U19.jpg

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Rob Friend scores his first in Germany, giving Borussia Moenchengladbach a 2-0 lead over Erzebirge Aue. Neuville's PK is stopped; still 2-0 close to end of 1st half.

Two quick goals and now it's 2-2. Complaints of offside on the 2nd.

Rob goes the full 90 as Borussia Moenchengladbach get their first win on the road this season, 3-2 final.

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It seems that Josh Simpson´s period of suffering is close to an end. The press tells that he will return to the squad the end of the week. An appereance at Freiburg on sunday will be to early, but it´s good to know that we can count on him again.

Hopefully soon we will see him together with Patrice in the starting 11 of the FCK´town.

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Lots of Canucks in action as the top leagues in Germany begin an 'English week' (games mid-week as well as the usual weeken action).

On Friday, in the Bundesliga 1, VfL Bochum host Eintracht Frankfurt with Daniel Imhof part of the squad for Bochum.

On Sunday, Hansa Rostock look for their first point of the season as they host the Zebras, MSV Duisburg. Ryan Gyaki is listed as part of the squad by kicker but more likely will see action with the Oberliga squad.

In the Bundesliga 2, Jonathan Bourgault might see some playing time with some m/f injuries as FC St Pauli travel south to take on 1860 Muenchen at Allianz Arena in Munich. Nik L is out and will be out for months.

Also on Friday, Borussia Moenchengladbach will ride the winning hand, starting Rob Friend up front alongside German int'l Oliver Neuville as they host FC Augsburg. Friend has some good reviews after the win on Monday.

On Sunday, Kevin McKenna might be ready for action as FC Koeln are away to SC Freiburg. Kaiserslautern fans are anxious to see the club get its first win with Patrice Bernier back in the lineup for the Roten Teufel (Red Devils) as they host TuS Koblenz.

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Neuville with two, Rob Friend heads in the 3rd after Ndjeng hammers one off the post. M'gladbach up 3-2 with 15 minutes to go.

Rob Friend:

friend_ndjeng-1190399069.jpg

UPDATE - Now 4-2 for BM, Rafael getting one on the counter.

Jonathan Bourgault still on the bench in Munich as 1860 Muenchen lead his FC St. Pauli club 2-1. Jonathan is expected to start tomorrow in Hamburg for the reserve St Pauli side (Oberliga Nord vs VfB Oldenburg). All 3 subs in for St Pauli as they stack up the attackers looking for a goal.

All over - 2-1 final. Great experience for JBB, 48000 on hand at Allianz Arena.

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Daniel Imhof on the bench as VfL Bochum vs Eintracht Frankfurt gets underway as the Friday night game in Germany.

and he stays on the bench in a not very satisfying 0-0 draw (which keeps both teams near the top of the Bundesliga 1).

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It's good to see Rob scoring 2 weeks in a row. Although his numbers for last season in the Dutch Eredivisie aren't bad (9 goals from 31 appearances), it seems he would go long stretches without scoring, especially towards the end of his run with Heerenveen and the beginning of his loan spell with Almelo.

I'm sure it helps playing alongside a player like Neuville. Friend also seems to be creating chances, and is credited with 2 assists on his Kicker page.

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quote:Originally posted by youllneverwalkalone

I would expect him to provide more than score given his style, especially playing with Neuville.

Does B2 ever make it on TV in North America?

Definitely no TV here but I think you can get it online through some gambling website. Not work friendly though. Haven't had the time to try it.

Of no particular interest to Cdn soccer, I found it interesting that the match between SC Paderborn and Hoffenheim was ref'd by a woman: a first in pro football in Germany.

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Bernier returns to FCK from suspension but can't prevent the continued poor form of the club as they lose 1-0 to Freiburg and remain in a relegation spot. McKenna does not play due to injury but Koln manages to defeat Koblenz 2-1 to move within one point of a promotion spot. Both FCK and Koln are disappointing so far as FCK should be a promotion candidate and Koln with a player budget that would put them in the middle of the 1st Bundesliga should be running away with the league. In related news, McKenna's old coach Petrik Sander was fired by Cottbus after the team managed only two ties in 6 games and are currently in last place.

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Kennedy Owusu-Ansa plays up with the Hertha Berlin U23's on Sunday and they storm to the top of the Oberliga Nord/NordOst standings with a 6-0 win. Here's the lineup they used:

http://www.diefussballecke.de/liga4_non/info.php?sptag=6&spiel=041&bild=1

Ryan Gyaki's Hansa Rostock amateurs trail BSC by a point. Ryan played 90 minutes in the number 10 role for Hansa Rostock in a 1-0 win on Sunday:

http://www.diefussballecke.de/liga4_non/info.php?sptag=6&spiel=043&bild=1

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Kennedy Owusu-Ansah (spelt incorrectly above - sorry) could be the next breakout player for Canada in Germany. Doing extremely well at Hertha with the U19's and now the U23's.

Hertha Berlin host Hansa Rostock tomorrow in a rare Bundesliga 1 midweek game - don't expect any Cdns in this match as HR will be riding the winning lineup from the weekend.

VfL Bochum are away to last year's champs VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday, Imhof on the bench.

In the Bundesliga 2, Rob Friend will start alongside Oliver Neuville once again as Borussia Moenchengladbach visit FC St Pauli tomorrow.

Wednesday in the Bundesliga 2, Patrice Bernier and FC Kaiserslautern look to save coach Rekdal's job as they need a win home to SV Wehen Wiesbaden; Josh Simpson still out injured.

Also on Wednesday, Kevin McKenna is likely still out as FC Koeln host SC Freiburg.

Co-leaders (along with Greuther Fuerth) 1860 Muenchen are away to FSV Mainz 05 on Thursday (Nik L still out long term).

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quote:Originally posted by Ed

Kennedy Owusu-Ansah (spelt incorrectly above - sorry) could be the next breakout player for Canada in Germany. Doing extremely well at Hertha with the U19's and now the U23's.

Playing in the German 4th division on the reserve team of a Bunesliga team is a pretty good level to be playing at as an 18 year old. We all have seen that KOA has the talent to excel but he must be progressing nicely for HB to promote him up the chain that quickly.

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