Following the RL model of the NBA, the CBA consists of 32 teams with 16 in each conference (Eastern and Western). After a season of 62 games, the top eight teams in each conference will advance to a playoff for the CBA Title. Best of 5 series in the playoffs until the semifinals, when it transitions to Best of 7. Here's how the 1006 season turned out:
After getting off to a rough start on the road in the first two games, Gundar Basket went on a run of remarkable basketball to make the club's first trip past the first round a memorable one. The Wolfpack offense was unstoppable all year...until coming up against the wizardry of Gundar coach Lance Soderquist in this series. Not the most athletic team, GB won with intelligent play, chemistry and lights-out shooting. GUNDARBASKET are hereby crowned CBA Champions for the 1006 season! The Western Conference has still never won a CBA Finals in six seasons.
Finals MVP: Kieran Jordan (SG, Gundar Basket) Regular Season MVP: Rugian Na'Rel (PG, Dusk Wolfpack) Scoring Champion: Rugian Na'Rel (PG, Dusk Wolfpack) Defensive Player of the Year: Kieran Jordan (SG, Gundar Basket) Sixth Man of the Year: Ari Ortega (SF, Culmarland Warmasters) Most Improved Player: Les Topham (PF, Zakhoro Porcupines) Coach of the Year: Lance Soderquist (Gundar Basket)
Transfer XIV Window Recap
Posted: Fri May 20, 2016 6:45 pm
by Cosumar
TRANSFER WINDOW XIV RECAP
A new season is approaching, but before we delve into previews for each team, let us look back at the transfer window and review all the movement! Talent continues to flow both in and out of the Fiefdom, which means the upcoming season should be full of fresh new storylines! New foreign stars have arrived, established Cosumarite stars have departed, and familiar faces have switched clubs. Keep reading to find out where everybody ended up!
Players Entering (by nationality)
Associated Godlands (1) Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (CM, 2018, RGS Athletic [EFL]) to CentusSerpents on free transfer
Audioslavia (1) Aldo Cosuman (ST, 23) to Na'MalsilleMariners on free transfer
Azrea (2) Jacob Wells (CM, 18) to Ramusok United for an undisclosed fee Elijah Clarke (RM, 17) to Olask Islanders for an undisclosed fee
Banguela (1) Fabricio Santos (LB, 24, Uniao Lumpala) to ZakhoroAces for $4 million
Brenecia (1) Pierce Cort (CB, 35, Francisca Orient) to Helfin Fief on free transfer
Ceni (1) Andrew Arrowsword (ST, 16, Club 24 [ETM]) to Real Azuris for $11 million
Cosumar (8) Marten Akerman (CF, 31, Maximum Rovers [NPH]) to Crawford City FC on free transfer Kristian Gjallskald (RB, 32, Newfield FC [NOV]) to Ramusok United for $0.75 million Kasey McKirkley (DM, 30, Issington FC [APX]) to Versiaville on free transfer Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit (CB, 33, Crisisbless [NPH]) to Versiaville on free transfer Alex Rocket (LW, 25, Boston United [NSI]) to OAS Royal FC for an undisclosed fee Ross Rowe (ST, 28, Crassweil Houndooms [NSI]) to Samaj FC for an undisclosed fee Ben Seppanen (LB, 32, Pkethat Hevnaje [STV]) to Cassandra City on free transfer Gustaf Söder (CB, 27, Lada Kirovski [PLK]) to West Gundar FC on loan
Eastfield Lodge (1) Tajo Carr-Ponce (CB, 18, Mount Salt Football Academy) to Olask Islanders on free transfer
Eshan (1) Noah Silvio (LW/RW, 28, Rosaria United) to Olask Islanders for $5 million
Nephara (3) Catheline Boag (RB, 24, Goodfeather FC) to Cassandra City for $1.5 million Pierce Griffiths (RW, 33, Coret Hawks) to Olask Islanders on free transfer Louelle Rennold (LB, 23, Corvette Maulers) to Olask Islanders on free transfer
Osarius (2) Mauro Messieri (CB, 28, Trothwands Evolution) to IFK Aldenskoett for $3 million Sarah Ward (CB, 17, FC Barciddia) to Klyde FC on free transfer
Pasarga (1) Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir (RW, 18, Evenfar FC) to Samaj FC on free transfer
Pharyngulat (1) Farquhar Millhouse (MF, 20, Ptolomaios [DAI]) to West Gundar FC on free transfer
Quebec (1) Clayton Bordeau-Desjardins (ST, 25, Doherty [RED]) to AC Holmenkollen for $5 million
San Jose Guayabal (1) Leónidas Bregoo (CM, 22, Alianza FC) to OAS Royal FC for $40 million
The Sarian (2) Felix Shaw (GK, 27, Marlborough Royals) to Ramusok United for $9 million James Diggory (CB, 26, Beckwith City) to Mallox for $8 million
Semarland (8) Kojo Boakye-Yiadom (GK, 24, FC1. Bjarnarey Flotilla [PIS]) to OAS Royal FC for $8 million Demba Cisse (CAM, 32, RSK Longyearbyen Town [PIS]) to West Gundar FC for $12.5 million Blaise Bamba Diop (ST, 27) to Goldstaff City on free transfer Jakob Lunds (CB, 30, Exton FC [APX]) to FC Kaldukosic for $15 million Pascal Mbubu (ST, 20, Sporting Solsholm) to OAS Royal FC on free transfer Gunner Northbourne (CAM, 20, Semarluundik Natunol Akademik) to Olask Islanders on free transfer Karl Northbourne (ST, 20, Semarluundik Natunol Akademik) to Olask Islanders on free transfer Kare Saxmark (ST, 18, Semarluundik Natunol Akademik) to Pelethas United on free transfer
Sorcuvov (1) Némoda Lvr'ael (CF, 19, Olbren Lach) to Mallox on free transfer
Unified Sunrise Islands (1) Gwinevra Harmonium (LM, 22, FC Endeavour [APX]) to FC Samotath for $3 million
Valladares (1) Jefferson (CB, 25, Fontvielle Impact) to Klyde FC for $12.4 million
Cosumarites Signing In Foreign Leagues
Banguelan Superliga (1) Augen Wittevrongel (AM, 25, Barbury Town [APX]) to Desportivo Mpulo for $7 million
Brenecian A-League (7) Phoenix Abernathy (ST, 24, Pelethas United) to Rosbank Town Violante Funke (CB, 28, Versiaville) to South Rathia on free transfer Elveund Kirumsen (CM, 26, Heartwood FC [NOV]) to Francisca Orient on free transfer Roxanne Lindbloom (CM, 25, West Gundar FC) to Pikemouth on free transfer Thomas Matsumoto (CB, 26, West Gundar FC) to Pikemouth on free transfer Eido Noldor (DM, 31, Crawford City FC) to Guilder on free transfer Jakk Winterfyll (GK, 28, Exton FC [APX]) to Kingsgrove for $7 million
Cenileague (3) Maynard Gorham (LB, 28, Papillio Mertagne [MRT]) to 1860 Azoth for $7.5 million Jamison Windsor (RB, 31, Ferentásctvaros [RED]) to Argi Sanguesa on free transfer Belarmin Worsaw (ST, 26, Wrexton FC [APX]) to Tir Snake Strike for $12.5 million
Cenileague 2 (1) Jordan Strumm (CB, 27, Springs FC [NOV]) to New Revolution on free transfer
Daineri Super League (1) Per Umbledjart (CB, 31, Dunsvik Town [VER]) to Éclaireurs on free transfer
Daineri League - Alpha (1) Mustafa Hendrix (LM, 30, OAS Royal FC) to Isper on free transfer
Eshan Serie-A (1) Delfinho (LW, 32, FC York [SEM]) to Gracemeria on free transfer
Ethane Fire League (1) Dez Cloaker (ST, 23, FC Samotath) to Lake Wayton on free transfer
Euraleague (1) Mauricio Sigler (LM, 25, Real Atlantea) to Holdenberg for $6.1 million
Farf Freitball Liga (1) Bacary Na'Kale (LB, 19, Cassandra City) to Mâ Âlâmëómë for an undisclosed fee
Flardanian Konami Premier League (1) Li H'Sen Lang (CM, 21, Mont Kate [KRN]) to Nabaek Sylph F.C. for $2.2 million
Guayabalense Liga Premier (1) Ace Newman (ST, 29, Urbanista [APX]) to CD FAS for $33 million
League Chromatiks 1 (3) Nigel Ebenazher (ST, 29, Stoneshore United) to Myana Islanders on free transfer Cosimo Poole (AM, 21, Belle-isle-en-mer) to Depri Sanar Yellow Jackets on free transfer Rowan Varghese (AM, 21, Pelethas United) to Urrheddiao on free transfer
League Chromatiks 2 (2) Anastasia Embacero (GK, 33, Centus Serpents) to Lorentine on free transfer Elmo Haggelund (LM, 34, Pilgrimage [MBT]) to Crossroads on free transfer
LigAnaia Nord (1) Markus Bekant (CB, 23, Arkrau Klub [SEM]) to Copenbrok Klub for $8 million
Nepharim Premiereship (1) Alexander Soarhaven (CB/LB, 29, FC Jansberg [SEM]) to Violence Chariots for $6 million
Pasargan SuperLig (4) Zilda Beredjiklian (CB, 21, Pinnacle Project [CEN]) to Lìjû on free transfer Filipe Omeio (GK, 32, Helfin Fief) to Celesthem FC on free transfer Sierra Silverton (LB, 27, Nomad Brotherhood FC) to Paulinthal FC on free transfer Denton Tapp (CM, 21, OAS Royal FC) to CA Paulinthal for $4 million
Port Christopher Super-League (1) Kenneth Dodge (CM, 31, Helfin Fief) to Blue Coast 1981 on free transfer
SariLeague (1) Tomasso Tenebrosa (RB, 26, Ramusok United) to Beckwith City for $4 million
Schottic Premier League (1) Pralix Glasspool (CB, 24, IFK Aldenskoett) to Hollin on free transfer
Sunrisian Championship (1) Miguel Cano (ST. 26, Peacemakers FC [VLM]) to Matthew Mets on free transfer
Valladar Liga-1 (1) Delwyth Jonferth (ST, 27, AC Holmenkollen) to Edmonton United for $12.5 million
Vanorian Premiership (1) Tiffany Elam (CM, 22, Guingamp [SEM]) to Ibini FC for $5 million
V-League (1) Balbulus Grimwade (GK, 22, OAS Royal FC) to Rammsissil for an undisclosed fee
Moves Within Cosumar (Domestic Transfers)
Willy Arntz (LB, 28) from Stoneshore United to OAS ROYAL FC Ektorp Na'Nockeby (CB, 24, Pelethas United) to AC HOLMENKOLLEN Fingal Altimimy (DM, 27, Versiaville) to WEST GUNDAR FC Teemu Tuppurainen (CB, 26, Nomad Brotherhood FC) to VERSIAVILLE Terje Valfar Bakken Sognasen (DM, 26, Portsmouth FC) to SAMAJ FC Nathael (MF, 21, Helfin Fief) to ZAKHORO ACES
Notable Retirements
Sebastian Myers (LB, 34, OAS Royal FC) -- former Super-Llamaland NT starter Tomi Koskinen (GK, 39, Ramusok United) -- former Cosumar NT starter and 5th all-time leader in caps Jaylen Ballard (LB, 35, Eastweald) Benjamin Clucke (DM, 35, Klyde FC) -- former Mangolana NT starter Kamron Gurrevitz (CB, 35, FC Kaldukosic) Neville Bloxham (CB, 36, AC Holmenkollen) -- longtime Holmenkollen captain Max Jopzam (GK, 37, AC Holmenkollen) Jon Gope (ST, 36, West Gundar FC) Antony Amilfaltino (LB, 37, Helfin Fief) Augustine Byquist (RM, 36, Helfin Fief) -- former Harlighet Ligan champion with Real Azuris Jack Algar (MF, 37, Pelethas United) -- longtime Pelethas captain Stewart Lennox (CB, 37, FC York [SEM]) Oskar Gondalez (GK, 37, FC York [SEM]) Franz Rowgedeb (CB, 38, Lumberjacks FC [NOV]) Gerhard Driscoll (AM, 36, Pelethas United) Golden Rand (GK, 37, Eastweald) Rhys Dundalk (LB, 34, Real Azuris) -- former Harlighet Ligan champion with Real Azuris Alvar Hodson (GK, 35, Morponte Fief) Kirum Mortonsson (CB, 34, Avenida Principal [FFD]) -- former Cosumar NT starter Olivier Eliot (LAM, 35, Springs FC [NOV]) -- former Versiaville captain
Season XVIII Preview (first half)
Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 11:33 pm
by Cosumar
LEAGUE CYCLE XVIII PREVIEW (Year 1006)
We are now closing in upon the eighteenth season of the "modern era" of the Cosumarite soccer. Eighteen seasons since the current CosumarLigan system was codified by the Fiefdom Soccer Federation (FSF). 256 clubs compete across five tiers and in the King's Cup. The top three tiers (Harlighet Ligan, Sekundar Ligan, Tredje Ligan) are the smallest and most prestigious, with two large regional Conferences comprising the fourth tier, and several sub-regional leagues comprising the fifth tier. The implementation of this modern pyramid structure, along with rising financial investment, has resulted in highly visible growth for the Harlighet Ligan year after year.
Last season, avid fans of Cosumarite football will have noticed two additional signs of its increasing stature: 1) COCANEFA/CopAnaia membership, and 2) A second Champions Cup spot. Both came into play right away, as AC Holmenkollen won the CopAnaia over Morponte Fief in an all-Cosumarite final and 2nd place Ramusok United look poised to take advantage of their CC spot for a deep UICA run.
Now, without further ado, here's a preview of what you're all here for: the 18th COCANEFA Harlighet Ligan season!
Overview of Past Winners: I: OAS Royal FC II: OAS Royal FC (2) III: Mallox IV: Mallox (2) V: OAS Royal FC (3) VI: Mallox (3) VII: OAS Royal FC (4) VIII: Ramusok United IX: Klyde X: Real Azuris XI: Real Azuris (2) XII: Cassandra City XIII: Mallox (4) XIV: Ramusok United (2) XV: Cassandra City (2) XVI: Real Azuris (3) XVII: Real Azuris (4) XVIII: __________???
4 – OAS Royal FC 4 – Mallox 4 - Real Azuris 2 – Ramusok United 2 - Cassandra City 1 – Klyde
Starting XI (4-3-3): Sieuwerd (34) | Mathias (21), Sigurdsson (26), Gaspin (31), Venidos (35) | Hardwick (30), Lachance (27), Belgrave (34) | Fraser (29 C), Kite (34), Bowditch (24) Key Reserves: Soderquist (CM/19), Hathoway (LW/30), Arrowsword (ST/16), Ubuntu (ST/34) Kit Details: The above image might be too small to discern the detail, but Real Azuris' home kit has become iconic for the tidal wave that sweeps over the top of the shirt. Last year, they introduced a bold new away color scheme: rainbow. The entire kit is made of a high-tech fabric that gives off the appearance of shimmering rainbow light, like you'd see in misty air by a waterfall.
Preview: Despite losing (and replacing) several key players after the 1004 championship (Tolgus, anyone?), Azuris didn't miss a beat in 1005. Not only were they the most steady performers from the first Matchday all the way to the championship, they also managed to replicate their exact record from 1004. The improvement of Ramusok United ensured a down-to-the-wire title race this time, but 19-5-10 was good enough to lift the trophy once again. Now, Lujendra Mescalin's Breakers are the first twice-defending champions since, well, themselves - seven years ago. If it's even possible, the targets on their backs will be even bigger here in 1006 than during their title defense last year as they seek to achieve the first three-peat in Harlighet Ligan history. And this time, Real Azuris have the luxury of returning all eleven starters. They should pick up right where they left off. 1005 Newcomer of the Year Florentin Lachance is the key cog of the midfield. With a calmness and vision on the ball forged in the fires of LigAnaia, Lachance is the focal point of Azuris' possession, receiving the ball out of the back and spraying it forward into the dangerous zones. For Real Azuris, that's the wide areas. Over the last couple years, Sean Fraser on the left and Ronan Bowditch on the right has proved a devastating and title-winning combination. Harlighet Ligan managers still haven't figured out how to nullify both of them at the same time. It's a classic "pick your poison" situation, and as regular internationals for top-tier nations, both are lethal enough to take advantage when "picked" 99% of the time. Fraser and Bowditch love to take defenders on one-on-one and cut inside, where center forward Georgia Kite is instrumental for interplay and possession. Fraser and Bowditch score bucketloads of goals, but Kite always seems to fill her quota as well, mostly feeding off of the wingers' scraps or off the odd hopeful lofted cross. The complimentary role suits the sharpshooting 34-year-old's lack of solo playmaking ability well, though the $11 million acquisition of Cenian prodigy Andrew Arrowsword over the transfer window signals the club's future aspirations at the striker position. Azurian fans are already salivating at the 16-year-old's rare natural ability. Look for the young wunderkind to already get significant minutes here in his debut season as Azuris juggle league, cup, UICA and AOCL commitments. Last Season: Champions (19-5-10). Prediction: Champions.
RAMUSOK UNITED Ramusok, Ramusok Fief
Nickname:Blues Founded: 751 Ground: Fire River Arena (80,000) Manager: Gareth Bournemouth (60)
Starting XI (4-4-2 Dmnd): Shaw (27) | Kang (26), Alcocer (26), Flanningan (28), Gjallskald (32) | Jonassen (25), Barnsley (31), Mazida (32), Geirsson (28 C) | Théberge (27), Culbreth (21) Key Reserves: Hattingh (DF/18), Wells (CM/18), Xodó (ST/25), Fitzpatrick (ST/34) Kit Details: At home, they wear a blue shirt (pictured right) with solid white shorts and blue socks. On the road, they wear this silver shirt, with solid blue shorts and striped silver/blue socks.
Preview: All eyes in Ramusok are on the golden trophy. Gareth Bournemouth has earned the trust and devotion of the United supporters after two seasons, having elevated the club to 4th and then to 2nd (and within one win of the title) so far in his tenure. There is only one next step forward and that is a Harlighet Ligan Championship. Though their defense was already in the league's top three last season, the club focused on getting younger in that area over the offseason. Tomi Koskinen, a legend for club and country in goal, finally took off his gloves at age 38 (it was time, sadly) and Bournemouth ensured there would be no drop-off by bringing in Felix Shaw, the first-choice keeper of The Sarian. Roughly equivalent to Koskinen in ability and ten years younger. Robbie Alcocer steps in as starting center back to replace aging Semar legend Matthias Karbruck. The Audioslavian has spent several years as a faithful United back-up and squad player and deserves this chance to slot in alongside the ever-reliable Mike Flanningan. That said, losing dynamic young right back Tomasso Tenebrosa to SariLeague was a big sucker-punch. Kristian Gjallskald is a good defender and late-notice replacement, but he's nowhere near as able going forward. It will be noticed. Elsewhere on the pitch, Ramusok's intelligent, tactical and patient style of play is balanced by the contrasting forces of Kira Jonassen and Robin Geirsson on either end of the midfield diamond. The fearless and ruthlessly technical Geirsson is still one of the league's top players nine years after transferring from the Polarian league. Geirsson has been reinvigorated by the arrival of Bournemouth and his 1003-1004 slump is seemingly behind him. Last season, he never ran out of new ways to assist Curtis Théberge's goals. Théberge, of course, is the most important player on the team. The Pasargan international won the Golden Boot last year, scoring nearly half of the team's goals. That kind of production would be great to have again, but Bournemouth also needs Elena Culbreth to finally come into her own. He has reiterated his faith in the young striker, but some point she will need to prove she can do it on this level consistently or Ramusok United will need to purchase another striker. Whether Ramusok United can win the title all comes down to whether they can score enough goals outside the ~20 Théberge garauntees them. Last Season: 2nd (18-6-10). Prediction: 5th.
Starting XI (4-3-3): Etton (28) | Va'Mono (31 C), The Bruce (21), Shrowder (25), Dias Pinto (22) | Harmonium (22), Severin (29), Scarpa-Meade (30) | Hummel (25), Rush (25), Roga (36) Key Reserves: Hermesniemi (CB/34), Skies (LM/31), Mons (ST/31), Bedullin (ST/22) Kit Details: FC Samotath is all about the Red & Black Attack. Nice split-color kit with that awesome hawk at home (pictured) and a black away shirt with some neat arrow designs.
Preview: It has been a whirlwind of a twelve months for FC Samotath. Their tactical identity has evolved from a "five-goals-or-bust blitz" with zero defense to being centered around the strength of magnificent young defenders The Bruce and Lwan Dias Pinto - who both came out of nowhere last year. The surprise tactical shift led to a surprise shift in table position. As they perfected their new style of play, FC Samotath rocketed up the table as the season went on to finish third. Third! By far the best season in club history, it has brought Samotath UICA football for the first time as well. Looks like you can teach an old dog like Sid Dawson new tricks after all. If you consider 'having a defense' a trick. That's not all though. The sudden success convinced the Board to FINALLY fund a new stadium. Construction began immediately after the end of the season and has progressed so rapidly that "Alesund Stadion" should be ready for the Black Hawks' 1006 home opener. It nearly doubles the capacity of their previous grounds. It's a gorgeous venue fit for a UICA-caliber club. But will Samo actually become UICA regulars, or was last season just a one-off? Well, let's just say that the club has gone all-in and invested heavily to field a squad worthy of that expensive new stadium. They swiped versatile Semar striker Lasse Hummel from relegated Morponte Fief, where he was misused and underappreciated, to relieve some of the burden on aging Farfadillis legend Nazeau Roga, who nevertheless remains one of the most clinical finishers in Cosumar at 36. Give him a fraction of an opportunity in the box and you're finished. Dawson also got in on the feeding frenzy for ex-ANL players, shelling out $3 million (a good value, admittedly) for FC Endeavour's prized left midfielder Gwinevra Harmonium. As a rare player to have graduated from both Project +90 and the Apox Centre For Excellence, Harmonium is a savvy and highly technical young player who should thrive behind Samotath's front three. And with the towering presence of The Bruce still looking like the real deal after he shined in the back for Cosumar in the DBC, it's hard to imagine FC Samotath conceding more goals than they'll score. Last Season: 3rd (18-3-13). Prediction: 8th.
OAS ROYAL FC Område av Storslagenhet, Ramusok Fief
Nickname:Whites or Royals Founded: 982 Ground: The Royal Palace (54,000) Manager: Josie MacLean (48)
Starting XI (4-4-2): Boakye-Yiadom (24) | Arntz (28), Årud (32), Fosse (20), Kontiola (27) | Rocket (25), Bregoo (22), Corderro (35), Paysinger (33) | Montag (32), Wiggin (28 C) Key Reserves: Maris (GK/37), Pecoraro (CB/30), Noble (ST/30), Mbubu (ST/20) Kit Details: Sleek all-white unis (shirt pictured right, with white shorts and socks) whenever possible. They also have a grey/white/turquoise secondary kit that pops up occasionally. This shirt, grey socks, and white shorts with the same turquoise douple strip as the shoulder.
Preview: After eight consecutive years of being left out on the doorstep, OAS Royal have finally forced their way back into the UICA where they belong. Or, at least, where their aura of importance implies they belong. The Whites somewhat resembled their early teams of lore last season. Pablo Corderro had a masterful season in midfield - probably his best in the Harlighet Ligan - racking up double-digit assists again. But the real hero was 22-year-old goalkeeper Balbulus Grimwade. In his first season as full-time starter, the lanky Cosumar youth international strung together amazing display after amazing display...and soon enough, it was an amazing season with a highlight reel of acrobatic saves to match any keeper's in the world. He allowed only 35 goals in 34 games, the best mark since Jakk Winterfyll's similar breakthrough season with Crawford. Unfortunately for Josie MacLean, he took advantage of the moment to leverage an upward move to the V-League. To be fair, Royal would have a solid defense with almost anyone in goal because of the brilliance of defenders Jan Arud and Jannick Kontiola (and hopefully hyped Pasargan youngster Christopher Fosse starting this season), but Grimwade really took them to the next level. Hence UICA. His departure is Grim news for fans of the King's club. To fill the void, MacLean manufactured a move for the immensely athletic yet somewhat controversial personality Kojo Boakye-Yiadom (yes, the one who played at Bjarnarey - not his brother at Galatica). It was a surprising name to see coming into Cosumar at the very end of the transfer window, but for $8 million, it should ensure the impregnable status of OAS Royal's goal again. Yet that expenditure was merely a drop in the bucket compared to the $40 million outlaid for San Jose Guayabal star Leonidas Bregoo! By far the most expensive player in league history, Bregoo's sheer quality might immediately shake up the landscape around the league and push Royal into title contention. At the very least, the fact that OAS Royal so flamboyantly flexed their unmatched financial muscle should restore their role as league villains. Up top, last season's capable but slightly underachieving strike duo of Peter Wiggin and Oskar Montag will reprise their roles (with new arrival Pascal Mbubu providing some added youth and depth) and look to benefit from the illustrious presence of Bregoo. Last Season: 4th (17-5-12). Prediction: 2nd.
Starting XI (4-4-2): Brankussen (21) | Pawlukiewicz (26), Black (28 C), Soderlund (25), Sorenson (24) | Delklind (28), Fenwick (28), De Marisco (27), Williams (29) | Quesadillas (26), Bogwa (25) Key Reserves: Mordini (CM/21), Garcia (ST/22), Den Hartog (ST/31) Kit Details: Eastweald is famous for their triangle-textured shirt, which they wear in green at home and in yellow (pictured right) on the road, always with the same color of shorts and inverse color socks. They occasionally wear a shiny all dark-gold throwback kit.
Preview: When you consider the wide-open nature of the Harlighet Ligan and the number of years Eastweald have been hovering near the top of the table, it's actually kind of a miracle that the Elves haven't won it yet. They were right in the mix again last season, but a dry spell in the middle landed them disappointingly in the Globe Cup zone. If it is going to happen for Henrique Ventura, the longest-tenured manager in Cosumar, it has to happen this season. After 24 years at Old Weldenskirgen, the old man has announced that his 25th will be his last. As great as they've been over the years, many are questioning whether Ventura's core players (namely central midfield partners Rook Fenwick and Jo de Marisco) have what it takes to win the big prize. Fenwick and de Marisco have really grown up together in Yambridge since they arrived in the same transfer class as youngsters all those years ago. Their understanding and chemistry on the pitch is sublime. According to both, Ventura has become like a father to them as they elevated their careers here. Wouldn't it be a great story if the two best-friends could expunge all their runners-up finishes and together send the legendary gaffer off into the sunset wearing the crown? Both of them are out of contract after this season and might find it a convenient time to walk away regardless. You get the sense that Ventura only stayed this season to see out their contracts and that this is the last chance for this Eastweald team as we've known it. Apox one-cap-wonder de Marisco just achieved her Cosumarite dual-citizenship. Perhaps the prospect of impressing Gethin Ramsey and getting into the Cosumar WC 75 side will propel her to new heights. But it doesn't matter how many goals she sets up for on-the-rise Banguelan striker Bogwa if Eastweald's high-priced back line doesn't find some consistency and improve that 53 GA stat from last year. Or if now-retired Golden Rand's unproven understudy Joakim Brankussen turns out to suck. Last Season: 5th (16-7-11). Prediction: 3rd.
WEST GUNDAR FC Ruminov, Gundar Fief
Nickname:Rugged Men Founded: 924 Ground: New Harmonia Stadium (36,000) Manager: Jehan Bair (53)
Starting XI (4-1-3-2): Kooistra (24) | Pertwee (28 C), Söder (27), Haddad (24), Simonsen (27) | Altimimy (27) | de Wit (29), Cisse (32), Hallen (28) | Vilar (33), Lubiflor (25) Key Substitutes: Junkermann (GK/35), Esquire (CM/36), Millhouse (MF/20) Kit Details: Their home whites are pictured right. Their olive-green away kit features black accents and state-of-the-art geometric texturing from Meski.
Preview: Woah. WGFC are actually...pretty good. The perennial yo-yo club has seized the moment and looks to be laying down its roots for an extended Harlighet Ligan stay. They may have just missed out on a first taste of UICA soccer, but that might be a blessing in disguise as they prepare for a fierce battle to defend their newfound top-half status. If they do, expect miracle-worker Jehan Bair to be snatched up by a bigger club. Topping their record-high 6th-place finish from a year ago might be a bit ambitious for a club only two years removed from the Sekundar Ligan, but this is a strong team on paper made even stronger by a shrewd transfer window. Mursill Lubiflor was the breakout star of the Harlighet Ligan last season, scoring 20 goals (though 14 were before the mid-season break) with her incredible work rate, quick decision-making (and feet) and imperious opportunistic streak. Bair had been grooming her for years and the fruit finally exploded forth for all to see. All eyes will be on her to carry the Rugged Men forward, but is there a sophomore slump in store? Hard to envision one with Demba Cisse lured in to feed her balls. The seasoned World Cup veteran is one of the best playmakers in Semar history and fits perfectly into CAM the starting spot reluctantly voided by Liam Esquire, a longtime faithful club servant who simply doesn't have the legs for a 90 minute game anymore. Flanked by the always-productive Mark Hallen and Sebastian de Wit (Matsumoto bullying scandal now behind him, hopefully), Cisse makes WGFC's attacking midfield trio one of the most intimidating anywhere in Cosumar. But where Bair may have strengthened his team the most is in the back. Ex-Mallox stalwart Gustaf Söder quietly returns to the league on great value after a misty couple of years in Polkopia, and DM Fingal Altimimy was excess talent at Versiaville - the perfect sort of no-nonsense hardnosed player to sit in front of the back four and cover for Cisse & Company. Last Season: 6th (14-9-11). Prediction: 7th.
Starting XI (4-5-1): Metz (24) | Mauvonts (29), Larson (30), Diggory (26), Thompson (24) | Hansen (33), Lindroos (25), Haines (27), Deville (27), Nhatandal (Elf) | Kelly (31 C) Key Reserves: Wenceslaw (CB/18), Takahashi (LM/34), Prague (CM/35), Vanderpool (RB/RM/25), Redalen (ST/23), Lvr'ael (CF/19) Kit Details: They wear their tiger-orange shirt (pictured right) at home with white shorts and orange socks. On the road, they wear a black shirt and black shorts with an orange side stripe.
Preview: The fans are not happy in Mallox. Not only have league placements been underwhelming lately, but the Tigers haven't even been exciting to watch on the way. Ever since Alvin Burnsides stated his intent to morph Mallox to a more "winning" (i.e. conservative) style of play three years ago, they have been pretty dour to watch. Rugged defending-by-numbers and pumping route-one long balls into the box. Bleh. And not winning either. Due to fan pressure, expect them to start transitioning back to attacking football this season. Their 4-5-1 of late might very well function more as a 4-3-3 with wingers Petri Hansen and Randwë Nhatandal pressing further up the pitch. In the middle, big veteran #9 Jimmy Kelly will continue to feature as the primary scoring threat after a resurgent 17-goal season, though Alistair Redalen should also start to see more minutes and an increased role. It has taken longer than expected for his move to a bigger club from Morponte Fief to pay dividends, but the former youth international has earned glowing reports from preseason training. The midfield trio of Luco Haines, Stephon Deville and Jesper Lindroos has been rather hastily cobbled together over the last couple seasons (scoop-ups from lower clubs and a Mallox II late-bloomer) but has really come together into a cohesive unit that always knows where each other are. All three are fluid on both sides of the ball and tend to suffocate possession. What remains to be seen, however, is if they have the technicality and creativity to spark that aggressive attacking style that Mallox are reportedly trying to bring back. They're good hardworking players, but better-suited to the current scheme. It's hard to see them running the show like Haruto Takahashi did back in his prime, setting up Anders Engstrom. Regardless of how this foggy tactical situation plays out, Mallox should still have an elite defense - even if they DO start throwing numbers forward like the Tigers of old. Calogero Metz is a bright young goalkeeper with a big international future beckoning. Heck, he might even be outgrowing this league soon. Despite intense transfer speculation, terrific left back Georges Mauvonts also ended up staying. Selling Brenecia star Brandon Duguid to the Nepharim Premiership was a blow that can't be underestimated, but it allowed them to buy another international as a replacement (Sarian regular James Diggory) and fund some additional depth and prospects (chiefly teenage Sorcuvov striker Némoda Lvr'ael) across the board. This is a good team with a lot of depth in the squad, but I just get the sense that they don't really know what their identity is. Last Season: 7th (13-10-11). Prediction: 11th.
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Theoklitos (26) | Lorence (29), Pell (27), Na'Kele (26), Reiniger (27) | Cosme (28), Sherman (32 C) | Postecoglou (26), Coultan (23), McBride (28) | Kurosawa (33) Key Reserves: Poindexter (CB/23), Hublot (MF/21), Yucob (RW/19), Guilliver (CF/20), Akerman (CF/31) Kit Details: CCFC's gorgeous teal, crimson and gold home kit is the envy of the league. Their white away kit, with gold and teal accents, isn't too shabby either.
Preview: Despite ultimately finishing 8th, there were many promising signs in Pawela Nowicki's first full season as a manager. Another unmitigated disaster a la 1004 was avoided and CCFC were actually on top of the entire fucking league at the midseason break. Yeah, first place. They had an incredible run to start the season. Sure, it fell apart in the end, but the Elephants proved they could march to a terrifying beat when in the proper frame of mind. Winger Kostas Postecoglou was immense, battling up and down the left side all season and making things happen with sheer single-minded determination (and a dash of pace). He nearly won Newcomer of the Year despite CCFC's position. Most of the Crawfordian limelight, however, shines on Kim Coultan. The city has embraced the eccentric Schottia star, and her (seemingly reluctant) stardom has helped the club fill that big new stadium consistently despite the famously fickle nature of the local fans. Easily one of the most skilled players in the league, everything Crawford does will go through Coultan. And when she's not carving towards the goal herself, 90% of the time she'll be looking for the feet of instinctive center forward Dmytro Kurosawa. The Sarrbian is a league legend and prolific goalscorer, but injuries have derailed him each of the last two seasons (coinciding with CCFC's downturns in results...) and you have to wonder if he can still go an entire season as "the man" up top. Fortunately, Guilliver is a promising talent CCFC have been grooming for quite some time and the Sunrisian youngster seems ready to take over some of the 33-year-old's burden. Nowicki also went out and claimed the more proven Marten Akerman, unwanted at Maximum Rovers, off the free transfer heap as additional center forward insurance. Akerman's tall frame and experience makes him an ideal Kurosawa proxy. Crawford are solid in the back on paper with internationals Perseus Theoklitos (Pravenna) and Jens Reiniger (Pasarga) suiting up for the teal-crimson-and-gold as well as homegrown center back duo Pell and Na'Kele and sturdy Nepharim fullback Spike Lorence, but they shipped a concerning number of goals last season. For Nowicki's lofty goal of bringing Champions Cup play to the west coast to be validated as commendable ambition rather than inexperienced naivety, something else needs to change if the personnel is going to stay the same. Phillip Sherman, whip your crew into shape. Last Season: 8th (13-10-11). Prediction: 6th.
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): MacAmlaigh (34) | Lael (29), Nodtveit (33), Tuppurainen (26), Cooper (30) | McKirkley (30), Breton (33 C) | Larned (25), Koropia (28), Marlborough (25) | Nemtheanga (26) Key Reserves: Commerford (GK/18), Catonaldi (CB/34), Vela (LM/21), Ribos (CF/26) Kit Details: Most of the time, the Villagers wear their classic navy shirt and black shorts. In the event of a color clash, they wear a shirt and socks with thin navy-and-white stripes, and tan shorts.
Preview: Oh boy, did sleepy Versiaville make some transfer waves this offseason. They seem to determined to amass the most disgusting (in the best possible way...I think) defense in the Fiefdom at any cost. Rather than addressing the fact that they scored only 38 goals last season, they blew 80% their salary budget on infamous Team Cosumar and Crisisbless defender Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit. Captain Blackbeard, as some call him, is a known occultist, suspected murderer and absolutely brutal tackler. His reputation precedes him. One of the few defenders in the league who will affect opponents' heads by simply being there - before he even does anything. But he was already having endurance and late-game concentration issues at 30 and 31. As a center back. Now 33, how much grizz does this grizzly bear of a man have left? There's a reason Crisisbless scarcely played him last season. The rest of the budget was spent on Teemu Tuppurainen, Nodtveit's new partner in the middle, and home-coming ANL defensive midfielder Kasey McKirkley. The fiery temper of Tuppurainen (led Sekundar Ligan in red cards) is a perfect replacement for the infamously dirty Violante Funke, who is taking her shin kicks to the A-League. McKirkley is an admirable motor in defensive midfield who, after a long career at Issington FC, will form an impressively experienced and resolute partnership with Augustine Breton. McKirkley, having just turned 30, still has the pace and energy to balance Breton's slowing knees. But Breton is the heart and soul of this Villagers' squad. Ever since arriving from Brinemouth, the Brenecian has taken charge. And look where he had led them - the top half! Not terribly familiar territory for Versians. Brian Emerson has even discussed making him a player-coach in the near future. So Versiaville certainly have plenty of fire in the back, but you still have to score goals to win. Feri Koropia is probably their strongest player in that regard - a pacy and relentlessly technical #10 who can slice-and-dice with the best of them, but lacks consistent end product. That's supposed to be Asa Nemtheanga's strong suit, but the big target man who was so dominant early in his career has struggled in the last couple seasons. That massive head of his that once connected with balls so effortlessly has started to vanish when needed the most. He's an Emerson favorite, but...cue Thia Ribos? 9th is probably Versiaville's ceiling without a consistent finisher in front of goal. Last Season: 9th (15-3-16). Prediction: 14th.
See the next post (coming soon) for the second half of the Harlighet Ligan team previews! And lower league overviews too.
Season XVIII Preview (second half)
Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 5:40 pm
by Cosumar
See the previous post for the first half of this HarlighetLigan team-by-team preview. This is the second half, plus the lower leagues.
OOC: Apologies for the somewhat shortened previews for the second half of teams. The UICA deadline really snuck up on me, and a busy work week and upcoming birthday weekend celebrations have forced me to curtail these and jump straight into the action of the season!
Starting XI (4-3-3): Lloyd (32) | Grimswald (25), Wing (25), Limage (33), Boag (24) | Serafino (19), Cole (22), Kvanderwyk (23) | Zelaya (22), Tortuu (26 C), Brandybok (27) Key Reserves: Iziduko (GK/22), Seppanen (LB/32), Fleming (MF/35), Samarqand (ST/21), Arragne (ST/35) Kit Details: At home, they wear their customary all-red (right). Away, they wear their half-and-half red & white shirt, black shorts and, distinctively, one red and one white sock (inverted from split on shirt).
Preview: Cassandra City have stumbled over the last couple seasons (putting it lightly), but they look ready to turn a new leaf in Arturo Mancini's second season. I mean...dat young midfield. Kwame Cole and Kit Kvanderwyk are both internationals and still U23, and teenager Bellerophon Serafino is being tipped as a breakout star. Marcos Zelaya took a big step forward last season, scoring 23 goals, and the Reds are blessed to have starting-quality international veterans such as Kyle Fleming and Ben Seppanen on their bench. But will the transfer acquisition of tweener fullback Catheline Boag from Goodfeather be enough to shore up a disorganized defense that gave up the third-most goals in the league? Mancini better hope so. If Cassandra City aren't back in UICA contention, he'll get the axe by midseason. Last Season: 10th (13-8-13). Prediction: 4th.
Kit Details: At home, they wear their classics all-purple kit with turquoise accents (pictured right). Away, the colors are inverted and turquoise becomes the dominant color.
Preview: It's a new dawn in Klyde City. The 15-year reign of the grandfatherly Jorginho has come to a bittersweet end after the outspoken sect of "sack him!" supporters finally got their wish and then proceeded serenade him with touching songs 88,000-strong in his final game. Reports indicated that the old gaffer had gotten a bit toothless, senile, soft or whatever adjective you want to use - and had subsequently lost control of the locker room. The hire of Minnie Lotuda should rectify that immediately. Though not even five feet tall, the diminutive ex-Cosumar U23 assistant coach is a commanding - near dictatorial - personality who intends to "crack the whip" and restore the values of hard work and discipline to Klyde Football Club. She's also the first woman of color to manage a Harlighet Ligan club. She stunned observers in her first transfer window by prying Valladares enforcer Jefferson away from Fontvielle Impact for $12.4 million. That's a mighty fine back three he completes. Last Season: 11th (13-8-13). Prediction: 10th.
Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Lethbridge (24) | Chance (30), Litchmoor (25), Lunds (30), Banner (27) | McSaunders (35 C) | Perkins (27), Yilmaz (21), Wadimu (26), Simmons III (20) | Stabb (23) Key Reserves: Davi (CB/26), Cunningham (MF/25), Meratyn (LW/23), Hodges (CF/34) Kit Details: At home, they wear a dark green shirt with unique white columns that curve towards the right shoulder, a luxurious yellow collar, white shorts and dark green socks with thin yellow circles at the top. Their secondary kit features a crisp white shirt (pictured right) with dark green shorts.
Preview: Is this the season FC Kaldukosic's marvelous crop of young homegrown talent finally turns the developmental corner? It feels like we've been waiting for the potential of Corey Simmons III, Tamer Yilmaz, Aspen Meratyn and Kevin Stabb to translate into actual wins for several seasons now. Corey Simmons Jr. has surrounded them with World Cup veterans like Dean Harold McSaunders, Georgina Wadimu and now Jakob Lunds - their highest profile transfer yet. If this formula is ever going to work, it seems like this would be the season for it to happen. Last Season: 12th (12-10-12). Prediction: 9th.
ZAKHORO ACES Zakhoro, Ankortroth Fief
Nickname:Aces Founded: 888 Ground: Zapt Park (29,400) Manager: Šimon Holguín (42) Starting XI (3-2-3-1-1): Zerchodoy (32) | Santos (24), Grosz (33), Lynch (32) | Payet (28), Marshall (20) | Durot (27), Gutinho (25), Na'Tule (28 C) | MacPharlain (29) | Nilssen (33) Key Reserves: Kugbe (LM/38), Nathael (MF/21), Kot (ST/24) Kit Details: Primary kit features a white shirt with a black sash and brown numbers/collar (pictured right), black shorts and white socks. Their secondary kit features an aerodynamic all-brown look with varying shades of brown in a gradient pattern.
Preview: The Aces had a productive transfer window, signing a real quality left back in Fabricio Santos and winning the bidding war for Helfin Fief starlet Nathael - one for the future for sure. Regélian winger Balotin Durot also enters the new season as a new signing in essence after missing almost all of last season with an ankle injury. Will it be enough for them to stave off relegation back to Sekundar Ligan? It has already been three years since Zakhoro last played in the second division. Aside from their titanic d-mid duo of Peter Marshall and Marcel Payet, the Aces' success will come from the ability of tidy Gutinho to link up with fellow playmaker Stian Mac Pharlain in front of him in the hole. Last Season: 13th (12-10-12). Prediction: 16th, Relegation Playoff.
AC HOLMENKOLLEN Holmenkollen, Ramusok Fief
Nickname:Cedars Founded: 971 Ground: Cedar Road (21,000) Manager: Martin Adnansen (53)
Starting XI (4-4-2): Kearney (25) | Luna (28), Na'Nockeby (24), Loredan (23 C), Chisenhall (21) | Orbán (34), Mattox (27), Nwapa (25), Valerikssen (28) | Kortuufa (23), Bordeau-Desjardins (25) Key Reserves: Radcliff (LB/34), Arda (RB/RM/29), Riprov (ST/17), Blaze (ST/35) Kit Details: Whenever possible, they wear their beloved pale blue shirt with the red zag (pictured right) with solid white shorts and red socks. In the event of a color clash, they wear their old white shirt with a red collar and medium-blue sleeves and shorts.
Preview: The sword that knights you is the sword that nights you. Syl Denhardt was a Holmenkollen hero after leading the small suburban club on a meteoric rise to its first ever Globe Cup in three seasons. But just one season later, he is a casualty of the high expectations he himself set...ruthlessly let go by the club after a setback season. It will be up to Martin Adnansen, winner of two Semar titles with Krsthaven, to step in and clean up the mess. It's a very good hire that matches Holmenkollen's UICA aspirations, but will he be able to win over the players? They were exceedingly loyal to Denhardt and vocally opposed to his sacking. The discord in Holmenkollen, combined with the loss of both starting strikers Delwyth Jonferth and Ashrav Dev to pastures abroad, makes it to difficult to predict a UICA bounce-back in North Ramusok this year. In related news, stud defender Taddeo Loredan was named captain at only 23 years old - the youngest one in Harlighet Ligan history. Last Season: 14th (11-8-15). Prediction: 12th.
IFK ALDENSKOETT Aldenskoett, Duversia Fief
Nickname:Eagles Founded: 890 Ground: The Eagles' Nest (19,000) Manager: Väinö Va'Lucic (66)
Starting XI (5-1-2-2): Mullins (30) | Killanen (20), Messieri (28), Bohls (29), Costabile (26), Glatthorn (24) | Wurman (26) | de Vries (21), Ankorsson (28) | Hess-Olesen (28 C), Capulet (31) Key Reserves: Laighon (CB/28), Hardy (MF/32), Nowitzki (ST/31) Kit Details: Their silver home kit is pictured right. Their away kit sports a lime-green and white look with a more prominent eagle talon. They may also occasionally wear this blue alternate kit.
Preview: IFK are a very crisp and coordinated counterattacking unit. Well-drilled by Väinö Va'Lucic and hardened by the bitter Aldenskoett winds, they play as one. They may not be the most skilled group of players, but a trip to The Eagles' Nest is never an easy one. They got even stronger in the back over the offseason by somehow scoring Trothwands Evolution lifer and vice-captain MessiMauro Messieri in addition to brutish Treftadaeth Alliance standout Sauro Costabile. With them in the mix, Falchion Hess-Olesen and Jess Capulet should be able to run onto and knock in just enough long balls from Molly Killanen and company to stay up again - and comfortably. Last Season: 15th (9-11-14). Prediction: 13th.
Starting XI (4-4-2 Dmnd): Maston (19) | Wolfe (33), Jacob (28), Aslam (29), Erkins (28) | Na'Kebia (26), Folchart (26), Monnoyance (19), Petrov (37 C) | Amenel (23), Cabral (27) Key Reserves: Victorsson (RM/36), Na'Matsoo (CAM/18), Cosuman (ST/23) Kit Details: Mariners are all about their bright blue and neon orange, so they try to wear that combination whenever possible, like the lightning-sash on their flashy new white home kit (pictured right). They also have an orange away-kitand black and grey alternate kits that they wear a few times a year.
Preview: After a long and fruitful career that includes time in the Sekundar Ligan, Taeshan Premier League, Apox National League and even Cup of Harmony and King's Cup medals, former Cosumar captain Paaron Petrov had only this to say when asked if he has any career goals that remain unfulfilled as he heads into what is rumored to be his last chapter: "I just want to play a Harlighet Ligan season without being relegated". Good luck, Paaron. You might need it. The Mariners have some talented players, particularly on the attacking end with Adiyah Amenel and Lucas Cabral (both lethal in Sekundar Ligan last season) playing off Petrov, but a flabbergasting dearth of adequate depth for the top flight. Don't be surprised if they look okay at the beginning of the season but tail off down the stretch. At least fans in the Western Isles will have some high-potential young players to get excited about in Cosumar U21 goalkeeper Kerwin Maston and East Sunrisian protégé winger Lady Garinotte Monnoyance. Last Season: Sekundar Ligan Champions (19-10-5). Prediction: 17th, Relegation.
Starting XI (4-4-1-1): Sutton (23) | Rennold (23), Van Duren (28 C), Pystynen (27), Na'Tokeho (23) | Silvio (28), Shatraug (29), Abboud (28), Griffiths (33) | Poxay (20) | K. Northbourne (20) Key Reserves: Carr-Ponce (CB/18), G. Northbourne (AM/20), Shinigata (ST/33) Kit Details: The iconic pewter blue kit at home (pictured right) on their island. Elsewhere, they don a red kit with a unique X-design.
Preview: It has been over a decade since the Islanders last competed at this level and five since a club from tiny Olask Fief did (Pardock Island in 1001). There were a couple of scary seasons where it seemed like relegation to Tredje Ligan was on the docket, but the Islanders persevered and, last season, simply refused to lose matches en route to easy promotion. But in all honesty, that's not the same team that will take the field this season. Olask have undergone a massive roster overhaul over the last few months to prepare themselves for the jump. Klyde Heritage FC went the "continuity" route last season and got slammed straight back down, so the Islanders are trying a different approach. Left winger Noah Silvio joins after an impressive AOCAF with Eshan and the bustling Pierce Griffiths takes over the right wing straight from Coret Hawks. Up top, touted Semar prospect Karl Northbourne displaces longtime club cult hero and talisman Kohei Shinigata...and his twin brother Gunner tags along too. Young attacking midfielder Hera Poxay suddenly became a local hero on Olask Island last year with 9 goals and 14 assists in the Sekundar Ligan, and a similar year on the bigger stage would really put her in the shop window. She, along with mercurial midfielder Shatraug, is the only non-defensive starter from last season that hasn't been replaced. After only allow 0.68 goals per game last season, Olask's incumbent defense should at least be serviceable in the Harlighet Ligan as is. This group is new to each other - not exactly battle-tested - so it would be risky to place any money on the Islanders staying up. Yet the impressive amount of talent they have attracted to what is possibly the least-glamorous location in Cosumar gives them a real chance. Last Season: 2nd in Sekundar Ligan (17-13-4). Prediction: 15th.
SAMAJ FC Samaj, Culmarland Fief
Nickname:Hunters Founded: 906 Ground: Stadion Jägare (32,000) Manager: Luis Varezzi (56)
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Aleksovic (23) | Banderas (34), Belfry (25), Kristiansen (26), Marmor-Lavie (21) | Hamasaki (35), Valfar (26) | Del Arro (20), Columbine (22), Sigurjónsdóttir (18) | Xenophon (35 C) Key Reserves: Dalmshelf (RB/28), del Fuego (DM/30), Rowe (ST/28) Kit Details: Their home kit (pictured right) features their iconic diagonal-color shirt and burnt-orange shorts. Their away kit this year is entirely the shade of dark yellow found on the home kit's collar. Solid color, with only burnt-orange numbers/names and other subtle accents.
Preview: This is an honest space, right? This Samaj FC side looks like one of the worst to be promoted in a good while. When your best two players are both 35 (former Cosumar and Pravenna internationals Reuben Hamasaki and Isadora Xenophon), I'm sorry to say your chances of winning games in the hyper-competitive Harlighet Ligan are slim. Xenophon, to be fair, has been nothing other than fantastic for the Hunters since coming over to the central plains from the A-League. She almost single-handedly dragged them to 3rd place last season with her unmatched (and seemingly still-sharpening) eye for goal. But if she couldn't keep Samaj competitive in the top flight in 1003 at age 32, what makes anyone think she'll be able to do it now? There are promising young players in Samaj (especially Cosumar U21 fullback Lucien Marmor-Lavie and Port Christopher's Rachel Del Arro) but they are unproven at this level. There are too many players on this roster who don't elicit any reaction other than simply "meh". Last Season: 3rd in Sekundar Ligan (16-7-11). Prediction: 18th, Relegation.
Morponte Fief Stoneshore United(favorites) Klyde Heritage FC Centus Serpents Helfin Fief Treftadaeth Alliance Pardock Island Fort Archer Pelethas United Yambridge FC Keenan Athletic Nomad Brotherhood FC Ziemelu Skaida Goldstaff City FC Flen Gwynt Tywyll Sepultura Rexnor District 3
Dawchire Town Portsmouth FC IFK Sundsvall Sarmon FC Sindo Crusaders Regéla United (favorites) Begtatt Isle Athletic Larkinham Town Pristine Forest AFC Obscura 98 Atletisk Östrad Fevelo United Riverside Crew Everlong FC Braylor Town Seryddwyr Aberaeron Gnoss Gallants AFC Otkins Numenvernia Hagenheim South End Tamiat Town Villa Forte Revanigruud Riversharks
Conference Cosumarus
Atletisk Surpronuk AC Opjenheim Hvalsey 08 Sporting Pirankoper West Devellin FC Chittersbee Rangers Cadonica United SC Cirith 01 Lykathea City Sontafe City Stortrommeby Town White Tower FC Östrad Rockets FC Esterhollow Harbor Cassandra Cosmopolitan Crawford City FC II Zakhoro GCR Forest Hill FC Azure Lane FC High Noon FC Inter Juta Miklagaard Salvation Coppell City FC SC Torpedo Kejsarkona DeFinko Magni Blandinn AC Rhithlungwerddon Town Caledon Legion Chamomile Town
Conference KC
Noumen Town Silk FC Usk Town Ciems Mungonduvia Oterro Athletic Nuur Origins FC Hamlack Town Gwerin Athletic Meryuma Marshals IFK Nordön SC Vronus 510 Buscari Bridge Force Murkwaamp Suns Piander Falls FC Salfa City Real Azuris II Tornline Treacherous Cove AFC Rexnor District 7 Templar-Lune FC
Sammet Ridge Moggington County Wiedna Town Atletisk Kvelertak Emerald Cove SC Sólstafir FC Kviststad Aberaeron Celtic Cerulia City FC Flithby Town Satyricon Nemeses AFC Sadenia Paladins Gibwir Marsnal Glasbon SC Erpland County Gamlasir North Ardamirchan Isle United Baymar Lagune Oppland 806 Interstellar Erurok VfL Läutenstadt Klyde II Svart-Guld Klingaställe Noths Castle Wilmontsbloom Blue Star FK Pentagram Pjattervid Orias-Kvissle SC CD Panteras Nueces Oxbow Lake Lindsborg Premier
Lewisville Athletic Dusk Athletic Wealdheim Bards AFC Wernersburg East Devellin FC Scarromere FC FC Stellendam Ollston Town Chesterton Cottagers HSC Centus Ingleton Town Zirconim City Paulsendam Town Nabataea Town IFK Sokulldak Kaldukosic Volmacht FC United FC of Stoneshore FC Fyrbyggnad Sporting Corrian Somberlain FC 1. FC Guggenheim Marshall-Blue FC Interstellar Östrad Cape Dutch Copperheads Ramusok United II FC Kaldukosic II OAS Royal FC II Eastweald II FC Samotath II Mallox II
Highlanders Atamac Wanderers Sporting Culmar Malm Town Mintwick Marmots Goldsoul FC Gorgoroth United Hassaburess Athletic Austentrapp City FC Jotungard 99 FC FC Kastanjestad Taigaen Plats Carnessa County Ajatarra Alligators Impera Town FC Fejd Columbia Town Briquia Southside FC Keldin Town Black Diamond Osterhaut FC Invierness 912 Gladsax Chariot FC Cassandra City II Morponte Fief II Ombra Castle Olympique Sur Mer Scarborough Harlegan Rovers Club Toftir Club Varden
East Ellum IFK Karlsborg Bayford City FC Va'Lubasa Rhupenhoven Town Moore Hill Pirates Yuonela Town FC Arkadius Tromsdale Town Dillinger Town Ypres Woods West Ellum Nidive Falcons FC Na'Travii SC Swamport Thergothon Town Drummond's FC Duval Town Crawford Sharks SC Theli City Grayslake Real Bellavista Na'Malsille Mariners II Vfl Bolmenstadt Red Star Karbosic Yellow Meadow Lynwood Talmusok City SEP Bjarnum FC1. Richtofen Avalanche Klovstad Club
Kalloroda United Varvonti Firestorm NOVIA Alliance Tonsei Tumult Orion Wanderers Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC Marinus City Drahva United Tierra Interstellar Wanderers Menoptera United SC FC Dynamo Kurbads Borzac Sequins Kreanoltha Vipers Romstafar Outpost Rexnor District 1 Rexnor District 4 Rexnor District 5 Rexnor District 6 Rexnor District 8 Rexnor District 9 Sporting Club Macofor Dockery Union Execo Station Whitestone Athletic Tranquility Treepolis New Hagenheim Canopy Snaigow Hoarfrost Levithia Shrievenzale Aläng FF Fayanora Pontonese
Season 18 - Part 1
Posted: Sat May 28, 2016 2:22 am
by Cosumar
Globe Cup First Preliminary Round
(KTW) Oberklasse 1–2 Eastweald (COS) 0–0 1–2 (COS) OAS Royal FC 4–3 Alexandria United (ESH) 1–0 3–3
Series B Champions' Cup - First Preliminary Round
(COS) Samaj FC 3–0 Ganton (RED) 2–0 1–0
So far so good.
Champions' Cup Second Preliminary Round
(CMT) Myana 4–3 Real Azuris (COS) 2–1 2–2 (aet) (PAS) Galactica 3–7 Ramusok United (COS) 2–4 1–3
Ouch. The champs are unceremoniously bounced by Chromitkan opposition but Ram U save the coefficient by, quite frankly, slaughtering a very good Galatica side.
Globe Cup Second Preliminary Round
(MZY) Luminia Seraphs 0–5 FC Samotath (COS) 0–2 0–3 (COS) OAS Royal FC 7–0 Scientologists (GOD) 4–0 3–0 (ETN) Letson Town 1–4 Eastweald (COS) 0–3 1–1
No sweat. Ok, maybe the players did sweat a little, but you know what I mean.
Series B Champions' Cup - Second Preliminary Round
(COS) Samaj FC 3–3 a CSD Catamarca (SJG) 2–2 1–1 (COS) Olask Islanders 6–4 Associat Tureau (SAN) 2–1 4–3
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 1 Cassandra City 2–0 FC Samotath OAS Royal FC 5–1 Klyde Eastweald 4–1 Olask Islanders Crawford City FC 2–1 Ramusok United FC Kaldukosic 0–0 Versiaville SC Zakhoro Aces 1–3 AC Holmenkollen West Gundar FC 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett Real Azuris 2–1 Mallox Samaj FC 4–0 Na'Malsille Mariners
Big winners and big losers on opening weekend! The atmosphere was bigger than usual at Old Weldenskirgen as Eastweald supporters young and old amassed to pay respects to Henrique Ventura’s last first game. They were rewarded with a dominant performance. Eastweald seldom lost the ball and their passes in the final third were quick and incisive. Clean finishes from Bogwa, Dan Quesadillas, Bogwa again and even substitute Rory Den Hartog provided a rude awakening for Olask Islanders in their long-awaited return to the top flight. But hey, at least Noah Silvio scored for them in his Harlighet Ligan debut, whipping a loose ball on the edge of the box into the top corner in fifth minute of stoppage time. Meanwhile, at The Royal Palace, five different players (Wiggin, Rocket, Montag, Noble, Corderro) got a piece of the meat as OAS Royal absolutely devoured a lethargic Klyde FC by an even wider scoreline. Marquee signing Leonidas Bregoo was electric right off the bat, being heavily involved in the build-up for three of the five goals.
Champions' Cup Playoff Round, Leg 1 Ramusok United 1-3 Century Mertagne (MRT)
Not the greatest start to the season for Ramusok United, as they fall in Crawford on Matchday 1 and then get outclassed and outhustled by Century Mertagne in their first home game. Three away goals surrendered make it difficult to see them becoming Cosumar’s first ever team in the Champions Cup group stage.
Globe Cup Playoff Round, Leg 1 Sporting CD (DRP) 1-4 Eastweald Real Azuris 2-1 Matthew Rangers (USI) FC Samotath 1-0 31 Cudmundópolis (CPV) Brookford Otters (NPH) 1-0 OAS Royal FC
Eastweald, Real Azuris and FC Samotath all manage expected first leg wins, though the away goal Real conceded at the death on a silly corner might come back to haunt them. OAS Royal, the midweek’s only losers, looked convincing in Nephara, but in the end settled for a manageable 1-0 deficit after Brigid Kestrel’s grass-scorcher beat Kojo Boakye-Yiadom to his near post in the 88th.
Series B Champions' Cup Playoff Round, Leg 1 Árgos LP (COM) 1-3 Na'Malsille Mariners Eelandii (TUR) 2-0 Olask Islanders
Tough draws in the SBCC. Paaron Petrov is able to guide the Mariners to near-certain advancement with a pair of assists in Commerce Heights, but Eelandii are simply too much for the Islanders in Turori.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 2 FC Samotath 1–4 Na'Malsille Mariners Mallox 1–0 Samaj FC IFK Aldenskoett 0–0 Real Azuris AC Holmenkollen 0–0 West Gundar FC Versiaville SC 0–1 Zakhoro Aces Ramusok United 2–5 FC Kaldukosic Olask Islanders 1–3 Crawford City FC Klyde 2–1 Eastweald Cassandra City 3–0 OAS Royal FC
FC Kaldukosic’s season has now officially started. They heap some more misery on Ramusok United by running out 5-2 winners in the season’s first Metro Classic. Two of their goals may have been controversial (I’m still not convinced that Tamer Yilmaz’s scrappy header in the box actually crossed the line before Felix Shaw clawed it out, and Redd Banner fouled Robbie Alcocer to clear space for her belted 23-yard shot) but there’s no denying that Kaldukosic were the hungrier team on the day and would’ve won even without those two goals. “It’s all about desire. They wanted it more than we did,” Gareth Bournemouth said bluntly after his team registered its third loss in three games. Up in Samotath, the grand opening of the breathtaking Alesund Stadion was quite the spectacle, but the Black Hawks christened their new home with a sour performance, losing 4-1 to the freaking Mariners. It honestly looked like Samo might’ve been a bit drunk (literally) from the pre-game festivities. Paaron Petrov, for his part, was sparkling for the Mariners. He scored once from open play (a great diagonal run into the box followed by a composed far-post finish) and once from the spot in the first half to make it 2-0, then assisted Lucas Cabral’s 69th minute goal to make it 3-1 and squash the modicum of momentum Samotath had built. Can the 37-year-old really power the Mariners to safety?
Champions' Cup Playoff Round, Leg 2 Century Mertagne (MRT) 1-1 Ramusok United
Well, that’s a little better. But not enough. The Blues pulled one back early on to make it 3-2 on aggregate (Seon Jin Kang’s header), but as soon as the home side sent Baelsbury City Stadium into rapture with a spectacularly volleyed goal in the 63rd minute, everybody knew United were done. With the Champions’ Cup, that is. Globe Cup awaits.
Globe Cup Playoff Round, Leg 2 Eastweald 2-0 Sporting CD (DRP) Matthew Rangers (USI) 1-0 Real Azuris 31 Cudmundópolis (CPV) 2-2 FC Samotath OAS Royal FC 1-1 Brookford Otters (NPH)
Two are through and two are through. As in finished. 1-0 was the one scoreline Real Azuris had to avoid, so of course, that’s what ended up happening. For their credit, the Rangers defended extremely well to keep Fraser and company at bay for 90 minutes with dogged insistence. Crashing out of both UICA competitions at the first hurdle is not what Lujendra Mescalin had in mind when he spoke of “setting a new standard for Cosumarite international performance” a few months ago. Well, at least the Breakers can focus on their pursuit of the three-peat now. Eastweald and FC Samotath will join Ramusok United in the qualifying playoff for the Globe Cup group stage.
Series B Champions' Cup Playoff Round, Leg 2 Na'Malsille Mariners 1-4 Árgos LP (COM) Olask Islanders 2-1 Eelandii (TUR)
Utter capitulation in Na'Malsille. They were up 3-1 on aggregate with three away goals, and playing at home, yet still managed to somehow punch themselves in the eye - straight out of the tournament. The Islanders put up a better fight and even the series at 2-2 with a Karl Northbourne jump-kick volley in the 72nd minute, but ultimately concede a winner in the 89th minute to go out 3-2 on aggregate. And that does it for Cosumar in the SBCC. It is the first time in three years the Harlighet Ligan has not placed a team in the final sixteen.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 3 OAS Royal FC 1–0 FC Samotath Eastweald 0–1 Cassandra City Crawford City FC 4–1 Klyde FC Kaldukosic 5–2 Olask Islanders Zakhoro Aces 0–3 Ramusok United West Gundar FC 2–0 Versiaville SC Real Azuris 0–4 AC Holmenkollen Samaj FC 1–2 IFK Aldenskoett Na'Malsille Mariners 0–2 Mallox
FC Kaldukosic pick up right where they left off from the Metro Classic, spanking a timid Olask Islanders by the same 5-2 scoreline. And this time all five goals were beyond reproach – wingers Perkins and Wadimu being particularly on-point and accounting for three together. Olask fullbacks Rennold and Na’Tokeho will be having nightmares of the abuse suffered on this night for the rest of their lives. Elsewhere, the two C-Cities (Cassandra and Crawford) both continued perfect starts to the season with impressive wins over Eastweald and Klyde. Brandybok’s 55th-minute winner for the Reds at Old Weldenskirgen was particularly impressive, as he patiently chested down a ball and lashed it past Joakim Brankussen on a turning volley from the penalty spot. Goal of the week! Yet the sum total of Crawford City FC’s four goals might’ve been more impressive. Even at home, putting two in each half past a Klyde defense that features the likes of Jefferson, Rult Frampton, Tham Kerric and Teodor Alemany in no small feat. Paradoxically, the Elephants just seemed so much quicker than the Doves - running circles around them with simple training-ground sequences and beating them to every ball. “Three of our goals today were well-worked tap-ins. It’s emblematic of the confidence and style we played with all afternoon and, really, all season so far,” Kim Coultan said. The win of the weekend that raised the most eyebrows, however, was actually had by AC Holmenkollen. New signing Clayton Bordeau-Desjardins waltzed into Azuris and casually scored his debut Harlighet Ligan goal in the very first minute against the defending champions, and 17-year-old academy standout Lili Riprov bagged her first professional goal too just three minutes later. Stunned in their own house, Real sagged to a 4-0 defeat. Under Martin Adnansen, undefeated Holmenkollen have burst out of the gates with a fiery hunger to redeem themselves.
Globe Cup Qualifying Round, Leg 1 Racing Xinghua Baoyam (TRB) 0-0 Ramusok United FC Samotath 0-1 FC Jansberg (SEM) Montreal Koreana (QUE) 2-1 Eastweald
Last roadblock before the prestige and publicity of the group stage. United fail to get an away goal against a venomous Racing defense in The Royal Barangay and will be in for a nervous second leg. FC Samotath and Eastweald fight with both fists against giant LigAnaia Nord clubs but both come up a little short. But Dan Quesadillas’ soaring top-shelf header off of a chipped Bogwa cross in Quebec gave Eastweald a potentially crucial away goal in the 14th minute.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 4 FC Samotath 3–3 Mallox IFK Aldenskoett 3–1 Na'Malsille Mariners AC Holmenkollen 1–1 Samaj FC Versiaville SC 2–0 Real Azuris Ramusok United 2–1 West Gundar FC Olask Islanders 0–3 Zakhoro Aces Klyde 4–2 FC Kaldukosic Cassandra City 2–0 Crawford City FC OAS Royal FC 2–1 Eastweald
Oooh, lookie here. The two aforementioned perfect records meet head-to-head. 3-0-0 Crawford City made the trek north across the desert to challenge 3-0-0 Cassandra City. It was a frantic affair balanced on a shoestring that never really settled into a rhythm and real chances were hard to come by. Finally, the taut 0-0 affair was broken by the home side in the 83rd minute when Marcos’ Zelaya’s low angled shot was redirected in for an own goal by the awkward left knee of Efe Na’Kele. The Amphitheatre erupted, red checkered flags behind the goal waving at breakneck pace! Cassandra City sealed the three points in the 87th minute when Zelaya danced past Reiniger on the left wing before dropping a beautiful cross onto the leaping head of Kit Kvanderwyk in the middle. Not a chance for Theoklitos. 2-0 to the Reds. “We believe in the manager [Arturo Mancini] and we’re fighting to prove to you all that he is the right man to lead this club,” Cassandra City captain Jol Tortuu said.
Globe Cup Qualifying Round, Leg 2 Ramusok United 3-1 Racing Xinghua Baoyam (TRB) FC Jansberg (SEM) 1-2 FC Samotath Eastweald 1-2 Montreal Koreana (QUE)
Gareth Bournemouth rolls the dice by playing a somewhat rotated squad , but United take care of business at home. Which is what the Semar champions didn’t do. They allowed upstart FC Samotath to come from behind and celebrate their first ever UICA group berth in front of their red-and-orange-clad thousands in Jansberg. New players Lasse Hummel and Gwinevra Harmonium were instrumental, displaying a remarkable understanding going forward already. They were each rewarded with a goal. Back in Cosumar, Eastweald couldn’t match the firepower of Montreal Koreana even with Old Weldenskirgen behind them, but two out of three Cosumarite clubs advancing isn’t bad at all. Two in the group stage is actually a first for the Harlighet Ligan.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 5 Eastweald 0–0 FC Samotath Crawford City FC 2–0 OAS Royal FC FC Kaldukosic 2–1 Cassandra City Zakhoro Aces 1–0 Klyde West Gundar FC 3–1 Olask Islanders Real Azuris 1–2 Ramusok United Samaj FC 0–0 Versiaville SC Na'Malsille Mariners 0–0 AC Holmenkollen Mallox 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett
Real Azuris and Ramusok United finally meet on the pitch for the first time since Azuris edged United for last year’s title on the final matchday! Both clubs have sputtered in the early goings this season, though Ramusok United’s engine showed signs of warming up in last week’s hard-fought win over West Gundar. In any case, it might’ve just finally revved into full gear in this one. Neither side really looked like championship contenders in the first half (far from it – ugly match), but Gareth Bournemouth’s lads came out inspired in the second half and started stringing together some beautiful football. Boos rained from every deck of Massemord Stadium after United went up 2-0 in the 70th minute, Curtis Théberge capping off a swift passing sequence in the box off with an emphatic slam up into the roof of the net. The defending champs were gifted a goal back in the 74th (Ramusok defender Alcocer froze like a deer in headlights when young Azuris striker Andrew Arrowsword came charging at him – allowing the Cenian to slot home his first goal with ease) but were never able to break up Ramusok’s possession and mount a serious comeback. Real Azuris are now 1-1-3. It’s still early, but has the dreaded Champions’ Curse returned from a one-year vacation?
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 6 FC Samotath 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett AC Holmenkollen 2–1 Mallox Versiaville SC 2–1 Na'Malsille Mariners Ramusok United 1–0 Samaj FC Olask Islanders 0–2 Real Azuris Klyde 3–1 West Gundar FC Cassandra City 2–1 Zakhoro Aces OAS Royal FC 1–1 FC Kaldukosic Eastweald 1–1 Crawford City FC
FC Samotath are still in search of their first win in their new home after suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to IFK Aldenskoett in a truly frigid battle of the north at Alesund Stadion. The Bruce and the Samo defense had shut down the IFK counter game all-blizzardy-night, but a fortuitous bounce off a 93rd minute corner gave Anneke Bohls a window of opportunity in the box and the bearish 6”6 center back took it, scuffing a shot past Phoebe Etton through the snow to send the shivering home crowd towards the exits. Meanwhile AC Holmenkollen are churning out positive results so far under Martin Adnansen and, after warding off Mallox at their humble home, have the league’s only undefeated record. Cassell Kortuufa and Bordeau-Desjardins scored really nice goals (a clinical rolled shot to the far post and a chipped finish after an explosive stop-start run) on either side of half time to overcome a Mallox penalty (Nhatandal) in the third minute.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 7 Crawford City FC 1–4 FC Samotath FC Kaldukosic 1–1 Eastweald Zakhoro Aces 0–3 OAS Royal FC West Gundar FC 2–0 Cassandra City Real Azuris 0–1 Klyde Samaj FC 0–2 Olask Islanders Na'Malsille Mariners 1–0 Ramusok United Mallox 1–2 Versiaville SC IFK Aldenskoett 1–1 AC Holmenkollen
Demba Cisse, Mursill Lubiflor and WGFC are jubilant after defeating current table-leaders Cassandra City at home to move into the UICA zone themselves. Lubiflor won and scored the 25th minute penalty on her own, goading Kaden Wing into clattering into her with her tricky dribbling and acceleration – then burying the spot kick with aplomb. After 55 minutes of near-perfect defending, it was veteran reserve center back Oliver Pugh who fittingly netted West Gundar’s second, sliding in at the far post to poke home Cisse’s free kick that somehow passed between the legs of both Kvanderwyk and Catheline Boag. But the casual Harlighet Ligan fan in the Fiefdom would’ve missed it, as their eyes would’ve been on the famous Klyde’s Isle Derby between Klyde FC and Real Azuris: the biggest club from the two very different sides of the island. The southerners, Real Azuris, have dominated the derby in recent seasons, but it was the eponymous club from North Klyde that bagged this edition. In Azuris! The hero? Anna Bowman, up to her usual tricks, sliding onto a lovely lateral pass from strike partner Deon Partell and leathering a powerful shot straight through Robert Sieuwerd into the back of the net from ten yards. The disappointment will sting for the champs, especially considering it is already their fourth loss in seven games. Oh and hey, Olask Islanders finally picked up their first points of the season by beating their frustrations onto fellow newcomers from Samaj 2-0 (Poxay, Carr-Ponce).
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 8 FC Samotath 1–2 AC Holmenkollen Versiaville SC 0–0 IFK Aldenskoett Ramusok United 1–1 Mallox Olask Islanders 0–0 Na'Malsille Mariners Klyde 4–1 Samaj FC Cassandra City 0–3 Real Azuris OAS Royal FC 2–0 West Gundar FC Eastweald 0–3 Zakhoro Aces Crawford City FC 1–0 FC Kaldukosic
Things we learned from the morning match: AC Holmenkollen are still undefeated and FC Samotath still can’t win in their new $250 million stadium. After Funanya Nwapa and Taddeo Loredan did the honors in the 2-1 win, the Cedars are now top of the table and the Black Hawks are very close to the polar opposite. Where is the FC Samotath that knocked FC Jansberg out of the Globe Cup? Up in the northwest, Versiaville and Aldenskoett play out the most brutally physical match of the season. By the end of the match, two-thirds of the players had yellow cards and the match was down to 10v9 as three had been sent off with red cards. Versiaville’s Teemu Tuppurainen will certainly be suspended additional games for his flying horror tackle on Jess Capulet that forced the Nepharim to sub out with a pack of ice to the knee. Of course, it ended as a scoreless draw. The one (yes, one) shot on goal registered in the game was had by IFK’s Molly Killanen, but the Schottic wingback nervously sent the wide-open chance straight into the hands of Graham MacAmlaigh. Her anxiousness was understandable, given that the Tuppurainen incident went down just two minutes earlier and Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit was storming up behind her. Elsewhere, Real Azuris rallied for a massive 3-0 win at Cassandra City to jumpstart their season (Kite, Hathoway, Arrowsword) and a Western Isles derby between Mariners and Islanders coasted to a dull 0-0 finish.
League represented in parenthesis | H--->S--->T--->L1--->L2 | Major upsets and high-profile fixtures bolded.
First Round
SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (L1) 3–0 Lykathea City (L1) Drummond's FC (L2) 0–1 Mallox (H) Cape Dutch Copperheads (L2) 2–3 Black Diamond Osterhaut (L2) Morponte Fief II (L2) 1–0 Tonsei Tumult (L2) Stortrommeby Town (L1) 0–1 Treftadaeth Alliance (S) Crawford City FC II (L1) 2–1 Duval Town (L2) SC Swamport (L2) 0–1 FC Kviststad (L2) AC Opjenheim (L1) 1–0 Columbia Town (L2) FC Na'Travii (L2) 0–0 FK Pentagram Pjattervid (L2) (3–0 AET) Rhithlungwerddon Town (L1) 1–0 West Gundar FC (H) HSC Centus (L2) 2–0 Marshall-Blue FC (L2) Tranquility Treepolis (L2) 0–4 Helfin Fief FC (S) Ramusok United (H) 0–0 Klyde (H) (0–0 AET) (5–4 pen.) Grayslake (L2) 2–0 FC Kastanjestad (L2) Rexnor District 8 (L2) 0–2 Cassandra City II (L2) Orias-Kvissle SC (L2) 1–8 Real Azuris (H) Ajatarra Alligators (L2) 3–3 Villa Forte (T) (4–3 AET) Hvalsey 08 (L1) 0–1 Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC (L2) Noumen Town (L1) 3–0 Paulsendam Town (L2) Atletisk Kvelertak (L2) 3–1 Whitestone Athletic (L2) SC Cirith 01 (L1) 0–1 Klyde Heritage FC (S) Klovstad Klub (L2) 0–0 Gwynt Tywyll (S) (1–0 AET) Silk FC (L1) 4–1 Braylor Town (T) Murkwaamp Suns FC (L1) 1–0 Sammet Ridge (L2) Lindsborg Premier (L2) 0–1 Yuonela Town (L2) Rexnor District 1 (L2) 0–1 Kaldukosic Volmacht FC (L2) Aläng FF (L2) 1–0 Otkins Numenvernia (T) Sarmon FC (T) 1–0 Mintwick Marmots (L2) Rexnor District 6 (L2) 1–1 1. FC Guggenheim (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–5 pen.) Wealdheim Bards (L2) 0–0 Hassaburess Athletic (L2) (0–0 AET) (1–3 pen.) Club Toftir (L2) 3–0 FC Fyrbyggnad (L2) Theli City (L2) 0–1 Rhupenhoven Town (L2) Execo Station (L2) 1–0 Chittersbee Rangers (L1) Nuur Origins FC (L1) 0–0 SEP Bjarnum (L2) (1–0 AET) Austentrapp City FC (L2) 2–2 Mallox II (L2) (3–2 AET) Azure Lane FC (L1) 1–1 Rexnor District 4 (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.) Yambridge FC (S) 2–0 West Ellum (L2) Olask Islanders (H) 1–1 Sporting Pirankoper (L1) (2–1 AET) Dawchire Town (T) 5–1 Sporting Corrian (L2) IFK Sundsvall (T) 2–0 Rexnor District 9 (L2) Noths Castle (L2) 2–0 Inter Juta (L1) AC Holmenkollen (H) 0–0 FC Va'Lubasa (L2) (1–0 AET) Tamiat Town (T) 2–2 Menoptera United (L2) (3–3 AET) (3–4 pen.) Romstafar Outpost (L2) 1–0 CD Panteras Nueces (L2) Nabataea Town (L2) 0–1 FC Kaldukosic (H) Meryuma Marshals (L1) 4–0 FC1. Richtofen Avalanche (L2) Sadenia Paladins (L2) 0–1 East Devellin FC (L2) FC Samotath II (L2) 0–0 OAS Royal FC II (L2) (0–1 AET) Chamomile Town (L1) 1–3 Piander Falls FC (L1) Hagenheim South End (T) 0–1 Ardamirchan Isle United (L2) Marinus City (L2) 0–0 Fevelo United (T) (0–1 AET) Keenan Athletic (S) 2–0 Baymar Lagune (L2) Fort Archer (S) 0–0 White Tower FC (L1) (0–0 AET) (0–3 pen.) Larkinham Town (T) 4–1 DeFinko Magni Blandinn AC (L1) Dusk Athletic (L2) 2–1 Carnessa County (L2) FC Samotath (H) 0–0 Fayanora Pontonese (L2) (1–0 AET) High Noon FC (L1) 1–0 East Ellum (L2) Morponte Fief (S) 2–0 Kreanoltha Vipers (L2) Briquia Southside FC (L2) 3–0 Revanigruud Riversharks (T) Dillinger Town (L2) 0–2 Highlanders (L2) Eastweald II (L2) 0–1 Harlegan Rovers (L2) Atletisk Ostrad (T) 0–0 Club Varden (L2) (1–0 AET) Na'Nidive Falcons (L2) 0–1 Sontafe City (L1) Levithia Shrievenzale (L2) 0–5 Yellow Meadow Lynwood (L2) Na'Malsille Mariners (H) 2–2 FC Kaldukosic II (L2) (2–2 AET) (5–4 pen.) Taigaen Plats (L2) 0–0 Atletico Oterro (L1) (0–0 AET) (2–3 pen.) Atamac Wanderers (L2) 1–3 IFK Aldenskoett (H) Sporting Club Macofor (L2) 0–0 Malm Town (L2) (0–2 AET) Interstellar Östrad (L2) 2–3 Esterhollow Harbor (L1) Goldsoul FC (L2) 2–2 Scarromere FC (L2) (2–3 AET) Wilmontsbloom Blue Star (L2) 1–1 Nomad Brotherhood FC (S) (1–1 AET) (2–4 pen.) Flithby Town (L2) 0–1 Ollston Town (L2) Gorgoroth United (L2) 0–1 FC Invierness 912 (L2) OAS Royal FC (H) 1–0 Emerald Cove SC (L2) Pardock Island (S) 1–1 Keldin Town (L2) (2–1 AET) Gamlas North End (L2) 1–1 Pelethas United (S) (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.) Thergothon Town (L2) 1–0 Olympique Sur Mer (L2) Salfa City (L1) 4–1 IFK Karlsborg (L2) SC Vronus 510 (L1) 0–0 Ramusok United II (L2) (0–0 AET) (3–5 pen.) Riverside Crew (T) 1–0 FC Stellendam (L2) IFK Nordön (L1) 2–0 Lewisville Athletic (L2) VfL Bolmenstadt (L2) 0–1 Kalloroda United (L2) Coppell City FC (L1) 1–0 Oxbow Lake (L2) Cassandra City (H) 2–0 Klyde II (L2) Caledon Legion (L1) 0–0 Real Bellavista (L2) (1–0 AET) Cerulia City FC (L2) 0–1 Templar-Lune FC (L1) Orion Wanderers (L2) 1–1 Novia Alliance (L2) (2–1 AET) Ypres Woods FC (L2) 0–2 Crawford City FC (H) Varvonti Firestorm (L2) 0–5 Gladsax Chariot FC (L2) FC Flen (S) 2–1 Tierra Interstellar Wanderers (L2) Jotungard 99 FC (L2) 0–0 Zakhoro GCR (L1) (0–1 AET) Dockery Union (L2) 0–0 Real Azuris II (L1) (0–1 AET) Sólstafir (L2) 0–0 Gibwir Marsnal (L2) (1–0 AET) Gwerin Athletic (L1) 3–2 Impera Town (L2) Somberlain FC (L2) 0–3 FC Dynamo Kurbads (L2) Drahva United (L2) 3–1 Red Star Karbosic (L2) Ingleton Town (L2) 0–0 Zirconim City (L2) (0–2 AET) Eastweald (H) 0–0 Moggington County (L2) (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.) Borzac Sequins (L2) 1–2 Gnoss Gallants AFC (T) Chesterton Cottagers (L2) 2–3 Zakhoro Aces (H) Ziemelu Skaida (S) 3–1 IFK Sokulldak (L2) VfL Lautenstadt (L2) 0–3 Sindo Crusaders (T) Talmusok City (L2) 0–1 Portsmouth FC (T) Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2) 2–2 Crawford Sharks SC (L2) (2–2 AET) (1–3 pen.) Satyricon Nemesies AFC (L2) 1–0 Rexnor District 7 (L1) Regéla United (T) 0–1 Versiaville SC (H) FC Fejd (L2) 2–1 Everlong FC (T) Stoneshore United (S) 1–0 Ciems Mungonduvia (L1) Hamlack Town (L1) 1–0 Interstellar Erurok (L2) Cassandra Cosmopolitan (L1) 0–1 Rexnor District 5 (L2) Forest Hill FC (L1) 2–0 United FC of Stoneshore (L2) Wiedna Town (L2) 3–3 Glasbon SC (L2) (3–5 AET) Bayford City (L2) 1–0 Buscari Bridge Force (L1) Moore Hill Pirates (L2) 1–1 Aberaeron Celtic (L2) (1–2 AET) AFC Wernersburg (L2) 0–5 Rexnor District 3 (S) Bergtatt Island Athletic (T) 0–0 Cadonica United (L1) (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.) New Hagenheim Canopy (L2) 1–0 Goldstaff City (S) Oppland 806 (L2) 1–1 Sporting Culmar (L2) (2–2 AET) (1–3 pen.) Miklagaard Salvation (L1) 0–1 FC Arkadius (L2) Centus Serpents (S) 0–0 AFC Obscura 98 (T) (0–1 AET) Samaj FC (H) 1–1 Usk Town (L1) (1–1 AET) (2–0 pen.) Pristine Forest (T) 3–0 Ombra Castle (L2) Östrad Rockets FC (L1) 0–0 Sepultura (S) (0–1 AET) West Devellin FC (L1) 0–0 Tromsdale Town (L2) (2–0 AET) Scarborough (L2) 0–0 Na'Malsille Mariners II (L2) (0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.) Erpland County (L2) 1–1 Tornline (L1) (1–1 AET) (3–0 pen.) Svart-Guld Klingastalle (L2) 0–2 Atletisk Surpronuk (L1) Seryddwyr Aberaeron (T) 3–1 Treacherous Cove AFC (L1)
Second Round
SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (L1) 1–5 Mallox (H) Black Diamond Osterhaut (L2) 2–2 Morponte Fief II (L2) (2–3 AET) Treftadaeth Alliance (S) 0–1 Crawford City FC II (L1) FC Kviststad (L2) 0–0 AC Opjenheim (L1) (0–2 AET) FC Na'Travii (L2) 2–0 Rhithlungwerddon Town (L1) HSC Centus (L2) 0–3 Helfin Fief FC (S) Ramusok United (H) 4–0 Grayslake (L2) Cassandra City II (L2) 1–4 Real Azuris (H) Ajatarra Alligators (L2) 0–3 Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC (L2) Noumen Town (L1) 3–1 Atletisk Kvelertak (L2) Klyde Heritage FC (S) 2–0 Klovstad Klub (L2) Silk FC (L1) 0–2 Murkwaamp Suns FC (L1) Yuonela Town (L2) 3–1 Kaldukosic Volmacht FC (L2) Aläng FF (L2) 0–0 Sarmon FC (T) (0–0 AET) (4–2 pen.) 1. FC Guggenheim (L2) 1–0 Hassaburess Athletic (L2) Club Toftir (L2) 3–2 Rhupenhoven Town (L2) Execo Station (L2) 0–5 Nuur Origins FC (L1) Austentrapp City FC (L2) 3–3 Azure Lane FC (L1) (3–3 AET) (2–3 pen.) Yambridge FC (S) 0–0 Olask Islanders (H) (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.) Dawchire Town (T) 0–1 IFK Sundsvall (T) Noths Castle (L2) 0–1 AC Holmenkollen (H) Menoptera United (L2) 1–2 Romstafar Outpost (L2) FC Kaldukosic (H) 0–1 Meryuma Marshals (L1) East Devellin FC (L2) 0–0 OAS Royal FC II (L2) (0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.) Piander Falls FC (L1) 1–1 Ardamirchan Isle United (L2) (1–1 AET) (3–2 pen.) Fevelo United (T) 0–0 Keenan Athletic (S) (1–0 AET) White Tower FC (L1) 1–0 Larkinham Town (T) Dusk Athletic (L2) 0–1 FC Samotath (H) High Noon FC (L1) 0–0 Morponte Fief (S) (0–0 AET) (1–3 pen.) Briquia Southside FC (L2) 2–1 Highlanders (L2) Harlegan Rovers (L2) 1–2 Atletisk Ostrad (T) Sontafe City (L1) 1–1 Yellow Meadow Lynwood (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.) Na'Malsille Mariners (H) 1–0 Atletico Oterro (L1) IFK Aldenskoett (H) 2–0 Malm Town (L2) Esterhollow Harbor (L1) 1–0 Scarromere FC (L2) Nomad Brotherhood FC (S) 1–0 Ollston Town (L2) FC Invierness 912 (L2) 0–4 OAS Royal FC (H) Pardock Island (S) 2–0 Gamlas North End (L2) Thergothon Town (L2) 0–1 Salfa City (L1) Ramusok United II (L2) 5–1 Riverside Crew (T) IFK Nordön (L1) 4–4 Kalloroda United (L2) (5–4 AET) Coppell City FC (L1) 0–6 Cassandra City (H) Caledon Legion (L1) 0–1 Templar-Lune FC (L1) Orion Wanderers (L2) 1–1 Crawford City FC (H) (2–2 AET) (7–8 pen.) Gladsax Chariot FC (L2) 0–3 FC Flen (S) Zakhoro GCR (L1) 1–2 Real Azuris II (L1) Sólstafir (L2) 2–3 Gwerin Athletic (L1) FC Dynamo Kurbads (L2) 3–0 Drahva United (L2) Zirconim City (L2) 0–2 Moggington County (L2) Gnoss Gallants AFC (T) 1–1 Zakhoro Aces (H) (1–2 AET) Ziemelu Skaida (S) 0–0 Sindo Crusaders (T) (1–0 AET) Portsmouth FC (T) 2–2 Crawford Sharks SC (L2) (2–2 AET) (4–2 pen.) Satyricon Nemesies AFC (L2) 0–1 Versiaville SC (H) FC Fejd (L2) 2–2 Stoneshore United (S) (2–3 AET) Hamlack Town (L1) 1–1 Rexnor District 5 (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.) Forest Hill FC (L1) 1–1 Glasbon SC (L2) (2–2 AET) (3–4 pen.) Bayford City (L2) 1–2 Aberaeron Celtic (L2) Rexnor District 3 (S) 1–1 Cadonica United (L1) (1–1 AET) (5–3 pen.) New Hagenheim Canopy (L2) 0–1 Sporting Culmar (L2) FC Arkadius (L2) 3–0 AFC Obscura 98 (T) Samaj FC (H) 0–0 Pristine Forest (T) (0–0 AET) (3–2 pen.) Sepultura (S) 2–0 West Devellin FC (L1) Scarborough (L2) 0–0 Erpland County (L2) (0–1 AET) Atletisk Surpronuk (L1) 1–0 Seryddwyr Aberaeron (T)
Season 18 - Part 2
Posted: Sat May 28, 2016 6:57 pm
by Cosumar
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 9 FC Kaldukosic 3–0 FC Samotath Zakhoro Aces 2–1 Crawford City FC West Gundar FC 3–6 Eastweald Real Azuris 3–1 OAS Royal FC Samaj FC 0–0 Cassandra City Na'Malsille Mariners 0–4 Klyde Mallox 4–1 Olask Islanders IFK Aldenskoett 0–2 Ramusok United AC Holmenkollen 1–1 Versiaville SC
It took a couple months, but Minnie Lotuda has finally imprinted her identity into Klyde. The Doves had their best performance yet under their tiny-sized but big-hearted (and big-mouthed) new manager, defending terrifically together as a unit and efficiently converting four of their five shots-on-target into goals. Granted, it was against the floundering Mariners, but going all the way to The Western Isles to visit Na'Malsille is never an easy trip. With all four teams above them dropping points, Klyde now suddently find themselves at the top of a very congested table. Two sides that are both hoping to break into that tight pack of leaders, West Gundar and Eastweald, met in the night game and both managers decided to stick their necks out and really go for it. It quickly became a shootout, but Eastweald's superior attacking talent eventually pulled away, turning a narrow 3-2 halftime lead into a decisive 6-3 win. Jo de Marisco and Rook Fenwick, the league's tightest midfield duo, combined for a brace each. "This is the type of performance we need in every match from now until the end of the season," boss man Henrique Ventura said. "Especially since that was only our second win - we're already playing catch-up." Down in the tropical southwest, the Zakhoro Aces hoodwinked their bigger neighbors from Crawford in the Jungle Jamboree thanks to late goals in the final ten minutes from Henning Nilssen and Stian Mac Pharlain.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 10 FC Samotath 1–0 Versiaville SC Ramusok United 1–0 AC Holmenkollen Olask Islanders 1–1 IFK Aldenskoett Klyde 0–1 Mallox Cassandra City 6–1 Na'Malsille Mariners OAS Royal FC 3–2 Samaj FC Eastweald 3–1 Real Azuris Crawford City FC 1–0 West Gundar FC FC Kaldukosic 2–0 Zakhoro Aces
What a weekend! FC Samotath finally win a game at Alesund Stadion, 1-0 over Versiaville in the gritty style that has strangely become the norm for them over the past two seasons. Far from a performance worthy of the world-class stadium, but even Nazeau Roga (the afternoon's goalscorer) admitted it was "a relief to finally get that monkey of our backs" and please the disappointed home fans. A little further down the east coast seaboard, the first Ramusok derby of the season (no, not the big one) featured plucky AC Holmenkollen trying to keep its undefeated streak going against a Ramusok United side still trying to find itself. Despite the royal-blue shirts far outnumbering the baby-blue ones at Fire River Arena, AC Holmenkollen largely held their own thanks to the strength of their midfield. Funanya Nwapa has rebounded from being merely "pretty good" last year back to being the "game-changer" she was in her first season in North Ramusok when she helped power the Cedars to the Globe Cup. She was great on the day, but her efforts were nullified by a single Ramusok United moment of brilliance. Robin Geirsson's delicious strike at the beginning of the second half. From 23 yards out, the Polarian dribbled sideways then sent a swerving shot up and around Lilly Kearney and in off the woodwork. United deal their suburban little brothers their first loss of the season, 1-0. And finally, that happened in Cassandra. And it was all Kwame Cole. The budding Semar international had two stunning strikes to go with two lovely assists. He put in some great work on the defensive side too.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 11 Zakhoro Aces 1–0 FC Samotath West Gundar FC 1–1 FC Kaldukosic Real Azuris 2–1 Crawford City FC Samaj FC 0–2 Eastweald Na'Malsille Mariners 0–2 OAS Royal FC Mallox 0–2 Cassandra City IFK Aldenskoett 0–1 Klyde AC Holmenkollen 3–1 Olask Islanders Versiaville SC 0–1 Ramusok United
One of the more boring weekends of football so far if we're honest. Real Azuris and Crawford City FC looked an enticing fixture on paper, but an overbearing referee marred the match as all three goals came from rather soft penalties. "We lost because the ref arbitrarily decided to blow his whistle one more time on our end than he did on theirs," Crawford striker Dmytro Kurosawa said matter-of-factly. Elsewhere, the best entertainment was the bizarre sequence between Olask striker Karl Northbourne and Holmenkollen winger Adnan Valerikssen. The two are Semar countrymen, but seemed to have some sort of already-simmering bad blood between them. We can only guess what it is, but after Valerikssen nestled a beautiful free kick into the side-netting to put Holmenkollen up 3-0...it spilled over. Valerikssen embellished his celebrations a little, dancing in front of the home supporters and then directing some gestures towards Northbourne. It seemed innocuous enough, but Northbourne seemed to take the taunt as a personal insult and immediately charged over and...pinched Valerikssen's nose. Yep. He ran over and grabbed his schnoz. Forcefully. And yanked it around a little too. Of course, Valerikssen fell to the ground clutching his face in agony and Northbourne was sent off. The nose-assault will be an online meme for the rest of the year now...ugh. Samaj have had a frustrating season, and going down 3-0 by half time in a hostile environment is never fun, but regardless of personal history there's never an excuse for those kinds of antics. Entertaining as they may be. "All I'll say is that the arrogant prat deserved it. It was worth it," Northbourne said. Valerikssen responded: "He is probably just jealous of my success and our club's success this season. This sport makes people emotional. I think what he did was very immature, but my nose feels fine now and I'm putting this incident behind me." If only the media would too.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 12 FC Samotath 0–1 Ramusok United Olask Islanders 1–0 Versiaville SC Klyde 1–0 AC Holmenkollen Cassandra City 1–2 IFK Aldenskoett OAS Royal FC 0–1 Mallox Eastweald 3–3 Na'Malsille Mariners Crawford City FC 1–2 Samaj FC FC Kaldukosic 1–1 Real Azuris Zakhoro Aces 0–0 West Gundar FC
Without nose-grabber Karl Northbourne, the Islanders put aside the drama and hammer out a feel-good home win over Versiaville. Aging club legend/talisman Kohei Shinigata stepped in for Northbourne and turned back the clock, curling the winner in off the post from a tough angle in the 32nd minute after Dale Cooper botched the clearance. After several consecutive weeks of multiple clubs being tied on points for 1st, we now finally have a single clear leader: Ramusok United (even if it's only by one point). The Blues are on quite a roll, picking up their fifth straight win in the club's first visit to Alesund Stadion. The game wasn't much to watch, teenage fullback Atticus Hattingh heading home the only goal on a 40th minute corner, but Gareth Bournemouth won't care about style points. Eastweald had plenty of style points this weekend. All of Old Weldenskirgen collectively went oooooh when Jo de Marisco's back-heeled flick perfectly played Fenwick into space behind the defense (Kerwin Maston saved the initial shot, but Bogwa cleaned up the rebound). But despite the style points, the Elves dropped two actual points. Center backs Orion Black and Aleksi Soderlund were not on the same page and allowed Na'Malsille to turn 3-1 into 3-3 in the final fifteen minutes (Adiyah Amenel, Jenny Na'Matsoo). Will Black and Soderlund ever find a way to play together? Meanwhile, IFK Aldenskoett have firmly lodged themselves in lower midtable once again after shocking red-hot Cassandra City at The Amphitheatre.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 13 West Gundar FC 1–0 FC Samotath Real Azuris 5–2 Zakhoro Aces Samaj FC 1–1 FC Kaldukosic Na'Malsille Mariners 1–6 Crawford City FC Mallox 0–1 Eastweald IFK Aldenskoett 0–2 OAS Royal FC AC Holmenkollen 1–2 Cassandra City Versiaville SC 0–0 Klyde Ramusok United 1–0 Olask Islanders
After a week of double training sessions to work on defense, Eastweald look much improved in that regard in their huge derby match with Mallox. With a clear defensive concentration and their usual immaculate midfield, Eastweald were just too strong for their Gellano Fief rivals at The Orange Palace (yay bragging rights!). The week was also characterized by a couple smash-and-grabs by clubs fighting to keep pace with the UICA pack. Real Azuris put on their best attacking display of the season at home against the Aces, overwhelming that three-man back line with fire down the flanks. Kite, Bowditch, Belgrave, Hardwick and Arrowsword were the scorers, but Sean Fraser was the real danger man - he assisted on three of the five goals from his territory on the left. CCFC were even more dominant in their quick trip across the bay to Varela Road, Dmytro Kurosawa completing a true striker's hat trick - his first of the season and his sixth consecutive Harlighet Ligan season with a hat trick.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 14 FC Samotath 0–0 Olask Islanders Klyde 1–1 Ramusok United Cassandra City 5–2 Versiaville SC OAS Royal FC 2–0 AC Holmenkollen Eastweald 8–3 IFK Aldenskoett Crawford City FC 0–0 Mallox FC Kaldukosic 8–0 Na'Malsille Mariners Zakhoro Aces 0–2 Samaj FC West Gundar FC 2–1 Real Azuris
Jesus H. Christ. We get the first 8-goal performance of the season! No, wait, we get TWO of them. At the same time. Textbook example of how IFK Aldenskoett's extreme version of a counterattacking game can self-implode. They sit back with their six-man back line to absorb Eastweald's pressure and wait for the right moment to spring forward. They did find three such moments, but they just had no answer for Eastweald's incisive attacking game. There was no "absorbing" going on at Old Weldenskirgen. Despite IFK's compact defensive line, Eastweald dance straight through them like traffic cones all night long and Dan Quesadillas ends up with FIVE goals. That ties the league record for most in a game by one player. The third one was the best, a well-placed bicycle kick off Chelsea Wurman's embarrassing rendition of a defensive header. In Kaldukosic, the Na'Malsille Mariners play like sleepy mindless drones at Leviathan Arena. It's like they couldn't handle the suffocating atmosphere of 99,000 and just...tuned out. But that might be a euphemism. A more accurate term might be...bent over. Because FC Kaldukosic flat-out raped them. No other verb would be appropriate for the 8-0 mauling on display. Young Sunrisian center forward Kevin Stabb, who recently broke through and won the starting job from Chris Hodges, matched Quesadillas' performance and also etched his name on the scoresheet a club-record five times. What did Paaron Petrov do to deserve this?
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 15 Real Azuris 0–0 FC Samotath Samaj FC 1–1 West Gundar FC Na'Malsille Mariners 3–0 Zakhoro Aces Mallox 1–0 FC Kaldukosic IFK Aldenskoett 2–1 Crawford City FC AC Holmenkollen 0–1 Eastweald Versiaville SC 0–2 OAS Royal FC Ramusok United 3–3 Cassandra City Olask Islanders 2–3 Klyde
Leonias Bregoo. That is all. The Guayabalense midfielder has been dynamite this season - especially in the last two weeks. Last week, he scored one goal and assisted the other as OAS Royal trumped fellow Ramusoki club AC Holmenkollen. This week, he scored both goals (including a 28-yard screamer) as Royal made quick work of Versiaville by the same 2-0 scoreline. His creative spark is a large reason why Royal now occupy the top spot on the table, along with an absolutely stellar defense. Back in Ramusok, we had the usual fireworks that always seem to result when Ram Utd and Cassandra City share a pitch. The rivalry still as passionate as it was when they dueled for the title on the final Matchday all those years ago, this 3-3 draw was a barnburner. Three times the home Blues took the lead (Théberge 3', Culbreth 56', Flanningan 87') but three times Artutro Mancini's persistent Reds equalized (Tortuu 47', Cole 64' and finally Kvanderwyk 94').
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 16 FC Samotath 0–2 Klyde Cassandra City 4–1 Olask Islanders OAS Royal FC 1–1 Ramusok United Eastweald 1–1 Versiaville SC Crawford City FC 0–1 AC Holmenkollen FC Kaldukosic 2–1 IFK Aldenskoett Zakhoro Aces 2–1 Mallox West Gundar FC 0–1 Na'Malsille Mariners Real Azuris 1–2 Samaj FC
Aaaand we're all knotted up at the top again. Cassandra City, OAS Royal and Klyde (...Klyde?) all share the pole position at 10-2-4. And Ramusok United is only a point behind them with fourth. Klyde have quietly been in their best form of the last couple years: solid at the back, versatile in the midfield and ruthlessly efficient up top. Deon Partell was all over the place against FC Samotath tonight, making Alesund Stadion more of a home for himself than the Black Hawks have so far. Using his pace to run onto a delicately lofted ball by Lucius Kaspian and one-touch-chip it over Etton, he scored the deciding goal in the 51st minute. He also squared a ball back for on-rushing defender Jefferson late on. The Valladar international dispatched his first goal for Klyde with heartwarming glee. Not even the cacophony of boos after the final whistle (Samotath are in real danger of relegation just one season after finishing 3rd) could wipe the smile off his face. You know who's not smiling? Lujendra Mescalin. He made no secret of his desire to become the first manager to win three consecutive titles, but his Real Azuris can't stop taking one step back for every step forward. They haven't been terrible this season, but results like this one today (an inexplicable loss to a bad Samaj FC at home) have prevented them from joining the UICA hunt...yet. For their part, young Samaj handled Massemord Stadium like seasoned pros. Isadora Xenophon pinned the Breakers back with a forceful strike in the 10th minute. Bowditch leveled it for the champs before half time with a cool nutmeg of Aleksovic at the right post, but teenage Pasargan Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir became the unlikely hero for Samaj in the 83rd minute when she latched onto a loose ball at the top of the box and sent it spiraling into open net courtesy of a lucky deflection.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 17 Samaj FC 1–2 FC Samotath Na'Malsille Mariners 5–3 Real Azuris Mallox 3–1 West Gundar FC IFK Aldenskoett 2–2 Zakhoro Aces AC Holmenkollen 0–1 FC Kaldukosic Versiaville SC 1–0 Crawford City FC Ramusok United 0–0 Eastweald Olask Islanders 0–0 OAS Royal FC Klyde 2–2 Cassandra City
No real change in the pecking order on the final week before the midseason break as all the major players settle for draws. In the case of joint-leaders Klyde and Cassandra City, with each other. Cassandra City seemed well on their way to a three-point lead at the halfway point of the season, making it 2-0 in the 49th minute with Jol Tortuu's low bundled shot, but Partell channeled the spirit of Minnie Lotuda to grab a crucial point back for Klyde with back-to-back goals in the 60th and 61st minutes. At Cedar Park, FC Kaldukosic cemented their place as true UICA contenders this season when Kevin Stabb stabbed home a Corey Simmons III cross from point-blank range at the beginning of the second half to win 1-0. But the FC Kal defenders were the unsung heroes of the resounding performance. Most notably, Jakob Lunds made a spectacular goal-line clearance in stoppage time (a knee-high karate kick that kept Brock Mattox's shot out) to preserve the result.
Third Round Mallox (H) 1–0 Morponte Fief II (L2) Crawford City FC II (L1) 1–0 AC Opjenheim (L1) FC Na'Travii (L2) 1–2 Helfin Fief FC (S) Ramusok United (H) 3–3 Real Azuris (H) (3–4 AET) Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC (L2) 0–1 Noumen Town (L1) Klyde Heritage FC (S) 1–0 Murkwaamp Suns FC (L1) Yuonela Town (L2) 1–0 Aläng FF (L2) 1. FC Guggenheim (L2) 3–0 Club Toftir (L2) Nuur Origins FC (L1) 1–1 Azure Lane FC (L1) (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.) Olask Islanders (H) 1–0 IFK Sundsvall (T) AC Holmenkollen (H) 0–1 Romstafar Outpost (L2) Meryuma Marshals (L1) 0–1 East Devellin FC (L2) Piander Falls FC (L1) 1–0 Fevelo United (T) White Tower FC (L1) 1–0 FC Samotath (H) Morponte Fief (S) 1–0 Briquia Southside FC (L2) Atletisk Ostrad (T) 0–1 Sontafe City (L1) Na'Malsille Mariners (H) 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett (H) Esterhollow Harbor (L1) 0–2 Nomad Brotherhood FC (S) OAS Royal FC (H) 0–0 Pardock Island (S) (0–1 AET) Salfa City (L1) 0–1 Ramusok United II (L2) IFK Nordön (L1) 0–3 Cassandra City (H) Templar-Lune FC (L1) 0–1 Crawford City FC (H) FC Flen (S) 0–0 Real Azuris II (L1) (1–0 AET) Gwerin Athletic (L1) 2–1 FC Dynamo Kurbads (L2) Moggington County (L2) 1–1 Zakhoro Aces (H) (3–1 AET) Ziemelu Skaida (S) 4–0 Portsmouth FC (T) Versiaville SC (H) 0–0 Stoneshore United (S) (1–0 AET) Hamlack Town (L1) 2–1 Glasbon SC (L2) Aberaeron Celtic (L2) 0–2 Rexnor District 3 (S) Sporting Culmar (L2) 1–0 FC Arkadius (L2) Samaj FC (H) 0–0 Sepultura (S) (1–0 AET) Erpland County (L2) 0–0 Atletisk Surpronuk (L1) (0–0 AET) (2–3 pen.)
Fourth Round
Mallox (H) 3–1 Crawford City FC II (L1) Helfin Fief FC (S) 0–8 Real Azuris (H) Noumen Town (L1) 0–0 Klyde Heritage FC (S) (0–0 AET) (2–3 pen.) Yuonela Town (L2) 1–1 1. FC Guggenheim (L2) (2–1 AET) Nuur Origins FC (L1) 0–3 Olask Islanders (H) Romstafar Outpost (L2) 1–0 East Devellin FC (L2) Piander Falls FC (L1) 0–0 White Tower FC (L1) (1–0 AET) Morponte Fief (S) 0–1 Sontafe City (L1) IFK Aldenskoett (H) 0–0 Nomad Brotherhood FC (S) (0–0 AET) (5–6 pen.) Pardock Island (S) 1–1 Ramusok United II (L2) (1–1 AET) (3–0 pen.) Cassandra City (H) 1–6 Crawford City FC (H) FC Flen (S) 1–0 Gwerin Athletic (L1) Moggington County (L2) 2–0 Ziemelu Skaida (S) Versiaville SC (H) 2–0 Hamlack Town (L1) Rexnor District 3 (S) 1–1 Sporting Culmar (L2) (1–1 AET) (3–4 pen.) Samaj FC (H) 0–1 Atletisk Surpronuk (L1)
Only five Harlighet Ligan teams have advanced to the Round of 16, by far the fewest ever. It has been one of the most chaotic cups ever, with enormous blow-outs (Real Azuris has won multiple games by eight or more goals...) but also an inexplicable number of shock upsets. For example, fifth-tier Moggington County has plowed through clubs from all three of the CosumarLigan divisions to reach the final 16. Are Cosumar's biggest clubs really taking this competition seriously? The C-squad that Cassandra City rolled out to be slaughtered against Crawford City 6-1 indicates that many don't. Fortunately, all *five* (-_-) of the Harlighet Ligan clubs that remain will likely go for it HARD now that they've made it this far and so little opposition lines the bracket.
Season 18 - Part 3
Posted: Sun May 29, 2016 3:27 am
by Cosumar
AOCL Qualifying Round Onett Thunder (HKI) 0-1 (0–0, 0-1) Real Azuris (COS)
Cygnus Cup First Round
(CMT) Anomalies p 1-1 Eastweald (COS) 1-0 0-1 (3-1 pen)
Just like Real Azuris in the first round of the Champions Cup, Eastwead suffer the relative humiliation of an early exit at the hands of a Chromatik club new to the UICA scene. Anomalies have talent, such as former Premiership winger Sue Hackett and the young Lilian Aensland, but Eastweald should've done much better than just trading narrow home wins. But they didn't, so it came down to penalties and Kirstin Neovak was Wonder Woman for the Anomalies in goal.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 18 FC Samotath 3–6 Cassandra City Klyde 1–2 OAS Royal FC Olask Islanders 1–4 Eastweald Ramusok United 1–2 Crawford City FC Versiaville SC 0–1 FC Kaldukosic AC Holmenkollen 0–2 Zakhoro Aces IFK Aldenskoett 0–2 West Gundar FC Mallox 1–2 Real Azuris Na'Malsille Mariners 1–1 Samaj FC
All the teams are well-rested from the break. Back to the grind. The teams that were the hottest a few weeks ago, OAS Royal and Cassandra City, picked up right where they left off in the form book. The top-of-the-table clash between OAS Royal and Klyde was the primetime feature of the weekend and Royal proved that they were no "first half fluke" by simply being the better team in every way at The Klyde Sportsplex. Oskar Montag belted in a 20-yard shot in the 20th minute that Elton Alo should've done better to save. Five minutes later Peter Wiggin needed only a single touch of Warren Paysinger's through ball to round Alo and another to slot it diagonally home. 2-0 to Royal and they never looked back. Their 2-1 win was magnified by a multiple of three by Cassandra City against FC Samotath. 6-3. It was like a classic Samotath game back at the old venue - goals left and right and apparent indifference towards which teams was actually doing the scoring. Which was mostly Cassandra, of course. Marcos Zelaya scored twice for his first multi-goal game this year (surprising considering how nice a season he's having).
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 19 Na'Malsille Mariners 1–6 FC Samotath Samaj FC 3–2 Mallox Real Azuris 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett West Gundar FC 0–1 AC Holmenkollen Zakhoro Aces 1–0 Versiaville SC FC Kaldukosic 4–4 Ramusok United Crawford City FC 0–1 Olask Islanders Eastweald 0–2 Klyde OAS Royal FC 4–1 Cassandra City
You know those two in-form teams I was just talking about? Well, they met face-to-face this week. 1 vs. 2. Something had to give...and it was Cassandra City's defense. Their back line had actually been decent in the first half of the season, especially since Ben Seppanen started filling in at center back, but they just never looked up to the challenge at The Royal Palace against a Royal attack orchestrated masterfully from midfield by Pablo Corderro and Leonidas Bregoo. Montag, Wiggin, Corderro and Paysinger all score in the second half as OAS Royal roar to life to commandeer the three points and the league lead despite Brandybok's early goal. There's still a lot of football to be played, but there's a genuine belief in Ramusok that OAS Royal could actually win its first championship since Season 7. It's a good thing they didn't sack Josie MacLean after her rocky first 18 months in charge. She's done a phenomenal job since then. Managers need time. Elsewhere, the weekend was marked by a couple sizable upsets. For the first time this season, the lowly Olask Islanders beat a club that finished in the top half last season. Against their nearest rivals, CCFC, to boot - at Orangi Stadium. Their one goal came in first half stoppage time as Hera Poxay held up the ball at the top of the box then played it off for Pierce Griffiths to slot in a low shot at the far post. Then, Olask hanged on to the 1-0 lead for dear life throughout the second half and, somehow, managed to make it to the final whistle without giving in to Kim Coultan and the Crawford onslaught. The other upset was had by fellow newcomers Samaj FC as Sigurjónsdóttir slapped Mallox with an 85th minute 3-2 winner, drifting into the exact right spot to redirect Darrius Columbine's cutback across the face of goal into the opposite side-netting. The third newly-promoted team? Yeah, don't even ask. No such upset magic for the Mariners as they are disgraced at home by hitherto stone-cold FC Samotath. Nazeau Roga's hat trick was only half of the goals they conceded.
Globe Cup Group Stage
Group C Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts MSa CNv Sam Rev 1 Mar Sara FC VAL 6 5 0 1 12 5 +7 15 — 2–1 3–2 3–0 2 Celtic Noviodunum NGD 6 3 0 3 11 10 +1 9* 0–3 — 1–2 4–2 3 FC Samotath COS 6 3 0 3 11 9 +2 9* 2–0 0–2 — 5–0 4 Revolutionaries EUR 6 1 0 5 6 16 −10 3 0–1 1–3 3–0 — * Celtic Noviodunum ahead of FC Samotath on head-to-head goal difference
No surprise that FC Samotath don't advance, but it's a surprise that Celtic Noviodunum are the ones that edge them out instead of Revolutionaries. Despite their bleak league form, the Black Hawks had some moments in this group that will live on in club lore forever - particularly the 5-0 smashing of Revolutionaries and 2-0 win over Mar Sara at Alesund Stadion. Lasse Hummel really rose to the occasion in this group stage, scoring six of Samo's eleven goals.
Group L Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts RmU HDi Ctw Vlc 1 Ramusok United COS 6 5 1 0 13 4 +9 16 — 2–0 3–0 2–2 2 Hastmead Diamante OSR 6 2 2 2 9 9 0 8 2–3 — 2–2 1–0 3 Chatswood NPH 6 1 2 3 5 9 −4 5 0–1 1–1 — 2–0 4 Volcano FK PLS 6 1 1 4 5 10 −5 4 0–2 1–3 2–0 —
Ramusok United aren't the first Cosumarite club to win a Globe Cup group, but they're definitely the first to do it in such dominant fashion. Undefeated with a +9 goal differential? With a LigAnaia superpower and solid Premiership side? Color all of Cosumar impressed. Give credit to Gareth Bournemouth's international experience, give credit to Felix Shaw's unshakable presence in goal and give credit to the wizardly #10 - Robin Geirsson - who thrust himself back into global spotlight with a series of earth-shattering performances. He may not play international football anymore due to Polar Islandstates' hiatus, but he has reminded the world why he was a Terns regular while they were competing for World Cups. He was the best player in this group.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 20 FC Samotath 2–1 OAS Royal FC Cassandra City 0–3 Eastweald Klyde 1–0 Crawford City FC Olask Islanders 0–2 FC Kaldukosic Ramusok United 2–1 Zakhoro Aces Versiaville SC 3–1 West Gundar FC AC Holmenkollen 0–2 Real Azuris IFK Aldenskoett 1–0 Samaj FC Mallox 0–0 Na'Malsille Mariners
With the Globe Cup behind them, FC Samotath look around and seem to suddenly realize they're in 17th place. So it is with great urgency that they go at visiting league leaders OAS Royal. Roga put the desperate Black Hawks on top first with a timelessly athletic scissor-kick in the 36th minute (will he ever not be able to do that?), but Paysinger would silence Alesund Stadion with an equalizer in the 79th minute. Which set the stage perfectly for a late winner. With the way the match had been ramping up in tempo and openness, one seemed destined. It was just a matter of which side would snare it. FC Samotath, desperate to dig themselves out of relegation, or OAS Royal, desperate to hold on to their title position? Surprisingly, the former. FC Samotath finally caught a break when the usually-unflappable OAS defender Jan Årud made a mess of a long ball over the top in the 82nd minute and basically gave Otto Rush the chance on a platter. He took it. With an uncharacteristically cheeky scoop. The Royals are still on top despite the setback, but Klyde are now knocking on the door thanks to their own winner in the final ten minutes via Lyyli Silvén. Her bending shot from the right side of the box found its top-shelf mark to down visiting Crawford City FC.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 21 Mallox 1–2 FC Samotath Na'Malsille Mariners 0–0 IFK Aldenskoett Samaj FC 0–0 AC Holmenkollen Real Azuris 1–0 Versiaville SC West Gundar FC 1–3 Ramusok United Zakhoro Aces 3–0 Olask Islanders FC Kaldukosic 2–0 Klyde Crawford City FC 1–1 Cassandra City Eastweald 0–2 OAS Royal FC
FC Kaldukosic springboard multiple places up the table with a six-point win over Klyde, who are simply the latest team to look really uncomfortable at Leviathan Arena. Jakob Lunds is a beast for Kaldukosic - he single-handedly held the quicker and younger Deon Partell in check all night. If Lunds isn't the league's best center back, it's Klyde's Jefferson on the other side. He had a very positive performance as well, keeping FC Kaldukosic's swelling confidence at bay for as long as he could. In the end though, the roaring masses of green-clad Kaldukosicans got their wish and Kevin Stabb and Bennett Perkins (both having career years) broke through with late goals. FC Kal into second! Right now, it almost seems like the city is as excited about Corey Simmons Jr.'s budding team as they are about their giridiron teams. Meanwhile, Zakhoro Aces continue to be the surprise top-half package of the year, tallying their 10th win in a comfortable three-goal win over Olask that could've easily been four or five. Big old Polaaskan center forward Henning Nilssen bullied Joseph Van Duren for an in-the-box brace and 38-year-old winger Koma Kugbe sallied forth from the bench for the final five minutes and rubbed salt in Van Duren's wound by beating the younger and taller man to a lofted cross to head home the third goal with his first touch of the game. Van Duren also gave away a penalty on an obvious handball in the first half, but fortunately for his sanity, Stian Mac Pharlain sailed it over the bar. "Sometimes as a defender you just have those games where everything you do goes against you," Van Duren said with a shrug. "I'm the captain of this team so I can't let it get me down." If the Islanders don't have a revelation, they'll be going down. Already eight points adrift in last place, survival in Olask seems as distant as Ramusok.
AOCL Group Stage
P Group B Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts SCU AIZ RAz IsD 1 Spatula City Utensils 6 4 2 0 12 4 +8 14 — 2–1 1–1 0–0 2 AC Izotz Zubia 6 3 1 2 7 7 0 10 1–3 — 1–0 2–1 3 Real Azuris 6 1 3 2 6 6 0 6 0–1 1–1 — 4–2 4 Iskara Daii 6 0 2 4 4 12 −8 2 1–5 0–1 0–0 —
Real Azuris are competitive in a tough group, but never really threaten the big boys' prospects of advancement. The 4-2 home win over Iskara Daii was nice, but otherwise the common complaint around Azuris is that Lujendra Mescalin had them paying too much respect and playing too defensive, conservative or even "afraid".
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 22 FC Samotath 2–1 Eastweald OAS Royal FC 0–0 Crawford City FC Cassandra City 0–0 FC Kaldukosic Klyde 2–1 Zakhoro Aces Olask Islanders 1–0 West Gundar FC Ramusok United 1–3 Real Azuris Versiaville SC 0–1 Samaj FC AC Holmenkollen 3–0 Na'Malsille Mariners IFK Aldenskoett 1–0 Mallox
With Real Azuris stuck in 12th with a losing record at the midseason break, variants of "RIP three-peat" dominated soccer social media. It didn't help that Real conceded five goals to Na'Malsille in the last match before the break. Not a good taste to leave in people's mouths for the next month. But too everyone who posted "RIP", Real are now sending a clear message: WE AINT DEAD YET. The Breakers are a perfect 5-0-0 here in the second half of the season. If they keep it going for another week or two, they'll be back in the Globe Cup places. After witnessing their cathartic 3-1 road win over a very good Ramusok United side, I don't think it's unreasonable to say they could take this turnaround all the way to the title. Twelve matches still to play. The catalyst for their revival has been the reemergence of Florentin Lachance. Last season's Newcomer of the Year sort of disappeared in the first half of the season, but not so anymore. His first goal of the season could not have come at a better time, breaking a 1-1 deadlock following an Alcocer goal for United. He played a gorgeous one-two with Georgia Kite on a bursting run into the box from midfield then capped it off with a sweeping finish under Felix Shaw. Fifteen minutes later, his ability to maintain possession and find the right pass initiated the sequence that led to teenage sub Stig Soderquist's first goal for the club. It capped off the 3-1 win and silenced Fire River Arena (besides the visiting Azurians, of course). Watch out, Harlighet Ligan. Real Azuris are back in title-mode.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 23 IFK Aldenskoett 1–4 FC Samotath Mallox 1–1 AC Holmenkollen Na'Malsille Mariners 0–1 Versiaville SC Samaj FC 1–1 Ramusok United Real Azuris 5–1 Olask Islanders West Gundar FC 3–2 Klyde Zakhoro Aces 1–1 Cassandra City FC Kaldukosic 2–4 OAS Royal FC Crawford City FC 1–1 Eastweald
Yep, title-mode confirmed. Lachance scores again and so do four other players (Fraser, Hardwick, Bowditch, Gaspin) as Real Azuris crush Olask Islanders in South Klyde. Ok, it'd be a worrying sign if they didn't score five goals against a down-in-the-dumps Olask, but still. In a true relegation six-pointer the two teams Olask are directly beneath, Versiaville and the Mariners, battled it out in The Western Isles. Despite their table position, the football on display was very good. Sharp passing sequences being strung together, disciplined defending and, well, everything but the finishing. After both sides bottled a number of golden chances throughout, Versiaville finally scored the game's only goal in the 83rd minute. Against all odds, it was 17-year-old street footballer Neil "Nightrider" Lassiter who came on for just his second appearance of the season and strolled straight through Nabil Aslam and Brianna Jacob with astounding technical control. And he actually had end product, depositing the ball well beyond Maston's diving hands! The 1-0 result opens up a three-point cushion between the Villagers and the automatic relegation zone. Speaking of cushions, leaders OAS Royal FC now have a four-point one for the title. It was a massive win against FC Kaldukosic. Can't be understated. Probably the biggest game of the season so far. A loss would've seen Kaldukosic leapfrog them into 1st, but instead Royal are sitting on the first multi-game lead of the whole season. The fact that they scored four goals away at the suffocating Leviathan Arena indicates that MacLean's Whites might have championship mettle after all.
Globe Cup Sixteenth-Finals, First Leg Kurtz Herritik (MRT) 0-3 Ramusok United
*exhales*. Massive. Three away goals in Mertagne and United look set to become the first Cosumarite club to make it past the sixteenth-finals (Mallox and Cassandra City have both exited at this stage before). A LigAnaia side was one of the more difficult draws too. Curtis Théberge saved the best of himself for the UICA knockouts, netting a brilliant strike on either side of an equally impressive pummeled goal by Elena Culbreth.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 24 FC Samotath 3–3 Crawford City FC Eastweald 1–1 FC Kaldukosic OAS Royal FC 4–2 Zakhoro Aces Cassandra City 1–1 West Gundar FC Klyde 1–3 Real Azuris Olask Islanders 1–2 Samaj FC Ramusok United 0–0 Na'Malsille Mariners Versiaville SC 1–2 Mallox AC Holmenkollen 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett
Damn. The title might be OAS Royal's to lose now. They open up a seven point lead as Eastweald trips up 3rd-place FC Kaldukosic and Real Azuris incinerate 2nd-place Klyde in the Klyde's Isle Derby. The Globe Cup pack is tight and fierce, but if they devour themselves, it might free Royal to dance away to the trophy. Real Azuris now seem the biggest threat all of a sudden, having pulled themselves into the forefront of that hunting pack with their seventh consecutive win. That 3-1 derby scoreline was a little flattering to the losing Doves. Real Azuris were generating chances right and left all sunny afternoon and ended up something like 15 shots on-frame. On opposite sides of the Fiefdom, the Islanders fall to Samaj (who will be looking to surprisingly clinch safety in the coming weeks after an defiantly impressive season) and FC Samotath and Crawford City FC play out a fiery 3-3 draw despite the freezing rain.
Globe Cup Sixteenth-Finals, Second Leg Ramusok United 1-1 Kurtz Herritik (MRT)
The Blues were just praying not to choke this one away. Things started a little dicey when Seon Jin Kang hauled down Cosumarite striker Linden Lucassen (little brother of Darwyn) for an early penalty (which Lucassen converted), but United buckled down defensively thereafter. A Théberge bullet header in the 84th minute finally guaranteed the Blues' passage into the Round of 16.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 25 AC Holmenkollen 0–1 FC Samotath IFK Aldenskoett 1–0 Versiaville SC Mallox 0–0 Ramusok United Na'Malsille Mariners 0–3 Olask Islanders Samaj FC 1–3 Klyde Real Azuris 0–0 Cassandra City West Gundar FC 3–4 OAS Royal FC Zakhoro Aces 0–1 Eastweald FC Kaldukosic 3–3 Crawford City FC
Whew, West Gundar really gave OAS Royal all they're worth in that one. Josie MacLean probably got more than she bargained for from this trip to the New Harmonia Stadium, but her Royals answered the bell even after WGFC wingers Hallen and de Wit put them down 2-0 by half time. Within five minutes of the second half, Nicola Pecoraro headed home a corner and Oskar Montag sliced in a volley to draw OAS Royal FC level at two. West Gundar would celebrate a 3-2 lead in the 87th minute when Demba Cisse tapped-in at the far post, but it wasn't the end. Peter Wiggin won a free kick from thirty yards out just before stoppage time. Of course, Pablo Corderro took it. He rattled Jed Kooistra's crossbar with near-perfect placement, but Wiggin was there to body in the rebound. 3-3! The Gundar locals were dejected after that turn of events. But if they were dejected then, they were devastated when Wiggin completed their transition from three points to one to none. In the dying breaths of stoppage time, many fans already heading out to beat the traffic, the ball found his feet during a scrum in the box and he dispatched it in disbelief. "I couldn't believe the ball just fell to me like that with open net in sight. I knew there was no option but to score it," Wiggin said. "Sometimes to win a title you need the little moments along the way to fall in your direction. This might be one of those moments we look back on and realize was really critical." It might be equally critical for what happened in Azuris. The surging champs finally had their seven-game winning streak snapped by Cassandra City. Not exactly the defense you'd expect to shut out prime-form Azuris in their own lair, but they did it. Credit the fullbacks Boag and Grimswald for locking down the wings. Aaron Lloyd in goal was a rock as well.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 26 FC Samotath 1–1 FC Kaldukosic Crawford City FC 2–2 Zakhoro Aces Eastweald 1–0 West Gundar FC OAS Royal FC 0–0 Real Azuris Cassandra City 1–3 Samaj FC Klyde 4–1 Na'Malsille Mariners Olask Islanders 1–1 Mallox Ramusok United 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett Versiaville SC 0–1 AC Holmenkollen
Samaj FC mystify me. Sometimes they look like utter dog shit, yet they have also had a penchant for stunning results like this. Cassandra City dominated possession, but never really did anything with it. They allowed Samaj come alive in the final 20 minutes and break the 1-1 deadlock - twice - after inserting impact subs Ross Rowe and Valfar. The two subs each got to assist nearly identical Isadora Xenohpon goals. Twice in the final 20 minutes, the tall, lanky striker used her physical attributes to her advantage to maneuver position deep in the box, control the pass, outmuscle a defender, turn and shoot towards the top corner while falling away. Twice it worked. At 8-8-10 Samaj are surely safe now. At the other end of the table, potential title suitors OAS Royal and Real Azuris came head-to-head at The Royal Palace, but it was pretty anticlimatic. 0-0. Only the goalkeepers will be fully pleased with how their days went. But with their nice little cushion, OAS Royal will be okay with reinforcing the status quo with a draw. But they better watch out for Klyde. The purple-and-turquoise have drifted back up into 2nd by routing lower-table teams in recent weeks. They don't really have a star player like a Bregoo that carries them, but they're just a very complete team with a unique style of play that gets consistent contributions from a variety of sources. Like in their dismantling of the Mariners this week: Bowman, Partell, Silvén and Frampton all scored and each goal was assisted by a different player.
League represented in parenthesis (H-->S-->T-->L1-->L2)
Round of 16 Mallox (H) 0–1 Real Azuris (H) Klyde Heritage FC (S) 1–0 Yuonela Town (L2) Olask Islanders (H) 3–1 Romstafar Outpost (L2) Piander Falls FC (L1) 1–1 Sontafe City (L1) (1–1 AET) (2–3 pen.) Nomad Brotherhood FC (S) 0–1 Pardock Island (S) Crawford City FC (H) 2–1 FC Flen (S) Moggington County (L2) 0–2 Versiaville SC (H) Sporting Culmar (L2) 0–1 Atletisk Surpronuk (L1)
A number of Cinderella runs come to an end here in the business end of the King's Cup, but the most notable result from the round was Real Azuris' elimination of former cupwinners Mallox. It was the teenage Cenian sensation Andrew Arrowsword with the decisive goal in his first official start for the club. Running onto a long ball over the top, he calmly collection it and prodded it past the on-rushing Calogero Metz inside the near post.
Quarterfinals Real Azuris (H) 1–0 Klyde Heritage FC (S) Olask Islanders (H) 3–1 Sontafe City (L1) Pardock Island (S) 0–0 Crawford City FC (H) (0–0 AET) (1–3 pen.) Versiaville SC (H) 0–1 Atletisk Surpronuk (L1)
Holy shit, they've actually done it. Conference club Atletisk Surpronuk have become the first club outside Harlighet or Sekundar Ligan to advance to the final four. The fourth-tier side from the wild north didn't shy away from Versiaville (they used to be a Harlighet Ligan club at one point after all - twenty years ago) and prevailed through this defensive slugfest by converting a deserved first half penalty. Could Surpronuk actually...make the Grand Final at The Royal Palace? A tough date with Kim Coultan and CCFC awaits them.
Semifinals Fixtures
Real Azuris vs. Olask Islanders @ Old Weldenskirgen (43,209), Yambridge, Gellano Fief
Crawford City FC vs. Atletisk Surpronuk @ Leviathan Arena (99,114), Kaldukosic, Kaldukosic Fief
Season 18 - Part 4
Posted: Sun May 29, 2016 6:37 pm
by Cosumar
Globe Cup Eighth-Finals, First Leg Ramusok United 3-0 RGS Athletic (EFL)
Yeeeeehaw! RGS Athletic are the class of the ICELFA Premier League, but they were no match for Ramusok United at Fire River. Kristian Gjallskald rose to the occasion to severely limit Man Jin Kang's damage on the left wing (would Tomasso Tenebrosa have been as effective?), and center backs Robbie Alcocer and Mike Flanningan coped well with the goal-scoring prowess of Tia Drenas up top. After a full game of solid defense and missed opportunities on the other end, the Blues finally got their deserved goal in the 83rd minute from the prolific Curtis Théberge. And then another in the 88th (Barnsley). And another in the 93rd (Culbreth).
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 27 Versiaville SC 0–1 FC Samotath AC Holmenkollen 0–0 Ramusok United IFK Aldenskoett 2–1 Olask Islanders Mallox 2–0 Klyde Na'Malsille Mariners 0–1 Cassandra City Samaj FC 1–0 OAS Royal FC Real Azuris 3–1 Eastweald West Gundar FC 4–0 Crawford City FC Zakhoro Aces 0–4 FC Kaldukosic
Things get a lot tighter at the top when the top three all falter. OAS Royal, Klyde and a tired Ram Utd go goalless (Really, OAS? To Samaj?). 4th and 5th-placed FC Kaldukosic and Real Azuris take advantage and do just the opposite. FC Kaldukosic's four goals from their stomping of the Aces bring their season's total to 55 - comfortably the best mark in the league. All of their attacking players, from Wadimu to Simmons III to Perkins, have been lightning-in-a-bottle for most of the season. And especially Kevin Stabb, who is really turning out to be the complete center forward. The North Sunrisian stabbed home two left-footed goals in Zakhoro this weekend (sorry, that pun is never going to get old) and he also set picks that freed up Redd Banner and Ville Pakkanen to head home on corners. It's finally all coming together for the Big City Boys under Corey Simmons Jr. "Yeah, we're thrilled with how we've been able to perform so far this season. I knew we had it in us," beloved local homegrown lad Tamer Yilmaz proclaimed at Zapt Park after the match. "But there's still a lot of work to be done, the UICA race is tight and we're still in contention for the title as well."
Globe Cup Eighth-Finals, Second Leg RGS Athletic (EFL) 0-2 Ramusok United
The dream continues. Ramusok United add two more to make it 5-0 on aggregate and sail through to Cosumar's first ever place in the Globe Cup's final eight. The entire Fiefdom will be rooting for them.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 28 FC Samotath 0–2 Zakhoro Aces FC Kaldukosic 1–4 West Gundar FC Crawford City FC 1–1 Real Azuris Eastweald 1–0 Samaj FC OAS Royal FC 0–4 Na'Malsille Mariners Cassandra City 3–1 Mallox Klyde 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett Olask Islanders 0–1 AC Holmenkollen Ramusok United 0–1 Versiaville SC
It's an eerily quiet morning in Ramusok. Both of the capital's big two clubs (United and Royal) played at home last night and both were felled by bottom-feeders. Na'Malsille wingers Lady Garinotte Monnoyance and Rupert Folchart carved up a half-assed OAS Royal defense in the first half to make it 2-0. The Whites looked more lively in the second half but couldn't find the goal with Montag resting, and Mariners reserve striker Aldo Cosuman came on and added two late goals to ring up an embarrassing 4-0 scoreline. Things were only marginally better across town at Fire River Arena, where Ramusok United struggled to make headway against Versiaville's stout defense. Versiaville's inept attack chose this moment to score its first away goal in what feels like months, Asa Nemtheanga rising above Robbie Alcocer to head down Kasey McKirkley's gorgeous pass right in front of the goal. Felix Shaw flailed for it, but not even his lightning-quick reflexes could keep the ball from bouncing in at point-blank. Robin Geirsson had a chance to equalize later from the penalty spot after Augustine Breton tripped Martin Mazida from behind, but his powerful kick drifted inches above the crossbar. All of Ramusok (besides the tiny Holmenkollen sect on the northern fringe, of course) is now cast in a shadow of anxious disappointment as Royal's championship cushion was trimmed to two points and United vacated their Globe Cup spot.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 29 Ramusok United 1–0 FC Samotath Versiaville SC 0–0 Olask Islanders AC Holmenkollen 4–1 Klyde IFK Aldenskoett 0–1 Cassandra City Mallox 2–0 OAS Royal FC Na'Malsille Mariners 0–3 Eastweald Samaj FC 1–0 Crawford City FC Real Azuris 1–0 FC Kaldukosic West Gundar FC 1–2 Zakhoro Aces
Back in the day, OAS Royal and Mallox were the two giant superpowers of Cosumarite soccer. They were the be-all-end-all, dueling each other for titles year after year. Now that OAS Royal seems to have made a return to title relevance, Mallox welcome them to The Orange Palace and say "not on our watch!. Mallox have had a very boring midtable season, not particularly good but not really bad either - but their orange-clad fans took great delight in continuing Royal's recent rough patch. Jesper Lindroos exaggerated the impact of a studs-up challenge by Alex Rocket to get him sent off in just the 15th minute, and Jimmy Kelly proceeded to plunder the man-advantage for a brace. Mallox win 2-0 to restore the equilibrium between their wins and losses (eleven each) for the umpteenth time this season. Klyde could've eclipsed Royal for first place, but they collapse under the weight of the opportunity and concede FOUR goals to AC Holmenkollen's Cassell Kortuufa. What an evening for the young striker. He had Tham Kerric's number. Written down. Meanwhile, Crawford City FC continue to be horrible here in the second half of the season, stinking up all of the City of Samaj with their putrid "soccer" as Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir bagged yet another late winner for the home side, slicing through the Crawford defense like butter before sending Theoklitos the wrong way. It is becoming the young Pasargan's trademark. She only scores in the final ten minutes of tied games. Who would have believed that this ragtag Samaj side would be ahead of CCFC (and Samotath for that matter...and WGFC) at this late stage of the season?
Globe Cup Quarterfinals, First Leg Ramusok United 0-0 Alianza FC (SJG)
Both sides look a little nervy in the first leg and lock into a back-and-forth midfield tussle that never yielded any answers. The Blues won't hate their chances now, travelling to Alianza with a clean slate and an away-goals advantage in their back pocket.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 30 FC Samotath 3–3 West Gundar FC Zakhoro Aces 1–4 Real Azuris FC Kaldukosic 3–1 Samaj FC Crawford City FC 6–3 Na'Malsille Mariners Eastweald 1–2 Mallox OAS Royal FC 3–0 IFK Aldenskoett Cassandra City 1–0 AC Holmenkollen Klyde 1–0 Versiaville SC Olask Islanders 0–2 Ramusok United
This title race is going to come down to the wire. All of the top five win this week. All looking 100% determined to lift the golden trophy in one month's time. And any of them could do it. 5th place Ramusok United is only four points behind 1st place OAS Royal. It will all be decided in these final four matches. If you had to pick a horse to bet on, it might be Real Azuris. The twice-defending champions are STILL undefeated since the midseason break (10-3-0). Their unbridled ascent from 12th to 2nd since then has been nothing short of special. They were superb again last night, travelling to Zakhoro and battering up the Aces despite the sweltering humidity. Their offensive machine, from water-carrier Lachance to spearhead Kite, was clicking with clinical precision in the southwestern heat. Just like it has been doing for the last thirteen matches. Sean Fraser rang up a brace with two blazing right-footed shots from the left, Georgia Kite chested in a ball driven across the face of goal, and even old Ipier Ubuntu pitched in with a late volley to restore Azuris' aura of invincibility after they had just conceded an easy goal to Peter Marshall.
Globe Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg Alianza FC 3-1 Ramusok United
Well, that's that, then. Alianza strike early and hold a 1-0 lead until Mazida strikes back for Ramusok in the 66th minute. In crunch time, however, Ramusok United's central defense finally proved to be its vulnerability as Alianza's Dragan Kryznjak showcased the athleticism and technique that makes him one of the world's best strikers - scoring twice by beating United's center backs up the middle. Still, it was a great run for Gareth Bournemouth's team, setting a new bar for Harlighet Ligan clubs in the UICA. Bravo to them.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 31 Olask Islanders 1–4 FC Samotath Ramusok United 1–0 Klyde Versiaville SC 0–1 Cassandra City AC Holmenkollen 1–0 OAS Royal FC IFK Aldenskoett 1–6 Eastweald Mallox 0–1 Crawford City FC Na'Malsille Mariners 1–1 FC Kaldukosic Samaj FC 0–0 Zakhoro Aces Real Azuris 3–1 West Gundar FC
OAS Royal's sweaty palms finally slip and relinquish their grip on the title. Their late decline continued as they took a quick bus ride across Ramusok to Cedar Park for a derby match, but kinda forgot to get off the bus. Holmenkollen upstaged Josie MacLean's nervous squad, and it was an unlikely hero in left back Marco Luna who sent the intimate stadium into a frenzy with a thunderous winning strike in the 84th minute. Real Azuris have now completed their long climb from 12th back to their rightful place on the Harlighet Ligan throne. They check into first after ramming it down West Gundar's throats at home. Strangely, it was the defensive-minded players (d-mid Hardwick and center backs Gaspin and Fermer) who actually got on the scoresheet for Azuris this time. And after lurking in the UICA fringes for the longest time, Cassandra City also seize the moment and grind out a tough 1-0 win in Versiaville to pop into 2nd. And up in The Eagles' Nest, Eastweald prove that they really really want to achieve UICA status in Henrique Ventura's final season, pouring their hearts into a 6-1 dismantling of Aldenskoett. Bogwa had a brace in the game, and his second goal might've just been the goal of the season. With a single immaculate hit of a skipping ball from 35 yards out on the left, his walloped shot rainbowed up over Edwin Mullins and arced back down at the last possible second to dink in under the crossbar. After a millisecond of stunned silence, Old Weldenskirgen erupted into a roar at least as loud as a fighter-jet takeoff.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 32 FC Samotath 0–4 Real Azuris West Gundar FC 2–1 Samaj FC Zakhoro Aces 1–1 Na'Malsille Mariners FC Kaldukosic 2–1 Mallox Crawford City FC 3–1 IFK Aldenskoett Eastweald 2–1 AC Holmenkollen OAS Royal FC 1–0 Versiaville SC Cassandra City 1–0 Ramusok United Klyde 1–2 Olask Islanders
Klyde are eliminated from title contention in the most shameful way possible - losing at home to Olask. Even rival fans had to cringe a little bit in embarrassment for Minnie Lotuda and the Doves as they let down 60,000+ supporters who had amassed at The Plex to celebrate the clinching of a UICA berth that would have come with a win. Olask had to win themselves to keep their hopes of staying up alive - and they played like it. That kind of motivation can make any team dangerous. The Islanders' two most vocal players, captain Joseph Van Duren and designated nose-grabber Karl Northbourne, set the example and put balls past Elton Alo through sheer force of will in the first half. Klyde now have to pull themselves up by their bootstraps because they're still in a dogfight for that final Globe Cup spot. In Cassandra, the Reds took on Ramusok United with high late-season stakes yet again. Every year. The two clubs were only a point apart and both potentially a single win from 1st place. A decisive winner would hugely boost their title hopes while the loser would likely be 90% eliminated. With an epic mazy solo run into the box that concluded with a world-class chip of Felix Shaw, Cassandra City ace Marcos Zelaya ensured his club would be on that winning side. Arturo Mancini was so emotional after the win that he fell to his knees right there on the touchline. With Real Azuris (convincingly) and OAS Royal (not so convincingly) also winning on the day, only a single point now separates the three primary title contenders at the top of the table. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a three-horse race. 4th-place Ramusok United aren't mathematically eliminated yet, but everything has to go their way over the final two matchdays for it to happen for them.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 33 Klyde 1–0 FC Samotath Olask Islanders 1–5 Cassandra City Ramusok United 0–4 OAS Royal FC Versiaville SC 1–1 Eastweald AC Holmenkollen 2–3 Crawford City FC IFK Aldenskoett 0–4 FC Kaldukosic Mallox 0–1 Zakhoro Aces Na'Malsille Mariners 2–2 West Gundar FC Samaj FC 0–3 Real Azuris
Penultimate weekend. All three championship hopefuls win...big. OAS Royal rampant 4-0 over a deflated United in the Ramusok Derby (what a huge, huge, HUGE win for OAS). Cassandra City equally rampant, sending Olask Islanders back down to the Sekundar Ligan with a 5-1 whipping at Kamu Road. Real Azuris also rampant in their own right as they took their 4-3-3 to Samaj and pegged the Hunters 3-0. What can separate these three great teams? It's a shame that only one can win it all, and one won't even make the Champions' Cup. So much will be decided by the match-ups, so let's take a look.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 34
It's set up to be one of the most exhilarating finishes in Harlighet Ligan history. Three clubs duking it out for the title. A further four duking it out for only two remaining Globe Cup spots. And two teams near the bottom desperate to escape that automatic relegation spot in 17th and live to fight another day in the playoff. Here's each match with something at stake:
Na'Malsille Mariners @ Real Azuris: Real have 63 points, OAS and Cassandra have 62. So if they can just win this game, Real will win the title without having to worry about tiebreakers. Mariners at home seems like a favorable fixture, but the Mariners have to win to beat the drop. Led by Paaron Petrov, they aren't going to bow down and grant Real Azuris their three-peat without giving everything they've got first.
Olask Islanders @ OAS Royal FC: Now this is a favorable draw. If Azuris don't beat Na'Malsille, OAS Royal can win the title at home with a win. The Islanders are already relegated, so Royal should go relatively unopposed.
Klyde @ Cassandra City: However, Cassandra City is tied with OAS Royal on both points and goal differential. If Azuris falter and both teams win, we might have to get down to some obscure tiebreakers to name a champion. Unfortunately for the Reds, they have by far the most difficult opponent of the three title contenders. Right now, Klyde are just barely hanging on to 5th and need a favorable result to seal their place in the UICA. They will come to The Amphitheatre charged up and ready to tussle.
AC Holmenkollen @ FC Kaldukosic: With just a single point at home, FC Kaldukosic can clinch international soccer for the first time in over a decade. Holmenkollen don't have anything tangible to play for, but would like to finish in the top half - which they also just need one point to secure. A draw might be mutually beneficial at Leviathan Arena.
Versiaville @ Crawford City FC: No better way to close the season for either team than a west coast classic against their oldest rival! Crawford, currently in 9th, can't move out of the 8th-11th range, but Versiaville are fighting for their lives. Either they or Na'Malsille Mariners are going to be automatically relegated. Versiaville currently lead by a point and a ton of goal differential, so all they have to do is match Mariners' result in Azuris.
Ramusok United @ Eastweald: These are the two clubs that currently have their noses pressed against the window of UICA football - being on the outside looking in by a couple points. A win doesn't guarantee anything for either of them, but the winner of this game has a decent chance of sneaking into the Globe Cup provided either Klyde or Kaldukosic fails.
Real Azuris 2–1 Na'Malsille Mariners OAS Royal FC 1–0 Olask Islanders Cassandra City 0–1 Klyde
With all three matches being played at the same time, every sport fan in Cosumar was streaming them simultaneously across multiple devices...just waiting for the drama to unfold. Unfortunately, there wasn't a terrible amount of it. With their narrow point lead, Real Azuris controlled their own destiny and immediately took it into their hands by scoring in the 33rd minute to take a 1-0 lead - the first goal across all three games. It was Georgia Kite who smoothly struck Sean Fraser's side-footed pass into the top corner after a turn and a couple set-up touches. OAS Royal scored right before half time (Wiggin penalty) to make sure Real Azuris would feel some pressure behind them in the second half.
But the Breakers, despite a keen awareness of the events in Ramusok, stayed cool and upped their lead to 2-0 in the 55th minute. Dinosaur-old Chiatan defender Rod Fermer, in his eighth and final season with the club and playing for injured starter Eithan Sigurdsson, came flying in like he was 30 again on a free kick and implanted his forehead onto the ball to send it rippling into the back of the net. Massemord Stadium's teeming crowds chanted his name for the next 10 minutes as they felt the title within their grasps. What a heartwarming way for Fermer to close out his career. Sometime during those celebrations, Cassandra City conceded a goal to Klyde to severely dim their chances. OAS Royal, however, kept fighting to protect that 1-0 scoreline just in case the Mariners came through. And they very nearly did. In the 60th minute, Na'Malsille pulled one back on Azuris to dampen the mounting celebrations. It was Paaron Petrov, of course, also likely playing his final game at 37 years old, who clubbed a free kick on the edge of the box over the wall and through the hands of Sieuwerd. Renewed interest! If Na'Malsille could somehow find an equalizer in the next 30 minutes, they could save their season and open the window for OAS Royal to leapfrog Real Azuris. While it would have been a fantastical spectacle, it did not happen. Mathias, Fermer, Gaspin, Venidos and that Azuris defense dialed in and swarmed every foray Na'Malsille made into the final third.
When the final whistle blew, Massemord Stadium rejoiced the title unlike any other to date - for it was their third in as many years! "THREE-PEAT! THREE-PEAT! THREE-PEAT!" An unprecedented and near unthinkable achievement in a league of Cosumar's parity. Real Azuris are the 1006 Harlighet Ligan champions! In Ramusok, OAS Royal poured their mind, body and soul onto the pitch to maintain that 1-0 lead and looked absolutely crushed when they received word that Real Azuris had won 2-1 anyways. But their loyal supporters at The Royal Palace lifted them up with echoing applause and saluted their magnificent 2nd-place season.
FC Samotath 2–0 Samaj FC West Gundar FC 1–1 Mallox Zakhoro Aces 0–3 IFK Aldenskoett FC Kaldukosic 0–0 AC Holmenkollen Crawford City FC 1–0 Versiaville SC Eastweald 1–2 Ramusok United
FC Kaldukosic and Klyde both win to maintain their Globe Cup places, rendering Ramusok United's hard-earned victory at Old Weldenskirgen moot. 6th place for the Blues. Versiaville fail to score against Crawford in their relegation fight (shocker), but are saved by Real Azuris defeating the Mariners.
Promotion/Relegation Playoff
Versiaville 2-1 Ziemelu Skaida
will compete in the 1007 COCANEFA Harlighet Ligan at the expense of
Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit and Augustine Breton both smash home ugly goals off corner kicks to scrape Versiaville back into next year's Harlighet Ligan. Ziemelu Skaida have plenty of reason to be optimistic for the future after the club's best ever season.
Harlighet Ligan Season XVIII Champions - REAL AZURIS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: 1. CM Leonidas Bregoo 2. CM Kwame Cole 3. LW Sean Fraser 4. CM Pablo Corderro 5. CF Kevin Stabb
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: 1. CM Leonidas Bregoo 2. CB Jefferson 3. CB Jakob Lunds 4. GK Felix Shaw 5. GK Kojo Boakye-Yiadom
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (U21): 1. ST Andrew Arrowsword 2. CB Christopher Fosse 3. RM Corey Simmons III 4. LM Bellerophon Serafino 5. RW Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir
The Cosumarite Courier TEAM OF THE SEASON: GK - Lilly Kearney (Golden Gloves) DF - Mathias DF - Jefferson DF - Jakob Lunds DF - Jannick Kontiola MF - Sean Fraser MF - Leonidas Bregoo MF - Kwame Cole MF - Lyyli Silvén ST - Kevin Stabb ST - Georgia Kite
Manager - Josie MacLean
Semifinals locations randomly drawn from list of eligible venues; King's Cup Final always played at The Royal Palace
Semifinals
Real Azuris 5-1 Olask Islanders @ Old Weldenskirgen (43,209), Yambridge, Gellano Fief
Real Azuris redeem their semifinals loss from last year and bulldoze hopeful Olask Islanders straight to their third King's Cup Final. You have to feel for the poor Islanders faithful who made the long cross-Fiefdom trip all the way to Eastweald just to get slaughtered. Sorry, there will be no Cup magic to take with you on your way back down to Sekundar Ligan a la the 1004 Mariners. It seemed like things might've been different when Olask's Karl Northbourne polished off Noah Silvio's 21st minute cross with his head to open the scoring, but any delusions of an upset were driven back into the ground when Sean Fraser shredded Veljko Na'Tokeho for a brace before half time and Georgia Kite sent Haruka Sutton sprawling in vain with her first shot of the second half.
Crawford City FC 1-0 Atletisk Surpronuk @ Leviathan Arena (99,114), Kaldukosic, Kaldukosic Fief
Surpronuk do their darndest to slow the match and grind CCFC's offensive machine to a halt, defending with ten behind the ball, but the Elephants just have too much quality for them all over the pitch. The goal finally comes in the 77th minute when Kim Coultan splices a perfect ball through the defense for Marten Akerman near the left baseline. The tall striker used his veteran smarts, cutting a no-look pass back to the middle to meet Brendan McBride's run after forcing the defenders to waver. Sprinting to the ball, McBridge spanked it on-the-run for all he was worth and the Nova Anglicana international looked immensely satisfied when it powerfully struck the back of the net and bounced back out across the goal line.
FINAL
Real Azuris vs. Crawford City FC. Real Azuris will be making the trip to Ramusok for the Final for a record third time, but they've never won it yet. They lost the inaugural cup to Eastweald and the third edition to FC Samotath. Will the third time be the charm here in the eighth edition? They sealed the league three-peat already, and now could be the first club to win the domestic Double since Ramusok United four years ago. Crawford City FC will be looking for their first piece of silverware in club history. What a remarkable feat that would be for Pawela Nowicki in her second season out west.
So let's get to it!
...
3' - Kurosawa: Dream start for Crawford City! The audience was still buzzing and settling in from the opening kickoff when Kostas Postecoglou played Dmytro Kurosawa in on goal and the Sarrbia nutmegged the forthcoming keeper to send the ball rolling slowly over the line. 1-0!
23' - Hardwick: Hardwick has been a menace on set pieces this season, and once again found himself in the right spot at the right time to flick Sean Fraser's free kick past Theoklitos. 1-1!
36' - Kite: Real Azuris are taking over just like they did in the entire second half of the season. Diandra Belgrave finds Ronan Bowditch on the right, and the Brenecian plops a golden cross onto Kite's head. It was so accurate that Kite scarcely had to do anything to deflect it into the goal. 2-1!
68' - Arrowsword: The 16-year old has done it again! He has been electric in his substitute appearances this season and is making a very strong case to take up a starting position next season at only 17 years old. When he makes this kind of impact so regularly, Lujendra Mescalin would be a fool to leave him off the field. Here he simply bulldozed over Phillip Sherman and Lyndon Pell, while still keeping the ball tied to his socks, and smashed a dizzyingly powerful shot off the side of goalkeeper Theoklitos and into the net. That probably seals it! 3-1 Azuris! The second Cup/Leage double in Cosumarite history is complete.
REAL AZURIS 3-1 CRAWFORD CITY FC @ The Royal Palace (54,000), Ramusok, Ramusok Fief
The Breakers finally win their first domestic cup and will represent Cosumar in the Cygnus Cup.
King's Cup VIII Champions - REAL AZURIS
Season 18 - Lower Leagues
Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 6:15 pm
by Cosumar
Newly-relegated sides Stoneshore United and Morponte Fief dominate their respective first Sekundar Ligan campaigns in over a decade. Boring! They go straight back up. Ziemelu Skaida was the best of the rest, but *just* missed out on their first ever promotion to the Harlighet Ligan. Also of note was Rexnor District 3's top five finish in their first season after being promoted from Tredje Ligan. The ICMI Corporation (former league sponsors) continues to bankroll their rise through the pyramid. Next season, could they become the first club based offworld (the extraterrestrial colony of Rexnor) to earn a place in the top flight?
Eighteen seasons have been played since the current CosumarLigan system was codified by the Fiefdom Soccer Federation (FSF). #19 is about to kick off. 256 clubs now compete across five tiers and in the King's Cup. The top three tiers (Harlighet Ligan, Sekundar Ligan, Tredje Ligan) are the smallest and most prestigious, with two large parallel Conferences comprising the fourth tier, and several regional leagues comprising the fifth tier. The implementation of this contemporary league pyramid structure, along with soaring financial investment, has resulted in highly visible growth for the Harlighet Ligan year after year. Now one of the major leagues both in the Anaia region (including COCANEFA recognition), Atlantian Oceania and indeed the world, fans of Cosumarite soccer have a lot to be excited about this year. For the third consecutive season, two Champions Cup spots as well as CopAnaia participation to look forward to.
Now, without further ado, here's a preview of where each team stands ahead of the 19th COCANEFA Harlighet Ligan season!
Overview of Past Winners: I: OAS Royal FC II: OAS Royal FC (2) III: Mallox IV: Mallox (2) V: OAS Royal FC (3) VI: Mallox (3) VII: OAS Royal FC (4) VIII: Ramusok United IX: Klyde X: Real Azuris XI: Real Azuris (2) XII: Cassandra City XIII: Mallox (4) XIV: Ramusok United (2) XV: Cassandra City (2) XVI: Real Azuris (3) XVII: Real Azuris (4) XVIII: Real Azuris (5) XIX: __________ ???
5 - Real Azuris 4 – OAS Royal FC 4 – Mallox 2 – Ramusok United 2 - Cassandra City 1 – Klyde
Transfers Out: Eithan Sigurdsson (OAS Royal FC, 7m), Mathias (La Nueva Avenida, Undisclosed), Santeri Venidos (retired), Rod Fermer (retired), Ipier Ubuntu (retired)
Starting XI (4-3-3): Sieuwerd (35); Lindberg (25), Grier (25), Gaspin (32), Chisenhall (22); Hardwick (31), Lachance (29), Belgrave (35); Fraser (30 C), Kite (35), Bowditch (25) Key Reserves: Ozuna (GK/21), Coppellian (CB/30), Soderquist (DM/20), Sybill (CM/25), Hathoway (W/31), Arrowsword (ST/17), Zigfield (ST/25) Kit Details: The above image might be too small to discern the detail, but Real Azuris' home kit has become iconic for the tidal wave that sweeps over the top of the shirt. Last year, they introduced a bold new away color scheme: rainbow. The entire kit is made of a high-tech fabric that gives off the appearance of shimmering rainbow light, like you'd see in misty air by a waterfall.
Preview: There can no longer be any denying it. Real Azuris are the giants of Cosumarite soccer. Not OAS Royal, not Ramusok United, not any other club. They may lack the history, but they're dominating in the present. Three consecutive championships. Three. It's unprecedented, and flies in the face of the Harlighet Ligan's renowned parity. Oh yeah, and last season's team became only the second to win the league-cup double too. Lujendra Mescalin is doing a masterful job in Azuris, but how much longer can this keep going? Could a fourth straight title really be in the cards? Yes, we must admit it's a strong possibility. Real Azuris will remain a contender as long as they have multiple-time League MVP Sean "Black Panther" Fraser wreaking havoc up top alongside players of similar quality who can put away the opportunities he opens up for them. Right now, that supporting cast includes the fiery Ronan Bowditch on the opposite wing and one of either Georgia Kite or Andrew Arrowsword in the middle. After scoring several goals off the bench last season, including in the King's Cup Final, Cenian wonderkid Arrowsword is expected to play an even larger role this year and start a healthy share of matches to ease the load on the aging Kite. The Breakers will sweep in more goals than the tide does shells. If their throne is finally usurped this season, it will be because of all the turnover on the back line. Dependable veteran Maurice Gaspin is the only returning regular after runners-up OAS overpaid to steal Eithan Sigurdsson and young homegrown Mathias departed to test himself in Farfadillis. Some combination of Adrian Lindberg, Hector Grier (Llamanean and Anglatian international starters) and Cosmo Coppellian (remember him?) will fill in the gaps. They'll benefit from the continuity and experience in the midfield as they try to quickly fit into Mescalin's system. The midfield trifecta is a balanced one with Florentin Lachance's composure on the ball, Peder Hardwick's work rate and Diandra Belgrave's vision and range. Last Season: Champions (20-6-8). Prediction: 2nd.
OAS ROYAL FC Ramusok, Ramusok Fief
Nickname:Whites or Royals Founded: 982 Ground: The Royal Palace (54,000) Manager: Josie MacLean (49)
Starting XI (4-4-2): Boakye-Yiadom (25); Arntz (29), Sigurdsson (27), Fosse (21), Kontiola (28); Rocket (26), Bregoo (23), Corderro (36), Paysinger (34); Tathtauré (Elf), Wiggin (29 C)
Key Reserves: Pecoraro (CB/31), Schuiling (W/19), Montag (ST/33), Noble (ST/31), Mbubu (ST/21) Kit Details: Sleek all-white unis (shirt pictured right, with white shorts and socks) whenever possible. They also have a grey/white/turquoise secondary kit that pops up occasionally. This shirt, grey socks, and white shorts with the same turquoise strip as the shoulder.
Preview: After last season, all everyone around the world could talk about was Azuris winning their third straight championship. Everyone outside of central Ramusok seemingly forgot just how close OAS came to spoiling the party. They had an absolutely fantastic season, taken to new heights by the arrival of superstar midfielder Leonidas Bregoo and a dominant, chemistry-laden defense. It came down to the last game, and if the champs had conceded an equalizer to the Na'Malsille Mariners, the Harlighet Ligan trophy would have gone to The Royal Palace for the first time since the days of Sur Arora and Alexander Pearce. But alas, the Whites finished one point short of the mark and King James himself took to Twitter to express his simultaneous agony and pride. OAS Royal FC finally seem on the brink of returning to their former glory from previous decades. Under Josie MacLean, they have jumped from 11th to 4th to 2nd. Predictably, the richest club in Cosumar opened its coffers wide over the transfer window to try to make the next step to a title. The main thing they needed was goals. Ideally, a top-tier scorer capable of creating his own chances and finishing them. And they got their man in Galasgoldas Tathauré. The Valanora international is one of the highest-profile players ever to come to Cosumar. OAS Royal will be hoping he has a catalyzing effect similar to the one that Tolgus Tregajorran had when he arrived in Azuris a few year back. Tathauré's deadly combination of speed, dribbling and finesse shooting are in the form of his life after making a mockery of Cenileague with 50 goals last season. Yes, you read that right. 50 goals. While that is extremely unrealistic in the Harlighet Ligan, fans would be thrilled if he could come anywhere close to one goal for every million the club paid to get him (30). With players the caliber of Bregoo and Pablo Corderro feeding him, and the hold-up play of Peter Wiggin alongside him, it's not an entirely unfeasible goal. With MacLean also adding a current champion in Eithan Sigurdsson to a back line that already included Jannick Kontiola and Christopher Fosse, OAS Royal have surpassed Real Azuris....on paper. Last Season: 2nd (20-5-9). Prediction: Champions.
Starting XI (4-3-3): Metz (25); Grimswald (26), Wing (26), Campbell (31), Boag (25); Serafino (20), Cole (23), Bardsen (26); Zelaya (23), Tortuu (28 C), Brandybok (28) Key Reserves: Iziduko (GK/23), Seppanen (LB/33), Misty (CB/22), Fleming (MF/36), Samarqand (ST/22), Arragne (ST/36) Kit Details: At home, they wear their customary all-red (right). Away, they wear their half-and-half red & white shirt, with black shorts and, distinctively, one red and one white sock (inverted from split on shirt).
Preview: "Rebirth" is the theme of the year in Cassandra. No one could've foreseen that City'd need one so badly after winning the title just three years ago, but they followed that up with two scandalous seasons in the bottom half and many were unsure if they would recover. Thankfully, new manager Arturo Mancini pinpointed the strengths of the squad and drew out the best from them last season for a resurgent campaign onto the doorstep of the Champions' Cup. And the rebirth continued over the offseason, as Cassandra City unveiled a new crest, new kits and even new expansions to The Amphitheatre. The club's proud stadium added new seats, over 6000 of them, for the first time in its history in order to host the Baptism of Fire earlier this year. The team people will fill these seats to see is mostly the same one that initiated the rebirth, last year. An attractive, attacking style of football, with Marcos Zelaya and Jol Tortuu leading the 4-3-3 up top and an extremely athletic young midfield. Well, wide midfielder Kit Kvanderwyk has gone to join his sister Kathryn in Schottia, which will sadden fans in Cassandra, but he was a bit of a square peg in a round hole for Mancini's system anyways. Yevhen Bardsen, though less technically gifted, is a hustler and bustler - a proven player who should plug in without a hitch. The primary change, however, takes place in goal. Calogero Metz is the centerpiece of Cassandra City's subdued transfer window. The young Farfadillis World Cup goalkeeper is a difference-maker and will pick up points for the club with his talent and commanding presence that they simply wouldn't have gotten with the reliable but average Aaron Lloyd last year. Fans will also be delighted to hear that endlessly frustrating center back Reuben Limage is out and replaced with Ethanian standout John Campbell. But for the most part, there is a lot of continuity heading into the new season. After the extreme ups-and-downs of the last several years, consistency is the one thing Cassandra City need. Last Season: 3rd (18-8-8). Prediction: 5th.
Kit Details: At home, they wear their classics all-purple kit with turquoise accents (pictured right). Away, the colors are inverted and turquoise becomes the dominant color.
Preview: Klyde FC, one of Cosumar's oldest football clubs still in existence, is another that has struggled mightily with consistency in recent years. They were very good last year, in the top five the whole way, but their fans will be cautious in their optimism knowing that steps forward are often followed by two steps back in North Klyde. But it seems like the success in 1006 might really be built to last this time. Minnie Lotuda was a perfect fit as manager in her debut season, and the arrival of Jefferson instantly whipped the Doves' defense into something fierce. Klyde have never qualified for the UICA in consecutive years, but that solid foundation might keep them from sliding this time. That's not to say there aren't areas of concern. Selling both members of their longtime winger tandem in the same transfer window was a tough double-whammy of a blow to take. Kaspian and Silvén will be missed dearly going forward - especially the young and promising Silvén after a breakthrough campaign that saw her make the All-Season XI for the first time. Replacements Wayne Writhlin and Nic Farkanhan are capable and good fits for what Klyde do, but they lack the quality of Kaspian and Silvén. There's also the matter of starting striker Anna Bowman's age. Is this the season she finally starts to slow down? If so, Deon Partell better be ready to carry the load. Who knows, Kárpáty Alexander might even see some action. The teen Pasargan prospect has been making huge waves with the youth teams and is already quite the hyped prospect. Last Season: 4th (19-3-12). Prediction: 10th.
Key Reserves: Chance (LB/31) Davi (CB/27), Royannais (CM/21), Meratyn (LW/24), Hodges (CF/35) Kit Details: At home, they wear a dark green shirt with unique white columns that curve towards the right shoulder, a luxurious yellow collar, white shorts and dark green socks with thin yellow circles at the top. Their secondary kit features a crisp white shirt (pictured right) with dark green shorts.
Preview: In last season's preview we asked, "Is this the season FC Kaldukosic's marvelous class of young homegrown talent finally turns the developmental corner?" The answer was a resounding yes. Corey Simmons III, Tamer Yilmaz, Aspen Meratyn and Sunrisian forward Kevin Stabb all had their coming-out parties last season. And it was super fun to watch. Especially Stabb, who began what would be a meteoric rise when he displaced Nova Anglicana international Chris Hodges as the first-choice center forward in preseason. His ascent continued all season as he scored 23 goals and won the Golden Boot, and exploded to even greater heights this week as he lifted USI to the World Cup Finals. Meteoric rise, indeed. Stabb is now the hottest striker in the Harlighet Ligan, and at only 24, has a bright future ahead of him. This season, he'll have to prove to doubters that last season was not a one-hit wonder. But all Kaldukosic's youngsters played up to potential, and most importantly, did so on a mostly consistent basis over the whole season while meshing with the veterans, who also excelled. Heck, while most of the attention was on the young guns, Bennett Perkins had by far the best season of his career. He was so electric that FC Kal felt comfortable selling on Cosumar U21 international and local lad Yilmaz. That windfall allowed them to upgrade at left back with League Chromatiks standout Valeri Witek and add some depth pieces. Which was smart considering FC Kaldukosic will be dealing with UICA fixtures for the first time in over a decade! It's refreshing to have great, winning soccer being played in Cosumar's largest city again. With the parity at the top the league, Corey Simmons Jr. will be aiming to simply finish top five again and solidify their newfound UICA status. Kaldukosic may be a gridiron town when it comes to the club level, but thanks to their starpower (we didn't even mention the godly Jakob Lunds yet!) FC Kaldukosic hasn't had this much buzz since they challenged for the title in 985. Last Season: 5th (15-13-6). Prediction: 6th.
RAMUSOK UNITED Ramusok, Ramusok Fief
Nickname:Blues Founded: 751 Ground: Fire River Arena (80,000) Manager: Gareth Bournemouth (61)
Transfers In: Lyyli Silvén (Klyde FC, 9m), Antonio Mulcair (Rosaria United, 7m), Tug Cooper (Ramusok United II, promoted) Transfers Out: Martin Mazida (Pinkerton FC, free), Trystan Fitzpatrick (retired)
Starting XI (4-4-2 Dmnd): Shaw (28); Kang (27), Alcocer (28), Flanningan (29), Gjallskald (33); Jonassen (26), Mulcair (31), Silvén (24), Geirsson (29 C); Théberge (28), Culbreth (22) Key Reserves: Hattingh (DF/19), Cooper (RB/18), Wells (CM/19), Barnsley (LM/32), Xodó (ST/26) Kit Details: At home, they wear a blue shirt (pictured right) with solid white shorts and blue socks. On the road, they wear this silver shirt, with solid blue shorts and striped silver/blue socks.
Preview: United weren't shy about declaring their title aspirations ahead of last season. They were coming off a second-place campaign in Gareth Bournemouth's second Harlighet Ligan season and thought they could only go up from there. Well... that didn't happen. In fact, after missing out on the top five on goal-differential, Ramusok United are absent from UICA competition for only the second time in the last five years. They didn't play that badly or anything. They were in the UICA places for most of the season until falling off at the end amidst a deep Globe Cup run. The Blues just had one main problem. And, surprisingly, it had nothing to do with the departures of Tomasso Tenebrosa, Tomi Koskinen and Mathias Karbruck and the subsequent turnover at the back. Robbie Alcocer stepped up and helped anchor that defense alongside Mike Flanningan, who had a dominant season as the unquestioned leader of the unit. No, that 6th place finish had to with the simple fact that no one but Curtis Théberge could score a goal for their life. 42 goals in 34 games is never going to win a title. United lacked pace and playmaking ability out wide, which allowed opponents to clamp down hard on Robin Geirsson in the middle - and he's not quite as fleet of foot as he used to be either. As a result, the striker pairing of Théberge and Elena Culbreth was often isolated up top and suffocated of the service they need to thrive. A savvy international like Curtis was still able to cobble together a respectable tally nevertheless, but Culbreth struggled and became the undeserving target of fan frustration. She did miss her share of chances, mind, but the club was not doing a good job of setting her young, inexperienced talent up to succeed. Bournemouth directly addressed his team's need for goals over the transfer window with a pair of dynamic, chance-creating wingers to flank Geirsson out wide and open things up. It took a pretty penny to pry her from Klyde, but Lyyli Silvén is one of the most exciting young talents in the league and has the eye of Gethin Ramsey after seemingly putting it all together last season. And Cosumar fans were thrilled to hear of Antonio Mulcair's signing after watching him in the AOCAF. The Eshan star is a bit older, but he still has the pace and is pure class attacking from the left. When you look at all the names in this Starting XI....it's a scary team. The championship potential is definitely there. Bournemouth is playing with fire with how shallow and young his squad depth is though. Last Season: 6th (16-10-8). Prediction: 3rd.
Transfers Out: Rook Fenwick (Raven River, undisclosed), Rory Den Hartog (Boudicca Noviodunum, free)
Starting XI (4-4-2): Hernandez (26); Pawlukiewicz (27), Black (29 C), Soderlund (26), Sorenson (25); Delklind (29), Mordini (22), De Marisco (28), Williams (30); [MRT] Quesadillas (27), [BNG] Bogwa (26) Key Reserves: Brankussen (GK/22), Lael (LB/30), Aguero (LM/29), Garcia (ST/23) Kit Details: Eastweald is famous for their triangle-textured shirt, which they wear in green at home and in yellow (pictured right) on the road, always with the same color of shorts and inverse color socks. They occasionally wear a shiny all dark-gold throwback kit.
Preview: Eastweald are in the same boat as Ramusok United. They began last season with much fanfare and anticipation - it was the 25th and final campaign for longtime manager Henrique Ventura. But it ended in disappointment, with the club missing the UICA for the first time in five years. They'll now join the above club in trying to learn from it, make a few changes, and bounce back. But unlike Ramusok United, their weakness was definitely not goalscoring. Dan Quesadillas and Bogwa, the highest-scoring strike partnership in the league, have that department well covered. It's not quite clear what the Elves' weakness was. Their defense was shaky early on but eventually solidified and helped put up a +20 goal differential that ranked in the league's top few. Eastweald overall just weren't ruthless enough in grinding out the result in close games and getting the big points. It's now the job of Monica Brightwater to correct that. She is the latest in a wave of foreign managers to flock to Cosumar and try their hand in the Harlighet Ligan and brings to Old Weldenskirgen a bevy of Nepharim Premiership experience. Formerly of Southfell United, Brightwater is most recently coming off a tumultuous tenure at AFC Treason. Her preferred aggressive 4-4-2 with quick movement and passing fits well with Eastweald's personnel. The first thing she did when she arrived was, as any wise manager does, immediately identify the team's weakness and move to rectify it. Apparently, the weakest link was young goalkeeper Joakim Brankussen, because Brightwater invested the bulk of Eastweald's transfer budget in Esteban Hernandez - well known in Cosumar as the national team's back-up to Jakk Winterfyll. Trying to lure him back to the Harlighet Ligan from Taeshan was a masterstroke, as Hernandez is instantly one of the top few keepers in the league (if not the best) and makes Eastweald an entirely different beast. In terms of field play, Eastweald's world will continue to revolve around Jo de Marisco, whose creativity and footwork is near unrivaled in this league. The Apoxian-Cosumarite just agreed to a new contract to stay in Yambridge and is a capped Vanquisher now after enjoying a few substitute appearances in World Cup 75. Her best friend and longtime rock of a midfield partner Rook Fenwick may have moved back to Nephara, but insiders at Eastweald are high on blossoming academy product Mina Mordini as a replacement - and de Marisco has already taken her under her wing. Last Season: 7th (15-9-10). Prediction: 4th.
AC HOLMENKOLLEN Holmenkollen, Ramusok Fief
Nickname:Cedars Founded: 971 Ground: Cedar Road (21,000) Manager: Martin Adnansen (54)
Transfers In: Alana Acock (Esterhollow Harbor, 0.225m), Juniper McCallum (Regional Development Side D, free) Transfers Out: Mortimer Chisenhall (Real Azuris, 4m), Perton Radcliff (retired), Mana Na'Kone (retired), Arwin Blaze (retired)
Starting XI (4-4-2): Kearney (26); Luna (29), Na'Nockeby (25), Loredan (24 C), Arda (30); Orbán (35), Mattox (28), Nwapa (26), Valerikssen (29); Kortuufa (24), Bordeau-Desjardins (26) Key Reserves: McCallum (RB/21), Acock (LM/23), Riprov (ST/18) Kit Details: Whenever possible, they wear their beloved pale blue shirt with the red zag (pictured right) with solid white shorts and red socks. In the event of a color clash, they wear their old white shirt with a red collar and medium-blue sleeves and shorts.
Preview: Holmenkollen exceeded most expectations last year when they overcame a controversial managerial change and an entirely new striker corps to hold their own against even the top clubs. But, of course, the plucky suburban club from the north Ramusok outskirts is always underrated. It really shouldn't have been as big of a surprise as it was when they jumped out to lead the table undefeated through ten games and managed to stretch the hot start out to a top half finish. After all, the entire starting midfield from their 1004 UICA season is still there. As is beloved local hero Taddeo Loredan in defense. The Cedars also once again benefited from their uncanny ability to turn unheralded young prospects into quality Harlighet Ligan starters. Methodical striker Cassell Kortuufa and goalkeeper Lilly Kearney rose from obscurity to play critical roles. The tall, wiry Kearney was the primary impetus for Holmenkollen's stunning undefeated run in the first stretch of the season, filling highlight reels with her jaw-dropping game-saving saves week after week. She glided back down to human levels of play as the season wore on, but it was still enough to win the season's Golden Gloves award. She will be hot property in the next transfer window if she can display that level of ability again this season. For the club as a whole, they have the quality and experience with players like Funanya Nwapa (assuming that miserable 1005 season was just an aberration and the real Nwapa is back for good), Mezei Orbán and Marco Luna to push for another strong finish again next season. The UICA might be just out of reach, but who knows, Martin Adnansen has filled this dressing room with quiet confidence. Anything could happen, as long as Adnan Valerikssen doesn't go and get his nose twisted about again. That infamous nose-pulling incident with Karl Northbourne of Olask Islanders on Week 12 coincidentally (or perhaps not...) marked the moment their miraculous start to the season started to taper off. Maybe if Holmenkollen's favorite Semar wears a nose-guard this season they'll win it all. Last Season: 8th (13-9-12). Prediction: 9th.
Transfers In: Nikolae Na'Kebia (Mariners, 3m), Peter Marshall (Zakhoro Aces, 2m), Callie Flores (Crawford City FC II, promoted) Transfers Out: Efe Na'Kele (Real de Mpulo, 2.4m), Cosme (FC Samotath, 2m)
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Theoklitos (27); Lorence (30), Pell (28), Poindexter (24), Reiniger (28); Na'Kebia (27), Sherman (33 C); Postecoglou (27), Coultan (24), McBride (29); Kurosawa (34) Key Reserves: Flores (CB/24), Hublot (MF/21), Marshall (21), Yucob (RW/19), Guilliver (CF/20), Akerman (CF/31) Kit Details: CCFC's gorgeous teal, crimson and gold home kit is the envy of the league. Their white away kit, with gold and teal accents, isn't too shabby either.
Preview: CCFC are treading water. Or, as they would probably prefer to say in Crawford, they've "stabilized". Sure, I guess finishing in the dead center of midtable consecutive seasons is good compared to the disastrous 15th-place campaign three years ago. But where is the ambition for true achievement that filled this club's spirit when they built the new stadium, signed Schottic superstar Kim Coultan and hired Pawela Nowicki? What happened to their mission of bringing Champions' Cup play to the west coast? From the outside, it seems like the club has gotten a little too comfortable (or, dare I say, complacent) with its second-tier standing in the league lately. There's a giant gap in the Cosumarite soccer culture for a true "big club" to emerge in the western half of the Fiefdom. Since the Harlighet Ligan was formed, there hasn't been one. CCFC looked well on their way to filling that void in 1003 when they made the Globe Cup, but their momentum has stalled since then. It's not for lack of talent. The Elephants have fielded teams capable of winning it all, or at least making the UICA regularly, from a pure quality perspective for the last several years. But despite Coultan's brilliance, Dmytro Kurosawa's experience, effective youth development (see: Jakk Winterfyll), passionate hardnosed defenders and shrewd recent purchases like Kostas Postecoglou, there's still a missing ingredient in Crawford. Nowicki might not have another season after this one to find what it is. Her transfer expenditures weren't particularly inspiring, consisting of a pair of defensive midfielders (albeit quite good ones). As for where CCFC will finish, it's impossible to predict. They could literally finish anywhere. They could win the league if it all clicks or they could have another massive disappointment. Who the hell knows anymore. Last Season: 9th (13-9-12). Prediction: 11th.
See the next post (coming soon) for the second half of the Harlighet Ligan team previews! And lower league overviews too.
Season 19 Preview (Part 2)
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2016 9:57 pm
by Cosumar
See the previous post for the first half of this HarlighetLigan team-by-team preview. This is the second half, plus the lower leagues.
Starting XI (3-2-3-1-1): Ely (30); [BNG] Santos (25), Ebuzoeme (24), Lynch (33); Payet (29), Carneiro (20); Durot (28), Gutinho (26), Na'Tule (29 C); Temuge (22); Kot (26) Key Reserves: Grosz (CB/34), Nathael (MF/22), MacPharlain (AM/30), Nilssen (CF/34) Kit Details: Primary kit features a white shirt with a black sash and brown numbers/collar (pictured right), black shorts and white socks. Their secondary kit features an aerodynamic all-brown look with varying shades of brown in a gradient pattern.
Preview: Zakhoro are one of those teams that we know will have a close to 0% chance of making the UICA but still looks pretty strong nonetheless. Previously the epitome of a yo-yo club, the Aces seem to have put those days squarely behind them. They made it four consecutive seasons in the top flight last year with one of the best Harlighet Ligan campaigns in their history. Šimon Holguín's unorthodox new formation inspired by Avenida Principal and a relentlessly direct playing mentality made visiting ZAPT Park a tough challenge for any opponent. They'll be looking to pick up where they left off from the get-go this season. Looking at their squad, I think it's the most talent the Aces have had since that one year they were blessed with young Mauricio Sigler and Belarmin Worsaw together. There's not two blooming superstar types this time, but it's more spread out. Fabricio Santos is an emerging sensation at left back who excels on both sides of the ball and has World Cup experience with Banguela. Trevoh Ebuzoeme, a former U21 Player of the Year finalist with the Serpents, was an excellent signing at the end of the transfer window to occupy the center of the defense. He has great feet for such a big man. Gutinho is another ex-Serpent who has shined under the tropical sun here in the southwest, racking up 11 assists last season as the heart and soul of the midfield. The more Gutinho is on the ball the better for the Aces. His flicks and tricks would fit well with The Samba Kids' "Cinematic Football" if given a look. But perhaps chief amongst them all is Temuge, the prize of the Aces' transfer window. Temuge is the captain of the ascendant Savalen national team at the young age of 22 and was one of the world's breakout stars of the year. His ingenuity in the final third propelled Savalen to a strong performance here in this very country in the Baptism of Fire, and later to the World Cup. His decision to play here is a major boon for Zakhoro and indeed the Harlighet Ligan as a whole. A true CAM, he is exactly what the Aces need in the hole of their 3-2-3-1-1 behind Federico Kot or Henning Nilssen. However, as far as Cosumarite fans are concerned, he hasn't proven anything yet. Temuge, as amazing as he has been internationally, has never played club football at this level and might require a bedding-in period. Last Season: 10th (13-6-15). Prediction: 12th.
Transfers In: Mathis Woodgate (Sporting Saint Adrensburg, 12m), Cassandra Kilgallon (Crisisbless United, free), Danko Tas (Galatica, free) Transfers Out: Petri Hansen (Abingdon Celtic, 2m), Calogero Metz (Cassandra City, undisclosed), Haruto Takahashi (retired), Otto Prague (retired)
Starting XI (4-3-3): Woodgate (24); Mauvonts (30), Wenceslaw (19), Diggory (27), Thompson (25); Lindroos (26), Haines (28), Deville (28); Kilgallon (31), Redalen (24), Nhatandal (Elf) Key Reserves: Gunnersen (LB/32), Vanderpool (RB/RM/26), Gildon (CM/34), Kelly (CF/32), Lvr'ael (CF/20) Kit Details: They wear their tiger-orange shirt (pictured right) at home with white shorts and orange socks. On the road, they wear a black shirt and black shorts with an orange side stripe.
Preview: It's sad to see a proud club with Mallox's history mired in midtable mediocrity. The Orange Palace boasts one of the most special matchday atmospheres in the world, and until three years ago, the Tigers were the only club in Harlighet Ligan history to have finished in the top five EVERY season. That was fifteen consecutive seasons. But now they have a new streak going - three straight seasons outside the top five. Last season's 11th place finish was Mallox's first time to finish in the bottom half. Ever. And the passionate, blue-collar supporter base in western Gellano is pissed about it. The challenge before Alvin Burnsides now might be a career-defining one. He's done a lot of winning in his decade at Mallox, including the club's fourth league title and first King's Cup, but he inherited a great team when he arrived. He had freaking Anders Engström. He's never had to build up a contender from also-ran status. Which, let's face it, is where Mallox is now. If Burnsides can't turn things around this season and make a convincing push for the UICA zone, the sands of time might be running very low for him indeed. This season, the club has promised to return to its old 4-3-3 after that failed experiment with the 4-5-1. Burnsides recruited Cassandra Kilgallon of Crisisbless United fame to come occupy the left wing. Her sheer ability to make things happen through force of will shall be an asset in the Harlighet Ligan, and it is hoped that she can also serve as a mentor for younng Alistair Redalen, who has struggled to recapture his early-career promise since making the big move to Mallox. Like Kilgallon, he's a bruiser rather than a technical player, with the potential to make things happen with his size, strength and powerful boot. With Hansen and Takahashi gone, most of the Tigers are cast in that rugged mold, from the ceaselessly hardworking Lindroos-Haines-Deville midfield trio to the raw shot-stopping prowess of Mathis Woodgate in goal. There are high expectations for the prized young Brenecian as he attempts to replace Calogero Metz, the quietly brilliant Farfadillis international who insisted on a transfer. For the Tigers to join the UICA hunt this year, they will need all of the aforementioned players at their best. Last Season: 11th (12-8-14). Prediction: 7th.
Transfers In: Miroslav Vorobyov (Red Star Hlavne, 5.75m), Cosme (Crawford City FC, 2m), Hernan Dé (FC Samotath II, promoted) Transfers Out: Edel Scarpa-Meade (Andrecht, free), Blue Skies (Thunchester City, free), Jean-Pierre Mons (Matthew Mets, free), Elias Hermesniemi (retired)
Starting XI (4-2-4): Etton (29); Va'Mono (32 C), The Bruce (22), Shrowder (26), Dias Pinto (23); Cosme (29), Severin (30); Harmonium (23), Hummel (26), Roga (37), Vorobyov (26) Key Reserves: Charania (DF/32), Dé (17), Rush (26), Bedullin (ST/22) Kit Details: FC Samotath is all about the Red & Black Attack. Nice split-color kit with that awesome hawk at home (pictured) and a black away shirt with some neat arrow designs.
Preview: So was 1005 just a fluke, or what? FC Samotath were like... the anti-Samo two years ago, trading their customary no-fucks-given attacking assault for a load of 1-0 wins and a badass backline that ran roughshod over opposing attackers. The Bruce looked like the second-coming of Torbjörn Jorgensen in defense. The Blackhawks finished 3rd and rode the momentum to the Globe Cup group stage. Then, last season, they settled back into their old ways as if none of it had happened. It's as if Sid Dawson felt pressure from the board to entertain the record crowds coming out in droves to experience their magnificent new stadium. Pressure to chase goals and high-scoring games at any cost. Not to mention FC Samotath's inordinate amount of mascots running around, black drapes, pyrotechnics and live caged hawks. They've always had those though. But the abandonment of a style of play that was producing RESULTS all but confirms what many have long suspected about FC Samotath - that they care more about putting on a show than winning. Expect more of the same this year. With an impressive quartet of wingers and strikers (three of whom being regular internationals - Nazeau Roga sure doesn't need any introduction) locked in on the opposing goal at all times, they'll notch at least 3 goals in most games. Lasse Hummel? Miroslav Vorobyov too, now? Oh yes, they'll score. But behind them, Cosme and Lindsey Severin will be helpless to prevent opposing wingers take advantage of the wide open space in behind and the other team will score at will too. And in the end, FC Samotath will finish in the 8th-14th range just like they always used to before 1005. They'd better just hope their fans didn't enjoy that brief taste of winning too much... Last Season: 12th (12-7-15). Prediction: 8th.
WEST GUNDAR FC Ruminov, Gundar Fief
Nickname:Rugged Men Founded: 924 Ground: New Harmonia Stadium (36,000) Manager: Jehan Bair (54)
Transfers In: Romikk Valgard (Drahva United, 0.3m), Jon Swaim (Molsbik Kadet, undisclosed), Toussaint Robitaille (CA Paulinthal, free) Transfers Out: Oliver Pugh (retired)
Starting XI (4-1-3-2): Kooistra (26); Pertwee (29 C), Söder (28), Haddad (25), Simonsen (28); Altimimy (28); de Wit (30), Cisse (33), Hallen (29); Vilar (34), Lubiflor (26) Key Substitutes: Junkermann (GK/36), Swaim (DF/32), Esquire (CM/37), Millhouse (MF/21), Valgard (ST/19) Kit Details: Their home whites are pictured right. Their olive-green away kit features black accents and state-of-the-art geometric texturing from Meski.
Preview: WGFC may have taken a step back last season, but they were never going to top that 6th place finish from the season prior. That magical form simply eluded Mursill Lubiflor & company this time. In the grand scheme of things, the club will be happy if the quality players that that 1005 season enabled them to attract (looking at you, Demba Cisse, Gustaf Söder and Sergio Vilar) allow them to simply cement their place in the lower mid-table for the foreseeable future. Anything beats the constant jumping up and down between the Harlighet and Sekundar Ligan like they'd been doing for so long. The Rugged Men basically said "we pass" during the transfer window, only adding a couple teenage projects and a back-up fullback, so there's not much in the way of reinforcements. But there is a lot of Harlighet Ligan experience on this team and they should have a nice and comfortable season as long as star striker Lubiflor stays healthy and keeps banging in goals. Last Season: 13th (11-8-15). Prediction: 14th.
SAMAJ FC Samaj, Culmarland Fief
Nickname:Hunters Founded: 906 Ground: Stadion Jägare (32,000) Manager: Luis Varezzi (57)
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Aleksovic (24); Banderas (35), Ârbo (25), Kristiansen (27), Marmor-Lavie (22); Hamasaki (36), Valfar (27); Del Arro (21), Columbine (23), Sigurjónsdóttir (19); Xenophon (36 C) Key Reserves: Dalmshelf (RB/29), del Fuego (DM/31), Rowe (ST/29) Kit Details: Their home kit (pictured right) features their iconic diagonal-color shirt and burnt-orange shorts. Their away kit this year is entirely the shade of dark yellow found on the home kit's collar. Solid color, with only burnt-orange numbers/names and other subtle accents.
Preview:Luis Varezzi was just what the Hunters needed last season to help them stay up. Samaj FC was universally cast aside before the season had even begun, but the former national team coach's assured presence coaxed the players into defiant performances. Meanwhile, his old-school tactics, while ugly to watch (options: route one, route one, route one), kept things simple for the inexperienced squad and kept the games close. So "the worst team to be promoted in years" (my own words from one year ago) dodged what had seemed like surefire relegation - and did so, in fact, by a quite comfortable margin of 11 points. They did little in the transfer window besides pocket a small fortune from the foreign bidding war for breakout centre-half Hemnes Belfry, so this season they'll be banking on the continued development of standout young wingers Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir and Rachel Del Arro to see them through to safety, with clinical finisher Isadora Xenophon as the fulcrum upon which the entire attack operates. Ross Rowe, well capable of being a starter in this league, will also get his share of games up top to keep the X-Woman well-rested over the long haul. Samaj very well could stay up again - I'm not blind to their strengths this time - but there are just so many strong teams in this league that it's hard to say for sure. It's always close, but someone has to go down in that 17th spot. Last Season: 14th (10-9-15). Prediction: 17th, Relegation.
IFK ALDENSKOETT Aldenskoett, Duversia Fief
Nickname:Eagles Founded: 890 Ground: The Eagles' Nest (19,000) Manager: Väinö Va'Lucic (67)
Starting XI (5-1-2-2): Mullins (31); Killanen (21), Messieri (29), Bohls (30), Costabile (27), Glatthorn (25); Wurman (27); de Vries (22), Lundgren (31); Hess-Olesen (29 C), Capulet (32) Key Reserves: Lovenkrands (CB/18), Hardy (MF/33), Rwang (ST/23), Nowitzki (ST/32) Kit Details: Their silver home kit is pictured right. Their away kit sports a lime-green and white look with a more prominent eagle talon. They may also occasionally wear this blue alternate kit.
Preview: IFK... IFK never change. From Va'Lucic's piercing glare to the snow-covered pitch in the winter, IFK being IFK is something you can count amidst this topsy-turvy league. To quote myself from last season's preview: "IFK are a very crisp and coordinated counterattacking unit. Well-drilled by Väinö Va'Lucic and hardened by the bitter Aldenskoett winds, they play as one. They may not be the most skilled group of players, but a trip to The Eagles' Nest is never an easy one." Their virtual six-man backline will get stuck in and defend tirelessly for vast stretches of the game, waiting for the opposition to get frustrated with it and let their guard down. The perfect moment to strike with what is probably the fastest and most incisive counter-attack in the league. The classic IFK win is one in which they held only 25% possession and took just two shots, but converted both shots into goals for a 2-0 result. Every team in Cosumar knows exactly what to expect from the Eagles, but they've continued to execute it well enough to stay up year after year. This season, they look even stronger than usual thanks to a surprisingly high-profile addition. Nikita Lundgren from Sabrefell Moths has joined up with the northerners. She's a hardened box-to-box midfielder who packs a punch much bigger than her size. I also love the acquisition of Teor Rwang. The Chromatik striker is still a little raw, but his skill set is a perfect fit for this counterattacking system and he has the potential to be a superior version of local hero Falchion Hess-Olesen in a couple years with his quickness, snappy footwork and great movement. Plus, rumor has it that midfielder Kimus de Vries and Schottic international Molly Killanen are now an item. You know, romantically. That can only help the team chemistry, right? I see this being another successful season for Aldenskoett as they dig in even deeper for a long tenure in the top flight. Last Season: 15th (10-6-18). Prediction: 13th.
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): MacAmlaigh (35); Larsen (21), Nodtveit (34), Tuppurainen (27), Cooper (31); McKirkley (31), Breton (34 C); Larned (26), Koropia (29), Marlborough (26); Ribos (27) Key Reserves: Commerford (GK/19), Catonaldi (CB/35), Lassiter (DM/18), Vela (LM/22), Na'Koziol (CAM/24), Va'Drevu (CF/20) Kit Details: Most of the time, the Villagers wear their classic navy shirt and black shorts. In the event of a color clash, they wear a shirt and socks with thin navy-and-white stripes, and tan shorts.
Preview: Placeholder (coming soon!). Last Season: 16th (7-8-19). Prediction: 15th.
STONESHORE UNITED Port Stoneshore, Stoneshore Fief
Nickname:Greys Founded: 771 Ground: SweetHaven Stadium (70,000) Manager: Douglas Tibet (44)
Starting XI (5-3-2): Stefansen (31); Drake (28), Doblet (26), Singleton (33), Solberg (23), Chapman (35); Penterzen (27), Andela (27), Na'Tarejen (23); Yamaguchi (29), Caipirinha (19) Key Reserves: Tournay (GK/24), Houser (DF/30), DeVolder (RB/23), Diawara (MF/36), Crowther (ST/32) Kit Details: Famous all-grey at home. Shirt pictured. The grey shorts have some maroon and white patterning like on the shoulders. On the road, they wear blue and white hoops with solid blue shorts and blue/white hooped socks.
Preview: After Stoneshore United unexpectedly suffered relegation two years ago despite a strong squad, Douglas Tibet expectedly got the sack. But - breaking news - Alvar Tororromo, the new manager who led the Greys back up last season via a Sekundar Ligan championship, has resigned without warning just a couple weeks before the season. So, bizarrely, Tibet is back is in his old Harlighet Ligan job as if he had never left. Annoyed by Tibet's self-righteous attitude after 1005's failure, Stoneshore fans are leery of the decision to reappoint him. It does make sense from the club's perspective though. There simply wasn't enough time to onboard a completely new coach. Tibet still knows a lot of the players and will be able to pick up where Tororromo left off without a hitch. As a neutral, I must say it will be fun to have his eccentric outfits and cryptic monologues on the sidelines again. So what has changed for Stoneshore United since the last time they were here? Well, all the players are two years older :P For real, though, they've sold all their best players. Chad Overstreet, Willy Arntz and Sam Herbjornsrud have gone. They do seem to be replacing them well though. Converting Klyde Heritage's strong left midfielder Jerrell Drake into a 5-3-2 wingback was a smart experiment and has turned out nicely. Teenage Sunrisian phenom Caipirinha shined in the gaping void left by Buyanese fan-favorite Herbjornsrud in the Sekundar Ligan last season and was a big part of their promotion push. Adrienne Crowther arrives too to add some extra grit and experience. And now, they've purchased two options to try to replace winger Overstreet, who was their most consistent chance-creator last season but is now off to Dainer. Tégen Na'Tarejen, the explosive young Vloo who terrorized Sekundar Ligan with a very good Ziemelu Skaida side that nearly gained promotion, and Bazou Diawara, the ancient former Mariners veteran for in case Na'Tarejen falls flat at this level. Plus, some of the young defensive prospects are finally starting to trickle through and bolster that aging Stoneshore back line that has been together for so long. Jorg Solberg has reportedly just won a starting spot, and Dolor DeVolder seems on the verge of doing so as well. Very athletic young defenders both, superb in their air and with a decent pass on them too. Stoneshore United may not have gotten much better since their last Harlighet Ligan effort, but despite all their losses (including their manager!), they don't seem to have gotten worse either. They'll fight it out in the relegation battle and just hold firm. Last Season: Sekundar Ligan Champions (19-10-5). Prediction: 16th.
Starting XI (4-4-2): Fournier (24); Skarasen (33), Warkaiser (31), Jarstrom (21), Festa (23); Boccarin (34 C), Norquist (27), Csihar (24), Storrin (30); Na'Bengna (23), Ellis (27) Key Reserves: Silfverberg (CB/23), Couturiaux (MF/20), Ruhl (ST/18) Kit Details: At home, Morponte Fief wear a shirt of brown and pale orange stripes (pictured right) with white shorts and socks of the same shade of orange. Outsiders call their "Reese's kit" ugly, but it is beloved and stepped in history in Mortim. Away, they wear a white shirt with two thin orange columns down the center with brown shorts with orange striping on the sides and white socks.
Preview: Poor Syl. The well-liked coach continues to ride the managerial merry-go around. Two years ago, he controversially got the boot from AC Holmenkollen, the club he built up from nothing himself, after one slightly underwhelming season...and then lasted only one season at Mariners. The board promised him time to build a project to last regardless of initial results, then used the his debut season's relegation as an excuse to scoot him aside to make room for their man Ejegefe Na'Safeh. Now Syl Denhardt is at Morponte Fief, faced once again with the task of building a newly-promoted team into a contender from the ground up. If given time to lay his foundation (*cough* Mariners *cough*), it's an ideal partnership. In many ways, you see, Morponte Fief is a lot like AC Holmenkollen. Both are clubs that hesitate to spend big money on transfers but maintain well-funded and extremely productive youth academies. Both are clubs with a lot history located in areas ideal for a club to grow its footprint. But whatever grand long-term vision Denhardt has planned out for the Riders, I don't see it coming to fruition this season. They just don't have the players. It's a self-sacrificing lot with admirable heart & character but they just don't have the quality. Captain Malcolm Boccarin epitomizes this. He's beloved in Mortim for his presence in the community, sense of humor, devotion to the club and workrate, but he's one-footed and technically clueless. Just look to the attacking third. Where are the goals going to come from? Lupa Na'Bengna has looked good for Cosumar youth teams in the past but has never shown the ability to perform consistently in the Harlighet Ligan. Jason Ellis has, but he's extremely streaky and can't be relied upon as the main option either. Young midfielders like Aleksander Csihar and Will Couturiaux slayed in the Sekundar Ligan last season but likewise haven't yet demonstrated the decision-making, instinctiveness and awareness requisite for a career in the top flight. The team's strongest point is probably its towering center back pairing of Teemu Jarstrom and Kristian Warkaiser. Or the combination of Andressa Festa and Sarah Storrin on the right. If they're going to stay up, it will be a grind and it will not be pretty. Last Season: 2nd in Sekundar Ligan (20-6-8). Prediction: 18th, Relegation.
Sekundar Ligan Incoming Reinhard Ironside (CF, 35, Newrook City) has joined Treftadaeth Alliance on free transfer Symeon Rattray (ST, 30, Pikemouth) has joined Ziemelu Skaida on free transfer Gwidion (DF, 26, Palestra) has joined Nomad Brotherhood FC on free transfer
Non-Harlighet Ligan Cosumarites Signing Abroad Ramone Scotta (CF, 25, Gwynt Tywyll) has departed for New Island on free transfer Coden Hari (CF, 33, Cranequin Wanderers [NPH]) has departed for Paputu Ghosts for $1m Everett Seymour (CB, 28, Inter Binar [ZEN]) has departed for Z'ai'ai for $3m Vyacheslav Kolen (DM, 31, FC Kolberg [SEM]) has departed for Montfort North End for $7.5m Aililath Nerenn (CB, 26, Helfin Fief) has departed for Mar Sara FC on free transfer Linden Lucassen (ST, 28, Kurtz Herritik [MRT]) has departed for Sabrefell Athletic for $6m Xavier Wingfield (ST, 19, Fort Archer) has departed for Baskita FC for $5m Tevreness Bale (RB, 17) has joined Tanrisal Naldaboa (CM, 17) has joined Wexax United Alora Heher (AM, 21) has joined Alnio Gaia Wakowsia (CM, 17) has joined Sebio City Diette Daleiden (CB, 26, Pelethas United) has joined Rorøs Rovers Duane Cornish (CB, 31, Serpents) has joined FC Kolberg on free transfer Buck Stringfellow (ST, 24, Yambridge FC) has departed for Tarbert Huskies of Anthor on free transfer Kaci Messer (LM, 26, Serpents) has joined Southside Wanderers on free transfer Fetchi Na'Yunai (RB, 35, Klyde Heritage FC) has joined St. Bart's Dutch on free transfer
Retirements Former Cosumar NT player Ejegefe Na'Safeh (ST, 40, Shanak FC [OSR]) DaMarcus Bender (GK, 38, Grasshoppers Turic [OSR]) Mikah Andersen (ST, 36, Copenbrok Klub [SEM]) Felix Victorsson (RM, 37, Mariners) Elwyn Romijnsen (LW, 37, Serpents) Tristian Delph (CB, 34, Nomad Brotherhood FC) Jeander Va'Lamar (RB, 28, Renting ASC [RCN])
Na'Malsille Mariners Olask Islanders(favorites) Ziemelu Skaida Klyde Heritage FC Centus Serpents Helfin Fief Treftadaeth Alliance Pardock Island Fort Archer Pelethas United Yambridge FC Keenan Athletic Nomad Brotherhood FC Goldstaff City Rexnor District 3 Begtatt Isle Athletic Tamiat Town Portsmouth FC
FC Flen Gwynt Tywyll Sepultura Dawchire Town IFK Sundsvall Sarmon FC Regéla United (favorites) Larkinham Town Pristine Forest AFC Obscura 98 Fevelo United Riverside Crew Everlong FC Braylor Town Gnoss Gallants AFC Otkins Numenvernia Revanigruud Riversharks Sporting Pirankoper Real Azuris II Esterhollow Harbor Forest Hill FC Nuur Origins FC
Conference Cosumarus
Sindo Crusaders Atletisk Östrad Hagenheim South End AC Opjenheim Hvalsey 08 West Devellin FC Cadonica United SC Cirith 01 Lykathea City Sontafe City Stortrommeby Town White Tower FC Cassandra Cosmopolitan Zakhoro GCR Azure Lane FC Inter Juta Coppell City FC SC Torpedo Kejsarkona DeFinko Magni Blandinn AC Rhithlungwerddon Town Caledon Legion Chamomile Town Chesterton Cottagers Marshall-Blue FC Ajatarra Alligators FC Fejd Woods of Ypres Yellow Meadow Lynwood
Conference KC
Seryddwyr Aberaeron Villa Forte Noumen Town Silk FC Usk Town Ciems Mungonduvia Oterro Athletic Hamlack Town Meryuma Marshals IFK Nordön Buscari Bridge Force Murkwaamp Suns Piander Falls FC Salfa City Tornline Rexnor District 7 Wilmontsbloom Blue Star Wiedna Town Drahva United Tierra Interstellar Wanderers
Gwerin Athletic Treacherous Cove AFC Sammet Ridge Moggington County Atletisk Kvelertak Emerald Cove SC Sólstafir FC Kviststad Aberaeron Celtic Cerulia City FC Flithby Town Satyricon Nemeses AFC Sadenia Paladins Gibwir Marsnal Glasbon SC Erpland County Gamlasir North Ardamirchan Isle United Baymar Lagune Oppland 806 Interstellar Erurok VfL Läutenstadt Klyde II Svart-Guld Klingaställe Noths Castle FK Pentagram Pjattervid Orias-Kvissle SC CD Panteras Nueces Oxbow Lake Lindsborg Premier
Chittersbee Rangers Atletisk Surpronuk Östrad Rockets FC Lewisville Athletic Dusk Athletic Wealdheim Bards AFC Wernersburg East Devellin FC Scarromere FC FC Stellendam Ollston Town HSC Centus Ingleton Town Zirconim City Paulsendam Town Nabataea Town IFK Sokulldak Kaldukosic Volmacht FC United FC of Stoneshore Sporting Corrian Somberlain FC 1. FC Guggenheim Interstellar Östrad Cape Dutch Copperheads Ramusok United II FC Kaldukosic II OAS Royal FC II Eastweald II FC Samotath II Mallox II
High Noon FC Highlanders Atamac Wanderers Sporting Culmar Malm Town Mintwick Marmots Goldsoul FC Gorgoroth United Hassaburess Athletic Austentrapp City FC Jotungard 99 FC FC Kastanjestad Taigaen Plats Carnessa County Impera Town Columbia Town Briquia Southside FC Keldin Town Black Diamond Osterhaut FC Invierness 912 Gladsax Chariot FC Cassandra City II Morponte Fief II Ombra Castle Olympique Sur Mer Scarborough Harlegan Rovers Club Toftir Club Varden Heofoncandel Uré
Miklagaard Salvation Crawford City FC II East Ellum IFK Karlsborg Bayford City FC Va'Lubasa Rhupenhoven Town Moore Hill Pirates Yuonela Town FC Arkadius Tromsdale Town Dillinger Town West Ellum Nidive Falcons FC Na'Travii SC Swamport Thergothon Town Drummond's FC Duval Town Crawford Sharks SC Theli City Grayslake Real Bellavista Na'Malsille Mariners II Vfl Bolmenstadt Red Star Karbosic Talmusok City SEP Bjarnum FC1. Richtofen Avalanche Klovstad Club
SC Vronus 510 Templar-Lune Kalloroda United Varvonti Firestorm NOVIA Alliance Tonsei Tumult Orion Wanderers Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC Marinus City Menoptera United SC FC Dynamo Kurbads Borzac Sequins Kreanoltha Vipers Romstafar Outpost Rexnor District 1 Rexnor District 4 Rexnor District 5 Rexnor District 6 Rexnor District 8 Rexnor District 9 Sporting Club Macofor Dockery Union Execo Station Whitestone Athletic Tranquility Treepolis New Hagenheim Canopy Snaigow Hoarfrost Levithia Shrievenzale Aläng FF Fayanora Pontonese
All in all, the preseason results aren't bad for the Cosumarite clubs. We're already tossed out of the Champions' Cup like usual, but the draws were really unlucky. Tanrisal and Spatula City in the prelims? Ugh. But all five clubs have advanced into the playoff round of the Globe Cup, which is something.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 1 Stoneshore United 0–3 Zakhoro Aces West Gundar FC 2–1 AC Holmenkollen Versiaville SC 1–4 OAS Royal FC Real Azuris 2–1 Klyde FC Kaldukosic 4–1 Mallox Eastweald 0–0 Samaj FC Crawford City FC 1–5 Cassandra City IFK Aldenskoett 1–1 FC Samotath Morponte Fief 0–0 Ramusok United
Here... we.. GO! The Fiefdom is rejoicing, for football is back! And, for the two Klydian clubs, it's one of the biggest matches of the season right away. The defending champions, Real Azuris, welcomed their fiercest rival, Klyde FC, to Massemord Stadium to defend their supremacy of Klyde Isle. After a dull, scoreless first half that let the air out of the crowd's giddy anticipation a bit, both sides chipped off the early-season rust in the second half. Ronan Bowditch opened the scoring with a cultured chip of Elton Alo on the break in the 57th minute, but Deon Partell equalized for Klyde just three minutes later from the spot after Hardwick's handball in the box. Partell's "flying dovewings" celebration dance was not taken well by the Azurian supporters in the corner. But they would have the last laugh when Hathoway subbed in and promptly scored the winning goal in the 77th minute with a cracker from the left side of the box. I can't think of a better way to start a third-straight title defense. Several teams enjoyed pulsing opening-weekend victories however, like FC Kaldukosic's 4-1 home thrashing of Mallox powered by a Kevin Stabb brace. So far, the St. Elsewhere native doesn't seem phased in the slightest by the astronomically escalated expectations after winning the World Cup with the USI.
Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1 FC Kaldukosic 2-3 Royal Michaeltown (OME) Hastmead Diamente (OSR) 3-1 Klyde Beckwith City (TSA) 0-0 Real Azuris Madruguinha Buneco Clube (CPV) 1-1 OAS Royal FC Cassandra City 4-0 Plalwalall (SCU)
Real Azuris' usual sharpness didn't travel with them to The Sarian, where they ran into a brick wall in Tomasso Tenebrosa's Beckwith City. Klyde expectedly capitulate to a superior Hastmead Diamente in Osarius, but there's no excuse for Kaldukosic or OAS Royal's completely uninspiring displays. At least Royal snagged an away goal at the end. That could come in handy. Arturo Mancini's Cassandra City were alone in showing well for themselves. The Reds picked up right where they left off after slaughtering CCFC on the weekend, Marcos Zelaya leading a relentless attacking onslaught with his two goals and two assists.
Series B Champions' Cup Playoff Round, Leg 1 Akane Fireflies (MZY) 0-0 Morponte Fief Stoneshore United 1-1 Tommy-Atkins (DAI)
Little is decided in their first leg in two boring games.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 2 Zakhoro Aces 0–2 Ramusok United FC Samotath 4–2 Morponte Fief Cassandra City 3–1 IFK Aldenskoett Samaj FC 1–0 Crawford City FC Mallox 1–2 Eastweald Klyde 3–0 FC Kaldukosic OAS Royal FC 0–1 Real Azuris AC Holmenkollen 1–0 Versiaville SC Stoneshore United 3–0 West Gundar FC
In another classic derby so early in the season, Monica Brightwater bagged her first Harlighet Ligan win a few clicks west against that orange-loving club that so loathes Eastweald. Mallox. Bella Thompson's dipping shot from the edge of the box befuddled Esteban Hernandez and put every arm in The Orange Palace in the air in celebration in just the second minute. It nearly became 2-0 on several occasions in a dizzyingly all-Mallox first half. But Brightwater kept her cool and made a crucial substitution at half time that would change the game - bringing on pacy wide midfielder Roald Aguero. He immediately punished Mallox's overconfidence in leaving space in behind, scoring a goal in the 46th minute and cutting one back for Jo de Marisco in the 48th. Eastweald win 2-1 and, on this day, Brightwater is an incredibly popular figure in Yambridge. Must be nice for her to be appreciated after battling public sentiment for so long at AFC Treason. But the luster of a nice derby win will only last so long. Eastweald need to push on. That's what Real Azuris are good at. After winning their derby last week, the very next date on their calendar was a trip to Ramusok to face Galasgoldas Tathtauré, former teammate Eithan Sigurdsson and an OAS Royal side many were championing to end Azuris' title reign. No time to stop and smell the roses. The Breakers defended wonderfully (kudos to new boys Lindberg and Grier), denying Tathtauré his first Harlighet Ligan goal and allowing Peder Hardwick to sweep the winner in under Boakye-Yiadom off a Belgrave free kick in the 54th minute.
Globe Cup Playoff Round, Leg 2 Royal Michaeltown (OME) 3-0 FC Kaldukosic Klyde 1-2 Hastmead Diamente (OSR) Real Azuris 2-2 Beckwith City (TSA) OAS Royal FC 1-0 Madruguinha Buneco Clube (CPV) Plalwalall (SCU) 0-2 Cassandra City
Embarrassing exit for FC Kaldukosic - heavily rotated side or not. Commendable fight from Klyde at home but they still bow out. Real Azuris equalized twice in a frantic second half at home that produced four goals, but they were unable to find the winner they needed to circumvent Beckwith's away goals advantage. Cassandra City and OAS Royal march on with relatively comfortable wins, Cosumar's sole remaining representation in UICA competition. At least, in the two that matter.
Series B Champions' Cup Playoff Round, Leg 2 Morponte Fief 2-0 Akane Fireflies (MZY) Tommy-Atkins 1-1 (4-3 pen.) Stoneshore United
Oops, sorry Morponte. Yeah, yeah, you matter. A nice home performance that saw goals from academy products Aleksander Csihar and Hilde Silfverberg has onlookers believing the Riders could do well in the group stage. Stoneshore nearly joined them, but suffered the heartbreak of a 4-3 penalty shootout to fall short on the doorstep. For weeks to come, Aidan Andela will be replaying in his mind that skied penalty that lost the game, but Tommy-Atkins were the better side across both legs and deserved to go through.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 3 West Gundar FC 2–1 Zakhoro Aces Versiaville SC 0–0 Stoneshore United Real Azuris 1–3 AC Holmenkollen FC Kaldukosic 1–0 OAS Royal FC Eastweald 1–0 Klyde Crawford City FC 0–2 Mallox IFK Aldenskoett 0–0 Samaj FC Morponte Fief 1–2 Cassandra City Ramusok United 0–1 FC Samotath
West Gundar FC and Zakhoro Aces, a fixture that was a Sekundar Ligan staple for many years, play out a surprisingly attractive and high-quality game in Ruminov. West Gundar ran out 2-1 winners with goals from Altimimy and De Wit cancelling out Durot's late strike, but this one really showcased how far both sides have come in recent years. The battle of #10s between Demba Cisse and Temuge was exhilirating to watch. A spectacle we never thought we'd see at New Harmonia Stadium five years ago. Over in Versiaville, Brian Emerson's Villagers resort to torture to secure their first point of this season. Torture for the poor fans who sat through that dreck. It was a scoreless draw, but negative goals (-2 to -2, perhaps?) might've been more appropriate. That's how few chances were being created on both sides. It was a bit of a tepid week overall, with most of the excitement coming from Azuris as the champs suffered their first loss of the season to AC Holmenkollen. The Cedars proceed to celebrate like they just won the Champions' Cup when the final whistle blows. In week 3. That says a lot about how much respect the rest of the league has for Azuris' accomplishments.
Globe Cup Qualifying Round, Leg 1 OAS Royal FC 2-0 Jungle Strike FC (VIL) Cassandra City 1-3 Navel FC (WRL)
Josie MacLean must've groaned when she saw her team's draw for the much-dreaded Globe Cup Qualifying Round. Traditional Vilitan powerhouse Jungle Strike. It seemed like a recipe for more Cosumarite disappointment on the brink of the group stage. But never fear, Tathtauré is here! The Valanora international scored his first goal in an OAS Royal shirt, two of them in fact, to put his new club in excellent position. City, meanwhile, set out to pulverize Navel FC with the expanded crowd of The Amphitheatre roaring behind them, but the islanders play it smart and catch the Reds napping in the back on the counter three times.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 4 Zakhoro Aces 4–3 FC Samotath Cassandra City 4–0 Ramusok United Samaj FC 1–0 Morponte Fief Mallox 0–0 IFK Aldenskoett Klyde 2–2 Crawford City FC OAS Royal FC 1–1 Eastweald AC Holmenkollen 1–1 FC Kaldukosic Stoneshore United 0–2 Real Azuris West Gundar FC 2–0 Versiaville SC
Take a bow, Temuge. The Savalen World Cup star has adapted to the Harlighet Ligan quickly, already looking like the Aces' best player. He didn't score in their 4-3 win over FC Samotath this weekend, but he did just about everything else. Every time he touched the ball, something exciting seemed just around the corner. Lead striker Federico Kot, who scored twice in the game, is going to love playing with such a true playmaker. The Aces had defensive issues exposed in this game, however (Roga scored two goals at point-blank range thanks to center-back lapses), so they can't expect Temuge to garauntee their overall success on his own. In the nightcap game, Cassandra City responded to their Globe Cup elimination earlier in the week with fury. Fury with a capital F. They were rampant under the twinkling night sky at The Amphitheatre, putting on a 4-0 clinic (Brandybok, Tortuu, Zelaya, Brandybok) in attacking football over a Ramusok United team that looks really unsure of itself so far.
Globe Cup Qualifying Round, Leg 2 Jungle Strike FC (VIL) 1-1 OAS Royal FC Navel FC (WRL) 1-1 Cassandra City
Nothing changes. OAS Royal do well to hold off a potential Jungle Strike comeback and Cassandra City accept their fate early on when Navel strike in the 4th minute to make it 4-1 on aggregate.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 5 Versiaville SC 2–2 Zakhoro Aces Real Azuris 1–4 West Gundar FC FC Kaldukosic 1–2 Stoneshore United Eastweald 1–4 AC Holmenkollen Crawford City FC 1–1 OAS Royal FC IFK Aldenskoett 1–3 Klyde Morponte Fief 0–1 Mallox Ramusok United 2–0 Samaj FC FC Samotath 5–5 Cassandra City
Wowza. The entire league sits up and takes notice as a West Gundar FC take down the thrice-defending champs in South Klyde. And it's not just that they won the game. They controlled the game. WGFC's midfield diamond was operating to perfection with Demba Cisse at its tip, and Real's just couldn't keep up. They looked pretty damn tired as the game wore on, whereas the Rugged Men had a jubilant spring in their step. Chisenhall's straight red card that sent Real down to ten men in the 20th minute probably had something to do with it, but still. 4-1 is 4-1. Lubiflor, Vilar, Hallen and Millhouse all scored, with Cisse earning man of the match honors for completing something like 110% of his passes in key areas. Their big win, however, was somewhat overshadowed by the sheer ejaculation of goals that covered Alesund Stadion up north. Our first 10-goal game of the season, and it's no surprise that it involved FC Samotath and Cassandra City, two of the most aggressive teams in the league. Samo love putting on a show for their black-clad home crowd, and they sure got their money's worth this time. Cassandra City had taken a 4-2 lead by half time, but the Black Hawks rallied to pull within one goal (5-4) with Cosme's 17-yard volley. Of course, they were then able to send the fans (and mascots) into rapture with a stoppage time equalizer. Left back Jubal Va'Mono sauntered forward to spank an angled shot past Metz into the far side-netting after some nice interplay with Lasse Hummel. Aside from being a popcorn-munching goalfest, the match was also notable for marring the Reds' hitherto perfect 4-0-0 record. Nevertheless, a road point is never truly bad and Arturo Mancini's men still lead the pack with the first month behind us.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 6 Zakhoro Aces 1–2 Cassandra City Samaj FC 3–0 FC Samotath Mallox 0–1 Ramusok United Klyde 0–1 Morponte Fief OAS Royal FC 1–2 IFK Aldenskoett Crawford City FC 0-1 AC Holmenkollen Stoneshore United 0–2 Eastweald West Gundar FC 1–1 FC Kaldukosic Versiaville SC 1–0 Real Azuris
But FC Samotath are always a completely different team away from their fortress. They fall 3-0 in Samaj with hardly a murmur. But that loss is not as bad as it appears without context. The Hunters, for their part, are a completely different team than they were last year so far. Their young attacking players are stepping up more than even optimistic locals would've expected. And they're doing it against big teams. This week, Pasargan teen Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir assisted Xenophon's head for the opening goal before scoring the second on her own on a mazy solo run and cool finish. Young Darrius Columbine put the final nail in Samotath's coffin, all smiles after scoring his first goal of the season and earning a rare fist-pump from Luis Varezzi. The aura could not be any different in Crawford, where a toothless showing against Holmenkollen has sunk winless CCFC to last place. "I don't know what's going on with us," Kim Coultan said with a frustrated expression after the game. "But we needed to snap the fuck out of it, like, yesterday." Misery has company though: big clubs like Real Azuris and OAS Royal FC have also lost their grip at the moment.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 7 Real Azuris 5–0 Zakhoro Aces FC Kaldukosic 0–0 Versiaville SC Eastweald 0–1 West Gundar FC Crawford City FC 0–2 Stoneshore United IFK Aldenskoett 0–1 AC Holmenkollen Morponte Fief 2–5 OAS Royal FC Ramusok United 1–1 Klyde FC Samotath 0–1 Mallox Cassandra City 5–0 Samaj FC
Did we say something about Real Azuris slipping? After a pair of surprising setbacks, the empire strikes back with a 5-0 lashing of visitors Zakhoro. Seriously, it was a lashing. Chains, submission, and everything. Fraser, Kite, Bowditch, Hardwick and Gaspin all scored as the Breakers chalked up 22 shots and completely eviscerated any confidence the Aces had built up in their own attack. While most of the Fiefdom stared googly-eyed at Fraser's upper-90 stunner from 30 yards, smaller clubs AC Holmenkollen and West Gundar FC quietly added 1-0 wins to their already-impressive collection of victories this season. West Gundar managing a shut out of Eastweald at Old Weldenskirgen is particularly revealing of their mettle (a side-footed Lubiflor finish after a bursting diagonal run then sealing all three points). Both 5-1-1, Holmenkollen and WGFC have jumped out to fantastic starts thanks to the time-tested combination of compact, organized defending and opportunistic scoring.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 8 Zakhoro Aces 1–1 Samaj FC Mallox 1–2 Cassandra City Klyde 1–4 FC Samotath OAS Royal FC 2–1 Ramusok United AC Holmenkollen 1–0 Morponte Fief Stoneshore United 2–2 IFK Aldenskoett West Gundar FC 4–0 Crawford City FC Versiaville SC 5–1 Eastweald Real Azuris 3–3 FC Kaldukosic
Ramusok derby! As the capital's biggest two clubs collided, one couldn't help but notice that it was one of the most star-studded meetings between the two...ever...with all of both clubs' flashy new additions this season. The Royal Palace was sold out beyond capacity to see names like Bregoo, Corderro, Tathtauré, Kontiola, Wiggin, Mulcair, Silvén, Geirsson, Flanningan and Théberge assemble on one pitch. But OAS Royal's stars were brighter on the day, allowing Josie MacLean's side to surpass Gareth Bournemouth's in the table, finally recovered from their tumultuous start. Devon Noble opened the scoring for Royal in the 48th minute with a swinging mid-air blast of a loose ball bouncing on the edge of the box. And The Royal Palace went mad. After an entire half of purposeful, measured probing, United finally broke through with a deserved equalizer in the 82nd minute, substitute Raphael Xodó squeezing a shot past Boakye-Yiadom at his near post after being led through to the baseline by a rolling Robin Geirsson pass. Affairs temporarily seemed tabled for a 1-1 draw, but Tathtauré - finally finding his stride in Cosumar - was the hero for OAS Royal in the 90th minute. He took his time to line it up, but his arcing free kick from the edge of the box was a thing of beauty. Straight up over the wall and straight down between Felix Shaw's fingertips and the crossbar. Starpower. It wins games. Both Royal and Ram Utd need their constellations of stars to start lining up if they are going to keep pace with Cassandra City. The undefeated Reds are red-hot and scoring goals at a breakneck pace. Only the brilliance of Mathis Woodgate in goal prevented them putting up another 4 or 5-goal performance in Mallox this week. But the award for the most bizarre result of the week, and likely of the season thus far, goes to Versiaville. After scarcely acknowledging the existence of the opposing goal for most of these first two months, Versiaville exploded this week for five goals at home against Eastweald. Against the Elves, whose back line has been strong this season! Asher Larned of all people had the best afternoon of his career, showing up on the sheet for two goals (his grand total for all of last season) and drawing a penalty that led to another. Maybe this win will inspire some belief in Brian Emerson's boys that they do have what it takes to successfully venture forward as the season continues.
League represented in parenthesis | H-->S-->T-->L1-->L2 | Major upsets and high-profile fixtures bolded.
First Round
Dockery Union (L2) 3–3 Inter Juta (L1) (3–3 AET) (3–2 pen.) Real Azuris (H) 3–2 FC Dynamo Kurbads (L2) Mallox II (L2) 1–2 Bayford City (L2) Romstafar Outpost (L2) 1–4 AC Holmenkollen (H) Menoptera United (L2) 1–4 Ramusok United (H) Chesterton Cottagers (L1) 1–1 IFK Karlsborg (L2) (1–1 AET) (7–6 pen.) SC Cirith 01 (L1) 3–3 Meryuma Marshals (L1) (3–3 AET) (2–3 pen.) Real Azuris II (T) 2–1 Hvalsey 08 (L1) Forest Hill FC (T) 3–0 Glasbon SC (L2) Ciems Mungonduvia (L1) 0–3 Wealdheim Bards (L2) Ollston Town (L2) 2–3 FC Stellendam (L2) Eastweald (H) 2–2 Rexnor District 7 (L1) (3–3 AET) (7–6 pen.) Wiedna Town (L1) 2–2 Levithia Shrievenzale (L2) (4–3 AET) Varvonti Firestorm (L2) 0–3 Salfa City (L1) Wilmontsbloom Blue Star (L1) 2–5 West Devellin FC (L1) East Devellin FC (L2) 1–0 Execo Station (L2) CD Panteras Nueces (L2) 1–1 Cerulia City FC (L2) (1–3 AET) Fevelo United (T) 2–1 Zakhoro Aces (H) Marshall-Blue FC (L1) 5–3 Club Toftir (L2) IFK Sundsvall (T) 0–3 Cassandra City (H) Sporting Club Macofor (L2) 0–0 Tornline (L1) (0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.) FC Kaldukosic (H) 2–1 Rhithlungwerddon Town (L1) SC Vronus 510 (L2) 2–1 Crawford City FC II (L2) Aberaeron Celtic (L2) 2–6 Pelethas United (S) Coppell City FC (L1) 1–1 Na'Malsille Mariners II (L2) (1–1 AET) (5–6 pen.) White Tower FC (L1) 1–1 Otkins Numenvernia (T) (2–1 AET) Seryddwyr Aberaeron (L1) 2–2 Rexnor District 6 (L2) (2–2 AET) (4–3 pen.) Dillinger Town (L2) 2–1 Rexnor District 1 (L2) Caledon Legion (L1) 3–4 Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2) Talmusok City (L2) 3–2 Keldin Town (L2) VfL Bolmenstadt (L2) 1–0 Somberlain FC (L2) FK Pentagram Pjattervid (L2) 1–1 FC Na'Travii (L2) (1–1 AET) (2–4 pen.) IFK Nordön (L1) 0–3 Morponte Fief (H) Borzac Sequins (L2) 3–0 Drummond's FC (L2) Club Varden (L2) 1–4 Klyde (H) Sindo Crusaders (L1) 3–0 Columbia Town (L2) Cape Dutch Copperheads (L2) 0–2 Buscari Bridge Force (L1) Klyde II (L2) 1–1 Hassaburess Athletic (L2) (1–1 AET) (5–4 pen.) Zirconim City (L2) 3–4 Templar-Lune FC (L2) Atletisk Östrad (L1) 4–1 Hagenheim South End (L1) Gwerin Athletic (L2) 1–0 Zakhoro GCR (L1) Fort Archer (S) 1–1 Silk FC (L1) (4–1 AET) Fayanora Pontonese (L2) 3–3 Red Star Karbosic (L2) (3–3 AET) (5–4 pen.) Sontafe City (L1) 2–3 Oxbow Lake (L2) FC Arkadius (L2) 3–3 Yuonela Town (L2) (4–3 AET) Marinus City (L2) 1–0 West Ellum (L2) Nuur Origins FC (T) 0–3 Gwynt Tywyll (T) Riverside Crew (T) 1–0 Treftadaeth Alliance (S) Satyricon Nemesies AFC (L2) 2–4 West Gundar FC (H) IFK Sokulldak (L2) 0–1 Tierra Interstellar Wanderers (L1) Crawford Sharks SC (L2) 0–2 Tamiat Town (S) Austentrapp City FC (L2) 1–2 Atletisk Surpronuk (L2) Lindsborg Premier (L2) 0–1 VfL Lautenstadt (L2) Dusk Athletic (L2) 3–2 Piander Falls FC (L1) Yambridge FC (S) 4–2 Cadonica United (L1) HSC Centus (L2) 0–4 Klyde Heritage FC (S) Orion Wanderers (L2) 4–2 Aläng FF (L2) Ingleton Town (L2) 4–3 Sadenia Paladins (L2) Malm Town (L2) 3–2 Gnoss Gallants AFC (T) Erpland County (L2) 3–2 FC Kviststad (L2) Grayslake (L2) 1–3 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (L1) FC1. Richtofen Avalanche (L2) 2–3 Dawchire Town (T) Noumen Town (L1) 1–2 Larkinham Town (T) Morponte Fief II (L2) 1–3 AFC Wernersburg (L2) Everlong FC (T) 4–3 Ajatarra Alligators (L1) IFK Aldenskoett (H) 3–1 Kalloroda United (L2) FC Va'Lubasa (L2) 0–1 Ziemelu Skaida (S) East Ellum (L2) 1–3 FC Samotath (H) Tonsei Tumult (L2) 0–0 Cassandra City II (L2) (0–0 AET) (4–1 pen.) Sporting Corrian (L2) 6–4 1. FC Guggenheim (L2) Rexnor District 9 (L2) 2–7 Samaj FC (H) Rexnor District 3 (S) 1–0 Scarromere FC (L2) Klovstad Klub (L2) 2–2 Duval Town (L2) (3–2 AET) Bergtatt Island Athletic (S) 0–1 Sporting Pirankoper (T) High Noon FC (L2) 1–5 OAS Royal FC (H) Whitestone Athletic (L2) 0–1 Azure Lane FC (L1) Cassandra Cosmopolitan (L1) 0–0 Tromsdale Town (L2) (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.) Lykathea City (L1) 2–2 Carnessa County (L2) (2–3 AET) Jotungard 99 FC (L2) 2–4 Usk Town (L1) Drahva United (L1) 0–2 Sólstafir (L2) Emerald Cove SC (L2) 1–1 Stortrommeby Town (L1) (1–1 AET) (3–4 pen.) Theli City (L2) 3–5 Portsmouth FC (S) Flithby Town (L2) 3–1 SC Swamport (L2) Novia Alliance (L2) 1–0 Chittersbee Rangers (L2) New Hagenheim Canopy (L2) 2–2 Gladsax Chariot FC (L2) (2–2 AET) (4–2 pen.) Miklagaard Salvation (L2) 0–0 Rexnor District 5 (L2) (2–0 AET) Gibwir Marsnal (L2) 1–1 Östrad Rockets FC (L2) (2–1 AET) Regéla United (T) 4–0 Moggington County (L2) Versiaville SC (H) 1–0 Sarmon FC (T) Sammet Ridge (L2) 1–0 Atletisk Kvelertak (L2) Kreanoltha Vipers (L2) 2–1 Rexnor District 4 (L2) DeFinko Magni Blandinn AC (L1) 0–3 Crawford City FC (H) Rexnor District 8 (L2) 1–1 Ardamirchan Isle United (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.) Nabataea Town (L2) 2–4 Sepultura (T) Villa Forte (L1) 1–1 Interstellar Erurok (L2) (3–1 AET) Nomad Brotherhood FC (S) 4–4 Interstellar Östrad (L2) (5–4 AET) Keenan Athletic (S) 4–1 Goldsoul FC (L2) Chamomile Town (L1) 2–0 Real Bellavista (L2) Black Diamond Osterhaut (L2) 2–4 Taigaen Plats (L2) Revanigruud Riversharks (T) 1–2 Paulsendam Town (L2) Briquia Southside FC (L2) 2–3 Pardock Island (S) Braylor Town (T) 1–0 Gamlas North End (L2) Atamac Wanderers (L2) 0–4 Mallox (H) Stoneshore United (H) 2–3 Na'Malsille Mariners (S) SEP Bjarnum (L2) 1–1 FC Kaldukosic II (L2) (1–1 AET) (1–2 pen.) Yellow Meadow Lynwood (L1) 1–1 FC Flen (T) (1–1 AET) (2–3 pen.) Gorgoroth United (L2) 0–4 Goldstaff City (S) Svart-Guld Klingastalle (L2) 0–1 United FC of Stoneshore (L2) Olask Islanders (S) 1–0 Helfin Fief FC (S) Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC (L2) 1–1 Pristine Forest (T) (1–2 AET) Rhupenhoven Town (L2) 1–0 Heofoncandel Uré (L2) AC Opjenheim (L1) 0–1 FC Samotath II (L2) Baymar Lagune (L2) 7–3 Harlegan Rovers (L2) Murkwaamp Suns FC (L1) 1–1 Ombra Castle (L2) (2–1 AET) Impera Town (L2) 2–3 Kaldukosic Volmacht FC (L2) Woods of Ypres (L1) 1–0 Falco Na'Dive (L2) Orias-Kvissle SC (L2) 1–0 Mintwick Marmots (L2) Sporting Culmar (L2) 3–3 OAS Royal FC II (L2) (3–3 AET) (2–3 pen.) Thergothon Town (L2) 1–2 FC Invierness 912 (L2) AFC Obscura 98 (T) 4–2 Scarborough (L2) Noths Castle (L2) 0–2 Ramusok United II (L2) Eastweald II (L2) 0–2 Treacherous Cove AFC (L2) Olympique Sur Mer (L2) 2–4 Moore Hill Pirates (L2) Atletico Oterro (L1) 3–0 Tranquility Treepolis (L2) Hamlack Town (L1) 3–1 Oppland 806 (L2) Highlanders (L2) 0–5 FC Fejd (L1) Esterhollow Harbor (T) 1–4 Centus Serpents (S) FC Kastanjestad (L2) 0–0 Lewisville Athletic (L2) (1–0 AET)
Second Round
Dockery Union (L2) 2–9 Real Azuris (H) Bayford City (L2) 0–1 AC Holmenkollen (H) Ramusok United (H) 5–2 Chesterton Cottagers (L1) Meryuma Marshals (L1) 1–2 Real Azuris II (T) Forest Hill FC (T) 4–2 Wealdheim Bards (L2) FC Stellendam (L2) 1–8 Eastweald (H) Wiedna Town (L1) 3–1 Salfa City (L1) West Devellin FC (L1) 1–0 East Devellin FC (L2) Cerulia City FC (L2) 2–3 Fevelo United (T) Marshall-Blue FC (L1) 1–5 Cassandra City (H) Sporting Club Macofor (L2) 3–6 FC Kaldukosic (H) SC Vronus 510 (L2) 0–2 Pelethas United (S) Na'Malsille Mariners II (L2) 0–0 White Tower FC (L1) (0–2 AET) Seryddwyr Aberaeron (L1) 4–0 Dillinger Town (L2) Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2) 2–2 Talmusok City (L2) (3–2 AET) VfL Bolmenstadt (L2) 3–3 FC Na'Travii (L2) (3–4 AET) Morponte Fief (H) 3–0 Borzac Sequins (L2) Klyde (H) 3–1 Sindo Crusaders (L1) Buscari Bridge Force (L1) 1–0 Klyde II (L2) Templar-Lune FC (L2) 2–1 Atletisk Östrad (L1) Gwerin Athletic (L2) 0–0 Fort Archer (S) (0–1 AET) Fayanora Pontonese (L2) 1–0 Oxbow Lake (L2) FC Arkadius (L2) 0–1 Marinus City (L2) Gwynt Tywyll (T) 3–1 Riverside Crew (T) West Gundar FC (H) 7–5 Tierra Interstellar Wanderers (L1) Tamiat Town (S) 5–4 Atletisk Surpronuk (L2) VfL Lautenstadt (L2) 1–2 Dusk Athletic (L2) Yambridge FC (S) 4–0 Klyde Heritage FC (S) Orion Wanderers (L2) 3–2 Ingleton Town (L2) Malm Town (L2) 1–0 Erpland County (L2) SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (L1) 1–2 Dawchire Town (T) Larkinham Town (T) 3–1 AFC Wernersburg (L2) Everlong FC (T) 3–5 IFK Aldenskoett (H) Ziemelu Skaida (S) 0–1 FC Samotath (H) Tonsei Tumult (L2) 5–4 Sporting Corrian (L2) Samaj FC (H) 3–1 Rexnor District 3 (S) Klovstad Klub (L2) 1–2 Sporting Pirankoper (T) OAS Royal FC (H) 4–0 Azure Lane FC (L1) Tromsdale Town (L2) 4–0 Carnessa County (L2) Usk Town (L1) 2–2 Sólstafir (L2) (4–2 AET) Stortrommeby Town (L1) 3–7 Portsmouth FC (S) Flithby Town (L2) 1–3 Novia Alliance (L2) New Hagenheim Canopy (L2) 2–0 Miklagaard Salvation (L2) Gibwir Marsnal (L2) 1–5 Regéla United (T) Versiaville SC (H) 2–0 Sammet Ridge (L2) Kreanoltha Vipers (L2) 1–7 Crawford City FC (H) Rexnor District 8 (L2) 2–1 Sepultura (T) Villa Forte (L1) 0–3 Nomad Brotherhood FC (S) Keenan Athletic (S) 4–0 Chamomile Town (L1) Taigaen Plats (L2) 2–1 Paulsendam Town (L2) Pardock Island (S) 3–2 Braylor Town (T) Mallox (H) 3–3 Na'Malsille Mariners (S) (4–3 AET) FC Kaldukosic II (L2) 0–1 FC Flen (T) Goldstaff City (S) 1–1 United FC of Stoneshore (L2) (2–1 AET) Olask Islanders (S) 0–1 Pristine Forest (T) Rhupenhoven Town (L2) 4–2 FC Samotath II (L2) Baymar Lagune (L2) 3–4 Murkwaamp Suns FC (L1) Kaldukosic Volmacht FC (L2) 1–3 Woods of Ypres (L1) Orias-Kvissle SC (L2) 1–1 OAS Royal FC II (L2) (1–1 AET) (5–4 pen.) FC Invierness 912 (L2) 0–1 AFC Obscura 98 (T) Ramusok United II (L2) 0–0 Treacherous Cove AFC (L2) (0–0 AET) (3–1 pen.) Moore Hill Pirates (L2) 1–1 Atletico Oterro (L1) (2–3 AET) Hamlack Town (L1) 1–0 FC Fejd (L1) Centus Serpents (S) 1–0 FC Kastanjestad (L2)
The King's Cup is usually good for a few early-round shockers, but not so much this time. The Zakhoro Aces are the only Harlighet Ligan team to bow out in the first two rounds, victim of a late deflected winner from a feisty Fevelo United, one of the more talented teams in the Tredje Ligan. Otherwise, the big clubs dominated in record-breaking fashion. Real Azuris and Eastweald's respective 9-2 and 8-1 wins over fifth-tier opposition (well, let's be honest, there really wasn't much "opposition") stole headlines. Sean Fraser put in the most productive 70-minute shift of his career, railing five goals past the helpless teenage FC Dynamo Kurbads keeper.
Season 19 (Part 2)
Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2016 8:08 pm
by Cosumar
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 9 FC Kaldukosic 2–1 Zakhoro Aces Eastweald 3–0 Real Azuris Crawford City FC 1–0 Versiaville SC IFK Aldenskoett 3–4 West Gundar FC Morponte Fief 0–1 Stoneshore United Ramusok United 1–2 AC Holmenkollen FC Samotath 0–1 OAS Royal FC Cassandra City 3–1 Klyde Samaj FC 2–1 Mallox
Can anybody stop Cassandra City? If Jefferson and Klyde's stingy defense can't, I'm not sure that anyone else can. The Reds are starting to run away with the league already, scoring 3+ goals per game with a goal-differential double that of the next best team. Even the away section at The Amphitheatre seemed entertained by the ease at which their attack was clicking, culminating with a headed Jol Tortuu brace (both off glittering Serafino crosses) and a goal Yevhen Bardsen instinctively deflected past Alo with his knee. But it's not just their attack. Veteran defender John Campbell has come in from Ethane and solidified this back line in three months in a way that Reuben Limage was never able to do in three years, and Metz in goal has been exactly the kind of difference-maker that Mancini expected when he splashed the cash for him in the transfer window. At the exact opposite end of the table, Crawford City FC finally experienced its first win of the season. It might've saved Pawela Nowicki's job too. It's still early, yes, but a loss to your main rival (to whom you have long been superior) at home to fall to 0-1-8 had all the hallmarks of a managerial death blow. The uninspiring 1-0 win over Versiaville required a sending-off of Nodtveit and a colossal goalkeeping error by MacAmlaigh for an own-goal, but a win is a win. The Elephants just needed to get something rolling. You have to start somewhere. And thanks to Morponte Fief looking arguably even worse against promotion partners Stoneshore United (who have been surprisingly dangerous), at least CCFC aren't in dead-last anymore.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 10 Zakhoro Aces 0–1 Mallox Klyde 0–0 Samaj FC OAS Royal FC 1–1 Cassandra City AC Holmenkollen 1–0 FC Samotath Stoneshore United 2–1 Ramusok United West Gundar FC 0–0 Morponte Fief Versiaville SC 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett Real Azuris 2–1 Crawford City FC FC Kaldukosic 2–1 Eastweald
OAS Royal and Cassandra City exhaust all their options in a back-and-forth, wide-open and wildly entertaining affair at The Royal Palace, but neither can gain the upper-hand and it ends in a 1-1 draw. Joost Schuiling, in his first Harlighet Ligan start, scored the equalizer for the home Whites in the 70th minute with a "what the fuck, why not" impromptu shot from outside the box that Metz really should've stopped, despite its tricky dip. The fortunes of the other two Ramusok-based clubs this week were ironic in their extreme contrast. Up the road from OAS's draw, Holmenkollen stretched their winning streak to six games by sending FC Samotath's four-pronged attack back north empty-handed. The Cedars' resilient defensive display (Taddeo Loredan's TWO running goal-line clearances exemplifying their spirit) frustrated impatient Samotath and allowed Kortuufa's gritty set-piece goal to secure the full share of points. Amazingly, Holmenkollen could go top with a win next week. While Martin Adnansen heartily congratulated his team for another flying start to the season, Gareth Bournemouth faced tough questions from the media after Ramusok United were outplayed by an old rival: newly-promoted Stoneshore United. With Seon Jin Kang out with a knock, the Blues' left side was a disaster. Tégen Na'Tarejen, a rookie, and 37-year-old Bazou Diawara were able to waltz right into the box on that side and rifle low shots past Shaw for Stoneshore. Near mirror-image goals, both in the first ten minutes. Elena Culbreth eventually pulled one back for Ram U in the 78th minute, collecting a tidy pass at the spot from Mulcair and sweeping it under the keeper, but it did little to change the lasting impression of the disorganized and disjointed 77 minutes prior.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 11 Eastweald 3–0 Zakhoro Aces Crawford City FC 3–3 FC Kaldukosic IFK Aldenskoett 3–3 Real Azuris Morponte Fief 1–0 Versiaville SC Ramusok United 0–0 West Gundar FC FC Samotath 0–0 Stoneshore United Cassandra City 0–1 AC Holmenkollen Samaj FC 3–4 OAS Royal FC Mallox 1–0 Klyde
Clash at the top of the table! And no one expected it to go like this. Cassandra City's simmering home form came to a grinding halt as AC Holmenkollen paid them a visit at The Amphitheatre and picked up yet another gritty 1-0 win. Their defense has really been something else. Loredan and Na'Nockeby are as solid a central pairing as any in the league, with the experience of Luna and Arda paramount on either side and the uncompromising mentality of #6 Brock Mattox shielding them. While the dream continues for humble Holmenkollen, Crawford City FC are only descending deeper into their nightmare. Things finally seemed to be going right for them when Kim Coultan, Guilliver and then Kostas Postecoglou all netted quality goals at home, only to choke away the 3-0 lead in the final ten minutes. Complete and utter loss of concentration and collapse. Kevin Stabb chested down a poor clearance and volleyed past Theoklitos in the 81st. Aspen Meratyn used her pace to slice through the heart of the defense, collect a touch-perfect McSaunders through ball and emphatically finish in the 84th. Orangi Stadium on edge. And then Redd Banner, the fullback, completed the FC Kaldukosic comeback in the third minute of stoppage time, gently nodding in Wadimu's free kick at the back post. And the worst part? Only Coultan and Sherman for Crawford seemed even care.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 12 Zakhoro Aces 3–0 Klyde OAS Royal FC 0–1 Mallox AC Holmenkollen 0–0 Samaj FC Stoneshore United 0–1 Cassandra City West Gundar FC 0–3 FC Samotath Versiaville SC 0–2 Ramusok United Real Azuris 3–3 Morponte Fief FC Kaldukosic 3–2 IFK Aldenskoett Eastweald 0–1 Crawford City FC
Like a number of the favored teams, Eastweald have been exasperatingly inconsistent so far this season. This month, the Elves have notched impressive 3-0 wins against the Aces and Real Azuris (dat Bogwa hat trick!) but have interspersed them with no-shows like the 5-1 debacle in Versiaville and today's performance at home against a floundering Crawford. Monica Brightwater will need time to fully figure out the Harlighet Ligan, and Eastweald are still in the UICA mix, but a stinker like this at home is highly disappointing and indicates something not quite right. To be fair, there was little they could've done about Marten Akerman's glancing header off a McBride corner for the win in the 14th. It's not Orion Black's fault that the lanky Akerman is the tallest man on the pitch 99% of the time. In a match-up that always evokes glorious images of both clubs' dynastic days in the early Harlighet Ligan, Mallox traveled to Ramusok for a much-anticipated clash with OAS Royal. It was promoted heavily on HoloTV all week with stirring clips of their epic duels in the 980s, set to dramatic music and a "faded" filter. The game itself didn't quite live up to those rose-tinted expectations, but it was still hard-fought on both sides. Devoid of finishing but full of the energy (from both the players and the crowds) that makes the Harlighet Ligan so special to many of us. It was Mallox's Cassandra Kilgallon that would finally find the elusive finishing touch in the 68th minute, stretching to poke Randwë Nhatandal's ball from the right in past a wrong-footed Boakye-Yiadom for the win. Easily the biggest goal of Mallox's season thus far, it sent the orange-clad quarter of The Royal Palace into euphoria as all the white shirts looked around in dismay, arms folded. Kilgallon earned the further endearment of the traveling supporters when she kissed the club crest and pointed to them after running around behind the goal. Don't look now, but Alvin Burnsides has Mallox back in the UICA zone.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 13 Crawford City FC 0–2 Zakhoro Aces IFK Aldenskoett 0–2 Eastweald Morponte Fief 0–0 FC Kaldukosic Ramusok United 0–0 Real Azuris FC Samotath 2–0 Versiaville SC Cassandra City 3–3 West Gundar FC Samaj FC 2–1 Stoneshore United Mallox 0–0 AC Holmenkollen Klyde 1–0 OAS Royal FC
An exceedingly boring week, including draws for five of the top six, allows winning clubs like Eastweald and - surprisingly - Samaj to make up some ground in the UICA hunt. The Aces downed their struggling southwestern brethren in Crawford with a pair of penalties, OAS Royal's recent drought continued with another unlucky 1-0 loss to strong opposition, and a hyped Ramusok United-Real Azuris meeting disappointingly ended up yielding nothing worth mentioning. If exciting attack-minded football is what you crave, the only offering on display in Cosumar this week was - as is becoming trend - at The Amphitheatre. Red-hot Cassandra City welcomed the league's next-hottest attack (3rd-place overachievers West Gundar) to their not-so-humble abode. The result? Fireworks. Like the 4th of July.
Segio Vilar opened the scoring for the bold visitors in the 17th minute, using his strong upper body to ward off Kaden Wing as he ran onto a long ball in space and curled it into the net from 15 yards, sprawling to the turf in the process. Catheline Boag drew the Reds level at 1-1 in the 41st minute. A desperate Gundar clearance from the baseline eventually came back down at the top of the circle, where Kwame Cole was waiting to collect. He immediately chucked the ball back into the box hopefully. Boag perfectly played off the shoulder of Pertwee and beat the offside trap, finding herself suddenly alone on goal. Jed Koositra was hesitant coming out and, despite an awkward stumble, Boag was able to seize the brief opportunity and stab the ball past him. The game hit the next gear in the second half. Cassandra City took a 2-1 lead immediately after the opening kick, Yevhen Bardsen surging into the right side of the penalty box before cutting it to the middle, where Jol Tortuu had opened a brief window of space bumping Gustaf Söder off-balance. That was all he needed, slapping the nice pass into the roof of the net first-time. But two goals in quick-succession for West Gundar in the 67th and 70th minutes (Lubiflor, Vilar again) would swing the balance back in their favor, 3-2. Unfortunately for the Rugged Men, the game changed yet again when Nidal Haddad was sent off for a goal-denying handball. Zelaya would miss the penalty for City, but Jehan Bair was still dutifully livid from the touchline, giving the referees his best death-glare as his team attempted to see out the win with 10 men. But Cassandra City are too lethal of an offensive machine to not take advantage. Brandybok, all of Cosumar's favorite Daineri, nonchalantly scored the 3-3 equalizer for the home Reds, capping off a well-worked passing sequence with a simple finish. He would attempt a triumphant winner from 16 yards in the 88th minute, but it would be denied by the left post.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 14 Zakhoro Aces 1–3 OAS Royal FC AC Holmenkollen 1–3 Klyde Stoneshore United 0–2 Mallox West Gundar FC 2–3 Samaj FC Versiaville SC 1–1 Cassandra City Real Azuris 3–3 FC Samotath FC Kaldukosic 1–1 Ramusok United Eastweald 2–0 Morponte Fief Crawford City FC 0–3 IFK Aldenskoett
Eastweald seem to have rounded into form as of late. Jo de Marisco had one of her better games of the season, notching a class goal and an assist on Roald Aguero's in their 2-0 win. But then again, it was against Morponte Fief. The Riders, despite all of Syl Denhardt's customary enthusiasm, have expectedly struggled for a spark in their first season back up. Down in Zakhoro, Galasgoldas Tathtauré scored his first Harlighet Ligan hat trick to see OAS to a comfortable win over the Aces. In the Metro Classic, late dramatics saw Ramusok United steal a much-needed point away from FC Kaldukosic at Leviathan Arena. Lyyli Silvén nutmegged Brian Litchmoor before bending a world-class strike around the keeper and in off the woodwork in the 89th minute.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 15 IFK Aldenskoett 3–0 Zakhoro Aces Morponte Fief 1–3 Crawford City FC Ramusok United 0–2 Eastweald FC Samotath 2–2 FC Kaldukosic Cassandra City 1–3 Real Azuris Samaj FC 0–3 Versiaville SC Mallox 0–3 West Gundar FC Klyde 0–1 Stoneshore United OAS Royal FC 0–0 AC Holmenkollen
The 'smallish' clubs that have infiltrated the top of the table in the first half of the season refuse to go away just yet. West Gundar FC strengthened their grip on 3rd by cracking nearby Mallox open 3-0 (Lubiflor, de Wit, Söder), young Wenceslaw having an absolute shocker in defense. They always save their best for the Tigers, long the undisputed kings of that region. And AC Holmenkollen maintained their hold on 2nd by dragging a point out of The Royal Palace with some unabashedly conservative tactics. In other news, IFK Aldenskoett picked up their biggest win of the season by punishing some naivety on the part of the young Zakhoro Aces. Jess Capulet, Renelle Glatthorn and Teor Rwang all scored in the 3-0 outing, IFK even building up enough confidence to hold possession the Zakhoro half for some extended spells. The result sees the two clubs swap places - which is a big deal because the place IFK vacated leads to the relegation playoff. At Fire River Arena, the weekend's primetime fixture between Ramusok United and Eastweald turned violent when young United defender Atticus Hattingh, frustrated with the way the 2-0 game (and probably the season as a whole) was going, dealt a bone-crunching horror challenge to Eastweald's Kelkath Pawlukiewicz. As Pawlukiewicz fell to the ground and stayed there, several of his teammates came to his defense and confronted Hattingh. Jo de Marisco in particular got really up in Hattingh's face, even forcefully shoving his chest a few times. She was given a yellow, her second of the game, for the contact and sent off to a chorus of jeers from the sea of blue in the stands. "That's the type of shit that makes my blood boil," de Marisco said after the game. "You can end people's careers, their livelihood, if you let negative emotions take over like that." When asked if her own retaliation to the events makes her a hypocrite, de Marisco gave a disbelieving grunt and said, "Go ask Kelkath." Pawlukiewicz will miss the rest of the season with a broken leg. Monica Brightwater confirmed she will insert Myken Lael into the starting left back slot.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 16 Zakhoro Aces 0–0 AC Holmenkollen Stoneshore United 1–4 OAS Royal FC West Gundar FC 2–1 Klyde Versiaville SC 1–0 Mallox Real Azuris 2–3 Samaj FC FC Kaldukosic 3–3 Cassandra City Eastweald 3–3 FC Samotath Crawford City FC 1–2 Ramusok United IFK Aldenskoett 6–0 Morponte Fief
What the fuck, clusterfuck! It was a crazy weekend, where to begin? It was so exciting, why am I rhyming? Ok, so OAS Royal FC roared back to life with an attacking masterclass in Stoneshore. They broke down the stone wall. Galasgoldas Tathtauré with an extremely athletic bicycle kick and Leonidas Bregoo popping up with the first hat trick of his Harlighet Ligan career after what has been a somewhat subdued season for him so far. Then, Versiaville's Thia Ribos tagged Mallox with a 90th minute winner, so ferociously headed that it hit Woodgate in the hands and he still couldn't stop it from scorching through. I didn't know that it was possible to get so much force from one snap of the neck. The adrenaline-rush of a weekend continued in Azuris, where Real's leaky defense continued to haunt them. The defending champions fell to lowly Samaj 3-2. Or... not so lowly. Inspired by Luis Varezzi, Samaj have just entered the top five for the first time. Young Port Christopher international Rachel Del Arro was the woman of the match, shining brighter than even Sean Fraser on this day and one-upping Ronan Bowditch's earlier equalizer with a perfectly-timed diving header for the win in the 86th minute. It was her second goal of the game, with Xenophon scoring the other. Samaj's defense is looking really intimidating too. What is this season? As if it couldn't get any weirder, IFK Aldenskoett scored six goals in a scarcely believable rampage at home. All in the first half. For 45 minutes, they steamrolled over Morponte Fief, feeding them to the birds at their Eagle's Nest. Morponte Fief's tight defense is normally their only strong attribute, but they were stretched and thinned to oblivion, left only to stare at each other in helpless humiliation as Hess-Olesen, De Vries, Lundgren, Capulet, Costabile and De Vries again all got on the scoresheet in the prolific first half.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 17 Morponte Fief 0–0 Zakhoro Aces Ramusok United 0–0 IFK Aldenskoett FC Samotath 3–1 Crawford City FC Cassandra City 1–0 Eastweald Samaj FC 1–0 FC Kaldukosic Mallox 1–2 Real Azuris Klyde 0–0 Versiaville SC OAS Royal FC 0–0 West Gundar FC AC Holmenkollen 1–2 Stoneshore United
The last cluster of games before the midseason break is highlighted by another staggering Samaj victory over a seemingly superior side. The big 'ole Sarrbian defender Patrick Banderas is the unlikely hero, scoring only his second career goal seemingly by accident as Columbine's corner struck his back and rolled over the line past a late-reacting Cormak Lethbridge. Banderas celebrates by lifting up his shirt and slowly, suggestively rubbing his potbelly in front of the supporters with a big toothy grin on his face. Well then. The Hunters are enjoying this spell of good fortune, at least. Crawford City FC are not enjoying themselves. FC Samotath run roughshod over them at Alesund Stadion with confident goals taken by Roga, Gwinevra Harmonium and Miroslav Vorobyov. A sour note to end a very sour first half of the season for the Elephants. Coultan and company have a lot of work to do after the break if they want to avoid relegation, let alone save Pawela Nowicki's job. Real Azuris have had some ups-and-downs of their own in the first 17 games, but they will feel good about their chances of making a run at a fourth straight title after a big win 2-1 at The Orange Palace this week. Sandra Sybill, starting for the resting Belgrave, bagged a debut Harlighet Ligan goal in the first half courtesy of a gorgeous cross-field assist from Florentin Lachance. The Audioslavian would score himself later on to make it 2-0, rendering Luco Haines' last-gasp goal for Mallox irrelevant.
Real Azuris (H) 3–4 AC Holmenkollen (H) Ramusok United (H) 3–2 Real Azuris II (T) Forest Hill FC (T) 2–2 Eastweald (H) (2–2 AET) (5–4 pen.) Wiedna Town (L1) 1–0 West Devellin FC (L1) Fevelo United (T) 0–3 Cassandra City (H) FC Kaldukosic (H) 3–0 Pelethas United (S) White Tower FC (L1) 3–5 Seryddwyr Aberaeron (L1) Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2) 2–3 FC Na'Travii (L2) Morponte Fief (H) 3–4 Klyde (H) Buscari Bridge Force (L1) 0–0 Templar-Lune FC (L2) (1–0 AET) Fort Archer (S) 2–2 Fayanora Pontonese (L2) (3–2 AET) Marinus City (L2) 1–3 Gwynt Tywyll (T) West Gundar FC (H) 2–0 Tamiat Town (S) Dusk Athletic (L2) 1–2 Yambridge FC (S) Orion Wanderers (L2) 0–1 Malm Town (L2) Dawchire Town (T) 1–1 Larkinham Town (T) (2–1 AET) IFK Aldenskoett (H) 1–1 FC Samotath (H) (1–1 AET) (5–3 pen.) Tonsei Tumult (L2) 0–2 Samaj FC (H) Sporting Pirankoper (T) 2–5 OAS Royal FC (H) Tromsdale Town (L2) 1–5 Usk Town (L1) Portsmouth FC (S) 0–0 Novia Alliance (L2) (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.) New Hagenheim Canopy (L2) 1–2 Regéla United (T) Versiaville SC (H) 1–1 Crawford City FC (H) (3–1 AET) Rexnor District 8 (L2) 1–3 Nomad Brotherhood FC (S) Keenan Athletic (S) 6–0 Taigaen Plats (L2) Pardock Island (S) 2–1 Mallox (H) FC Flen (T) 0–1 Goldstaff City (S) Pristine Forest (T) 2–0 Rhupenhoven Town (L2) Murkwaamp Suns FC (L1) 0–1 Woods of Ypres (L1) Orias-Kvissle SC (L2) 0–1 AFC Obscura 98 (T) Ramusok United II (L2) 1–0 Atletico Oterro (L1) Hamlack Town (L1) 1–4 Centus Serpents (S)
Dominoes fall! In the first game of the third round, Real Azuris are beaten at home by AC Holmenkollen for the second time this season. The defending cupholders will not have the chance to pursue consecutive League-Cup doubles. Clayton Bordeaux-Desjardins, Funanya Nwapa, Brock Mattox and Marco Luna all scored for Holmenkollen in their rousing road victory. That upset set off a chain reaction across the week, with Eastweald bowing out on penalties to a Forest Hill FC team that was in Conference play last year and Mallox proving ineffective against a mediocre Pardock Island. Amidst all this, west coast rivals Crawford City FC and Versiaville were pitted against each other already by the luck of the draw. Both sides, struggling in the league, were determined to cling to the Cup as a possible avenue success and fielded full strength teams. In the end, CCFC's misfortunate continued after Perseus Theoklitos' ten heroic regular-time saves were washed away by a questionable penalty call in the 108th minute, which Feri Koropia duly converted. But Augustine Breton silenced what would've been profligate whining out of Crawford by adding another in the 118th to make it 3-1 in favor of Versiaville.
Fourth Round
AC Holmenkollen (H) 1–6 Ramusok United (H) Forest Hill FC (T) 0–0 Wiedna Town (L1) (0–0 AET) (2–4 pen.) Cassandra City (H) 0–1 FC Kaldukosic (H) Seryddwyr Aberaeron (L1) 1–0 FC Na'Travii (L2) Klyde (H) 5–2 Buscari Bridge Force (L1) Fort Archer (S) 1–3 Gwynt Tywyll (T) West Gundar FC (H) 3–1 Yambridge FC (S) Malm Town (L2) 0–0 Dawchire Town (T) (0–0 AET) (4–5 pen.) IFK Aldenskoett (H) 1–1 Samaj FC (H) (1–3 AET) OAS Royal FC (H) 3–0 Usk Town (L1) Novia Alliance (L2) 0–0 Regéla United (T) (0–0 AET) (5–4 pen.) Versiaville SC (H) 1–2 Nomad Brotherhood FC (S) Keenan Athletic (S) 1–0 Pardock Island (S) Goldstaff City (S) 2–1 Pristine Forest (T) Woods of Ypres (L1) 0–1 AFC Obscura 98 (T) Ramusok United II (L2) 1–3 Centus Serpents (S)
Ramusok United's shiny new wingers flashed their true potential in the blue shirt here in the King's Cup fourth round. Lyyli Silvén and Antonio Mulcair meshed perfectly with the rest of the team, a sight we haven't seen enough of this season. They were in top form, dazzling the Holmenkollen fans across town at Cedar Park with their on-ball abilities. The cup derby match got ugly, quick. Elena Culbreth, Tug Cooper and Silvén (twice) all scored in the first 25 minutes for an early 4-0 United lead. Mulcair and Silvén again,running unmarked into the box to complete her first United hat trick, would add additional goals in the second half to complete the 6-1 shredding of poor AC Holmenkollen. With Real Azuris having been eliminated by Holmenkollen themselves in the last round, and Cassandra City falling today nearby in the bracket, Gareth Bournemouth will now be eyeing the remaining path to the King's Cup Final carnivorously, though a Metro Classic meet-up with FC Kaldukosic in the quarterfinals seems likely.
Season 19 - Part 3
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 12:58 pm
by Cosumar
AOCL Qualifying Round Sebio City (ESH) 0-3 Real Azuris Real Azuris 4-0 Sebio City (ESH) Real Azuris advance 7-0 on aggregate
Cygnus Cup First Round Real Azuris 3-1 Sport Wios (DAI) Sport Wios 1-2 Real Azuris Real Azuris advance 5-2 on aggregate
Heavy match congestion for the Breakers now, with AOCL and Cygnus Cup hitting full stride. The burden of winning the domestic double. Fortunately, Mescalin is able to get away with playing rotated sides while cruising to easy victories in the early rounds. Andrew Arrowsword shined on the international stage, starting all four matches and scoring six of the 12 goals over that span.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 18 Zakhoro Aces 2–0 Stoneshore United AC Holmenkollen 1–1 West Gundar FC OAS Royal FC 0–1 Versiaville SC Klyde 0–3 Real Azuris Mallox 1–3 FC Kaldukosic Samaj FC 0–2 Eastweald Cassandra City 0–0 Crawford City FC FC Samotath 1–1 IFK Aldenskoett Ramusok United 1–0 Morponte Fief
The midseason break is over and the teams are back, fully charged and ready to set their sights on the finish line. Real Azuris always seem to save their best football, their "title mode" for this time of year. Recall last season when they ascended from 12th to 1st over the second half of the season. They only have six places to climb this time, and they've already started off on the right foot by turning North Klyde blue in the second Klyde Isle derby of the season. Elder stateswomen Georgia Kite and Diandra Belgrave both assist on each other's goals in the first half to put the Doves in an early cage, and then Mortimer Chisenhall soars higher than Jefferson in to smash home a corner in the 75th minute to make it 3-0.
Cygnus Cup Round of 16 Marinos Metropolis (VLD) 1-0 Real Azuris Real Azuris 2-5 Marinos Metropolis (VLD) Marinos Metropolis advance 6-2 on aggregate
It started well enough for Azuris in Valladares, the defense doing well to limit the damage to a single goal by former FC Kaldukosic lad Tamer Yilmaz. But they go for it a little more at home and end up opening themselves for goals...five of them. Yikes. That's one way to go out. Marinos Metropolis would go on to win the whole tournament.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 19 Ramusok United 2–0 Zakhoro Aces Morponte Fief 0–1 FC Samotath IFK Aldenskoett 2–1 Cassandra City Crawford City FC 1–0 Samaj FC Eastweald 1–0 Mallox FC Kaldukosic 3–0 Klyde Real Azuris 1–0 OAS Royal FC Versiaville SC 0–0 AC Holmenkollen West Gundar FC 1–2 Stoneshore United
Cassandra City, the league's only leaders this season, have slowed considerably since their indomitable start, and now look prone to be overtaken soon after bending to the Eagles' will in Aldenskoett. One of the teams within striking distance is now Eastweald after Dan Quesadillas slotted the rebound from Bogwa's saved shot to the corner in a 1-0 derby win over Mallox at home.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 20 Zakhoro Aces 6–4 West Gundar FC Stoneshore United 1–1 Versiaville SC AC Holmenkollen 2–0 Real Azuris OAS Royal FC 0–1 FC Kaldukosic Klyde 2–0 Eastweald Mallox 1–1 Crawford City FC Samaj FC 2–0 IFK Aldenskoett Cassandra City 0–1 Morponte Fief FC Samotath 3–7 Ramusok United
The opportunity arises for Eastweald, with leaders Cassandra City inexplicably failing to score against terrible Morponte Fief, but nope, they charitably donate three points to cellar-dwelling Klyde FC instead. AC Holmenkollen are the ones to overtake Cassandra instead. The Cedars have never led the league this late in the season before. It's uncharted waters for them, but they don't show it in efficiently disposing of Real Azuris at home. Taddeo Loredan has been the best defender in the league this season and he showed it again by disrupting all of Real's lanes into the box, starving Kite of service and forcing the wingers to try their hands from distance. It's yet another shutout for Holmenkollen, who lead the Harlighet Ligan by far in that category, as Brock Mattox and Mezei Orbán produced the scoreline with well-taken goals. Two eye-popping 10-goal games dominated the weekend's highlight reels, with Zakhoro Aces and Ramusok United being 6 and 7-goal winners. Elena Culbreth had a brace for Ramusok United - it's been a breakout season for the young striker - as did Robin Geirsson and Lyyli Silvén. Antonio Mulcair provided the seventh goal with a class scissor-kick to polish off Kira Jonassen's lofted pass. FC Samotath's Lasse Hummel matched it with a spectacular volley of his own, but at that point it was already 7-1 and Alesund Stadion was already half-empty.
Globe Cup Group Stage
Group D Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 30C BrC OAS Hol 1 1830 Cathair FC AUD 6 5 0 1 11 3 +8 15 — 3–0 1–0 3–1 2 Brooklyn Cultures NFX 6 3 1 2 8 8 0 10 2–1 — 2–1 1–1 3 OAS Royal FC COS 6 3 0 3 11 7 +4 9 0–2 2–1 — 5–0 4 Holdenberg EUR 6 0 1 5 3 15 −12 1 0–1 0–2 1–3 —
OAS Royal show well for themselves and the league, including a brilliant 5-0 whipping of Mauricio Sigler & Holdenburg that sent The Royal Palace into a frenzy and made waves the world over. But in the end, Josie MacLean's squad would fall one point short of advancement despite arguably appearing a better side than Brooklyn. Thus ends Cosumar's UICA cycle, unless you count the...
Series B Champions' Cup Group Stage
Group H Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts FNj MpF SDD SUP 1 Fransborg set Njilkaer SEM 6 2 3 1 9 7 +2 9* — 3–0 1–3 1–1 2 Morponte Fief COS 6 2 3 1 10 8 +2 9* 2–2 — 2–1 4–0 3 Sokojito Dosi Dalamjwijĭ JSY 6 2 1 3 8 7 +1 7 0–1 1–1 — 1–2 4 SLUP Soccer SAN 6 1 3 2 5 10 −5 6 1–1 1–1 0–2 — * Fransborg set Njilkaer ahead of Morponte Fief on head-to-head points
Morponte Fief, despite their dreary domestic season, go through! The latest club to continue Cosumar's strong tradition in the SBCC (unlike the CC/GC). Like OAS Royal they had one particularly impressive performance: a 4-0 bombshell against SLUP. It was the first time all season that both starting strikers Na'Bengna and Ellis scored in the same game. Warkaiser and Skarasen also tallied. Could Syl Denhardt and Malcolm Boccarin lead Morponte on a deep international run to salvage their crumbling season?
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 21 FC Samotath 3–0 Zakhoro Aces Ramusok United 1–1 Cassandra City Morponte Fief 2–1 Samaj FC IFK Aldenskoett 1–0 Mallox Crawford City FC 1–1 Klyde Eastweald 4–1 OAS Royal FC FC Kaldukosic 2–2 AC Holmenkollen Real Azuris 1–1 Stoneshore United Versiaville SC 1–0 West Gundar FC
Eastweald look genuinely dangerous now, their recent improvement building up to a new high: a soaring 4-1 home win over injury-nagged OAS Royal. Pascal Mbubu, starting in place of Peter Wiggin for Royal, struck first in just the 8th minute, using his pace to get to a heavy Bregoo through-ball before the goalkeeper and chip it past him. But, with Brightwater looking intense on the touchline, Eastweald's midfield took over from there. The Elves were up 2-1 by half time after turning their uninterrupted possession into well-worked De Marisco and Delklind goals. A Dan Quesadillas penalty and a Aleksi Soderlund header in the second half would seal OAS's misery. At Fire River Arena, Ramusok United and Cassandra City replayed the scene of the infamous 1000 final matchday in which they dueled head-to-head in this very stadium for the championship. In which Thorodel Nagdalene's 89th minute winner sank the favored United in their own stadium to win Cassandra City's first title. And this weekend, it was still clear how much these two teams are still weary of each other. There is real enmity there. Warms the heart, it does. Truly one of the best rivalries to emerge in the modern Harlighet Ligan era. There were no such dramatics in this edition though, with Jol Tortuu's 51st minute grass-scorcher to the far pots from 17 yards cancelling out Mike Flanningan's 29th minute header. With Gareth Bournemouth's United still looking up at the UICA zone and Arturo Mancini's City in 2nd but shedding momentum, both foreign managers could've really used the three points. One team that did get a big three points, finally, was Morponte Fief, their SBCC success serving as an injection of confidence and urgency. They defended their turf impressively against the in-form visitors from Samaj, Lupa Na'Bengna sending a 2-1 winner spinning past Aleksovic after making a fool of the usually-solid Biôn Ârbo with some jazzy juke moves. Maybe, just maybe, the Riders can claw their way out of the relegation zone.
AOCL Group Stage
P Group A Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts AIZ SCO RAz FCJ 1 AC Izotz Zubia (AUD) 6 4 2 0 12 6 +6 14 — 4–4 2–1 2–0 2 SC Oceanside (NFX) 6 3 2 1 13 8 +5 11 1–2 — 2–1 3–0 3 Real Azuris (COS) 6 1 2 3 5 8 −3 5 0–0 0–0 — 0–2 4 FC Jansberg (SEM) 6 1 0 5 5 13 −8 3 0–2 1–3 2–3 —
Cursed with a group of death, Real Azuris don't prioritize the competition amidst a tight domestic season and are unsurprisingly left in the dust by big clubs boasting massive names like Hawk and Foureleven. At least they win 3-2 in Jansberg to exact a small measure of revenge upon Torbjörn Jorgensen for leaving.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 22 Zakhoro Aces 0–0 Versiaville SC West Gundar FC 3–1 Real Azuris Stoneshore United 1–4 FC Kaldukosic AC Holmenkollen 0–1 Eastweald OAS Royal FC 0–2 Crawford City FC Klyde 0–0 IFK Aldenskoett Mallox 2–1 Morponte Fief Samaj FC 1–1 Ramusok United Cassandra City 1–1 FC Samotath
Shit. Who wins this season is anyone's guess. Cassandra and Holmenkollen stumble while Eastweald, West Gundar and Kaldukosic all win, so there are now five teams within a game of 1st. And, even though their defense just surrendered a soft brace to Sergio Vilar, you can't overlook the sleeping giant of Real Azuris lurking in 6th either. The golden trophy is up in the air for any of these teams to take. FC Kaldukosic might just be a dark horse worth keeping an eye on. Corey Simmons Jr. just egged his young team on to their most complete performance of the year in a tough Stoneshore environment, solid at the back and sharp going forward. His son, Corey Simmons III, scored once, Carmelo Cunningham scored once and the clinical Kevin Stabb scored twice. Stoneshore only goal came virtue of a lucky deflection on Refik Penterzen's optimistic shot from 30 yards out.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 23 Cassandra City 1–2 Zakhoro Aces FC Samotath 6–1 Samaj FC Ramusok United 1–2 Mallox Morponte Fief 1–0 Klyde IFK Aldenskoett 1–0 OAS Royal FC Crawford City FC 0–1 AC Holmenkollen Eastweald 2–1 Stoneshore United FC Kaldukosic 1–0 West Gundar FC Real Azuris 2–0 Versiaville SC
Cassandra City still haven't returned from the midseason break. They're winless in the six matches since play has resumed, going 0-3-3. They've slid from the league lead down to the fringe of the Globe Cup. Hopefully this week's home loss to the Aces will serve as a sufficient wake-up call. It was all too easy for Temuge to carve them up in the back and score his first Harlighet Ligan brace. Also all-too-easy was FC Samotath's rout of Samaj FC at Alesund Stadion. Luis Varezzi had no answer for the media pregame when asked how he prepared his team to stop Samotath's star-studded four-forward assault, and that's pretty much how the game turned out. Roga, Hummel and Cosme all tallied goals, but the standout performer was former FC Endeavour winger Gwinevra Harmonium, who shredded young Andressa Festa on the left side and had her first Harlighet Ligan hat trick within 60 minutes. Elsewhere Kaldukosic, Eastweald and Holmenkollen all picked up big results in evenly-matched nail-biters, and Morponte Fief struck late to win 1-0 in a relegation six-pointer with Klyde FC. Yes, you read that right, Klyde are in the relegation zone. What happened to all the progress Minnie Lotuda made last season? Oh yeah, they sold Kaspian and Silvén. Farkanhan and Writhlin have just not provided remotely similar production, and Anna Bowman up top is starting to look really old. The back line is doing a respectable job, but the Doves just can't score.
Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, First Leg Morponte Fief 1-0 Shanak FC (OSR)
Morponte Fief's surge of good form has come at a good time, and they ride it to a victory over a strong R49 side at home. Lupa Na'Bengna scored the game's only goal in the 86th minute, bombing into the box to lash home Sarah Storrin's cross from the right. The winner meant even more to Na'Bengna since it was in the presence of her hero: fellow Vloo striker, former Cosumar international and current Shanak player-coach Ejegefe Na'Safeh. The Riders haven't ridden on to the quarterfinals yet though - a tough trip to Osarius awaits.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 24 Zakhoro Aces 0–1 Real Azuris Versiaville SC 1–1 FC Kaldukosic West Gundar FC 0–3 Eastweald Stoneshore United 0–0 Crawford City FC AC Holmenkollen 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett OAS Royal FC 1–2 Morponte Fief Klyde 2–1 Ramusok United Mallox 3–3 FC Samotath Samaj FC 0–2 Cassandra City
Huh. Morponte Fief just keep going. It looks like they're deadly serious about staying up now after stunning OAS Royal at their Palace. Is Syl Denhardt starting to work his motivational magic again? A team that could use some motivation right now is West Gundar FC. The Rugged Men looked pretty dispirited after being thoroughly beaten at home by Eastweald this week. There's no shame in that, as Eastweald are in cracking form and currently sit atop the table, but Quesadillas' brace finally knocked them out of the UICA zone. Jehan Bair's men probably can't help but feel like 1005 (when they had an amazing season overall but fell one place short of the Globe Cup in the end) is going to repeat itself. Meanwhile, IFK Aldenskoett have quietly been excellent lately, winning three of their last four matches against good teams and not allowing a single goal in that span. This week, Nikita Lundgren beat Holmenkollen's Lilly Kearney to her far post with a skipping shot from the top of the box in the 11th minute. IFK then dug in and defended like hell for the next 80 minutes to see out one of their customary 1-0 wins.
Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, Second Leg Shanak FC (OSR) 2-2 Morponte Fief
It's a more watchable game in the second leg, thankfully, though most of the action was saved for the end. Shanak led 1-0 (a result that would've produced extra time) until the 84th minute, when Storrin swung things back in Morponte's favor on a free kick that sailed past the blinded Shanak goalkeeper. The away goal was crucial and meant the Osarians would need two additional goals to advance. They would get one of them just two minutes later on an embarrassing breakdown in communication between Festa and Jarstrom, but the second one wouldn't come and Morponte would set their victory in stone with an Aleksander Csihar strike that turned out to be the last kick of the game.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 25 Samaj FC 2–0 Zakhoro Aces Cassandra City 1–0 Mallox FC Samotath 1–1 Klyde Ramusok United 2–1 OAS Royal FC Morponte Fief 1–3 AC Holmenkollen IFK Aldenskoett 0–1 Stoneshore United Crawford City FC 2–0 West Gundar FC Eastweald 1–1 Versiaville SC FC Kaldukosic 0–0 Real Azuris
Neither of the two giant clubs in the heart of Ramusok have lived up to expectations this season, their big budgets and facilities overshadowed by plucky little AC Holmenkollen on the northern fringe of the metro area. But today's Ramusok Derby was a chance for one of them to get back on track and start making their push as we approach the final two months. At a packed Fire River Arena, Curtis Théberge put Ramusok United on top in the 31st minute, bypassing Eithan Sigurdsson with a genius first touch off Kira Jonassen's pass and cooly sending Boakye-Yiadom the wrong way with a shot that found the right corner. His fierce celebration, saluting the jubilant crowd with his jaws clenched, was an unspoken promise to turn the season around. Peter Wiggin would draw OAS Royal level from the penalty spot just before half time, Tathtauré having had his legs taken out from under him by Kristian Gjallskald, but Théberge would return to reaffirm his promise. On a 2-on-1 break in the 78th minute, as the crowd collectively stood up in anticipation, he unselfishly layed off the winner to Elena Culbreth to bury. Théberge and Culbreth immediately embraced, their understanding finally developing handsomely in their third season together. United 2-1 over Royal. Bournemouth's sided is now in pole position to make a UICA push in the final quarter-season while OAS languish in the bottom half. On this night, Ramusok is blue.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 26 Zakhoro Aces 1–3 FC Kaldukosic Real Azuris 1–3 Eastweald Versiaville SC 0–2 Crawford City FC West Gundar FC 1–3 IFK Aldenskoett Stoneshore United 1–1 Morponte Fief AC Holmenkollen 4–0 Ramusok United OAS Royal FC 0–0 FC Samotath Klyde 1–2 Cassandra City Mallox 1–0 Samaj FC
...And now it's baby blue. Holmenkollen pulverize an overconfident Ramusok United in the minor Ramusok derby at Cedar Park. After Luna made it four for the Cedars, Bournemouth turned and threw his clipboard in frustration at the nearest convenient target - which happened to be quiet youngster Jacob Wells on the bench, who looked shellshocked at being the sudden brunt of such righteous fury. Down at Massemord Stadium, fellow Nepharim manager Brightwater watched her Eastweald side prove themselves as true title contenders by beating the defending champions 3-1. Their hastily-assembled new defense has been Real Azuris' achilles heel all season, and the tricky combination of Bogwa and Dan Quesadillas up top was too much for them to handle. Both Eastweald men scored, and an amazing piece of individual skill by Bogwa led to the corner that Michael Sorenson flicked home for the third goal. But Holmenkollen's big win, combined with similar statements made by Cassandra City and FC Kaldukosic, will keep the heavy pressure on Eastweald as the home stretch beckons.
League represented in parenthesis (H-->S-->T-->L1-->L2)
Round of 16 Ramusok United (H) 3–2 Wiedna Town (L1) FC Kaldukosic (H) 2–0 Seryddwyr Aberaeron (L1) Klyde (H) 3–1 Gwynt Tywyll (T) West Gundar FC (H) 5–3 Dawchire Town (T) Samaj FC (H) 2–2 OAS Royal FC (H) (2–3 AET) Novia Alliance (L2) 2–1 Nomad Brotherhood FC (S) Keenan Athletic (S) 2–1 Goldstaff City (S) AFC Obscura 98 (T) 2–3 Centus Serpents (S)
No major upsets as all of the remaining Harlighet Ligan clubs took care of business and warded off upset bids, though the Sekundar Ligan's Nomads will be livid with themselves after falling to fifth-tier colonial side Novia Alliance.
Quarterfinals Ramusok United (H) 0–2 FC Kaldukosic (H) Klyde (H) 2–4 West Gundar FC (H) OAS Royal FC (H) 0–0 Novia Alliance (L2) (3–0 AET) Keenan Athletic (S) 1–2 Centus Serpents (S)
Stabb carries FC Kaldukosic to their second consecutive King's Cup semifinal with a brace against Ram U. Teenager Romikk Valgard also notched a brace in West Gundar's wild 4-2 win over Klyde, shining in his first start for the club. It takes OAS Royal 120 minutes to dispose of a determined but very very amateur Novia Alliance side, but they finally explode for three goals in the extra time - Oskar Montag being the primary instigator. It has been a terribly disappointing season for OAS Royal - they've been lifeless since the midseason break - but now the King's club is only one more win away from the final of the King's cup. It'd be their first one, and the playing at home in such a massive game would make for a sizable advantage (and special atmosphere). But standing in their way are the Centus Serpents, who have enjoyed a nice season in the second division and have Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on their side.
Semifinals Fixtures
FC Kaldukosic vs. West Gundar FC @ Leviathan Arena (99,144), Kaldukosic, Kaldukosic Fief
OAS Royal FC vs. Centus Serpents @ Stadion Jägare (32,000), Samaj, Culmarland Fief
Season 19 - Part 4
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 6:51 pm
by Cosumar
Series B Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, First Leg Morponte Fief 1-1 Riis (PAS)
Morponte Fief grabbed the fixture by the horns in the 18th minute when young Will Couturiaux, in his first career UICA start, collected a ball that big Jason Ellis knocked down and instinctively prodded it between the legs of the Riis keeper. But the Pasargans promptly answered in the 31st minute to take the advantage back home with them thanks to the away goals rule. The second half was mostly futile for both teams.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 27 Mallox 1–0 Zakhoro Aces Samaj FC 0–1 Klyde Cassandra City 2–1 OAS Royal FC FC Samotath 0–1 AC Holmenkollen Ramusok United 1–0 Stoneshore United Morponte Fief 0–0 West Gundar FC IFK Aldenskoett 2–3 Versiaville SC Crawford City FC 4–1 Real Azuris Eastweald 2–1 FC Kaldukosic
OAS Royal just cannot catch a break. A fascinating encounter with Cassandra City looks destined for a 1-1 draw at The Amphitheatre, until a clearly offside Marcos Zelaya scores in the 79th minute. About six OAS players raise their arms but the linesman remains rigid. And the all the red shits in the stands don't care. OAS have a chance to equalize with a couple minutes left, but Tathtauré puts his penalty on the wrong side of the post and Calogero Metz lets out a monstrous roar. Incredibly, OAS have sunk dangerously close to the relegation zone after beginning the season as consensus title favorites. They haven't even played that bad, they've been average - it's just that all the results aren't falling their way. At all. Today as the perfect example. Eastweald keep on winning, prevailing over fellow title hopefuls FC Kaldukosic at Old Weldenskirgen with goals from Quesadillas and Lael. Crawford City FC also continued their late-season heroic, surging past Real Azuris in style thanks to an inspired performance by Kim Coultan, who scored the fourth goal after helping create each of the other three for Kurosawa, Nikolae Na'Kebia and Semyon Yucob. CCFC now have a nice cushion between themselves and the relegation zone, the head-scratching start to the season a distant memory. In Azuris, Lujendra Mescalin is left wondering how to fix his broken defense, having tried just about every combination of players available to him. The decision to let Mathias and Sigurdsson go might be looked back upon as the decision that cost the Breakers the chance to compete for a four-peat.
Series B Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg Riis (PAS) 1-0 Morponte Fief
Morponte Fief just don't have the quality or creativity to break down a disciplined Riis defense in Pasarga. They try and try and try but their attack stalls each time. They'll return to Cosumar proud of their deep UICA run and ready to focus on staying up.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 28 Zakhoro Aces 1–0 Eastweald FC Kaldukosic 4–1 Crawford City FC Real Azuris 3–3 IFK Aldenskoett Versiaville SC 2–0 Morponte Fief West Gundar FC 0–5 Ramusok United Stoneshore United 1–1 FC Samotath AC Holmenkollen 1–2 Cassandra City OAS Royal FC 0–1 Samaj FC Klyde 0–1 Mallox
Curtis Théberge scores a complete hat trick (left, right and head...sort of, it was more like his face) to guide Ramusok United past a West Gundar side that looks entirely and utterly out of ideas. Mathis Woodgate has a monster of a performance at The Klyde Sportsplex with eight world-class saves to preserve an important 1-0 win for Mallox (Nhatandal), and Cassandra City reclaim 1st place after a critical six-point encounter at the top of the table with Holmenkollen, the silky class of Marcos Zelaya making all the difference.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 29 Klyde 0–0 Zakhoro Aces Mallox 1–0 OAS Royal FC Samaj FC 0–1 AC Holmenkollen Cassandra City 0–1 Stoneshore United FC Samotath 3–0 West Gundar FC Ramusok United 3–0 Versiaville SC Morponte Fief 1–0 Real Azuris IFK Aldenskoett 1–4 FC Kaldukosic Crawford City FC 1–2 Eastweald
Another closely-contested game for OAS Royal, another loss. Cassandra Kilgallon took an almost insidious amount of delight in depositing the 1st minute dagger that had OAS fans once again asking what could go wrong next. The biggest club in Cosumar is in last. Dead-fucking-last. As if the weekend's results couldn't get any more surreal, Morponte Fief were able to hold Sean Fraser & Company in check when the champs paid them a visit at OmniTech. It's late in the season, and Real Azuris aren't crushing everything in their path to storm up the table. It's happened each of the last three years and Azurians have grown accustomed to it, but that "title-mode" they've been assuring everyone is coming...hasn't come yet. And they're running out of time. They now officially have to win out to have a chance at their four-peat. The field of realistic championship contenders seems to have been scythed down to four: Eastweald, Cassandra City, AC Holmenkollen and FC Kaldukosic. Unless Cassandra City bring it home, one lucky club will be getting its first Harlighet Ligan title.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 30 Zakhoro Aces 0–1 Crawford City FC Eastweald 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett FC Kaldukosic 0–2 Morponte Fief Real Azuris 4–3 Ramusok United Versiaville SC 1–1 FC Samotath West Gundar FC 1–1 Cassandra City Stoneshore United 0–0 Samaj FC AC Holmenkollen 0–1 Mallox OAS Royal FC 1–0 Klyde
OAS Royal hoist themselves up about of the relegation zone thanks to Tathtauré's sublime strike in a massive six-pointer at the bottom with Klyde. Who would've ever saw that sentence coming a year ago? These two teams finished 2nd and 3rd last season. Tathtauré certainly didn't expect to be part of a relegation battle when he joined for $30 million to push the Whites over the top towards a title. But that's where they are, and Josie MacLean looks almost certain to get the sack after the season even if she does successfully keep them up. No movement at the top as the four main contenders all lose or draw, but Real Azuris pull level with Ramusok United in pursuit of that third Globe Cup slot after triumphing over the Blues at home. Lujendra Mescalin trotted out an experimental line-up in search of a new spark. It didn't solve much on the defensive end for Azuris. Oluwafemi Adebayo-Akanni proved he's not quite ready for his moment yet by being directly beaten for two goals by a confident Elena Culbreth in the first half. But Mescalin's tinkering certainly ignited things going forward. Sandra Sybill, placed in a primary creative role in the midfield, displayed the quality that have many in Azuris high on her future by fueling the comeback with two assists and a pass-before-the-assist. Down 3-1 at half time, the Breakers delighted their home crowd by fighting back to win 4-3 with goals from Andrew Arrowsword, Stig Soderquist and Hector Grier.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 31 OAS Royal FC 0–0 Zakhoro Aces Klyde 5–3 AC Holmenkollen Mallox 0–0 Stoneshore United Samaj FC 4–4 West Gundar FC Cassandra City 1–0 Versiaville SC FC Samotath 1–2 Real Azuris Ramusok United 0–3 FC Kaldukosic Morponte Fief 0–2 Eastweald IFK Aldenskoett 1–1 Crawford City FC
After a full season of struggles in front of goal, Klyde pick of a hell of a moment to unshackle their boots - tripping up AC Holmenkollen as the Cedars were hoping to keep pace with the frontrunners and guarantee their UICA place with a win. They'll have to wait. Scared for their safety if they allow Klyde to be relegated for the first time in the club's proud history, Partell, Bowman, Skarsgaard, Writhlin and even teenager Kárpáty Alexander each contribute a part of the frantic 5-3 shootout. Samaj host a frantic shootout of their own against West Gundar later that day, but with both clubs having nothing to play for, that one seemed fueled more by lazy half-assed defense than the urgency of Klyde-Holmenkollen. Meanwhile, Eastweald and Cassandra City pull away a little in the title chase by grinding out mature wins against tough, defensive opponents.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 32 Zakhoro Aces 2–1 IFK Aldenskoett Crawford City FC 2–0 Morponte Fief Eastweald 4–4 Ramusok United FC Kaldukosic 5–1 FC Samotath Real Azuris 0–1 Cassandra City Versiaville SC 1–0 Samaj FC West Gundar FC 2–1 Mallox Stoneshore United 0–0 Klyde AC Holmenkollen 0–1 OAS Royal FC
AC Holmenkollen are eliminated from title contention by local overlords OAS Royal FC, who, with Tathtauré's golden 72nd minute strike, take a big step away from the relegation zone. The back-and-forth jockeying between Cassandra City and Eastweald in the top two places continues, the Reds now displacing the Elves in 1st by one point after going on the road to Azuris and earning a clutch three points. The stellar defensive performance by Boag, Campbell, Wing and Grimswald had "marquee championship moment" written all over it. Clutch performance in denying a loaded Azuris attack motivated to cling to its Globe Cup spot. Eastweald's crisp tika-taka was as incisive as ever at Old Weldenskirgen, Dan Quesadillas with his umpteenth brace of the season, but facaing United they lacked the defensive resolve Cassandra City showed. With Geirsson and Théberge both matching Quesadillas' brace, they have to settle for a point.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 33 AC Holmenkollen 2–2 Zakhoro Aces OAS Royal FC 0–1 Stoneshore United Klyde 2–5 West Gundar FC Mallox 2–0 Versiaville SC Samaj FC 2–1 Real Azuris Cassandra City 0–0 FC Kaldukosic FC Samotath 1–2 Eastweald Ramusok United 0–2 Crawford City FC Morponte Fief 0–0 IFK Aldenskoett
For the second straight season, Ramusok United will not finish in the UICA places. They fought hard for the home crowd with a Globe Cup berth on the line against Crawford City FC, but had their hearts broken by Kim Coultan and Lyndon Pell late. Judging by the light chorus of boos raining down upon Fire River Arena after the final whistle, Gareth Bournemouth will be under immense pressure to turn things around next season...if he lasts that long. Crawford's west coast partners Versiaville have quietly been one of the most consistent teams here in the second half of the season, rallying to comfortable safety behind a staunch Breton-led defense and reinvigorated Ribos-led attack, but they were no match for a highly-motivated Mallox at The Orange Palace on this day. Determined to hold on to that precarious third Globe Cup spot, they looked like the Mallox of old at times in thoroughly dismantling the Villagers. Beautiful team goals were finished by Kilgallon and Redalen in the second half, and it easily could've been more. Meanwhile, 2nd-place Eastweald overcame an early Miroslav Vorobyov wonder-goal to put away FC Samotath at Alesund Stadion, then happily watched 1st and 3rd-place Cassandra City and FC Kaldukosic wound each other with a mutually disadvantageous draw in the night game. Just like that, Monica Brightwater's side is back in pole position with just one week left in the season.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 34
It has been one of those seasons where none of the teams at the top have been truly great and none of the teams at the bottom have been truly bad. Nevertheless, the schedule has set itself up perfectly for an epic finale of historic proportions. Just like Ramusok-Cassandra in 1000, playing each other on the final matchday are.....the two clubs fighting for the title. That's right, Eastweald and Cassandra City will go head-to-head for the Harlighet Ligan crown in a de-facto championship match. GET PUMPED! Here's all the Championship Sunday matches with something at stake:
Cassandra City @ Eastweald: Regardless of the result, this will be a special moment in the history of the league. Eastweald (62 points) need only to defend Old Weldenskirgen to a draw to claim their first Harlighet Ligan title. Cassandra City (61 points) will be hoping to pull off the unthinkable and repeat their 1000 miracle in which they won it in the exact. same. situation. at Ramusok United. If they do, Eastweald will be left with their fourth runner-up finish already in this decade.
Morponte Fief @ Zakhoro Aces: Morponte Fief (32 points) must win in Zakhoro or they are going down. But the Aces (35 points) aren't in the clear yet either and won't want to leave things to chance.
Samaj FC @ FC Kaldukosic: If Cassandra City (61 points) lose the title game to Eastweald, FC Kal (58 points) can sneak in and usurp the second Champions' Cup spot with their superior goal-difference...if they beat Samaj at home. The Hunters have nothing to play for so it should be a very winnable match. Qualifying FC Kaldukosic for its first CC would be a landmark accomplishment for Corey Simmons Jr.
Mallox @ Real Azuris: While the top four is already sealed off, that fifth and final UICA berth will come down to this match at Massemord Stadium. Mallox (50 points) just need a draw to get back to the UICA after a four-year absence, but Real Azuris (47 points) can leapfrog them into the Globe Cup with a win. While the fans in Azuris wistfully regret that the four-peat dream didn't come to fruition, they'll still be eager to see their team return to the UICA. They will be loud. Mallox better be ready.
Klyde @ Versiaville: Like Morponte, the Doves (33 points) need a win or they will be in the Sekundar Ligan next year. Fortunately, Versiaville are already safe have nothing specific to play for.
OAS Royal FC @ West Gundar FC: Murky waters for OAS Royal (34 points). They currently occupy the relegation playoff spot (16th). A win will not guarantee their safety, nor will a loss automatically condemn them. Their fate is tied to the Morponte/Zakhoro and Klyde matches. Two-and-a-half relegation spots for these four teams.
It was the kind of atmosphere that makes you tingle straight down to your bones. Old Weldenskirgen swathed two-thirds in green and yellow, with a sizable red contingent sprouting on one side like a bloodwound. As battle with the ball waged on the pitch, battle between the two fanbases' songs waged in the air. Chants of "You're gonna finish second again!" from the visitors were met promptly met with louder-than-usual renditions of Eastweald's famous "Ode to the Elves" echoing throughout the historic old stadium. But, as it turns out, the Cassandra City supporters were right. Jol Tortuu engraved his name in stone as a Cassandra legend with a delightful chip in the 32nd minute that turned out to be the difference. He also scored in the similar title game against Ramusok United seven years ago. When Kwame Cole hoofed the ball forward, it initially didn't look like much trouble for the Eastweald defense, but Tortuu beat fullback Michael Sorenson to the ball and clipped it beautifully over oncoming Esteban Hernandez.
Most neutrals were rooting for Eastweald to finally shake the 2nd-place-curse and will feel bad for their stunned fans that made the voyage hoping to witness history, but it's impossible to say Cassandra City don't deserve it. From the opening day of the season all the way to this, they were the most consistent team. When the Reds got their fantastic midfielders moving and flowing around so freely, it was a pleasure to watch. And their three forwards rarely squandered the subsequent chances provided to them. At the beginning of the season, many expressed their uncertainty about the stability of the Wing-Campbell pairing in interior defense, but oh my, how solid they were in this game and most of the season! For all their pinging and popping, Eastweald simply could not throw them off. Mention must also go to Calogero Metz, who was also outstanding in goal and denied De Marisco, Williams and Bogwa in the second half -- three big saves. Despite still having the flair of Marcos Zelaya up top, this Cassandra City was a bit of a different breed than its predecessors. A few years ago, even if they had won this match, the Reds would have won it 4-3. Credit Arturo Mancini with the newfound grit and discipline that brought this third Harlighet Ligan trophy back to The Amphitheatre. Either that, or their shiny new crest and kits did it for them.
The lasting image from the evening might've been Mancini giving the trophy first not to Zelaya, nor Tortuu, but former club captain and superstar Kyle Fleming. The 36-year-old Nova Anglicana veteran had announced his intention to retire following the game after ten years of service to the club. Lifting the trophy on the pedestal, Fleming could be seen mouthing the words "three! three! three!" through his tears of joy. The number of titles he helped bring to Cassandra. Cassandra City are the 1007 Harlighet Ligan champions!
Zakhoro Aces 2–0 Morponte Fief IFK Aldenskoett 2–0 Ramusok United Crawford City FC 3–3 FC Samotath FC Kaldukosic 2–3 Samaj FC Real Azuris 1–0 Mallox Versiaville SC 3–2 Klyde West Gundar FC 1–2 OAS Royal FC Stoneshore United 1–0 AC Holmenkollen
Klyde crumble in Versia Fief. The Doves are the first former Harlighet Ligan champions to be relegated (and also the oldest club to be relegated). Several players look like death upon conceding Versiaville's third goal in stoppage time, overwhelmed by the weight of their failure. Oh, the ignominy. They are joined by Morponte Fief, whose inability to create in the attacking third manifested itself once again in the biggest of moments. By giving the Aces all three points, Morponte also condemned OAS Royal FC to the relegation playoff (that sentence still gives me a double-take) despite their nervy 2-1 win in Ruminov. Sean Fraser comes through in the clutch for Real Azuris to ensure that the Breakers will not be without UICA football next year. Sorry, Mallox.
Promotion/Relegation Playoff
OAS Royal FC 5-4 Centus Serpents
Well, life is never boring for OAS fans, is it? Not even a relegation playoff. Four times, the Serpents, led by Jesus Christ of the ascending Associated Godlands NT, give them a heart attack by equalizing. But not five. Mostly because they ran out of time. Pablo Corderro's free kick goal in the first minute of stoppage time broke the 4-4 deadlock and ensured that OAS Royal FC will not suffer a first ever relegation (or be forced to sell their top players).
will compete in the 1008 COCANEFA Harlighet Ligan at the expense of
Harlighet Ligan Season XIX Champions - CASSANDRA CITY
GOLDEN BALL (MVP): 1. CM Jo de Marisco (Golden Ball) 2. ST Marcos Zelaya 3. CM Kwame Cole 4. CF Kevin Stabb 5. CB Taddeo Loredan
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: 1. CB John Campbell 2. ST Galasgoldas Tathtauré 3. CAM Temuge 4. LW Cassandra Kilgallon 5. GK Mathis Woodgate
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (U21): 1. LM Bellerophon Serafino 2. RW Corey Simmons III 3. LAM Rachel Del Arro 4. CF Andrew Arrowsword 5. CB Wenceslaw
TOP SCORERS CHART: 21 - Kevin Stabb (Golden Boot) 19 - Galasgoldas Tathtauré 18 - Marcos Zelaya - Nazeau Roga 16 - [MRT] Dan Quesadillias 15 - Jol Tortuu 14 - Sergio Vilar 13 - Jess Capulet - Mursill Lubiflor 12 - [BNG] Bogwa - Kim Coultan - Ronan Bowditch - Sean Fraser - Isadora Xenophon 11 - Elena Culbreth - Gwinevra Harmonium - Falchion Hess-Olesen - Jo de Marisco - Thia Ribos
The Cosumarite Courier Team of the Season: GK - Calogero Metz (Golden Glove) LB - Valeri Witek CB - John Campbell CB - Taddeo Loredan RB - Catheline Boag LM - Sean Fraser CM - Brock Mattox CM - Jo De Marisco RM - Corey Simmons III ST - Marcos Zelaya ST - [MRT] Dan Quesadillas
Manager - Arturo Mancini
Semifinals locations randomly drawn from list of eligible venues; King's Cup Final always played at The Royal Palace
Semifinals
FC Kaldukosic 1-0 West Gundar FC @ Leviathan Arena (99,114), Kaldukosic, Kaldukosic Fief
Bit of a dull game as West Gundar try to bog down Kaldukosic with uncharacteristically defensive tactics, but Kevin Stabb breaks through and scores in the 59th minute to launch their home crowd (lucky draw, eh?) into a round of "We're going to The Palace!" chants.
OAS Royal FC 4-3 Centus Serpents @ Stadion Jägare (32,000), Samaj, Culmarland Fief
OAS are getting really familiar with the Serpents, also being scheduled to play them in the upcoming relegation playoff. In a bizarre game, the Serpents scored an early goal in just the 6th minute (Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ) but the Whites quickly pushed back and trampled the Serpents. Wiggin 17'. Schuiling 23'. Tathtauré 24'. Corderro 40'. 4-1 by half time. Centus somewhat threatened to make it a game again when Milo Gregory mashed his forehead to Myrlon Wilska's cross to score in the 76th minute, but Christ's stoppage time goal to draw within one came too late.
FINAL
OAS Royal vs. FC Kal. This has the potential to be an all-time classic cup final. Ramusok vs. Kaldukosic. Old power vs. ascendant young side. Home team vs. away. King James himself only attends a select few matches per year, but The King's Cup Final is always one of them (hence the name). For the first time, he'll be watching the club he himself owns compete for the prize. It's just what these downtrodden OAS fans need after trudging through a miserable season in which they almost witness their prestigious club's first ever relegation. For FC Kaldukosic, they make their return to the Final having lost to Eastweald in their first appearance two years ago. Their golden generation of homegrown talent will also be looking for the club's very first piece of silverware in the CosumarLigan era.
So let's get to it!
...
11' - Simmons III: The manager's son and star winger has started the Final off in style! He ran onto a corner that squirted through the crowd, sent two defenders the wrong way with a crafty flick to himself inside the top of the box, then lashed it into the back of the net on the half-volley. The OAS majority at The Royal Palace is already groaning inwardly. Its been that kind of season. 1-0 Kaldukosic.
24' - Wiggin: The Taeshan international has struggled this season, with only Tathtauré scoring semi-regularly for Royal, but he showed up big-time here for an equalizer. Building from the back, Jannick Kontiola picked out Leonidas Bregoo near midfield, who turned and promptly linked up with Warren Paysinger streaking down the right side. Paysinger looked up and curled it nicely into space in the box, where Wiggin adjusted his run to separate from the defenders and poke it home. 1-1.
29' - Royannais: The fireworks continue! FC Kal back on top. There was nothing OAS could've done about this one - just a moment of pure quality from young Warren Royannais to pick out the side-netting from 15 yards. Royannais has shined in his limited playing time this season and has probably earned himself a bigger role next year - or a move to a club that will give him one. 2-1 Kaldukosic.
42' - Wiggin: Wiggin again! Where has this been all season? He knots the game up heading into the break, nicking Kontiola's cross into the roof of the net from point-blank range at the end of an intelligent run. Cormak Lethbridge could've done better to disrupt it. Galasgoldas Tathtauré's dummy also played a key role in freeing up the opportunity. 2-2.
~Half Time~
60' - Corderro: A dead ball master, Most of Corderro's goals this season have come on free kicks. But not this time! He launches a rocket in off the post from 25 yards to give OAS Royal their first lead, earning a standing ovation and wide smile from King James. 3-2 Royal.
80' - Lunds: After a nervy stretch of play, the clock bringing OAS Royal within ten minutes of victory, the Semarland legend sends it to extra time! Bennett Perkins floated a ball to the far post, where Brian Litchmoor broke free and headed it back across the face of goal to Lunds on the opposite side, wide open. This game is going to come down to the wire!
~Extra Time~
98' - Stabb: IT'S KEVIN STABB! OF COURSE IT IS! After being limited by Sigurdsson and Christopher Fosse for much of the game, he finally seizes his opportunity. Cutting inside from the left at the top of the box, he leans back and curls a beauty inside the far post with the inside of his right foot. Kevin Stabb is having the year of his life. Scoring big goals in the World Cup and winning it, and now this. Everybody in The Royal Palace is going batshit insane! OAS instantly knew it was their death knell. Tathtauré had a legitimate penalty shout in the 116th minute, but the referee didn't have the stomach to call it with such little time left.
OAS Royal FC 3–3 (3-4 AET) FC Kaldukosic @ The Royal Palace (54,000), Ramusok, Ramusok Fief
Thanks to Stabb's winner, FC Kal lift the first piece of silverware in club history, and will represent Cosumar in the Cygnus Cup. What a fantastic season for FC Kaldukosic!
King's Cup IX Champions - FC KALDUKOSIC
Season 19 - Lower Leagues
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 10:52 pm
by Cosumar
After five years in the Sekundar Ligan, Treftadaeth Alliance is getting another crack at the top flight! They won the league by destroying Yambridge FC 6-1 with one game to spare. It was a constant duel between them and Paaron Petrov's Mariners for the title throughout the second half of the season, with the Mariners coming in second to also earn promotion. It is the fourth consecutive year that the Mariners will change leagues. Talk about the yo-yo effect! Bolstered by the divine play of Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Centus Serpents had their best second-division season since being relegated three years ago. By far the worst team in the Sekundar Ligan was Rexnor District 3, the sole offworld club. Though they nearly earned promotion to Harlighet Ligan last season, District 3 were doomed this time by a number of players sitting out to protest the unethical business practices of the ICMI Corporation, who own the club.
The Cosumar Football League (CFL) is Cosumar's domestic gridiron football league. The CFL was formed in 994, uniting the two rival football leagues that divided Cosumar for decades: the Cosumar Association of Football (CAF) and Fiefdom Football Alliance (FFA). The CAF became the "Silver Conference", while the FFA became the "Blue Conference". A fierce enmity still lingers between the two, which makes the postseason meeting of the two conference champions ("the Dragon Bowl") even more intense. With 17 teams in each conference, the CFL consists of a total of 34 teams. Teams play each of their conference opponents once, for a 16-game season. The top eight in each conference advance to a 16-team single elimination playoff, culminating with the Dragon Bowl. The CFL is the second-most popular sporting league in Cosumar behind only the Harlighet Ligan ("Glory League"), the top flight of our soccer pyramid.
In the eleventh season under the CFL format, traditional power Kaldukosic Kataklysm refuted the notion that their dynasty is winding to its end. 36-year-old national team quarterback Jakrikk Levinsson had his best season of recent years, staying healthy for all but one game and completing his age-induced evolution from dual-threat QB to pure pocket passer with utmost grace. With Kashmir Morrow also breaking out as the most productive and complete tight end in the CFL, the Kataklysm offense was unstoppable. Defending champions Versiaville also had a strong season, ranking first in the Silver Conference in defense and positioning themselves for another run by securing second seed.
Jarvan Voger and the Bayford Blue Dragons had a resurgent season, fighting to 12 wins and the third seed despite every single game being within single-digit margins. The ever-present Marauders endured a tough start to the season but rebounded to make the playoffs with ease in the second half of the season. Of the next four teams that rounded out the playoff field, the Dawchire Eagles were the big surprise - achieving 10 wins for the first time under the CFL era. Despite being blown out by the top four teams, the Eagles went 10-2 against the rest of the conference thanks to a scrappy young defense led by Toby Tancredi, Maximillian Hall and Feanor Eldarthal. The Bruins and Tigers, both playoff teams last season, were left out on the doorstep with painful losses on the final week of the season.
The story of the season in the Blue Conference was the Thunder defense. Pelethas are usually known for their high-flying spread offense, but this year they grabbed the top seed thanks to new defensive coordinator Jack Carrier and his new Tampa-2 scheme. The secondary put in several heroic performances, with star safety Leumas Ren as the centerpiece, holding opposing QBs to an average of just 14 completions per game. With the league's best receiver tandem of Ulises Willoughby and Wladimir Hoesch still doing its thing on the other side of the ball too, the Thunder will be the team to beat in the Playoffs as they seek to go all the way and avenge their loss in last year's Dragon Bowl. An entire horde of 11-5 teams will be eying them hungrily. Seeds two through six all miraculously finished with the same record, but the Mighty Men of Helfin will be the favorites to challenge the Thunder for a spot in the Dragon Bowl with their talented young squad and six-game winning streak going in. Orfeo Na'Toki's two-time champion Blazers and Brandon Reigner's in-prime Conquistadores can't be counted out either.
As a whole, the Blue Conference playoff field was rather predictable - the same eight that made it last year. And those eight were the best by a clear margin. There are more Dragon Bowl-worthy teams in Blue Conference than Silver, but the rest of the field isn't as deep. The Opjenheim Bulldogs though, with their big offseason moves, seemed improved and look about a year away from contention with their treasure trove of high draft picks. The most disappointing team were the Hvalsey Lions, who mustered only a single win because of an impotent offense that routinely frustrated the commendable defensive efforts of Finn Tennison and Quin Wooton.
#1 KaldukosicKataklysm (13-3) vs. #8 HagenheimVagabonds (9-7)
#4 Morponte Marauders (11-5) vs. #5 OlaskDolphins (10-6)
#2 VersiavilleVikings (12-4) vs. #7 SurpronukMarsh Monsters (9-7)
#3 BayfordBlue Dragons (12-4) vs. #6 DawchireEagles (10-6)
Blue Conference
#1 PelethasThunder (13-3) vs. #8 SarmonSpirit (10-6)
#4 KaldukosicBlazers (11-5) vs. #5 ZakhoroWolfpack (11-5)
#2 Helfin Mighty Men (11-5) vs. #7 RamusokStars (10-6)
#3 Emerald CoveConquistadores (11-5) vs. #6 Na'MalsilleVenom (11-5)
Finnegan Trophy VIII
The most common complaint with the CFL season is the lack of inter-conference games. Aside from the Dragon Bowl, there was no way for teams from the ex-CAF and FFA to meet in meaningful games. To address this, The Finnegan Trophy was introduced. It is a soccer-style cup tournament that runs concurrently to the CFL season. Named after the former coach of National Team, Gary Finnegan, it features eight randomly selected teams from each conference going at it single-elimination style. What's at stake? In addition to prize money, the winner automatically receives one of Cosumar's allotted spots in international competitions (along with the Dragon Bowl victor and the best regular season record from each conference) and draft incentives.
The Blue Conference dominates the first round. Hurting most for Silver Conference is that regular season champion Kataklysm are knocked out by the Venom on a last-second field goal. Well, at least the Keenan Robins were able to return the favor against the Spartans. But with all due respect to the Robins, the Versiaville Vikings are now the sole hope for Silver Conference winning this competition.
Well that's disappointing. A tournament designed to promote interconference play ends up with an all-Blue semifinal. The Vikings' half-hearted fourth quarter comeback falls short against the Venom and the Robins never really looked inspired against lowly Pirankoper. The Kaldukosic Blazers, the current Finnegan trophyholders, bowed out to the Zakhoro Wolfpack too - ensuring a new champion from Blue Conference. Orfeo Na'Toki had the Blazers in the red zone with two minutes left but threw an uncharacteristic interception to DuAndra Castillo in the middle of the field to seal the 17-16 final.
Amazing game between the Wolfpack and Mighty Men. Johannes Van Nifterick and the Wolfpack raced out to a 24-10 halftime lead, looking like the Team of Destiny that won Dragon Bowl IX. Against one of the toughest defensive units in the Multiverse. And then it was 31-10 one drive into the third quarter. On the verge of embarrassment, the Mighty Men came storming back and scored 17 unanswered in the rest of the third quarter. By the time Akim Fjara caught his second touchdown of the game with 3:26 left in the 3rd, Helfin found themselves back in it...31-27. With a spot in the Final at stake, both teams tightened up on defense in the final frame. The Wolfpack only managed a field goal after Maldoror Dvaine fumbled it away to them on Helfin's own 28, but it was enough to squeak out the win. The red-hot Na'Malsille Venom await them after blowing out the Cowboys.
The game was not as close as the final score revealed. The Venom seized control right from the beginning, finding the endzone on their first two drives, and never relinquished it. The Wolfpack made a brief run in the third quarter, but the Venom stayed poised and assured themselves the Trophy with 7:30 left when Loren Crystoll tossed to Vitali Levan in the backfield and the back ran up the sideline 20 yards and into the corner of the endzone to make it 38-20.
The NA'MALSILLEVENOM have won the eighth Finnegan Trophy. It is their first Finnegan Trophy and first piece of CFL silverware, though they have appeared in the Dragon Bowl before. The Blue Conference is now level with the Silver Conference (4-4) in the history of this tournament.
#4 Cape Dutch Killer Whales (15-7) vs. #5 Yambridge Pioneers (14-8) #3 Jotungard Goblins (15-7) vs. #6 Cavaleira Cucumbers (12-10)
CFL Season 11 - Playoffs
Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2016 12:38 pm
by Cosumar
CFL Season XI (1006) - Playoffs
It's that time of year. Of the 34 teams that began the season with bright aspiration, fewer than half remain with their goal of winning the Dragon Bowl intact. Making the postseason is a great accomplishment, but only one team will end the season satisfied. It's time to kick off the CFL Playoffs! Single-elimination. No mercy. No second-chances.
Hoooly shit. The "Any Given Sunday" mantra hasn't always held true in the CFL, as the handful of top-tier teams have generally refused to be unseated in the decade since the league was founded, but it sure held true on this opening weekend of the playoffs. All four games were stolen by the underdog. The overwhelming Dragon Bowl favorites, the Kaldukosic Kataklysm, are going home early after being stunned by the always-pesky Vagabonds. The Vagabond defense gave the Kataklysm fits - star linebackers Thomas Tompkins and Wayne Troumper combining for three sacks and an interception. It was impossible to keep regular season MVP Jakrikk Levinsson completely quiet, but Hagenheim did enough to give themselves a chance in the 4th quarter, trailing only 9-3. From there, it just took a dash of luck and a dash of courage to secure the upset. Troumper's aforementioned pick-six interception and a bursting 70-yard QB scramble by young QB Kenji Toyashimo gave the Vagabonds the two touchdowns they needed.
The defending Dragon Bowl champions (the Vikings) also crashed out to the agony of home fans as the Marsh Monsters drove a stake into their heart with 13 seconds left in the form of a game-winning 52 yard field goal. Perennial contenders Morponte, never quite at their best this season, fell just short against the visiting Dolphins and the upstart Dawchire Eagle won their first ever CFL Playoff game with fiery abandon - a shockng 36-10 scoreline over dark horse Bayford. Rookie Eagles quarterback Griffin Lintonsmith might have just become a household name, throwing for 366 yards and three touchdowns in the historic win. A signature moment of the season came in the first quarter when Lintonsmith somehow wriggled free from Frampton Scott's surefire sack, eluded Lothar Grunstein on the scramble, and found his tight end 40 yards downfield with an off-balance throw on the edge of the sideline. That's when we all knew it was Dawchire's day.
The chaos is a little more controlled in the Blue Conference, as two of the favored teams do manage to advance. Last year's Dragon Bowl representative, the Pelethas Thunder, defeat Sarmon without too much difficulty after waking up in the second quarter. Garron Holland led Ramusok to the second round over Helfin, whose lack of a top-tier quarterback finally proved too much for the defense and running game to compensate for, and the Finnegan Trophy-winning Venom kept their hopes for a double alive by coming back to edge Emerald Cove in the second half. But the best game of the entire first round weekend was the prime-time feature between Kal Blazers and the Wolfpack. A back-and-forth, high-scoring affair, both teams were at the top of their game and the night was full of spectacular catches, table-turning takeaways and crunching hits. The Blazers were down 17-14 at the half and later 24-14, but experienced high-pressure performers they are, put together two clutch touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to win 28-27. Orfeo Na'Toki was magical, and Lawrence Northcutt's 4.3 yards per carry on the day were a big factor as well. The 39-year-old running back must have found the Elixir of Life or something, because his production remains consistent with age.
The Olask Dolphins have gradually improved over the last few years. 6-10. 9-7. 10-6. Now they are heading to the Silver Conference Championship. Esben Oesterwind is a cannon-armed quarterback still in his prime, and now he has the weapons around him like Thoumen Kuyengall to do real damage. The Oesterwind-Kuyengall connection shredded the Vagabonds in the first Second Round game, hooking up twice in the second quarter to put the game out of reach early. The Monsters-Eagles game was a much better one, but it was the northerners who prevailed in the end, veteran receiver Thyrador Na'Very the hero with his monster game. Though their Cinderella run is over, Dawchire will be proud of what they accomplished this season and seem a solid bet to build on it further next season.
The Pelethas Thunder are becoming a thorn in the Blazers' side. They knocked 'em out in the first round last year and again this year in the second round. This season's encounter was more defensive and conservative than last year's shootout, but it made for a nail-biter of a finish. Protecting a slim 14-13 lead in the 4th quarter, the Thunder's much-improved defense tightened the screws on the Blazers with two sacks and interception of Orfeo Na'Toki (Leumas Ren) as they tried to get in position for a game-winning field goal. In the other Blue semifinal, the Venom impressively kept big Stars QB Garron Holland out of the endzone all game and, despite outgained for yardage, did just enough on offense themselves to get the win. Rookie linebacker Cygnus Cason continues to impress for the Venom, forcing a fumble of Stars running back Kamaal Dottcorn on the goal line that was crucial in retrospect.
An uptempo and professionally-executed blend of Amando Ness draws and Thoumen Kuyengall bubble screens marched the Dolphins down the field and into the endzone on the opening drive. 7-0 in under three minutes. The home crowd in Olask went absolutely ballistic - they knew then and there that they were heading to the Dragon Bowl! The Marsh Monsters briefly threatened to push the Dolphins for it in the third quarter, Jethro Ancelot threading a tight window for Uhtmar Va'Gama in the back of the endzone to make it 17-13, but it would be all Olask from there.
It's the same match-up as last season's Blue Conference Championship. And the same result: Pelethas through with relative ease. Venom QB Loren Crystoll simply couldn't find a way through that Thunder secondary. Crystoll is already a legend in Na'Malsille, but at age 35, you have to wonder how many more chances he will have to finally lift a Dragon Bowl for the Western Isles franchise.
DRAGON BOWL XI
The Olask Dolphins out of the Silver Conference and the Pelethas Thunder out of the Blue Conference to converge head-to-head for Cosumarite supremacy. Either outcome will see a team win its first CFL championship. The Thunder (13-3, #1 seed) had a stronger regular season than the Dolphins (10-6, #5 seed) and will be sizable betters' favorites. The Dolphins have a better margin of victory in this postseason, however. The Dolphins will look to establish the run through Amando Ness to open up space down the field for Esben Oesterwind amid the Thunder's famous secondary, while the Thunder QB Binro Aeoleai will look to take advantage of Olask's oft-ineffective pass rush (and the Thunder's great pass protection) to air it down the field right away with the extra time, directly attacking Dolphins' star corner Hedley Shrewton. After a week of festivities, the teams take the field at Leviathan Arena...
The nerves were apparent in the first quarter as both teams managed only two first downs and traded several punts. The Olask Dolphins were the first on the board in the 2nd Quarter, Esben Oesterwind completing 7/8 passes to lead his team down the field. Thoumen Kuyengall broke a tackle after catching the ball at the 2 to surge across the goal line and engrave his name in Dragon Bowl history. Euphoria for the yellow-and-blue half of the stadium!!! Unfortunately, it would be short-lived, as Pelethas answered to even it at 7-7 on their very next drive, which needed only four plays after 45-yard Aeoleai completion to Ulises Willoughby down the sideline. It was 10-7 in favor of the Thunder at half-time, which featured a vibin' show from underground IDM artist "Sonic Vicar". The analysts had some fervent discussions at the break, thrilled that it was "anyone's game" in the second half. But the Thunder immediately came out ant took the upper hand, executing their initial game-plan with increased precision. Binro Aeoleai was slinging the pigskin downfield with awe-inspiring accuracy and ferocity, hitting Willoughby and Wladimir Hoesch for big gain after big gain, also working in his slot receivers and tight ends. That core group of Thunder stars has been together for too many years and come up short of the ultimate prize too many times to let the Dolphins take it, and one could tell they were inspired and freshly-motivated coming out of the break. Before some fans had made it back to their seats from the long popcorn lines, the Thunder had torn open a 24-7 lead. The Dolphins managed to chip in a field goal in response to draw within two scores going into the fourth quarter, but they never looked like they had enough offensive juice to come back. They failed in their goal of establishing the ground game (Ness held to 46 yards on 18 carries) and the burden of beating that Thunder secondary was too much for for poor Esben Oesterwind alone. Another Pelethas touchdown in the 4th quarter, young running back Sawyer Granlund pounding it over the line from 8 yards on a toss, would seal the result. 31-16 Final.
The PELETHASTHUNDER are the Dragon Bowl XI Champions! Congratulations to the City of Pelethas on a fantastic season, and commiserations to the Dolphins on coming so close. After two previous losses on domestic gridiron's biggest stage, the third time was the charm for Pelethas. It is the franchise's first trophy in the CFL era. The Thunder's victory gives Blue Conference a 6-5 leg up on Silver Conference. Blue Conference has won four of the last six Dragon Bowls.
Post-Season Awards
Season MVP: Jakrikk Levinsson (QB, Kaldukosic Kataklysm) Dragon Bowl MVP: Binro Aeoleai (QB, Pelethas Thunder) Offensive Player of the Year: Kashmir Morrow (TE, Kaldukosic Kataklysm) Defensive Player of the Year: Leumas Ren (S, Pelethas Thunder) Offensive Rookie of the Year: Thoumen Kuyengall (WR, Olask Islanders) Defensive Rookie of the Year: Wester Galbraith (DE, Surpronuk Marsh Monsters)
CAFL Season VIII (1006) Playoffs
First Round Ruminov Black Panthers - Bye Cupe Dutch Killer Whales 17-43 Yambridge Pioneers
Second Round Ruminov Black Panthers 6-27 Yambridge Pioneers Jotungard Goblins 26-20 Sundsvall Penguins
IRON BOWL VIII
Jotungard Goblins 17-16 Yambridge Pioneers
The JOTUNGARD GOBLINS are the eighth arena league Champions! It is their second Iron Bowl win, drawing them within one of leaders Yambridge and Sundsvall. These are still the only three teams to win the CAFL. The Goblins' victory ends Sundsvall's run of two straight championships and is their first since the second season.
Postseason Awards
MVP: Luis Pham (DT, Ruminov Black Panthers) Iron Bowl MVP: Declan McEntire (LB, Jotungard Goblins) Offensive Player of the Year: Ra'ef Nimmo-Dirksen (QB, Sundsvall Penguins) Defensive Player of the Year: Klout Dolving (CB, Jotungard Goblins)
20th Season Preview - Part 1
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2016 5:07 pm
by Cosumar
LEAGUE CYCLE XX PREVIEW (Year 1008)
Could it really be? Could this already be the 20th full season since the CosumarLigan system revolutionized domestic soccer? As clubs across the Fiefdom commemorate with flashback social media posts and "20"-themed special promotions, it is time for us to celebrate the anniversary by looking forward to the special season that is soon to begin.
256 clubs now compete across five tiers and in the annual King's Cup (which is celebrating a 10th anniversary of its own). The top three tiers (Harlighet Ligan, Sekundar Ligan, Tredje Ligan) are the smallest and most prestigious, with two large Conferences comprising the fourth tier, and several regional divisions comprising the fifth tier. The implementation of this contemporary league pyramid structure 20 years ago, along with increasing investment and youth development, has resulted in highly visible growth for the Harlighet Ligan year after year. The journey to 20 seasons was not always a smooth one. There were many lockouts, restructurings and financial crises along the way...but the Cosumarite game has now reached an unprecedented peak of stability, size, quality and importance. Here's to the past 19 seasons and the 20 more to come!
Now, without further ado, here's a preview of where each team stands ahead of the 20th COCANEFA Harlighet Ligan season. Some new features have been added for this special anniversary preview including a map of clubs and Trophy Cabinets and Halls of Fame for individual clubs. Enjoy!
Map of Current Clubs: (New for 20th Anniversary Season!)
Overview of Past Winners: I: OAS Royal FC II: OAS Royal FC (2) III: Mallox IV: Mallox (2) V: OAS Royal FC (3) VI: Mallox (3) VII: OAS Royal FC (4) VIII: Ramusok United IX: Klyde X: Real Azuris XI: Real Azuris (2) XII: Cassandra City XIII: Mallox (4) XIV: Ramusok United (2) XV: Cassandra City (2) XVI: Real Azuris (3) XVII: Real Azuris (4) XVIII: Real Azuris (5) XIX: Cassandra City (3) XX: __________ ???
5 - Real Azuris 4 – OAS Royal FC 4 – Mallox 3 - Cassandra City 2 – Ramusok United 1 – Klyde
Key Reserves: Iziduko (GK/24), Seppänen (LB/34), Misty (CB/23), Na'Tule (RM/30), Samarqand (ST/23), Brandybok (ST/29) Kit Details: At home, Cassandra wear their customary all-red (right). Away, they wear their half-and-half red & white shirt with black shorts and, distinctively, one red and one white sock (inverted from split on shirt).
Preview: It doesn't get much better than last season for footy fans in Cosumar's entertainment mecca. Not only did Cassandra City win their third Harlighet Ligan championship, but they did it in the most Cassandra way possible. A dramatic showdown with the other title contender (Eastweald) on the final matchday, sending Ramusok United fans into painful fits of deja vu. Kyle Fleming and Damien Arragne got to ride off into a glorious sunset and Arturo Mancini got vindication for those who doubted him after being sacked by Crawford City. Storybook stuff. Now, the question is whether or not they'll have the motivation to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and go for it again. Not even the jubilation of these last few months could make Cassandrians forget 1004, when they followed up their second title with a stinky bottom-half campaign. Remember the whole Champions' Curse debacle? Oh yeah, that. This offseason, they've replaced Fleming's veteran void with longtime Aces captain Dwaro Na'Tule, who many have wanted to see at a bigger club for years. One may also remember the Vloo for scoring in the SBCC Final. Na'Tule has guided the Aces safely through many a relegation battle, so it's hard to see City sliding too much with his fiber in there. Mancini also leveraged his Quebecois connection to sign yet another popular Quebec international in Jason Goulding, who joins countryman Marcos Zelaya up top from the dissolved LigAnaia. Goulding was probably the biggest striker signing of the Harlighet Ligan transfer window. The fleet-footed Quebecois duo forms a fearsome attacking trident with club talisman Jol Tortuu, the centerpiece offering hold-up play and passing acumen. They will rely heavily on the young, fit midfield of Yehven Bardsen, Kwame Cole (both internationals) and Bellerophon Serafino (reigning U21 Player of the Year) to cover a lot (LOT) of ground and get them the ball. Ethanian defender John Campbell was a revelation, sturdy as a horse, and Catheline Boag and Justinian Grimswald had career-best seasons at fullback. The Reds were fearless and adventurous in their defending and it usually paid off. When it didn't, they had Calogero Metz in goal to bail them out. He's just the first-choice goalkeeper for Farfadillis now - no big deal. Cassandra City will score goals. Cassandra City will make big saves. But the real key to their repeat bid will be whether or not their back four can replicate last year's inspired performance. Last Season: Champions (18-10-6). Prediction: Champions.
Luke Crisalus (ST, 965-982, 985) Francois Renault (MF, 988-998) Ace Newman (ST, 995-1001) Ron Bromwyn (MGR, 985-1004) Kyle Fleming (MF, 997-1007)
Harlighet Ligan Champions 1000 Harlighet Ligan Champions 1003 Harlighet Ligan Champions 1007
Key Reserves: Brankussen (GK/23), Black (CB/30), Lael (LB/31), Delklind (LM/30), Williams (RM/31), Kortuufa (ST/25) Kit Details: Eastweald is famous for their triangle-textured shirt, which they wear in green at home and in yellow (pictured right) on the road, always with the same color of shorts and inverse color socks. They occasionally wear a shiny all dark-gold throwback kit.
Preview: Despite the eventual disappointment most Elves fans felt by the time the dust cleared on the 1007 season, most would've taken a close 2nd and Champions' Cup berth as a success at the beginning of the year. While there was optimism ahead of Monica Brightwater's first season, there wasn't quite reason to expect them to be two points in the clear after the penultimate matchday. But it happened. And they still came up empty-handed. Again. Having settled for their fourth 2nd-place finish in this decade, Eastweald are pining to finally kiss that golden trophy, for some tangible reward for their consistency. Their chances are as good as they have ever been. Maybe better. They locked and loaded over a transfer window that was quiet for most other teams, shelling out major cash to bring in Valladar international defender Jefferson from relegated Klyde (for a record of $20m at his position) and striker depth in the form of Cassell Kortuufa. It will be a luxury to have a young player of his caliber, a double-digit scorer for Holmenkollen, backing up the ridiculously productive Bogwa and Dan Quesadillas, who are good for around 30 goals between them. Eastweald are deep everywhere, which should help sustain their title challenge while going full-force in the UICA and King's Cup. Rook Klinsmann and Roald Aguero are instant upgrades out wide, both fighters with a nose for goal, but Eastweald also managed to hang on to displaced starters Dex Delklind and Tremain Williams. They have the former captain of Taeshan (Orion Black) coming off the bench too, as well as a starting-quality goalkeeper in Joakim Brankussen chomping at the bit for action behind Esteban Hernandez, who was hugely impressive in his return to Cosumar last season. So depth is a strength. The one woman who is absolutely irreplaceable, however, is the one they have no substitute for. Jo de Marisco. She's the face of Eastweald at this point. Her seven years at the club have seen her evolve from a skilled but undersized girl who played a little within herself to a leader with heart and confidence bigger than her body. From an Apoxian to a bona-fide Cosumar Vanquisher. She is the lifeblood of Eastweald's tiki-taka system. The creative engine. She is the #10. Everything runs through her passing instincts and exquisite touch. Assuming the reigning League MVP remains durable, the bolstered supporting cast gives the Elves a clear shot at the title. Last Season: 2nd (19-5-10). Prediction: 4th.
Key Reserves: Davi (CB/28), Pakkanen (RB/19), Richard (CM/27), Meratyn (LW/25), Hodges (CF/36) Kit Details: At home, they wear a dark green shirt with unique white columns that curve towards the right shoulder, a luxurious yellow collar, white shorts and dark green socks with thin yellow circles at the top. Their secondary kit features a crisp white shirt (pictured right) with dark green shorts.
Preview:Corey Simmons Jr.'s new FC Kaldukosic era took another step forward last season, even after selling Tamer Yilmaz to Marinos Metropolis. 3rd place is higher than Kaldukosic's principle club have reached since the 980s, and the memorable King's Cup triumph over OAS Royal gave them their first silverware of the CosumarLigan era. With a homegrown golden generation entering its prime, many think FC Kaldukosic is on the cusp of a dynasty. We might as well call it the Simmons Dynasty, since manager's son Corey Simmons III is also the most electric talent on the team and a driving force behind their ascent. His breathtaking pace, skill and trickery on the right wing draws defensive attention away from the box, where Sunrisian world cup star Kevin Stabb has feasted on the resulting space for 44 goals the past two seasons (consecutive Golden Boots). Two questions now confront the club. Firstly, can CS3, still only 22, attain the consistency that would represent the final hurtle of his development into a superstar? As awesome as he is, he still disappears at times. If FC Kal aspire to the heady heights of Champions' Cup play or even a title, they need him to produce an entire season of excellence. Secondly, can they continue their upward march after withstanding another transfer window of selling off young talent? Fan-favorite goalkeeper Cormak Lethbridge departs for a deserved chance in Nephara, and promising academy product Warren Royannais attracted deep Vilitan pockets after flashing in the King's Cup. Ael Koron is a regal presence in goal capable of living up to "The Brigadier" - he might even be an upgrade - and Royannais was not going to be an essential piece this season anyways, but you can't help but feel like FC Kaldukosic might come to regret being so quick to sell each window. But hey, you can't fault them for wanting to cash in on their newfound flair for development. That said, they have a very complete team right now with veterans like Dean Harold McSaunders, Georgina Wadimu and Jakob Lunds providing true class and guidance. Valeri Witek, an unheralded acquisition at this time last year, must also receive plaudits for her stellar performances at left back that just might've been the difference all season. The Victors should shoot for the moon this season. Even if they miss, they'll land in the UICA hunt. Last Season: 3rd (15-13-6). Prediction: 6th.
Corey Simmons Jr. (ST, 988-999) (MGR, 1003-present)
King's Cup 1007
AC HOLMENKOLLEN Holmenkollen, Ramusok Fief
Nickname:Cedars Founded: 971 Ground: Cedar Road (21,000) Manager: Martin Adnansen (55)
Key Reserves: Rathskeller (CB/21), Acock (LM/24), Nyle (ST/18), Akerman (CF/33) Kit Details: Whenever possible, they wear their beloved pale blue shirt with a red zag (pictured) with solid white shorts and red socks. In the event of color clash, they wear a white shirt with red collars and blue sleeves, and blue shorts.
Preview: The Cedars have UICA fixtures coming up on the docket for only the second time in club history (excluding SBCC). The Harlighet Ligan's perennial overachievers raced out to another hot start last season. They were 3rd place by the break and maintained the momentum.....all the way up until slogging through last month. But still finished 4th. Suffice to say, the reign of stylish new manager Martin Adnansen has gotten off to a bright start. Cassell Kortuufa just became the latest breakout talent to leave the unglamorous suburban club because career reasons, but the fanbase responded with an indifferent "oh well" and collectively turned to the next crop of under-the-radar talent that will prove themselves at Cedar Road only to be wooed away. No one outside of Ramusok has heard of new starters Juniper McCallum and Lili Riprov, so presumably they're next. Such is life at Cedar Road. But Holmenkollen always come back just as unsuspectingly strong the next season, proving doubters wrong each time. Much of that is down to Taddeo Loredan. The 25-year-old has a strong claim on the title of league's best defenseman - and seems perfectly content to have spent his whole career so far in Holmenkollen. He was a finalist for MVP last season. As a center back. You watching, Gethin Ramsey? It's also no coincidence that the Cedars' illustrious season coincided with the return to fitness/form of mercurial Osarian Funanya Nwapa and a career high in successful tackles from domineering midfielder Brock Mattox. These players are the real spine of the club, along with spindly goalkeeper Lilley Kearney. Their presence saw ACH survive bigger recent departures than Kortuufa's (Delwyth "first-female-scorer-in-Valladares" Jonferth, anyone?). Besides, Adnansen seems to have put the Kortuufa money to shrewd use. Marten Akerman diversifies the attacking options nicely, and young defender and striker Sigrun Rathskeller and Kamaal Nyle show promise. Nyle is from the Eastweald academy and Rathskeller is a tall Nepharim, so they must be good right? It would not surprise me to see Holmenkollen in the UICA places again. That said, it wouldn't surprise me to see them settle back into the lower-midtable horde either. Last Season: 4th (15-9-10). Prediction: 12th.
Key Reserves: Sieuwerd (GK/36), Coppellian (CB/31), Adebayo-Akanni (RB/22), Hardwick (DM/32), Belgrave (MF/36), Zigfield (ST/26), Kite (CF/36) Kit Details: The new home kit offers a redesign of the iconic tidal wave that has long swept over the top of the shirt. This year, they also debut a slick new away kit that sports a wave-themed sash. Azuris also occasionally surprise with a bold alternate color scheme: rainbow. The entire kit is made of a high-tech fabric that gives off the appearance of misty rainbow light, like you'd see shimmering by a waterfall.
Preview: Real Azuris are the sole representative of the greater Klyde region in the top-flight now. No one saw Klyde FC's relegation coming, but it definitely changes the league landscape. The Breakers don't have to worry about those stressful North vs. South Klyde derby matches this season, for one. And the streak of consecutive titles came to an end at three, so that monkey is off their backs too. Expect Real Azuris to play more freely, openly and expressively than we've seen from them in awhile. Last year's drop to 5th was probably a fluke, and excusable for essentially being a transition year with so many new players being acclimated and prepared for this season. So, after an offseason spent focusing on chemistry rather than transfers, we should now see Lujendra Mescalin's "new Azuris" really come together and carry the club firmly into a new era. The only starters left from the 1006 championship team are midfield general Florentin Lachance and the superstar wingers, Sean Fraser and Ronan Bowditch. Out with the old and in with the new. Young goalkeeper August Ozuna's career has just taken off after winning the starting job from aging club lifer Robert Sieuwerd and earning an Audioslavia debut in the span of a couple weeks. The overhauled back line had some frightful moments last season but started to gel at the end. This offseason's only signing, cultured Fligsive and Pasarga defender Viviano Milani, can only improve matters. Stig Söderquist, Sandra Sybill and Andrew Arrowsword are all expected to step seamlessly into the starting roles of aging Peder Hardwick, Diandra Belgrave and Georgia Kite (midfield destroyer, visionary/rangy passer, center forward). It's scary how like-for-like they are. What's great about watching Real Azuris is how each player has such a clearly-defined role on the pitch and executes their piece of the puzzle to a T. Expectations are rightfully high, and anyone who doesn't think this new-look Real Azuris can instantly contend for a fourth title in five years is kidding themselves. Because it's not really a "new" look. Just new faces. As long as the defense continues the improvement we saw at the end of last season, they'll be great. That's the key "if". Last Season: 5th (14-8-12). Prediction: 2nd.
Giovanni Aldinne (LM, 992-999) Tolgus Tregajorran (1004) Ipier Ubuntu (997-1006)
Sekundar Ligan Champions 983 Harlighet Ligan Champions 998 Harlighet Ligan Champions 999 Harlighet Ligan Champions 1004 Harlighet Ligan Champions 1005 Harlighet Ligan Champions 1006 King's Cup 1006
Key Reserves: Gunnersen (LB/33), Tas (CB/17), Vanderpool (RB/RM/27), Gildon (MF/35), Kelly (CF/33), Lvr'ael (CF/21) Kit Details: New diamond-textured orange home kit pictured right. On the road, they always wear all black, but this year's new kit from Meski includes a subtle watermark of the city's industrial district skyline in the background.
Preview: No notable transfer activity in Mallox this offseason, which was a bit out of character. Maybe the front office spent two years' worth of budget last year when they Brenecified their squad with Mathis Woodgate and Cassandra Kilgallon. (Which would've still been worth it if that was the case, because both players were fantastic last season). Or maybe they were too busy designing that new crest and kit in honor of the league's 20th anniversary, which the loud sect of traditionalist supporters is already bitching about (to the surprise of absolutely no one). All kidding aside, Mallox did well by signing three key players to new upgraded contracts (Luco Haines, Stephon Deville and captain left back Georges Mauvonts). Each was in-demand with suitors domestically and abroad, so keeping all of them in orange was a huge boon. Even if it went largely uncelebrated by casual fans. And even if that shirt is actually "too gold" now and "not really orange" anymore. The goal for all three, and everyone else at Mallox, will be to end the club's five-year absence from UICA. Mauvonts said he extended his stay because he felt like there was "unfinished business" at The Orange Palace after last season, which saw them with top five in their clutches only to let Real Azuris eclipse them on the last matchday. Do the Tigers have what it takes? Well, their best player is their goalkeeper Woodgate, and he has a sound defense in front of him with Mauvonts and three foreign internationals. The midfield is very meat-and-potatoes, with athletic players that can win the ball and move it around well, but offering precious little flair. ...Flair. Creativity. These are things Alvin Burnsides has largely made do without since Anders Engström left. UICA placement is possible but ambitious. They need Alistair Redalen to step up and starting scoring goals to ease the burden on Kilgallon, who often had to do too much by herself last year. Last Season: 6th (15-5-14). Prediction: 8th.
Pablo Reyes (GK, 965-978) Leland Burke (MF, 972-980) Anders Engström (ST/LW, 993-1001) Haruto Takahashi (LM, 999-1006)
Harlighet Ligan Champions 985 Harlighet Ligan Champions 988 Harlighet Ligan Champions 992 King's Cup 1000 Harlighet Ligan Champions 1001
STONESHORE UNITED Port Stoneshore, Stoneshore Fief
Nickname:Greys Founded: 771 Ground: SweetHaven Stadium (70,000) Manager: Douglas Tibet (45)
Key Reserves: Tournay (GK/25), Doblet (CB/27), McKirkley (DM/32), Crowther (ST/33) Kit Details: Famous all-grey at home. Shirt pictured. The grey shorts have some maroon and white side-patterning like on the shoulders. On the road, they wear blue and white hoops with solid blue shorts and blue/white hooped socks.
Preview: Stoneshore was caught in mid-table purgatory for the majority of the season as they were always a few games off of the UICA zone but a few games clear of the teams battling relegation. So it was a rather boring season, as they just put in decent performances week in week out. Never bad, but never great nor particularly urgent either. But it being their first season back up after 1005's surprise relegation, the fans were happy with boring - especially considering the reputation Douglas Tibet teams have for wild swings between soaring highs and frustrating lows. The Greys' defense remained rock solid but their attacking department struggled, with West Sunrisian teenager Caipirinha scoring almost 35% of their total goals. In contrast to his eclectic fashion (dat feather-cap) and cryptic soliloquys, Tibet plays a conservative approach, trying to concede as little as possible and making their few quality attacks count by being efficient up front. This approach has clearly worked the past two seasons, as they stonewalled the Sekundar Ligan en route to a title in 1006 before sneaking into the top half last year. The goal this season will to be to consolidate this mid-table status and avoid the major drop-off that got Tibet sacked in his first stint at the club. The southeastern strongmen employ a 3-5-2 against similar quality opponents or a 5-4-1 against the likes of Real or Cassandra. Their defense is built around 6"7 sweeper Justinian Singleton, with flanking center backs Tuomas Pystynen (fresh from Olask Islanders) and Jorg Solberg (stereotypical muscular Semar) no less intimidating. They rely on playmaker Aidan Andela in Attacking Midfield to supply Caipirinha and the perfectly average Pato Yamaguchi with enough passes to maybe score a goal or two up front. Refik Penterzen and Tégen Na'Tarejen are the shuttlers on either side - both very capable of contributing in the attack as well when possible. Expect Stoneshore to play in 5-3-2/3-4-1-2 hybrid with three CBs this season, with pacy wingbacks Dolor DeVolder and Jerrell Drake taking on increased prominence. Stoneshore may play another mid-table season, they may play a surprising season and compete for UICA or they could fight relegation. All three scenarios are realistic. They've gotten younger, deeper and stronger, but Manager Tibet's lack of a steady demeanor or calm approach makes them unpredictable. Last Season: 7th (12-11-11). Prediction: 14th.
William Riley (LB, 956-966)
Sekundar Ligan Champions 1006
SAMAJ FC Samaj, Culmarland Fief
Nickname:Hunters Founded: 906 Ground: Stadion Jägare (32,000) Manager: Luis Varezzi (58)
Transfers In: Hugo Cartensen (Skoljard FC, 2m), Yennifer Giraun (Pikemouth, free) Transfers Out: Reuben Hamasaki (retired), Patrick Banderas (retired)
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Aleksovic (25) - Cartensen (27), Ârbo (29), Kristiansen (28), Marmor-Lavie (23) - del Fuego (32), Valfar (28 C) - Del Arro (22), Columbine (24), Sigurjónsdóttir (20) - Rowe (30)
Key Reserves: Dalmshelf (RB/30), Giraun (RW/30), Xenophon (ST/36) Kit Details: Their home kit (pictured right) features their iconic diagonal-split shirt and burnt-orange shorts. Their away kit this year is the shade of dark yellow found on the home kit's collar, with burnt-orange lettering and accents.
Preview:Luis Varezzi has built a solid young side out on the western plains, one that has improved leaps and bounds each of his three seasons there. Supporters maintain there is literally no one else they would want in charge of the club. Trust in the mild-mannered former-NT assistant is absolute. 3rd in Sekundar Ligan to 14th in the Harlighet Ligan and then to 8th last season. Now Samaj isn't even counted among the annual relegation candidates anymore. Last season Varezzi had them in the top five at the halfway point, but the Hunters were eventually hamstrung by the small size of their squad and dropped off a bit as the second half of the season set in. This season, the goal will be to fight their way to another very respectable top half finish. They should be fun to watch along the way. The young attacking midfield trio of Rachel Del Arro, Darrius Columbine and Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir has really grown up together and coalesced over recent seasons. Their youthful exuberance and mutual understanding in the final third has become Samaj's biggest strength. All three have the ability to either take defenders on one-on-one with the ball themselves or provide excellent service. Burly, broad-shouldered Ross Rowe will split time with the beloved and spiderlike Isadora Xenophon as the lone target forward in front of them. Unlike a lot of underdogs that have punched above their weight using rugged defensive tactics, last year's Samaj claimed some impressive scalps by actually punching above their weight. Going right at higher-profile oppositon, unafraid. As the likes Sigurjónsdóttir continue to improve (she's coming off a Pasarga U21 experience), they will only grow bolder. Defense was an initial concern after dependable midfield shield Reuben Hamasaki and longtime left back Patrick Banderas both announced retirements immediately after the season, but the purchase of Eshan international Hugo Cartensen should fortify things. Plus, Valfar has already made a name for himself as a feared enforcer. He led the Harlighet Ligan in fouls and cards last year, but Samaj averaged only half as many GA in games he started. That he looks like a viking stepping out of a wolfship only adds to the effect. This Samaj side is legit. They will not have any trouble staying up. Last Season: 8th (13-8-13). Prediction: 9th.
Sur Arora (ST, 988) Thomas Teverridge (CAM, 988-999) Allen Huthson (CF, 998-1004) Elaine Kayton (LM, 1001-1004)
None in modern CosumarLigan era
RAMUSOK UNITED Ramusok, Ramusok Fief
Nickname:Blues Founded: 751 Ground: Fire River Arena (80,000) Manager: Gareth Bournemouth (62)
Starting XI (4-4-2 Dmnd): Shaw (29) - Kang (28), Alcocer (30), Flanningan (30), Cooper (19) - Jonassen (27), Mulcair (32), Silvén (25), Geirsson (30 C) - Théberge (29), Culbreth (23)
Key Reserves: Hattingh (DF/20), Gjallskald (DF/34), Wells (CM/20), Barnsley (LM/33), Xodó (ST/27), Bérdoon (ST/20) Kit Details: At home, they wear a blue shirt (pictured right) with solid white shorts and blue socks. On the road, they wear this silver shirt, with solid blue shorts and striped silver/blue socks.
Preview: Since nearly winning the title in Gareth Bournemouth's first season, Ramusok United have flagged recently - to 6th and then to 9th last season. Such a massively disappointing campaign following a flashy transfer window has Bournemouth on thin ice this year. Consecutive seasons out of the UICA is just not acceptable for a club of the capital side's aspirations, and it's hard to see the Nepharim gaffer lasting much longer if that streak becomes three. But despite increasing pressure from fans, Bournemouth showed his confidence in his team by resisting the temptation of a spending spree. In stark contrast to the $16+ million spent before last season, only one check in Ramusok United's weighty name was cashed this transfer window, and it was a mere 500k to raid the Mallox U21s for Nacho Bérdoon, a young striker the Tigers rate highly but didn't have room to promote. From a recent Bournemouth press conference: "The club allowed me the freedom to spend as I see fit, but I don't spend just to spend. There were no readily-available options that I prefer to the great players I already have. The answers for our improvement do not lie anywhere else but within the walls of Ramusok United". An admirable sentiment. Hopefully the players respond to it and shake the inconsistency that plagued them last season. Two positives to take from last season, however, were the flashes of brilliance Lyyli Silvén showed in her first Ram U season, and the breakthrough of homegrown striker Elena Culbreth. Highly-touted Culbreth had been appointed the chosen one from an early age, and Bournemouth's patience with her was finally rewarded as she caught fire for stretches to lead the team with 11 goals. Now they just need her and Pasargan international strike partner Curtis Théberge (who was strangely 'off' last year) to find form at the same time. Combine them with one of the top #10s in the league in Robin Geirsson, a world-class winger like "Hawk" Mulcair and multiple distinguished internationals in the back, and Ramusok United are fearsome to behold...on paper. Can Gareth Bournemouth put it all together on the pitch? Last Season: 9th (12-9-13). Prediction: 5th.
Key Reserves: Swaim (DF/33), Robitaille (RM/17), Millhouse (AM/22), Vilar (ST/35) Kit Details: Their home whites are pictured right. Their olive-green away kit features black accents and state-of-the-art geometric texturing from Meski.
Preview: Undeniable quality remains in Ruminov, but the core of the squad is aging. Cosumar Di Bradini Cup striker Romikk Valgard is six years younger than the next-youngest starter, he splits time with a 35-year-old, and all three attacking midfielders are in their 30s. Depth is lacking too, especially on the back line. One or two unlucky injuries there and they'll be forced to rely upon completely untested youngsters. The age concern, however, might benefit young interim manager Wyverly Ludlow as she makes the transition. After the widely-respected Jehan Bair took the CCFC job just earlier this week, his assistant and former Tredje Ligan journeywoman Ludlow was next in line. She's 32 - set to become the second-youngest Harlighet Ligan manager ever. Several of her players are older than her, and she will rely on the experience of guys like Sergio Vilar (who she wisely appointed as a player-coach immediately) to compensate for her own lack of managerial experience. Ludlow's hopes of keeping the job full-time are pinned on Mursill Lubiflor. The hometown hero's 20 goals were the driving force behind the club's historic 1005 season. West Gundar need her to find that form again after slumping for most of last season. It's hoped that the new partnership with Valgard will re-energize Lubiflor. If not, maybe Valgard will blossom into a true rose himself when watered by Demba Cisse's supply of gorgeous passes. But most of all, WGFC need to tighten up in the back after conceding the most goals in the league last season. Gustaf Söder and Nidal Haddad looked like they were playing entirely different sports at times. If that's not corrected, it won't matter if Lubiflor and Valgard both score 20. Last Season: 10th (12-9-13). Prediction: 16th, Relegation Playoff.
Liam Esquire (CM, 1001-1007)
Sekundar Ligan Champions 993 Sekundar Ligan Champions 1002 Sekundar Ligan Champions 1004
Transfers In: Sigmund Levy (Brinemouth, 7.5m), Olvir Barrus-Bari (FC Samotath II, promoted) Transfers Out: Nazeau Roga (Ausharmuj Marusi, undisclosed)
Starting XI (4-2-4): Etton (30) - Va'Mono (33 C), Bruce (23), Shrowder (27), Dias Pinto (24) - Cosme (30), Severin (31) - Harmonium (24), Hummel (27), Levy (31), Vorobyov (27)
Key Reserves: Barrus-Bari (GK/21), Charania (DF/33), Dé (MF/18), Rush (ST/27), Bedullin (ST/23) Kit Details: FC Samotath is all about the Red & Black Attack. Nice split-color kit with that awesome hawk at home (pictured) and a black away shirt with some neat arrow designs.
Preview: FC Samotath are the most attack-minded side in the league, living and dying by Sid Dawson's guiding principle that everything will be alright if you maximize your goals scored. They play a top-heavy 4-2-4 with a strong ball-hawking center forward pair flanked at all times by two dynamic advanced wingers, a two-man midfield axis doing all the heavy lifting, attacking fullbacks (of course) and two center backs who are polar opposites (compactly muscular The Bruce the enforcer, tall gangly Geddy Shrowder the aerial wall). Offseason talking points have centered largely around the departure of Nazeau Roga. He's back to his hometown club in Farfadillis, where he will likely retire after a homecoming season. Though Roga wasn't here that long, he made a huge impact, leading Samo on their first UICA run. The man's eye for goal is the stuff of legend - he netted 63 times in four years including 18 times last season at age 37 with no legs. As such, it is no surprise that he has already been inducted into the club's Hall of Fame. Over the last four years, Roga became the most popular athlete on the northern peninsula, a bona-fide celebrity. He will be missed. But never fear, Black Hawk fans. The entertaining buffet of goals will continue at your shiny new Alesund Stadion, for The Colossus of Vermillion is here to fill the void. Who? Sigmund Levy, that 6"7 guy from Brinemouth. Yeah, him. He's a beast of a striker and still in his prime at 31. Spoiled bastards. His brute strength and ability to draw defenders and lay off for others make him a dangerous fit in Samotath's four-pronged attack. Every northerner's favorite Semar Lasse Hummel will loooove playing off of this guy. Hummel will be eager to graduate from the role of "Roga's sidekick". With the quick and incisive Gwinevra Harmonium and Miroslav Vorobyov constantly pumping balls in, there should be plenty of goals to go around. Unless the wingers decide to go for goal themselves, which Harmonium did successfully an impressive 11 times last season. That 3rd place finish in 1005 is looking more and more like an aberration, but life is still good up north with exciting players, an exciting matchday atmosphere and even some exciting prospects coming through the pipeline (teenage attacking midfielder Hernan Dé is one to keep an eye on). It should be another decent "Samotath" type of year. An overabundance of goals on both ends averaging out to a comfy midtable finish. Last Season: 11th (10-14-10). Prediction: 11th.
Vareza Na'Noni (RB/DM, 991-997) Addam Andsman-Savage (ST, 986-999) Elias Hermesniemi (CB, 999-1006) Blue Skies (LM, 999-1006) Jean-Pierre Mons (ST, 1000-1006) Nazeau Roga (ST, 1004-1007)
King's Cup 1001
IFK ALDENSKOETT Aldenskoett, Duversia Fief
Nickname:Eagles Founded: 890 Ground: The Eagles' Nest (19,000) Manager: Väinö Va'Lucic (68)
Key Reserves: Lovenkrands (CB/19), Hardy (MF/34), Sjunitsson (CM/17), Capulet (ST/33), Nowitzki (ST/33) Kit Details: Their silver home kit is pictured right. Their away kit sports a lime-green and white look with a more prominent eagle talon. They may also occasionally wear this blue alternate kit.
Preview: IFK started last season very slowly, taking almost two months to win their first match. But a rampaging 6-0 victory over Morponte Fief a few weeks before the midseason break proved to be a turning point, and the Eagles started to quickly gain points. They even vaguely cast a gaze at the UICA zone upon briefly cracking the top half. But as the second half of the season went by, their unorthodox "6 in the back" tactics and stellar squad cohesion could not mask their limited quality and they slipped back down to 15th for a spell before ultimately finishing 12th. Which Aldenskoettians will still be pleased with, since it was actually their highest Harlighet Ligan finish since they first came up four years ago. These humble supporters still don't take for granted their top-flight status and will favor last season's roller-coaster of form over the static grind of a relegation battle. Väinö Va'Lucic's main task last season was to improve IFK's defense, which he was able to do by bringing in Nikita Lundgren and Mauro Messieri and making them defend deeper and stand more compact. The Eagle's weak point last season was their attack, which consisted mostly of hoofball up to hardworking Falchion Hess-Olesen or Jess Capulet on the break, who tried to hold up the ball and have the likes of Kimus de Vries, Lundgren and the wingbacks support them. Even though both secured double-digit goal tallies, this approach wasn't always optimal because IFK was reluctant to commit enough players forward from their defensive shell. The squad this season is almost identical, so it's hard to see much changing. But there is cautious optimism in Aldenskoett that the Eagles could push a little further up the table if they find more consistency. If they can find a way to get forward enough to score goals without leaving themselves so vulnerable in the back. There is also a fair bit of hype around striker Teor Rwang, an energetic lad from Chromatika who has earned a starting spot from Va'Lucic after increasingly impactful substitute appearances last season. His pace and obsessive running could stress defenses in a way that aging Capulet and Hess-Olesen just couldn't last season. Last Season: 12th (11-11-12). Prediction: 13th.
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): MacAmlaigh (36) - Larsen (22), Nodtveit (35), Tuppurainen (28), Cooper (32) - Nightrider (19), Breton (35 C) - Larned (27), Koropia (30), Marlborough (27) - Ribos (28)
Key Reserves: Commerford (GK/20), Catonaldi (CB/36), Vela (LM/23), Kirby (CM/19), Na'Koziol (CAM/25), Va'Drevu (CF/21) Kit Details: Most of the time, the Villagers wear their classic navy shirt and black shorts. In the event of a color clash, they wear a shirt and socks with thin navy-and-white stripes, and tan shorts.
Preview: A stable Harlighet Ligan club for the last four seasons, Versiaville did very well to spring back up to 13th last season after a scare in the relegation playoff the season prior. There is a sense that Brian Emerson's side overachieved a bit in doing so, however, so the task now before the former Cosumar great is to prove that Versiaville is really here to stay. The detractors saying they didn't "deserve" their midtable finish are probably looking at the fact that the Villagers scored only 30 goals in 34 games. It's true, they could really use some more creativity going forward. Powerful target woman Thia Ribos cranked 11 goals off their predictably direct approach, but the navy-and-black often looked devoid of other ideas. Though it stands in stark contrast to the high-flying Villagers of old and the idealistic soccer Emerson espoused at OAS Royal, that's just part of how the gaffer has the team set up. Versiaville have a lot of big, physical players who will do whatever it takes to grind out results, even if it means defending for 90 minutes or roughing up the opponent. What was once a quaint, peaceful trip up to the northwest is no longer such. Almost everyone leaves the Pavilion with at least one body part that will be a little sore the next day. Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit (whose reputation precedes him) and Teemu Tuppurainen (succeeded ex-Villager Violante Funke as winner of the "league's dirtiest" vote) will see to that. That Versiaville's defense has been able to make up for abysmal performance in front of goal is a credit to Augustine Breton. The defensive midfielder has spent countless unseen hours organizing and honing this Versian defensive unit. An inspirational figure going above and beyond his role as team captain. Unfortunately, the only player held in similar regard in Versiaville, longtime attacking midfielder and crunch-time deliverer Feri Koropia, doesn't have nearly as much to work with on his end of the pitch...unless recent lower-league scoop-ups like Sirena Va'Drevu and McCall Kirby can spark some competition. Last Season: 13th (11-11-12). Prediction: 17th, Relegation.
Transfers In: Jorit van Kruistum (Hastmead Diamante, 12m), Gain the Opposum (Project +90 USI, free), Hansi Weschler (Crawford City FC II, promoted) Transfers Out: Marten Akerman (AC Holmenkollen, 1.5m), Semyon Yucob (Bellmont City, loan)
Key Reserves: Weschler (GK/17), Flores (CB/25), Gain (CB/21), Hublot (MF/23), Marshall (DM/22), McBride (RW/30), Kurosawa (CF/35) Kit Details: CCFC's gorgeous teal, crimson and gold home kit is the envy of the league. Their white away kit, with gold and teal accents, isn't too shabby either.
Preview: Last season, Crawford City FC did not back up Pawela Nowicki's promise to improve upon 1006's 9th place finish so much as prosecute her for fraud. Most of the players clearly had their hearts and minds elsewhere, or seemed otherwise inhibited, and CCFC flirted dangerously with the relegation battle instead. The resigned apathy each week at Orangi Stadium rang louder than any boos or protests could have. Nowicki was dropped like a sack of potatoes pretty much the second the season's final whistle blew (mainly because midseason sackings are frowned upon in Cosumar). Even shining light Kim Coultan, a beloved figure in the city, was under a bit of fire. The overall feeling around Crawford was one of consternation, everyone asking with serious doubt if this team will ever live up to its potential. Now it's up to Jehan Bair from West Gundar to clear all of that noise away and hit the reset button. He has a solid record, an acute tactical sense and an intense competitive nature, but it is not yet clear if he'll be able to restore confidence and turn the Elephants into true contenders. The biggest cause for optimism arrived in the person of Jorit van Kruistum, Bair's first marquee transfer signing at CCFC. The Hastmeade Diamante legend may be slowing down a little, but he is instantly an upgrade at right-wing and one of the most technical players in the league. If Bair wants to establish a winning culture in Crawford, bringing in a guy who has played for multiple World Cup, Copa Rushmori and LigAnaia titles is a great way to do it. I pity opposing managers that will now have to figure out a way to stop a Postecoglou-Coultan-VanKruistum attacking midfield. If Guilliver can finish more consistently this season (or, alternatively, if Dmytro Kurosawa can stay fit), they'll be set for goals. Crawford underperformed defensively last season, but it was just mental lapses more than anything. With a new manager likely to wring improved performances from a group of defenders that are legitimately good when they want to be, the outlook is positive there too. All in all, if Bair can focus their minds this season, there's no excuses why the Elephants can't march straight back to the UICA fray. Last Season: 14th (11-9-14). Prediction: 7th.
Key Reserves: Sinistar (GK/22), Grosz (CB/35), Lynch (DF/34), Hathoway (MF/32), Tarmé (RM/17), Özturk (ST/18) Kit Details: Primary kit features a white shirt with a black sash and brown numbers/collar (pictured right), black shorts and white socks. Their secondary kit features an aerodynamic all-brown look with varying shades of brown in a gradient pattern.
Preview: The old wallpaper is being torn down in Zakhoro. Šimon Holguín has been busy, shipping out the club's three most prominent players of the last several years - including club legend Dwaro Na'Tule and leading scorer Henning Nilssen. So much turnover at once is risky, but at first glance both club and squad would appear to be considerably stronger than a year ago. The finances were given a nice boost and younger, better players like Nathael and Federico Kot have filled in. Main man Temuge looks ready to really become a young star in his second year in the league. With the underrated addition of Amanda Halloran from Pikemouth, Holguín has completed a revitalization of his back line that started when he bought Fabricio Santos and Trevoh Ebuzoeme in the last couple years. The Aces are also deeper now, with a pair of immediate contributors coming over from Klyde's Isle. Sarrbian international Lillian Hathoway was a proven winner and team player at Real Azuris, and teenage phenom Tarmé (the Aces sure do love their one-named players) made a ruckus in Conference KC at age 16. The intent to strengthen bodes well. Zakhoro are commencing an unprecedented fifth consecutive season in the top flight. And now, they have a solid squad, relatively young and built for the future. I don't think they are going anywhere anytime soon. Just how high they can reach depends on how productive the Temuge-to-Kot connection up top is. Last Season: 15th (10-8-16). Prediction: 10th.
Starting XI (4-4-2): Boakye-Yiadom (26) - Arntz (30), Sigurdsson (28), Fosse (22), Kontiola (29 C) - Rocket (27), Bregoo (24), Gawain (32), Schuiling (20) - Tathtauré (Elf), Montag (34)
Key Reserves: Pecoraro (CB/32), Hanger (CB/19), Paysinger (RM/35), Wiggin (ST/30), Mbubu (ST/22) Kit Details: Sleek all-white unis (shirt pictured right, with white shorts and socks) whenever possible. They also have a grey/white/turquoise secondary kit that pops up occasionally. This shirt, grey socks, and white shorts with the same turquoise strip as the shoulder.
Preview: What else can be said that hasn't already been said about last season. Royal were a...royal mess. The Harlighet Ligan's most historic club was dumped inches away from the drop just one season after coming equally close to the title. It was a perfect storm of bad luck, injuries, shit finishing (Galasgoldas Tathtauré the very lonely exception) and a heaping seconds of bad luck (I mean, their goal difference was actually better than 7th-place Stoneshore United's). It took a Pablo Corderro stoppage time free kick in the relegation playoff, his final professional game, to rescue OAS from the Sekundar Ligan abyss. Josie MacLean, the reigning Manager of the Year, followed him out the door with far less dignity. Now, Constantine Champali takes the reins. It's such a natural fit that one wonders how Champali at OAS never materialized sooner. Champali, of course, is a legend in Cosumarite college soccer, having led Ramusok Capital University (that school just down the road) to seven collegiate titles in the last ten years. Champali knows the city, knows the Cosumarite game, and he has never failed to field a winning team. Plus his elegant, cultured persona fits perfectly with OAS Royal's brand and very international roster and fanbase. He has certainly started as if he means to means to draw a firm line under past events, even if he has been unnecessarily brusque with Peter Wiggin. The Taeshani international is coming off a shocker of a season to be fair, and many Whites supporters will be glad to see less of him and more of Oskar Montag and Pascal Mbubu, but it was Wiggin's decision to arrive late and out of shape that prompted Champali to reassign his captaincy to Jannick Kontiola. It's the beloved Quebecois' eleventh year as the starting right back. Champali then made a crowd-pleasing signing in Rowan Gawain, a prominent performer for Sabrefell Athletic who is a sensible replacement for (and likely upgrade over) Corderro. If Leonidas Bregoo's disappointing sophomore season was a fluke and he returns to the MVP-worthy form of 1006, Royal will have a sparkling midfield. Under improved direction, playmakers Bregoo and Gawain should be able to pull the strings beautifully for Joost Schuilling and Alex Rocket, the paciest wing tandem in the league, and Tathtauré, who can do it all up top. Royal bafflingly mustered only 35 goals last season (19 from Tathtauré, 16 from everyone else combined), but last year is a fading memory already. Champali has set a minimum target of 50 goals for his team this season, with the number plastered everywhere in the dressing room. With a mean defense, classy midfield and elite goal-scorer, they will get there... and resume their designs on the title. Last Season: 16th (10-7-17). Prediction: 3rd.
Oscar Jain (MGR, 983-994) Alexander Pearce (CB/LB, 983-999) Luke Crisalus (ST, 983-984), (MGR, 997-1000) Sur Arora (ST, 989-1000) Jaclyn Maris (GK, 998-1006)
Harlighet Ligan Champions 983 Harlighet Ligan Champions 984 Harlighet Ligan Champions 989 Harlighet Ligan Champions 993
Transfers In: Darwyn Lucassen (North Hall, 3m), Jan ter Voert (Blackheath, 3m), Mike La Rock (Sammet Ridge, 0.5m), Joni Mountainvista (Pacific City, free), Scylla Xkoranate (Treftadaeth U18s, promoted) Transfers Out: McCall Kirby (Versiaville, 0.25m)
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Martinsky (26) - Brinegar (28), Champali (24), McCaskill (33), De Leon (25) - ter Voert (24), [MRT] Chamberlain (27) - Arce (31 C), Lucassen (34), Harig (27) - Feliciano (32)
Key Reserves: Mountainvista (DF/29), Xkoranate (LM/16), Caputo (AM/33), Ironside (CF/36), La Rock (ST/24) Kit Details: Traditional black-and-white striped home kit with a light grey watermark of the famous Treftadaeth telescope. Away kit featuring a golden yellow shirt covered with constellations of small navy stars, with matching navy shorts and gold socks.
Preview: Importing so many new players in one close-season always represents a risk but, on paper at least, Alliance look to have made some bold and exciting buys for their second-ever Harlighet Ligan season. The one that really stands out is former World Cup midfielder Darwyn Lucassen, who felt like he had accomplished all he could in the A-League and was keen to study the interesting geological formations in his home country's far northeast. Equally a geologist and footballer, love of science runs in Lucassen's veins. Joining a unique club like Treftadaeth with deep roots in the scientific (particularly astronomic) community makes perfect sense even if he could've had his pick of bigger clubs. On the pitch, Lucassen's gives Truda Jotunnoj a type of quality to work with that he's never had before at The Wormhole. Lucassen's ability to dictate the tempo of a game and pick out the perfect pass make him a perfect fit in the influential central attacking midfield role that Jorge Caputo filled admirably last year. With SBCC commitments and Lucassen's age, Caputo will likely still get a decent dosage of playing time as well, and perhaps compete with slippery Alex Arce to play out on Lucassen's left. They'll all be feeding big 'ole Pepito Feliciano up top. The Batto Vitolo international was a huge surprise last season when he rose from obscurity to lead the Sekundar Ligan with 25 goals - most of them headers. There are no worries there with Feliciano eager to prove himself at a higher level and thunderous Reinhard Ironside as a late impact-sub. But considering the defence proved Treftadaeth's forte last season it seems somewhat ironic that it is now the department provoking Jotunnoj’s biggest headache. There is little concern regarding Nidia De Leon, a dashing attacking right-back and potential contender for Cosumar honors one day, or Cosudel Champali, the son of newly-appointed OAS Royal manager and a fine young center-half, but a question mark hovers over the other positions. Calib McCaskill is old and Sadie Brinegar is inexperienced, both potentially lacking the pace and power required in the Harlighet Ligan. It will be important for Jan ter Voert and Gavin Chamberlain, the "2" in the 4-2-3-1 to shield them well and keep possession going in the right direction. Last Season: Sekundar Ligan Champions (21-4-9). Prediction: 15th.
994 Tredje Ligan Champions 1001 Sekundar Ligan Champions 1007 Sekundar Ligan Champions
Transfers In: Tryggve Axelsson (Project +90 Apox, free), Chaim Eizenhart (Lotus Park, free) Transfers Out: None Starting XI (4-3-1-2): Maston (21) - Wolfe (35), Jacob (30), Axelsson (21), Erkins (30) - Folchart (28), Na'Matsoo (20), Lady (21) - Petrov (39 C) - Amenel (25), Cabral (29)
Key Reserves: Wheeler (CB/19), Eizenhart (RM/32), Cosuman (ST/27) Kit Details: The Mariners love their bright blue and neon orange, so they flaunt that combination whenever possible, like the lightning-sash on their white home kit (pictured right). They also have an orange away-kit and black and grey alternate kits that they wear a few times a year.
Preview: After a long and fruitful career that includes time in the Sekundar Ligan, Taeshan Premier League and Apox National League, with Cup of Harmony and King's Cup medals along the way, former Cosumar captain Paaron Petrov is still going strong despite pondering retirement for the last several years. At age 39, he is the oldest active player in the league and by far the oldest starter. But his kind of quality doesn't age. He had only this to say when asked about his objectives for what will almost certainly be his final season: "For once, I just want to help us stay up". Yes, he said the same exact two years ago. And the Mariners were relegated. Again. You have to admire the man for being so committed to leaving the Mariners better off than he found them, embracing the grind that comes with staying fit and competitive at his age. His motivating goal of mere survival is a little unceremonious, but it continues to elude this once-proud Harlighet Ligan club that has been rescinded to yo-yo status. So what indication is there that this season will be any different than after the Mariners were promoted two years ago? Ejegefe Na'Safeh. Perhaps the most universally-applauded hiring in club history, the return of the best footballer Na'Ilee ever produced has filled the city with hope for the season despite the uninspiring squad list. The former Mariners striker has never managed a club before having just retired a year ago, but he spent the last few years learning how to lead as a player-coach in Osarius for Repechage 49's Shanak FC. Na'Safeh brings with him a new 4-3-1-2 formation that will lend extra support to Petrov and allow him to stay forward. He also claims to be excited about helping two U21 international midfielders in Jenny Na'Matsoo and Lady Garinotte Monnoyance explore their potential. Who knows, maybe having a club legend on the touchline will squeeze something new out of this group. But when a 39-year-old is your best player, your chances are not great no matter who it is. Last Season: 2nd in Sekundar Ligan (21-4-9). Prediction: 18th, Relegation.
Ejegefe Na'Safeh (ST, 992-999) (MGR, 1008-???)
King's Cup 1004 1005 Sekundar Ligan Champions
Sekundar Ligan Incoming Nepharim left-midfielder Lily Penhaligon (21, Raven River) has joined Morponte Fief on free transfer Paputian goalkeeper Tommy Batcher (19, Paputu Ghosts) has joined Helfin Fief on free transfer
Non-Harlighet Ligan Cosumarites Signing Abroad Katrina Brasic (RW, 23, Pardock Island) has departed for Matthew Senators (USI) on free transfer Leticia Moreno (LM, 18) has signed with Alexandria United (ESH) Brian Helbro (DM, 20) has signed with Sebio City (ESH) Kazil Drazinovic (DF, 33, Rozelle United) has joined Saint John Koreana (QUE) on free transfer Lupa Na'Bengna (ST, 24, Morponte Fief) has departed for Newport Sirens (PCR) on free transfer Mario Modrich (RB, 18) has signed with Kings Park (SCH) Selena Aliena (CM, 27, Comunas Cougars) has transferred to Sherbrooke Noksekjeonsa (QUE) for $7.5 million Cyril Christopherson (ST, 33, Spectrum Rovers) has joined Arkrau Klub (SEM) on free transfer Karoliina Lahtinen (CAM, 29, Grasshoppers Turic) has joined Marque (BRE) on free transfer Asaj Sotelo (MF, 25, Cypress Hills FC) has joined Fransisca Orient (BRE) on free transfer Alexis Brill (LB, 21, St. Marie) has joined Violence Chariots (NPH) for $2.75 million Octavius Ioda (ST, 30, Trothwands Evolution) has joined AFC Hollybrent (OSR) for $6.5 million Vandara Cole (ST, 30, FC Cote) has joined Sharrow (BRE) on free transfer Tomp McCloud (LB, 28, Klyde Heritage FC) has departed for Oljestaden IF (AUD) on free transfer Zouheir Na'Ryibi (DM, 21, Project X) has signed with Cartagena Desert Foxes (OSR) Esther LaCroix (CM, 35, Sheridan) has joined Eastern Stars (AVN) on free transfer Rult Frampton (CB, 34, Klyde) has departed for Fort Roy SC (AVN) on free transfer Clementine Nebelhorn (ST, 26, Centus Serpents) has departed for Greenville (AZR) for $12 million Gustavo Quasarey (RAM, 31, Nomad Brotherhood FC) has departed for Timmons (AZR) for $3 million Alora Heher (CAM, 22, Alnio) has joined Myana Islanders for an undisclosed fee
Other Retirements Cosumar international Arndu Farsgaard (L/CB, 37, Hastmead Diamante) went out with LigAnaia title Malcolm Boccarin (LM, 35, Morponte Fief) Oscar Parkhurst (RB, 34, Helfin Fief) Oleg Schwarzenberg (DM, 39, Pardock Island) Trygve Tyson (ST, 35, Pelethas United) Daniel Calderon (CB, 39, Llerana SC) Thaddeus Barker (DM, 35, Rozelle United) Raphael Martin (CM, 35, Krsthaven) to coach Fabian Zavaleta (LB, 38, Mignon Beart Charmers) Rugain Na’Baleur (CM, 38, Tralend) Jayne Reynolds (DM, 38, Dundee Rovers) Kozi Early (DM, 36, Bom) Jacque De Molay (LB, 36, AFC Hollybrent) Kennick Finlay (ST, 38, New Island) Christopher Blindt (RM, 36, Molsbik Kadet) Talca Na’Zogbia (CM, 38, Santa Jolteona) Cirino Rey (RW, 36, Llara Llera)
Klyde Morponte Fief Centus Serpents Olask Islanders Keenan Athletic Pelethas United Ziemelu Skaida Klyde Heritage FC Nomad Brotherhood FC Goldstaff City Begtatt Isle Athletic Helfin Fief Pardock Island Yambridge FC Portsmouth FC Revanigruud Riversharks Sarmon FC Pristine Forest
Fort Archer Tamiat Town Rexnor District 3 FC Flen Gwynt Tywyll Sepultura Regéla United Larkinham Town Fevelo United Riverside Crew Everlong FC Braylor Town Otkins Numenvernia Real Azuris II Silk FC Esterhollow Harbor SC Torpedo Kejsarkona Nuur Origins FC Forest Hill FC West Devellin FC White Tower FC Atletico Oterro
Conference Cosumarus
IFK Sundsvall Sporting Pirankoper Dawchire Town Sindo Crusaders Hagenheim South End AC Opjenheim Hvalsey 08 Cadonica United SC Cirith 01 Sontafe City Cassandra Cosmopolitan Zakhoro GCR Azure Lane FC Inter Juta Coppell City FC DeFinko Magni Blandinn AC Caledon Legion Chamomile Town Chesterton Cottagers Ajatarra Alligators Woods of Ypres Yellow Meadow Lynwood HSC Centus Ingleton Town FC Kastanjestad Scarborough West Ellum Moore Hill Pirates
Conference KC
AFC Obscura 98 Gnoss Gallants AFC Seryddwyr Aberaeron Villa Forte Usk Town Ciems Mungonduvia Hamlack Town Meryuma Marshals IFK Nordön Buscari Bridge Force Murkwaamp Suns Salfa City Tornline Rexnor District 7 Wilmontsbloom Blue Star Tierra Interstellar Wanderers FC Kviststad Aberaeron Celtic Kalloroda United FC Dynamo Kurbads
Wiedna Town Noumen Town Gwerin Athletic Treacherous Cove AFC Sammet Ridge Moggington County Atletisk Kvelertak Emerald Cove SC Sólstafir Cerulia City FC Flithby Town Satyricon Nemeses AFC Sadenia Paladins Gibwir Marsnal Glasbon SC Erpland County Gamlasir North Ardamirchan Isle United Baymar Lagune Oppland 806 Interstellar Erurok VfL Läutenstadt Klyde II Svart-Guld Klingaställe Noths Castle FK Pentagram Pjattervid Orias-Kvissle SC CD Panteras Nueces Oxbow Lake Lindsborg Premier
Atletisk Östrad Marshall-Blue FC Chittersbee Rangers Atletisk Surpronuk Östrad Rockets FC Lewisville Athletic Dusk Athletic Wealdheim Bards AFC Wernersburg East Devellin FC Scarromere FC FC Stellendam Ollston Town Zirconim City Paulsendam Town Nabataea Town IFK Sokulldak Kaldukosic Volmacht FC United FC of Stoneshore Sporting Corrian Somberlain FC 1. FC Guggenheim Interstellar Östrad Cape Dutch Copperheads Ramusok United II FC Kaldukosic II OAS Royal FC II Eastweald II FC Samotath II Mallox II
Lykathea City Rhithlungwerddon Town FC Fejd High Noon FC Highlanders Atamac Wanderers Sporting Culmar Malm Town Mintwick Marmots Goldsoul FC Gorgoroth United Hassaburess Athletic Austentrapp City FC Jotungard 99 FC Taigaen Plats Carnessa County Impera Town Columbia Town Briquia Southside FC Keldin Town Black Diamond Osterhaut FC Invierness 912 Gladsax Chariot FC Cassandra City II Morponte Fief II Ombra Castle Olympique Sur Mer Harlegan Rovers Club Toftir Club Varden
Stortrommeby Town Miklagaard Salvation Crawford City FC II East Ellum IFK Karlsborg Bayford City FC Va'Lubasa Rhupenhoven Town Yuonela Town FC Arkadius Tromsdale Town Dillinger Town Nidive Falcons FC Na'Travii SC Swamport Thergothon Town Drummond's FC Duval Town Crawford Sharks SC Theli City Grayslake Real Bellavista Na'Malsille Mariners II Vfl Bolmenstadt Red Star Karbosic Talmusok City SEP Bjarnum FC1. Richtofen Avalanche Klovstad Club Ayr Athletic
Piander Falls FC Drahva United SC Vronus 510 Templar-Lune Varvonti Firestorm NOVIA Alliance Tonsei Tumult Orion Wanderers Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC Marinus City Menoptera United SC Borzac Sequins Kreanoltha Vipers Romstafar Outpost Rexnor District 1 Rexnor District 4 Rexnor District 5 Rexnor District 6 Rexnor District 8 Rexnor District 9 Sporting Club Macofor Dockery Union Execo Station Whitestone Athletic Tranquility Treepolis New Hagenheim Canopy Snaigow Hoarfrost Levithia Shrievenzale Aläng FF Fayanora Pontonese
(ETM) Pinkerton FC 3–1 FC Kaldukosic (COS) 2–0 1–1 (COS) AC Holmenkollen 1–3 Blackfort City (HSZ) 1–1 0–2 (COS) Real Azuris 5–1 Bartholomew FC (BRP) 3–1 2–0
FC Kaldukosic and AC Holmenkollen crash out of the Globe Cup early, a bit of a letdown for Kaldukosic in particular after such a long wait for their UICA return, but the dream of Cosumar's first Champions' Cup appearance remains alive as both Cassandra City and Eastweald ease to the Playoff Round with strong, decisive performances.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 1 Versiaville 0–0 Stoneshore United Cassandra City 3–5 Crawford City FC Mallox 6–0 Na'Malsille Mariners FC Samotath 1–1 Ramusok United Real Azuris 2–1 AC Holmenkollen IFK Aldenskoett 1–5 OAS Royal FC Treftadaeth Alliance 2–0 Samaj FC Eastweald 1–1 FC Kaldukosic West Gundar FC 0–0 Zakhoro Aces
SMACK!!! Did you hear that? That was the sound of the ball slamming into the back of the net in Mallox. Six times. So far, so good for the Tigers' controversial new Meski crest and kit - this match was one-way traffic to the Mariners goal for 90 minutes. Mallox wingers Randwë Nhatandal and Cassandra Kilgallon directed the show, combining for three goals and two assists. Mallox's partner in crime running the league in its early days, OAS Royal FC, made a similar statement to fire the pistol on what they hope will be a 1008 title race, defeating IFK Aldenskoett 5-1 at The Eagle's Nest. Oskar Montag netted an easy brace within 32 minutes and new manager Constantine Champali, usually so controlled, was damn near dancing on the touchline as he recorded his first Harlighet Ligan victory. Could this be the start of a lasting Champali era at OAS? Not to be outdone, Crawford City FC also scored five goals for their new manager, Jehan Bair. More impressively, they did it at The Amphitheatre, where it seems like Cassandra were celebrating the title just yesterday. For all the talk about the Cassandra's improved defense, their back line had a tough time containing Crawford's $12 million man Jorit van Kruistum. The former Hastmeade Diamante winger scored the first hat trick of the season on his debut, inspiring Crawford to a massive 5-3 road win with his vision and class. The match was a tense one though. Tightly-contested. Crawford's 3-1 lead was narrowed to 3-2 by Marcos Zelaya just before the break, and then his countryman Jason Goulding equalized with a great run and composed finish right after the restart. Affairs remained precariously knotted a 3-3 for most of the second half until a Kim Coultan free kick goal in the 79th minute, followed by a Van Kruistum volley to complete his hat trick (and the final score) in the 84th.
Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1 Celtic Noviodunum (NGD) 1-1 Cassandra City Yuba United (COM) 5-2 Eastweald
Eastweald are a disorganized mess in Commerce Heights. Disappointing. Hello, Globe Cup. Cassandra City still have a chance to be Cosumar's first CC group representative, however. A 25-yard stunner from Kwame Cole in New Gelderland might prove to be a crucial away goal as the series comes back to Cosumar tied one apiece.
Globe Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 1 Real Azuris 1-1 Yellow Stars (SCV)
The Schiavonians make the short jaunt up to Cosumar and make themselves at home at Massemord Stadium, nabbing a gritty early goal and settling in to park the bus for 85 minutes. Real Azuris eventually break through via a Bowditch cross and substitute Georgia Kite's head, but Lujendra Mescalin will still be slightly disappointed in the result. There is little margin for error in the second leg if the Breakers want to keep their UICA dreams alive. They do have the quality and depth to do real damage.
Series B Champions' Cup Playoff Round, Leg 1 Atlético Las Vueltas (SJG) 3-0 Na'Malsille Mariners Athlétique de Haix (KRN) 2-2 Treftadaeth Alliance
The Mariners get shredded by Las Vueltas, not looking much better than they did at Mallox on the weekend. The return leg in Na'Malsille will be a mere formality. Treftadaeth Alliance were much more competitive in Kernansquillec, going toe to toe with a very energetic Athlétique side. The Astronomers fell near the beginning of each half, but Pepito Feliciano equalized within about fifteen minutes both times. With two away goals in his back pocket, manager Truda Jotunnoj will like his chances of advancing at The Wormhole in the second leg.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 2 Stoneshore United 2–2 Zakhoro Aces FC Kaldukosic 1–3 West Gundar FC Samaj FC 0–1 Eastweald OAS Royal FC 3–1 Treftadaeth Alliance AC Holmenkollen 5–1 IFK Aldenskoett Ramusok United 1–2 Real Azuris Na'Malsille Mariners 1–3 FC Samotath Crawford City FC 0–0 Mallox Versiaville 0–1 Cassandra City
In Samaj, an increasingly difficult place to get three points, Eastweald pick up their first win since last season's ultra-dramatic title game loss. As Michael Sorenson's beautiful side-footed shot from the right side of the box arched inside the far post for the win in the 50th minute, one got the sense that Monica Brightwater's side was finally putting that heartbreak squarely behind them. "The new season couldn't get here fast enough," Eastweald captain Jo de Marisco said. "We've all had a horrible taste in our mouths since seeing Cassandra City lift the trophy in front of our own fans. It's good to have a new mission to focus on now." Later that evening, the weekend's primetime showcase match kicked off under a clear night sky at Fire River Arena between two sides looking to improve upon last year's performance: Ramusok United and visiting Real Azuris. The early-season rust was still evident for both teams, but overall the match lived up to its billing. Andrew Arrowsword opened his account for the season after fifteen minutes to give the 1004-1006 champions an early lead. Ceni's celebrated 18-year-old fired a bullet straight at Felix Shaw from just beyond the penalty shot, then outfought two defenders to his own rebound and made no mistake with the second chance. But United equalized against the run of play just before half time. Antonio Mulcair glided into the box from the left, collected Robin Geirsson's pass with a couple deft touches in tight quarters, and coolly picked out the far side-netting. Queue the thousandfold "Hawk! Hawk! Hawk!" chants in Ramusok. Real and United both had opportunities to seize the lead in the second half, but only Ronan Bowditch was able to bury his (a clinical shot across the face of goal to the far post after turning Robbie Alcocer inside out on the break) to continue the Azurians' perfect start to the season.
Champions' Cup - Playoff Round, Leg 2 Cassandra City 0-2 (1-3 agg.)Celtic Noviodunum Eastweald 0-3 (2-8 agg.)Yuba United
Nothing to see here. Another year of disheartening Champions' Cup failure.
Globe Cup Playoff Round, Leg 2 Yellow Stars 2-0 (3-1 agg.) Real Azuris
Real Azuris are squeezed out of the Globe Cup by a Yellow Stars defense that just wouldn't break. Viviano Milani's uncharacteristically rash 60th minute red card didn't help matters either. It's up to the above two Champions' Cup rejects to carry the Harlighet Ligan torch into the Globe Cup Qualifying Round.
Series B Champions' Cup Playoff Round, Leg 2 Na'Malsille Mariners 0-0 (0-3 agg.)Atlético Las Vueltas Treftadaeth Alliance 3-2 (5-4 agg.) Athlétique de Haix
Everything goes as expected in the SBCC. The Mariners do manage to shore up their woeful defense, but are still eliminated with the well dry at the other end of the pitch. Alliance go up 2-0 early at home (Feliciano, Champali), get a scare as Athlétique even everything up at 4-4 aggregate, but then manage to dig deep and go through on Tallulah Harig's 78th minute strike. The Wormhole was a madhouse! They missed their international soccer in Ashen Point.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 3 Cassandra City 2–0 Stoneshore United Mallox 1–1 Versiaville FC Samotath 1–1 Crawford City FC Real Azuris 6–1 Na'Malsille Mariners IFK Aldenskoett 4–1 Ramusok United Treftadaeth Alliance 4–1 AC Holmenkollen Eastweald 3–3 OAS Royal FC West Gundar FC 4–1 Samaj FC Zakhoro Aces 0–0 FC Kaldukosic
West Gundar are enjoying a bright start to the season, overwhelming Samaj with their incisive attacking play after doing the same to FC Kaldukosic last week. The x-factor has been new 20-year-old striker Romikk Valgard, who endeared himself to the home supporters with two goals against Samaj. Both were a little fortuitous, requiring a lucky bounce in the box and a deflection respectively, but hey - the lad is scoring goals. Up on the northern peninsula, still bitterly cold this time of year, FC Samotath welcomed Crawford City from the tropical southwest. The Elephants were almost comically out of their element on the snow-covered pitch, but defended the Samotath onslaught with heart not characteristic of the side prior to Jehan Bair's arrival. They were rewarded with an equalizer just after the hour mark, Kostas Postecoglou volleying Jens Reiniger's ball into the box into the back of the net to cancel out Cosme's first half strike. By sharing the spoils, both FC Samotath and Crawford City FC remain undefeated but with only one win.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 4 Stoneshore United 2–1 FC Kaldukosic Samaj FC 0–0 Zakhoro Aces OAS Royal FC 2–1 West Gundar FC AC Holmenkollen 0–4 Eastweald Ramusok United 3–0 Treftadaeth Alliance Na'Malsille Mariners 0–0 IFK Aldenskoett Crawford City FC 1–4 Real Azuris Versiaville 0–0 FC Samotath Cassandra City 0–0 Mallox
Zakhoro Aces are a curiosity so far this season. Four games, all of them draws...three of them scoreless. Are the Aces, known for being so fearless in the face of superior competition, taking a more measured approach this season? Is their defense really this good? Their attack really this impotent? Time will be the great leveller, but in Samaj this weekend it looked like a combination of all three. Amanda Halloran, Trevoh Ebuzoeme and Fabricio Santos were in lockstep as a unit, taking Samaj's vibrant young attackers out of the game, but Temuge and Federico Kot simply could not get on the same page up top. Meanwhile, Ramusok United finally got their first three points of the season. You could feel their confidence gradually returning to them at home against Treftadaeth Alliance with each successive goal. First Culbreth, then Mulcair, then Théberge. It was great to see Culbreth and Théberge both playing well and scoring in the same game - an occurence that has not materialized nearly enough for Gareth Bournemouth. As good as the Blues were against the not-to-be-taken-lightly Alliance, they weren't the best team in Ramusok on the night. A few miles north of Fire River Arena, Eastweald were putting on an attacking masterclass at AC Holmenkollen's humbler grounds at Cedar Road. With Dan Quesadillas resting a minor injury, new Eastweald signing Cassell Kortuufa stepped in and buried his first Harlighet Ligan hat trick. Against his old club. Of course he did. A Bogwa penalty rounded out the four-nil victory. The only team looking more dangerous than Eastweald is 4-0-0 leaders Real Azuris, who have already amassed a double-digit goal differential after dominating Crawford City FC this weekend on a Bowditch hat trick. The electric Brenecian winger is in the form of his career at the moment.
Globe Cup Qualifying Round, Leg 1 Cassandra City 3-0 Stevenson United (DUN) Eastweald 1-2 Tommy-Atkins (DAI)
Cassandra City redeem themselves (somewhat) for their no-show in the CC playoff with a commanding performance against Stevenson (which it should've been) that could've easily been more than 3-0. Eastweald, however, continue their troubling UICA form and concede a potentially damning two away goals to an impressive Tommy-Atkins attacking force. The Daineri side wanted it more.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 5 Mallox 0–3 Stoneshore United FC Samotath 1–0 Cassandra City Real Azuris 2–0 Versiaville IFK Aldenskoett 3–1 Crawford City FC Treftadaeth Alliance 1–0 Na'Malsille Mariners Eastweald 1–2 Ramusok United West Gundar FC 1–1 AC Holmenkollen Zakhoro Aces 0–1 OAS Royal FC FC Kaldukosic 0–0 Samaj FC
Stoneshore United have made some noise the last two weeks. They've recovered from a poor start by defeating FC Kaldukosic and now Mallox at The Orange Palace. Tégen Na'Tarejen scored arguably the goal of the week by scooping a difficult chip over the tall frame of Mathis Woodgate on one of Stoneshore's many counters. Stoneshore were also a menace on set-pieces, defenders Justinian Singleton and Tuomas Pystynen both overpowering their markers to smash home headers. "If we keep winning games like this, we'll win a lot of games," Greys manager Douglas Tibet mused afterwards. Thanks, Sherlock. Looking at the table with the first month in the books, Real Azuris and OAS Royal have already created some separation at the top. While Azuris have stolen most of the media hype with their unblemished start (which continued with a Kite goal and another from Bowditch against Versiaville this weekend), OAS Royal are right there behind them at 4-1-0. The crazy thing? That's already over a third of their point total in 34 matches last season. It's still early, but the Royal Whites look much improved from last season's embarrassment. They weren't perfect in Zakhoro this weekend, but Alex Rocket's 95th minute winner (though the real highlight was Leónidas Bregoo's world-class, inch-perfect assist) revealed a deep-rooted desire to return to contention. Then, in a battle of the two newly-promoted sides, Jan ter Voert's 30-yard blast slammed in off the underside of the crossbar and sent Treftadaeth Alliance all the way up to 4th while further deepening the hole Ejegefe Na'Safeh finds himself in in his first managerial season. The Mariners have been utterly dreadful. Routinely exploited in the back to the tune of 3+ goals per game on average while having only scored once from the run of play themselves. Yikes.
Globe Cup Qualifying Round, Leg 2 Stevenson United 1-1 (1-4 agg.)Cassandra City Tommy-Atkins 0-3 (2-4 agg.)Eastweald
Jolly ho! Eastweald turn it around! Needing to win by two goals in Dainer to make the group stage, the Elves do it one better. Quesadillas, Bogwa and De Marisco all get on the scoresheet in the rousing triumph. All smiles in the Eastweald locker room. Cassandra City rest almost all of their starters in Dunnës and still get the job done. Cosumar will have two teams in the Globe Cup.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 6 Stoneshore United 2–1 Samaj FC OAS Royal FC 0–4 FC Kaldukosic AC Holmenkollen 1–1 Zakhoro Aces Ramusok United 5–1 West Gundar FC Na'Malsille Mariners 1–1 Eastweald Crawford City FC 0–1 Treftadaeth Alliance Versiaville 1–2 IFK Aldenskoett Cassandra City 0–1 Real Azuris Mallox 1–3 FC Samotath
Whoops, it looks like all last week's praise went to OAS Royal's heads. They were caught completely flat-footed at home by an FC Kaldukosic side that came out in hot search of its long-awaited first win of the season. Kevin Stabb dispatched two Georgina Wadimu through balls past Baokye-Yiadom in an all-Kaldukosic first half. Royal made inroads in the second half but couldn't pull one back (Tathtauré had a penalty spectacularly saved by Ael Koron), allowing Dean McSaunders made it 3-0 with a vintage free kick before his substitute Cervante Richard lashed home a loose ball in the box late on to make it 4-0. How he can get his team to respond to this big stumble is Constantine Champali's first real test in charge of OAS Royal. With that result, Real Azuris and FC Samotath are the only two undefeated clubs remaining. Azuris remained perfect (eighteen points from eighteen) in pursuit of their fourth title in five years, an Arrowsword curler downing defending champions Cassandra City at The Amphitheatre. FC Samotath have been a little quieter in their success this season, but there will be no overlooking them anymore after all of Cosumar watched their attack force gel before our eyes against Mallox. Sigmund Levy bullied Wenceslaw all game and knocked down goals-on-a-platter for both Lasse Hummel and Gwinevra Harmonium. Hope was briefly restored at The Orange Palace when Samotath's bungled free kick clearance allowed a wide-open Alistair Redalen to make it 2-1, but substitute Otto Rush came on and found the bottom corner from the top of the box less than two minutes later.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 7 FC Samotath 6–1 Stoneshore United Real Azuris 1–0 Mallox IFK Aldenskoett 2–2 Cassandra City Treftadaeth Alliance 2–2 Versiaville Eastweald 3–0 Crawford City FC West Gundar FC 3–0 Na'Malsille Mariners Zakhoro Aces 1–3 Ramusok United FC Kaldukosic 0–3 AC Holmenkollen Samaj FC 3–0 OAS Royal FC
Real Azuris just can't be stopped. Andrew Arrowsword has been an immediate success as the focal point of their 4-1-2-3, and Ronan Bowditch is sparkling and shining in every match. The Brenecian has never looked better in an Azuris shirt. He scored yet another winner this weekend in the 75th minute against hardworking Mallox, flying into the box and collecting Sandra Sybill's ball with an immaculate first touch before slipping it past the rush of goalkeeper Woodgate. But while the Breakers have scored more goals than anyone in the Harlighet Ligan, they've also allowed the fewest. That's the biggest difference from last season's occasionally-bumpy campaign. August Ozuna, the young Audioslavian, is truly showing herself to be a stellar goalkeeper. Her transition has been helped by a talented back line in front of her, which has been night-and-day with the distinguished presence of Viviano Milani setting the example. Meanwhile, Ramusok United climbed the length of the table since their 0-1-2 start. They've now won four in a row. The Zakhoro Aces were no match for Pasargan star Curtis Théberge, who struck twice at Zapt Park on either side of Mike Flanningan's looping header. Temuge pulled one back late on a penalty for what was only Zakhoro's fourth goal of the season. But the Player of the Week was Lasse Hummel, who scored not-one-but-two acrobatic wonder-goals in FC Samotath's 6-1 slaughter of Stoneshore United.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 8 Stoneshore United 1–0 OAS Royal FC AC Holmenkollen 0–0 Samaj FC Ramusok United 3–5 FC Kaldukosic Na'Malsille Mariners 4–0 Zakhoro Aces Crawford City FC 3–4 West Gundar FC Versiaville 0–3 Eastweald Cassandra City 1–0 Treftadaeth Alliance Mallox 2–1 IFK Aldenskoett FC Samotath 3–1 Real Azuris
Samotath-Azuris was a top-of-the-table clash between the last two undefeated teams. The Black Hawks were aided by an oppressive home atmosphere at Alesund Stadion as they defied the betters' odds to take down Real Azuris and narrow the gap to three points. It was all decided in the first half: Arrowsword opened the scoring in the first five minutes for Real, but Sid Dawson kept Samotath's foot on the pedal and was rewarded with 9th, 28th and 35th minute goals from Harmonium, Harmonium again, and Vorobyov. FC Samotath are just a completely different side at home. The mental boost of having your home supporters behind you also paid dividends for Mariners this weekend. Undeterred by their team's complete, uh, incompetence so far, the loyal supporters in Na'Malsille sold out Varela Road for a southwestern derby against Zakhoro and sang all night as their Mariners won a game at last. And they didn't just win, they seemed to really click. The four goals was more than their total in the previous seven matches combined, and the most anyone has scored on the staunch Zakhoro defense yet this season. Paaron Petrov, their 39-year-old linchpin, had a goal to go with two assists - both to Lucas Cabral. Lady Garinotte Monnoyance also opened her account for the season. All of a sudden survival doesn't seem so impossible in the Western Isles.
All eyes are on Klyde FC, the biggest club to ever to play in Sekundar Ligan. They're universally expected to go straight back up, of course, but here in the first two months, the Centus Serpents have been the class of the league. Led by Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Myrlon WIlska and Leo Mulsen, the Serpents look determined not to miss out on promotion again after coming up just one goal short last year. Also of note is the fast start by newly-promoted Revanigruud. The Riversharks, from Nuur Colony, look equally determined to prove they're more than just the token offworld side.
Tredje Ligan Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 1 Fevelo United 10 7 3 0 23 8 +15 24 2 Sepultura 10 7 2 1 29 13 +16 23 3 FC Flen 10 7 2 1 20 12 +8 23 4 Rexnor District 3 10 7 1 2 15 5 +10 22 5 Nuur Origins FC 10 5 3 2 28 16 +12 18 6 Fort Archer FC 10 6 0 4 20 16 +4 18 7 Tamiat Town 10 4 5 1 15 9 +6 17 8 Everlong FC 10 5 2 3 14 8 +6 17 9 Larkinham Town 10 5 0 5 14 16 −2 15 10 Silk FC 10 4 2 4 11 14 −3 14 11 White Tower FC 10 4 1 5 14 14 0 13 12 Regéla United 10 4 1 5 10 14 −4 13 13 Forest Hill FC 10 3 3 4 12 12 0 12 14 Riverside Crew 10 3 3 4 11 11 0 12 15 Gwynt Tywyll 10 3 3 4 16 19 −3 12 16 Otkins Numenvernia 10 2 4 4 19 26 −7 10 17 West Devellin FC 10 2 3 5 8 14 −6 9 18 Braylor Town 10 1 5 4 15 21 −6 8 19 Real Azuris II 10 2 1 7 13 15 −2 7 20 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona 10 2 1 7 13 31 −18 7 21 Atlético Oterro 10 1 3 6 12 26 −14 6 22 Esterhollow Harbor 10 1 2 7 4 16 −12 5
Division represented in parenthesis (H-->S-->T-->L1-->L2). Major upsets and high-profile fixtures bolded.
First Round
Salfa City (L1) 2–3 Samaj FC (H) Taigaen Plats (L2) 3–1 FC Stellendam (L2) Tierra Interstellar Wanderers (L1) 2–6 Impera Town (L2) Jotungard 99 FC (L2) 1–3 Pardock Island (S) Stoneshore United (H) 1–0 Na'Malsille Mariners II (L2) Azure Lane FC (L1) 1–2 Revanigruud Riversharks (S) Orias-Kvissle SC (L2) 0–1 Braylor Town (T) Woods of Ypres (L1) 1–5 Nomad Brotherhood FC (S) Red Star Karbosic (L2) 1–4 Helfin Fief FC (S) Aberaeron Celtic (L1) 0–3 Aläng FF (L2) Atletisk Östrad (L2) 1–1 Fevelo United (T) (1–2 AET) New Hagenheim Canopy (L2) 0–2 Scarborough (L1) Bergtatt Island Athletic (S) 3–2 Oxbow Lake (L2) Interstellar Östrad (L2) 3–4 1. FC Guggenheim (L2) Scarromere FC (L2) 3–3 FC Flen (T) (3–4 AET) SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (T) 2–1 Interstellar Erurok (L2) Highlanders (L2) 0–1 Rhupenhoven Town (L2) Ayr Athletic (L2) 2–3 Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2) IFK Karlsborg (L2) 1–2 Caledon Legion (L1) Morponte Fief (S) 1–3 Ollston Town (L2) Mallox II (L2) 2–0 Crawford Sharks SC (L2) Sporting Culmar (L2) 1–2 Real Azuris II (T) FC1. Richtofen Avalanche (L2) 0–1 SEP Bjarnum (L2) Mallox (H) 2–2 Zakhoro Aces (H) (2–2 AET) (2–3 pen.) Villa Forte (L1) 0–1 East Devellin FC (L2) Klyde II (L2) 1–3 Yellow Meadow Lynwood (L1) Gladsax Chariot FC (L2) 2–1 Satyricon Nemesies AFC (L2) DeFinko Magni Blandinn AC (L1) 0–1 Forest Hill FC (T) Kaldukosic Volmacht FC (L2) 0–1 Levithia Shrievenzale (L2) Duval Town (L2) 0–4 Klyde (S) Lewisville Athletic (L2) 0–1 Portsmouth FC (S) West Ellum (L1) 2–4 Gwerin Athletic (L2) Baymar Lagune (L2) 3–2 Falco Na'Diveh (L2) Usk Town (L1) 5–2 Ombra Castle (L2) Atletisk Kvelertak (L2) 2–1 Drahva United (L2) Fayanora Pontonese (L2) 0–1 Club Toftir (L2) Atletisk Surpronuk (L2) 1–1 Hassaburess Athletic (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.) FC Invierness 912 (L2) 2–1 Real Bellavista (L2) Marinus City (L2) 1–0 Dillinger Town (L2) Chesterton Cottagers (L1) 0–0 Sporting Pirankoper (L1) (1–1 AET) (2–3 pen.) Hagenheim South End (L1) 4–2 Rexnor District 1 (L2) FC Va'Lubasa (L2) 2–0 Atlético Oterro (T) Rexnor District 7 (L1) 3–4 Crawford City FC (H) Somberlain FC (L2) 0–0 Chittersbee Rangers (L2) (0–0 AET) (2–3 pen.) Cerulia City FC (L2) 0–2 Ramusok United (H) Pristine Forest (S) 2–2 Svart-Guld Klingastalle (L2) (2–3 AET) SC Swamport (L2) 0–1 Menoptera United (L2) Dockery Union (L2) 0–1 Marshall-Blue FC (L2) West Devellin FC (T) 1–1 Wealdheim Bards (L2) (2–1 AET) Rexnor District 6 (L2) 2–0 OAS Royal FC II (L2) Sammet Ridge (L2) 5–5 Noths Castle (L2) (6–5 AET) Alstagruuket Sarlaccs FC (L2) 1–3 Na'Malsille Mariners (H) Dawchire Town (L1) 1–0 Malm Town (L2) FC Kaldukosic (H) 3–1 Noumen Town (L2) Gwynt Tywyll (T) 5–0 Ramusok United II (L2) Centus Serpents (S) 2–3 Nuur Origins FC (T) Sepultura (T) 2–0 Rexnor District 3 (T) Wiedna Town (L2) 0–1 Eastweald (H) Black Diamond Osterhaut (L2) 2–1 Inter Juta (L1) Wilmontsbloom Blue Star (L1) 2–3 Ziemelu Skaida (S) Fort Archer FC (T) 2–2 Whitestone Athletic (L2) (3–2 AET) Olask Islanders (S) 4–1 High Noon FC (L2) Tornline (L1) 0–2 Austentrapp City FC (L2) Borzac Sequins (L2) 0–1 AC Holmenkollen (H) Sadenia Paladins (L2) 3–1 Talmusok City (L2) SC Cirith 01 (L1) 1–0 AFC Wernersburg (L2) AC Opjenheim (L1) 1–0 Romstafar Outpost (L2) Otkins Numenvernia (T) 1–0 Lindsborg Premier (L2) Stortrommeby Town (L2) 0–4 FC Samotath (H) Coppell City FC (L1) 3–1 AFC Obscura 98 (L1) Ajatarra Alligators (L1) 2–2 Pelethas United (S) (2–4 AET) Hamlack Town (L1) 1–1 FC Fejd (L2) (1–2 AET) Kalloroda United (L1) 3–2 Emerald Cove SC (L2) East Ellum (L2) 2–4 Moore Hill Pirates (L1) Kreanoltha Vipers (L2) 2–3 FC Kviststad (L1) Rhithlungwerddon Town (L2) 4–2 Cadonica United (L1) Sólstafir (L2) 2–3 Tamiat Town (T) White Tower FC (T) 1–0 West Gundar FC (H) Olympique Sur Mer (L2) 1–1 Cassandra City II (L2) (2–1 AET) Cassandra Cosmopolitan (L1) 4–2 Piander Falls FC (L2) IFK Sundsvall (L1) 1–0 Oppland 806 (L2) CD Panteras Nueces (L2) 4–1 FC Kaldukosic II (L2) Yuonela Town (L2) 0–2 Goldstaff City (S) Sindo Fief (L1) 2–2 VfL Lautenstadt (L2) (2–2 AET) (2–4 pen.) Everlong FC (T) 1–0 Tonsei Tumult (L2) Gnoss Gallants AFC (L1) 2–2 Rexnor District 4 (L2) (2–2 AET) (4–5 pen.) Atamac Wanderers (L2) 0–0 Cape Dutch Copperheads (L2) (0–0 AET) (5–6 pen.) OAS Royal FC (H) 3–1 Club Varden (L2) Gamlas North End (L2) 0–0 Tromsdale Town (L2) (1–1 AET) (3–1 pen.) Larkinham Town (T) 1–2 Ciems Mungonduvia (L1) Yambridge FC (S) 3–0 Dusk Athletic (L2) Hvalsey 08 (L1) 1–2 Zirconim City (L2) Harlegan Rovers (L2) 3–1 Erpland County (L2) Mintwick Marmots (L2) 1–2 Templar-Lune FC (L2) SC Vronus 510 (L2) 1–0 Varvonti Firestorm (L2) Sontafe City (L1) 0–0 Gorgoroth United (L2) (1–0 AET) Treacherous Cove AFC (L2) 2–4 Esterhollow Harbor (T) Briquia Southside FC (L2) 0–1 Keenan Athletic (S) Carnessa County (L2) 1–2 Tranquility Treepolis (L2) Sarmon FC (S) 0–1 Ingleton Town (L1) Östrad Rockets FC (L2) 1–1 Lykathea City (L2) (2–2 AET) (2–1 pen.) Bayford City (L2) 1–0 Meryuma Marshals (L1) Rexnor District 8 (L2) 1–0 HSC Centus (L1) Cassandra City (H) 3–0 Rexnor District 5 (L2) Orion Wanderers (L2) 0–0 Silk FC (T) (0–0 AET) (6–5 pen.) Gibwir Marsnal (L2) 0–2 Eastweald II (L2) FC Na'Travii (L2) 2–2 Nabataea Town (L2) (2–2 AET) (2–4 pen.) FC Dynamo Kurbads (L1) 1–1 Execo Station (L2) (1–1 AET) (5–3 pen.) Seryddwyr Aberaeron (L1) 2–0 VfL Bolmenstadt (L2) IFK Aldenskoett (H) 3–1 Regéla United (T) United FC of Stoneshore (L2) 2–2 Zakhoro GCR (L1) (2–2 AET) (4–5 pen.) Goldsoul FC (L2) 3–2 FC Arkadius (L2) Chamomile Town (L1) 2–2 Murkwaamp Suns FC (L1) (2–3 AET) Miklagaard Salvation (L2) 1–0 Ardamirchan Isle United (L2) Sporting Club Macofor (L2) 0–1 FC Samotath II (L2) Theli City (L2) 3–0 Crawford City FC II (L2) Glasbon SC (L2) 2–0 Klovstad Klub (L2) FC Kastanjestad (L1) 2–2 IFK Nordön (L1) (4–2 AET) IFK Skulldjak (L2) 1–2 Rexnor District 9 (L2) Keldin Town (L2) 2–1 Paulsendam Town (L2) Klyde Heritage FC (S) 4–2 Morponte Fief II (L2) Drummond's FC (L2) 2–2 FK Pentagram Pjattervid (L2) (2–2 AET) (2–4 pen.) Versiaville (H) 0–1 Treftadaeth Alliance (H) Flithby Town (L2) 0–1 Riverside Crew (T) Real Azuris (H) 2–0 Columbia Town (L2) Moggington County (L2) 3–3 Thergothon Town (L2) (6–3 AET) Novia Alliance (L2) 2–2 Grayslake (L2) (3–4 AET) Buscari Bridge Force (L1) 2–1 Sporting Corrian (L2)
For the first time, like, ever, there weren't many big upsets in the free-for-all first round of the King's Cup. Just one, in fact. West Gundar underestimated third-tier White Tower FC and failed to get the job done with a heavily-rotated side, surrendering the game's only goal on a corner with ten minutes remaining. The White Tower goalkeeper put his name on the map with a valiant performance. Four Harlighet Ligan clubs did have the misfortune to be drawn against each other at the first hurdle, however. Mallox-Zakhoro was a thrilling 2-2 encounter up at The Orange Palace. The Tigers fans were licking their chops at the first taste of a new football season, but the visiting Aces ended up storming out with the win after a heart-stopping penalty shootout with every twist imaginable. The other top-flight clash, between Versiaville and newly-promoted Treftadaeth Alliance, was much less exciting. Darwyn Lucassen's early penalty was all it took to send the Villagers packing.
Second Round
Samaj FC (H) 3–1 Taigaen Plats (L2) Impera Town (L2) 1–0 Pardock Island (S) Stoneshore United (H) 2–0 Revanigruud Riversharks (S) Braylor Town (T) 3–2 Nomad Brotherhood FC (S) Helfin Fief FC (S) 3–0 Aläng FF (L2) Fevelo United (T) 3–0 Scarborough (L1) Bergtatt Island Athletic (S) 2–1 1. FC Guggenheim (L2) FC Flen (T) 2–4 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (T) Rhupenhoven Town (L2) 2–2 Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2) (3–3 AET) (4–5 pen.) Caledon Legion (L1) 2–2 Ollston Town (L2) (2–2 AET) (5–3 pen.) Mallox II (L2) 0–1 Real Azuris II (T) SEP Bjarnum (L2) 3–3 Zakhoro Aces (H) (3–5 AET) East Devellin FC (L2) 2–3 Yellow Meadow Lynwood (L1) Gladsax Chariot FC (L2) 1–1 Forest Hill FC (T) (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.) Levithia Shrievenzale (L2) 2–6 Klyde (S) Portsmouth FC (S) 2–0 Gwerin Athletic (L2) Baymar Lagune (L2) 4–3 Usk Town (L1) Atletisk Kvelertak (L2) 0–2 Club Toftir (L2) Atletisk Surpronuk (L2) 1–0 FC Invierness 912 (L2) Marinus City (L2) 0–1 Sporting Pirankoper (L1) Hagenheim South End (L1) 3–4 FC Va'Lubasa (L2) Crawford City FC (H) 3–0 Chittersbee Rangers (L2) Ramusok United (H) 7–1 Svart-Guld Klingastalle (L2) Menoptera United (L2) 3–0 Marshall-Blue FC (L2) West Devellin FC (T) 5–2 Rexnor District 6 (L2) Sammet Ridge (L2) 2–4 Na'Malsille Mariners (H) Dawchire Town (L1) 2–3 FC Kaldukosic (H) Gwynt Tywyll (T) 2–0 Nuur Origins FC (T) Sepultura (T) 2–4 Eastweald (H) Black Diamond Osterhaut (L2) 3–5 Ziemelu Skaida (S) Fort Archer FC (T) 0–2 Olask Islanders (S) Austentrapp City FC (L2) 0–3 AC Holmenkollen (H) Sadenia Paladins (L2) 2–2 SC Cirith 01 (L1) (2–2 AET) (3–4 pen.) AC Opjenheim (L1) 1–0 Otkins Numenvernia (T) FC Samotath (H) 3–1 Coppell City FC (L1) Pelethas United (S) 0–1 FC Fejd (L2) Kalloroda United (L1) 3–1 Moore Hill Pirates (L1) FC Kviststad (L1) 3–0 Rhithlungwerddon Town (L2) Tamiat Town (T) 1–0 White Tower FC (T) Olympique Sur Mer (L2) 2–3 Cassandra Cosmopolitan (L1) IFK Sundsvall (L1) 0–2 CD Panteras Nueces (L2) Goldstaff City (S) 3–0 VfL Lautenstadt (L2) Everlong FC (T) 3–5 Rexnor District 4 (L2) Cape Dutch Copperheads (L2) 2–4 OAS Royal FC (H) Gamlas North End (L2) 1–2 Ciems Mungonduvia (L1) Yambridge FC (S) 0–1 Zirconim City (L2) Harlegan Rovers (L2) 0–0 Templar-Lune FC (L2) (1–0 AET) SC Vronus 510 (L2) 0–1 Sontafe City (L1) Esterhollow Harbor (T) 1–1 Keenan Athletic (S) (1–2 AET) Tranquility Treepolis (L2) 1–3 Ingleton Town (L1) Östrad Rockets FC (L2) 3–1 Bayford City (L2) Rexnor District 8 (L2) 0–4 Cassandra City (H) Orion Wanderers (L2) 3–0 Eastweald II (L2) Nabataea Town (L2) 0–2 FC Dynamo Kurbads (L1) Seryddwyr Aberaeron (L1) 1–1 IFK Aldenskoett (H) (1–3 AET) Zakhoro GCR (L1) 1–0 Goldsoul FC (L2) Murkwaamp Suns FC (L1) 1–1 Miklagaard Salvation (L2) (1–1 AET) (4–5 pen.) FC Samotath II (L2) 0–0 Theli City (L2) (1–0 AET) Glasbon SC (L2) 1–3 FC Kastanjestad (L1) Rexnor District 9 (L2) 2–0 Keldin Town (L2) Klyde Heritage FC (S) 1–0 FK Pentagram Pjattervid (L2) Treftadaeth Alliance (H) 2–2 Riverside Crew (T) (2–2 AET) (2–3 pen.) Real Azuris (H) 2–0 Moggington County (L2) Grayslake (L2) 1–1 Buscari Bridge Force (L1) (1–3 AET)
Treftadaeth Alliance become the second Harlighet Ligan club to be eliminated by a Tredje Ligan opponent. They dictated the game against Riverside Crew from Cassandra, but were unlucky to see it go to extra time and penalties, where tired legs led to shoddy finishing. Crew's 18-year-old goalkeeper didn't even have to do any work as Alliance put bounced two off the woodwork and one over the crossar. It was a good day for Ramusok United though. The Blues scored the most goals of the tournament so far in a 7-1 rout of Svart-Guld Klingastalle, one of the best fifth-tier teams this season (not that that means much for United, but still). It was good to see United youngsters like Atticus Hattingh, Jacob Wells and Nacho Bérdoon get some extended time to show their class, weak opponent or not.
20th Season - Part 2
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2016 9:11 pm
by Cosumar
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 9 Real Azuris 1–0 Stoneshore United IFK Aldenskoett 1–1 FC Samotath Treftadaeth Alliance 2–3 Mallox Eastweald 3–1 Cassandra City West Gundar FC 3–0 Versiaville Zakhoro Aces 2–3 Crawford City FC FC Kaldukosic 1–3 Na'Malsille Mariners Samaj FC 0–1 Ramusok United OAS Royal FC 4–1 AC Holmenkollen
Five months ago, Eastweald needed only a draw on the final matchday to at last win their first league championship, but Cassandra City marched into Old Weldenskirgen and broke hearts 1-0 to celebrate their third instead. Today, that stage was recreated for the first time as the two 1007 championship hopefuls returned to Old Weldenskirgen to face each other again. Eastweald supporters desperate for revenge and Cassandra City supporters eager to leave no doubt that the Reds were rightful champions. City silenced the riot-ready Eastweald crowd seven minutes in when Brandybok cherry-picked Kelkath Pawlukiewicz's shocking attempt to pass back to the keeper and easily slotted home. 1-0. That same scoreline. This time, though, Eastweald recovered from the setback with a gritty equalizer just before half time (Bogwa) and rallied to win 3-1 with a pair of rocket-strikes in the second half (Delklind, De Marisco). They really were exquisite - they had to be to beat Calogero Metz from that kind of range.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 10 Stoneshore United 2–1 AC Holmenkollen Ramusok United 3–3 OAS Royal FC Na'Malsille Mariners 2–2 Samaj FC Crawford City FC 0–0 FC Kaldukosic Versiaville 2–1 Zakhoro Aces Cassandra City 1–3 West Gundar FC Mallox 3–2 Eastweald FC Samotath 3–3 Treftadaeth Alliance Real Azuris 0–0 IFK Aldenskoett
INSANITY! The season's first Ramusok Derby turned out to also be the largest comeback of the season! Home favorites United took a 3-0 lead in the 67th minute on a rare run into the box by holding-midfield maestro Kira Jonassen. Game over, right? Wrong. OAS Royal stormed back with goals in the 72nd, 77th and 86th minutes (Bregoo, Montag, Montag again) to take a share of the spoils and keep the two capital clubs level on 17 points. Gareth Bournemouth had pointed criticism for the referee after the game, calling one of Oskar Montag's goals offside and an unpunished Eithan Sigurdsson studs-up tackle worthy of a red. Constantine Champali, for his part, blissfully ignored the controversy and praised his team's fight and unwavering focus in the midst of adversity. On what was marketed as a "Derby Day" by CSBN, a very good match was also had in Gellano Fief. Eastweald, from the scenically forested central region of the fief, traveled to the drier, flatter western edge of the fief to battle old foe Mallox. The two clubs, representing the very different lifestyles found across Gellano Fief, were both in good form heading into this duel, having won their last two matches. Like the Ramusok Derby, the home side's supporting thousands were in ecstasy after about an hour. Mallox's Alistair Redalen surged into the box with a head full of steam, faked to the outside, then cut back to the inside with a slick move (embarrassing Michael Sorenson in the process) and clipped the ball in off the near post with pure class. 3-0 Mallox! But also like the Ramusok Derby, the visitors refused to quit. Aleksi Soderlund headed a corner in under the crossbar in the 83rd minute to pull one back for Eastweald, then all of a sudden it became 3-2 when Woodgate parried away a Roald Aguero shot only for Bogwa to win the resulting scramble for the ball in the box and walk it in around him. But unlike the Ramusok Derby, the comeback never came to full fruition as the Elves unsuccessfully fought against the clock. Sweet, sweet victory for the Malloxers at The Orange Palace. One that left them sweaty and with nubs for fingernails, but victory nonetheless!
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 11 IFK Aldenskoett 1–2 Stoneshore United Treftadaeth Alliance 2–2 Real Azuris Eastweald 1–0 FC Samotath West Gundar FC 1–1 Mallox Zakhoro Aces 1–3 Cassandra City FC Kaldukosic 1–0 Versiaville Samaj FC 1–2 Crawford City FC OAS Royal FC 3–1 Na'Malsille Mariners AC Holmenkollen 2–1 Ramusok United
So close, Versiaville. So close. They achieved the small miracle of keeping a clean sheet through 90 minutes at Leviathan Arena (Nodtveit and Tuppurainen's brutality forcing Kevin Stabb into submission), only for Georgina Wadimu to pop up in the middle of the box and redirect Stabb's pass past Graham MacAmlaigh in the final minute of stoppage time. 95th fucking minute. You had to feel bad for the Villagers, who collapsed to the ground in disbelief after 95 minutes of spirited resistance were rendered meaningless. Universally-respected Versiaville captain Augustine Breton kept his chin held high and made his way around the pitch, helping up and embracing his despairing teammates one-by-one. The FC Kaldukosic fans loved it though, singing in relief as their team picked up a desperately-needed win. That wasn't the only piece of last-second drama this weekend. Crawford City FC's Kostas Postecoglou broke a 1-1 deadlock in Samaj with the games's final touch. Or rather, his desperate effort from the top of the box took a generous deflection from the head of Samaj's Biôn Ârbo, who actually had the final touch of the game. Also mildly interesting was that all the goals in Saturday's Aces-Reds encounter in Zakhoro were scored in the span of ten minutes. 8', 13', 16', 18'. Goulding, Payet, Zelaya, Grimswald. Four goals in such a brief window is an unparalleled feat so far this season.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 12 Stoneshore United 0–10 Ramusok United Na'Malsille Mariners 0–1 AC Holmenkollen Crawford City FC 2–1 OAS Royal FC Versiaville 0–2 Samaj FC Cassandra City 2–3 FC Kaldukosic Mallox 1–2 Zakhoro Aces FC Samotath 1–0 West Gundar FC Real Azuris 3–3 Eastweald IFK Aldenskoett 0–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
Ten. TEN. FUCKING TEN! As in...one-zero??? Yep. Forget everything else that happened this weekend. Yes, even that thrilling, high-quality duel between Real and Eastweald and Zakhoro's first win. For history was made in Stoneshore. Ramusok United went down there and completely undressed old rival Stoneshore United, BREAKING THE ALL-TIME RECORD FOR GOALS IN A SINGLE GAME. Ramusok United are the first team in the Harlighet Ligan's twenty seasons to score ten goals in a game. That's just embarrassing for a club that prides itself on disciplined defense like Stoneshore to concede. At home too. The fans couldn't even decide how to react as the Ramusoki attacking trio of Robin Geirsson, Elena Culbreth and Curtis Théberge scored consecutive goals one-after-the-other nonstop like clockwork for about twenty straight minutes. Indeed, seven of the ten goals were scored in a deliriously prolific window from Geirsson's 24th minute strike to half time. The entire team's movement was sublime, playing the perfect sequences each time. Goal, kickoff, brief build-up without a single Stoneshore touch, goal, kickoff, repeat. 8-0 at the break. 9-0 a minute into the second half. Just wow. Théberge had a first half hat trick. Geirsson, Culbreth and even defender Robbie Alcocer all finished with braces. Kristian Gjallskald of all people broke the record and took the Blues' total to double-digits in the 76th minute. This seemingly inconspicuous Matchday 12 fixture will be remembered in infamy for decades. Topping it all off was Douglas Tibet's refusal to shake Gareth Bournemouth's hand after the match.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 13 Treftadaeth Alliance 1–1 Stoneshore United Eastweald 1–1 IFK Aldenskoett West Gundar FC 1–3 Real Azuris Zakhoro Aces 0–0 FC Samotath FC Kaldukosic 3–1 Mallox Samaj FC 1–1 Cassandra City OAS Royal FC 0–1 Versiaville AC Holmenkollen 1–0 Crawford City FC Ramusok United 4–1 Na'Malsille Mariners
Ramusok United continue to score goals for fun. Four isn't ten, but it's still a decently acceptable outing at home against the Mariners. Gavin Barnsley's left foot led the way with a blasted goal from that side of the box and two on-point free kick deliveries that found the airbourne heads of Robbie Alcocer and Seon Jin Kang for additional goals. Adiyah Amenel was a shining light for the Mariners, making sharp diagonal runs and scoring off one when the service finally delivered via Jenny Na'Matsoo's perfectly-weighted through ball, but the Semar's toils weren't enough alone. Arguably the biggest result of the weekend was FC Kaldukosic's win over Mallox at Leviathan Arena. The game was a wide-open one, play frequently becoming very stretched, and FC Kal were the ones that best took advantage of it (Perkins, Stabb and Simmons III all finishing point-blank past Mallox's struggling back line). The 3-1 result keeps Kaldukosic surging into the top half of the table on a three-game winning streak. Meanwhile, people in Mallox are becoming increasingly divided as to whether Alistair Redalen is the right man to lead the charge up top. The striker has been better this season overall, but streaky. His no-show in this one will have lone goalscorer Cassandra Kilgallon frustrated and Mallox fans asking Alvin Burnsides for old faithful Jimmy Kelly or young prospect Némoda Lvr'ael.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 14 Stoneshore United 0–2 Na'Malsille Mariners Crawford City FC 3–3 Ramusok United Versiaville 0–1 AC Holmenkollen Cassandra City 1–1 OAS Royal FC Mallox 1–3 Samaj FC FC Samotath 3–1 FC Kaldukosic Real Azuris 0–2 Zakhoro Aces IFK Aldenskoett 1–1 West Gundar FC Treftadaeth Alliance 2–2 Eastweald
Samaj have been slow starters this season, put it seems like they're finally starting to pick up some steam here in the final stretch before the midseason break. A great time to establish some momentum. Lead striker Ross Rowe is finally fully fit and in-form, and it showed in how he was taking full advantage of his imposing physique to wreak havoc on the Mallox center backs. Rowe's strong hold-up play with his back to goal directly led to layoff goals for teammates Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir and Darrius Columbine in the potentially huge win over fellow midtable wayfarers Mallox. An exhausted Rowe came off to hearty cheers from the travelling Samaj support in the 87th minute with the score 2-1. His replacement, 37-year-old club hero Isadora Xenophon, came in and crashed the box to score a predator's goal, giving Luis Varezzi a feel-good boost to the scoreline. In Azuris, over 40,000 witnessed arguably the biggest upset of the season so far. The 17th-place Zakhoro Aces, struggling for goals all season, unlocked one secret to beating the six-point league leaders: get in their heads. In the 61st minute, with the game still knotted 0-0, Aces playmaker Temuge reportedly gave Real Azuris midfielder Sandra Sybill a heated mouthful of anti-Chromatik slurs after her tough but fair tackle to break up his run into open space. The insults provoked an intense reaction from Sybill and her teammates, who surrounded Temuge. One thing led to another and soon the majority of both teams were engaged in a shoving match near the spot of the incident as boos cascaded down from Massemord Stadium. When play finally resumed, five minutes and five yellow cards later, Real Azuris seemed a bit unfocused and off-balance. The Aces went on the score in the 73rd and 78th minutes (Kot, Ebuzoeme) to steal three points from the Lion's Den of Massemord for just their second win of the season...and just Real's second loss. This is something Lujendra Mescalin and Real captain Sean Fraser will have to address the team about. "This is a younger group than we've had in awhile," Fraser said post-game. "We're in great position for the title, but champions have to learn how to show some poise and fight through situations like this".
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 15 Eastweald 1–4 Stoneshore United West Gundar FC 1–1 Treftadaeth Alliance Zakhoro Aces 2–1 IFK Aldenskoett FC Kaldukosic 1–3 Real Azuris Samaj FC 8–0 FC Samotath OAS Royal FC 1–4 Mallox AC Holmenkollen 0–3 Cassandra City Ramusok United 0–0 Versiaville Na'Malsille Mariners 1–0 Crawford City FC
OAS-Mallox always makes for some fantastic football to watch. Their meetings hearken back to the early days of the Harlighet Ligan, when these two dynasties jousted back and forth for championships (each winning three apiece of the first six seasons). Even in the years since when both have slipped at times, playing each other always seemed to bring out their best and most competitive play. No exception here in the 20th season! For Mallox, at least. The Tigers fed on all the energy at The Royal Palace that was supposed to invigorate the home side, and looked more dangerous than they have all season. Their bright orange shirts like little fireballs of energy darting around the gorgeously-prepared pitch in front of the backdrop of black-and-white clad spectators. Jesper Lindroos at left midfield was the surprise standout of the night. He must've ate his Wheaties this morning, because every time the ball worked over to him, pure magic seemed to spring forth from his every touch. He commanded attention, the crowd standing every time he pressed forward. He scored the opening goal, dinking a tight-angled shot in off the left post, and assisted on goals for Némoda Lvr'ael and Stuart Gildon. Pasargan teenager Danko Tas also scored his first Harlighet Ligan goal on a late header from Cassandra Kilgallon's service. ...Those were the other storylines of the night. Alvin Burnsides made major changes to his starting squad, inserting young Lvr'ael and Tas in favor of underperforming veterans...and they rewarded him with brilliance. But if Jesper Lindroos wasn't the Player of the Week, it was Stoneshore United goalkeeper Adren Stefansen. The Semar stood on his head for the entirety of his side's head-turning 4-1 win at Old Weldenskirgen, finishing with 9 saves. Since their catastrophic 10-0 loss to Ram Utd, the Greys have quietly climbed into the UICA places.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 16 Stoneshore United 1–2 Crawford City FC Versiaville 0–2 Na'Malsille Mariners Cassandra City 3–1 Ramusok United Mallox 0–0 AC Holmenkollen FC Samotath 3–3 OAS Royal FC Real Azuris 1–3 Samaj FC IFK Aldenskoett 3–7 FC Kaldukosic Treftadaeth Alliance 3–1 Zakhoro Aces Eastweald 1–5 West Gundar FC
A big part of Eastweald's loss to Stoneshore last weekend was the loss of defensive centerpiece Jefferson to a strained thigh. The Elves conceded three of their four goals after his exit (Caipirinha, Pystynen, Yamaguchi). With Jefferson watching from the bench again this week, the same exact thing happened. A complete collapse at home. Bogwa provided some danger going forward, but West Gundar FC counterpart Mursill Lubiflor completely bossed Orion Black (Jefferson's replacement) and Aleksi Soderlund, who looked a little lost out there without the Valladar to rely on. One-time Eastweald target Lubiflor ended up with a complete striker's hat trick (left, right, head) to see her beloved West Gundar pull ahead of Eastweald on the table. "We need Jefferson back as soon as possible," Monica Brightwater stated grimly after the match. Word. Other highlights of the weekend included Cassandra City's customary win over Ramusok United in the rematch of the Millennial Season Showdown (Goulding and Zelaya hooking each other up for goals) and FC Kaldukosic's comeback from 3-1 down at The Eagle's Nest to beat Aldenskoett 7-3 (Stabb hat trick, Wadimu, Perkins, Cunningham, Meratyn). IFK look worryingly frail in the back this season compared to their usual resilient selves. Real Azuris were caught off guard by the skill and tenacity of young Samaj star Sigurjónsdóttir (brace and assist to Rowe) but FC Samotath missed a chance to shave the gap by getting caught up in a 3-3 shootout with OAS Royal at home. Miroslav Vorobyov's first hat trick was ruined somewhat by Oskar Montag's late equalizer.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 17 West Gundar FC 2–1 Stoneshore United Zakhoro Aces 1–0 Eastweald FC Kaldukosic 0–1 Treftadaeth Alliance Samaj FC 2–5 IFK Aldenskoett OAS Royal FC 1–1 Real Azuris AC Holmenkollen 0–3 FC Samotath Ramusok United 1–1 Mallox Na'Malsille Mariners 2–1 Cassandra City Crawford City FC 1–2 Versiaville
Lubiflor-Valgard is turning out to be quite the strike partnership for West Gundar. They pressed on in the final matchday before the break, showing off their beautiful chemistry to the increasingly-hopeful home fans in Ruminov. Ok, it actually wasn't so beautiful on the first goal against Stoneshore. In the 9th minute, Romikk Valgard carved into the box with confidence...but held onto the ball too long, got trapped in a bad spot by Dolor DeVolder, and slipped and coughed the ball up. Fortunately for young Valgard, he was able to watch from the ground as Lubiflor just happened to be springing into the space unto which he lost the ball. Before Stoneshore could clear it, Lubiflor spanked the ball into the back of the net. The two then celebrated as if they had meant it, but Valgard's sheepish smile told otherwise. The Cosumar U21 striker would make amends later, however, which a much less fortuitous goal. Two minutes after Refik Penterzen's 1-1 curler for Stoneshore in the 42nd minute, Valgard sealed the final score with a grass-scorcher from the top of the circle thanks to a clever dummy from his veteran partner.
West Gundar weren't the only ones to end the first half of the season on a high note and begin their few weeks off with a positive aura. Treftadaeth Alliance triumphed 1-0 at the end of a cagey chess-match of a game at FC Kaldukosic (Feliciano following in Lucassen's post-denied penalty) to secure their highest positioning of the season - much higher than anyone had any right to expect from the newly-promoted side. Credit to manager Truda Jotunnoj. Na'Malsille Mariners capped a four-game winning streak with the best one of the lot: denying the defending champions at home. They've jumped from dead-last to respectable 13th. IFK Aldenskoett too played their best game of the season (Rwang and Killanen braces) and the fearsome-looking FC Samotath cruised in Holmenkollen to sneak within a single result of Real Azuris.
The goals have started flowing for Klyde. With Silver Boot leader Deon Partell blazing the way with 15 goals already, the Doves have ascended to the top spot going into the midseason break and look poised to stay there. Their good form going into the break is matched only Pelethas United, who are 6-2-1 over their last nine matches - a massive turnaround from their pallid start to 1008. Behind Pelethas only on goal-differential are a pair of clubs seeking their first-ever Harlighet Ligan promotions: Goldstaff City and Keenan Athletic. Goldstaff City in particular look like they might have the legs to sustain this for the whole season with their tough, physical defense and effectiveness in the air.
Tredje Ligan Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 1 Rexnor District 3 21 13 4 4 30 15 +15 43 2 FC Flen 21 13 3 5 43 19 +24 42 3 Fevelo United 21 11 7 3 38 22 +16 40 4 Fort Archer FC 21 13 1 7 43 31 +12 40 5 Riverside Crew 21 11 4 6 27 18 +9 37 6 Sepultura 21 10 6 5 38 27 +11 36 7 Everlong FC 21 9 3 9 23 22 +1 30 8 Nuur Origins FC 21 7 8 6 48 37 +11 29 9 Gwynt Tywyll 21 7 8 6 33 28 +5 29 10 White Tower FC 21 9 2 10 35 33 +2 29 11 Tamiat Town 21 6 11 4 24 22 +2 29 12 Otkins Numenvernia 21 7 7 7 36 41 −5 28 13 Larkinham Town 21 8 3 10 27 29 −2 27 14 West Devellin FC 21 7 6 8 23 31 −8 27 15 Regéla United 21 8 2 11 23 29 −6 26 16 Braylor Town 21 5 9 7 29 30 −1 24 17 Silk FC 21 5 8 8 30 37 −7 23 18 Forest Hill FC 21 5 7 9 28 31 −3 22 19 Real Azuris II 21 4 7 10 28 37 −9 19 20 Esterhollow Harbor 21 3 9 9 24 37 −13 18 21 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona 21 3 8 10 21 47 −26 17 22 Atlético Oterro 21 3 5 13 17 45 −28 14
Third Round
Samaj FC (H) 3–2 Impera Town (L2) Stoneshore United (H) 2–1 Braylor Town (T) Helfin Fief FC (S) 1–0 Fevelo United (T) Bergtatt Island Athletic (S) 0–0 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (T) (0–0 AET) (2–3 pen.) Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2) 2–1 Caledon Legion (L1) Real Azuris II (T) 2–0 Zakhoro Aces (H) Yellow Meadow Lynwood (L1) 2–2 Gladsax Chariot FC (L2) (3–2 AET) Klyde (S) 0–0 Portsmouth FC (S) (0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.) Baymar Lagune (L2) 2–3 Club Toftir (L2) Atletisk Surpronuk (L2) 2–0 Sporting Pirankoper (L1) FC Va'Lubasa (L2) 2–8 Crawford City FC (H) Ramusok United (H) 2–1 Menoptera United (L2) West Devellin FC (T) 1–5 Na'Malsille Mariners (H) FC Kaldukosic (H) 5–4 Gwynt Tywyll (T) Eastweald (H) 2–3 Ziemelu Skaida (S) Olask Islanders (S) 3–3 AC Holmenkollen (H) (3–3 AET) (3–4 pen.) SC Cirith 01 (L1) 0–1 AC Opjenheim (L1) FC Samotath (H) 2–1 FC Fejd (L2) Kalloroda United (L1) 2–4 FC Kviststad (L1) Tamiat Town (T) 0–0 Cassandra Cosmopolitan (L1) (0–0 AET) (3–1 pen.) CD Panteras Nueces (L2) 0–0 Goldstaff City (S) (0–0 AET) (1–3 pen.) Rexnor District 4 (L2) 0–5 OAS Royal FC (H) Ciems Mungonduvia (L1) 2–3 Zirconim City (L2) Harlegan Rovers (L2) 1–1 Sontafe City (L1) (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.) Keenan Athletic (S) 5–1 Ingleton Town (L1) Östrad Rockets FC (L2) 0–2 Cassandra City (H) Orion Wanderers (L2) 4–3 FC Dynamo Kurbads (L1) IFK Aldenskoett (H) 4–2 Zakhoro GCR (L1) Miklagaard Salvation (L2) 1–1 FC Samotath II (L2) (2–2 AET) (3–0 pen.) FC Kastanjestad (L1) 2–4 Rexnor District 9 (L2) Klyde Heritage FC (S) 3–0 Riverside Crew (T) Real Azuris (H) 7–2 Buscari Bridge Force (L1)
Shame for the Aces as they are knocked out by third-tier Real Azuris II, surrendering a brace to 15-year-old prodigy Bryger Tidesson. Fellow south-westerners Crawford City FC probably stole all their goals, tallying seven in the first half alone against semi-pro FC Va'Lubasa before putting the youth in at half time and coasting to an 8-2 finish. Brendan McBride, rotating in for the resting Van Kruistum, reminded Jehan Bair that he can still play a role by leading the way with a hat trick as Guilliver and Postecoglou also added braces. Kim Coultan had a hat trick of assists to go with a goal as well. Two-time cupwinners Eastweald fielded a full-strength side but still couldn't make up for the flourishing ball movement of Ziemelu Skaida, a respectable Sekundar Ligan side. After finding themselves stunned and down 2-0, Eastweald fought back through Bogwa and Rook Klinsmann goals, but the plucky Skaida pulled through on a controversial stoppage time penalty. Also notable were a couple rare derbies as FC Kal and Klyde took on smaller clubs in their own backyards. Both blue-blood powers won, but their overshadowed neighbors didn't make it easy on them. Clwb Gwynt Tywyll, a Welsh-heritage club in the heart of Kaldukosic, scored four goals on the city's flagship club but simply had no way to stop the force of nature known as Kevin Stabb, who scored a hat trick. Portsmouth FC, hailing from about 45-minutes north of Klyde FC, took the Doves to penalties but Elton Alo was a brick wall.
Fourth Round
Samaj FC (H) 0–1 Stoneshore United (H) Helfin Fief FC (S) 3–3 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona (T) (4–4 AET) (4–2 pen.) Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2) 1–0 Real Azuris II (T) Yellow Meadow Lynwood (L1) 4–5 Klyde (S) Club Toftir (L2) 1–1 Atletisk Surpronuk (L2) (1–2 AET) Crawford City FC (H) 3–2 Ramusok United (H) Na'Malsille Mariners (H) 1–3 FC Kaldukosic (H) Ziemelu Skaida (S) 0–1 AC Holmenkollen (H) AC Opjenheim (L1) 2–2 FC Samotath (H) (2–2 AET) (6–5 pen.) FC Kviststad (L1) 2–3 Tamiat Town (T) Goldstaff City (S) 2–2 OAS Royal FC (H) (2–3 AET) Zirconim City (L2) 3–1 Harlegan Rovers (L2) Keenan Athletic (S) 0–1 Cassandra City (H) Orion Wanderers (L2) 0–2 IFK Aldenskoett (H) Miklagaard Salvation (L2) 0–0 Rexnor District 9 (L2) (0–2 AET) Klyde Heritage FC (S) 0–0 Real Azuris (H) (0–1 AET)
Shit's getting serious now. The good teams are starting to collide with more and more frequency and the teams that have made it this far can suddenly see themselves contending for the trophy or at least a deep run with TV money. In the three all-Harlighet fixtures, Stoneshore United bounced Samaj with Aidan Andela's brilliant solo effort, CCFC edged Ramusok United on Jorit Van Kruistum's 3-2 stoppage time header and current cupholders FC Kaldukosic kept the possibility of a first-ever repeat alive thanks to Bennett Perkins' big day in Na'Malsille. There were also more seldom-played derbies! FC Samotath actually fell on penalties to nearby lower-league side AC Opjenheim, while Real Azuris were frustrated for long stretches by fellow Klyde's Isle side Klyde Heritage and didn't secure advancement until extra time. Some delightful interplay between left winger Sean Fraser, overlapping fullback Adrian Lindberg and center forward Andrew Arrowsword finally unlocked the Heritage defensive line and set Fraser up with a split-second chance from close range, which he duly buried.
20th Season - Part 3
Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2016 12:52 am
by Cosumar
AOCL Qualifying Round International of Tyrellia (LGL) 1-0 Cassandra City Cassandra City 0-0 International of Tyrellia Inter Tyrellia advance 1-0 on aggregate
Cygnus Cup First Round Aguiles (TLF) 1-2 FC Kaldukosic FC Kaldukosic 1-0 Aguiles FC Kaldukosic advance 3-1 on aggregate
Heavy match congestion for Cassandra City and FC Kaldukosic now, with AOCL and Cygnus Cup hitting full stride. Arturo Mancini unleashed a full-strength Cassandra side in both fixtures both got a return of precisely zero goals. The Tyrellian deep line defended valiantly. With AOCL proving too much for them, the Reds will now return their international focus to the Globe Cup. FC Kaldukosic, meanwhile, took care of business in the Cup Winners' Cup, defeating a Tallaga la Fallan team as any Harlighet Ligan club should.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 18 Stoneshore United 1–1 Versiaville Crawford City FC 1–2 Cassandra City Na'Malsille Mariners 1–1 Mallox Ramusok United 1–1 FC Samotath AC Holmenkollen 2–5 Real Azuris OAS Royal FC 4–4 IFK Aldenskoett Samaj FC 4–0 Treftadaeth Alliance FC Kaldukosic 1–1 Eastweald Zakhoro Aces 2–1 West Gundar FC
The midseason break dragged on endlessly for the fans and flew by far too quickly for the players. But Real Azuris looked more than sufficiently recharged as they resumed play in Holmenkollen, springing right back into ruthless action. Ronan Bowditch continues to lead the title leaders in goals, being assisted twice on the day by Sean Fraser, who is thriving in more of a playmaking role this season. Andrew Arrowsword matched Bowditch's brace with a spot panenka and a snapping header of Stig Soderquist's long ball forward. Holmenkollen's midfield was simply overrun by Soderquist/Lachance/Sybill, starving the strikers of any real chances. The defending champions, Cassandra City, also reminded everyone that they're still a factor by kicking off the second half of their season with a late comeback to down Crawford City FC. Jorit Van Kruistum rallied the Elephants' home support with a 23rd minute strike, but Goulding leveled for the Reds in the 68th and Yehven Bardsen finished it off with a sliding goal at the far post in the 79th.
Cygnus Cup Round of 16 Celtic Noviodunum (NGD) 2-0 FC Kaldukosic FC Kaldukosic 2-2 Celtic Noviodunum FC Kaldukosic eliminated 4-2 on aggregate
Searching for redemption for their miserable Globe Cup showing, FC Kaldukosic immediately come out flat in New Gelderland. The home crowd finally wakes them up in the second leg and Corey Simmons III decides to drive home a pair of world-class strikes, but it's too little too late as an undisciplined defense is unable to deter a determined Celtic.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 19 Zakhoro Aces 1–0 Stoneshore United West Gundar FC 1–1 FC Kaldukosic Eastweald 1–0 Samaj FC Treftadaeth Alliance 3–1 OAS Royal FC IFK Aldenskoett 0–0 AC Holmenkollen Real Azuris 3–3 Ramusok United FC Samotath 0–1 Na'Malsille Mariners Mallox 2–1 Crawford City FC Cassandra City 3–1 Versiaville
It's a week for flattening the league table. None of the top four win (not even FC Samotath at home...against Mariners), allowing several of the pursuing contingent to make up lost ground with big victories. None bigger than Roald Aguero's scrappy header over the shoulders of fullback Marmor-Lavie in the 87th minute to send Samaj packing from Old Weldenskirgen heartbroken. Meanwhile, heat is turning up on new managers Constantine Champali and Jehan Bair. Big-spending OAS Royal and Crawford City are sliding (again...sigh) and the new man can't seem to find answers. It was a particularly brutal week for Royal as they trekked up to Cosumar's northernmost point and lost 3-1 to Alliance. There was nothing misleading about the final result - Royal were an undisciplined mess in the back and gave less effort than the Astronomers - who were unfazed by the frigid, windy evening. Not even Rowan Gawain's display of pure quality on his solo goal could make up for a team that gave up three headed set-piece goals (Feliciano, Champali Jr. scoring against his father, De Leon).
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 20 Stoneshore United 1–2 Cassandra City Versiaville 0–0 Mallox Crawford City FC 6–3 FC Samotath Na'Malsille Mariners 0–0 Real Azuris Ramusok United 4–1 IFK Aldenskoett AC Holmenkollen 4–2 Treftadaeth Alliance OAS Royal FC 2–1 Eastweald Samaj FC 1–4 West Gundar FC FC Kaldukosic 0–0 Zakhoro Aces
The Mariners are some kind of resilient this season. The touch of new gaffer Ejegefe Na'Safeh has worked wonders, turning the universal relegation favorites into this team that's unbeaten in its last seven matches. Safety is far from secured, but after watching Na'Malsille turn back wave after wave of Real Azuris attack this weekend, you get the feeling that this isn't the same uninspiring Mariners side that barely even bothered to mount a survival challenge last time around. Na'Safeh has trusted his youth in defense, and they have rewarded him by taking their chances and holding their own with the Sean Frasers and Andrew Arrowswords of the league. Teenage center back Sallie Wheeler might've just earned a DBC call-up with this performance alone in her first start. 21-year-old Kerwin Maston also made a number of stellar saves and has avoided the errors that typically accompany young goalkeepers. Unfortunately for the Mariners, their hard-earned point was overshadowed by the other game in the same timeslot: Crawford City FC vs. FC Samotath. Billed as a clash between two high-profile attacking forces, it did not disappoint. Orangi Stadium was uproarious in disbelief when their teal-crimson-and-gold put two on the board within five minutes through Postecoglou and Coultan. FC Samotath immediately had their backs against the wall and set forward to try to turn the game into the kind of fast and furious shootout for which they are so well-equipped. They accomplished as much, Vorobyov flying down the field on the break and lashing home from 15 yards after a give-and-go with Hummel to pull one back after about half-an-hour. But Bair prepared Crawford well for this eventuality, and the Elephants beat the Black Hawks at their own game. Coultan and Postcoglou went on to secure braces by half-time (4-1). Both completed their hat tricks in the second half on either side of goals from Vorobyov and Levy to cap the wild goalfest at 6-3. Easily Crawford's best performance of the season - in the final third at least. Samotath will be kicking themselves for failing to take advantage of Real Azuris' stumble.
Globe Cup Group Stage
Group B Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts CsC SlH PpM Bgh 1 Cassandra City COS 6 5 1 0 16 4 +12 16 — 2–2 4–0 3–0 2 Sleepy Hollow TAE 6 2 2 2 10 6 +4 8 1–2 — 0–0 3–0 3 Papillio Mertagne MRT 6 1 2 3 3 10 −7 5 0–2 2–1 — 1–1 4 Brigham EUR 6 1 1 4 4 13 −9 4 1–3 0–3 2–0 —
Matching their surging league form in the moment, Arturo Mancini's side were magnificent in their Globe Cup group. Emphatic home wins over high-profile Papillio Mertagne and Brigham will be the highlights of the season for many matchgoing Cassandrans, but the poised road wins over the same opponents were arguably more impressive. A draw against Sleepy Hollow was the only blemish.
Group L Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts MtR Ewl Pkm RøR 1 Matthew Rangers USI 6 5 0 1 10 5 +5 15 — 2–0 3–1 2–1 2 Eastweald COS 6 3 1 2 12 6 +6 10 0–1 — 3–0 3–0 3 Pikemouth BRE 6 2 1 3 11 10 +1 7 1–2 2–2 — 5–0 4 Røros Rovers SAV 6 1 0 5 4 16 −12 3 2–0 1–4 0–2 —
Matthew Rangers were the clear class of the group, defeating Eastweald in both encounters, but the Elves mostly had their way with the rest of the group, sweeping Pikemouth and Røros Rovers by a combined 6-0 at home. Both Cosumarite representatives advance into the knockout rounds with momentum.
Series B Champions' Cup Group Stage
Group F Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Aws TrA Ast SbC 1 Arrowsmith EUR 6 4 0 2 11 7 +4 12 — 2–1 3–1 2–1 2 Treftadaeth Alliance COS 6 3 1 2 8 6 +2 10 0–2 — 0–0 3–2 3 Astrolabe NGD 6 2 1 3 8 12 −4 7 3–2 0–3 — 4–2 4 Seansburgh Cougars COM 6 2 0 4 8 10 −2 6 1–0 0–1 2–0 —
Like Eastweald, Treftadaeth Alliance struggle in their SBCC group against favorites Arrowsmith but cruise through in 2nd.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 21 FC Kaldukosic 1–0 Stoneshore United Zakhoro Aces 1–0 Samaj FC West Gundar FC 1–3 OAS Royal FC Eastweald 1–1 AC Holmenkollen Treftadaeth Alliance 5–3 Ramusok United IFK Aldenskoett 1–1 Na'Malsille Mariners Real Azuris 1–0 Crawford City FC FC Samotath 0–5 Versiaville Mallox 1–2 Cassandra City
Samotath-Versiaville was a 5-0 game. As expec- Wait, what? It was Versiaville that won 5-0? Well...that's odd. Having only scored 11 goals all season before today, the last-place Villagers picked a hell of a place to realize where the back of the net is. Alesund Stadion's packed bleachers were swarming like sharks with blood in the water - all signs indicated a rout for FC Samotath. They got a rout alright, but it was Samo on the receiving end. Started out innocuously enough with a simple Thia Ribos nodded header early on, but compounded as Versiaville gradually found their footing on the counter and had Breton, Nightrider, Larned and Vela all add to the tally. Then with Tuppurainen hacking Levy to bits in the back, the navy-and-black were able to hold on to a rare clean sheet in Samotath. Brian Emerson will be desperately hoping for this win to light a fire under his team for the relegation battle. Further up the northern peninsula, Treftadaeth Alliance galloped into the UICA fray with a season-defining upset of Ramusok United. Alliance are playing real quality, attractive football at the moment and are a match for anybody. Tallulah Harig's boomer from fully 35 yards to put them up 5-3 was the highlight of several amazing goals in the match, including Curtis Théberge's on-the-run precision snipe to the far post from the circle to level affairs at 2-2. As far as Ramusoki pride is concerned, at least OAS Royal seem to be back in the saddle. Since their humiliation at Ashen Point, Constantine Champali's men have responded with massive wins at home against Eastweald and now at West Gundar. The catalyst? Not one of the big names you would expect. Winger Alex Rocket has blasted off with a pair of goals and assists in the last two games.
Globe Cup Round of 32, First Leg International of Tyrellia (LGL) 1-2 Cassandra City Eastweald 3-0 Turín FC (SJG)
Tyrellia-Cassandra is an AOCL rematch on an even bigger stage. This time, City get the better of Inter. So far, at least. The Quebecois strike duo of Zelaya and Goulding lead the way with a second-half goal each. It was a well-contested game though, with Calogero Metz having to make a number of big plays coming out to clear away potential chances. Eastweald have an easier time, getting two early goals (Klinsmann, Delklind) and coasting the rest of the way with some key players subbing out at half time. Dan Quesadllias likely polished off the series with a 78th minute penalty.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 22 Stoneshore United 0–3 Mallox Cassandra City 3–5 FC Samotath Versiaville 3–2 Real Azuris Crawford City FC 1–0 IFK Aldenskoett Na'Malsille Mariners 0–1 Treftadaeth Alliance Ramusok United 0–3 Eastweald AC Holmenkollen 4–0 West Gundar FC OAS Royal FC 0–1 Zakhoro Aces Samaj FC 0–2 FC Kaldukosic
FC Samotath use a Gwinevra Harmonium hat trick to leapfrog Cassandra City back into 2nd while leaders Azuris are the second consecutive team to be bitten by pesky Versiaville. IFK Aldenskoett, who have replaced the Villagers at the foot of the table, have been abject this season. IFK have only won one game since Matchday 6 and didn't register a single shot on goal this week in Crawford, where Coultan slotted home for the win in the 40th. Darwyn Lucassen, meanwhile, buries Na'Malsille with a powerful top-shelf free kick in the 86th minute to see Cinderella story Treftadaeth Alliance in the top four. Still hovering ever-present in that realm of the table are Monica Brightwater's Eastweald, who got a boost this week as Bogwa returned to the lineup from a minor injury to lead them past Gareth Bournemouth's Ramusok United. His side-netting goal from 10 yards was coolly taken (even if the defense was shocking) and his assist to Jo De Marisco was a no-look backheel.
Globe Cup Round of 32, Second Leg Cassandra City 0-1 International of Tyrellia Turín FC 1-2 Eastweald
Inter get one of the two away goals they were searching for in just the 2nd minute, leading to a very nervy rest of the match in Cassandra. City don't score, but they hold firm and advance 2-2 on away goals. Eastweald get the job done with big contributions from their younger players, Mina Mordini shining with a delicately curled goal and an assist to tee up Kortuufa. Two Cosuarite teams in the Round of 16!
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 23 Samaj FC 0–0 Stoneshore United FC Kaldukosic 1–4 OAS Royal FC Zakhoro Aces 1–1 AC Holmenkollen West Gundar FC 0–3 Ramusok United Eastweald 4–0 Na'Malsille Mariners Treftadaeth Alliance 0–0 Crawford City FC IFK Aldenskoett 0–2 Versiaville Real Azuris 4–0 Cassandra City FC Samotath 1–3 Mallox
Cassandra City are bold but naïve to attack with a "nothing to lose" mentality at Massemord Stadium, which has been a fortress for Real Azuris this season. Viviano Milani keeps Azuris steady in the back and they absorb the Cassandra City pressure before expertly turning the tables on them through Fraser and Bowditch ten minutes into the second half. Andrew Arrowsword padded the scoreline with a sudden brace in stoppage time. Turns out Cassandra did have something to lose. A victorious Ramusok United leap ahead of them into the UICA zone, captain Robin Geirsson all smiles after scoring and assisting two Culbreth strikes in West Gundar. "All season, we've played at a higher level than what the results show. It's good to get the payoff in points we deserved this time. We're only scratching the surface of what we're capable of in this league," he said with a scary glint in his eye post-match. The other half of Ramusok's Big Two - OAS Royal - have also been unlucky at times this season, but went a long way towards rebuilding their mojo by drubbing FC Kaldukosic at Leviathan Arena. Kal might be mired in a disappointingly mediocre season, but that's still no easy feat. Captain fullback Kontiola was brilliant time and time again in one-on-one defending against star winger Simmons III and the Bregoo-Gawain midfield partnership blossomed before our eyes. Gawain assisted all four of Royal's goals, playing Bregoo in to tap home and then aiding a characteristically classy Galasgoldas Tathtauré brace, before finally watching the mighty Sigurdsson lash home his in-swinging free kick.
Globe Cup Round of 16, First Leg St. John's Arsenal (QUE) 1-2 Cassandra City Eastweald 2-0 Spartangrad (EUR)
Three of Cassandra City's highest-profile figures are Quebecois (strikers Goulding/Zelaya and manager Mancini), making it the Harlighet Ligan club of choice across Quebec. So the Reds received an interesting reception upon visiting St. John's Arsenal in the Globe Cup Round of 16. The air in the stadium was thick with anticipation for the high-profile meeting, and although the Arsenal faithful paid Zelaya in particular respect before the match, there was no sympathy after the whistle sounded. The rowdy Quebecois fans were rewarded just four minutes in as Boag got overpowered down the right for a smash-and-grab Arsenal goal into the roof of the net. But the Reds kept cool and overcame a shaky first twenty minutes. They eventually settled into the match and began to take control in the second half. Goulding grabbed the equalizer in his home country in the 51st minute and Bellerophon Serafino produced the winner and a huge second away goal in the 54th as a just reward for his tireless work rate. Back home, Eastweald also represented the league well. Monica Brightwater adopted a pragmatic approach with dangerous Spartangrad in town - and it paid off. Jefferson demonstrated why Eastweald paid a league record for a center back's services and strikers Bogwa and Quesadillas eventually both bagged goals to take back to Eura.
Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, First Leg Treftadaeth Alliance 3-0 Sparta Navel (WRL)
The Astronomers' B-team is dominant under a starry night sky in Ashen Point after a storm-delayed start. The silhouettes of a migrating herd of dragons were visible in the distance just before kickoff. Good luck for the home side, according to legend. This could've easily been 5-0 were it not for a couple extraordinary acrobatics by the Sparta keeper. Reinhard Ironside, Mike La Rock and Jorge Caputo got on the scoresheet to light the passage to the SBCC Quarterfinals.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 24 Stoneshore United 3–0 FC Samotath Mallox 0–4 Real Azuris Cassandra City 2–2 IFK Aldenskoett Versiaville 2–2 Treftadaeth Alliance Crawford City FC 2–2 Eastweald Na'Malsille Mariners 0–5 West Gundar FC Ramusok United 1–0 Zakhoro Aces AC Holmenkollen 0–1 FC Kaldukosic OAS Royal FC 1–1 Samaj FC
No one else is at the same level as Real Azuris right now. The Breakers are fully 11 points clear after thrashing Mallox in Mallox without appearing to break a sweat (yet another Bowditch brace, with Fraser and Arrowsword also getting in on the frenzy). They best the entire league in both goals scored and allowed and their quality is deep enough to cover all bases - especially without the UICA commitments currently occupying fellow contenders Cassandra, Eastweald and Trefta. It was a kind of a ho-hum weekend overall, with a lot of the goals coming from penalties and unsightly blunders. Phoebe Etton, though usually solid enough in goal for Samotath, had the worst howler of the bunch down in Stoneshore. After throwing the ball directly to Caipirinha, stranding her defense, she compounded her embarrassment by letting the teenage Sunrisian's poor one-on-one shot squirt under her and s l o w l y across the line despite getting both hands on it. It was an arrow to the heart for poor Samotath. They frantically tried to pick their heads up and get back into the game but were almost trying too hard, and Stoneshore United easily held them at bay (eventually winning 3-0 thanks to Singleton and Yamaguchi). It's more of the same for Samo of late as their UICA prospects continue to slip.
Globe Cup Round of 16, Second Leg Cassandra City 3-1 St. John's Arsenal Spartangrad 4-2 Eastweald
Cassandra City strike from either side of the box (Tortuu, Bardsen) to take a commanding 4-1 aggregate lead within 30 minutes. They make a bunch of defensive switches at half time and grind it out from there, becoming only the second Cosumarite club to ever advance to the Globe Cup Quarterfinals (Ram U two years ago was the first). And it looked like they would be going alone when a lethargic Eastweald saw their 2-0 aggregate lead completely erased in just four minutes in Eura. It was as if they had already patted themselves on the backs for a job well-done in getting to the Quarterfinals after just the first leg. Ha! No chance in hell Spartangrad are just going to roll over at home. The Eurans were rampant, and made it 4-0 on the day by half time. The Elves were completely shell-shocked. Fortunately, they were able to come together during the break and resolve to make it a slugfest. Bogwa pulled one back in the 55th minute with a diving header of Michael Sorenson's long cross to make in 4-3 on aggregate. Everyone in the stadium knew another Eastweald tally would shift the advantage back to the green-and-gold on away goals. After an unbearably tense 38 minutes, it finally came in the third minute of stoppage time. Bogwa the hero again! This time he flicked a loose ball in the area to the top-corner after Spartangrad couldn't clear it. Just like that, the Fiefdom has two clubs in the final eight. Another first.
Series B Champions' Cup Round of 16, Second Leg Sparta Navel 2-2 Treftadaeth Alliance
Big men Pepito Feliciano and half time substitute Ironside are impactful in the Islands to see Alliance through despite two late goals conceded. Truda Jotunnoj's club are the third from Cosumar to reach the SBCC Quarters.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 25 OAS Royal FC 1–0 Stoneshore United Samaj FC 0–1 AC Holmenkollen FC Kaldukosic 6–0 Ramusok United Zakhoro Aces 4–1 Na'Malsille Mariners West Gundar FC 0–2 Crawford City FC Eastweald 4–1 Versiaville Treftadaeth Alliance 1–0 Cassandra City IFK Aldenskoett 3–1 Mallox Real Azuris 3–0 FC Samotath
This edition of the Metro Classic will not be remembered as a classic in Ramusok. FC Kaldukosic pump United for six goals, the indomitable Kevin Stabb bullying center-backs Alcocer and countryman Flanningan. Stabb had a hat trick, Simmons III had a brace, and Georgina Wadimu put the cherry on top. The United midfield just didn't show up to play in Kaldukosic, constantly giving the ball away in poor positions to make the job easy for Kal's array of playmakers. That result, combined with Treftadaeth Alliance's gutsy 1-0 win over Cassandra City at home (The Wormhole was so loud you couldn't have heard a jet take off from the pitch) means that the newly-promoted club that was once as an astronomy society is now alone in 3rd place. Treftadaeth's success has truly been the story of the season (along with Real Azuris' dominance, which continued against wilting Samotath) with several previously unheralded players making names for themselves. Cosudel Champali, Jan ter Voert, Tallulah Harig, Big Pep Feliciano. Meanwhile, the relegation battle is still a complete mystery, with no teams cut adrift from the pack yet. Samaj FC fell to last place this weekend after succumbing to a wonderful Bordeua-Desjardins half-volley for Holmenkollen at the death, but even Samaj are just a single win away from popping back out of the danger zone entirely.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 26 Stoneshore United 0–1 Real Azuris FC Samotath 0–3 IFK Aldenskoett Mallox 5–1 Treftadaeth Alliance Cassandra City 0–2 Eastweald Versiaville 1–1 West Gundar FC Crawford City FC 2–1 Zakhoro Aces Na'Malsille Mariners 0–0 FC Kaldukosic Ramusok United 2–3 Samaj FC AC Holmenkollen 0–4 OAS Royal FC
Cassandra City's title defense takes another big hammer blow as they fall at home to an in-form Eastweald in a spotlight match-up. It's decided in the first half as Jo de Marisco carves open the Reds' defense and coolly finds Dan Quesadillas for a routine finish past a helpless Metz in the 24th minute and Mina Mordini pops off a physics-defying thunderbastard from the corner of the box in the 41st minute. She should shoot more. Mallox don't let Treftadaeth get too comfortable in 3rd place and humble them in their first visit to The Orange Palace. Beloved captain and longtime defender Georges Mauvonts had a night to remember, scoring the first brace of his career, and Lindroos, Nhatandal and Bella Thompson also contributed to the slightly generous 5-1 scoreline. Mallox have been perfectly average this season, but then again, so has most of the league. The top five and lower midtable are both still well within the realm of possibility for the Tigers. The southwestern derby is a pretty entertaining one as Crawford edge Zakhoro 2-1 in a midtable struggle, but the Minor Ramusok Derby between Holmenkollen and OAS Royal is much more one-sided as the Cedars simply have no answer for the world-class ability of Bregoo and Tathtauré, who assist on each other's goals. Don't look now, but Royal have been a strong side since the midseason break, going 5-2-2 in that span and climbing up the ladder into the UICA zone.
Tredje Ligan Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 1 FC Flen 31 19 5 7 62 32 +30 62 2 Rexnor District 3 31 16 9 6 39 21 +18 57 3 Riverside Crew 31 16 7 8 45 26 +19 55 4 Fevelo United 31 16 7 8 57 41 +16 55 5 Fort Archer FC 31 17 4 10 62 48 +14 55 6 Sepultura 31 13 10 8 51 41 +10 49 7 Gwynt Tywyll 31 12 11 8 57 38 +19 47 8 Everlong FC 31 13 6 12 35 32 +3 45 9 Otkins Numenvernia 31 10 13 8 58 56 +2 43 10 West Devellin FC 31 11 10 10 41 44 −3 43 11 Nuur Origins FC 31 10 11 10 59 49 +10 41 12 Braylor Town 31 9 14 8 41 39 +2 41 13 Regéla United 31 12 5 14 50 50 0 41 14 White Tower FC 31 11 7 13 49 48 +1 40 15 Tamiat Town 31 7 16 8 34 38 −4 37 16 Larkinham Town 31 11 4 16 41 54 −13 37 17 Silk FC 31 8 12 11 39 51 −12 36 18 Forest Hill FC 31 7 11 13 38 49 −11 32 19 Esterhollow Harbor 31 6 11 14 40 61 −21 29 20 Real Azuris II 31 5 12 14 41 60 −19 27 21 Atlético Oterro 31 5 10 16 27 56 −29 25 22 SC Torpedo Kejsarkona 31 5 9 17 28 60 −32 24
Division represented in parenthesis (H--->S--->T--->L1--->L2)
Round of 16 Stoneshore United (H) 1–2 Helfin Fief FC (S) Snaigow Hoarfrost (L2) 1–4 Klyde (S) Atletisk Surpronuk (L2) 1–3 Crawford City FC (H) FC Kaldukosic (H) 1–2 AC Holmenkollen (H) AC Opjenheim (L1) 1–2 Tamiat Town (T) OAS Royal FC (H) 6–3 Zirconim City (L2) Cassandra City (H) 1–1 IFK Aldenskoett (H) (1–1 AET) (3–4 pen.) Rexnor District 9 (L2) 2–6 Real Azuris (H)
Stoneshore United are knocked off by an out-of-form Sekundar Ligan side, OAS and Azuris destroy fifth-tier opponents from remote locales that somehow survived this far, current cupholders FC Kaldukosic are stunned by Holmenkollen on a Funanya Nwapa brace, and IFK Aldenskoett pull off a much-needed rousing victory at The Amphitheatre on penalties.
Quarterfinals Helfin Fief FC (S) 0–3 Klyde (S) Crawford City FC (H) 2–1 AC Holmenkollen (H) Tamiat Town (T) 1–5 OAS Royal FC (H) IFK Aldenskoett (H) 0–3 Real Azuris (H)
Tathtauré shines (as he should) in the first half as OAS Royal annihilate the last Tredje Ligan team. His 27-minute brace earned him an early rest and the hitherto frozen-out Peter Wiggin comes on and makes the most of his chance to get back in Champali's good graces, teeing up Leonidas Bregoo for a goal and scoring the fifth himself. Real Azuris continue to play pretty much perfect football in all domestic competitions, Bowditch the star of the day as they blaze past IFK into the semifinals to face equally-hot OAS Royal. The other half of the bracket is a little less interesting, with legacy club Klyde FC being the only Sekundar Ligan club among the top four - but then again, they hardly count as such with their pedigree. After bypassing Helfin Fief, they will face a CCFC side determined to make amends for their failure in the Final two years ago.
Semifinals Fixtures
Klyde FC vs. Crawford City FC @ Fire River Arena (80.000), Ramusok, Ramusok Fief
OAS Royal FC vs. Real Azuris @ SweetHaven Stadium (70.000), Port Stoneshore, Stoneshore Fief
20th Season - Part 4
Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 8:42 pm
by Cosumar
Globe Cup Quarterfinals, First Leg Matthew Rangers 2-0 Eastweald Matthew Senators 2-2 Cassandra City
The eyes of the Multiverse turned to Matthew this week as the city hosted two of the four Globe Cup quarterfinal matches...both with Cosumarite visitors. The two Sunrisian powers fared well under the spotlight. The Rangers ended up with a 2-0 lead over Eastweald and the rival Senators came back from 2-0 down to force a draw with Cassandra City. Cosumarite winger Katrina Brasic, formerly of Pardock Island, was the hero for the Senators, heading home the first and playing a long crossfield pass that led to the equalizer.
Series B Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, First Leg Treftadaeth Alliance 4-2 Beckton Supermarine
The Krytenians strike early, but Alliance start to turn things around by forcing an own goal on the brink of half time and then dominate the second half with three more goals (Feliciano quick double, ter Voert blast). The day was a success, but they might rue the second away goal that Beckton were allowed to tack on at the end via a dive soft penalty.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 27 AC Holmenkollen 2–3 Stoneshore United OAS Royal FC 1–1 Ramusok United Samaj FC 2–2 Na'Malsille Mariners FC Kaldukosic 6–3 Crawford City FC Zakhoro Aces 1–1 Versiaville West Gundar FC 1–1 Cassandra City Eastweald 3–1 Mallox Treftadaeth Alliance 1–1 FC Samotath IFK Aldenskoett 1–4 Real Azuris
TV talking heads are talking about Real Azuris as if they've already won the league. It was another great team win for the Breakers this week to take care of IFK Aldenskoett, every player executing their role with zeal and sharing the spoils as Bowditch, Fraser, Lachance and even substitute Astor Zigfield all got the chance to sign their names to the scoresheet as the beneficiaries of well-worked manipulations of the rigid IFK defense. But we all know how fast things can chance in the Harlighet Ligan. One club that will be looking to topple Real's current hegemony is Eastweald. The Elves consolidated their hold on the second Champions' Cup place this week with a high-pressure triumph over timeless foes Mallox at home. Alistair Redalen slotted inside the near post from 10 yards to equalize for the visitors at the onset of the second half, but Eastweald rallied with a cracking Quesadillas volley in the 68th minute to win and a sliding finish at the far post from substitute Delklind in the 76th to make it look prettier. But you know what wasn't pretty? The Ramusok Derby. The two drew back on Matchday 10 at Leviathan, and did so again today at The Royal Palace. But whereas the first meeting was a breathless 3-3 affair, this one lacked even half of the attacking impetus. USI captain Mike Flanningan's glancing header off Jonassen's corner put United up in the 14th minute, but Alex Rocket would even the score 1-1 from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time. Both sides, hovering near the edge of the UICA zone, seemed mutually content to play it safe and share a point in the second half. Much to the chagrin of the OAS legions on hand.
Globe Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg Eastweald 3-3 (3-5 agg.)Matthew Rangers Cassandra City 0-2 (2-4 agg.)Matthew Senators
Neither club seizes the opportunity to plant our flag in the semifinals for the first time. Both are ousted at home by Sunrisian clubs, just like the national team was ousted by USI in the World Cup Quarterfinals. The Sunrise Islands are quickly working their way up the "Most Hated Countries in Cosumar" list. Cassandra City will be the most disappointed, squandering their away-goals advantage by lacking killer instinct in front of goal.
Series B Champions' Cup Quarterfinals, Second Leg Beckton Supermarine(4-4 agg.) 2-0 Treftadaeth Alliance
Fuck. That late goal that Beckton were gifted in the first leg has come back to haunt the Astronomers. Their attack wilts under the glare of a hostile atmosphere in Krytenia and Beckton are able to do just enough to go through by the slimmest of margins. In one day, all three of Cosumar's UICA contenders are eliminated. Well, there's always next year.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 28 Stoneshore United 2–0 IFK Aldenskoett Real Azuris 1–0 Treftadaeth Alliance FC Samotath 1–7 Eastweald Mallox 0–0 West Gundar FC Cassandra City 2–0 Zakhoro Aces Versiaville 2–2 FC Kaldukosic Crawford City FC 1–1 Samaj FC Na'Malsille Mariners 2–2 OAS Royal FC Ramusok United 5–4 AC Holmenkollen
Real Azuris are given a surprisingly tough test as Treftadaeth Alliance come to town. Darwyn Lucassen and the Astronomers look dangerous on their end and hold firm at the other...until Sandra Sybill flashed some fancy footwork on a great run through the middle (poor Sadie Brinegar got embarrassed) and followed it up with a long-rage skipper that slipped under the gloves of Martinsky to put Azuris permanently on top. Eastweald are bloodthirsty in Samotath, dissecting the Black Hawks' half-hearted attempts at defending for seven goals (Quesadillas with a hat trick), but the 12-point gap remains. Meanwhile, Cassandra is flooded with relief as the Reds look unconvincing but manage to edge Zakhoro 2-0 (Goulding, Grimswald) to remain in the thick of the UICA hunt and stop a seven-match winless stretch. The big drama of the weekend took place in Ramusok as Ram Utd stormed back from a three-nil 23rd minute deficit to eventually pull one over on crosstown little brothers Holmenkollen with Robin Geirsson's 94th-minute winner, 5-4. The Polarian is still a hero for the Blues! It's a painful one for Holmenkollen in lower-midtable. Despite Mezei Orbán's flicked Goal of the Season candidate from the far left, the brutal capitulation keeps them too close to the relegation scrap for comfort.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 29 Ramusok United 4–2 Stoneshore United AC Holmenkollen 3–1 Na'Malsille Mariners OAS Royal FC 1–0 Crawford City FC Samaj FC 0–0 Versiaville FC Kaldukosic 1–4 Cassandra City Zakhoro Aces 1–3 Mallox West Gundar FC 0–1 FC Samotath Eastweald 3–1 Real Azuris Treftadaeth Alliance 0–1 IFK Aldenskoett
OH SHIT! Things just got a little more interesting at the top! It's a do-or-die six-pointer for 2nd-place Eastweald against leaders Real Azuris, and they rise to the occasion!!! A grandiose stage was set at Old Weldenskirgen for the most momentous game of the season ... and Ronan Bowditch promptly tracked mud all over it with a crowd-silencing opening goal from the right of the box in just the 4th minute. But a staunch Eastweald defense led by Jefferson kept the likely MVP silenced for the rest of the match and allowed Dan Quesadillas to lead them back for a 3-1 win with a brace and an assist. It's still unlikely that Monica Brightwater's surging Elves will be able to close a nine-point gap in five matches, but they have life. A Real Azuris win would've clinched the title with 99.99% certainty. At the other end of the table, a hard-pressed IFK Aldenskoett pull themselves up by their bootstraps and lift themselves from the bottom of the dirt floor to safety with a statement 1-0 victory up at UICA hopefuls Treftadaeth Alliance, Teor Rwang using his blazing pace to get behind McCaskill and send a bullet past Martinsky to the top corner in the 50th minute. Your move Versiaville, Samaj and Mariners. Those scoreless draws against each other aren't doing anybody any favors.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 30 Stoneshore United 2–0 Treftadaeth Alliance IFK Aldenskoett 0–0 Eastweald Real Azuris 1–1 West Gundar FC FC Samotath 3–1 Zakhoro Aces Mallox 1–0 FC Kaldukosic Cassandra City 0–1 Samaj FC Versiaville 0–2 OAS Royal FC Crawford City FC 0–0 AC Holmenkollen Na'Malsille Mariners 3–1 Ramusok United
Mursill Lubiflor trips Real Azuris up at home with a scrappy stoppage time equalizer, but Eastweald fail to gain ground as a disciplined and relegation-motivated IFK defensive corps held firm at the Nest. Treftadaeth Alliance, who captured the hearts and minds of the Fiefdom for most of the season with their bright, fearless play against the big boys while battling SBCC congestion, have finally started to glide back down to Earth recently. They were punished by Stoneshore's Penterzen and Na'Tarejen twice on the counter this week to fade their Globe Cup dreams. Oft-overlooked (this season, at least) Mallox filled the vacuum. They clawed themselves back into the UICA conversation by shutting out Kevin Stabb and FC Kaldukosic at home (bravo, Woodgate and Diggory) and nabbing a late winner off the balding head of old club legend Stuart Gildon near the end of his final season. In the relegation battle, Versiaville are now behind the eight-ball after succumbing to a Galasgoldas Tathtauré brace at home and watching their competitors pull off huuuuge wins over top-tier teams (Del Arro free kick winner in Cassandra for Samaj and a combination of robust defending and a Na'Matsoo masterclass leading Mariners past Ram Utd).
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 31 Na'Malsille Mariners 1–2 Stoneshore United Ramusok United 0–1 Crawford City FC AC Holmenkollen 0–0 Versiaville OAS Royal FC 2–1 Cassandra City Samaj FC 1–0 Mallox FC Kaldukosic 1–0 FC Samotath Zakhoro Aces 1–6 Real Azuris West Gundar FC 5–0 IFK Aldenskoett Eastweald 0–0 Treftadaeth Alliance
That's it. Shut it down. Let's go home. Real Azuris clinch the title in emphatic fashion, obliterating Zakhoro Aces like a hurricane after watching Eastweald choke against Alliance earlier in the afternoon and smelling the golden trophy within reach. The whole season has been another masterful management job by Lujendra Mescalin. The build-up to it started all the way back at the beginning of last season as the transition began. And it culminated with this, one of the most dominant campaigns in recent Cosumarite memory. For the fourth time in five years, Real Azuris are the 1008 COCANEFA Harlighet Ligan Champions. It was a perfect win for the occasion too, as crucial contributors like Sean Fraser, Ronan Bowditch, Andrew Arrowsword, Florentin Lachance (twice) and Hector Grier (representing the whole back line) all got to experience contributing a goal to a trophy-winning match. As a minor consolation on the day, Eastweald were the second club to clinch a UICA berth. But that will do little to salve the heartache of what is looking like YET ANOTHER second-place season. The Elves shouldn't get complacent yet though, because OAS Royal are looking hungrily at that second Champions' Cup spot after dispatching Cassandra City with great goals from Tathtauré and Montag.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 32 Stoneshore United 0–1 Eastweald Treftadaeth Alliance 2–0 West Gundar FC IFK Aldenskoett 0–2 Zakhoro Aces Real Azuris 1–1 FC Kaldukosic FC Samotath 3–6 Samaj FC Mallox 1–1 OAS Royal FC Cassandra City 1–2 AC Holmenkollen Versiaville 1–1 Ramusok United Crawford City FC 0–0 Na'Malsille Mariners
Real Azuris are given a champions' reception by their home supporters at Massemord Stadium, including a tifo of an ornate 6 in honor of the club's record sixth championship. They would coast to a sluggish 1-1 draw with Kaldukosic, but not even that could quash the celebratory atmosphere in Azuris. Outside of the new epicenter of Cosumarite football, Aces men Kot and Ebuzoeme sucker-punched the desperate Aldenskoettians to assure themselves safety at IFK's expense, fellow battlers Versiaville and Mariners picked up valuable and hard-earned points, and OAS Royal became the third club to lock up a UICA spot by virtue of Tathtauré's 24th-minute equalizer at Mallox. The Vanorian has really caught fire here in the latter stages of the season. In the midtable deadzone where there is nothing to play for, Samaj-Samotath pretty much devolved into an end-to-end backyard shootout for the hell of it after both sides went down to 10 men early in the second half. The Hunters' younger legs ended up being the difference as Ross Rowe redirected everything sent into the box towards Etton's goal and came out with a hat trick.
Harlighet Ligan Matchday 33 Crawford City FC 2–0 Stoneshore United Na'Malsille Mariners 4–5 Versiaville Ramusok United 0–3 Cassandra City AC Holmenkollen 1–0 Mallox OAS Royal FC 3–1 FC Samotath Samaj FC 4–2 Real Azuris FC Kaldukosic 4–1 IFK Aldenskoett Zakhoro Aces 2–0 Treftadaeth Alliance West Gundar FC 2–1 Eastweald
Holy shit, what a huuuuge stunner in The Western Isles! People have assumed Versiaville would go down for months now - that's about how long they've occupied the foot of the table - but they might've just saved their season by saving their most in-sync attacking display of the season for this... this crucial relegation six-pointer with the Mariners on the penultimate matchday, the futures of both clubs hanging in the balance. It was one of those gripping, back-and-forth matches with countless momentum shifts that made it impossible to guess who was going to come out on top until the final whistle. Mariners striker Aldo Cosuman spanked a composed shot home on the half-turn in the 10th minute to get the flags waving at Varela Road, but Verisaville struck back on the double via longtime midfield partners Marlborough and Koropia in rapid succession. Amenel would restore Na'Malsille confidences in the 42nd minute with a tapped finish of Petrov's cheeky rabona assist in the six-yard box, only for Versiaville to once again take the lead just before half-time (Ribos low shot on the break). The first twenty minutes of the second half were an intense deadlock until Na'Matsoo broke into the box and polished off Milford Wolfe's long cross from the touchline, controlling it with a classy first touch. 3-3! But that's when Ribos took over for Versiaville with sheer force-of-will. The big springy center-forward headed home two set-pieces in the span of three minutes to break the match open 5-3 in the blink of an eye. Not just ordinary headers either - the first off Koropia's free kick was fucking immaculate. Maston had no chance to stop it from spinning into the upper side-netting. Ribos' marker on both occasions, veteran defender Snorri Erkins, will feel the scorn of Na'Malsille for weeks or months after being bullied so easily in such vital moments. With fifteen minutes remaining and Ejegefe Na'Safeh urging his team to fight on, the Mariners finally pulled one back to make it 5-4 (Amenel again), hinting at another twist in the script. But this time the equalizer never came as the experience of Nodtveit and Breton tightened the screws for Versiaville. The Villagers haven't escaped the autodrop yet, but that performance was massive.
SEASON FINALE: Harlighet Ligan Matchday 34
Here's what's at stake in all of the last matches. Unlike the last few years, every single match has something significant on the line for at least one combatant. That means there is NO meaningless football on the Harlighet Ligan Championship Sunday!
West Gundar FC @ Stoneshore United: Really, all clubs outside the top three (Azuris, Eastweald, OAS) have been pretty mediocre this year. But that played to the benefit for West Gundar, who have taken advantage of the mess to sneak in as a frontrunner among the half-dozen or so clubs competing for the remaining two UICA spots. WGFC are currently clinging to 5th with 46 points, but there are three teams with 45 points nipping at their heels. They will need to win to hold on to it. Dejected Stoneshore have nothing to play for, but usually put up a fight at home.
Zakhoro Aces @ Eastweald: Eastweald (56 points) seemed a lock for 2nd, but they've stumbled a time too many since their title hopes were finally extinguished, leaving the door open for red-hot OAS Royal (55 points) to bump them from the Champions' Cup if they fail to square away carefree Zakhoro at home.
FC Kaldukosic @ Treftadaeth Alliance: Kal have clinched UICA play and are practically locked into 4th, but could potentially slide to fifth if they fall at Ashen Point and West Gundar triumph down in Stoneshore. Trefta are mathematically alive for the top five with a win and a perfect string of other results, but realistically they'll just be looking for a result to maintain top half and reaffirm the top-half quality season they've had.
Samaj FC @ IFK Aldenskoett: The Hunters climbed to safety with an inspired late-season surge, but IFK weren't so fortunate. The plucky club from the north's impressive stint in the Harlighet Ligan will end at five seasons unless they win - and might still even then. Two of IFK (33 pts), Mariners (34 pts) and Versiaville (35 pts) will be dropped automatically and the lone survivor will test fate in the Relegation Playoff.
OAS Royal FC @ Real Azuris: A scintillating fixture under the lights of Massemord Stadium to close the season. The champions (and soon to be trophy-lifters) at home against the league's current form leaders (that's right, Royal are undefeated in 11). Constantine Champali's debut season in the royal district can only be considered a success regardless, but he would love to cap it with a signature win and maybe steal 2nd and humiliate Eastweald in the process.
AC Holmenkollen @ FC Samotath: The least important match of the day - both sides are comfortably midtable. But Holmenkollen do have a fighter's chance at snagging the fifth UICA spot if they get really, really lucky. Knowing how adrenaline-fueled high-stakes games often go in Samotath, this could quickly escalate into an unabashed goalfest.
Ramusok United @ Mallox FC: Under immense pressure, Ramusok United need to win at The Orange Palace to make the Globe Cup. Gareth Bournemouth's job might be on the line. Mallox's own UICA hopes may have collapsed here in the final month of the season, but pride and tradition will ensure they fight tooth and nail to spoil United's ambitions.
Na'Malsille Mariners @ Cassandra City: Now this will be a juicy one. 100% passion and focus from both teams as the 17th-place Mariners frantically pursue the three points needed to dodge relegation and T6th-place Cassandra City frantically pursue the three points needed to salvage a failed title defense and get back into the Globe Cup. A draw would screw both sides, so expect both Na'Safeh and Mancini to really go for it.
Crawford City FC @ Versiaville: Great timing for a West Coast Derby, but there are more than bragging rights on the line. Like IFK, their streak of five top-flight seasons is on the line. Unlike IFK and Mariners, Brian Emerson's side controls its own destiny and can definitively avoid to autodrop with a win. Versiaville Pavilion will be stuffed past capacity for this match that means so much to so many in the far northwest.
Stoneshore United 1–0 West Gundar FC Eastweald 0–1 Zakhoro Aces Treftadaeth Alliance 0–1 FC Kaldukosic IFK Aldenskoett 0–3 Samaj FC Real Azuris 0–0 OAS Royal FC FC Samotath 0–2 AC Holmenkollen Mallox 2–2 Ramusok United Cassandra City 2–2 Na'Malsille Mariners Versiaville 0–1 Crawford City FC
A little anti-climatic compared to some of the jaw-dropping finales the Harlighet Ligan has seen. The much-hyped Real-Royal showcase ends up being a scoreless snoozefest, handing the second Champions' Cup place to Eastweald even though they were equally disappointing on the day. That's the fourth 2nd-place finish in six seasons for Eastweald. IFK Aldenskoett and Versiaville both sorely disappoint their vocal home supporters in relegation showdowns, but Versiaville at least will live to die another day thanks to former Zakhoro Ace Dwaro Na'Tule equalizing for Cassandra to undercut Na'Malsille's survival bid in the 81st minute. That's back to Sekundar Ligan with the Eagles and Mariners. Paaron Petrov's dream of simply helping the Mariners survive a single Harlighet Ligan season will have to remain unfulfilled, though the 39-year-old has refused to confirm his retirement yet. The hotly-contested fifth and final UICA place, which no fewer than six teams could've ended up with, fell into the hands of AC Holmenkollen - to everybody's surprise - when their valiant clean sheet win at Alesund Stadion was freakishly complemented by all the other contenders drawing or losing. "Our goal at the beginning of the season was to finish in the top five. We never lost sight of that even as we experienced some setbacks and people on the outside cast us off," star defender and captain Taddeo Loredan said. "I knew that if we fought hard today and got a result that anything could happen and, well, that's what happened. You'll be seeing the Cedars in the Globe Cup again...and you'd better get used to it."
Promotion/Relegation Playoff
The incumbent Harlighet Ligan club has emerged victorious from the last few pro-rel playoffs against 3rd-placed Sekundar Ligan hopefuls. That fortunate club was Versiaville as recently as two years ago, when they turned away Ziemelu Skaida. Would the Villagers get lucky again with Pelethas United their opponent this time? A team with vestiges remaining from their last stay in the Harlighet Ligan (midfielder Ryan Carmichael and Barunia goalkeeper Rose Kingsley), the Miners promised to be a stronger challenger.
And that they were. Young Semar striker Kare Saxmark, United's leading scorer in the Sekundar Ligan campaign, delivered the first blow in the 15th minute, ghosting into the box and sweeping home Carmichael's splicing through ball. As the crimson-and-gold shirts swarmed in celebration, Brian Emerson shouted new instructions to his dismayed players. Just under twenty minutes later, they equalized on a bendy free kick from Asher Larned after Feri Koropia went sprawling over Babaturk's shoelaces at the left corner of the box. 1-1! And so it stayed all the way until the final whistle. Chances were hard to come by, though goalkeepers MacAmlaigh and Kingsley each delivered a couple crucial saves when called upon.
So too came and went the first half of extra time. With both midfields spinning their wheels fruitlessly, both sets of supporters on-hand began to sense that it would all be decided on the dreaded roll of the dice that is a penalty shootout. But such are the moments when one individual's brilliance can rise to the surface and change everything. On this day, that individual was 18-year-old Pelethas substitute attacker Saltorius Splitt. In the 111th minute, Miners manager Euan Jersey called the promising but raw teenager's number in a stroke of genius. Saltorius immediately changed the feel of the game with his fresh legs and decisiveness. Less than two minutes after coming on, he snaked his way in behind Augustine Breton, took on fullback Larsen one-on-one and made a fool of him before cutting side and rifling back across the grain to the near post. The entire cities of Versiaville and Pelethas held their beath... GOOOOAAAAL!!!! Saltorius Splitt for Pelethas United! 2-1!
Versiaville 1-1 (1-2 AET) Pelethas United
Well, how about that! Six years later, Pelethas United bring Harlighet Ligan football back to the southern coast again.
will compete in the 1009 COCANEFA Harlighet Ligan at the expense of
GOLDEN BALL (MVP): 1. RW Ronan Bowditch (Golden Ball) 2. CM Jo de Marisco 3. GK August Ozuna 4. CB Viviano Milani 5. ST Andrew Arrowsword
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: 1. CB Viviano Milani 2. ST Jason Goulding 3. CM Rowan Gawain 4. CF Pepito Feliciano 5. LB Hugo Cartensen
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (U21): 1. ST Andrew Arrowsword (18) 2. ST Romikk Valgard (20) 3. ST Lili Riprov (19) 4. RAM Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir (20) 5. LM Bellerophon Serafino (21)
GOAL-SCORING CHART: 21 - Ronan Bowditch (Golden Boot) 20 - Curtis Théberge - [MRT] Dan Quesadillas - Kevin Stabb 17 - Mursill Lubiflor - Jason Goulding 16 - Pepito Feliciano - Galasgoldas Tathtauré - Ross Rowe 15 - Andrew Arrowsword - Elena Culbreth 14 - Teor Rwang - Oskar Montag - Bogwa - Miroslav Vorobyov - Gwinevra Harmonium 13 - Thia Ribos - Clayton Bordeau-Desjardins 12 - Adiyah Amenel - Alistair Redalen - Robin Geirsson - Jorit Van Kruistum - Fjóla Sigurjónsdóttir 11 - Marcos Zelaya - Kostas Postecoglou - Federico Kot - Romikk Valgard 10 - Randwë Nhatandal - Kim Coultan - Lili Riprov
The Cosumarite Courier Team of the Season:
GK - August Ozuna (Golden Glove) LB - Kelkath Pawlukiewicz CB - Viviano Milani CB - Jefferson RB - Mortimer Chisenhall LM - Alex Rocket CM - Florentin Lachance CM - Jo de Marisco RM - Ronan Bowditch ST - [MRT] Dan Quesadillas ST - Kevin Stabb
Manager - Lujendra Mescalin
Semifinals
Semifinals locations randomly drawn from list of eligible venues; King's Cup Final always played at The Royal Palace
Klyde FC 1-4 Crawford City FC @ Fire River Arena (80.000), Ramusok, Ramusok Fief
Klyde might be going back up next year, and they might be former Cup champions, but they look worse than a Sekundar Ligan club in this stinker. Despite a sizable home advantage straight across the bay in Ramusok, the disorganized and hesitant Doves are overwhelmed by the quality and precision of CCFC in the final third. Guilliver is the man of the match with a brace, though he owes much to a phenomenal Coultan assist and dangerous wingers Van Kruistum and Postecoglou causing constant worry.
OAS Royal FC 2-3 Real Azuris @ SweetHaven Stadium (70.000), Port Stoneshore, Stoneshore Fief
What a match and what a treat for the fans in Stoneshore! For the neutrals and Azuris ones, that is. OAS Royal have a 2-0 lead in the 77th minute (Alex Rocket and Ellie Hanger goals) but bungle their chance to get back to the Final for the second straight year. Real's Big Three of Fraser, Bowditch and Arrowsword strike one after the other in the final fifteen minutes (in that order) to ride out as 3-2 winners. Why is no one surprised? Everything has seemed to go Real Azuris' way this season. It's more than mere luck that they will now challenge for their fourth domestic trophy in three years.
FINAL
Jehan Bair's first season in Crawford has been a mixed bag, but a trophy would be a definitive sign of progress. Meanwhile, Lujendra Mescalin would love to make Real's dominance of Cosumar absolute with another domestic double. Having already wrapped up the Harlighet Ligan, a win against Crawford would make him the first manager to achieve the double twice.
CCFC-Azuris is a rematch of the King's Cup Final from two years ago. In that game, Real Azuris won 3-1 to lift the King's Cup for the first time after two failed previous attempts. This time, Crawford will be going for revenge to lift it for their first time. It would also be Crawford's first major trophy of the modern Harlighet Ligan era.
So let's get to it!
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5' - Lachance: Cacophony rings at Royal Palace! We've got a goal already! Floretin Lachance with an exquisite chip of poorly-positioned Theoklitos from quite a fair distance! The Audioslavian has to be one of the most consistent performers in the league.
40' - Arrowsword nearly doubles Real's lead off a scooped feed from Sybill that found him behind the Crawford backline. But Theoklitos managed to make a reaction kick-save to keep the Cenian's hurried shot out.
56' - Yellow card for Sean Fraser that could've very easily been a game-changing red. He slid studs-up into Marshall from behind. He must be careful for the rest of the game.
90' - After ninety minutes of futility, Crawford almost notch a devastating equalizer on the brink of stoppage time! Kostas Postecoglou uses his pace to break free and set himself up one-on-one with August Ozuna, but the young goalkeeper manages to deflect his attempt away with a diving save.
CRAWFORD CITY FC 0-1 REAL AZURIS @ The Royal Palace (54,000), Ramusok, Ramusok Fief
Real Azuris achieve the third League/Cup double in modern history, with one of the previous two also being there's just two years ago. It is their second King's Cup victory, matching Eastweald's leading tally of two and upping their all-time record in the Final to 2-2. CCFC are the second club to lose two King's Cup Finals after Real themselves.
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King's Cup X Champions - REAL AZURIS
20th Season - Lower Leagues
Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 10:43 pm
by Cosumar
After a hesitant start, Klyde go on to roll through their first (and hopefully last) Sekundar Ligan season with ease, winning 21 games and amassing a frightening +41 goal-difference. Deon Partell was clinical in front of goal all season and his service from the likes of Farkanhan, Skarsgaard and Writhlin was consistently excellent. The Doves' quality was just a notch above everyone else. The only club close to rivaling them were runners-up Olask Islanders, who similarly end their stay in the second division at just two seasons. Eshani winger Noah Silvio was their chief chance creator, supported by a hardy defense and exuberant young supporting cast up top. Pelethas United will also tag along up to the Harlighet Ligan after Saltorius Splitt's now-famous playoff heroics. Also newsworthy is that Goldstaff City were very close to potentially taking United's place and earning their first ever top-flight promotion. Also, Pardock Island have been relegated to Tredje Ligan for the first time in nearly 20 years.