United Hoofball Association

by **Equestrian States** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:42 pm

Reserved for Season 4 (EQS Leagues)

by **Crystal Ponies** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:42 pm

Reserved for Season 4 (CRY Leagues)

by **Equestrian States** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:42 pm

Reserved for Season 4 (United Cup)

by **Equestrian States** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:43 pm

SEASON 5 RESULTS

   United League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Crystopolis City              38   25   4   9    85   54  +31    79   Champions' Cup
 2 Ponyville United              38   24   6   8    82   48  +34    78   Champions' Cup
 3 Cloudsdale Flyers             38   20  10   8    65   33  +32    70   Globe Cup
 4 Canterlot Royals              38   21   6  11    73   50  +23    69   Globe Cup
 5 Canterlot Stars               38   18  11   9    72   51  +21    65   Globe Cup
 6 Whitetail Foresters           38   18  10  10    71   58  +13    64   Globe Cup
 7 Stalliongrad HC               38   19   7  12    61   58   +3    64
 8 Appleoosa HC                  38   18   6  14    59   53   +6    60
 9 Southwind HC                  38   15  12  11    59   48  +11    57   Globe Cup
10 Manehattan Dragons            38   15   9  14    53   51   +2    54
11 Crystal City United           38   14  10  14    63   67   −4    52   Globe Cup
12 Manechester United            38   14   9  15    55   63   −8    51
13 Everfree Forest HC            38   13  12  13    48   49   −1    51
14 Trottingham Pirates           38   12  12  14    49   58   −9    48
15 North Spire HC                38   12   8  18    48   54   −6    44
16 Fillydelphia HC               38   11   8  19    62   78  −16    41
17 New Cloudsdale Colonists      38    7   9  22    43   70  −27    30
18 Ponyville Galaxy              38    6   9  23    34   65  −31    27
19 Cloudsdale Colts              38    7   5  26    37   80  −43    26   Relegated
20 Manechester City HC           38    6   7  25    48   79  −31    25   Relegated

Champions' Cup (EQS)
Champions' Cup (CRY)
Globe Cup (EQS)
Globe Cup (CRY)
Relegation

SECOND LEAGUE
SEASON 5 RESULTS

   Second League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Crystal Fair HC               38   27   9   2    85   31  +54    90   Promoted, SBCC
 2 Seaddle Sounders              38   20   7  11    76   50  +26    67   Promoted, SBCC
 3 Manetreal Impact              38   20   7  11    66   47  +19    67   SBCC
 4 Seaddle Rage                  38   20   6  12    58   45  +13    66   SBCC
 5 Whitetail Rangers             38   19   7  12    61   47  +14    64   SBCC
 6 Trottawa HC                   38   16  13   9    54   44  +10    61   SBCC
 7 Manehattan Manticores         38   16  12  10    71   42  +29    60   SBCC
 8 Birminghoof Braves            38   17   8  13    59   49  +10    59
 9 Whinniesport Chargers         38   17   6  15    55   53   +2    57
10 Baltimare Broncos             38   16   7  15    64   70   −6    55
11 Real Maredrid                 38   16   5  17    57   62   −5    53
12 Scoltland City                38   13  10  15    56   57   −1    49   SBCC
13 Royal Crystal Palace          38   12  12  14    51   48   +3    48
14 Derbyshire War Horses         38   12  11  15    55   63   −8    47
15 Fillydelphia Union            38   12   8  18    46   63  −17    44
16 Salt Lick City HC             38   10   8  20    28   59  −31    38
17 Crystal Guard HC              38   10   7  21    38   60  −22    37
18 Stalliongrad Ironponies       38    9   9  20    47   66  −19    36
19 Trotheim United               38    8   7  23    42   73  −31    31   Relegated
20 Grand Royal HC                38    7   7  24    30   70  −40    28   Relegated

Series B Champions' Cup (EQS)
Series B Champions' Cup (CRY)
Relegation

THIRD LEAGUE
SEASON 5 RESULTS

   Third League                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Mareseilles HC                38   23   8   7    83   49  +34    77   Promoted
 2 Oatlahoma City Thunder        38   22   9   7    74   34  +40    75   Promoted
 3 Baltimare Dynamo              38   23   5  10    67   33  +34    74
 4 Detrot Assault                38   20   9   9    69   50  +19    69
 5 Palace Grounds HC             38   19  10   9    75   55  +20    67
 6 Las Pegasus Blues             38   18  12   8    56   38  +18    66
 7 Crystal City HC               38   18   9  11    59   48  +11    63
 8 South Spire United            38   15  14   9    73   60  +13    59
 9 Southward Station             38   17   7  14    56   55   +1    58
10 Mareseilles City              38   16   7  15    56   55   +1    55
11 Mareami Heat                  38   14   9  15    72   69   +3    51
12 Royal Crystopolis             38   14   8  16    58   60   −2    50
13 Manesterdam Foxes             38   13  10  15    56   67  −11    49
14 Whitecrystal North            38   13   8  17    59   76  −17    47
15 Maneapolis Stars              38   10   9  19    42   60  −18    39
16 Crystal Palace HC             38    8  13  17    51   59   −8    37
17 Coltenhagen Magic             38    9   8  21    59   80  −21    35
18 Royal Trotheim                38    7   9  22    51   88  −37    30
19 Foalson Victory               38    4  13  21    36   68  −32    25   Relegated
20 West Park                     38    5   7  26    32   80  −48    22   Relegated

Promotion
Relegation

FOURTH LEAGUE
SEASON 5 RESULTS

   Fourth League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Hoofington Flames             38   22  13   3    75   36  +39    79   Promoted
 2 Featherwood Hydras            38   22   8   8    68   42  +26    74   Promoted
 3 Whitecrystal South            38   20  13   5    72   49  +23    73
 4 Sporting Crystopolis          38   21   8   9    66   42  +24    71
 5 Trottawa Express              38   20  10   8    75   58  +17    70
 6 Fairflanks Ice Ponies         38   19   9  10    56   40  +16    66
 7 Crystal Heart City            38   17   7  14    71   61  +10    58
 8 Neighjing Fire                38   17   7  14    71   62   +9    58
 9 Trotting Crystal City         38   16   9  13    53   55   −2    57
10 Starland South HC             38   16   8  14    75   62  +13    56
11 Hoofington HC                 38   15  10  13    54   57   −3    55
12 Pranceton HC                  38   17   3  18    63   54   +9    54
13 Sweet Apple City              38   14   7  17    59   62   −3    49
14 North Library                 38   10  11  17    43   51   −8    41
15 Sacramaneto Eagles            38   11   6  21    50   71  −21    39
16 Richmount Kickers             38   11   6  21    49   66  −17    39   Relegated to Equestrian Premiership
17 Neighcaster United            38    9  10  19    56   71  −15    37
18 Marestricht                   38    9   8  21    49   75  −26    35   Relegated to Diamond League
19 Brismane Islanders            38    8   8  22    44   76  −32    32   Relegated to Equestrian Premiership
20 HC Hevosinki                  38    3   5  30    34   93  −59    14   Relegated to Diamond League

Promotion
Relegation

by **Equestrian States** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:43 pm

Reserved for Season 5 (EQS Leagues)

by **Crystal Ponies** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:44 pm

Reserved for Season 5 (CRY Leagues)

by **Equestrian States** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:44 pm

Reserved for Season 5 (United Cup)

by **Equestrian States** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:45 pm

United League: Season 6 Preview
by Steve McNotapony

It's that time again folks! The United League season is right around the corner, and hoofball supporters throughout the Equestrian States and Crystal Empire are eagerly anticipating their clubs' first match.

Once again, an lively transfer window has had a noticeable impact on the league's balance of power, especially near the top of the table, with the Canterlot Royals and Ponyville United hanging onto their most prized assets while the Cloudsdale Flyers and defending champions Crystopolis City each lost at least one of their key players from last season. Elsewhere, Globe Cup contenders Appleoosa, Everfree Forest, Stalliongrad, and Whitetail all made additions to their squads which they hope will permit them a slight edge in the extremely-competitive race for the much-coveted last couple spots in the tournament. Even clubs expected to be threatened by relegation got involved and their respective purchases and sales could play a major role in determining who stays up and who will drop down to the Second League.

Speaking of relegation, changes to the structure of the league pyramid that are scheduled to take effect next season will see the bottom three teams relegated from the United League's top flight at the end of the upcoming season instead of the usual two. Meanwhile, the additional third spot in the United League will be decided by a playoff among the Second League's 3rd-6th place clubs, with the playoff winner joining the top two finishers in the top flight next season. As expected, supporters of clubs which are regularly involved in fight to avoid relegation aren't very pleased with the new spot they'll need to worry about, while Second League fans are overjoyed at the additional opportunity to see their club promoted to the United League.

With the race for the United League title expected to be closer than ever before, the number of clubs with a chance at securing Globe Cup action higher than in any past season, and the expansion of the relegation zone injecting new life into clubs at the bottom of the table hoping to avoid the drop, this season is shaping up to be the most exciting - or, at least, the most interesting - in United League history. There's something for every club to fight for, so let's take a look at the teams, where they stand now, and how they're likely to do this season.

Appleoosa HC
Manager:

Applestar
Home Stadium: Apple Orchard Park (cap. 52,680) in Appleoosa, Equestrian States
Last Season: 18-6-14 (8th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Cornflower from

Cloudsdale Flyers on Loan
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Barrel Roll (GK, #1);

Lorenzo Jinalii (DF, #2);

Twister (DF, #4);

Sunrise Spark (DF, #3);

Hokalesqua (DF, #20);

Matteo Grazzani (MF, #8);

Youngheart (MF, #5);

Apple Pie (MF, #9);

Antinanco (MF, #16);

Cornflower (FW, #11);

Appleshine (FW, #10)

Young Appleoosa Squad Hoping to Crash Globe Cup Party
Despite narrowly missing out on a Globe Cup berth last season thanks to a dreadful start to their campaign, the Harvesters enter this season full of optimism. After first signing Cornflower on loan for a second spell, Appleoosa manager Applestar dove back into the loan market and emerged with Ponyville United's Twister, a 17 year-old defender who might one day feature for the Equestrian national team. Then, just to add to her already young squad, Applestar swooped in and stole Manechester City's talented teenage right back, Sunrise Spark, for $2.6 million. With a starting XI that features six under-21s and several veteran internationals, Appleoosa HC appears to have a bright future and might finally be able to break into the Globe Cup with a little luck this season. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 7th in United League

Canterlot Royals
Manager:

Twilight Striker
Home Stadium: Grand Regal Stadium (cap. 81,955) in Canterlot, Equestrian States
Last Season: 21-6-11 (4th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Rose Quartz from

Canterlot Stars for $5.5 million
Starting Players (3-5-2):

Amberlocks (GK, #1);

Horus (DF, #2);

Rose Quartz (DF, #4);

Shimura Kazu (DF, #8);

Rapid Dash (MF, #10);

David Köhler (MF, #5);

Andres de Colorado (MF, #7);

Marco Castell (MF, #19);

Lightning Streak (MF, #3);

Marílinha (FW, #9);

Berry Splash (FW, #11)

For Royals' Aging Stars, Window of Opportunity is Closing
What's wrong with the Canterlot Royals these days? With a talented roster full of capped internationals and one of the United League's best coaching staffs led by former national team manager Twilight Striker, the Royals should be regularly competing for league titles and the Equestrian States' Champions' Cup berth, but instead find themselves finishing almost every season and rarely making a mark in the Globe Cup. Most analysts attribute the Royals' relative lack of success to the age of their star midfielders who may be past their prime, though recent signings over the last couple seasons such as Rose Quartz, Shimura Kazu, and Berry Splash all bring youthful energy to an aging but very experienced squad. And although Marco Castell and Amberlocks have seen their respective national team managers cut their international playing time, they're both still talented players who are in their prime. However, for midfielders Rapid Dash and David Köhler, time is running out to end a trophy drought that has plagued the Canterlot Royals ever since they won the league back in the first season that Equestrian clubs competed in UICA tournaments. With a little luck, the Royals could end that painfully long run of close calls this year with their current talent, but that luck has evaded the Royals for more than a few seasons and I suspect that supporters will once again be forced to settle for the Globe Cup. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 4th in United League; Globe Cup

Canterlot Stars
Manager:

Pearly White
Home Stadium: Star Stadium (cap. 59,250) in Canterlot, Equestrian States
Last Season: 18-11-9 (5th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Redtooth from

Stalliongrad HC for $5.5 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Nightflame (GK, #1);

Marco Fantinelli (DF, #4);

Redtooth (DF, #15);

Rainboom Flyer (DF, #14);

Xena (DF, #6);

Jermaine Poole (MF, #7);

Mikko Gravesen (MF, #11);

Primrose Evergreen (MF, #9);

Blue Skies (MF, #8);

Isshiki Mika (FW, #10);

Fantina Zirome (FW, #5)

Ambitious Stars Target Top Four Finish
Although the Canterlot Stars have historically been overshadowed by their rival club in the Equestrian capital, the "other" club from Canterlot may finally be reversing its recent poor fortune. After replacing most of her first team squad last season, manager Pearly White led the Stars to their best finish since the formation of the United League, allowing the club to finally return to UICA competition after a lengthy absence. Though the sale of Rose Quartz, an experienced but still very young defender, will likely hurt the Stars in the back a fair bit, purchasing former Equestrian U-21 center back Redtooth from Stalliongrad should go a long way in making up for the loss of the international-caliber defender. Perhaps most importantly for the Stars' faithful supporters is the incredible amount of young talent in the first team, with only Xena being over 24 years-old, and that youth comes with boundless optimism and ambition. Pearly White has gone on record that her goal this season is top break the hegemony of the United League's top four, which has consisted of the Canterlot Royals, Cloudsdale Flyers, Crystopolis City, and Ponyville United in all but one of the United League's five seasons. While it may be too much to expect a breakthrough this season, the Stars are definitely on an upwards trend and will likely be contenders within the next few years. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 5th in United League; Globe Cup

Cloudsdale Flyers
Manager:

Maarten Berg
Home Stadium: Sky-High Coliseum (cap. 65,000) in Cloudsdale, Equestrian States
Last Season: 20-10-8 (3rd in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Cloudchaser to

La Nueva Avenida for $18 million
Starting Players (4-5-1):

High Soarin' (GK, #1);

Erauso Iburrusteta (DF, #4);

Joachim Karlsen (DF, #3);

Sunlight (DF, #11);

Akechi Naruko (DF, #7);

Saten Ruiko (MF, #6);

Løver Storås (MF, #12);

Sapphire Rose (MF, #10);

Nightwing (MF, #5);

Rippling Breeze (MF, #14);

Ezio Grassi (FW, #9)

Flyers Eying Rebound After Disappointing Season
Maarten Berg probably would've liked to start his reign as manager of the Cloudsdale Flyers a bit better than he did. Widely considered early favorites to claim the United League title last season, the Flyers' boasted the league's most talented squad, with their new Polarian manager taking over for Mad Dash, who had sprung at the opportunity to manage the Kazamatsuri national team. Cloudsdale's season got off to a fantastic start, winning their first match on the road at Stalliongrad by an incredible 7-2 score, which they followed up with a 2-0 home victory against Crystopolis City. Though the season saw the Flyers' form fluctuate somewhat erratically, Cloudsdale sat just two points out of first place with five matches left to play. However, a subsequent draw against the Canterlot Royals in which the Flyers surrendered a late 2-0 lead dealt a serious blow to the team's morale, and just two matches later, the Flyers were eliminated from the title race in a 1-0 defeat to Appleoosa; a loss which also virtually eliminated any hopes Cloudsdale had of returning to the Champions' Cup, and thus despite a strong start, the Flyers finished just third in the league. Although the loss of Equestrian national team captain Cloudchaser to Farfadillis's La Nueva Avenida will hurt the Flyers' midfield depth, Maarten Berg's squad still must be considered one of the league's most talented and is more than capable of lifting the trophy at the end of the season. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 2nd in United League; Globe Cup

Crystal City United
Manager:

Hearti
Home Stadium: Heartland Stadium (cap. 46,750) in Crystal City, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 14-10-14 (11th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Pearly Shores from

Canterlot Royals for $2.5 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Ardent (GK, #8);

Pearly Shores (DF, #6);

Toastie (DF, #2);

Gilded Emerald (DF, #7);

Arda (DF, #4);

Paradise (MF, #9);

Diamond Heart (MF, #11);

Jaded Fury (MF, #5);

Kalle Hope (MF, #3);

Crystal Arrow (FW, #10);

Misty (FW, #12)

Crystal City Retains Crystal Arrow's Services Another Season Despite Rumors
The top story for Crystal City United has been the same for the last several years: will the Crystal Stars finally sell Crystal Arrow? And the answer to that burning question remains the same as well: no. Easily the Crystal Empire's top striker, Crystal Arrow has been linked to every top club in the United League and a handful of foreign ones on a regular basis, though Crystal City United has repeatedly rejected any advances. However, with the club's best player's contract entering its final year, the Crystal Stars' leadership faces a difficult dilemma and will need to either sign Crystal Arrow to a new long-term deal or find a buyer for their superstar. Should Crystal City fail to re-sign their star striker or sell him, the Crystal Stars may lose Crystal Arrow on a free transfer, which would leave the club without it's top scorer and without the funds to replace him. As such, the Crystal Stars will likely be eager to prove to their superstar that he can still succeed with the club and may yet retain his services another season should they adequately impress. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 10th in United League; Globe Cup

Crystal Fair HC
Manager:

Lunar Dusk
Home Stadium: Crystopolis Coliseum (cap. 35,870) in Crystopolis, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 27-9-2 (1st in Second League)
Biggest Transfer:

Sugar Glass from

Scoltland City for $2.9 million
Starting Players (4-5-1):

Keelie Gold (GK, #1);

Indigo Nocturne (DF, #2);

Hazelnut (DF, #6);

Crystalline Blaze (DF, #14);

Glistening Gold (DF, #4);

Sugar Glass (MF, #21);

Lunar Shadow (MF, #10);

Cinnamon Swirl (MF, #5);

Rafael Murgia (MF, #8);

Steelfeather (MF, #3);

Silver Moon (FW, #9)

After Shattering Second League Records, Crystal Fair Looks to Sustain Success
There was no team in the Second League last season that stood a chance of stopping Crystal Fair, and the Grounders not only were the first club from the Crystal Empire to win the league title and earn promotion to the United League, but also broke virtually every second tier record along the way. Most points in a season? Broken. Largest points margin between a league winner and the runner-up? Broken. Most wins? Broken. Fewest losses? Broken. Fewest goals conceded? Broken. Most clean sheets? Broken. Longest unbeaten streak? Broken. Crystal Fair was simply relentless the entire season, and would've finished with only one loss all season if not for a narrow defeat against already-relegated Trotheim United in a meaningless match on the final day. With the Grounders' success widely being attributed to the tactical brilliance of manager Lunar Dusk and a youth academy which is churning out top-notch players at an insane rate, there's no reason to suspect that Crystal Fair's performance last season was just a fluke. The only real criticism most had of Crystal Fair last year was their lack of a goalscoring attacking midfielder, a concern that was put to rest by the purchase of recently-capped 21 year-old Crystalline international Sugar Glass from Scoltland City, the Second League's leading goalscorer last season among midfielders. While there may be an adjustment period for this talented young squad as they adapt to the rigors of United League play, I believe that they'll manage to stay up another season despite the expanded relegation zone. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 17th in United League

Crystopolis City
Manager:

Ember Mane
Home Stadium: Imperial Arena (cap. 69,740) in Crystopolis, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 25-4-9 (1st in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Krystal to

Burgess FC for $17 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Starshine (GK, #1);

Xavi Vilhjalmsson (DF, #3);

Sunshine Splash (DF, #4);

Blistering Heat (DF, #2);

Ivory (DF, #9);

Akamu (MF, #16);

Boskenna Penhallow (MF, #11);

Princess Jojo (MF, #5);

Fillyfyre (MF, #6);

Jeremy Anselm (FW, #10);

Helia (FW, #20)

Plundered After Winning League, Crystopolis City Faces Uphill Battle to Retain Title
To say that nobody expected that transfer window to rip apart Crystopolis City's United League-winning squad would be a massive understatement. Most experts believed that finally winning the title after coming so close year after year would allow the Royalty to cash in on the transfer market and form a team that could sustain a dynasty akin to that which Ponyville United has boasted over the last decade. Instead, foreign clubs came swooping in from abroad to lure two of the club's best players away with prestige and money. Losing striker Esmeralda to Gloriax's Industus for a mind-boggling fee of $22.5 million certainly hurt, but the real blow came from the loss of the team's captain and midfield superstar Krystal to LigAnaia's Burgess FC for $17 million. The player who had been critical to Crystopolis City's successes over the last six seasons suddenly gone, the Royalty desperately needed to make a big move to replace their departed stars. But despite receiving a whopping $41.7 million from player sales, Ember Mane barely made a dent in even his original budget, only spending $3.8 million to bring in relegated Manechester City star Fillyfyre, who - though young and talented - is hardly a replacement for Krystal. With two of their stars gone and others like Xavi Vilhjalmsson and Jeremy Anselm nearing the ends of their careers, Crystopolis City will not have an easy time defending their title. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 3rd in United League; Champions' Cup

Everfree Forest HC
Manager:

Infinitive
Home Stadium: Wild Grounds (cap. 56,500) in Everfree, Equestrian States
Last Season: 13-12-13 (13th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Decima from

Ponyville United on Loan
Starting Players (3-5-2):

Marcela Guadarrama (GK, #1);

Francisco Tlatenchi (DF, #6);

Ironclaw (DF, #2);

Crimson Mesa (DF, #3);

Ciorstaidh Platform (MF, #10);

Raíssa Capetinha (MF, #7);

Cloud Nine (MF, #9);

Nikki Sunshine (MF, #18);

Shoeshine (MF, #5);

Decima (FW, #20);

Kira Rei (FW, #11)

Everfree Forest's Low-Budget Rebuilding Project Shows Promise
Infinitive may not be the most popular manager in the United League and is far from being its best when it comes to tactics, but one can hardly find any faults in his efforts to transform Everfree Forest's squad from one that might be mistaken for a retirement home's to a younger one that's brimming with talent. Loans for Felixian goalkeeper Marcela Guadarrama and New Cloudsdale's teenage sphinx sensation Decima were both incredibly well-received by supporters that have often been critical of the manager, as was the purchase of Francisco Tlatenchi, a young defender who has been making waves in Legalese as a potential future international star. After long boasting one of the United League's oldest rosters, Everfree Forest now has one of its youngest, with a handful of experienced former internationals to offer leadership and advice to the younger players. It may still be a few years before the club's rabid fans finally reap the rewards, but the future is certainly bright for Everfree Forest. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 9th in United League

Fillydelphia HC
Manager:

Blistering Glaze
Home Stadium: Filly Financial Stadium (cap. 47,950) in Fillydelphia, Equestrian States
Last Season: 11-8-19 (16th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

High Winds from

Manechester United for $1.4 million
Starting Players (4-3-3):

Sandy Shores (GK, #1);

Hammerclaw (DF, #6);

Glowing Mane (DF, #2);

Gorri Zabarte (DF, #4);

Stinger (DF, #5);

Coconut (MF, #3);

Goldilocks (MF, #16);

Tendai (MF, #7);

Milky Way (FW, #10);

High Winds (FW, #9);

Starling (FW, #19)

Free-Falling Fillydelphia Could Face Drop
How the mighty have fallen! Following an incredible third place finish in the United League's inaugural season, things have only gone downhill for Fillydelphia HC, and after last season ended with the club nowhere near a return to the Globe Cup, the board refused to extend Twinkle Shine's contract and replaced the long-time manager with Scoltland City's Blistering Glaze. Supporters were quick to label the appointment a recipe for disaster, with the Crystalline manager hardly well-regarded even in the Second League. With a manager being criticized before a match has even been player and a squad that has been picked apart over the past few seasons, Fillydelphia's future looks bleak and may very well find themselves in the second tier at the start of next season. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 19th in United League; Relegation

Manechester United
Manager:

Hat Trix
Home Stadium: Pony Lands Park (cap. 54,000) in Manechester, Equestrian States
Last Season: 14-9-15 (12th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Elise Belle from

Manechester City HC for $910,000
Starting Players (4-3-3):

Northern Lights (GK, #24);

Pernille Spool (DF, #2);

Apple Bytes (DF, #14);

Haraldr (DF, #3);

Applesong (DF, #8);

Sunstreak (MF, #9);

Autumn Spark (MF, #7);

Starry Night (MF, #15);

Eutimio Salazar (FW, #10);

Cloud Kicker (FW, #12);

Elise Belle (FW, #11)

Manechester Woes Likely to Continue Despite Salazar Success
He might be one of the least popular coaches in the Equestrian States these days, but Manechester United boss Hat Trix can hardly be blamed for his club's recent shortcomings. The Red Diablos have never been able to attract many top-class hoofballers and often see their position on the league table inflated by their manager's cunning, which somewhat makes up for the lack of talent. Thus, last season's purchase of Felixian international Eutimio Salazar must be considered one of the year's top moves as Salazar did more than any other player on the team to get results. With the club's only notable additions being made in the back, the Felixian striker will once again be called upon to provide the team's main goalscoring threat, though Manechester United seems likely to finish mid-table yet again regardless of Salazar's form. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 13th in United League

OOC Note: Preview continued in next post...

by **Equestrian States** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:46 pm

Manehattan Dragons
Manager:

Mariner
Home Stadium: Derby Field (cap. 65,000) in Manehattan, Equestrian States
Last Season: 15-9-14 (10th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Orion Comet from

Cloudsdale Flyers on Loan
Starting Players (4-3-3):

Airheart (GK, #1);

Berry Frost (DF, #4);

Cassandra (DF, #3);

Lucas Galhardo (DF, #23);

Kisecawchuck (DF, #2);

Mira Pejić (MF, #8);

Spring Skies (MF, #7);

Cold Foundation (MF, #11);

Orion Comet (FW, #12);

Karmen Matijević (FW, #10);

Farsight (FW, #9)

Mariner Hopes for Continued Improvement
Perhaps one of the most-unappreciated Equestrian managers out there, Mariner has been on the shortlist for recent openings at Ponyville United and Cloudsdale Flyers but will return to lead the Manehattan Dragons for another season after being passed over by a big club once again. The former boss of the Seaddle Sounders and Astograth's Royal Association has often been praised for his ability to get the very best from his players, and even finished third in Astograthian Manager of the Year voting after leading the club, which had widely been expected to be relegated, to a comfortable mid-table finish. Now in charge of the Manehattan Dragons, Mariner has continued to impress by building a squad which can be lethal on the counter. However, the Dragons' lack of defensive talent has proven costly in recent years and forced them to rely upon Airheart, who - while a capable goalkeeper - is hardly as young as she once was and regularly struggles near the end of matches. However, even with a shaky defense, Mariner's ability to maximize his players' potential could allow the Dragons to finish higher than they would otherwise. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 12th in United League

New Cloudsdale Colonists
Manager:

Guiding Light
Home Stadium: Atlantian Coliseum (cap. 39,500) in New Cloudsdale, Equestrian Overseas Territories
Last Season: 7-9-22 (17th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Dylan Stocks from

Straitside FC for an Undisclosed Fee
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Regal Glory (GK, #1);

Rainbow Shine (DF, #2);

Dylan Stocks (DF, #5);

Diamondheart (DF, #3);

Maelstrom (DF, #4);

Constance (MF, #12);

Golden Chance (MF, #11);

Gleaming Light (MF, #9);

Reyan (MF, #13);

Coinstack (FW, #10);

Dark Star (FW, #7)

Post-Decima New Cloudsdale Targets Survival
Despite selling teenage phenom striker Decima to Ponyville United before last season after a deal with Iturributa United collapsed along with Iturributa, the New Cloudsdale Colonists managed to survive a mediocre first season in the United League even without their leading striker from the year before. At first it appeared the Colonists would comfortably cruise to survival as they floated around mid-table at the halfway point in the season, but a dreadful second half followed and, despite picking up a paltry 9 points in their final 20 matches, the only club in the top tier from outside the Pony Lands lived to see another season in the United League. With relatively few changes made to last season's squad, most expect New Cloudsdale will improve slightly so long as they avoid another horrible run like last year's season-ending one. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 15th in United League

North Spire HC
Manager:

Sentinel Guard
Home Stadium: Spire Grounds (cap. 31,825) in Crystopolis, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 12-8-18 (15th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Methuselah Meeuwessen from

City of Jordan FC for $8.5 million
Starting Players (3-4-3):

Superb Stop (GK, #1);

Blackstone (DF, #2);

Silver Lining (DF, #3);

Braveheart (DF, #14);

Honeycomb (MF, #7);

Methuselah Meeuwessen (MF, #6);

Granite (MF, #11);

Avarda (MF, #9);

Lunar Dawn (FW, #10);

Rapid Rush (FW, #8);

Roxie (FW, #4)

Stagnant Transfer Window Frustrates Northerners
North Spire HC has never been a club to attract much foreign talent, but has instead relied largely upon a superb youth setup and signings from within the Crystal Empire to provide its star players. However, recent seasons have seen a steady decrease in table position for the Northerners, who have watched as local rivals Crystopolis City and top clubs from the Equestrian States have lured many of North Spire's transfer targets from Spire Grounds. Year after year, supporters have called for the club's leadership to look beyond the Pony Lands for new young talents, and this season they finally did, signing Sarian midfielder Methuselah Meeuwessen. But the Northerners' fans remain unhappy with the club, as their roster still lacks any high-profile international stars, which supporters attribute to a lackluster approach to the transfer market by the ownership. Though North Spire regularly performs better than expected, expectations remain low after the Northerners missed the Globe Cup last season for the first time since clubs from the Crystal Empire began participating in UICA competitions. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 14th in United League

Ponyville Galaxy
Manager:

Red Dwarf
Home Stadium: The Observatory (cap. 40,650) in Ponyville, Equestrian States
Last Season: 6-9-23 (18th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Dizzy Doo to

Whitetail Foresters for $3.5 million
Starting Players (4-3-3):

Little McPasteur (GK, #20);

Cherry Blossom (DF, #6);

Good Oats (DF, #16);

Clovis (DF, #3);

Karat (DF, #8);

Melissa Santos (MF, #2);

Daybreak (MF, #11);

Pine Breeze (MF, #5);

Archer (FW, #10);

Golden Glitter (FW, #9);

Jorge Hernandez (FW, #4)

Relegation Race Survivors Galaxy Face Tough Season
After the Ponyville Galaxy started last season by amassing just 8 points in their first 21 games, their only wins coming against teams also in the bottom half of the table, most people thought that the Galaxy would be relegated. But a determined late-season comeback by Ponyville's second-largest club ensured their survival by a lone point much to the relief of the Galaxy's small but loyal base of supporters. In the off-season, the signing of former Equestrian international Good Oats from Appleoosa was seen as a brilliant move by manager Red Dwarf; but just a few days later supporters' excitement was quelled by the sale of promising young midfielder Dizzy Doo, who fans had hoped to hang onto for another year. While the acquisition of Good Oats' experience in back will be of benefit to the club, hanging onto capped Equestrian U21 striker Archer might just save the Galaxy, who struggled to score last season, from relegation this year. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 16th in United League

Ponyville United
Manager:

Simon Jewel
Home Stadium: Elements Stadium (cap. 48,750) in Ponyville, Equestrian States
Last Season: 24-6-8 (2nd in United League)
Biggest Transfer: None
Starting Players (3-5-2):

Mellody Sioux (GK, #1);

Arctic Lily (DF, #3);

Glory Daze (DF, #9);

Ishio Mifune (DF, #12);

Starlight Sparkle (MF, #5);

Vagn Meyer (MF, #8);

Amber Waves (MF, #11);

Ji Iseul Kwan (MF, #7);

Fleur de Verre (MF, #16);

Fire Dash (FW, #10);

Nathaniel Doherty (FW, #6)

Equestrian Titans Look to Reclaim United League Crown
New Ponyville United manager Simon Jewel may not have had enough time to make any new signings after he was hired to replace the legendary Moon Dust at the helm of the Equestrian States' hoofball juggernaut, but he inherits an extremely talented squad with no shortage of international experience. Thanks to Crystopolis City being plundered by foreign clubs after the Crystal Empire's top club dethroned the Equestrian giants that have largely dominated the United League since its founding and were kings of the old Equestrian Premier League long before that, Ponyville United are once again favorites to win the league. However, with stars Fire Dash and Starlight Sparkle entering the twilight of their careers, Jewel will need to keep his eye open for future replacements while at the same time guiding the club to what supporters hope will be a fourth United League title. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 1st in United League; Champions' Cup

Seaddle Sounders
Manager:

Lewis Keenan
Home Stadium: HarmonyLink Field (cap. 67,800) in Seaddle, Equestrian States
Last Season: 20-7-11 (2nd in Second League)
Biggest Transfer:

Blaze from

Seaddle Rage for $3 million
Starting Players (4-3-3):

Ambrosia (GK, #1);

Pathfinder (DF, #2);

Autumn Sky (DF, #19);

Fouiti Blangalamala (DF, #4);

Hansen (DF, #6);

Sapphire Crescent (MF, #10);

Cynebald (MF, #7);

Passion Fruit (MF, #5);

Blaze (FW, #9);

Golden Glory (FW, #8);

Martha Krüger (FW, #11)

Lewis Keenan Takes on Another Challenge
For the second straight season, Nephraim manager Lewis Keenan will take over a recently-promoted Equestrian club that isn't expected to survive more than a season in the United League. Though once regulars in the United League and the Equestrian Premier League before that, the Seaddle Sounders haven't been the same since former manager Mariner sprung at the opportunity to manage in the Astrograthian league. Shortly after Mariner's departure, the Sounders were relegated and promptly forced to sell most of their remaining stars who were understandably uninterested in plying their trade in the Second League. Few players remain from the old Sounders team, and Lewis Keenan will face another challenge after Manechester City were relegated last season despite his best efforts to steer them clear of the drop. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 20th in United League; Relegation

Southwind HC
Manager:

Spitshine
Home Stadium: Starlight Stadium (cap. 36,750) in South Bend, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 15-12-11 (9th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Cedric Pearson from

Wadsworth FC for $3.5 million
Starting Players (3-5-2):

Stellar Save (GK, #1);

Checkmate (DF, #14);

Andressa de Souza (DF, #6);

Lunar Glory (DF, #2);

Jade (MF, #4);

Winnow Wind (MF, #3);

Cedric Pearson (MF, #7);

Argyle (MF, #5);

Amaneda (MF, #9);

Rainbolt (FW, #10);

Indigo (FW, #8)

Spitshine Irritated by Southwind's Financial Struggles
Southwind might have the Crystal Empire's most talented team, aside from Crystopolis City of course, but that squad may not last much longer according to manager Spitshine. Lashing out at the board's tight financial restrictions, the long-time Strikers manager felt her efforts to add top-notch players to the team were hindered by a small transfer budget that forced her to release several players in order to make space on the payroll for new signings. Rumors have been swirling over the last couple years about the club potentially being sold and Spitshine has recently criticized the club's ownership for not investing in a club that they might be selling. However, regardless of Southwind's current financial instability, Spitshine remains confident in her squad moving forward, though another mid-table finish seems likely this season. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 11th in United League; Globe Cup

Stalliongrad HC
Manager:

Diamond Star
Home Stadium: Diamond Park (cap. 75,000) in Stalliongrad, Equestrian States
Last Season: 19-7-12 (7th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Werner Mittlestadt from

Athletik Weisenfeld for $7.5 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Ipar Amiyategi (GK, #1);

Aloysius Blau (DF, #2);

Stronghoof (DF, #4);

Eugene Jang (DF, #12);

Castle (DF, #9);

Werner Mittlestadt (MF, #8);

Melina Santos (MF, #3);

Zoey (MF, #16);

Flash (MF, #7);

Simo Roni (FW, #6);

Stormfeather (FW, #10)

Stalliongrad Eyes Globe Cup Return
After being edged out of the Equestrian States' final Globe Cup berth by the Whitetail Foresters on head-to-head goal differential last season, there's no question as to what Stalliongrad's goal is this season. Manager Diamond Star's additions of Werner Mittlestadt and Eugene Jang to a squad that was already a patchwork of promising youngsters and experienced international veterans were welcomed by supporters as a sign of intent to improve upon last year's disappointing season. A determined and highly ambitious team with a long-term goal of winning the United League, Stalliongrad appears to be ready to stage a comeback this season and return to the Globe Cup despite what should be another incredibly tight race for the final couple Equestrian berths in the competition. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 6th in United League; Globe Cup

Trottingham Pirates
Manager:

Starfire
Home Stadium: Pirate Bowl (cap. 51,650) in Trottingham, Equestrian States
Last Season: 12-12-14 (14th in United League)
Biggest Transfer: None
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Ellie Night (GK, #1);

Forest Spirit (DF, #3);

Tiger Lily (DF, #2);

Descent (DF, #5);

Wishbone (DF, #9);

Snow Dust (MF, #12);

Sonic (MF, #11);

Honey Tone (MF, #4);

Dark Shade (MF, #8);

Thunderbolt (FW, #10);

Windwacker (FW, #7)

Trottingham Turmoil May Prove Crippling
Just two short seasons since finishing in the top six for the second straight year, the Trottingham Pirates find themselves not in the discussion of potential Globe Cup contenders, but among those that might be relegated at the end of the season. With manager Alex Richards inexplicably being sacked after just one bad season following years of success, the players are publicly coming out in opposition to the surprising move. Meanwhile, new manager Starfire, formerly employed by the Cloudsdale Colts, has to deal with a disgruntled locker room that was never particularly stable in the first place. While the Pirates may have a reasonably talented squad, their chemistry is practically non-existent and transfer restrictions imposed on Starfire due to the club's failure to retain a Globe Cup berth last season hardly did the new boss any favors. While they may have the quality other squads lack, the Trottingham Pirates simply don't look like a team at the moment and, unless things change soon, may be relegated just three seasons after finishing fourth in the league. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 18th in United League; Relegation

Whitetail Foresters
Manager:

Dreamy Skies
Home Stadium: Shady Grove (cap. 43,650) in Whitetail, Equestrian States
Last Season: 18-10-10 (6th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Dizzy Doo from

Ponyville Galaxy for $3.5 million
Starting Players (4-5-1):

Tumelo Ihejirika (GK, #1);

Dust Pan (DF, #5);

Shady Days (DF, #6);

Rubinstein (DF, #3);

Dizzy Doo (MF, #14);

Orange Tree (DF, #23);

Quicksilver (MF, #8);

Fyreflight (MF, #10);

Jubileena (MF, #7);

Orchid Dew (MF, #11);

Isbel Prism (FW, #9)

Foresters' Look to Build Upon Incredible Season
As stunning as the recent falls of clubs like the Trottingham Pirates and Fillydelphia HC have been, the meteoric ascent of the Whitetail Foresters through the United League ranks has been perhaps even more shocking. Promoted to the United League just four seasons ago after a long absence from the top flight, the Foresters simply held onto their place in the league in their first season back at the highest level of Equestrian hoofball. The following season, the club from the quiet forested city of Whitetail moved up the table to 12th; and finally, last season, the Foresters took the United League by storm and finished sixth, earning the final Equestrian Globe Cup berth at the expense of tournament regulars Stalliongrad. This season, the core players that made up last year's dynamic squad all return, with the addition of Dizzy Doo from the Ponyville Galaxy being viewed as a coup by most experts. The Whitetail Foresters will undoubtedly be contenders yet again for a Globe Cup berth, though the inexperience of some of the team's younger players might prevent the Foresters from retaining their spot in the competition. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 8th in United League

by **Equestrian States** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:46 pm

SEASON 6 RESULTS

   United League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Ponyville United              38   25   6   7    88   51  +37    81   Champions' Cup
 2 Cloudsdale Flyers             38   22  11   5    95   59  +36    77   Globe Cup
 3 Crystopolis City              38   22  10   6    60   35  +25    76   Champions' Cup
 4 Canterlot Royals              38   23   7   8    80   53  +27    76   Globe Cup
 5 Canterlot Stars               38   20   6  12    75   62  +13    66   Globe Cup
 6 Stalliongrad HC               38   18  11   9    68   53  +15    65   Globe Cup
 7 Whitetail Foresters           38   16  11  11    70   62   +8    59
 8 Manehattan Dragons            38   16  10  12    71   60  +11    58
 9 Appleoosa HC                  38   15  10  13    68   56  +12    55
10 North Spire HC                38   16   5  17    66   61   +5    53   Globe Cup
11 Manechester United            38   14   6  18    81   91  −10    48
12 Everfree Forest HC            38   12  12  14    76   76    0    48
13 Southwind HC                  38   12  10  16    51   60   −9    46   Globe Cup
14 Crystal City United           38   10  14  14    63   72   −9    44
15 Ponyville Galaxy              38   12   6  20    74   79   −5    42
16 New Cloudsdale Colonists      38    9  12  17    37   48  −11    39
17 Crystal Fair HC               38   10   5  23    47   73  −26    35
18 Seaddle Sounders              38    8   9  21    62   96  −34    33   Relegated
19 Trottingham Pirates           38    8   2  28    45   91  −46    26   Relegated
20 Fillydelphia HC               38    4  13  21    58   97  −39    25   Relegated

Champions' Cup (EQS)
Champions' Cup (CRY)
Globe Cup (EQS)
Globe Cup (CRY)
Relegation

United League Champions

Ponyville United :: 4th United League Title
Head Coach:

Simon Jewel (Human - Male) - 54
UICA Ranking: 70th (33.539 pts.)
Home Stadium: Elements Stadium (cap. 48,750) in Ponyville, Equestrian States
Starting XI:
GK - #1 -

Mellody Sioux (Nekonian - Female) - 30
DF - #3 -

Arctic Lily (Crystal Pony - Female) - 23
DF - #9 -

Glory Daze (Earth Pony - Female) - 22
DF - #12 -

Ishio Mifune (Human - Female) - 17
MF - #5 -

Starlight Sparkle (Unicorn - Female) - 32
MF - #8 -

Vagn Meyer (Human - Male) - 31
MF - #11 -

Amber Waves (Crystal Pony - Female) - 25
MF - #7 -

Ji Iseul Kwan (Human - Male) - 29
MF - #16 -

Fleur de Verre (Crystal Pony - Female) - 24
FW - #10 -

Fire Dash (Pegasus - Male) - 33
FW - #6 -

Nathaniel Doherty (Human - Male) - 25

SECOND LEAGUE
SEASON 6 RESULTS

   Second League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Manetreal Impact              38   24   5   9    80   44  +36    77   Promoted, SBCC
 2 Cloudsdale Colts              38   19   7  12    45   40   +5    64   Promoted, SBCC
 3 Royal Crystal Palace          38   19   7  12    67   60   +7    64   Playoffs, SBCC
 4 Manehattan Manticores         38   17  11  10    70   55  +15    62   Playoffs, SBCC
 5 Scoltland City                38   17  10  11    50   40  +10    61   Playoffs, SBCC
 6 Real Maredrid                 38   18   7  13    88   83   +5    61   Playoffs, SBCC
 7 Whitetail Rangers             38   17   9  12    73   78   −5    60   SBCC
 8 Manechester City HC           38   17   6  15    77   71   +6    57   SBCC
 9 Baltimare Broncos             38   14  14  10    64   58   +6    56
10 Trottawa HC                   38   15   9  14    46   44   +2    54
11 Seaddle Rage                  38   15   8  15    92   79  +13    53
12 Birminghoof Braves            38   15   6  17    73   73    0    51
13 Stalliongrad Ironponies       38   14   9  15    61   69   −8    51
14 Salt Lick City HC             38   13  11  14    71   68   +3    50
15 Crystal Guard HC              38   14   6  18    56   67  −11    48
16 Fillydelphia Union            38   11   8  19    54   63   −9    41
17 Mareseilles HC                38    9  14  15    71   84  −13    41
18 Oatlahoma City Thunder        38   10   8  20    69   86  −17    38
19 Whinniesport Chargers         38    9   7  22    63   89  −26    34
20 Derbyshire War Horses         38    7  10  21    37   56  −19    31   Relegated

Promotion Playoffs - Semifinals
Royal Crystal Palace 3-2 Real Maredrid
Manehattan Manticores 1-1 Scoltland City (1-2 AET)

Promotion Playoffs - Final
Royal Crystal Palace 0-0 Scoltland City (1-1 AET) (3-4 pen.)

Series B Champions' Cup (EQS)
Series B Champions' Cup (CRY)
Relegation

THIRD LEAGUE
SEASON 6 RESULTS

   Third League                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Crystal Palace HC             38   27  10   1    88   40  +48    91   Promoted
 2 Baltimare Dynamo              38   25   6   7    84   48  +36    81   Promoted
 3 Grand Royal HC                38   18  14   6    59   37  +22    68   Promoted
 4 Las Pegasus Blues             38   16  14   8    59   39  +20    62   Promoted
 5 Coltenhagen Magic             38   17  11  10    60   44  +16    62   Promoted
 6 Crystal City HC               38   17  10  11    63   48  +15    61
 7 Royal Crystopolis             38   17  10  11    61   50  +11    61
 8 Maneapolis Stars              38   16  12  10    61   46  +15    60
 9 Mareseilles City              38   15   8  15    45   48   −3    53
10 Detrot Assault                38   14   7  17    58   57   +1    49
11 Hoofington Flames             38   12  13  13    61   66   −5    49
12 Palace Grounds HC             38   13   9  16    54   58   −4    48
13 Royal Trotheim                38   12  11  15    54   59   −5    47
14 Featherwood Hydras            38   12   9  17    57   72  −15    45
15 Whitecrystal North            38   12   7  19    55   64   −9    43
16 Trotheim United               38   11   9  18    43   61  −18    42
17 South Spire United            38   11   8  19    46   61  −15    41
18 Manesterdam Foxes             38   10  11  17    45   67  −22    41
19 Mareami Heat                  38    7  10  21    37   62  −25    31
20 Southward Station             38    1   5  32    21   84  −63     8   Relegated

Promotion
Relegation

FOURTH LEAGUE
SEASON 6 RESULTS

   Fourth League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Sweet Apple City              38   24   8   6    87   50  +37    80   Promoted
 2 Sporting Crystal City         38   21  10   7    80   48  +32    73   Promoted
 3 Whitecrystal South            38   20  10   8    75   49  +26    70   Promoted
 4 St. Trottersburg Reds         38   21   6  11    76   50  +26    69   Promoted
 5 Crystopolis HC                38   18  11   9    88   67  +21    65   Promoted
 6 Fairflanks Ice Ponies         38   18  10  10    53   38  +15    64   Promoted
 7 Crystal Heart City            38   16  12  10    65   55  +10    60   Promoted
 8 Hoofington HC                 38   16   8  14    58   52   +6    56   Promoted
 9 North Library                 38   16   6  16    61   64   −3    54   Promoted
10 Trottawa Express              38   14  12  12    72   61  +11    54
11 Pranceton HC                  38   11  16  11    61   59   +2    49
12 Starland South HC             38   13   9  16    50   57   −7    48
13 Trotting Crystal City         38   11  13  14    52   69  −17    46
14 Hoofston Astros               38   13   7  18    56   65   −9    46
15 Sporting Crystopolis          38   13   7  18    59   75  −16    46
16 Neighjing Fire                38   10  13  15    56   61   −5    43
17 West Park                     38    7  16  15    43   68  −25    37
18 Foalson Victory               38    8   8  22    40   68  −28    32
19 Sacramaneto Eagles            38    8   7  23    42   69  −27    31
20 Neighcaster United            38    2  11  25    31   80  −49    17

Promotion
Relegation

by **Equestrian States** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:46 pm

Reserved for Season 6 (EQS Leagues)

by **Crystal Ponies** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:47 pm

Reserved for Season 6 (CRY Leagues)

by **Equestrian States** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:47 pm

Reserved for Season 6 (United Cup)

by **Equestrian States** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:49 pm

United League: Season 7 Preview
by Steve McNotapony

As preparations continue throughout the Equestrian States for the upcoming World Cup, the United League season is also about to begin. After last season's thrilling blockbuster finish which saw four clubs within two points of the top with just three matches to go, it's hard to imagine that this year's United League will be able to equal the excitement of last. Although relatively few changes have been made to the squads of the expected title contenders, significant purchases and sales were made further down in the table, and the race for the Globe Cup berths promises to be a thrilling one. Meanwhile, in the basement of the United League, the still-recent addition of a third relegation spot once again promises to create intrigue, with the three promoted Second League clubs as well as others like the Ponyville Galaxy and New Cloudsdale Colonists expected to take part in the desperate battle for survival.

Appleoosa HC
Manager:

Applestar
Home Stadium: Apple Orchard Park (cap. 52,680) in Appleoosa, Equestrian States
Last Season: 15-10-13 (9th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Cornflower from

Cloudsdale Flyers for $2.5 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Barrel Roll (GK, #1);

Lorenzo Jinalii (DF, #2);

Maciej Abrahamsen (DF, #4);

Sunrise Spark (DF, #3);

Odinsbane (DF, #14);

Matteo Grazzani (MF, #8);

Youngheart (MF, #5);

Apple Pie (MF, #9);

Antinanco (MF, #16);

Cornflower (FW, #11);

Appleshine (FW, #10)
Predicted Finish: 7th in United League

Canterlot Royals
Manager:

Twilight Striker
Home Stadium: Grand Regal Stadium (cap. 81,955) in Canterlot, Equestrian States
Last Season: 23-7-8 (4th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Pekka Kalehmainen to

FC Endeavour for $14 million
Starting Players (3-5-2):

Amberlocks (GK, #1);

Horus (DF, #2);

Rose Quartz (DF, #4);

Shimura Kazu (DF, #8);

Rapid Dash (MF, #10);

David Köhler (MF, #5);

Andres de Colorado (MF, #7);

Marco Castell (MF, #19);

Lightning Streak (MF, #3);

Berry Splash (FW, #11);

Marílinha (FW, #9)
Predicted Finish: 4th in United League; Globe Cup

Canterlot Stars
Manager:

Pearly White
Home Stadium: Star Stadium (cap. 59,250) in Canterlot, Equestrian States
Last Season: 20-6-12 (5th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Nightflame to

Dynamoe Sabryke for $10 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Shooting Star (GK, #1);

Marco Fantinelli (DF, #4);

Redtooth (DF, #15);

Apple Bytes (DF, #17);

Rainboom Flyer (DF, #14);

Jermaine Poole (MF, #7);

Primrose Evergreen (MF, #9);

Mikko Gravesen (MF, #11);

Checkered Flag (MF, #12);

Isshiki Mika (FW, #10);

Fantina Zirome (FW, #5)
Predicted Finish: 5th in United League; Globe Cup

Cloudsdale Colts
Manager:

Lewis Keenan
Home Stadium: Sky-High Coliseum (cap. 65,000) in Cloudsdale, Equestrian States
Last Season: 19-7-12 (2nd in Second League)
Biggest Transfer:

Windwacker from

Trottingham Pirates on a Free Transfer
Starting Players (4-3-3):

Cyan Skies (GK, #1);

Rúni (DF, #3);

Vigilance (DF, #4);

Shatterpoint (DF, #2);

Heidrun (DF, #5);

Peachy Pie (MF, #11);

Power Shot (MF, #8);

Arthur Schiavone (MF, #12);

Novalis (FW, #6);

Glimmering Gale (FW, #10);

Windwacker (FW, #9)
Predicted Finish: 17th in United League

Cloudsdale Flyers
Manager:

Maarten Berg
Home Stadium: Sky-High Coliseum (cap. 65,000) in Cloudsdale, Equestrian States
Last Season: 22-11-5 (2nd in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Sunlight to

Telino for $11 million
Starting Players (4-5-1):

Marcela Guadarrama (GK, #1);

Erauso Iburrusteta (DF, #4);

Joachim Karlsen (DF, #3);

Tiny Ice (DF, #22);

Akechi Naruko (DF, #7);

Saten Ruiko (MF, #6);

Løver Storås (MF, #12);

Sapphire Rose (MF, #10);

Sparrow Body (MF, #16);

Nightwing (MF, #5);

Ezio Grassi (FW, #9)
Predicted Finish: 3rd in United League; Globe Cup

Crystal City United
Manager:

Hearti
Home Stadium: Heartland Stadium (cap. 46,750) in Crystal City, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 10-14-14 (14th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Crystal Arrow to

Crystopolis City for $14 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Ardent (GK, #8);

Pearly Shores (DF, #6);

Toastie (DF, #2);

Gilded Emerald (DF, #7);

Amethyst (DF, #4);

Paradise (MF, #9);

Diamond Heart (MF, #11);

Kalle Hope (MF, #3);

Jaded Fury (MF, #5);

Otto Kalsabur (FW, #10);

Misty (FW, #12)
Predicted Finish: 10th in United League; Globe Cup

Crystal Fair HC
Manager:

Lunar Dusk
Home Stadium: Crystopolis Coliseum (cap. 35,870) in Crystopolis, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 10-5-23 (17th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Quicksilver from

Whitetail Foresters for $2.2 million
Starting Players (4-5-1):

Keelie Gold (GK, #1);

Indigo Nocturne (DF, #2);

Hazelnut (DF, #6);

Crystalline Blaze (DF, #14);

Glistening Gold (DF, #4);

Lunar Shadow (MF, #10);

Sugar Glass (MF, #7);

Cinnamon Swirl (MF, #5);

Quicksilver (MF, #11);

Steelfeather (MF, #3);

Silver Moon (FW, #9)
Predicted Finish: 15th in United League

Crystopolis City
Manager:

Ember Mane
Home Stadium: Imperial Arena (cap. 69,740) in Crystopolis, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 22-10-6 (3rd in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Crystal Arrow from

Crystal City United for $14 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Starshine (GK, #1);

Xavi Vilhjalmsson (DF, #3);

Sunshine Splash (DF, #4);

Blistering Heat (DF, #2);

Ivory (DF, #9);

Boskenna Penhallow (MF, #11);

Akamu (MF, #16);

Princess Jojo (MF, #5);

Fillyfyre (MF, #6);

Crystal Arrow (FW, #8);

Jeremy Anselm (FW, #10)
Predicted Finish: 2nd in United League; Champions' Cup

Everfree Forest HC
Manager:

Infinitive
Home Stadium: Wild Grounds (cap. 56,500) in Everfree, Equestrian States
Last Season: 12-12-14 (12th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Hallvardur Ulberg from

Klub Atletisk Spitsbergen for $4 million
Starting Players (3-5-2):

Hallvardur Ulberg (GK, #1);

Francisco Tlatenchi (DF, #6);

Ironclaw (DF, #2);

Crimson Mesa (DF, #3);

Ciorstaidh Platform (MF, #10);

Raíssa Capetinha (MF, #7);

Cloud Nine (MF, #9);

Nikki Sunshine (MF, #18);

Rippling Breeze (MF, #5);

Kira Rei (FW, #11);

Helia (FW, #12)
Predicted Finish: 9th in United League

Manechester United
Manager:

Hat Trix
Home Stadium: Pony Lands Park (cap. 54,000) in Manechester, Equestrian States
Last Season: 14-6-18 (11th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Cloud Kicker to

Stalliongrad HC for $1.7 million
Starting Players (4-3-3):

Northern Lights (GK, #1);

Pernille Spool (DF, #2);

Rose Petal (DF, #5);

Applesong (DF, #8);

Pomegranate (DF, #4);

Autumn Spark (MF, #7);

Starry Night (MF, #15);

Akaho Sugiura (MF, #6);

Eutimio Salazar (FW, #10);

Shining Star (FW, #9);

Elise Belle (FW, #11)
Predicted Finish: 13th in United League

OOC Note: Preview continued in next post...

by **Equestrian States** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:51 pm

Manehattan Dragons
Manager:

Mariner
Home Stadium: Derby Field (cap. 65,000) in Manehattan, Equestrian States
Last Season: 16-10-12 (8th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Starling from

Fillydelphia HC for $1 million
Starting Players (4-3-3):

Airheart (GK, #1);

Berry Frost (DF, #4);

Braveheart (DF, #2);

Cassandra (DF, #3);

Lucas Galhardo (DF, #23);

Mira Pejić (MF, #8);

Spring Skies (MF, #7);

Cold Foundation (MF, #11);

Starling (FW, #6);

Karmen Matijević (FW, #10);

Farsight (FW, #9)
Predicted Finish: 11th in United League

Manetreal Impact
Manager:

Cold Flash
Home Stadium: Lockhoof Stadium (cap. 24,500) in Manetreal, Equestrian States
Last Season: 24-5-9 (1st in Second League)
Biggest Transfer:

Maelstrom from

New Cloudsdale Colonists for $790,000
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Coral Fitzwater (GK, #1);

Burnt Oak (DF, #2);

Diving Tackle (DF, #3);

Maelstrom (DF, #4);

Aubrey-Lille Padgette (MF, #7);

Melilot (MF, #6);

Misty Fly (MF, #5);

Naseer Rasheed (MF, #9);

Swan Dive (MF, #8);

Volcanic Fire (FW, #11);

Glass Slipper (FW, #10)
Predicted Finish: 19th in United League; Relegation

New Cloudsdale Colonists
Manager:

Guiding Light
Home Stadium: Atlantian Coliseum (cap. 39,500) in New Cloudsdale, Equestrian Overseas Territories
Last Season: 9-12-17 (16th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Milky Way from

Fillydelphia HC for $1 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Regal Glory (GK, #1);

Rainbow Shine (DF, #2);

Dylan Stocks (DF, #5);

Diamondheart (DF, #3);

Carol (DF, #4);

Constance (MF, #12);

Sunstreak (MF, #6);

Golden Chance (MF, #11);

Gleaming Light (MF, #9);

Milky Way (FW, #10);

Dark Star (FW, #7)
Predicted Finish: 18th in United League; Relegation

North Spire HC
Manager:

Sentinel Guard
Home Stadium: Spire Grounds (cap. 31,825) in Crystopolis, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 16-5-17 (10th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Martin Kristiansen from

Eikborg Club for $4.5 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Superb Stop (GK, #1);

Blackstone (DF, #2);

Diamond Dust (DF, #16);

Silver Lining (DF, #3);

April Showers (DF, #5);

Methuselah Meeuwessen (MF, #6);

Alula (MF, #14);

Honeycomb (MF, #7);

Goldilocks (MF, #4);

Martin Kristiansen (FW, #10);

Rapid Rush (FW, #8)
Predicted Finish: 12th in United League; Globe Cup

Ponyville Galaxy
Manager:

Red Dwarf
Home Stadium: The Observatory (cap. 40,650) in Ponyville, Equestrian States
Last Season: 12-6-20 (15th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Archer to

Altomare for $5.25 million
Starting Players (4-3-3):

Little McPasteur (GK, #20);

Cherry Blossom (DF, #6);

Good Oats (DF, #16);

Linus Widemark (DF, #4);

Haraldr (DF, #8);

Melissa Santos (MF, #2);

Daybreak (MF, #11);

Pine Breeze (MF, #5);

Golden Glitter (FW, #9);

High Winds (FW, #10);

Comet Trail (FW, #12)
Predicted Finish: 16th in United League

Ponyville United
Manager:

Simon Jewel
Home Stadium: Elements Stadium (cap. 48,750) in Ponyville, Equestrian States
Last Season: 25-6-7 (1st in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Shooting Star promoted from Youth Academy
Starting Players (3-5-2):

Mellody Sioux (GK, #1);

Arctic Lily (DF, #3);

Glory Daze (DF, #9);

Ishio Mifune (DF, #12);

Starlight Sparkle (MF, #5);

Vagn Meyer (MF, #8);

Amber Waves (MF, #11);

Ji Iseul Kwan (MF, #7);

Fleur de Verre (MF, #16);

Fire Dash (FW, #10);

Nathaniel Doherty (FW, #6)
Predicted Finish: 1st in United League; Champions' Cup

Scoltland City
Manager:

Blistering Gaze
Home Stadium: Scoltland Yard (cap. 29,730) in Scoltland, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 17-10-11 (5th in Second League; Won Playoff)
Biggest Transfer:

Checkmate from

Southwind HC for $1.5 million
Starting Players (4-5-1):

Autumn Gem (GK, #1);

Pearl (DF, #4);

Checkmate (DF, #2);

Peppermint Crunch (DF, #3);

Sierra Agassi (DF, #8);

Michél Petit (MF, #11);

Sapphire Crescent (MF, #5);

Snappy Scoop (MF, #6);

Hope (MF, #9);

Kipling Horsefall (MF, #7);

Dew Droplet (FW, #10)
Predicted Finish: 20th in United League; Relegation

Southwind HC
Manager:

Spitshine
Home Stadium: Starlight Stadium (cap. 36,750) in South Bend, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 12-10-16 (13th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Ricardo Carvalho from

Exton FC for $2 million
Starting Players (3-5-2):

Stellar Save (GK, #1);

Andressa de Souza (DF, #6);

Lunar Glory (DF, #2);

Foehn (DF, #5);

Winnow Wind (MF, #3);

Cedric Pearson (MF, #7);

Passion Fruit (MF, #9);

Ricardo Carvalho (MF, #11);

Snow Dust (MF, #10);

Indigo (FW, #8);

Nexxus Riot (FW, #12)
Predicted Finish: 14th in United League

Stalliongrad HC
Manager:

Diamond Star
Home Stadium: Diamond Park (cap. 75,000) in Stalliongrad, Equestrian States
Last Season: 18-11-9 (6th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Cloud Kicker from

Manechester United for $1.7 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Ipar Amiyategi (GK, #1);

Aloysius Blau (DF, #2);

Stronghoof (DF, #4);

Tiger Lily (DF, #5);

Castle (DF, #9);

Werner Mittlestadt (MF, #8);

Zoey (MF, #16);

Melina Santos (MF, #3);

Flash (MF, #7);

Simo Roni (FW, #6);

Cloud Kicker (FW, #10)
Predicted Finish: 6th in United League; Globe Cup

Whitetail Foresters
Manager:

Dreamy Skies
Home Stadium: Shady Grove (cap. 43,650) in Whitetail, Equestrian States
Last Season: 16-11-11 (7th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Orchid Dew to

Zym Zeolots for $5 million
Starting Players (4-5-1):

Tumelo Ihejirika (GK, #1);

Dust Pan (DF, #5);

Shady Days (DF, #6);

Autumn Sky (DF, #4);

Rubinstein (DF, #3);

Dizzy Doo (MF, #14);

Fyreflight (MF, #10);

Leona Bonecrusher (MF, #11);

Jubileena (MF, #7);

Torchlight (MF, #2);

Isbel Prism (FW, #9)
Predicted Finish: 8th in United League

by **Equestrian States** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:51 pm

SEASON 7 RESULTS

And that's it folks! Another season of the United League in the books, with thankfully little interference from World Cup preparations this time around, a welcome improvement on the devastating delays and economic issues suffered the last time the Equestrian States hosted the multiverse's top hoofball tournament which led to that season's cancellation.

Once again Ponyville United was involved in a down-to-the-wire race for the title, and once again the club that has won more league titles than any others in the Equestrian States and Crystal Empire emerged from the fray on top of the table. A slow start to the season for the titans of Equestrian hoofball that saw them spend much of the first half outside the top three led to a number of critics prematurely proclaiming age had finally caught up to Ponyville's star players and that the end of their era of total domination over the United League was at an end. However, Ponyville was far from finished, as Fire Dash and Nathaniel Doherty took the club on an impressive nine-match run to start the second half of the season which featured crucial victories over the Flyers, Royals, Stars, and Crystopolis, vaulting Ponyville to the top of the table. It seemed almost certain that the club would run away with the league, but before Ponyville could establish a buffer between them and the rest of the pack, their form crumbled and just like that, they were six points down with five matches remaining. Yet again, Ponyville needed a miracle, and the club's New Cloudsdale-born youngster Decima was happy to oblige, scoring four times in a 5-0 rout of Manechester United that restarted the Ponyville juggernaut. From then on, there was no stopping them, as a couple slip-ups by rivals Cloudsdale Flyers allowed the Equestrian titans to claim their fifth United League title in seven seasons. Though Ponyville's core of superstars may be getting old and will someday need to be replaced, they've proven time and time again that they've still got what it takes to win titles.

   United League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Ponyville United              38   26   8   4    86   29  +57    86   Champions' Cup
 2 Cloudsdale Flyers             38   26   7   5    83   31  +52    85   Globe Cup
 3 Canterlot Stars               38   24   5   9    75   44  +31    77   Globe Cup
 4 Crystopolis City              38   22  10   6    43   19  +24    76   Champions' Cup
 5 Stalliongrad HC               38   20  11   7    48   21  +27    71   Globe Cup
 6 Everfree Forest HC            38   19   8  11    76   52  +24    65   Globe Cup
 7 Appleoosa HC                  38   18   9  11    42   25  +17    63
 8 Whitetail Foresters           38   16  12  10    51   33  +18    60
 9 Crystal Fair HC               38   13  15  10    36   41   −5    54   Globe Cup
10 Canterlot Royals              38   15   9  14    52   46   +6    54
11 Manehattan Dragons            38   15   7  16    67   59   +8    52
12 Crystal City United           38   12  14  12    35   36   −1    50   Globe Cup
13 North Spire HC                38   13  10  15    30   35   −5    49
14 Southwind HC                  38   11  10  17    22   28   −6    43
15 Ponyville Galaxy              38   12   6  20    45   60  −15    42
16 New Cloudsdale Colonists      38   12   5  21    30   50  −20    41
17 Manechester United            38    9   4  25    35   89  −54    31
18 Cloudsdale Colts              38    4   8  26    30   85  −55    20   Relegated
19 Manetreal Impact              38    5   4  29    20   74  −54    19   Relegated
20 Scoltland City                38    5   4  29    13   62  −49    19   Relegated

Champions' Cup (EQS)
Champions' Cup (CRY)
Globe Cup (EQS)
Globe Cup (CRY)
Relegated

United League Champions

Ponyville United :: 5th United League Title
Head Coach:

Simon Jewel (Human - Male) - 55
UICA Ranking: 69th (36.591 pts.)
Home Stadium: Elements Stadium (cap. 48,750) in Ponyville, Equestrian States
Starting XI:
GK - #1 -

Mellody Sioux (Nekonian - Female) - 30
DF - #3 -

Arctic Lily (Crystal Pony - Female) - 24
DF - #9 -

Glory Daze (Earth Pony - Female) - 23
DF - #12 -

Ishio Mifune (Human - Female) - 18
MF - #5 -

Starlight Sparkle (Unicorn - Female) - 33
MF - #8 -

Vagn Meyer (Human - Male) - 32
MF - #11 -

Amber Waves (Crystal Pony - Female) - 26
MF - #7 -

Ji Iseul Kwan (Human - Male) - 30
MF - #16 -

Fleur de Verre (Crystal Pony - Female) - 25
FW - #10 -

Fire Dash (Pegasus - Male) - 34
FW - #6 -

Nathaniel Doherty (Human - Male) - 26

SECOND LEAGUE
SEASON 7 RESULTS

   Second League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Manechester City HC           46   32   8   6   118   43  +75   104   Promoted, SBCC
 2 Manehattan Manticores         46   30   9   7    97   33  +64    99   Promoted, SBCC
 3 Royal Crystal Palace          46   27   9  10    62   37  +25    90   Playoffs, SBCC
 4 Baltimare Broncos             46   24  10  12    72   53  +19    82   Playoffs, SBCC
 5 Seaddle Sounders              46   23   9  14    77   56  +21    78   Playoffs, SBCC
 6 Crystal Guard HC              46   21  13  12    61   33  +28    76   Playoffs, SBCC
 7 Whitetail Rangers             46   22  10  14    53   35  +18    76   SBCC
 8 Fillydelphia HC               46   20  13  13    50   40  +10    73   SBCC
 9 Trottawa HC                   46   20  10  16    31   29   +2    70
10 Trottingham Pirates           46   20   9  17    73   52  +21    69
11 Real Maredrid                 46   19  11  16    67   63   +4    68
12 Mareseilles HC                46   17  13  16    56   63   −7    64
13 Las Pegasus Blues             46   16  13  17    27   27    0    61
14 Seaddle Rage                  46   15  16  15    66   62   +4    61
15 Salt Lick City HC             46   18   6  22    46   53   −7    60
16 Stalliongrad Ironponies       46   15  15  16    48   41   +7    60
17 Whinniesport Chargers         46   17   8  21    63   80  −17    59
18 Fillydelphia Union            46   15   8  23    50   85  −35    53
19 Crystal Palace HC             46   13  13  20    41   52  −11    52
20 Oatlahoma City Thunder        46   13  10  23    61   78  −17    49
21 Baltimare Dynamo              46   14   5  27    59   80  −21    47
22 Grand Royal HC                46    6  14  26    21   48  −27    32   Relegated
23 Birminghoof Braves            46    5  11  30    13   80  −67    26   Relegated
24 Coltenhagen Magic             46    3  11  32    35  124  −89    20   Relegated

Promotion Playoffs - Semifinals
Royal Crystal Palace 3-0 Crystal Guard HC
Baltimare Broncos 1-3 Seaddle Sounders

Promotion Playoffs - Final
Royal Crystal Palace 1-1 Seaddle Sounders (1-2 AET)

Series B Champions' Cup (EQS)
Series B Champions' Cup (CRY)
Relegated

THIRD LEAGUE
SEASON 7 RESULTS

   Third League                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 St. Trottersburg Reds         46   28  11   7    91   39  +52    95   Promoted
 2 Crystal City HC               46   28   8  10    68   33  +35    92   Promoted
 3 Manesterdam Foxes             46   26  10  10    65   39  +26    88   Playoffs
 4 Sporting Crystal City         46   24  15   7    69   38  +31    87   Playoffs
 5 Sweet Apple City              46   26   8  12    59   34  +25    86   Playoffs
 6 Hoofington Flames             46   26   5  15    90   59  +31    83   Playoffs
 7 Crystal Heart City            46   21  12  13    60   30  +30    75
 8 Detrot Assault                46   20  15  11    81   71  +10    75
 9 Featherwood Hydras            46   19  16  11    83   62  +21    73
10 South Spire United            46   19  13  14    56   40  +16    70
11 Maneapolis Stars              46   20  10  16    64   54  +10    70
12 Hoofington HC                 46   19  10  17    77   69   +8    67
13 Trotheim United               46   17  13  16    45   43   +2    64
14 Whitecrystal North            46   17  10  19    39   52  −13    61
15 Crystopolis HC                46   15  14  17    37   42   −5    59
16 Royal Crystopolis             46   15  14  17    50   44   +6    59
17 Palace Grounds HC             46   16   6  24    25   39  −14    54
18 Derbyshire War Horses         46   14   9  23    50   76  −26    51
19 Mareseilles City              46   13  11  22    37   66  −29    50
20 Mareami Heat                  46   13  11  22    47   77  −30    50
21 Royal Trotheim                46   11  13  22    20   34  −14    46
22 Whitecrystal South            46    7   8  31    19   66  −47    29   Relegated
23 North Library                 46    5   8  33    25   95  −70    23   Relegated
24 Fairflanks Ice Ponies         46    5   6  35    18   73  −55    21   Relegated

Promotion Playoffs - Semifinals
Manesterdam Foxes 4-2 Hoofington Flames
Sporting Crystal City 1-1 Sweet Apple City (2-2 AET) (6-5 pen.)

Promotion Playoffs - Final
Manesterdam Foxes 0-2 Sporting Crystal City

Promoted
Promotion Playoffs
Relegated

FOURTH LEAGUE
SEASON 7 RESULTS

   Fourth League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Southward Station             46   32   7   7    91   38  +53   103   Promoted
 2 New Ponyville HC              46   31   6   9    69   27  +42    99   Promoted
 3 Equestrian Outcasts HC        46   27  12   7   108   45  +63    93   Playoffs
 4 Sporting Crystopolis          46   27   8  11    68   42  +26    89   Playoffs
 5 Moonlight Bay HC              46   27   8  11    48   23  +25    89   Playoffs
 6 Apple Orchard HC              46   26  10  10    81   31  +50    88   Playoffs
 7 Crystal University            46   26   7  13    66   32  +34    85
 8 Starland South HC             46   24   9  13    73   46  +27    81
 9 Lake City Marines             46   23  10  13    41   25  +16    79
10 Trottawa Express              46   20  14  12    54   42  +12    74
11 Trotting Crystal City         46   21   7  18    44   37   +7    70
12 Neighjing Fire                46   18  13  15    75   67   +8    67
13 Hoofston Astros               46   20   5  21    65   63   +2    65
14 Scoltland HC                  46   17   9  20    38   46   −8    60
15 Neighcaster United            46   16  11  19    58   65   −7    59
16 Aria City                     46   14  10  22    35   46  −11    52
17 Brismane Islanders            46   14  10  22    29   42  −13    52
18 Manesterdam HC                46   14   8  24    60   70  −10    50
19 Sacramaneto Eagles            46   11  14  21    40   66  −26    47   Relegated
20 Pranceton HC                  46   11   8  27    28   48  −20    41   Relegated
21 Foalson Victory               46   11   5  30    48  110  −62    38   Relegated
22 Birminghoof Rebels            46    6  11  29    37   80  −43    29   Relegated
23 Buckston                      46    5   7  34    26  110  −84    22   Relegated
24 West Park                     46    5   3  38    18   99  −81    18   Relegated

Promotion Playoffs - Semifinals
Equestrian Outcasts HC 2-2 Apple Orchard HC (3-2 AET)
Sporting Crystopolis 0-1 Moonlight Bay HC

Promotion Playoffs - Final
Equestrian Outcasts HC 1-1 Moonlight Bay HC (1-1 AET) (3-1 pen.)

Promoted
Promotion Playoffs
Relegated

by **Equestrian States** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:52 pm

EQUESTRIAN LEAGUES
SEASON 7 RESULTS

Equestrian Premier League

   Equestrian Premier League    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Ponyville City                38   27   6   5    72   32  +40    87   Promoted
 2 Royal Gardens HC              38   27   3   8    74   36  +38    84   Promoted
 3 Everfree Guardians            38   20  10   8    82   34  +48    70   Playoffs
 4 Coltventry Lions              38   19  11   8    73   43  +30    68   Playoffs
 5 Fire Island Outlaws           38   19  10   9    55   33  +22    67   Playoffs
 6 North City Voyagers           38   20   6  12    31   20  +11    66   Playoffs
 7 Miners HC                     38   18  10  10    40   27  +13    64
 8 Lunar City                    38   16  12  10    44   36   +8    60
 9 Griffon City                  38   18   5  15    47   45   +2    59
10 Gryphos HC                    38   16   9  13    35   34   +1    57
11 Lakeside City                 38   16   9  13    46   57  −11    57
12 Richmount Kickers             38   17   5  16    50   41   +9    56
13 Harmony Mountain HC           38   13  14  11    40   39   +1    53
14 Buffalo Springs               38   13  10  15    35   42   −7    49
15 Neighcastle Battalions        38   11   9  18    19   29  −10    42
16 Las Pegasus HC                38    9  14  15    46   62  −16    41
17 Ploughmouth Phoenix           38    7   5  26    21   43  −22    26
18 Trottingham Rough Riders      38    6   5  27    26   90  −64    23   Relegated
19 Shetland Stallions            38    5   6  27     9   52  −43    21   Relegated
20 Derbyshire Queens             38    2   3  33    12   62  −50     9   Relegated

Promotion Playoffs - Semifinals
Everfree Guardians 2-0 North City Voyagers
Coltventry Lions 0-0 Fire Island Outlaws (2-0 AET)

Promotion Playoffs - Final
Everfree Guardians 4-2 Coltventry Lions

Promoted to Fourth League
Qualified for Promotion Playoffs
Relegated to Regal League

Regal League

   Regal League                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Project +90 Pony Lands        38   27   7   4    73   23  +50    88   Promoted
 2 Celestial Caverns HC          38   26   4   8    66   27  +39    82   Promoted
 3 Trottingham Hotspur           38   23  11   4    62   21  +41    80   Promoted
 4 Whitetail City                38   24   6   8    36   15  +21    78
 5 Storm City HC                 38   23   4  11    84   35  +49    73
 6 Riverbend Starlings           38   22   3  13    50   35  +15    69
 7 Castle Yard Squires           38   18  12   8    38   24  +14    66
 8 Sporting New Manechester      38   19   7  12    60   48  +12    64
 9 Lonely Island HC              38   17   7  14    37   34   +3    58
10 Fillysburgh City              38   14   9  15    46   46    0    51
11 Coltburne Surfers             38   13  10  15    72   82  −10    49
12 Dragon Bay Fire               38   14   6  18    65   81  −16    48
13 Northcastle HC                38   13   7  18    28   37   −9    46
14 HC Edmaneton                  38   12   8  18    26   40  −14    44
15 Highland Castles              38   12   7  19    25   33   −8    43
16 Mane River HC                 38   12   4  22    17   41  −24    40
17 Gallopfrey HC                 38    9   8  21    20   44  −24    35
18 Damarescus HC                 38    6  11  21    25   53  −28    29   Relegated
19 Sydneigh Silverhooves         38    4   3  31    23   83  −60    15   Relegated
20 Stableston Riverponies        38    2   6  30    10   61  −51    12   Relegated

Promoted to Equestrian Premier League
Relegated to League A

League A

   League A                    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Lunar Island Stargazers      30   22   4   4    51   22  +29    70   Promoted
 2 Toothclaw Point              30   18   7   5    79   34  +45    61   Promoted
 3 Star Spring City             30   18   6   6    59   24  +35    60   Promoted
 4 Sunset Island AC             30   18   5   7    54   25  +29    59
 5 University City HC           30   17   5   8    51   28  +23    56
 6 Lost City HC                 30   14   7   9    40   28  +12    49
 7 Leafy Abode HC               30   14   6  10    49   41   +8    48
 8 Wild Side City               30   14   5  11    51   53   −2    47
 9 Honest Valley HC             30   12   7  11    41   34   +7    43
10 Saddleback City              30   11   6  13    42   51   −9    39
11 North Point HC               30    8   6  16    27   53  −26    30
12 Fire City                    30    7   7  16    32   46  −14    28
13 HC Grand Island              30    7   6  17    20   34  −14    27
14 South Mountain City          30    6   6  18    30   75  −45    24   Relegated
15 Mystery Isle HC              30    6   3  21    24   54  −30    21   Relegated
16 Queens Castle HC             30    3   4  23    12   60  −48    13   Relegated

Promoted to Regal League
Relegated to League B

League B

   League B                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Athletico Maredrid            30   23   5   2    73   24  +49    74   Promoted
 2 Cloudsdale Factory HC         30   20   7   3    77   26  +51    67   Promoted
 3 Atlantian Equestria HC        30   19   8   3    38   16  +22    65   Promoted
 4 AC New Canterlot              30   20   3   7    66   32  +34    63
 5 West Plains City              30   15   5  10    39   35   +4    50
 6 Seasonal Star HC              30   14   6  10    32   19  +13    48
 7 HC Fuchsia Cavalry            30   13   5  12    27   25   +2    44
 8 HC United of Manechester      30   12   4  14    23   23    0    40
 9 Magicastle HC                 30   11   7  12    30   30    0    40
10 Metropolitan HC               30   11   7  12    49   49    0    40
11 Clifton Bolts                 30   10   5  15    37   44   −7    35
12 City Wall HC                  30    8   6  16    18   23   −5    30
13 Roundback Cowponies           30    7   6  17    21   49  −28    27
14 Horseshoe Mountain City       30    5   7  18    20   37  −17    22   Relegated
15 Prison Point HC               30    4   6  20    42   83  −41    18   Relegated
16 Heelsburg Tigers              30    3   3  24    23  100  −77    12   Relegated

Promoted to League A
Relegated to League C

League C

   League C                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Southtrotting             30   24   2   4    53   18  +35    74   Promoted
 2 Seaddle Harbor AC         30   21   4   5    45   15  +30    67   Promoted
 3 Marehattan HC             30   19   4   7    49   30  +19    61   Promoted
 4 HC Pegasus East           30   17   6   7    65   36  +29    57
 5 AC Industrial Palace      30   18   2  10    30   28   +2    56
 6 Marenza Riders            30   15   9   6    57   27  +30    54
 7 HC Manehattan Elite       30   14   9   7    41   24  +17    51
 8 Horsica Island            30   12   6  12    33   34   −1    42
 9 Gallopsvale Town          30   10  10  10    18   23   −5    40
10 Regal Radiance AHC        30   10  10  10    26   27   −1    40
11 Gallopsvale HC            30    8   8  14    34   48  −14    32
12 Flaming Peninsula         30    7   9  14    35   56  −21    30
13 HC Cisco Harbor           30    5   8  17    14   36  −22    23   Relegated (West)
14 Eastern Prism HC          30    5   7  18    20   39  −19    22   Relegated (East)
15 Carousal Town AC          30    2   6  22    11   38  −27    12   Relegated (West)
16 Maneland Isle AC          30    1   4  25    11   63  −52     7   Relegated (East)

Promoted to League B
Relegated to Regional Premiership

Western Premiership

   Western Premiership       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Cantervale North           30   20   6   4    58   23  +35    66   Promoted
 2 Shetland Athletic          30   19   7   4    58   20  +38    64   Playoffs
 3 Gale Town HC               30   18   7   5    35   16  +19    61   Playoffs
 4 Highburnians HC            30   14   7   9    31   23   +8    49   Playoffs
 5 Marienza HC                30   13  10   7    41   21  +20    49   Playoffs
 6 Principality City          30   13   9   8    54   40  +14    48
 7 Republic HC                30   14   2  14    22   26   −4    44
 8 Kawaii Isle HC             30   11   8  11    26   25   +1    41
 9 Crusaders HC               30   11   7  12    48   47   +1    40
10 West Light                 30    9  10  11    24   39  −15    37
11 Laughter Island HC         30   10   5  15    28   39  −11    35
12 Campus Detrot HC           30    9   6  15    27   38  −11    33
13 Homo Sapiens SC            30    8   8  14    46   48   −2    32
14 Palm City                  30    8   7  15    15   30  −15    31
15 Generous River HC          30    8   4  18    19   51  −32    28   Relegated
16 Neighbor Harbor            30    1   5  24     5   51  −46     8   Relegated

Promotion Playoffs - Semifinals
Shetland Athletic 3-1 Marienza HC
Gale Town HC 0-0 Highburnians HC (1-0 AET)

Promotion Playoffs - Final
Shetland Athletic 1-1 Gale Town HC (2-2 AET) (4-5 pen.)

Promoted to League C
Qualified for Promotion Playoffs
Relegated to Western League 1

Eastern Premiership

   Eastern Premiership       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Dragonite Wanderers        30   20   4   6    73   28  +45    64   Promoted
 2 Volcaniks HC               30   17   8   5    42   22  +20    59   Playoffs
 3 AHC Whinneighdon           30   17   8   5    52   26  +26    59   Playoffs
 4 Greater Trottawa City      30   17   6   7    36   25  +11    57   Playoffs
 5 Stormwake Town             30   17   5   8    54   26  +28    56   Playoffs
 6 Jungle Parkway HC          30   17   4   9    37   23  +14    55
 7 Marelantis AC              30   14   7   9    35   25  +10    49
 8 South Hoofston AC          30   13   7  10    40   31   +9    46
 9 Sidesaddle HC              30   11   8  11    23   21   +2    41
10 Coconutstani HC            30   11   7  12    13   21   −8    40
11 Trottersbury Town          30   10   9  11    27   22   +5    39
12 Hoofston Ranchers          30    8   9  13    32   43  −11    33
13 High Town                  30    7   9  14    23   50  −27    30
14 Manez HC                   30    4   4  22    14   50  −36    16
15 Stallion Slopes HC         30    2   7  21    14   59  −45    13   Relegated
16 Goodton River              30    1   6  23    13   56  −43     9   Relegated

Promotion Playoffs - Semifinals
Volcaniks HC 3-3 Stormwake Town (3-3 AET) (6-7 pen.)
AHC Whinneighdon 4-1 Greater Trottawa City

Promotion Playoffs - Final
Stormwake Town 2–1 AHC Whinneighdon

Promoted to League C
Qualified for Promotion Playoffs
Relegated to Eastern League 1

Western League 1

   Western League 1        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Canterhagen City         22   16   3   3    62   24  +38    51   Promoted
 2 Manehattan Alliance      22   13   6   3    33   17  +16    45   Promoted
 3 Royal Mages HC           22   13   5   4    47   23  +24    44
 4 San Horsé Marauders      22   13   2   7    30   30    0    41
 5 Witherly Bay             22    9   6   7    23   13  +10    33
 6 Elemental AC             22    8   7   7    36   32   +4    31
 7 Commerce Town AC         22    8   7   7    27   27    0    31
 8 Rainbow Athletic         22    9   2  11    37   45   −8    29
 9 HC Oatland               22    4   9   9    22   37  −15    21
10 HC Marenza Village       22    4   5  13    20   40  −20    17
11 Weathertop City          22    2   7  13     7   21  −14    13   Relegated
12 Vista City               22    1   5  16    16   51  −35     8   Relegated

Promoted to Western Premiership
Relegated to Western League 2

Eastern League 1

   Eastern League 1         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Stallionbridge HC         22   13   7   2    30   11  +19    46   Promoted
 2 Foalkland Town            22   13   5   4    37   16  +21    44   Promoted
 3 Neightona AC              22   12   3   7    38   26  +12    39
 4 Eastern Wastes AC         22   12   3   7    55   37  +18    39
 5 South Esportivan CHC      22   11   6   5    27   12  +15    39
 6 Marelantis City           22   10   4   8    31   22   +9    34
 7 Youngston HC              22    9   6   7    36   28   +8    33
 8 HC Friendly Park          22    9   5   8    23   19   +4    32
 9 Diamond Dogs PC           22    5   4  13    30   41  −11    19
10 Riptide City              22    6   1  15    22   55  −33    19
11 Viqueen Town              22    4   6  12    21   49  −28    18   Relegated
12 Beach Town HC             22    2   2  18     9   43  −34     8   Relegated

Promoted to Eastern Premiership
Relegated to Eastern League 2

Western League 2

   Western League 2        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Canter AC                22   19   1   2    56   12  +44    58   Promoted
 2 Cloudsdale Sky           22   15   3   4    47   18  +29    48   Promoted
 3 Foalburn Wanderers       22   12   7   3    21   11  +10    43
 4 Electric Company AC      22   13   3   6    42   29  +13    42
 5 Manehattan Victory       22   12   5   5    19   12   +7    41
 6 Trotlynberg Town         22    9   5   8    18   17   +1    32
 7 Portos AHC               22    5   8   9    14   22   −8    23
 8 Neighphara City HC       22    5   7  10    11   19   −8    22
 9 HC Ft. Laudermare        22    6   3  13     9   22  −13    21
10 Maneton AC               22    5   2  15     6   22  −16    17
11 Old Town HC              22    4   4  14    16   40  −24    16   Relegated
12 Horseshoe United         22    1   4  17     4   39  −35     7   Relegated

Promoted to Western League 1
Relegated to Local Leagues

Eastern League 2

   Eastern League 2         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Easterling Rabbits        22   14   3   5    25   14  +11    45   Promoted
 2 Foalklanders HC           22   12   6   4    36   18  +18    42   Promoted
 3 Cornstantinople HC        22   12   4   6    39   17  +22    40
 4 AHC Istanbull             22   11   7   4    24   17   +7    40
 5 Maneville HC              22   11   6   5    38   17  +21    39
 6 Island Juniors HC         22   11   4   7    29   14  +15    37
 7 Trotford HC               22   10   3   9    36   33   +3    33
 8 HC Neightona Beach        22    9   5   8    23   21   +2    32
 9 Broncord AHC              22    7   5  10    14   24  −10    26
10 Neighssau Islanders       22    3   6  13    13   40  −27    15
11 Underhill HC              22    2   4  16     3   24  −21    10   Relegated
12 AC Gallopolli             22    1   5  16    11   52  −41     8   Relegated

Promoted to Eastern League 1
Relegated to Local Leagues

by **Crystal Ponies** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:53 pm

CRYSTALLINE LEAGUES
SEASON 7 RESULTS

Diamond League

   Diamond League         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Royal Emerald City      22   14   5   3    27    8  +19    47   Promoted
 2 Lightning Point HC      22   14   4   4    37   14  +23    46   Promoted
 3 Crystal Springs HC      22   13   4   5    37   16  +21    43   Playoff
 4 Emerald City HC         22   12   4   6    21   13   +8    40   Playoff
 5 HC Celestial City       22   11   5   6    21   21    0    38
 6 Marestricht             22    8  10   4    26   29   −3    34
 7 Heartford City HC       22    8   4  10    17   21   −4    28
 8 Hevosinki City          22    6   7   9    13   18   −5    25
 9 Borderlands HC          22    5   7  10     8   12   −4    22
10 Polaria                 22    5   7  10    10   22  −12    22   Relegated
11 HC Hevosinki            22    4   1  17     6   27  −21    13   Relegated
12 Pranceton City          22    2   2  18     9   31  −22     8   Relegated

Promotion Playoff
Crystal Springs HC 1-0 Emerald City HC

Promoted to Fourth League
Qualified for Promotion Playoff
Relegated to Sapphire League

Sapphire League

   Sapphire League             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Crystal Princess HC          22   16   3   3    49   13  +36    51   Promoted
 2 Crystalgate City             22   16   1   5    29   11  +18    49   Promoted
 3 Sporting Crystal Empire      22   13   4   5    29   21   +8    43   Promoted
 4 Crystal Point HC             22   13   3   6    37   18  +19    42
 5 Pranceton University HC      22   10   6   6    14   14    0    36
 6 Crystopolis Defenders        22   10   5   7    19   10   +9    35
 7 Heartland City               22    8   3  11    26   25   +1    27
 8 Gateway HC                   22    8   1  13    23   41  −18    25
 9 North Equestria HC           22    5   8   9    26   39  −13    23
10 Northland                    22    5   4  13    18   36  −18    19   Relegated
11 Scoltland United             22    2   7  13    14   36  −22    13   Relegated
12 Whiteout HC                  22    1   5  16     4   24  −20     8   Relegated

Promoted to Diamond League
Relegated to Emerald League

Emerald League

   Emerald League              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Emerald City United          22   15   4   3    39   14  +25    49   Promoted
 2 Sporting Moonlight Bay       22   15   4   3    37   13  +24    49   Promoted
 3 Royal Mareseilles            22   11   6   5    23   12  +11    39   Promoted
 4 Neighcaster City             22   12   2   8    25   15  +10    38
 5 Heartford HC                 22   10   6   6    22   17   +5    36
 6 Mareseilles Palace HC        22    9   7   6    20   13   +7    34
 7 Sporting Crystal Palace      22    8   7   7    36   28   +8    31
 8 Zephyr Point HC              22    6  10   6    21   28   −7    28
 9 Citadel HC                   22    6   9   7    25   34   −9    27
10 Empire City                  22    4   3  15    19   32  −13    15   Relegated
11 South Library                22    2   5  15     7   26  −19    11   Relegated
12 Armory HC                    22    0   5  17    14   56  −42     5   Relegated

Promoted to Sapphire League
Relegated to Ruby League

Ruby League

   Ruby League                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Coltland Trail Blazers       22   14   3   5    43   24  +19    45   Promoted
 2 Heartford United             22   14   3   5    36   18  +18    45   Promoted
 3 HC Krasneighdar              22   12   7   3    22   10  +12    43   Promoted
 4 Crystalline Railways HC      22   12   6   4    37   19  +18    42
 5 AC Diamond Place             22   13   2   7    26   14  +12    41
 6 Imperial HC                  22    9   5   8    22   28   −6    32
 7 Buckston City                22    8   5   9    22   19   +3    29
 8 Sporting Emerald City        22    8   3  11    31   24   +7    27
 9 South Plains HC              22    6   3  13    28   42  −14    21
10 Whitecrystal East            22    5   5  12    19   36  −17    20   Relegated
11 Barricade HC                 22    4   5  13     6   17  −11    17   Relegated
12 Waterside HC                 22    2   3  17    10   51  −41     9   Relegated

Promoted to Emerald League
Relegated to Pristine League

Pristine League

   Pristine League             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 HC Sporting Marestricht      22   17   2   3    28    8  +20    53   Promoted
 2 Northern Express             22   14   5   3    40   11  +29    47   Promoted
 3 Liberators HC                22   11   5   6    19   12   +7    38   Promoted
 4 AHC Bucklyn                  22    9   8   5    27   22   +5    35
 5 Royal Heartford              22   10   4   8    21   16   +5    34
 6 Neighagra Falls HC           22   10   4   8    34   27   +7    34
 7 HC Southern Pass             22    9   4   9    21   20   +1    31
 8 Empire United                22    7   5  10    24   26   −2    26   Relegated (North)
 9 Heartland HC                 22    6   6  10    15   22   −7    24
10 Nordic Ponies AC             22    5   5  12    25   44  −19    20   Relegated (North)
11 Rubyland HC                  22    4   4  14    10   27  −17    16   Relegated (South)
12 Gated City HC                22    3   2  17     5   34  −29    11   Relegated (South)

Promoted to Ruby League
Relegated to Regional League

Southern League

   Southern League            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Crystopolis Athletic        18   12   2   4    22    8  +14    38   Promoted
 2 Cheltmaneham Town           18   11   3   4    15   10   +5    36   Playoff
 3 HC Crystalline Capital      18    9   4   5    27   14  +13    31   Playoff
 4 Northsider HC               18    7   5   6    26   22   +4    26
 5 Sunnyside AC                18    7   5   6    24   29   −5    26
 6 Pleasantrot Village         18    6   4   8    25   26   −1    22
 7 Mareheim Athletic           18    5   6   7    16   18   −2    21
 8 Mareia HC                   18    4   7   7    13   18   −5    19
 9 Southsider HC               18    5   3  10    13   22   −9    18   Relegated
10 Polar Peaks AC              18    2   5  11     7   21  −14    11   Relegated

Promotion Playoff
Cheltmaneham Town 1-1 HC Crystalline Capital (1-2 AET)

Promoted to Pristine League
Qualified for Promotion Playoff
Relegated to Local Leagues

Northern League

   Northern League            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Aria United HC              18   12   3   3    21    6  +15    39   Promoted
 2 Polaria City                18    9   4   5    14    8   +6    31   Playoff
 3 HC Young Colts              18    8   4   6    19   12   +7    28   Playoff
 4 Haysinki AHC                18    7   6   5    13    9   +4    27
 5 Quebuck Northerners         18    7   4   7    32   26   +6    25
 6 Trotheim Athletic           18    7   3   8     9   20  −11    24
 7 Polar Juniors AHC           18    7   3   8    14   16   −2    24
 8 Albaneigh AC                18    5   6   7    23   24   −1    21
 9 Port Darwhinny HC           18    5   6   7     9   13   −4    21   Relegated
10 Western Seas HC             18    3   1  14     5   25  −20    10   Relegated

Promotion Playoff
Polaria City 0-2 HC Young Colts

Promoted to Pristine League
Qualified for Promotion Playoff
Relegated to Local Leagues

by **Equestrian States** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:53 pm

The 6th United Cup

First Round
Fillydelphia HC 1–0 Lake City Marines
Stalliongrad Ironponies 1–0 Royal Crystopolis
Manesterdam HC 1–2 Whitecrystal North
Featherwood Hydras 6–1 Manehattan Manticores
Royal Trotheim 1–0 St. Trottersburg Reds
Mareseilles City 3–3 Oatlahoma City Thunder (4–3 AET)
Fairflanks Ice Ponies 1–0 Neighcaster United
Real Maredrid 2–3 Las Pegasus Blues
Crystal City HC 5–1 Aria City
New Ponyville HC 0–0 Trottawa HC (0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Birminghoof Rebels 0–2 Sporting Crystal City
Manechester City HC 2–0 West Park
Crystopolis HC 0–1 Palace Grounds HC
Starland South HC 1–1 Grand Royal HC (2–1 AET)
South Spire United 0–1 Whitecrystal South
Whinniesport Chargers 0–1 Apple Orchard HC
Brismane Islanders 0–1 Detrot Assault
Moonlight Bay HC 0–1 Whitetail Rangers
Trotheim United 1–0 Fillydelphia Union
Mareseilles HC 1–1 Birminghoof Braves (1–2 AET)
Hoofington Flames 2–0 Southward Station
Baltimare Broncos 0–1 Crystal Palace HC
Sacramaneto Eagles 2–1 Pranceton HC
Mareami Heat 1–1 Trottawa Express (1–1 AET) (1–4 pen.)
Crystal University 1–1 Royal Crystal Palace (1–1 AET) (2–4 pen.)
Hoofston Astros 0–4 Sporting Crystopolis
Neighjing Fire 1–4 Derbyshire War Horses
Buckston 0–5 Hoofington HC
Trotting Crystal City 1–1 Crystal Guard HC (1–1 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Equestrian Outcasts HC 1–0 Baltimare Dynamo
Seaddle Rage 0–0 Crystal Heart City (2–1 AET)
Coltenhagen Magic 8–3 North Library
Foalson Victory 0–0 Scoltland HC (0–0 AET) (1–3 pen.)
Sweet Apple City 0–1 Maneapolis Stars
Salt Lick City HC 1–0 Manesterdam Foxes

Second Round
Sacramaneto Eagles 0–2 Trottawa Express
Cloudsdale Colts 3–1 Scoltland City
Equestrian Outcasts HC 1–1 Mareseilles City (1–1 AET) (6–5 pen.)
Crystal Guard HC 1–0 Birminghoof Braves
Featherwood Hydras 3–3 New Cloudsdale Colonists (3–4 AET)
Detrot Assault 1–2 Whitetail Rangers
Whitecrystal North 2–2 Crystal Fair HC (3–2 AET)
Fillydelphia HC 1–0 Salt Lick City HC
Appleoosa HC 2–1 Trottingham Pirates
Manechester City HC 3–3 Hoofington HC (5–3 AET)
Starland South HC 1–0 Ponyville Galaxy
Trotheim United 0–1 Southwind HC
Crystal City United 0–1 Maneapolis Stars
Palace Grounds HC 0–1 Crystal Palace HC
Apple Orchard HC 4–0 Crystal City HC
Hoofington Flames 5–4 Fairflanks Ice Ponies
Manehattan Dragons 3–0 Royal Crystal Palace
Seaddle Rage 0–0 Scoltland City (1–0 AET)
Seaddle Sounders 0–1 Everfree Forest HC
Manechester United 3–1 Stalliongrad Ironponies
Royal Trotheim 1–2 Derbyshire War Horses
Sporting Crystal City 0–1 Coltenhagen Magic
North Spire HC 2–0 Sporting Crystopolis
Manetreal Impact 0–1 Las Pegasus Blues
New Ponyville HC 1–0 Whitecrystal South

Third Round
Fillydelphia HC 3–2 Crystal Guard HC
Manechester City HC 3–0 Manehattan Dragons
Canterlot Royals 3–2 Crystal Palace HC
Whitetail Rangers 1–0 Southwind HC
New Ponyville HC 1–4 Maneapolis Stars
Hoofington Flames 4–5 North Spire HC
Manechester United 3–2 New Cloudsdale Colonists
Stalliongrad HC 2–0 Equestrian Outcasts HC
Appleoosa HC 1–0 Starland South HC
Canterlot Stars 2–0 Apple Orchard HC
Trottawa Express 2–0 Everfree Forest HC
Las Pegasus Blues 2–2 Derbyshire War Horses (2–2 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Whitecrystal North 0–1 Seaddle Rage
Ponyville United 2–1 Whitetail Foresters
Crystopolis City 1–0 Coltenhagen Magic
Cloudsdale Colts 1–1 Cloudsdale Flyers (1–2 AET)

Fourth Round
Canterlot Royals 0–2 North Spire HC
Cloudsdale Flyers 3–1 Fillydelphia HC
Manechester City HC 1–1 Canterlot Stars (1–1 AET) (5–4 pen.)
Manechester United 0–1 Ponyville United
Las Pegasus Blues 0–1 Whitetail Rangers
Trottawa Express 0–2 Stalliongrad HC
Seaddle Rage 1–1 Maneapolis Stars (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Crystopolis City 3–0 Appleoosa HC

Quarterfinals
Cloudsdale Flyers 0–2 North Spire HC
Manechester City HC 9–0 Whitetail Rangers
Stalliongrad HC 0–1 Crystopolis City
Ponyville United 4–0 Seaddle Rage

Semifinals
Crystopolis City 3–6 Manechester City HC
Ponyville United 1–0 North Spire HC

6th United Cup Final

Ponyville United 6-1 Manechester City HC
at Royal Equestria Stadium in Canterlot, Equestrian States
Attendance: 105,381

by **Equestrian States** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 8:49 pm

United League: Season 8 Preview
by Steve McNotapony

It's that time again folks, another season of United League hoofball is just a week away and the hype is building throughout the Equestrian States and Crystal Empire as the supporters of almost every club have something to be excited about entering the new season.

After one of the most exciting and action-packed transfer windows in league history, virtually every team has noticeably improved their squad and fans will be eager to see how their favorite club's new stars do. But the latest transfer window isn't the only thing that will be adding excitement and drama to the upcoming season as the Equestrian States' recent rise into the top 32 of the UICA rankings means that the United League now has another spot in the Champions' Cup up for grabs and increases the overall number of United League UICA berths to nine. With the additional UICA berth, the always fierce battle for the last couple Globe Cup spots has just gotten more interesting, with all but a few clubs in the league boasting a legitimate chance at qualifying for the competition. Though Stalliongrad, Everfree Forest, Whitetail Foresters, and Appleoosa will likely remain the early favorites to contend for those coveted last couple spots, the Manehattan Dragons and recently-promoted Manechester City cannot be left out of the conversation either.

Of course, the most intriguing race will be the battle at the top of the table for the title, and now the additional Champions' Cup berth as well. Though Crystopolis City likely will maintain its monopoly on the Crystal Empire's berth, there's no doubt that the Royalty will be looking to add a second United League title to their trophy case as well. But as for the Equestrian berths, there are no guarantees as to who will qualify, with Ponyville United, the Cloudsdale Flyers, and both Canterlot clubs expected to battle it out for the two spots in the Champions' Cup along with the United League title. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if the league comes down to the final few matches as it has in most recent seasons, and I can see this year's battle even matching the thrilling final stretch from a couple seasons back in which four clubs were within a few points of each other with just a couple games left.

Even the relegation battle should be vastly more entertaining than it has been lately, as the three promoted Second League clubs have each massively revamped their squads in anticipation of the battle to come, with last season's second tier winners Manechester City even in the Globe Cup discussion after going on an unprecedented spending spree in the offseason. Other clubs expected to be in the relegation scrap like the Ponyville Galaxy, Manechester United, and New Cloudsdale Colonists also made some additions which should make the battle to remain in the top tier more thrilling than ever before.

Every club has something to fight for this season; whether it's the United League trophy, the new Champions' Cup berth, a spot in the Globe Cup, or just another season in the top tier, there's sure to be excitement everywhere in the table. With that in mind, let's take a look at each club's prospects for the upcoming season and where they might end up after the final whistle blows.

Appleoosa HC
Manager:

Applestar
Home Stadium: Apple Orchard Park (cap. 52,680) in Appleoosa, Equestrian States
Last Season: 18-9-11 (7th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Anthony Ligali from

Étoile Verte for $5.5 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Barrel Roll (GK, #1);

Lorenzo Jinalii (DF, #2);

Maciej Abrahamsen (DF, #4);

Sunrise Spark (DF, #3);

Star Hunter (DF, #6);

Matteo Grazzani (MF, #8);

Youngheart (MF, #5);

Anthony Ligali (MF, #16);

Apple Pie (MF, #9);

Cornflower (FW, #11);

Appleshine (FW, #10)
Predicted Finish: 11th in United League

The Harvesters right now are very much a team in transition, making it difficult to predict how they'll perform in the upcoming season as a result. Aging club icons like Apple Pie and Lorenzo Jinalii are gradually seeing their playing time decreased by manager Applestar as younger players like Star Hunter are being brought into the first team. Though Appleoosa did extremely well last season, nearly returning to UICA play after long being an outside contender for the highly-coveted final Globe Cup berth, with the changes underway at the club they'll likely still be chasing the pack this year. However, if there's one sign of hope for Harvester fans, it's the signing of promising young Valladar midfielder Anthony Ligali that gives Applestar yet another dangerous weapon to use in Appleoosa's never-ending battle for UICA hoofball.

Canterlot Royals
Manager:

Twilight Striker
Home Stadium: Grand Regal Stadium (cap. 81,955) in Canterlot, Equestrian States
Last Season: 15-9-14 (10th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Andrea Poynter from

Grasshoppers Turic for $18.5 million
Starting Players (4-5-1):

Amberlocks (GK, #1);

Octavio Morse (DF, #2);

Shimura Kazu (DF, #8);

Rose Quartz (DF, #4);

Guðvarður Mogensen (DF, #6);

Rapid Dash (MF, #10);

Andrea Poynter (MF, #3);

Lightning Streak (MF, #15);

Marco Castell (MF, #19);

Serenity (MF, #11);

Inèz van Stiphout (FW, #9)
Predicted Finish: 4th in United League; Globe Cup

After a woeful season that saw the Canterlot Royals not only finish outside the top four for the first time in what seems like ages, but miss the Equestrian UICA berths entirely, the Royals' ownership declined to sack former Equestrian national team manager Twilight Striker despite considerable pressure from supporters, but made it clear that another poor season would see the club's long-time manager fired. Much to the beleaguered coach's relief, however, the ultimatum came with the opening of the club's deep purse and Twilight Striker wasted no time making signings. Yttribian defender Octavio Morse, Osarian midfielder Andrea Poynter, and Pasargan striker Inèz van Stiphout were among the big name purchases joining Twilight Striker at Grand Regal Stadium for a combined fee of $42.5 million NSD, second only to the less-than-brilliant spending of Manechester City in the United League. With a massively-improved squad at her disposal, Twilight Striker isn't just eyeing a return to the Globe Cup now, but also chance to compete in the Champions' Cup with the additional available berth this season and there's a good chance she'll succeed, which would undoubtedly quiet the crowd clamoring for her to be fired.

Canterlot Stars
Manager:

Pearly White
Home Stadium: Star Stadium (cap. 59,250) in Canterlot, Equestrian States
Last Season: 24-5-9 (3rd in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Nightflame from

Dynamoe Sabryke on a Free Transfer
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Nightflame (GK, #1);

Marco Fantinelli (DF, #4);

Redtooth (DF, #6);

Apple Bytes (DF, #17);

Crimson Mesa (DF, #3);

Jermaine Poole (MF, #7);

Primrose Evergreen (MF, #9);

Checkered Flag (MF, #12);

Mikko Gravesen (MF, #11);

Isshiki Mika (FW, #10);

Sun Glimmer (FW, #2)
Predicted Finish: 5th in United League; Globe Cup

Though the Stars were among last season's most impressive teams, their relative lack of activity on the transfer market has many fans concerned that they might not be able to maintain their recent success. The return of Equestrian international Nightflame to the Star Stadium goal was by far the most critical signing made by Pearly White during the window, but in front of Nightflame, the Stars' defense remains largely unremarkable aside from respected Neu Engollon international Marco Fantinelli. As such, it's highly probable that the so-called "other" Canterlot club will rely on its midfielders and strikers to make up for the lack of defensive depth with goals aplenty. It worked out last season, but whether or not the Stars will remain a serious contender after most of the traditional favorites dramatically improved their squads remains to be seen. However, as with any team run by Pearly White, it'd be foolish to dismiss their chances before a ball has even been kicked as the widely-respected Equestrian manager rarely fails to find a way to win.

Cloudsdale Flyers
Manager:

Maarten Berg
Home Stadium: Sky-High Coliseum (cap. 65,000) in Cloudsdale, Equestrian States
Last Season: 26-7-5 (2nd in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Clemente Jaconelli from

Grasshoppers Turic for $16 million
Starting Players (4-5-1):

Marcela Guadarrama (GK, #1);

Clemente Jaconelli (DF, #4);

Akechi Naruko (DF, #7);

Sunstone (DF, #21);

Joachim Karlsen (DF, #3);

Saten Ruiko (MF, #6);

Sapphire Rose (MF, #10);

Nightwing (MF, #5);

Kassandra Berry (MF, #11);

Alula (MF, #19);

Ezio Grassi (FW, #9)
Predicted Finish: 2nd in United League; Champions' Cup

Maarten Berg's Flyers saw a couple of high-profile players exit Sky-High Coliseum during the transfer window, with Erauso Iburrusteta and Sparrow Body departing for SC Volker and CA Paulinthal respectively. However, the signing of up-and-coming Osarian defender Clemente Jaconelli more than makes up for the loss of Iburrusteta and the Flyers have one of the deepest midfields in the United League, minimizing the potential impact of Sparrow Body's departure. As such, it's not difficult to believe the Flyers will remain a serious title contender with Osarian World Cup hero Ezio Grassi spearheading Cloudsdale's fearsome attack. Grassi's injury during the World Cup may have worried some fans, but the striker came back strong to score the winning goal in the final and is expected to remain one of the United League's top scorers in the upcoming season.

Crystal City United
Manager:

Hearti
Home Stadium: Heartland Stadium (cap. 46,750) in Crystal City, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 12-14-12 (12th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Ipar Amiyategi from

Stalliongrad HC for $1 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Ipar Amiyategi (GK, #1);

Pearly Shores (DF, #6);

Gilded Emerald (DF, #7);

Xena (DF, #14);

Toastie (DF, #2);

Kalle Hope (MF, #3);

Diamond Heart (MF, #11);

Spring Fresh (MF, #18);

Jaded Fury (MF, #5);

Otto Kalsabur (FW, #10);

Misty (FW, #12)
Predicted Finish: 12th in United League; Globe Cup

Despite losing star striker Crystal Arrow to Crystopolis City before last season, Crystal City United managed to stave off a late challenge from North Spire HC to claim one of the Crystal Empire's allocated spots in the Globe Cup thanks in part to the efforts of Semar striker Otto Kalsabur, who did about as good a job of replacing Crystal Arrow as one could reasonably expect. Though the Crystal Stars still lack a truly impressive attack, Hearti's moves to strengthen her club's defense deserve praise given her club now boasts a thoroughly underrated back line. One-time Equestrian international Xena might not be as quick or nimble as she was when she was considered a fringe player for the Ponies, but as a defender her talents are still widely hailed and the fairly small fee mitigates any risk the club is taking by signing an older player; given Xena's track record, she likely has at least one or two good seasons left in her to justify her price tag. However, the true coup of the offseason for Hearti was the signing of Ipar Amiyategi from Stalliongrad for just $1 million NSD, a remarkably low fee for the young Astograth-born goalkeeper who defected to the Equestrian States a couple years back when his home country's government was overthrown. With most of his career - including his prime years - still ahead of him, Ipar Amiyategi might be looked back upon someday as one of the best United League signings in recent years.

Crystal Fair HC
Manager:

Lunar Dusk
Home Stadium: Crystopolis Coliseum (cap. 35,870) in Crystopolis, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 13-15-10 (9th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Ute Kästner from

SC Volker for an Undisclosed Fee
Starting Players (4-5-1):

Keelie Gold (GK, #1);

Ute Kästner (DF, #5);

Indigo Nocturne (DF, #2);

Crystalline Blaze (DF, #14);

Glistening Gold (DF, #4);

Sugar Glass (MF, #10);

Alisa (MF, #7);

Supernova Starlight (MF, #20);

Steelfeather (MF, #3);

Quicksilver (MF, #11);

Silver Moon (FW, #9)
Predicted Finish: 10th in United League; Globe Cup

Just two seasons removed from the record-shattering year which saw Crystal Fair promoted to the United League, the Grounders are still a rising team in the top tier, qualified for the Globe Cup last season, and have largely retained their core of young stars that have driven the club to new heights. After losing Equestrian U21 midfielder Lunar Shadow to Wrexton FC and the allure of Apox's top-rated league, Lunar Dusk first looked to her academy to fill the hole in her squad by promoting highly-regarded Crystalline teenager Alisa to the first team. Then, after declining to extend the contract of Rafael Murgia, the up-and-coming manager swooped in to grab New Cloudsdale native Supernova Starlight on a free transfer. Finally, in what could very well be the signing of the century, Lunar Dusk and Crystal Fair came virtually out of nowhere in the final hour of the window to land coveted and extremely versatile Felixian defender Ute Kästner despite reported interest from several United League contenders and numerous foreign clubs. Whatever fee Lunar Dusk paid to convince SC Volker to sell their young defender and whatever she said to then persuade Kästner to agree to a contract, it'll remain a subject of debate among supporters for the foreseeable future with neither party disclosing the deal's specifics. However, even if it turns out that Crystal Fair sold the metaphorical farm to get Kästner, it could prove to be worth every bit if the defender lives up to even part of his hype. The Grounders' future is unquestionably bright, but just how bright remains to be seen.

Crystopolis City
Manager:

Ember Mane
Home Stadium: Imperial Arena (cap. 69,740) in Crystopolis, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 22-10-6 (4th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Kira Rei from

Everfree Forest HC for $9.5 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Starshine (GK, #1);

Xavi Vilhjalmsson (DF, #3);

Sunshine Splash (DF, #4);

Seon Hyeok Kim (DF, #2);

Shady Daze (DF, #12);

Boskenna Penhallow (MF, #11);

Akamu (MF, #7);

Fillyfyre (MF, #6);

Princess Jojo (MF, #5);

Kira Rei (FW, #10);

Crystal Arrow (FW, #8)
Predicted Finish: 3rd in United League; Champions' Cup

Though Crystopolis City may have slipped somewhat last year, never really looking like a legitimate title contender throughout much of the season's second half, the "Royalty" of Crystalline hoofball retain most of the pieces which have enabled them to establish an unchallenged monopoly on the Crystal Empire's Champions' Cup berth for nearly a decade while going hoof-to-hoof with the traditional Equestrian power clubs in the battle for the United League title. With the latest additions of Kazamatsuri-jin striker Kira Rei and Quebecois defender Seon Hyeok Kim, Crystopolis has made yet another couple youth signings that should pay dividends not only this season, but for years to come as both players continue to mature and nurture their abilities. Though the defense appears rather inexperienced, on closer inspection the invaluable veteran leadership of Yttribian legend Xavi Vilhjalmsson should help the younger defenders quickly adapt to their competition, and the typically splendid goalkeeping of Starshine will further reduce the number of goals conceded by the team. Add in the talented midfield led by Wight-born Equestrian international Boskenna Penhallow and you get yet another Crystopolis City squad that will have its eyes securely fixed on ending Ponyville United's latest run of consecutive league titles.

Everfree Forest HC
Manager:

Infinitive
Home Stadium: Wild Grounds (cap. 56,500) in Everfree, Equestrian States
Last Season: 19-8-11 (6th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Adrasta Eljjoy from

Dwile Warriors for $8 million
Starting Players (3-5-2):

Hallvardur Ulberg (GK, #1);

Horus (DF, #3);

Francisco Tlatenchi (DF, #6);

Ironclaw (DF, #2);

Ciorstaidh Platform (MF, #10);

Shimmer Shine (MF, #8);

Adrasta Eljjoy (MF, #4);

Raíssa Capetinha (MF, #7);

Rippling Breeze (MF, #5);

Silverwing (FW, #9);

Nightingale (FW, #11)
Predicted Finish: 8th in United League

After a highly successful season which saw Everfree Forest finally qualify for the Globe Cup, the perennial mid-table club will likely find it difficult to return to UICA competition after being raided by both domestic rivals and foreign teams for young talent. However, there still remains hope for the club and its rabid supporters, as young talent has - for the most part - been replaced with young (or at least youthful) talent. The losses of forwards Midnight Strike and Kira Rei to Tjelberg Forening and Crystopolis City respectively added nearly $14 million NSD to the club's budget and the sale of defender Crimson Mesa piled on a couple million more. With a considerably enlarged wallet at his disposal, Forest boss Infinitive looked domestically and abroad for potential signings, making a huge first move with the $8 million signing of Apoxian Adrasta Eljjoy when the player discovered her spot in legendary Equestrian manager Moon Dust's Dwile Warriors first team taken by none other than Valanora's megastar midfielder Laborious Hawk and promptly demanded a move. As fans continued to sing their manager's praises after Eljjoy's introduction, Infinitive further strengthened his squad with the Manetreal Impact's star striker Silverwing and young Manechester City midfielder Shimmer Shine each for modest fees before securing Crystopolis City's Nightingale on a loan. Then, with what remained of his funds, the Everfree manager brought in veteran Equestrian national team defender Horus who found herself out of favor at Canterlot's Grand Regal Stadium near the end of last year as the Royals woes drove Twilight Striker to make changes to her first team in an effort to salvage something from a lost season. Though it may take some time for Everfree Forest's latest signings to adjust to their new surroundings, there's no reason to say the team can't at least contend for a spot in the Globe Cup as they have in recent seasons.

Manechester City HC
Manager:

Val Kylx
Home Stadium: City of Manechester Stadium (cap. 47,805) in Manechester, Equestrian States
Last Season: 32-8-6 (1st in Second League)
Biggest Transfer:

Leonardo Conavacio from

Blacklake Blues for $45 million
Starting Players (3-4-3):

Silver Charm (GK, #1);

Blackmane (DF, #2);

Constantine Synge (DF, #3);

Coldheart (DF, #4);

Bressinho (MF, #5);

Aaron Clarke (MF, #6);

Koby Theodore (MF, #7);

Sebestyén Baumbach (MF, #8);

Val Kylx (FW, #10);

Leonardo Conavacio (FW, #9);

Dûsh Bagg (FW, #13)
Predicted Finish: 9th in United League

Manechester City may have only just been promoted to the top tier last season, but they are already perhaps the single most-reviled club in the United League, at least among local followers. From their free-spending Guayabalense oil tycoon owner, Teymuraz Samedov, to player-manager Val Kylx, who seemingly drives long-time hoofball supporters mad through his mere existence, to their squad that can and has been called "the All-Multiverse Douchebag XI", there's almost literally nothing about the Citizens that might convince a neutral to support them. Having spent a mind-boggling $135.85 million NSD on players in the recent window alone, Val Kylx and Manechester City were apparently willing to pay whatever it cost to land their transfer targets and refused to take "no" as an answer. Though it's certainly tempting to summarize why exactly each player on City's current roster is so despicable, I'll instead focus on Kylx's two recent recruits that drew the most criticism from Equestrians and others: Koby Theodore and Leonardo Conavacio. A star attacking midfielder for the Republican national team, Koby Theodore, and many of his teammates, has earned a widespread reputation as one of the most intolerable, arrogant, speciest dirtbags in the known multiverse. Leonardo Conavacio may not be as widely-despised as Theodore, but it's not for a lack of trying as his extremely dirty playing style has led to him being sent-off at a rate which even the most aggressive defender might consider "a bit too often". Perhaps the only decent sapient on the entire team is goalkeeper Silver Charm, who's actually fairly good at doing her job on the pitch in addition to not trying to eat newborn fillies when not positioned between the goalposts. However, though Manechester City might have the largest collection of douchebags in the multiverse, many of them are - unfortunately - also pretty talented athletes who will surely enter the season with hopes of breaking into the title race despite having been only promoted last year. That said, the sheer number of over-inflated egos and what appears to be a poorly-disciplined and generally unremarkable defense will be Manechester City's most glaring weaknesses and should prevent them from doing anything more than being outside contenders in the Globe Cup race.

Manechester United
Manager:

Stormfeather
Home Stadium: Pony Lands Park (cap. 54,000) in Manechester, Equestrian States
Last Season: 9-4-25 (17th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Starry Night to

CdF Dowtel for $6 million
Starting Players (4-3-3):

Northern Lights (GK, #1);

Pernille Spool (DF, #2);

Applesong (DF, #8);

Raindrops (DF, #3);

Hammerclaw (DF, #18);

Autumn Spark (MF, #7);

Passion Fruit (MF, #12);

Antinanco (MF, #5);

Eutimio Salazar (FW, #10);

Elise Belle (FW, #11);

Apple Flora (FW, #9)
Predicted Finish: 20th in United League; Relegation

To say that last year was a bad year for Manechester United fans would be a huge understatement. Not only did the Red Diablos' obnoxious local rivals (see above) earn promotion to the top tier after dominating the Second League, but Manechester United nearly found themselves taking City's place in the second tier with only a late surge allowing them to finish clear of the relegation spots after manager Hat Trix was fired mid-season and replaced by assistant Stormfeather (an extremely uncommon move historically in Equestrian hoofball). Then, as the Citizens spent millions adding to their squad and totally dominated local headlines, United lost one of their few remaining international caliber players, Starry Night, and made only a small number of generally unremarkable additions in a half-hearted attempt to patch over their team's gaping holes. The continued decline in form of Felixian striker Eutimio Salazar has hamstrung the Red Diablos' attack, while aging defender Pernille Spool is the club's lone reliable player in the defensive third. Considered a legitimate contender in the battle for a Globe Cup berth just a couple years ago, the decline of Manechester United has been as dramatic as it's been sudden. With the United League becoming increasingly competitive and each of last year's promoted sides noticeably improving their rosters, the Red Diablos are as close to a relegation lock as you're going to get in the top flight this season, an unfortunate fate for a club that has been a mainstay in the Equestrian first tier for the past couple decades.

by **Equestrian States** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 8:51 pm

Manehattan Dragons
Manager:

Mariner
Home Stadium: Derby Field (cap. 65,000) in Manehattan, Equestrian States
Last Season: 15-7-16 (11th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Cyan Skies from

Cloudsdale Colts for $3 million
Starting Players (4-3-3):

Cyan Skies (GK, #1);

Berry Frost (DF, #4);

Cassandra (DF, #3);

Mjölna (DF, #18);

Lucas Galhardo (DF, #23);

Mira Pejić (MF, #8);

Abdullah Hussain (MF, #11);

Spring Skies (MF, #7);

Starling (FW, #6);

Karmen Matijević (FW, #10);

Farsight (FW, #9)
Predicted Finish: 14th in United League

Another club which has traditionally finished at or around mid-table, the Manehattan Dragons made a number of upgrades during the last transfer window which supporters hope will allow manager Mariner's team to challenge for a spot in the Globe Cup by the end of the season. Though far from the most expensive purchase during the offseason, the $3 million NSD signing of teenage goalkeeper Cyan Skies is one many Dragons fans are excited about as a move that could turn out brilliant in the long-term and short-term plans of the club. Also joining the Manehattan Dragons is Patistani midfielder Abdullah Hussain, a fairly talented player and vice-captain of his national team, but his fee of $8 million has been met with skepticism by some who feel the club may have overpaid for his signature. Though criticized by a small minority of supporters for not going after a bigger name star to lead the club, the Dragons really lost only minor players in the offseason and should at least finish near mid-table again; however, with several clubs near their level in the United League making improvements to their squads, it also seems probable that the Dragons may drop slightly down the table amidst the league's increased competitiveness.

Manehattan Manticores
Manager:

Wildflower
Home Stadium: Manehattan Industrial Park (cap. 47,160) in Manehattan, Equestrian States
Last Season: 30-9-7 (2nd in Second League)
Biggest Transfer:

Misty Fly from

Manetreal Impact for $1.8 million
Starting Players (4-5-1):

Autumn Gem (GK, #1);

Kisecawchuck (DF, #4);

Red Gala (DF, #2);

Peppermint Crunch (DF, #8);

Shikoba (DF, #3);

Misty Fly (MF, #11);

Homura (MF, #10);

Crystalbarre (MF, #6);

Sapphire Crescent (MF, #7);

London Bridger (MF, #5);

Benedito Henryson (FW, #9)
Predicted Finish: 17th in United League

After blowing through the Second League on the fetlocks of Manechester City last season, the Manehattan Manticores are back in the top tier yet again and with some smart purchases by Wildflower, hopeful of remaining in the top flight for the foreseeable future. The two key transfers for the Manticores were the deals which brought them goalkeeper Autumn Gem and midfielder Misty Fly. Though Autumn Gem isn't nearly as nimble as she once was, her shot-stopping abilities are still fantastic and her veteran experience should help a somewhat shaky defense maintain its composure to an extent. Meanwhile, Misty Fly might still be just a teen, but her talent and potential has caught the attention of the Equestrian States U21 staff, and she could be a leader of the Manticores for seasons to come if they can stave off interest from other United League clubs that will surely come calling if her potential is realized. Together with recent academy graduate Homura and the dive-happy London Bridger, Misty Fly and the Manticores' youthful midfield could be a legitimate force in the league should they stick together. There's no doubt that the Manticores will be in the relegation battle this season, but if they can survive, they may find themselves mirroring the recent success of clubs like Crystal Fair HC and the Whitetail Foresters, who rose to become Globe Cup contenders after surviving their first season in the top flight.

New Cloudsdale Colonists
Manager:

Guiding Light
Home Stadium: Atlantian Coliseum (cap. 39,500) in New Cloudsdale, Equestrian Overseas Territories
Last Season: 12-5-21 (16th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Rainboom Flyer from

Canterlot Stars for $3.15 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Archangel (GK, #1);

Dylan Stocks (DF, #5);

Diamondheart (DF, #3);

Carol (DF, #4);

Rainboom Flyer (DF, #2);

Constance (MF, #12);

Sunstreak (MF, #6);

Golden Chance (MF, #11);

Slipstream (MF, #8);

Milky Way (FW, #10);

Dark Star (FW, #7)
Predicted Finish: 16th in United League

Though at times it seems that the Colonists have remained a United League side by pure luck, it would hardly be fair to dismiss New Cloudsdale as irrelevant, as their continued survival is largely thanks to the emergence of the Colonists' academy as one of the finest in the league. Despite routinely losing their best and brightest young stars to other clubs, the New Cloudsdale Colonists have managed to keep out of the bottom three while churning out more teenage talent to fill their ranks. The Colonists at one point seemed on the cusp of contending for a Globe Cup berth, but those dreams are largely dead now with relegation seeming the most likely long-term prospect for the team. However, New Cloudsdale still has enough talent left to stay up this season and should be safe at the end of the year, but whether or not their stars will stick around for next season remains to be seen.

North Spire HC
Manager:

Sentinel Guard
Home Stadium: Spire Grounds (cap. 31,825) in Crystopolis, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 13-10-15 (13th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Castle from

Stalliongrad HC on a Free Transfer
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Superb Stop (GK, #1);

Castle (DF, #2);

Silver Lining (DF, #3);

Diamond Dust (DF, #16);

April Showers (DF, #4);

Methuselah Meeuwessen (MF, #6);

Gleaming Light (MF, #7);

Aubrey-Lille Padgette (MF, #5);

Martin Kristiansen (FW, #10);

Primrose (FW, #9);

Rapid Rush (FW, #8)
Predicted Finish: 13th in United League

Bitter local rivals of Crystopolis City, North Spire HC is among the most historically successful clubs from the Crystal Empire, but the Northerners have lately struggled to attract young talent and have recently begun to slide down the table as a result, passed by apparently more ambitious clubs much to the dismay of supporters. However, in one of the best moves of the last window, Sentinel Guard brought in veteran Crystalline international Castle on a free transfer after the defender's Stalliongrad contract ended, adding some much-needed veteran leadership to an otherwise young back line. Though the club's aging manager will need to keep his stars - especially midfielder Methuselah Meeuwessen - healthy to avoid dipping into a very shallow pool of reserve talent, North Spire should be able to challenge again for one of the Crystal Empire's allocated Globe Cup berths. Of course, with the rise of Crystal Fair HC and the continued success of Crystal City United, the margin of error for the Northerners will be small in the increasingly competitive United League and a few dropped points could be the difference between returning to the Globe Cup and missing out entirely.

Ponyville Galaxy
Manager:

Red Dwarf
Home Stadium: The Observatory (cap. 40,650) in Ponyville, Equestrian States
Last Season: 12-6-20 (15th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Ardent from

Crystal City United for $2.5 million
Starting Players (4-3-3):

Ardent (GK, #1);

Cherry Blossom (DF, #6);

Skystrife (DF, #3);

Linus Widemark (DF, #4);

Haraldr (DF, #8);

Tropical Storm (MF, #7);

Melissa Santos (MF, #2);

Pine Breeze (MF, #5);

Golden Glitter (FW, #9);

Comet Trail (FW, #12);

High Winds (FW, #10)
Predicted Finish: 19th in United League; Relegation

Survivors of more relegation battles than their fans would like to recount, the Ponyville Galaxy's time in the United League might be drawing to a close. Aside from Polarian defender Linus Widemark and recently-acquired goalkeeper Ardent, the Galaxy's roster is largely devoid of players who might be considered regular starters for a mid-table club and more often that not, it's only manager Red Dwarf who keeps them competitive. No strangers to relegation scraps, the Ponyville club at least has the advantage of experience going into what's sure to be yet another battle to survive, though a particularly bad run for Red Dwarf's high-risk, high-reward approach may see the Galaxy finally dropped down to the Second League.

Ponyville United
Manager:

Simon Jewel
Home Stadium: Elements Stadium (cap. 48,750) in Ponyville, Equestrian States
Last Season: 26-8-4 (1st in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Josef Cisternino from

Fontvieille Universisty for $11.5 million
Starting Players (3-5-2):

Mellody Sioux (GK, #1);

Arctic Lily (DF, #3);

Ishio Mifune (DF, #2);

Rose Petal (DF, #4);

Starlight Sparkle (MF, #5);

Vagn Meyer (MF, #8);

Amber Waves (MF, #11);

Ji Iseul Kwan (MF, #7);

Fleur de Verre (MF, #16);

Fire Dash (FW, #10);

Nathaniel Doherty (FW, #6)
Predicted Finish: 1st in United League; Champions' Cup

The end is near for Equestrian hoofball legends Fire Dash and Starlight Sparkle, as both Ponyville United superstars have announced their intentions to retire at the conclusion of the season, but the two long-time teammates will be eager to add one last league title to their remarkable collection before it's over. Leaders of the Equestrian States national team for over a decade, Fire Dash and Starlight Sparkle were instrumental in the Ponies' rise to prominence, loved by millions of Equestrian hoofball supporters, and credited with inspiring some of the Ponies' current stars to take up the sport. This season will be one of transition for Ponyville United, as the younger generation of players is given a more prominent role; and in the coming years, other iconic players like Mellody Sioux and Ji Iseul Kwan will hang up their boots as rising stars such as Josef Cisternino and Decima are thrust into the spotlight. For now, however, it'll be interesting to see how Simon Jewel balances the need to give the club's retiring heroes a proper final season with the necessity of giving the younger players valuable experience, all while in the midst of a title race.

Seaddle Sounders
Manager:

Leon Nicolson
Home Stadium: HarmonyLink Field (cap. 67,800) in Seaddle, Equestrian States
Last Season: 23-9-14 (5th in Second League)
Biggest Transfer:

Jasmine Saint Claire from

Hampshire United for $2 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Regal Glory (GK, #1);

Blackstone (DF, #3);

Hansen (DF, #6);

Braveheart (DF, #4);

Pathfinder (DF, #2);

Jasmine Saint Claire (MF, #7);

Steelglaze (MF, #5);

Ruby Watch (MF, #11);

Cloud Nine (MF, #9);

Golden Glory (FW, #12);

Angelino Benitez (FW, #10)
Predicted Finish: 18th in United League; Relegation

If the Seaddle Sounders are relegated at the end of this season, it won't be for a lack of trying. After winning last year's promotion playoff, the Sounders knew the road to surviving the impending fierce relegation battle would be difficult and the club owners made it clear they'd at least go down fighting. Somehow, likely thanks to an extremely generous salary offer, Seaddle's board managed to hire up-and-coming Felixian coach Leon Nicolson, former boss of SBCC quarterfinalists SC Volker B, to take the club's reins this season. Despite a tight budget, Nicolson was able to seriously upgrade the Sounders' first team by signing promising Felixian youngsters Jasmine Saint Claire and Angelino Benitez for minimal fees while exploiting the free transfer market to land a few more solid players. However, even with the new signings, this is still a squad with a few gaping holes, namely on the attack, which may prove fatal in the long run as clean sheets could be totally wasted by a lackluster offense unable to break down opposing defenses.

Southwind HC
Manager:

Spitshine
Home Stadium: Starlight Stadium (cap. 36,750) in South Bend, Crystal Empire
Last Season: 11-10-17 (14th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Marílinha from

Canterlot Royals for $3.45 million
Starting Players (3-5-2):

Stellar Save (GK, #1);

Andressa de Souza (DF, #6);

Lunar Glory (DF, #2);

Sturmbolt (DF, #4);

Ricardo Carvalho (MF, #11);

Snow Dust (MF, #10);

Diamanda (MF, #5);

Cedric Pearson (MF, #7);

Winnow Wind (MF, #3);

Marílinha (FW, #9);

Nexxus Riot (FW, #12)
Predicted Finish: 15th in United League

Like North Spire, Southwind HC is a club which has recently found it difficult to attract the type of players needed to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive league and - thanks to the rise of Crystal Fair HC and Crystal City United - have lately found themselves missing out on the Globe Cup. Fortunately for Strikers fans, the signing of talented Sunrisian forward Marílinha shows that Southwind may yet reverse its course and return to being one of the United League's rising teams. Though still a squad rich in talent, the Strikers haven't managed to translate their abilities into strong performances on the pitch in recent years and the clock is ticking as a once young team nears the end of its prime. A return to UICA hoofball and infusion of young talent is what Southwind needs to remain competitive in the long term, otherwise they might find themselves in a losing battle against time and relegation in the not-to-distant future.

Stalliongrad HC
Manager:

Diamond Star
Home Stadium: Diamond Park (cap. 75,000) in Stalliongrad, Equestrian States
Last Season: 20-11-7 (5th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Paolita Taccardi from

Hastmead Diamante for $8 million
Starting Players (4-4-2):

Paolita Taccardi (GK, #1);

Stronghoof (DF, #4);

Glory Daze (DF, #11);

Aloysius Blau (DF, #2);

Tiger Lily (DF, #5);

Magnus Lorentz (MF, #9);

Werner Mittlestadt (MF, #8);

Zoey (MF, #16);

Peachy Sweet (MF, #12);

Simo Roni (FW, #6);

Cloud Kicker (FW, #10)
Predicted Finish: 6th in United League; Globe Cup

Always a presence near the top of the table, but never quite high enough to be considered a legitimate contender, Stalliongrad's recent movement towards a young team of rising stars under manager Diamond Star has Miners fans dreaming of joining perennial powers Ponyville United, Crystopolis City, Cloudsdale Flyers, and Canterlot Royals at the top of the United League each season. Stalliongrad already boasted a strong squad, but the additions of Osarian goalkeeper Paolita Taccardi and Yttribian midfielder Magnus Lorentz bring even more fairly young international-caliber talent to the team, and suddenly those dreams of contention no longer look so far-fetched. However, despite possessing one of the United League's best defenses and a rapidly improving midfield, the Miners still lack a top-quality striker. Cloud Kicker and Simo Roni are capable, but neither has a history of scoring the number of goals needed to really contend for a title. As such, it's easy to see Stalliongrad playing a major role in the battle for the trophy, but for now they'll remain just on the outside of true contention.

Whitetail Foresters
Manager:

Dreamy Skies
Home Stadium: Shady Grove (cap. 43,650) in Whitetail, Equestrian States
Last Season: 16-12-10 (8th in United League)
Biggest Transfer:

Giovanni Aldinne from

Real Azuris for $7 million
Starting Players (4-5-1):

Tumelo Ihejirika (GK, #1);

Ivory (DF, #3);

Night Watch (DF, #8);

Dust Pan (DF, #5);

Autumn Sky (DF, #4);

Dizzy Doo (MF, #7);

Giovanni Aldinne (MF, #12);

Fyreflight (MF, #10);

Opalescence (MF, #15);

Leona Bonecrusher (MF, #11);

Isbel Prism (FW, #9)
Predicted Finish: 7th in United League; Globe Cup

Famous for producing talented young players like Gentle Breeze, the Equestrian States' oft-praised world-class goalkeeper, the Whitetail Foresters haven't always been the best at retaining their stars, but under the guiding hoof of Dreamy Skies, the Foresters have transformed from a Second League power to a regular Globe Cup contender. Built around a young midfield led by Dizzy Doo, Whitetail's recent success has brought new life to a club that once thought to be heading towards irrelevance and proven that a club built on a strong academy can sustain itself in the top half of the table even with a relatively small transfer budget. Dreamy Skies went after experienced internationals in the last window to help develop her numerous youth stars, with Giovanni Aldinne and Ivory joining one of the United League's youngest squads as a result. Already proven contenders for the Globe Cup berths, the Foresters will only get better with experience and the added UICA spot this year makes a return to the Globe Cup all the more likely for Whitetail.

by **Equestrian States** » Wed Feb 04, 2015 10:41 pm

SEASON 8 - PART I

Match Day 1
Here we go folks: it's the first day of the season, and right off the bat we get some thrilling matches. Newly-promoted sides Manechester City and Seaddle Sounders clash in front of a sold-out City of Manechester Stadium and it's Val Kylx's side that emerge victorious in a complete rout of the visitors in which Kylx scores a brace with new signings Leonardo Conavacio and Koby Theodore also finding the net, a superb start to what Citizen fans hope will be a season ending in UICA qualification. The Whitetail Foresters also start their season with a bang, beating the Canterlot Stars 5-3 in dominant fashion despite conceding twice in the final 20 minutes. Elsewhere in Canterlot, the Royals crush the Manehattan Manticores 4-1 thanks to excellent performances from Inèz van Stiphout and Andrea Poynter, each finishing with a goal and assist. Meanwhile, pre-season title favorites Ponyville United and the Cloudsdale Flyers are both stunned away from home, the Flyers failing to convert any of their chances into goals against the New Cloudsdale Colonists while Ponyville United is humiliated in their derby against local rivals Galaxy.

Everfree Forest HC 1–1 Southwind HC
(Silverwing '42, Marílinha '55)
Manechester City HC 5–0 Seaddle Sounders
(V. Kylx '1, L. Conavacio '61, K. Theodore '65, D. Bagg '87, V. Kylx '88)
Manechester United 0–0 Appleoosa HC
(No Scoring)
Canterlot Stars 3–5 Whitetail Foresters
(I. Prism '1, Dizzy Doo '2, J. Poole '12, Opalescence '24, I. Prism '63, Autumn Sky '69, Primrose Evergreen '70, I. Mika '85)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 1–0 Cloudsdale Flyers
(C. Thornton '65)
Ponyville Galaxy 2–0 Ponyville United
(Melissa Santos '47, Comet Trail '84)
Canterlot Royals 4–1 Manehattan Manticores
(I. van Stiphout '5, Homura '17, A. Poynter '31, Lightning Streak '55, Berry Splash '90+3)
North Spire HC 0–1 Crystal Fair HC
(Sugar Glass '68)
Crystopolis City 2–1 Manehattan Dragons
(Crystal Arrow '28, K. Rei '73, Starling '87)
Stalliongrad HC 0–1 Crystal City United
(O. Kalsabur '80)

Match Day 2
After their shocking opening day loss at the hooves of the Galaxy, Ponyville United are offered the opportunity to redeem themselves against their historic rivals and title challengers Canterlot Royals, and they don't let it go to waste. With just 10 minutes left in the match, Fire Dash rifles a shot from just outside the box into the corner of the net to win Ponyville the first meeting of the season between any of the expected United League contenders. The Cloudsdale Flyers, aren't so lucky, letting a 2-0 lead slip away in the final quarter hour against the Ponyville Galaxy, with Galaxy defender Haraldr heading home the stoppage time equalizer from a corner kick. Widely predicted to be relegated this season, the Ponyville Galaxy have now taken 4 of 6 points from their first two matches against the clubs expected to finish first and second atop the league table. In Crystopolis, Crystal Fair HC win their second match in as many weeks against a fellow club from the Crystalline capital, this time toppling title contenders Crystopolis City behind a first half strike set up by Felixian Ute Kästner. Meanwhile, Manechester City's hopes of starting the season with a pair of wins after Kylx's 5th minute opener are dashed when striker Leonardo Conavacio is sent off minutes later after elbowing Everfree Forest's Legalite defender Francisco Tlatenchi in the face, with Forest showing no mercy to the outnumbered Citizens in a 5-1 rout.

Southwind HC 0–1 Crystal City United
(K. Hope '43)
Manehattan Dragons 0–2 Stalliongrad HC
(S. Roni '26, M. Lorentz '71)
Crystal Fair HC 1–0 Crystopolis City
(Silver Moon '39)
Manehattan Manticores 0–1 North Spire HC
(M. Meeuwessen '58)
Ponyville United 2–1 Canterlot Royals
(Fleur de Verre '17, I. van Stiphout '53, Fire Dash '80)
Cloudsdale Flyers 2–2 Ponyville Galaxy
(E. Grassi '40, Nightwing '45+1, Comet Trail '75, Haraldr '90+4)
Whitetail Foresters 3–0 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(Fyreflight '12, L. Bonecrusher '22, Brilliant Blaze '68)
Appleoosa HC 0–1 Canterlot Stars
(Sun Glimmer '78)
Seaddle Sounders 0–3 Manechester United
(Elise Belle '3, E. Salazar '24, Antinanco '63)
Everfree Forest HC 5–1 Manechester City HC
(V. Kylx '5, Silverwing '15, Nightingale '37, Silverwing '44, A. Eljjoy '48, Nightingale '61)

United Cup - First Preliminary Round
The newly-expanded United Cup kicks off with clubs from the bottom three tiers of the combined pyramid entering the first of several preliminary rounds. Though none of the involved teams are likely to qualify for the tournament proper, it's a chance for clubs to earn some decent money and give supporters something besides their leagues to watch their teams in. A number of matches are scoreless through additional extra time and require penalties to decide a winner, including the Hoofston Ranchers-Witherly Bay fixture in which neither side seemed capable of finding the net - even in the shootout - and ended with the visitors winning the dull shootout 2-0 to advance.

Match Day 3
It's a week of draws in the United League, with the majority of the round's fixtures ending with the teams splitting the points. However, in the week's most anticipated match, between the Canterlot Royals and Cloudsdale Flyers, the result isn't even close. Powered by a Marco Castell brace, the Royals embarrass the Flyers 5-1 in front of over 80,000 screaming fans at Grand Regal Stadium as Cloudsdale's wretched start to the season continues. Elsewhere in the Equestrian capital, the Canterlot Stars avoid a humiliating defeat against the Seaddle Sounders - who entered the week having lost their previous two matches by a combined score of 8-0 - thanks to Fantina Zirome's late heroics and salvage a draw. The Ponyville Galaxy, however, are humbled 3-0 at home by the Whitetail Foresters after an extremely impressive first couple games saw them take points from their local rivals and the struggling Flyers.

Manechester City HC 2–1 Southwind HC
(R. Carvalho '41, Bressinho '58, K. Theodore '73)
Manechester United 1–1 Everfree Forest HC
(Shimmer Shine '36, E. Salazar '64)
Canterlot Stars 2–2 Seaddle Sounders
(I. Mika '19, Ruby Watch '43, A. Benitez '78, F. Zirome '82)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 0–0 Appleoosa HC
(No Scoring)
Ponyville Galaxy 0–3 Whitetail Foresters
(I. Prism '21, G. Aldinne '48, Torchlight '61)
Canterlot Royals 5–1 Cloudsdale Flyers
(M. Castell '24, I. van Stiphout '40, E. Grassi '44, Rapid Dash '63, M. Castell '73, D. Köhler '88)
North Spire HC 0–0 Ponyville United
(No Scoring)
Crystopolis City 1–1 Manehattan Manticores
(K. Rei '48, Misty Fly '56)
Stalliongrad HC 0–0 Crystal Fair HC
(No Scoring)
Crystal City United 1–0 Manehattan Dragons
(Misty '12)

Match Day 4
The Cloudsdale Flyers emphatically halt their early skid with a 4-1 thrashing of North Spire HC behind an Ezio Grassi hat trick, the superstar Osarian striker effortlessly ripping apart the Northerners back line throughout the match. Denied a clean sheet only by Semar forward Martin Kristiansen's stoppage time consolation goal, the Flyers proved that they've still got what it takes to win, though a sustained run of success will be required to calm their fans' nerves after such a poor start to the season. Meanwhile, Ponyville United's convincing victory over Crystopolis City saw the United League debut of prized Yttribian teen Josef Cisternino, with the midfielder scoring one of his club's three goals in a match between the league's two Champions' Cup representatives last season. Crystalbarre's stoppage time equalizer at Manehattan Industrial Park gave the Manticores another much-needed point in the team's second come-from-behind draw against a UICA contending club in the last two weeks whilst Dizzy Doo earned the Whitetail Foresters a win over the visiting Royals with her own late goal. In the first United League Manechester derby in a few seasons, City entered with expectations of victory and exited with all the points as Val Kylx's side dominated their hated rivals even without suspended Quebecois striker Leonardo Conavacio.

Southwind HC 0–0 Manehattan Dragons
(No Scoring)
Crystal Fair HC 2–0 Crystal City United
(Silver Moon '18, Silver Moon '33)
Manehattan Manticores 1–1 Stalliongrad HC
(Zoey '17, Crystalbarre '90+2)
Ponyville United 3–0 Crystopolis City
(Starlight Sparkle '6, V. Meyer '34, J. Cisternino '55)
Cloudsdale Flyers 4–1 North Spire HC
(E. Grassi '9, S. Ruiko '10, E. Grassi '28, E. Grassi '69, M. Kristiansen '90+1)
Whitetail Foresters 1–0 Canterlot Royals
(Dizzy Doo '83)
Appleoosa HC 0–2 Ponyville Galaxy
(Tropical Storm '29, Melissa Santos '37)
Seaddle Sounders 1–1 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(Milky Way '28, Indigo '45+1)
Everfree Forest HC 0–0 Canterlot Stars
(No Scoring)
Manechester City HC 4–1 Manechester United
(V. Kylx '2, Apple Flora '38, S. Baumbach '43, K. Theodore '77, D. Bagg '85)

United Cup - Second Preliminary Round
The United Cup continues with clubs from the ninth tier and the remaining tenth tier sides joining the competition, a number of these new teams falling to lower tier opponents. Among those upset this round are Heartland HC (against AHC Istanbull), Marenza Riders (against Neighbor Harbor), and HC Crystalline Capital (against Elemental AC).

Match Day 5
For the Whitetail Foresters, it's been a perfect start to the campaign as the only team to win their first four games claims yet another victory away at North Spire, with Isbel Prism's early strike enough to give the Foresters all three points. However, the new season has been less than kind to title hopefuls Canterlot Royals, who are beaten 2-1 by an Appleoosa side that entered the match having yet to score a goal before Valladar midfielder Anthony Ligali and former Cloudsdale Flyers striker Cornflower found the net in the first half hour to give the Harvesters a two goal lead they wouldn't surrender. Another reversal of fortune comes at the Observatory in Ponyville, where the Galaxy are thumped 4-1 by the recently-promoted Seaddle Sounders, Leon Nicolson's Felixian duo of Jasmine Saint Claire and Angelino Benitez playing a key role in each of the Sounders' goals. But the best hoofball of the day comes from Diamond Park where Ponyville United and Stalliongrad HC featured in a six-goal thriller that was far closer than Ponyville's 3-1 halftime lead suggests. A splendid performance by Ponyville's Sunrisian keeper Mellody Sioux kept Ponyville well ahead of Stalliongrad on the scoreboard, but Cloud Kicker and Serena still managed to score for the Miners as United went home with the points after a 4-2 win.

Manechester United 0–0 Southwind HC
(No Scoring)
Canterlot Stars 3–1 Manechester City HC
(Primrose Evergreen '7, M. Fantinelli '20, K. Theodore '58, M. Gravesen '71)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 0–2 Everfree Forest HC
(C. Platform '19, R. Capetinha '41)
Ponyville Galaxy 1–4 Seaddle Sounders
(A. Benitez '2, High Winds '10, J. Saint Claire '45+1, A. Benitez '58, Blackstone '83)
Canterlot Royals 1–2 Appleoosa HC
(A. Ligali '19, Cornflower '27, Sapphire Rose '34)
North Spire HC 0–1 Whitetail Foresters
(I. Prism '13)
Crystopolis City 1–1 Cloudsdale Flyers
(Crystal Arrow '62, K. Berry '78)
Stalliongrad HC 2–4 Ponyville United
(Cloud Kicker '8, N. Doherty '28, Fire Dash '40, Amber Waves '44, Decima '59, Serena '85)
Crystal City United 2–0 Manehattan Manticores
(O. Kalsabur '25, O. Kalsabur '47)
Manehattan Dragons 0–1 Crystal Fair HC
(Diamond Mint '31)

Match Day 6
Leonardo Conavacio's return from a three match ban for Manechester City comes at just the right time for the Quebecois striker to make a difference in the Citizens' clash with New Cloudsdale Colonists, scoring once before setting up Val Kylx's 88th minute winner in a rare display of real teamwork from the widely-hated Manechester team. Elsewhere, Crystal Fair HC and Crystal City United entered the day in the top three but both fell on the road, against Southwind and Ponyville United respectively, giving leaders Whitetai Foresters a chance to pull away from the pack. However, Crystopolis City went to Shady Grove and ended the Foresters' perfect season behind goals from Wight-born Equestrian international Boskenna Penhallow and aging Starblaydi forward Jeremy Anselm, the result keeping the top six teams separated by a slim three point margin.

Southwind HC 1–0 Crystal Fair HC
(Marílinha '60)
Manehattan Manticores 1–1 Manehattan Dragons
(A. Hussain '24, L. Bridger '61)
Ponyville United 2–0 Crystal City United
(J.I. Kwan '20, Decima '51)
Cloudsdale Flyers 1–0 Stalliongrad HC
(E. Grassi '15)
Whitetail Foresters 0–2 Crystopolis City
(B. Penhallow '4, J. Anselm '36)
Appleoosa HC 1–0 North Spire HC
(Appleshine '72)
Seaddle Sounders 1–1 Canterlot Royals
(A. Poynter '12, Golden Glory '70)
Everfree Forest HC 4–0 Ponyville Galaxy
(A. Eljjoy '25, Silverwing '29, F. Tlatenchi '68, Nightingale '80)
Manechester City HC 3–2 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(Bressinho '33, Milky Way '38, L. Conavacio '49, Sunstreak '73, V. Kylx '88)
Manechester United 0–0 Canterlot Stars
(No Scoring)

United Cup - Third Preliminary Round
After the previous round saw very little in the way of exciting or interesting match-ups, the third preliminary round of the United Cup is packed with excitement and intrigue. The entry of clubs in the eighth tier and a few from the seventh increase the gulf in position between competing clubs, but a couple of teams from the twelfth tier regional leagues still find a way to advance with AHC Istanbull and Island Juniors HC upsetting their opponents. Meanwhile, despite there being just four seventh tier clubs in the 80-team round draw, two of them - Cloudsdale Factory HC and HC Krasneighdar - are drawn against each other, with hosts Cloudsdale Factory HC emerging from the fast-paced duel with a 1-0 win. Elsewhere, Cloudsdale Factory's fellow League A side Atlantian Equestria HC are nearly stunned at home by tenth tier Eastern Premiership favorites AHC Whinneighdon but a pair of stoppage time goals by the New Cloudsdale-based team deny Whinneighdon a spot in the next round.

Match Day 7
Just a week after getting Leonardo Conavacio back from suspension, Manechester City's discipline issues strike again in their match against the Ponyville Galaxy, with Nepharim defender Constantine Synge sent off within four minutes and one-time Equestrian international Blackmane seeing red only ten minutes later, the latter resulting in a penalty kick for the Galaxy which Comet Trail fires home. However, a stupendous outing by the Citizens' and Little Ponies' goalkeeper Silver Charm keeps Manechester from being massacred by the relentless Galaxy despite only having a couple defenders in front of her for nearly 75 minutes of the game. The Cloudsdale Flyers and Crystal City United, meanwhile, provide the best action of the week in a thriller in which the Flyers score twice in seven minutes to take the lead after conceding an early goal to the Crystal Star only to suffer an equalizer from Jaded Fury with just over 20 minutes to go. Then, with stoppage time looming and a winner nowhere in sight for either side, Flyers midfielder Nightwing makes a run from deep in his own half before chipping the ball by Crystal City keeper Ipar Amiyategi in front of a euphoric away end that returns home very pleased.

Canterlot Stars 2–0 Southwind HC
(Checkered Flag '62, J. Poole '83)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 3–0 Manechester United
(E. Salazar '18, Apple Flora '60, Autumn Spark '84)
Ponyville Galaxy 1–0 Manechester City HC
(Comet Trail '16)
Canterlot Royals 1–1 Everfree Forest HC
(A. Eljjoy '21, I. van Stiphout '44)
North Spire HC 1–1 Seaddle Sounders
(M. Meeuwessen '1, Steelglaze '21)
Crystopolis City 1–0 Appleoosa HC
(K. Rei '58)
Stalliongrad HC 2–0 Whitetail Foresters
(Cloud Kicker '66, W. Mittlestadt '74)
Crystal City United 2–3 Cloudsdale Flyers
(Misty '11, L. Storås '19, Alula '26, Jaded Fury '68, Nightwing '89)
Manehattan Dragons 1–3 Ponyville United
(Fire Dash '17, Decima '22, K. Matijević '44, Thunderclap '82)
Crystal Fair HC 3–0 Manehattan Manticores
(Silver Moon '28, U. Kästner '39, Sugar Glass '64)

Match Day 8
A clash between perennial title favorites Ponyville United and unexpected challengers Crystal Fair HC is the match of the day, featuring the two teams tied atop the table at the start of the week, and the ultimate winner is the neutral fan. The defending champs struck first, Osarian international Nathaniel Doherty redirecting a Vagn Meyer shot in off the post to give Ponyville the lead, but Crystal Fair refused to give up and leveled the score in the second half on Silver Moon's 23 yard blast. With Ponyville and Crystal Fair battling to a draw, the Whitetail Foresters capitalize on the opportunity, beating Crystal City United 2-0 and leapfrogging back to the top of the table. Elsewhere, the Seaddle Sounders get a massive 1-0 win at home against Crystopolis City whilst the Canterlot Royals' inconsistent start to the season continues as they're unable to score on a Manechester City side missing their only two decent defenders, much to the annoyance of manager Twilight Striker.

Southwind HC 4–0 Manehattan Manticores
(Marílinha '20, N. Riot '44, C. Pearson '59, Freyr '78)
Ponyville United 1–1 Crystal Fair HC
(N. Doherty '18, Silver Moon '73)
Cloudsdale Flyers 3–1 Manehattan Dragons
(S. Ruiko '5, E. Grassi '8, Orion Comet '65, Starling '77)
Whitetail Foresters 2–0 Crystal City United
(Opalescence '9, Dizzy Doo '82)
Appleoosa HC 0–1 Stalliongrad HC
(S. Roni '45+1)
Seaddle Sounders 1–0 Crystopolis City
(A. Benitez '69)
Everfree Forest HC 1–0 North Spire HC
(Helia '84)
Manechester City HC 0–0 Canterlot Royals
(No Scoring)
Manechester United 4–0 Ponyville Galaxy
(Elise Belle '20, Apple Flora '57, E. Salazar '79, Applesong '88)
Canterlot Stars 4–1 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(J. Poole '12, I. Mika '45+3, Milky Way '51, J. Poole '66, F. Zirome '86)

United Cup - Fourth Preliminary Round
The excitement of the United Cup returns with the entry of the rest of the seventh tier clubs into the competition. The standout result of the fourth preliminary round is the continued survival of twelfth tier Eastern League 2 club Island Juniors HC, who stunned seventh tier side Heartford United and are now the only remaining team in the Cup which competed in the first preliminary round. Other matches of note include Sporting Crystal Palace's win over Rubyland HC, where SCP's three additional extra time goals saw them through to the next round, and Wild Side City's 6-0 rampage against the seriously outclassed Cloudsdale Sky.

Match Day 9
Whitetail Forester supporters' hopes of finishing the first quarter of the season atop the United League are brought crashing down in a surprise defeat to the struggling Manehattan Dragons. Winless in their first eight matches, the Dragons took a 2-1 lead on Farsight's 52nd minute goal from a corner kick and withstood a desperate late surge by the Foresters to escape their prior place at the bottom of the table. Manager Infinitive will hope that a win against a contending club like the Foresters will spur his players to turn their season around. Also notching a potentially momentum-shifting win are the Canterlot Royals, who have suffered from inconsistency thus far but hammered Manechester United at home, Inèz van Stiphout scoring twice and Andrea Poynter playing a role in four of her side's five goals in the rout. Meanwhile, Crystal Fair HC continued their impressive start to the season with a 2-0 victory over the Cloudsdale Flyers where they looked every bit like ligitimate title contenders as the Grounders kept themselves even on points with Ponyville United at the top of the table.

New Cloudsdale Colonists 0–0 Southwind HC
(No Scoring)
Ponyville Galaxy 0–1 Canterlot Stars
(Sun Glimmer '24)
Canterlot Royals 5–0 Manechester United
(I. van Stiphout '16, I. van Stiphout '26, A. de Colorado '47, A. Poynter '50, Berry Splash '79)
North Spire HC 2–2 Manechester City HC
(M. Kristiansen '32, L. Conavacio '55, A. Clarke '68, Primrose '73)
Crystopolis City 1–0 Everfree Forest HC
(Akamu '56)
Stalliongrad HC 2–2 Seaddle Sounders
(J. Saint Claire '7, W. Mittlestadt '20, Golden Glory '45+2, Flash '80)
Crystal City United 1–0 Appleoosa HC
(Misty '49)
Manehattan Dragons 2–1 Whitetail Foresters
(Starling '23, I. Prism '30, Farsight '52)
Crystal Fair HC 2–0 Cloudsdale Flyers
(Supernova Starlight '17, Alisa '40)
Manehattan Manticores 0–1 Ponyville United
(Starlight Sparkle '10)

And so, with roughly a quarter of the season done, we look at the table. Currently tied for the top place are Ponyville United and Crystal Fair HC, the former catching nobody off guard but the latter a complete surprise as the Grounders were a Second League team not even three years ago and now are near the top of the United League having already gone 2-1-0 in matches against the only three clubs to ever win the league since its formation. The Whitetail Foresters also remain near the top of the table despite having gone just 1-0-3 in their last four games and are level on points with the Canterlot Stars who haven't lost since their opener against Whitetail, quietly keeping pace with the leaders instead. Everfree Forest HC has similarly remained a quiet but consistent presence thus far, having only just lost for the first time this season and currently boast the best goal difference in the top flight despite the offseason departure of star Kazamatsuri striker Kira Rei. Clumped around mid-table are the Cloudsdale Flyers, Crystopolis City, and Canterlot Royals, all clubs expected to be in the title race this year but suffering thus far from inconsistent form. Still, it's far too early in the season to consider them out of the chase, and with all showing recent signs of improvement there's no reason to expect they won't turn things around in time stay competitive. Slightly further down, pre-season relegation favorites Manechester United, Seaddle Sounders, and Ponyville Galaxy have all managed to get their seasons off to decent starts and are currently clear of the drop zone, but will need to maintain their form if any are to avoid relegation after the final whistle blows at the end of the season. Appleoosa HC and the Manehattan Dragons have both struggled to match their supporters' expectations thus far and sit near the bottom of the table despite hopes that they might contend for a Globe Cup berth, their chances not helped by other expected Globe Cup contenders' excellent starts. Finally, winless and dead last after nine games, the Manehattan Manticores haven't done well at all this season aside from a couple draws against Crystopolis City and Stalliongrad HC, neither of which is all that impressive given the two sides' unremarkable starts. The Manticores will need to turn things around fast if they're to stay more than one season in the top tier after being promoted last year.

   United League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Ponyville United               9    6   2   1    16    7   +9    20
 2 Crystal Fair HC                9    6   2   1    11    2   +9    20
 3 Whitetail Foresters            9    6   0   3    16    9   +7    18
 4 Canterlot Stars                9    5   3   1    16    9   +7    18
 5 Everfree Forest HC             9    4   4   1    15    5  +10    16
 6 Crystal City United            9    5   0   4     8    9   −1    15
 7 Cloudsdale Flyers              9    4   2   3    15   15    0    14
 8 Crystopolis City               9    4   2   3     8    8    0    14
 9 Manechester City HC            9    4   2   3    18   15   +3    14
10 Canterlot Royals               9    3   3   3    18    9   +9    12
11 Stalliongrad HC                9    3   3   3    10    9   +1    12
12 Seaddle Sounders               9    2   5   2    12   16   −4    11
13 Manechester United             9    2   4   3     9   13   −4    10
14 Southwind HC                   9    2   4   3     7    6   +1    10
15 Ponyville Galaxy               9    3   1   5     8   18  −10    10
16 New Cloudsdale Colonists       9    2   3   4     8   13   −5     9
17 Appleoosa HC                   9    2   2   5     3    7   −4     8
18 North Spire HC                 9    1   3   5     5   11   −6     6
19 Manehattan Dragons             9    1   2   6     6   14   −8     5
20 Manehattan Manticores          9    0   3   6     4   18  −14     3

Meanwhile, down in the Second League, it's the Whitetail Rangers who are leading the pack after 11 matches, somewhat mirroring the top flight success of their local rivals: the Whitetail Foresters. Not far behind them are a slew of teams, all with decent chances of at least making the promotion playoffs and Series B Champions' Cup at the end of the season. At the other end of the table are the Trottingham Pirates, who fans will remember qualified for the Globe Cup just a few years back and are now struggling to stay afloat in the second tier after a dramatic fall from grace.

   Second League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Whitetail Rangers             11    8   2   1    17    4  +13    26
 2 Crystal Guard HC              11    7   3   1    12    5   +7    24
 3 Cloudsdale Colts              11    7   2   2    12    5   +7    23
 4 Royal Crystal Palace          11    7   1   3    20    6  +14    22
 5 Baltimare Broncos             11    7   1   3    22   13   +9    22
 6 Seaddle Rage                  11    7   1   3    14    9   +5    22
 7 Sporting Crystal City         11    7   1   3    13    8   +5    22
 8 Manetreal Impact              11    6   1   4    19   12   +7    19
 9 Stalliongrad Ironponies       11    5   3   3     8    5   +3    18
10 Scoltland City                11    5   2   4    15   10   +5    17
11 Mareseilles HC                11    4   5   2    15    6   +9    17
12 Trottawa HC                   11    5   2   4     8    7   +1    17
13 Real Maredrid                 11    5   2   4    18   17   +1    17
14 Fillydelphia Union            11    5   1   5    13   16   −3    16
15 Crystal Palace HC             11    4   2   5     7    7    0    14
16 Oatlahoma City Thunder        11    3   4   4    12   18   −6    13
17 Crystal City HC               11    3   2   6     7   12   −5    11
18 Fillydelphia HC               11    3   2   6     7   11   −4    11
19 Salt Lick City HC             11    3   1   7     7   18  −11    10
20 Las Pegasus Blues             11    2   3   6     4   10   −6     9
21 Trottingham Pirates           11    1   4   6     8   23  −15     7
22 Whinniesport Chargers         11    1   2   8     6   21  −15     5
23 Baltimare Dynamo              11    1   1   9    10   20  −10     4
24 St. Trottersburg Reds         11    0   4   7     5   16  −11     4

In the Third League, the Hoofington Flames are atop the table, having scored a remarkable 36 goals in just 11 matches, by far the largest tally in the top four UHA leagues. Based in the Equestrian States' small Rushmori colony, New Ponyville HC isn't far from the top and currently sit in a playoff spot with a chance at being promoted two straight seasons. Presently in the relegation zone and a good ways behind the mid-table pack are Whitecrystal North, Royal Trotheim, and the Derbyshire War Horses, with Derbyshire's atrocious minus-23 goal difference indicative of their performance thus far.

   Third League                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Hoofington Flames             11    8   2   1    36   14  +22    26
 2 Maneapolis Stars              11    8   1   2    26   10  +16    25
 3 Coltenhagen Magic             11    8   1   2    16   11   +5    25
 4 Featherwood Hydras            11    7   2   2    22   10  +12    23
 5 New Ponyville HC              11    7   2   2    13    5   +8    23
 6 South Spire United            11    6   4   1    15    8   +7    22
 7 Grand Royal HC                11    6   3   2    15    6   +9    21
 8 Crystal Heart City            11    5   3   3    12    8   +4    18
 9 Sweet Apple City              11    5   3   3     9    8   +1    18
10 Equestrian Outcasts HC        11    5   3   3    27   17  +10    18
11 Royal Crystopolis             11    4   3   4     6   10   −4    15
12 Trotheim United               11    4   2   5     9   11   −2    14
13 Palace Grounds HC             11    4   2   5     4    8   −4    14
14 Hoofington HC                 11    4   2   5     8   13   −5    14
15 Birminghoof Braves            11    3   5   3     6   11   −5    14
16 Crystopolis HC                11    4   1   6     7    8   −1    13
17 Manesterdam Foxes             11    4   1   6    14   15   −1    13
18 Detrot Assault                11    2   4   5    11   14   −3    10
19 Mareseilles City              11    3   1   7     9   13   −4    10
20 Mareami Heat                  11    2   4   5    10   18   −8    10
21 Southward Station             11    2   2   7     7   24  −17     8
22 Whitecrystal North            11    1   2   8     5   15  −10     5
23 Royal Trotheim                11    1   2   8     3   10   −7     5
24 Derbyshire War Horses         11    1   1   9     9   32  −23     4

The Crystal Empire has reigned supreme in the Fourth League this season, with Ponyville City the only Equestrian club currently in the top six while the bottom three is comprised solely of teams from the Equestrian States. Tied atop the table are Crystal University and Sporting Crystopolis, both sides fully capable of winning the league along with Moonlight Bay HC, who are just one point behind the leaders after 11 matches. Meanwhile, early favorites Apple Orchard HC sit in eighth and have failed to live up to expectations that they'd run away with the league title, though they're still well within range of the top of the table.

   Fourth League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Crystal University            11    9   1   1    16    6  +10    28
 2 Sporting Crystopolis          11    9   1   1    22    4  +18    28
 3 Moonlight Bay HC              11    9   0   2    25    8  +17    27
 4 Trotting Crystal City         11    8   2   1    12    2  +10    26
 5 Ponyville City                11    7   3   1    17    5  +12    24
 6 Aria City                     11    6   3   2    12    8   +4    21
 7 Royal Gardens HC              11    6   2   3    17   10   +7    20
 8 Apple Orchard HC              11    6   1   4    22   12  +10    19
 9 Fairflanks Ice Ponies         11    5   3   3     8    7   +1    18
10 Starland South HC             11    5   3   3    10    8   +2    18
11 Crystal Springs HC            11    4   4   3    11   10   +1    16
12 Lightning Point HC            11    5   0   6    14   11   +3    15
13 Whitecrystal South            11    4   3   4    14   10   +4    15
14 Trottawa Express              11    4   2   5    12   13   −1    14
15 Everfree Guardians            11    3   4   4    13   12   +1    13
16 Lake City Marines             11    4   1   6     7    9   −2    13
17 Neighcaster United            11    3   2   6    10   18   −8    11
18 Royal Emerald City            11    2   4   5    10   12   −2    10
19 Manesterdam HC                11    3   1   7     7   19  −12    10
20 North Library                 11    2   2   7     8   21  −13     8
21 Scoltland HC                  11    2   0   9     8   20  −12     6
22 Brismane Islanders            11    1   2   8     3   15  −12     5
23 Hoofston Astros               11    1   2   8     9   27  −18     5
24 Neighjing Fire                11    0   2   9     2   22  −20     2

by **Equestrian States** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 5:26 pm

SEASON 8 - PART II

Match Day 10
With the season now well and truly underway, the Canterlot derby - the oldest top flight local rivalry in Equestrian hoofball - captures the attention of fans throughout the North Pony Lands, as the result could prove decisive in the title race. An early exchange of goals in the opening 15 minutes lead many to expect a high-scoring thriller at Star Stadium, but the match settles down afterwards and a relatively uneventful 1-1 draw is the result. The lack of second half action in Canterlot compels some to flip over to watch the clash between two of this season's most surprising teams: Crystal Fair HC and the Whitetail Foresters, a meeting of two unlikely top three clubs. There, a 62nd minute strike by the Grounders' Silver Moon off a free kick is the decisive blow and Crystal Fair thus remains level on points with Ponyville United after their 2-0 victory over Southwind.

Southwind HC 0–2 Ponyville United
(Fire Dash '63, Fleur de Verre '74)
Cloudsdale Flyers 4–2 Manehattan Manticores
(Sapphire Rose '14, Misty Fly '25, E. Grassi '44, Sapphire Rose '68, K. Berry '78, Homura '83)
Whitetail Foresters 0–1 Crystal Fair HC
(Silver Moon '62)
Appleoosa HC 1–0 Manehattan Dragons
(Cornflower '13)
Seaddle Sounders 2–1 Crystal City United
(O. Kalsabur '7, J. Saint Claire '48, Indigo '86)
Everfree Forest HC 0–0 Stalliongrad HC
(No Scoring)
Manechester City HC 0–1 Crystopolis City
(Princess Jojo '75)
Manechester United 0–1 North Spire HC
(A. Padgette '25)
Canterlot Stars 1–1 Canterlot Royals
(M. Castell '10, J. Poole '14)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 0–1 Ponyville Galaxy
(L. Widemark '70)

United Cup - Fifth Preliminary Round
Meanwhile, in the United Cup, teams from the sixth tier leagues enter the fray and most of them drawn against lower tier clubs survive their encounters, further whittling down the number of remaining early preliminary round entrants. However, the miraculous run of twelfth tier side Island Juniors HC continues, League B's HC United of Manechester the latest to be upset by the club on penalties. Just one preliminary round now separates the Island Juniors from an improbable berth in the tournament proper and a possible date with a UHA team.

Match Day 11
One of the most anticipated and important fixtures every season in the United League's seven year history, the clashes between Ponyville United and the Cloudsdale Flyers have never failed to be play a role in the title battle. Both clubs have finished in the top three every year and are expected to continue that trend this season, meaning their match at Elements Stadium will almost certainly be vital in determining a champion. The Flyers strike first, with Ezio Grassi firing home in the 4th minute, but Starlight Sparkle cancels out Cloudsdale's early lead before the half-hour mark, rifling the ball by Marcela Guadarrama after the Flyers failed to clear a Ponyville corner. However, second half substitute Orion Comet's 62nd minute header puts Cloudsdale in front for good, and the Flyers' climb back towards the top of the table continues after a poor start to their season. Elsewhere, both Canterlot clubs punish their opponents a week after their derby day draw, the Royals scoring four times in the first half en route to a rout of the New Cloudsdale Colonists and the Stars' Isshiki Mika notching a hat trick against North Spire. The Whitetail Foresters recover from their recent losses to the Manehattan Dragons and Crystal Fair HC by pummeling the Dragons' local rivals - the Manticores - in a 6-2 away victory.

Ponyville Galaxy 2–0 Southwind HC
(Comet Trail '6, Melissa Santos '80)
Canterlot Royals 4–1 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(Serenity '2, I. van Stiphout '12, Lightning Streak '29, I. van Stiphout '45+1, C. Thornton '78)
North Spire HC 1–4 Canterlot Stars
(I. Mika '17, I. Mika '20, Sun Glimmer '49, M. Meeuwessen '61, I. Mika '86)
Crystopolis City 2–0 Manechester United
(Crystal Arrow '19, Regal Cadence '63)
Stalliongrad HC 1–0 Manechester City HC
(S. Roni '43)
Crystal City United 0–2 Everfree Forest HC
(Silverwing '42, A. Eljjoy '53)
Manehattan Dragons 1–0 Seaddle Sounders
(A. Hussain '11)
Crystal Fair HC 0–0 Appleoosa HC
(No Scoring)
Manehattan Manticores 2–6 Whitetail Foresters
(L. Bonecrusher '23, Dizzy Doo '27, I. Prism '37, Fyreflight '44, B. Henryson '55, Peppermint Crunch '60, I. Prism '63, Brilliant Blaze '76)
Ponyville United 1–2 Cloudsdale Flyers
(E. Grassi '4, Starlight Sparkle '29, Orion Comet '62)

Match Day 12
A week after scoring in the opening minutes against Ponyville United, Osarian World Cup hero Ezio Grassi duplicates the feat against Southwind HC, this time chipping a set piece over the Strikers' wall into the net in an otherwise uneventful match. Manechester City, meanwhile, puts an end to their five-match winless streak in a victory over Crystal City United, the Citizens' infamous Slembanan player-manager scoring twice inside the first three minutes, then seemingly vanishing from the match until popping up again in the final four to complete his hat trick. Crystal Fair HC wins again and retains their spot atop the table after Ponyville United suffers a second consecutive defeat, this time at Shady Grove to the Whitetail Foresters, but the Grounders can't afford to ease-up now with just four points separating the top six teams.

Southwind HC 0–1 Cloudsdale Flyers
(E. Grassi '6)
Whitetail Foresters 1–0 Ponyville United
(Opalescence '74)
Appleoosa HC 2–0 Manehattan Manticores
(A. Ligali '61, Youngheart '84)
Seaddle Sounders 1–2 Crystal Fair HC
(Steelfeather '28, Sugar Glass '39, A. Benitez '49)
Everfree Forest HC 2–1 Manehattan Dragons
(K. Matijević '5, C. Platform '62, Helia '84)
Manechester City HC 5–0 Crystal City United
(V. Kylx '1, V. Kylx '3, D. Bagg '36, K. Theodore '67, V. Kylx '86)
Manechester United 0–1 Stalliongrad HC
(M. Lorentz '18)
Canterlot Stars 1–0 Crystopolis City
(I. Mika '3)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 1–1 North Spire HC
(M. Kristiansen '29, Milky Way '57)
Ponyville Galaxy 0–1 Canterlot Royals
(A. Poynter '42)

United Cup - Sixth Preliminary Round
It's disappointment for neutrals in the United Cup's sixth and final preliminary round as the heroic campaign of Island Juniors HC is ended just short of the competition proper in additional extra time against the Coltburne Surfers as the only club left in the Cup from its first preliminary round is finally eliminated. However, fans of lower tier sides outside the UHA leagues and the first couple tiers below that will be pleased to see Cloudsdale Factory, Atlantian Equestria, Mareseilles Palace, Metropolitan, Horseshoe Mountain City, and a couple other clubs outside the top six tiers have managed to reach the first round of the United Cup in the first season where teams outside the UHA leagues are being allowed to compete.

Match Day 13
For the second time in as many matches, Manechester City demolishes their opponents, following up a 5-0 hammering of Crystal City United with an even more brutal 6-0 victory against the Manehattan Dragons where Quebecois striker Leonardo Conavacio was the hat trick hero with midfielder Bressinho adding a brace of his own. Across town at Manehattan Industrial Park, the Manticores finally got their first win of the season against the Seaddle Sounders, a comfortable 3-1 victory which fans hope will help reverse the struggling Manticores' fortunes as the club looks to remain in the top tier. But the best action and most intriguing story of the day didn't come from Manehattan, nor from Cloudsdale where the Flyers rallied in the second half to come from behind and beat the Whitetail Foresters, rather it came from the clash between Crystal Fair and Everfree Forest. In a heart-stopping, high-scoring, back-and-forth duel, the visitors overcame a late 4-2 deficit to escape Crystopolis Coliseum with a point, Nightingale's hat trick - including two goals in the final 15 minutes - shattering the jubilant atmosphere created by Crystal Fair supporters.

Canterlot Royals 3–2 Southwind HC
(Rapid Dash '2, O. Kalsabur '18, A. Poynter '24, O. Kalsabur '44, M. Castell '77)
North Spire HC 1–0 Ponyville Galaxy
(M. Kristiansen '42)
Crystopolis City 1–0 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(K. Rei '78)
Stalliongrad HC 3–0 Canterlot Stars
(Cloud Kicker '33, Cloud Kicker '52, Serena '87)
Crystal City United 3–1 Manechester United
(Misty '14, E. Salazar '26, K. Hope '32, Misty '41)
Manehattan Dragons 0–6 Manechester City HC
(L. Conavacio '8, D. Bagg '16, Bressinho '34, L. Conavacio '36, Bressinho '45+2, L. Conavacio '67)
Crystal Fair HC 4–4 Everfree Forest HC
(Silver Moon '20, Crystalline Blaze '28, Nightingale '35, Silver Moon '47, Horus '65, Diamond Mint '71, Nightingale '76, Nightingale '89)
Manehattan Manticores 3–1 Seaddle Sounders
(B. Henryson '3, Peppermint Crunch '57, A. Benitez '68, Stella '77)
Ponyville United 1–0 Appleoosa HC
(N. Doherty '51)
Cloudsdale Flyers 2–1 Whitetail Foresters
(G. Aldinne '16, Sapphire Rose '66, E. Grassi '73)

Match Day 14
Still visibly shaken by their late collapse against Everfree Forest, Crystal Fair struggles mightily on the road, losing to Manechester City by a 2-0 score that could have been much worse if not for Leonardo Conavacio's pair of yellow cards that led to his being sent off, Koby Theodore scoring twice after the Quebecois striker was sent to take an early shower. Everfree Forest also is effected by their previous match, entering their game against the Manehattan Manticores on a wave of momentum and cruising to a laughably easy 6-0 win. With Crystal Fair losing, there's a chance for everyone to gain ground on the league leaders, and Ponyville United is among those who capitalize on the opportunity, breaking down a determined Seaddle defense and winning to replace the Grounders at the top of the table. Just four points stand between leaders Ponyville United and the currently ninth-place Canterlot Stars, however, no clear gap existing yet to distinguish the real title contenders from those who will battle for a spot in the Globe Cup.

Southwind HC 0–1 Whitetail Foresters
(I. Prism '21)
Appleoosa HC 1–1 Cloudsdale Flyers
(Cornflower '13, K. Berry '43)
Seaddle Sounders 0–1 Ponyville United
(N. Doherty '53)
Everfree Forest HC 6–0 Manehattan Manticores
(Silverwing '5, Nightingale '24, Shimmer Shine '50, Silverwing '63, Ironclaw '83, N. Sunshine '90+2)
Manechester City HC 2–0 Crystal Fair HC
(K. Theodore '40, K. Theodore '85)
Manechester United 0–0 Manehattan Dragons
(No Scoring)
Canterlot Stars 0–1 Crystal City United
(O. Kalsabur '15)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 1–3 Stalliongrad HC
(Zoey '17, Cloud Kicker '31, Constance '53, Tiger Lily '81)
Ponyville Galaxy 0–1 Crystopolis City
(K. Rei '12)
Canterlot Royals 3–0 North Spire HC
(A. Poynter '18, Serenity '37, Berry Splash '90)

Match Day 15
In the so-called "royal rivalry", the Canterlot Royals and Crystopolis City meet at Imperial Arena, the two sides representing the two best historic clubs from the capital cities of the Equestrian States and Crystal Empire, nicknamed the Royals and Royalty respectively. Though Canterlot would strike first, Pasargan forward Inèz van Stiphout scoring inside the first hundred seconds, Crystopolis rallied after Kira Rei's 20th minute equalizer, eventually scoring twice in the final five minutes to claim the full points. Ponyville United similarly fell behind early, but a pair of goals just before halftime put them ahead and the defending champions ultimately won 4-1 over Everfree Forest. Elsewhere, Appleoosa got a much-needed win on the road against the Whitetail Foresters, the Harvesters' midfield again shining with Anthony Ligali and Youngheart leading the club's effort.

North Spire HC 1–0 Southwind HC
(Gleaming Light '10)
Crystopolis City 3–1 Canterlot Royals
(I. van Stiphout '2, K. Rei '20, Fillyfyre '85, K. Rei '87)
Stalliongrad HC 2–0 Ponyville Galaxy
(S. Roni '14, Peachy Sweet '49)
Crystal City United 0–1 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(Dark Star '16)
Manehattan Dragons 1–4 Canterlot Stars
(J. Poole '5, K. Matijević '28, Primrose Evergreen '45+3, Crimson Mesa '48, I. Mika '88)
Crystal Fair HC 3–0 Manechester United
(Quicksilver '54, U. Kästner '70, Diamond Mint '84)
Manehattan Manticores 1–2 Manechester City HC
(V. Kylx '4, D. Bagg '47, Homura '62)
Ponyville United 4–1 Everfree Forest HC
(Nightingale '23, Fleur de Verre '44, Fire Dash '45+2, Arctic Lily '70, Decima '87)
Cloudsdale Flyers 6–0 Seaddle Sounders
(E. Grassi '6, S. Ruiko '15, E. Grassi '31, Orion Comet '42, L. Storås '68, Orion Comet '73)
Whitetail Foresters 0–1 Appleoosa HC
(Apple Pie '65)

United Cup - First Round
Clubs from the Third and Fourth Leagues enter as the United Cup proper gets underway, with a few crashing out against non-UHA opposition, much to the dismay of their fans. Among the defeated are Third League side Hoofington HC, who are humbled 3-0 by the Regal League's Lunar Island Stargazers, and Crystal Springs HC, falling to the youth-developing Project +90 team from the fifth tier. Perhaps most surprising though is Fourth League club Crystal University - a favorite for at least a spot in their promotion playoff - who are very nearly stunned by ninth tier side Horseshoe Mountain City but emerge victorious in added extra time.

Trottingham Rough Riders 3–4 Harmony Mountain HC
Metropolitan HC 0–1 HC Celestial City
Coltenhagen Magic 5–0 Brismane Islanders
Equestrian Outcasts HC 6–0 Coltburne Surfers
Neighjing Fire 0–1 Everfree Guardians
Hevosinki City 0–0 Aria City (1–0 AET)
Grand Royal HC 0–0 Highland Castles (0–0 AET) (3–1 pen.)
Palace Grounds HC 1–0 Citadel HC
Hoofington Flames 3–1 Sporting Crystopolis
Trotheim United 1–0 Pranceton HC
Atlantian Equestria HC 1–1 HC Grand Island (4–1 AET)
Crystopolis HC 3–1 Cloudsdale Factory HC
Crystopolis Defenders 1–0 North Library
Maneapolis Stars 1–1 Hoofston Astros (2–1 AET)
Mane River HC 0–1 Manesterdam Foxes
Birminghoof Braves 0–0 Scoltland HC (1–1 AET) (2–4 pen.)
Derbyshire War Horses 1–3 Royal Emerald City
Featherwood Hydras 5–2 Lake City Marines
Lunar Island Stargazers 3–0 Hoofington HC
Whitecrystal South 0–0 Heartland City (0–0 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Apple Orchard HC 3–2 Lightning Point HC
Detrot Assault 2–0 Whitetail City
Polaria 0–1 Moonlight Bay HC
HC Hevosinki 1–0 Emerald City United
Marestricht 0–1 South Spire United
Neighcaster United 1–0 Royal Crystopolis
Royal Mareseilles 0–0 Neighcastle Battalions (0–0 AET) (5–6 pen.)
Mareseilles Palace HC 1–2 Starland South HC
Fire Island Outlaws 0–2 Crystal Heart City
Whitecrystal North 1–1 New Ponyville HC (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Ponyville City 0–1 Sweet Apple City
Horseshoe Mountain City 0–0 Crystal University (0–1 AET)
Trotting Crystal City 1–0 Mareseilles City
Project +90 Pony Lands 1–0 Crystal Springs HC
Fairflanks Ice Ponies 1–0 Lakeside City
West Park 0–0 Lunar City (1–1 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Southward Station 0–0 Trottawa Express (1–0 AET)
Manesterdam HC 1–1 Royal Gardens HC (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Royal Trotheim 0–0 Northcastle HC (1–0 AET)
Mareami Heat 2–0 Las Pegasus HC

Match Day 16
Hoping to get revenge for a humiliating 6-1 defeat in last season's United Cup final, Manechester City welcome Ponyville United to City of Manechester Stadium and almost immediately take the lead thanks to a first minute strike by - who else - Val Kylx, much to the delight of Citizen supporters. However, just like the United Cup final, the promising start quickly turns into a nightmare for Manechester City as they're mercilessly thrashed by Ponyville, with Fire Dash scoring a brace in an eventual 4-1 victory. At Grand Regal Stadium, Stalliongrad claims their own early lead and are just minutes from a huge three points on the road against the Canterlot Royals when Inèz van Stiphout breaks through a high Miner line and equalizes in the 86th minute to give the Royals a share of the spoils.

Southwind HC 2–0 Appleoosa HC
(Marílinha '54, R. Carvalho '85)
Seaddle Sounders 1–1 Whitetail Foresters
(G. Aldinne '49, Golden Glory '80)
Everfree Forest HC 1–2 Cloudsdale Flyers
(E. Grassi '32, Nightwing '43, R. Capetinha '58)
Manechester City HC 1–4 Ponyville United
(V. Kylx '1, Fire Dash '18, Fire Dash '38, Decima '76, J. Cisternino '85)
Manechester United 1–3 Manehattan Manticores
(B. Henryson '26, Misty Fly '30, B. Henryson '42, Apple Flora '48)
Canterlot Stars 1–1 Crystal Fair HC
(I. Mika '3, Silver Moon '38)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 1–2 Manehattan Dragons
(Golden Chance '21, K. Matijević '68, Farsight '75)
Ponyville Galaxy 1–0 Crystal City United
(Melissa Santos '45+1)
Canterlot Royals 1–1 Stalliongrad HC
(S. Roni '10, I. van Stiphout '86)
North Spire HC 0–1 Crystopolis City
(Crystal Arrow '73)

Match Day 17
Appleoosa HC's frustrating season continues with a scoreless draw at home against the Seaddle Sounders, the Harvesters dominating the match and claiming an overwhelming share of possession but failing to convert any of their chances into goals. Though strikers Cornflower and Appleshine are both still young developing talents, their inability to find the net this season has many Appleoosa supporters worried that a lack of any proven veteran goalscorers might cost them a chance at UICA hoofball. Elsewhere, Manechester City nearly beat the Cloudsdale Flyers at Sky-High Coliseum a week after being humbled by Ponyville United, but an idiotic challenge by defender Constantine Synge gives the Flyers a last minute penalty which Ezio Grassi buries to deny the Citizens full points. Everfree Forest rallies from two goals down at Shady Grove, but the Whitetail Foresters refuse to settle for a draw against their rivals, Isbel Prism scoring in the 70th minute to send them ahead again before Night Watch seals the win with a stoppage time goal from a Forester corner.

Crystopolis City 0–0 Southwind HC
(No Scoring)
Stalliongrad HC 0–0 North Spire HC
(No Scoring)
Crystal City United 1–0 Canterlot Royals
(Diamond Heart '57)
Manehattan Dragons 0–2 Ponyville Galaxy
(Comet Trail '32, Golden Glitter '53)
Crystal Fair HC 2–0 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(Sugar Glass '64, Supernova Starlight '77)
Manehattan Manticores 0–1 Canterlot Stars
(Redtooth '58)
Ponyville United 3–1 Manechester United
(N. Doherty '3, J.I. Kwan '11, Antinanco '35, Thunderclap '90+1)
Cloudsdale Flyers 3–3 Manechester City HC
(S. Baumbach '9, K. Theodore '28, Nightwing '36, C. Jaconelli '55, K. Theodore '75, E. Grassi '89)
Whitetail Foresters 4–2 Everfree Forest HC
(Dizzy Doo '6, I. Prism '44, Helia '51, Rippling Breeze '65, I. Prism '70, Night Watch '90+2)
Appleoosa HC 0–0 Seaddle Sounders
(No Scoring)

United Cup - Second Round
With a spot in the third round and the financial incentive of a potential date with a United League club on the line, the competition in the United Cup second round is fierce and doubly so in a couple of rare local derbies thanks to the luck of the draw. The Northerners emerge victorious from the Whitecrystal derby against their Southerner rivals, and Sweet Apple City edge Apple Orchard HC on penalties in an exceptionally rare Appleoosa derby. Meanwhile, the Hoofington Flames' high-octane offense is embarrassed 8-3 in a humiliating defeat against fellow Third League side Detrot Assault. In the end, only five non-UHA clubs remain in the Cup: Lunar Island Stargazers, HC Celestial City, Hevosinki City, Project +90 Pony Lands, and Crystopolis Defenders.

HC Hevosinki 0–2 Lunar Island Stargazers
Crystal University 0–1 Crystopolis HC
Whitecrystal South 0–2 Whitecrystal North
HC Celestial City 1–0 South Spire United
Neighcastle Battalions 0–1 Featherwood Hydras
Fairflanks Ice Ponies 1–2 Grand Royal HC
Everfree Guardians 3–0 Lunar City
Coltenhagen Magic 1–4 Scoltland HC
Manesterdam Foxes 1–0 Royal Emerald City
Hevosinki City 2–1 Trotting Crystal City
Project +90 Pony Lands 1–0 Manesterdam HC
Starland South HC 1–2 Crystal Heart City
Apple Orchard HC 1–1 Sweet Apple City (1–1 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Trotheim United 1–0 Moonlight Bay HC
Detrot Assault 8–3 Hoofington Flames
Mareami Heat 4–0 Neighcaster United
Southward Station 1–0 Palace Grounds HC
Crystopolis Defenders 1–0 Atlantian Equestria HC
Harmony Mountain HC 0–0 Maneapolis Stars (0–0 AET) (2–3 pen.)
Royal Trotheim 0–1 Equestrian Outcasts HC

Match Day 18
A relatively quiet day in the United League is headlined by Stalliongrad's trip to Crystopolis City, where the Miners managed to contain the Royalty's dangerous attack through a superb outing by their back line and goalkeeper Paolita Taccardi, striker Simo Roni scoring the winner for the visitors shortly after the break. At Star Stadium, a pair of Sun Glimmer goals twice cancel out Ponyville United leads, the Canterlot Stars thus keeping pace with their close rivals in a very tight battle for UICA hoofball. Meanwhile, at The Observatory in Ponyville, Crystal Fair manager Lunar Dusk's tactical tinkering and placement of versatile Felixian talent Ute Kästner in the midfield pays off as the Grounders cruise to a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Galaxy.

Southwind HC 0–0 Seaddle Sounders
(No Scoring)
Everfree Forest HC 1–0 Appleoosa HC
(C. Platform '68)
Manechester City HC 2–0 Whitetail Foresters
(V. Kylx '8, L. Conavacio '51)
Manechester United 1–3 Cloudsdale Flyers
(E. Grassi '29, Elise Belle '33, S. Ruiko '45+1, Orion Comet '86)
Canterlot Stars 2–2 Ponyville United
(N. Doherty '12, Sun Glimmer '25, Fire Dash '63, Sun Glimmer '74)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 0–0 Manehattan Manticores
(No Scoring)
Ponyville Galaxy 0–2 Crystal Fair HC
(Alisa '21, U. Kästner '44)
Canterlot Royals 2–0 Manehattan Dragons
(Berry Splash '14, A. de Colorado '42)
North Spire HC 1–0 Crystal City United
(M. Meeuwessen '27)
Crystopolis City 0–1 Stalliongrad HC
(S. Roni '49)

Match Day 19
To say the loan of striker Nightingale from Crystopolis City has gone well for Everfree Forest would be an understatement, as the Equestrian teenager has decimated opponents left and right and sits near the top of the league in goals scored halfway through the season. Nightingale's brace against the Seaddle Sounders is added to strikes by midfielders Rippling Breeze and Ciorstaidh Platform as Everfree romps to an easy 4-0 win on the road. The Canterlot Royals also get a big three points, beating an in-form Crystal Fair side at Crystopolis Coliseum, with young Pasarga star Inèz van Stiphout scoring her eleventh of the year in the 3-1 victory. At the top of the table, Ponyville United are held scoreless by the relegation-threatened New Cloudsdale Colonists at home, Ponyville manager Simon Jewel clearly less than pleased by his team's failure to beat a side they outclassed at every position. With Crystal Fair's defeat and Ponyville United held to a draw, the Cloudsdale Flyers are given the opportunity to go top of the league with a win over the visiting Canterlot Stars, and at first it looks like they'll do just that as Saten Ruiko finds the net inside of four minutes. But in the 19th minute everything starts to go horribly wrong for the hosts, Canterlot's Yttribian-Equestrian international Jermaine Poole leveling the score before a 26th minute strike by Isshiki Mika opens the floodgates. Stunned silence fills Sky-High Coliseum as the Stars' tear apart a seemingly helpless Cloudsdale defense to take a 5-1 halftime lead, Poole completing a first half hat trick in the 32nd minute. Things then go from bad to worse for the Flyers after the break, with Mika and Poole adding another couple goals to make it 7-1 before Ezio Grassi finally answers on a counterattack with a strike of his own. The Grassi goal doesn't stop the Stars from piling on two more before the final whistle, Isshiki Mika completing her own hat trick as the final score reads an incredible 3-9, the worst defeat for the Cloudsdale Flyers in well over a decade and a nightmarish finish to an otherwise good first half of the season.

Stalliongrad HC 1–0 Southwind HC
(M. Lorentz '42)
Crystal City United 0–1 Crystopolis City
(Princess Jojo '68)
Manehattan Dragons 3–2 North Spire HC
(M. Kristiansen '11, Primrose '15, Starling '41, K. Matijević '71, Starling '84)
Crystal Fair HC 1–3 Canterlot Royals
(Quicksilver '37, A. Poynter '51, Lightning Streak '68, I. van Stiphout '77)
Manehattan Manticores 1–1 Ponyville Galaxy
(Skystrife '5, High Winds '67)
Ponyville United 0–0 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(No Scoring)
Cloudsdale Flyers 3–9 Canterlot Stars
(S. Ruiko '4, J. Poole '19, I. Mika '26, J. Poole '28, J. Poole '32, Redtooth '42, I. Mika '47, J. Poole '61, E. Grassi '65, I. Mika '68, Alula '76, F. Zirome '80)
Whitetail Foresters 4–1 Manechester United
(Opalescence '13, Fyreflight '29, Ivory '38, Fyreflight '45+1, E. Salazar '72)
Appleoosa HC 1–1 Manechester City HC
(Cornflower '59, V. Kylx '86)
Seaddle Sounders 0–4 Everfree Forest HC
(Nightingale '20, Rippling Breeze '39, C. Platform '64, Nightingale '78)

Halfway through the season, we look at the league table and find Ponyville United still ahead of everyone, a couple points clear of a surprising Crystal Fair HC side that was expected to finish near mid-table this year but are instead in the thick of the title race. Not far behind them are the Cloudsdale Flyers, fresh off their annihilation at the hooves of the Canterlot Stars; it'll be interesting to see how the Flyers will respond to that humiliating result in their next few matches. Four points out of first are the Canterlot Stars, Crystopolis City, and Stalliongrad: all sides doing more or less as expected, though Crystopolis must now contend with Crystal Fair for a spot in the Champions' Cup, an unimaginable turn of events at the start of the season. Further down the table, the Canterlot Royals sit in ninth place just behind Whitetail and Everfree Forest, much to the dismay of Royals supporters; however, the title and Champions' Cup hopefuls are far from out of contention entirely, only five points from the top three at the halfway point. Also in the UICA discussion is Manechester City, the recently-promoted side's transfer window bonanza paying off thus far and keeping them well within striking distance of the Globe Cup berths despite some inconsistency. After Manechester City, there's a fairly sizable gap between the contenders and the rest of the pack, Crystal City United the closest to the top ten but a good seven points behind the Citizens. Incredibly, the Ponyville Galaxy - among the preseason relegation favorites - are sitting clear of the bottom three by eight points and could pull off an incredible mid-table finish if they can maintain their current form. Trailing the Galaxy are the goal-starved Harvesters, who have been solid in the midfield and boast one of the league's top defenses but have scored less than any other top flight club this season, their hopes of returning to the Globe Cup growing fainter with each passing week. Down in the relegation battle at the season's midpoint are six clubs, the Manehattan Dragons by far the most disappointing of all as their streak of mid-table finishes and Globe Cup berth challenges is in serious jeopardy, as is their spot in the United League. The New Cloudsdale Colonists also are in danger of dropping out of the first tier after a multi-season run, while the Manehattan Manticores and Manechester United complete the bottom three halfway through the campaign.

   United League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Ponyville United              19   12   4   3    34   15  +19    40
 2 Crystal Fair HC               19   11   5   3    27   13  +14    38
 3 Cloudsdale Flyers             19   11   4   4    42   34   +8    37
 4 Stalliongrad HC               19   10   6   3    23   11  +12    36
 5 Canterlot Stars               19   10   6   3    39   22  +17    36
 6 Crystopolis City              19   11   3   5    18   11   +7    36
 7 Whitetail Foresters           19   11   1   7    34   21  +13    34
 8 Everfree Forest HC            19    9   6   4    38   20  +18    33
 9 Canterlot Royals              19    9   5   5    37   19  +18    32
10 Manechester City HC           19    9   4   6    40   26  +14    31
11 Crystal City United           19    8   0  11    14   23   −9    24
12 Ponyville Galaxy              19    7   2  10    15   26  −11    23
13 Appleoosa HC                  19    5   6   8     9   13   −4    21
14 North Spire HC                19    5   5   9    13   23  −10    20
15 Seaddle Sounders              19    3   8   8    17   35  −18    17
16 Manehattan Dragons            19    4   3  12    14   34  −20    15
17 Southwind HC                  19    3   6  10    11   17   −6    15
18 New Cloudsdale Colonists      19    3   6  10    13   27  −14    15
19 Manehattan Manticores         19    2   5  12    16   42  −26    11
20 Manechester United            19    2   5  12    14   36  −22    11

In the Second League, it's Crystal Guard HC that leads the race for promotion to the United League, a good five points clear at the top of the table. The Whitetail Rangers, Cloudsdale Colts, and Royal Crystal Palace all remain in the top four after strong starts to their seasons, though the Rangers' recent form has noticeably dipped after a commanding opening run, leading some to question their ability to maintain a serious challenge for the top two direct promotion spots. Meanwhile, the Manetreal Impact are looking to bounce right back into the top flight, but will likely need to win the playoff to do so while the similarly-relegated Scoltland City are lagging behind the pack and wouldn't even qualify for the Series B Champions' Cup were the season to end today. At the bottom of the table, the Baltimare Dynamo are in serious trouble, eleven points from safety and very much in need of a good second half if they're to remain in the league next season.

   Second League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Crystal Guard HC              23   16   5   2    29    9  +20    53
 2 Whitetail Rangers             23   14   6   3    31   13  +18    48
 3 Cloudsdale Colts              23   15   3   5    29   13  +16    48
 4 Royal Crystal Palace          23   15   3   5    39   11  +28    48
 5 Baltimare Broncos             23   14   2   7    43   26  +17    44
 6 Seaddle Rage                  23   14   2   7    36   29   +7    44
 7 Manetreal Impact              23   13   3   7    35   24  +11    42
 8 Real Maredrid                 23   11   7   5    40   24  +16    40
 9 Crystal Palace HC             23   12   4   7    23   14   +9    40
10 Scoltland City                23   10   5   8    30   22   +8    35
11 Trottawa HC                   23   10   4   9    17   15   +2    34
12 Mareseilles HC                23    9   6   8    34   27   +7    33
13 Crystal City HC               23   10   2  11    26   26    0    32
14 Oatlahoma City Thunder        23    8   7   8    31   36   −5    31
15 Stalliongrad Ironponies       23    8   6   9    18   19   −1    30
16 Sporting Crystal City         23    8   4  11    20   27   −7    28
17 Fillydelphia Union            23    8   3  12    33   52  −19    27
18 Salt Lick City HC             23    7   3  13    19   29  −10    24
19 Trottingham Pirates           23    6   5  12    21   41  −20    23
20 Fillydelphia HC               23    6   4  13    16   25   −9    22
21 Whinniesport Chargers         23    5   3  15    21   38  −17    18
22 Las Pegasus Blues             23    4   5  14    12   24  −12    17
23 St. Trottersburg Reds         23    1   7  15    12   37  −25    10
24 Baltimare Dynamo              23    2   1  20    18   52  −34     7

A fierce race for promotion is developing in the Third League between Crystal Heart City, Sweet Apple City, and the Hoofington Flames, all tied atop the third tier with 47 points. And as close as the battle at the top of the table is, the relegation scrap is just as tight, two points separating four teams with only two safe spots available. At the very bottom of the pile are the Derbyshire War Horses, their 56 goals conceded the worst total in the UHA leagues with an offense that's nearly as bad.

   Third League                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Crystal Heart City            23   14   5   4    31   14  +17    47
 2 Hoofington Flames             23   14   5   4    57   26  +31    47
 3 Sweet Apple City              23   14   5   4    23   13  +10    47
 4 Maneapolis Stars              23   12   6   5    49   26  +23    42
 5 Featherwood Hydras            23   12   5   6    41   23  +18    41
 6 New Ponyville HC              23   12   3   8    25   15  +10    39
 7 Equestrian Outcasts HC        23   11   5   7    61   36  +25    38
 8 South Spire United            23   11   5   7    25   21   +4    38
 9 Coltenhagen Magic             23   11   4   8    31   35   −4    37
10 Crystopolis HC                23   10   6   7    20   14   +6    36
11 Grand Royal HC                23   10   5   8    23   17   +6    35
12 Manesterdam Foxes             23   10   2  11    31   30   +1    32
13 Birminghoof Braves            23    8   8   7    20   23   −3    32
14 Trotheim United               23    9   3  11    22   28   −6    30
15 Palace Grounds HC             23    8   5  10    17   25   −8    29
16 Royal Crystopolis             23    7   7   9    17   23   −6    28
17 Detrot Assault                23    7   6  10    35   38   −3    27
18 Hoofington HC                 23    7   5  11    20   36  −16    26
19 Mareseilles City              23    7   4  12    19   29  −10    25
20 Royal Trotheim                23    5   6  12    11   16   −5    21
21 Mareami Heat                  23    5   6  12    17   34  −17    21
22 Southward Station             23    5   5  13    21   42  −21    20
23 Whitecrystal North            23    5   4  14    15   30  −15    19
24 Derbyshire War Horses         23    4   1  18    19   56  −37    13

Aria City top the Fourth League at the season's midpoint, their 13-2-1 run after a rough start catapulting them past everyone else. However, with five other clubs within four points of the leaders, there's still no telling who will find their way into the Third League next season and Ponyville City aren't far off a playoff spot either. At the bottom of the table, Equestrian teams are struggling and the last four clubs all hail from the North Pony Lands, meaning mid-table Crystalline sides will need to be cautious so as to avoid one of their three designated relegation spots.

   Fourth League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Aria City                     23   16   4   3    27   12  +15    52
 2 Moonlight Bay HC              23   16   2   5    41   12  +29    50
 3 Sporting Crystopolis          23   16   2   5    42   15  +27    50
 4 Apple Orchard HC              23   16   1   6    44   17  +27    49
 5 Trotting Crystal City         23   15   3   5    22    9  +13    48
 6 Crystal University            23   15   3   5    28   14  +14    48
 7 Ponyville City                23   13   5   5    35   15  +20    44
 8 Everfree Guardians            23   11   5   7    35   28   +7    38
 9 Lightning Point HC            23   11   2  10    31   28   +3    35
10 Crystal Springs HC            23    9   8   6    30   18  +12    35
11 Royal Gardens HC              23   11   2  10    30   32   −2    35
12 Fairflanks Ice Ponies         23   10   4   9    15   24   −9    34
13 Lake City Marines             23   10   2  11    13   14   −1    32
14 North Library                 23    8   6   9    36   34   +2    30
15 Starland South HC             23    7   7   9    20   21   −1    28
16 Royal Emerald City            23    7   6  10    32   27   +5    27
17 Whitecrystal South            23    7   4  12    23   28   −5    25
18 Trottawa Express              23    7   4  12    21   28   −7    25
19 Neighcaster United            23    5   4  14    17   38  −21    19
20 Scoltland HC                  23    5   3  15    20   35  −15    18
21 Brismane Islanders            23    3   7  13     7   23  −16    16
22 Neighjing Fire                23    4   3  16    19   52  −33    15
23 Hoofston Astros               23    4   3  16    18   46  −28    15
24 Manesterdam HC                23    4   2  17     9   45  −36    14

by **Equestrian States** » Thu Feb 19, 2015 3:35 pm

SEASON 8 - PART III

Match Day 20
The second half of the season kicks off, and it doesn't take long for there to be controversy as Manechester City's ill-disciplined Quebecois striker Leonardo Conavacio is sent off in the 7th minute for biting Seaddle midfielder Jasmine Saint Claire, the Sounders eventually winning the match on a Golden Glory bullet nine minutes later. Following the match, the UHA determined that Conavacio, whose reputation for being a filthy player is well-documented, will be suspended for a whopping eight games, including the Citizens' United Cup fixture at home against the Sounders. Elsewhere in the top flight, the Cloudsdale Flyers - still reeling from their 9-3 defeat against the Canterlot Stars - fall behind in the opening seconds of their home match with the New Cloudsdale Colonists, but rally to escape with a draw thanks to veteran Pasargan winger Løver Storås' equalizer. The Ponyville derby finishes scoreless at Elements Stadium, much to the disappointment of United supporters as the reigning champions fail to beat their rivals for the first time in several years, barring a meeting in the later rounds of the United Cup. But the real excitement on the day again comes from Shady Grove, where the visiting Canterlot Stars get a stoppage time equalizer from Mizuyuki-jin striker Isshiki Mika to rescue a point and preserve some of their momentum from that huge victory over the Flyers.

Southwind HC 2–1 Everfree Forest HC
(Silverwing '14, Marílinha '27, C. Pearson '77)
Seaddle Sounders 1–0 Manechester City HC
(Golden Glory '16)
Appleoosa HC 3–1 Manechester United
(Antinanco '24, Appleshine '45+3, A. Ligali '78, Appleshine '90+4)
Whitetail Foresters 4–4 Canterlot Stars
(I. Prism '12, Dizzy Doo '24, Sun Glimmer '40, Fyreflight '51, M. Gravesen '59, Sun Glimmer '64, Autumn Sky '72, I. Mika '90+1)
Cloudsdale Flyers 1–1 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(Dark Star '1, L. Storås '58)
Ponyville United 0–0 Ponyville Galaxy
(No Scoring)
Manehattan Manticores 1–1 Canterlot Royals
(B. Henryson '15, Brindle Young '45)
Crystal Fair HC 0–1 North Spire HC
(Rapid Rush '39)
Manehattan Dragons 1–2 Crystopolis City
(K. Rei '11, L. Galhardo '62, J. Anselm '81)
Crystal City United 0–0 Stalliongrad HC
(No Scoring)

United Cup - Third Round
Clubs from the top two tiers enter the United Cup and several go down to lower league opponents, with Manechester United's defeat against Third League side Equestrian Outcasts and North Spire's added extra time loss to Featherwood Hydras the two most surprising third round exits. Meanwhile, the struggling St. Trottersburg Reds of the Second League narrowly avoid the humiliation of being eliminated by a non-UHA team, edging sixth tier side Crystopolis Defenders on penalties while the Whitetail Foresters need extra time to beat Project +90 of the fifth tier. Several United League clubs face also each other in the third round, Manechester City hammering the Seaddle Sounders to get revenge for their defeat against the Sounders earlier in the week as Southwind and Crystal Fair overcome Appleoosa and Stalliongrad respectively to advance. However, the biggest match of the round is by far the clash of Crystopolis City and the Canterlot Royals, the Royals coming from behind in the second half to knock out the Royalty, Andrea Poynter scoring the winner in the 64th minute.

St. Trottersburg Reds 0–0 Crystopolis Defenders (0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.)
(No Scoring)
Everfree Guardians 2–4 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(Sunstreak '11, Whitetail '17, Milky Way '36, Sunstreak '42, Whitetail '60, Diamondheart '84)
Baltimare Dynamo 2–1 Sporting Crystal City
(Iron Forge '28, A. Yildirim '39, I. Fidrini '43)
Ponyville Galaxy 1–0 Crystal Guard HC
(Golden Glitter '31)
Manechester City HC 4–1 Seaddle Sounders
(A. Clarke '4, A. Benitez '27, V. Kylx '45+1, D. Bagg '75, Sapphire Forge '88)
Crystal City United 1–0 Lunar Island Stargazers
(O. Kalsabur '59)
Stalliongrad HC 1–2 Crystal Fair HC
(Silver Moon '20, Cloud Kicker '55, Sugar Glass '68)
Stalliongrad Ironponies 1–0 Hevosinki City
(Inalynda '47)
Scoltland HC 1–2 Southward Station
(Rough Ruby '27, Rough Ruby '33, Looking Glass '54)
Ponyville United 3–1 Salt Lick City HC
(Decima '3, J. Cisternino '27, Dido '38, Decima '74)
Detrot Assault 0–3 Canterlot Stars
(Sun Glimmer '17, Black Cobalt '60, Sun Glimmer '82)
Real Maredrid 2–0 Sweet Apple City
(C. Reece '14, Igneous '32)
Trottawa HC 1–0 Crystopolis HC
(A. Perkorov '34)
Fillydelphia Union 3–3 Everfree Forest HC (3–3 AET) (3–4 pen.)
(Nocturnal Rest '10, Silverwing '13, C. Johannson '42, Helia '49, F. Fredericks '59, Helia '71)
Cloudsdale Colts 2–1 Oatlahoma City Thunder
(Windwacker '24, A. Schiavone '30, Berry Pie '86)
Canterlot Royals 2–1 Crystopolis City
(K. Rei '27, I. van Stiphout '48, A. Poynter '64)
Featherwood Hydras 0–0 North Spire HC (1–0 AET)
(Holden '96)
Equestrian Outcasts HC 1–0 Manechester United
(Crackling Ember '43)
Cloudsdale Flyers 2–1 HC Celestial City
(Sapphire Rose '37, Preen '84, L. Storås '89)
Maneapolis Stars 1–0 Trotheim United
(Fireflare '42)
Crystal Heart City 1–0 Trottingham Pirates
(Blazing Glory '83)
Whinniesport Chargers 2–0 Manetreal Impact
(Lightning Flare '53, R. Fyre '65)
Royal Crystal Palace 2–1 Manehattan Manticores
(Mirror Pool '39, M. von Davidson '59, Homura '80)
Southwind HC 1–0 Appleoosa HC
(Marílinha '75)
Crystal City HC 1–1 Manehattan Dragons (2–1 AET)
(Starling '14, T. Aeradilinonel '83, Rainshine '116)
Fillydelphia HC 1–3 Scoltland City
(Dew Droplet '12, M. Petit '30, Hope '52, Amaneda '74)
Whitetail Foresters 1–1 Project +90 Pony Lands (3–2 AET)
(Brilliant Blaze '21, Moondrop '47, Twinkleshine '102, Dizzy Doo '109, Opalescence '120+1)
Mareseilles HC 3–1 Mareami Heat
(Crystal Furnace '8, Violet Flame '23, Chrysanthemum '68, Emerald Steel '72)
Baltimare Broncos 1–0 Crystal Palace HC
(Akuchi '86)
Whitecrystal North 3–0 Manesterdam Foxes
(Imperius '41, Applenut '43, Starry Shine '50)
Seaddle Rage 1–0 Las Pegasus Blues
(Chiemeka '66)
Whitetail Rangers 0–0 Grand Royal HC (0–0 AET) (3–2 pen.)
(No Scoring)

Match Day 21
It's another exciting day in the United League, as Crystopolis City face surprise local challengers Crystal Fair while the Canterlot Royals host Ponyville United in what will probably be the last meeting of famed siblings Fire Dash and Rapid Dash, two of the best-known Equestrian States stars from the Ponies' early days in international competition. At Imperial Arena, Crystopolis City and Crystal Fair treat spectators to a thrilling match where both goalkeepers make several huge saves, but Keelie Gold is denied a clean sheet by Yttribian legend Xavi Vilhjalmsson's 22nd minute header from a Crystopolis corner and the home supporters go home happy with all three points. Similarly, in Canterlot, the Royals are able to claim victory over their long-time rivals with Andrea Poynter scoring the opener and Rapid Dash outdoing her older brother to put her club ahead by two with 15 minutes left. Also winning spots on the day's highlight reel are Stalliongrad's epic 7-1 massacre of the Manehattan Dragons and Cornflower's stoppage time equalizer for Appleoosa courtesy of a superb pass from Anthony Ligali that keeps the Harvesters' dwindling UICA hopes alive.

Crystal City United 1–0 Southwind HC
(O. Kalsabur '6)
Stalliongrad HC 7–1 Manehattan Dragons
(M. Pejić '3, Zoey '19, M. Lorentz '31, S. Roni '45+2, Melina Santos '59, Cloud Kicker '71, S. Roni '80, Serena '85)
Crystopolis City 1–0 Crystal Fair HC
(X. Vilhjalmsson '22)
North Spire HC 1–0 Manehattan Manticores
(M. Kristiansen '51)
Canterlot Royals 2–0 Ponyville United
(A. Poynter '57, Rapid Dash '74)
Ponyville Galaxy 1–4 Cloudsdale Flyers
(Sapphire Rose '4, Comet Trail '21, E. Grassi '37, Sapphire Rose '51, Orion Comet '62)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 1–0 Whitetail Foresters
(Milky Way '33)
Canterlot Stars 1–1 Appleoosa HC
(Primrose Evergreen '13, Cornflower '90+1)
Manechester United 0–0 Seaddle Sounders
(No Scoring)
Manechester City HC 1–3 Everfree Forest HC
(A. Eljjoy '45+2, D. Bagg '59, A. Eljjoy '64, Helia '76)

Match Day 22
Still electrified by their victory over Ponyville United, the Canterlot Royals travel to Sky-High Coliseum and beat the Cloudsdale Flyers, San José Guayabal full back James Moreira finding Inèz van Stiphout in the box with a 69th minute cross. Meanwhile, Appleoosa HC continue their recent run of good form, easily handling the New Cloudsdale Colonists 2-0. The Harvesters have now scored seven goals in four matches after finding the net just eight times in their first 18 matches, still one of the worst offensive records in the top flight but no longer the worst by a wide margin. By the end of the day, Ponyville United sits just atop the table but are hotly pursued by a remarkable nine clubs, all within six points of the leaders.

Southwind HC 1–2 Manechester City HC
(K. Theodore '23, Bressinho '56, R. Carvalho '70)
Everfree Forest HC 1–0 Manechester United
(Silverwing '72)
Seaddle Sounders 1–2 Canterlot Stars
(F. Zirome '11, Steelglaze '67, Flank Sinatra '82)
Appleoosa HC 2–0 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(Cornflower '18, Youngheart '40)
Whitetail Foresters 1–0 Ponyville Galaxy
(G. Aldinne '20)
Cloudsdale Flyers 0–1 Canterlot Royals
(I. van Stiphout '69)
Ponyville United 1–0 North Spire HC
(V. Meyer '71)
Manehattan Manticores 0–0 Crystopolis City
(No Scoring)
Crystal Fair HC 0–0 Stalliongrad HC
(No Scoring)
Manehattan Dragons 3–0 Crystal City United
(Starling '2, Berry Frost '48, Farsight '66)

Match Day 23
The current top two teams in the United League clash at Imperial Arena, Crystopolis City and Ponyville United battling over what could be crucial points at the end of the season. Crystopolis strike early, Crystal Arrow curling the ball into the top corner in the 14th minute, and despite dominating the match for the final 75 minutes Ponyville is unable to overcome the superb goalkeeping of Crystalline international Starshine, giving Crystopolis City the full points and the top spot in the table. In Canterlot, both the Royals and Stars easily defeat their UICA-challenging opponents, the Stars cruising to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Everfree Forest while the Royals hammer Whitetail by a lopsided 6-1 margin that was never close. The second Manechester derby of the season is a fairly dull affair as City again struggles without suspended striker Leonardo Conavacio, Val Kylx's second half strike the only thing preventing supporters from falling asleep in their seats.

Manehattan Dragons 1–0 Southwind HC
(K. Matijević '7)
Crystal City United 0–1 Crystal Fair HC
(Sugar Glass '28)
Stalliongrad HC 1–1 Manehattan Manticores
(S. Roni '22, Misty Fly '80)
Crystopolis City 1–0 Ponyville United
(Crystal Arrow '14)
North Spire HC 1–3 Cloudsdale Flyers
(E. Grassi '38, Sunstone '44, M. Kristiansen '61, K. Berry '72)
Canterlot Royals 6–1 Whitetail Foresters
(A. Poynter '9, M. Castell '26, S. Kazu '37, I. van Stiphout '52, Dizzy Doo '64, I. van Stiphout '70, Berry Splash '79)
Ponyville Galaxy 0–1 Appleoosa HC
(Cornflower '10)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 2–3 Seaddle Sounders
(A. Benitez '16, Constance '25, A. Benitez '48, Ruby Watch '77, Milky Way '89)
Canterlot Stars 3–1 Everfree Forest HC
(Sun Glimmer '40, J. Poole '43, Primrose Evergreen '64, R. Capetinha '72)
Manechester United 0–1 Manechester City HC
(V. Kylx '46)

United Cup - Fourth Round
In the fourth round of the United Cup, Third League team Maneapolis Stars' stunning 3-1 victory over United League side Ponyville Galaxy is the lone upset of the day but is hardly the only interesting match as the field is narrowed down to the final 16 teams after starting with 340 clubs in the first preliminary round. The Cloudsdale Flyers visited City of Manechester Stadium, where Ezio Grassi netted a brace as they smashed Manechester City 3-0 while the Whitetail Foresters torched nearby third tier club Featherwood Hydras 5-0, a considerable improvement for the Foresters after needing added extra time to oust an extremely young Project +90 side in the previous round. Elsewhere, Equestrian Outcasts and Crystal City HC put on an eight-goal show, Crystal City's Vanorian star Taladerdorion Aeradilinonel scoring a hat trick in his team's victory.

Crystal Fair HC 0–0 Cloudsdale Colts (1–0 AET)
(Diamond Mint '103)
Southward Station 0–4 Whinniesport Chargers
(Lightning Flare '28, Yippee Kaye '34, R. Fyre '59, Lightning Flare '78)
Baltimare Dynamo 1–2 Southwind HC
(Iron Forge '3, R. Carvalho '38, N. Riot '85)
Scoltland City 0–2 Canterlot Stars
(J. Poole '11, Primrose Evergreen '32)
Maneapolis Stars 3–1 Ponyville Galaxy
(Fireflare '29, N. Ivanov '33, Fireflare '57, Comet Trail '64)
Manechester City HC 0–3 Cloudsdale Flyers
(S. Ruiko '17, E. Grassi '49, E. Grassi '86)
Crystal City United 0–1 Canterlot Royals
(I. van Stiphout '58)
Trottawa HC 0–0 Mareseilles HC (0–1 AET)
(Chrysanthemum '110)
Equestrian Outcasts HC 3–5 Crystal City HC
(Crackling Ember '9, T. Aeradilinonel '21, Grenlan '35, T. Aeradilinonel '48, Dreaming Star '52, Crackling Ember '66, T. Aeradilinonel '69, Rainshine '80)
Seaddle Rage 1–0 Baltimare Broncos
(Coinstack '63)
Royal Crystal Palace 1–0 St. Trottersburg Reds
(M. von Davidson '81)
Ponyville United 3–0 Real Maredrid
(Fire Dash '5, Thunderclap '35, V. Meyer '45+2)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 1–2 Everfree Forest HC
(Nightingale '18, A. Eljjoy '53, Milky Way '71)
Whitecrystal North 0–1 Crystal Heart City
(Blazing Glory '21)
Stalliongrad Ironponies 0–1 Whitetail Rangers
(Jade '19)
Whitetail Foresters 5–0 Featherwood Hydras
(G. Aldinne '13, I. Prism '22, Opalescence '36, Dizzy Doo '45+1, L. Bonecrusher '87)

Match Day 24
Early goals. Early goals everywhere. Not a single match this week was scoreless by the 34th minute, and just two were goalless inside of 20 minutes. Appropriately, Manechester City's Val Kylx scored the earliest of anyone, firing the ball into the net off the post within seconds, beating a helpless Canterlot Stars defense that had its worst outing of the season in an eventual 6-1 defeat to a Citizens side that was missing one of its leading goalscorers. In addition to being a good day for fans of early goals, it was also a perfect day for home team supporters, as the hosts of all ten fixtures won three points.

Southwind HC 1–0 Manechester United
(Marílinha '20)
Manechester City HC 6–1 Canterlot Stars
(V. Kylx '1, K. Theodore '26, D. Bagg '31, D. Bagg '47, Black Cobalt '54, V. Kylx '84, V. Kylx '90+5)
Everfree Forest HC 5–1 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(Nightingale '16, C. Platform '23, Silverwing '40, D. Stocks '62, Horus '81, Helia '89)
Seaddle Sounders 2–1 Ponyville Galaxy
(A. Benitez '34, High Winds '56, Golden Glory '88)
Appleoosa HC 2–0 Canterlot Royals
(Appleshine '17, Glimmering Gale '65)
Whitetail Foresters 2–0 North Spire HC
(Torchlight '6, I. Prism '70)
Cloudsdale Flyers 2–0 Crystopolis City
(Sapphire Rose '11, A. Naruko '52)
Ponyville United 2–0 Stalliongrad HC
(Fire Dash '9, Fire Dash '77)
Manehattan Manticores 2–1 Crystal City United
(Xena '15, L. Bridger '39, Shikoba '71)
Crystal Fair HC 1–0 Manehattan Dragons
(Silver Moon '33)

Match Day 25
Several teams win big in one of the highest-scoring single day of matches in recent memory, only a fixture between two of the United League's most goal-shy teams ending scoreless. After being held to a draw in the season's first Manehattan derby, the Dragons waste little time tearing into their rivals, thoroughly dominating the Manticores en route to a comfortable 4-0 victory that could prove vitally important as the Dragons desperately try to steer themselves clear of the relegation battle. Two different players score inside the first 60 seconds of the match, neither being Val Kylx: Jermaine Poole putting the Canterlot Stars ahead early while Royals striker Inèz van Stiphout scores the first of her club's nine goals against the Seaddle Sounders. Manechester City continues to win despite missing Leonardo Conavacio, firing four in against the New Cloudsdale Colonists to remain in the thick of the race for a berth Globe Cup. Meanwhile, Ponyville United and Crystopolis City both win their respective matches and retain their top-of-the-table statuses, Crystopolis City's victory coming at the expense of the Whitetail Foresters who drop behind Manechester City into 10th place.

Crystal Fair HC 2–1 Southwind HC
(Silver Moon '19, U. Kästner '36, Marílinha '88)
Manehattan Dragons 4–0 Manehattan Manticores
(K. Matijević '15, Starling '38, Cassandra '65, Farsight '85)
Crystal City United 1–3 Ponyville United
(N. Doherty '21, I. Mifune '32, Starlight Sparkle '72, K. Hope '80)
Stalliongrad HC 1–1 Cloudsdale Flyers
(W. Mittlestadt '60, Orion Comet '69)
Crystopolis City 2–1 Whitetail Foresters
(B. Penhallow '48, L. Bonecrusher '76, Akamu '86)
North Spire HC 0–0 Appleoosa HC
(No Scoring)
Canterlot Royals 9–0 Seaddle Sounders
(I. van Stiphout '1, A. Poynter '8, O. Morse '19, I. van Stiphout '24, Serenity '32, J. Moreira '48, A. Poynter '49, M. Castell '51, S. Kazu '79)
Ponyville Galaxy 0–4 Everfree Forest HC
(C. Platform '7, A. Eljjoy '33, Silverwing '43, N. Sunshine '77)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 0–4 Manechester City HC
(D. Bagg '8, A. Clarke '18, Bressinho '61, V. Kylx '85)
Canterlot Stars 7–1 Manechester United
(J. Poole '1, M. Gravesen '3, Apple Bytes '13, J. Poole '22, Passion Fruit '31, I. Mika '40, Crescendo '47, I. Mika '63)

Match Day 26
A fairly quiet week around the league as those teams still in the United Cup prepare for their fifth round matches and most of the day's action comes without much drama. The Cloudsdale Flyers are held to a draw by Crystal City United, needing an 81st minute equalizer from Nightwing to claim a share of the points though they had been dominant since falling behind to Misty's first half strike and seemed certain to score. At Wild Grounds, the Canterlot Royals follow up their 9-0 annihilation of the Seaddle Sounders with an easy 4-1 road victory over Globe Cup contenders Everfree Forest, keeping pace with fellow pre-season title contenders Crystopolis City and Ponyville United who also win their respective matches. In front of a packed Manehattan Industrial Park, the struggling Manticores make a defensive stand against a determined and relentless Crystal Fair side to snatch a valuable point and inch closer to safety a week after being humiliated by their fierce local rivals in the Manehattan derby.

Southwind HC 0–1 Canterlot Stars
(Sun Glimmer '44)
Manechester United 2–2 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(Diamondheart '38, E. Salazar '50, Apple Flora '57, Milky Way '73)
Manechester City HC 2–0 Ponyville Galaxy
(K. Theodore '11, D. Bagg '51)
Everfree Forest HC 1–4 Canterlot Royals
(I. van Stiphout '3, Lightning Streak '14, I. van Stiphout '40, Shimmer Shine '48, Brindle Young '61)
Seaddle Sounders 0–1 North Spire HC
(M. Meeuwessen '10)
Appleoosa HC 0–1 Crystopolis City
(K. Rei '57)
Whitetail Foresters 1–0 Stalliongrad HC
(Fyreflight '44)
Cloudsdale Flyers 1–1 Crystal City United
(Misty '21, Nightwing '81)
Ponyville United 6–0 Manehattan Dragons
(N. Doherty '19, Fire Dash '28, Rose Petal '45+1, N. Doherty '50, Decima '55, J. Cisternino '69)
Manehattan Manticores 0–0 Crystal Fair HC
(No Scoring)

United Cup - Fifth Round
Sixteen teams are reduced to eight in the fifth round of the United Cup as a number of high-profile top flight clubs inevitably clash, the number of lower tier sides still in the competition rapidly shrinking. The last two Third League clubs are each given home matches against United League opposition and both are comfortably ousted by the heavily-favored top tier teams, the Maneapolis Stars beaten 3-0 by an experimental Ponyville United squad and current Third League leaders Crystal Heart City fall to Southwind HC despite a valiant late effort to stave off the inevitable. A thriller in Whinniesport ends with Crystal City HC conceding a late extra time goal but holding on through the dying moments of the match to advance to the quarterfinals in one of three matches between Second League sides. In Crystopolis, the Canterlot Royals take on a United League opponent for the third time in as many cup matches but are unable to beat Crystal Fair after previously eliminating Crystopolis City and Crystal City United, young Crystalline striker Silver Moon scoring the decisive goal just a couple minutes into the second half. Elsewhere, the Royals local rivals emerge victorious from their own challenging fixture, Isshiki Mika and Jermaine Poole the scorers for the Canterlot Stars against the Whitetail Foresters. Finally, in the biggest - and only - real shock of the round, Everfree Forest rout the Cloudsdale Flyers 3-0, never giving their opponents a chance to recover and delighting the home crowd with an impressive win against perhaps the most talented team in the country.

Crystal Fair HC 1–0 Canterlot Royals
(Silver Moon '48)
Canterlot Stars 2–1 Whitetail Foresters
(I. Mika '21, I. Prism '34, J. Poole '37)
Whinniesport Chargers 0–0 Crystal City HC (1–2 AET)
(T. Aeradilinonel '98, Turtledove '105+2, Diamond Hue '120+3)
Maneapolis Stars 0–3 Ponyville United
(N. Doherty '46, Amber Waves '55, Decima '62)
Crystal Heart City 0–1 Southwind HC
(Marílinha '30)
Everfree Forest HC 3–0 Cloudsdale Flyers
(Silverwing '7, C. Platform '41, A. Eljjoy '70)
Royal Crystal Palace 2–2 Mareseilles HC (4–2 AET)
(Emerald Steel '14, P. Anderson '43, Avarda '45+1, Crystal Furnace '66, Mirror Pool '91, M. von Davidson '104)
Whitetail Rangers 2–0 Seaddle Rage
(Hokalesqua '31, Perfect Place '53)

Match Day 27
Kira Rei dominates the day's highlight reels with her first half hat trick for Crystopolis City against the Seaddle Sounders a swift and decisive response to Felixian midfielder Jasmine Saint Claire's 17th minute goal. Though Crystopolis would struggle defensively against the visiting Sounders, the victory never seemed in doubt as they went ahead 6-2 in the 76th minute thanks to a goal from Jeremy Anselm that proved the aging Starblaydi star still has some use to his club as a late impact substitute. Manechester United wins for the first time in 20 games across all competitions, beating the also struggling Ponyville Galaxy, a once promising season for the Red Diablos now a frantic battle for survival as they sit at the very bottom of the table a full seven points from safety. The Red Diablos' hated local rivals finally get suspended Quebecois striker Leonardo Conavacio back for their trip to Grand Regal Stadium but are easily defeated by the Canterlot Royals despite a goal from Conavacio in his first match back.

Manehattan Manticores 1–0 Southwind HC
(Crystalbarre '6)
Crystal Fair HC 0–0 Ponyville United
(No Scoring)
Manehattan Dragons 1–2 Cloudsdale Flyers
(E. Grassi '35, C. Jaconelli '55, Farsight '65)
Crystal City United 0–0 Whitetail Foresters
(No Scoring)
Stalliongrad HC 0–1 Appleoosa HC
(Glimmering Gale '73)
Crystopolis City 6–3 Seaddle Sounders
(J. Saint Claire '17, K. Rei '21, Fillyfyre '24, K. Rei '36, K. Rei '44, Akamu '50, Golden Glory '52, J. Anselm '76, Steelglaze '87)
North Spire HC 1–1 Everfree Forest HC
(A. Eljjoy '7, Gleaming Light '67)
Canterlot Royals 3–1 Manechester City HC
(Rapid Dash '10, L. Conavacio '36, A. Poynter '73, M. Castell '87)
Ponyville Galaxy 0–3 Manechester United
(P. Spool '7, Elise Belle '18, Antinanco '20)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 2–1 Canterlot Stars
(M. Fantinelli '23, Milky Way '72, Sunstreak '88)

Match Day 28
For both the Cloudsdale Flyers and Crystal Fair, the start to the second half of the season has been relatively disappointing, despite the Flyers climb back towards the top of the table and the Grounders still on pace to shatter all pre-season expectations, neither side looking particularly dominant even against weaker opponents. At Sky-High Coliseum, the two clubs clash, hoping to build momentum for the final stretch of the season, and in the end it's the Flyers that get the three points in an action-packed 3-1 victory where each side had plenty of chances to score. Meanwhile, Ponyville United's comfortable 6-0 hammering of the Manehattan Manticores and Crystopolis City's defeat against Everfree Forest sends Ponyville back to the top of the table, the Royals and Stars also winning their matches to remain in the chase. Elsewhere, Appleoosa's second half revival continues as they recover from an early deficit to beat Crystal City United, Anthony Ligali proving himself to be worth every penny the Harvesters spent on him with his consistency.

Southwind HC 1–0 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(R. Carvalho '48)
Canterlot Stars 2–1 Ponyville Galaxy
(Checkered Flag '12, Crimson Mesa '58, Tropical Storm '90+1)
Manechester United 1–3 Canterlot Royals
(Lightning Streak '5, D. Köhler '23, Rose Quartz '43, A. Sugiura '87)
Manechester City HC 1–1 North Spire HC
(M. Kristiansen '7, L. Conavacio '53)
Everfree Forest HC 1–0 Crystopolis City
(R. Capetinha '36)
Seaddle Sounders 0–3 Stalliongrad HC
(Peachy Sweet '15, Stronghoof '65, Cloud Kicker '85)
Appleoosa HC 2–1 Crystal City United
(K. Hope '35, L. Jinalii '62, Peachy Pie '73)
Whitetail Foresters 2–1 Manehattan Dragons
(G. Aldinne '26, Night Watch '78, M. Pejić '80)
Cloudsdale Flyers 3–1 Crystal Fair HC
(K. Berry '27, Sapphire Rose '39, Supernova Starlight '60, L. Storås '86)
Ponyville United 6–0 Manehattan Manticores
(Fleur de Verre '20, Fire Dash '34, Fire Dash '40, N. Doherty '44, J.I. Kwan '63, Decima '80)

Just ten matches left in the season, and Ponyville United enter the final stretch atop the table by a couple points, Fire Dash and Starlight Sparkle's quest for one last league title remaining a real possibility though a few critical games are looming in the near future for the defending champions. Just behind Ponyville United is a somewhat predictable pack of title contenders consisting of the Cloudsdale Flyers, Crystopolis City, and both the Royals and Stars, all within four points of the leaders. A little further back, Crystal Fair leads an equally tight group of clubs battling for Globe Cup berths with an outside chance at the Champions' Cup, though Crystal Fair and Crystopolis City have each effectively wrapped up a couple of the Crystal Empire's allocated UICA spots with their commanding leads over the other Crystalline teams. Still at mid-table much with a dramatically improved points total is Appleoosa HC, who struggled to find the net throughout the first half of the season but have since rebounded and now are within striking distance of the Globe Cup berths that they set their eyes on before the season began; though it may prove too much of a gap for the Harvesters to close by the end of the season, they should at least make things interesting in an extremely tight top half of the table. Some way behind Appleoosa, North Spire and Crystal City United appear likely to battle it out for the final allocated Crystalline Globe Cup berth while the Seaddle Sounders have remained just clear of the relegation battle thus far and could still move up the table a bit. The next five teams in the table at this stage of the season are separated by merely three points, with two of those likely to be relegated in the end barring a total collapse by clubs higher up, the battle for survival appears certain to come down to the final day for some. Unfortunately for Manechester United fans, it appears that even a miracle might not save them from dropping out of the top flight for the first time since before the Equestrian States began taking part in UICA competitions as they sit eight points from safety and face a difficult set of opponents in the final ten weeks of the season.

   United League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Ponyville United              28   17   6   5    52   19  +33    57
 2 Cloudsdale Flyers             28   16   7   5    59   42  +17    55
 3 Crystopolis City              28   17   4   7    31   19  +12    55
 4 Canterlot Royals              28   16   6   6    66   26  +40    54
 5 Canterlot Stars               28   15   8   5    61   39  +22    53
 6 Crystal Fair HC               28   14   8   6    32   19  +13    50
 7 Everfree Forest HC            28   14   7   7    56   32  +24    49
 8 Whitetail Foresters           28   15   3  10    46   35  +11    48
 9 Manechester City HC           28   14   5   9    58   36  +22    47
10 Stalliongrad HC               28   12  10   6    35   18  +17    46
11 Appleoosa HC                  28   11   8   9    21   17   +4    41
12 North Spire HC                28    8   8  12    19   31  −12    32
13 Crystal City United           28    9   3  16    19   35  −16    30
14 Seaddle Sounders              28    6   9  13    27   59  −32    27
15 Ponyville Galaxy              28    7   3  18    18   45  −27    24
16 Manehattan Dragons            28    7   3  18    26   54  −28    24
17 Southwind HC                  28    6   6  16    17   26   −9    24
18 New Cloudsdale Colonists      28    5   8  15    22   46  −24    23
19 Manehattan Manticores         28    4   9  15    21   56  −35    21
20 Manechester United            28    3   7  18    22   54  −32    16

The top four in the Second League remains more or less the same as it's been all season long, though Royal Crystal Palace and Crystal Guard HC seem to be pulling away from everyone else, with the Cloudsdale Colts six points out of the automatic promotion spots but six points clear of the faltering Whitetail Rangers. Within six points of the Rangers are five clubs which will be looking to not only qualify for the Series B Champions' Cup but also for the promotion playoffs, and thus the Rangers will need to return to their early season form sooner rather than later if they're to stay alive in the fight for United League hoofball next year. At the bottom of the table, the relegation favorites already appear set to drop to the third tier, the St. Trottersburg Reds closest to safety but still ten points away from avoiding relegation while the Las Pegasus Blues and Baltimare Dynamo are almost certainly out of the Second League next season.

   Second League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Royal Crystal Palace          34   24   4   6    67   18  +49    76
 2 Crystal Guard HC              34   22  10   2    41   10  +31    76
 3 Cloudsdale Colts              34   21   7   6    46   17  +29    70
 4 Whitetail Rangers             34   18  10   6    40   22  +18    64
 5 Real Maredrid                 34   16  11   7    68   37  +31    59
 6 Baltimare Broncos             34   18   4  12    53   39  +14    58
 7 Manetreal Impact              34   17   7  10    48   31  +17    58
 8 Seaddle Rage                  34   18   4  12    52   47   +5    58
 9 Stalliongrad Ironponies       34   17   7  10    34   21  +13    58
10 Trottawa HC                   34   16   6  12    27   24   +3    54
11 Mareseilles HC                34   15   8  11    50   35  +15    53
12 Scoltland City                34   15   6  13    40   31   +9    51
13 Crystal Palace HC             34   15   6  13    29   22   +7    51
14 Crystal City HC               34   14   5  15    40   38   +2    47
15 Oatlahoma City Thunder        34   11   9  14    39   55  −16    42
16 Fillydelphia HC               34   11   8  15    32   33   −1    41
17 Salt Lick City HC             34   12   5  17    31   40   −9    41
18 Sporting Crystal City         34   10   4  20    30   45  −15    34
19 Trottingham Pirates           34    8   8  18    33   61  −28    32
20 Whinniesport Chargers         34    9   5  20    33   62  −29    32
21 Fillydelphia Union            34    8   8  18    39   75  −36    32
22 St. Trottersburg Reds         34    4  10  20    23   53  −30    22
23 Las Pegasus Blues             34    4   6  24    14   44  −30    18
24 Baltimare Dynamo              34    4   4  26    25   74  −49    16

In the Third League, Crystal Heart City leads the way with twelve matches left in their league campaign after bowing out of the United Cup in the fifth round. Sweet Apple City and the Hoofington Flames, meanwhile, are the other two main contenders for direct promotion to the Second League, not too far behind Crystal Heart City but a good ways ahead of the rest of the playoff pack. Speaking of which, the race for the four spots in the promotion playoffs is extremely tight, with nearly half the teams in the league still boasting a reasonable shot at qualifying for the coveted berths. The relegation battle in the Third League also is extremely close, with four clubs set to fight over the one realistic safe spot in the table for them.

   Third League                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Crystal Heart City            34   21   7   6    44   21  +23    70
 2 Sweet Apple City              34   20   7   7    39   20  +19    67
 3 Hoofington Flames             34   19   8   7    74   38  +36    65
 4 Grand Royal HC                34   17   9   8    38   23  +15    60
 5 New Ponyville HC              34   18   5  11    38   23  +15    59
 6 Featherwood Hydras            34   17   7  10    58   47  +11    58
 7 Coltenhagen Magic             34   16   9   9    51   46   +5    57
 8 Maneapolis Stars              34   16   8  10    60   37  +23    56
 9 Equestrian Outcasts HC        34   15  10   9    85   50  +35    55
10 Birminghoof Braves            34   15   9  10    35   35    0    54
11 South Spire United            34   15   9  10    35   30   +5    54
12 Crystopolis HC                34   15   7  12    27   20   +7    52
13 Palace Grounds HC             34   14   6  14    25   33   −8    48
14 Manesterdam Foxes             34   14   4  16    40   38   +2    46
15 Trotheim United               34   14   3  17    31   40   −9    45
16 Detrot Assault                34   12   8  14    60   55   +5    44
17 Royal Crystopolis             34    9  11  14    21   31  −10    38
18 Hoofington HC                 34   10   7  17    32   58  −26    37
19 Whitecrystal North            34   10   6  18    27   39  −12    36
20 Mareseilles City              34   10   5  19    29   46  −17    35
21 Royal Trotheim                34    7   8  19    15   24   −9    29
22 Mareami Heat                  34    7   7  20    32   56  −24    28
23 Southward Station             34    6   7  21    30   62  −32    25
24 Derbyshire War Horses         34    6   3  25    31   85  −54    21

Atop the Fourth League, a similar battle is developing among the top three for the two direct promotion spots though a much larger gap exists between them and the rest of the league. Furthermore, there's considerably less competition for the promotion playoff berths than in the two other UHA leagues, several clubs still with a realistic chance of qualifying for the playoffs but with more sizable gaps in the table likely to prevent a massive melee from breaking out during the final stretch. In the fourth tier's considerably larger relegation zone, Manesterdam HC are almost certainly doomed to drop out of the UHA leagues, though the other battles could be interesting in the end with Royal Emerald City currently set to be relegated to the Crystalline leagues despite a respectable points haul thus far.

   Fourth League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Moonlight Bay HC              34   25   3   6    56   14  +42    78
 2 Sporting Crystopolis          34   24   5   5    64   21  +43    77
 3 Apple Orchard HC              34   24   3   7    65   21  +44    75
 4 Ponyville City                34   19   7   8    57   32  +25    64
 5 Trotting Crystal City         34   19   7   8    35   16  +19    64
 6 Aria City                     34   17   9   8    30   20  +10    60
 7 Lightning Point HC            34   18   6  10    52   35  +17    60
 8 Crystal University            34   17   8   9    35   23  +12    59
 9 Everfree Guardians            34   16   7  11    48   45   +3    55
10 Crystal Springs HC            34   14  10  10    45   30  +15    52
11 Lake City Marines             34   15   5  14    21   21    0    50
12 Fairflanks Ice Ponies         34   14   6  14    23   35  −12    48
13 Royal Gardens HC              34   14   5  15    42   50   −8    47
14 Starland South HC             34   12  10  12    32   32    0    46
15 Trottawa Express              34   13   6  15    41   43   −2    45
16 North Library                 34   12   7  15    53   51   +2    43
17 Whitecrystal South            34   11   7  16    28   36   −8    40
18 Royal Emerald City            34   10   8  16    42   41   +1    38
19 Neighcaster United            34    9   5  20    32   61  −29    32
20 Hoofston Astros               34    7   6  21    28   57  −29    27
21 Scoltland HC                  34    7   3  24    25   55  −30    24
22 Neighjing Fire                34    5   9  20    30   67  −37    24
23 Brismane Islanders            34    5   8  21    11   38  −27    23
24 Manesterdam HC                34    4   4  26    15   66  −51    16

by **Equestrian States** » Wed Feb 25, 2015 11:42 am

SEASON 8 - PART IV

Match Day 29
The United League enters its final stretch, with the Canterlot derby again the match of the day as Inèz van Stiphout and Rapid Dash score for the Royals to send their supporters home happy with three points against their local rivals. Not only does the victory give Royals fans bragging rights for the remainder of the season, but it gives the title hopefuls some breathing room over the rest of the pack, though the Royals remain three points behind leaders Ponyville United and in fourth place as the three clubs ahead of them also win their matches. Further down the table, Crystal Fair edges Whitetail at Crystopolis Coliseum to stay within striking distance of Crystopolis City and a potential historic Champions' Cup berth while Stalliongrad moves back into the thick of the Globe Cup race with a comfortable victory over Everfree Forest.

Ponyville United 3–0 Southwind HC
(V. Meyer '20, Decima '59, Amber Waves '76)
Manehattan Manticores 0–1 Cloudsdale Flyers
(E. Grassi '25)
Crystal Fair HC 1–0 Whitetail Foresters
(Steelfeather '58)
Manehattan Dragons 0–2 Appleoosa HC
(A. Ligali '43, Appleshine '48)
Crystal City United 0–0 Seaddle Sounders
(No Scoring)
Stalliongrad HC 2–0 Everfree Forest HC
(S. Roni '2, Serena '79)
Crystopolis City 4–0 Manechester City HC
(Crystal Arrow '34, Princess Jojo '50, Crystal Arrow '53, J. Anselm '60)
North Spire HC 2–1 Manechester United
(A. Padgette '17, Silver Lining '40, Apple Flora '47)
Canterlot Royals 2–1 Canterlot Stars
(I. van Stiphout '30, Sun Glimmer '42, Rapid Dash '45+1)
Ponyville Galaxy 1–1 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(Constance '7, Melissa Santos '61)

United Cup - Quarterfinals
In the United Cup quarterfinals, four spots in the semifinals at Royal Equestria Stadium are on the line and in every tie the away fans' travels are rewarded with seeing their teams book trips to the Canterlot cathedral of hoofball. Everfree Forest dominates Crystal Fair early, their dynamic duo of Nightingale and Silverwing finding the net to give the visitors a 2-0 lead that the Grounders couldn't overcome despite a valiant late effort which came up just short, teenage midfielder Alisa scoring a consolation goal. However, Crystal Fair supporters won't be too disappointed with their United Cup exit as they can now focus solely on chasing a far more valuable spot in the Champions' Cup instead. In Whitetail, an all-Second League tie between Whitetail Rangers and leaders Royal Crystal Palace is a quiet affair as RCP's Flitterbee scores in the 10th minute to send her club through to the semifinals. Elsewhere, at Star Stadium, the Canterlot Stars appear certain to advance before Fire Dash breaks free in the 89th minute, beating Nightflame to equalize at the death and force extra time. After 30 minutes of back-and-forth action, the fixture goes to penalties where Sunrisian keeper Mellody Sioux denies Mikko Gravesen and Nathaniel Doherty scores Ponyville's fifth to keep the holders' title defense alive. Finally, Southwind puts an end to Crystal City HC's dream run in the United Cup, Darvale international Cedric Pearson redirecting a Marílinha thunderbolt past the goalkeeper in the 35th minute.

Crystal Fair HC 1–2 Everfree Forest HC
(Nightingale '24, Silverwing '57, Alisa '75)
Whitetail Rangers 0–1 Royal Crystal Palace
(Flitterbee '10)
Canterlot Stars 1–1 Ponyville United (1–1 AET) (3–5 pen.)
(I. Mika '61, Fire Dash '89)
Crystal City HC 0–1 Southwind HC
(C. Pearson '35)

Match Day 30
Clearly upset by their back-to-back failures in the Canterlot derby and United Cup quarterfinals, the Stars take out their frustration on a helpless Northerner team in a lopsided contest which is already won by halftime, though North Spire does manage a couple goals on counterattacks later before their hopes of a comeback are squashed by Primrose Evergreen's 77th minute strike. Manechester City gets a badly-needed victory at home against Stalliongrad thanks to a Val Kylx brace, though Leonardo Conavacio was again the Citizens' best player as the Quebecois striker continues to prove that he's a great athlete, when he's not serving long bans for violent conduct that is. At the bottom of the table, City's local rivals - Manechester United - get a big result in holding Crystopolis City to a draw, though the Red Diablos will need more than draws at this point if they're to have any chance at not finishing last, much less remaining in the top flight. However, the most significant result of the day comes from Sky-High Coliseum, where the Cloudsdale Flyers beat Ponyville United to complete the double over their historic rivals and move atop the table, undisputed United League leaders for the first time this season thanks to a late goal from Crystalline star Sapphire Rose.

Southwind HC 1–0 Ponyville Galaxy
(N. Riot '89)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 1–2 Canterlot Royals
(Berry Splash '16, Serenity '33, C. Thornton '88)
Canterlot Stars 4–2 North Spire HC
(Sun Glimmer '7, F. Zirome '38, M. Fantinelli '42, Primrose '59, Rapid Rush '66, Primrose Evergreen '77)
Manechester United 0–0 Crystopolis City
(No Scoring)
Manechester City HC 3–1 Stalliongrad HC
(V. Kylx '4, W. Mittlestadt '25, L. Conavacio '58, V. Kylx '87)
Everfree Forest HC 1–0 Crystal City United
(Nightingale '78)
Seaddle Sounders 2–2 Manehattan Dragons
(J. Saint Claire '29, K. Matijević '33, L. Galhardo '64, Indigo '83)
Appleoosa HC 0–1 Crystal Fair HC
(Crystalline Blaze '24)
Whitetail Foresters 4–2 Manehattan Manticores
(Opalescence '27, I. Prism '43, Dizzy Doo '48, Fyreflight '65, Misty Fly '82, Sapphire Crescent '86)
Cloudsdale Flyers 2–1 Ponyville United
(E. Grassi '45+1, Fire Dash '54, Sapphire Rose '87)

Match Day 31
A pair of six-goal thrillers dominate the highlight reels this week, Crystopolis City and the Canterlot Stars delighting neutrals by exchanging goals in an impressive match which never gave supporters a chance to relax, counterattacks following counterattacks to force splendid saves from both goalkeepers, though neither team will be particularly pleased with the draw as the dropped points hurt both sides' respective Champions' Cup ambitions. At Heartland Stadium, Crystal City United overcomes a 3-1 deficit to earn a point from their match against Manechester City, Leonardo Conavacio's brace wasted by a horrible outing from the Citizens' porous back line which left young goalkeeper Silver Charm stranded on an alarmingly regular basis. Meanwhile, Appleoosa continues their excellent second half of the season with a confident victory over the Manehattan Manticores which keeps the Harvesters' dreams of returning to the UICA fold alive.

Cloudsdale Flyers 1–0 Southwind HC
(S. Ruiko '33)
Ponyville United 1–0 Whitetail Foresters
(Amber Waves '73)
Manehattan Manticores 0–2 Appleoosa HC
(Cornflower '50, Glimmering Gale '80)
Crystal Fair HC 3–0 Seaddle Sounders
(Silver Moon '3, Alisa '52, Silver Moon '62)
Manehattan Dragons 1–1 Everfree Forest HC
(A. Hussain '9, Silverwing '87)
Crystal City United 3–3 Manechester City HC
(V. Kylx '1, L. Conavacio '44, O. Kalsabur '49, L. Conavacio '57, O. Kalsabur '73, Misty '81)
Stalliongrad HC 1–0 Manechester United
(W. Mittlestadt '50)
Crystopolis City 3–3 Canterlot Stars
(B. Penhallow '18, Primrose Evergreen '32, I. Mika '41, K. Rei '59, Regal Cadence '64, I. Mika '79)
North Spire HC 1–0 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(M. Meeuwessen '35)
Canterlot Royals 3–0 Ponyville Galaxy
(I. van Stiphout '5, M. Castell '34, Berry Splash '54)

Match Day 32
It's been a season of surprises in the United League and there's no end in sight to the upsets and unexpected blowouts. Travelling to the Crystopolis suburb of South Bend, the Canterlot Royals enter Starlight Stadium in second place with every intention of sustaining their title challenge, but are instead stunned 2-0 by a Southwind team which boasted the top flight's worst offense at the start of the day but found the net twice in a victory which gives them a five point buffer in the relegation scrap. The value of Southwind's upset is somewhat negated, however, by the New Cloudsdale Colonists' win against Crystopolis City which moves them just clear of the bottom three and keeps the race for survival extremely tight. With Crystopolis City falling to New Cloudsdale, Crystal Fair has an opportunity to leapfrog their rivals in the chase for the Crystal Empire's allocated Champions' Cup berth and claim the pole position with six matches left in the season, but Everfree Forest proves too much for the Grounders to handle and cruise to a shockingly easy 4-0 victory which delights the sold-out Wild Grounds crowd. Elsewhere in the top half of the table, the Canterlot Stars demolish Stalliongrad 6-1, turning a close game into a rout over the final 40 minutes of play and moving into the top four thanks to the two Crystalline contenders' defeats. By the end of the day, Ponyville United has reclaimed the lead from the Cloudsdale Flyers after the Whitetail Foresters hold Cloudsdale to a draw at Shady Grove and Ponyville overcomes a determined Appleoosa defense to win the full points and move one point clear atop the table.

Southwind HC 2–0 Canterlot Royals
(Marílinha '23, Lunar Glory '49)
Ponyville Galaxy 0–1 North Spire HC
(Jubileena '13)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 2–1 Crystopolis City
(J. Anselm '36, Dark Star '65, C. Thornton '80)
Canterlot Stars 6–1 Stalliongrad HC
(J. Poole '19, Primrose Evergreen '20, Zoey '42, J. Poole '53, M. Gravesen '63, I. Mika '76, Black Cobalt '83)
Manechester United 1–0 Crystal City United
(Autumn Spark '7)
Manechester City HC 3–3 Manehattan Dragons
(D. Bagg '9, Bressinho '29, K. Matijević '47, Starling '55, Farsight '78, K. Theodore '88)
Everfree Forest HC 4–0 Crystal Fair HC
(Nightingale '10, F. Tlatenchi '41, A. Eljjoy '44, Rippling Breeze '59)
Seaddle Sounders 3–0 Manehattan Manticores
(A. Benitez '18, A. Benitez '31, Cloud Nine '69)
Appleoosa HC 0–1 Ponyville United
(Fleur de Verre '63)
Whitetail Foresters 1–1 Cloudsdale Flyers
(L. Bonecrusher '2, E. Grassi '62)

Match Day 33
After leading SC Volker B to the Series B Champions' Cup quarterfinals, young Felixian manager Leon Nicolson's move to the Seaddle Sounders came as a shock to many as he left a club where the chances to advance his career were abundant to a team most expected would be relegated by the end of the season. However, Nicolson has done well with the Sounders and a stunning away upset of leaders Ponyville United has them now ten points clear of the bottom three, a fairly safe distance with five matches left in the season that means Seaddle is almost certain to survive barring a shocking turn of events. Ponyville's defeat gives the Cloudsdale Flyers a chance to reclaim the league lead and Maarten Berg's side doesn't let it go to waste, Orion Comet and Nightwing scoring for the Flyers in a 2-0 victory over Appleoosa. Crystopolis City, Crystal Fair, and Stalliongrad each recover from their upsets last week, winning against lower quality opposition to remain in their respective UICA races.

Whitetail Foresters 2–3 Southwind HC
(G. Aldinne '6, C. Pearson '18, Opalescence '47, R. Carvalho '52, N. Riot '59)
Cloudsdale Flyers 2–0 Appleoosa HC
(Orion Comet '39, Nightwing '74)
Ponyville United 0–1 Seaddle Sounders
(J. Saint Claire '28)
Manehattan Manticores 1–0 Everfree Forest HC
(Homura '36)
Crystal Fair HC 2–1 Manechester City HC
(U. Kästner '3, L. Conavacio '11, Steelfeather '51)
Manehattan Dragons 3–0 Manechester United
(K. Matijević '32, Starling '82, A. Hussain '88)
Crystal City United 1–1 Canterlot Stars
(Checkered Flag '6, Misty '74)
Stalliongrad HC 2–0 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(S. Roni '8, M. Lorentz '79)
Crystopolis City 2–0 Ponyville Galaxy
(Crystal Arrow '70, K. Rei '90+4)
North Spire HC 1–1 Canterlot Royals
(M. Meeuwessen '19, A. Poynter '62)

United Cup - Semifinals
Four clubs and their legions of supporters make the trip to Royal Equestria Stadium in Canterlot, hoping to see their teams reach the United Cup final. The first semifinal features Everfree Forest and Southwind HC, the former a finalist two years ago while the latter is still looking for its first cup final appearance. Everfree Forest stuck first, Apoxian midfielder Adrasta Eljjoy scoring in the 16th minute to give her side the lead. But Southwind's determined second half efforts were rewarded in the 66th minute with an equalizer from Ricardo Carvalho, the Sunrisian launching a thunderbolt from outside the box which Hallvardur Ulberg stood no chance of stopping. Forest weren't to be denied, however, and though prevented from scoring a winner in regulation, Silverwing found the net seven minutes into added extra time to give Everfree a lead they would hold until the final whistle blew, sending them through to the United Cup final for the second time in three years.

The second semifinal, between Ponyville United and Second League leaders Royal Crystal Palace wasn't much of a contest in the end. Fire Dash scored early on to give Ponyville a one goal lead which the cup holders looked to extend but were held by the steady RCP defense until the final 15 minutes of the match when substitutes Decima and Josef Cisternino added two more, sealing the win for the heavy favorites and sending Ponyville back to the United Cup title match. Even though Royal Crystal Palace were ultimately defeated, they'll likely have a shot at revenge next season in the United League as they've effectively secured a spot in the top two of the second tier already. Meanwhile, Ponyville United and Everfree Forest will contest the United Cup final at the end of the season.

Southwind HC 1–1 Everfree Forest HC (1–2 AET)
(A. Eljjoy '16, R. Carvalho '66, Silverwing '97)
Ponyville United 3–0 Royal Crystal Palace
(Fire Dash '17, Decima '75, J. Cisternino '82)

Match Day 34
One week removed from a stunning upset of Ponyville United, the Seaddle Sounders welcome the Cloudsdale Flyers to HarmonyLink Field and the visitors quickly make themselves feel at home. Powered by an Ezio Grassi hat trick, the Flyers deny the Sounders a chance to earn back-to-back results against first place teams, silencing the home supporters en route to a 7-2 victory. Elsewhere, Ponyville United and Everfree Forest meet in a preview of the upcoming United Cup Final just days after punching their tickets to the title match, the game at Wild Grounds ending in a one-all draw in which Everfree looked the better side. From Ponyville Galaxy fans comes a sigh of relief as their team snaps a 17-match winless streak in a victory over Stalliongrad, having earned only two points in their previous second half matches, a record which has dropped them from comfortably mid-table into the bottom four.

Southwind HC 0–1 North Spire HC
(A. Padgette '31)
Canterlot Royals 2–2 Crystopolis City
(I. van Stiphout '19, Crystal Arrow '50, B. Penhallow '65, D. Köhler '77)
Ponyville Galaxy 2–0 Stalliongrad HC
(Melissa Santos '52, Comet Trail '70)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 0–0 Crystal City United
(No Scoring)
Canterlot Stars 5–1 Manehattan Dragons
(I. Mika '7, Black Cobalt '26, F. Zirome '27, A. Hussain '50, F. Zirome '65, F. Zirome '90+3)
Manechester United 1–1 Crystal Fair HC
(Sugar Glass '31, Elise Belle '38)
Manechester City HC 0–0 Manehattan Manticores
(No Scoring)
Everfree Forest HC 1–1 Ponyville United
(Nightingale '18, V. Meyer '48)
Seaddle Sounders 2–7 Cloudsdale Flyers
(E. Grassi '5, Sapphire Rose '16, Steelglaze '39, S. Ruiko '44, E. Grassi '49, K. Berry '53, E. Grassi '58, Alula '64, Indigo '67)
Appleoosa HC 0–1 Whitetail Foresters
(Dizzy Doo '45+2)

With four matches left in the season, the Cloudsdale Flyers appear to be pulling away at the top of the United League, the latest round of results adding another couple points to their lead over second place Ponyville United while the other few clubs with remaining title hopes are at least six points behind the Flyers, a gap that's probably too big to overcome barring a reversal of the leaders' recent form. In the battle for the last few Globe Cup berths, Everfree Forest, Stalliongrad, Whitetail Foresters, and Manechester City are the main contenders as Appleoosa's UICA challenge quickly fades, the Harvesters having lost three straight and would need a miracle to qualify now. The fight to avoid relegation is shaping up to be extremely fierce and will most likely not be decided until the final day of the season, though Manechester United are set drop out of the top flight for the first time in well over a decade as they sit seven points short of safety at the bottom of the table and their remaining schedule is absolutely brutal.

   United League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Cloudsdale Flyers             34   21   8   5    73   46  +27    71   Globe Cup (EQS)
 2 Ponyville United              34   20   7   7    59   23  +36    67   Globe Cup (EQS)
 3 Canterlot Royals              34   19   8   7    76   33  +43    65
 4 Canterlot Stars               34   18  10   6    81   49  +32    64
 5 Crystopolis City              34   19   7   8    43   26  +17    64   Globe Cup (CRY)
 6 Crystal Fair HC               34   18   9   7    40   25  +15    63   Globe Cup (CRY)
 7 Everfree Forest HC            34   16   9   9    63   37  +26    57
 8 Stalliongrad HC               34   15  10   9    42   29  +13    55
 9 Whitetail Foresters           34   17   4  13    54   43  +11    55
10 Manechester City HC           34   15   8  11    68   49  +19    53
11 Appleoosa HC                  34   13   8  13    25   22   +3    47
12 North Spire HC                34   12   9  13    27   37  −10    45
13 Seaddle Sounders              34    8  11  15    35   71  −36    35
14 Crystal City United           34    9   7  18    23   41  −18    34
15 Southwind HC                  34    9   6  19    23   33  −10    33
16 Manehattan Dragons            34    8   6  20    36   67  −31    30
17 Ponyville Galaxy              34    8   4  22    21   53  −32    28
18 New Cloudsdale Colonists      34    6  10  18    26   53  −27    28
19 Manehattan Manticores         34    5  10  19    24   66  −42    25
20 Manechester United            34    4   9  21    25   61  −36    21

Match Day 35
An unofficial goal at Manechester City this year has been to avenge last season's humiliating 6-1 defeat in the United Cup Final suffered at the hooves of Ponyville United; and though the Citizens may not have been able to defeat Ponyville in either of their matches, a late goal in their second game this year from - who else - Val Kylx has potentially done much more to harm the defending champions. The Cloudsdale Flyers' 2-0 victory over Everfree Forest meant Ponyville United needed all three points to keep pace with the Flyers, and though Ponyville managed to rally from a two-goal deficit to take a 3-2 lead, Kylx's equalizer gifted Cloudsdale a six point lead in the title race with just three matches remaining. In Stalliongrad, the Miners rebound from a disappointing loss to the struggling Ponyville Galaxy by posting a clean sheet against the Canterlot Royals, shutting down the league's second highest-scoring offense in a near-perfect defensive display.

Appleoosa HC 0–1 Southwind HC
(Marílinha '21)
Whitetail Foresters 0–0 Seaddle Sounders
(No Scoring)
Cloudsdale Flyers 2–0 Everfree Forest HC
(Nightwing '14, L. Storås '34)
Ponyville United 3–3 Manechester City HC
(K. Theodore '19, L. Conavacio '50, Fire Dash '58, Arctic Lily '66, N. Doherty '70, V. Kylx '85)
Manehattan Manticores 1–3 Manechester United
(Elise Belle '12, Misty Fly '28, E. Salazar '56, Apple Flora '81)
Crystal Fair HC 2–1 Canterlot Stars
(Silver Moon '20, Sugar Glass '54, Sun Glimmer '68)
Manehattan Dragons 1–2 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(Sunstreak '47, M. Pejić '52, Milky Way '71)
Crystal City United 1–0 Ponyville Galaxy
(K. Hope '59)
Stalliongrad HC 2–0 Canterlot Royals
(Cloud Kicker '41, S. Roni '79)
Crystopolis City 1–0 North Spire HC
(K. Rei '74)

Cloudsdale is buzzing with excitement as a second United League title is within reach for the Flyers, needing just three points in their final few matches to claim the trophy and a spot in the Champions' Cup. Despite the title race being almost over, the battle for the other two United League places in the multiverse's premier club competition is very much alive, with five teams separated by four points and several of them set to clash in the last three weeks of the season. Among them, at least one of the two Crystalline clubs will earn a berth in the Champions' Cup, Crystopolis City needing to worry about their spot in the competition for the first time since the formation of the United League as Crystal Fair remain in hot pursuit. In the relegation zone, the battle for survival has gotten more interesting as Manechester United's victory over the Manehattan Manticores keeps them alive - if only just - while dealing the Manticores' own hopes of remaining in the first tier a heavy blow.

   United League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Cloudsdale Flyers             35   22   8   5    75   46  +29    74   Globe Cup (EQS)
 2 Ponyville United              35   20   8   7    62   26  +36    68   Globe Cup (EQS)
 3 Crystopolis City              35   20   7   8    44   26  +18    67   Globe Cup (CRY)
 4 Crystal Fair HC               35   19   9   7    42   26  +16    66   Globe Cup (CRY)
 5 Canterlot Royals              35   19   8   8    76   35  +41    65
 6 Canterlot Stars               35   18  10   7    82   51  +31    64
 7 Stalliongrad HC               35   16  10   9    44   29  +15    58
 8 Everfree Forest HC            35   16   9  10    63   39  +24    57
 9 Whitetail Foresters           35   17   5  13    54   43  +11    56
10 Manechester City HC           35   15   9  11    71   52  +19    54
11 Appleoosa HC                  35   13   8  14    25   23   +2    47
12 North Spire HC                35   12   9  14    27   38  −11    45
13 Crystal City United           35   10   7  18    24   41  −17    37
14 Southwind HC                  35   10   6  19    24   33   −9    36
15 Seaddle Sounders              35    8  12  15    35   71  −36    36
16 New Cloudsdale Colonists      35    7  10  18    28   54  −26    31
17 Manehattan Dragons            35    8   6  21    37   69  −32    30
18 Ponyville Galaxy              35    8   4  23    21   54  −33    28
19 Manehattan Manticores         35    5  10  20    25   69  −44    25
20 Manechester United            35    5   9  21    28   62  −34    24

Match Day 36
In what might be the upset of the season, Manechester United stuns Ponyville United 1-0 to not only deliver the killing blow to Ponyville's title hopes but also keep the Red Diablos' slim chances of survival alive. Meanwhile, every other club in what is now a five-team race for second earn full points from their respective matches, the buffer Ponyville United had built between them and the other contenders gone in the wake of their recent struggles. Though the Cloudsdale Flyers are held to a draw by Manechester City and are unable to mathematically secure the league title, there's little concern among supporters that the Flyers will ultimately emerge champions of the United League. However, the excitement at City of Manechester Stadium from back-to-back results against title contenders is severely tainted by the Citizens' rapidly shrinking UICA hopes, the draws failing to keep them on pace with the other Globe Cup challengers. Also suffering are fans of Appleoosa HC, who appeared poised to make a run at a UICA berth after a strong start to the second half of the season, but have since lost their last five matches and will finish disappointingly at mid-table.

Southwind HC 0–1 Crystopolis City
(Princess Jojo '67)
North Spire HC 0–1 Stalliongrad HC
(Zoey '82)
Canterlot Royals 2–0 Crystal City United
(I. van Stiphout '30, M. Castell '89)
Ponyville Galaxy 0–0 Manehattan Dragons
(No Scoring)
New Cloudsdale Colonists 0–2 Crystal Fair HC
(Supernova Starlight '60, Diamond Mint '84)
Canterlot Stars 6–1 Manehattan Manticores
(Sun Glimmer '15, I. Mika '20, M. Gravesen '37, Sun Glimmer '48, B. Henryson '52, F. Zirome '59, J. Poole '68)
Manechester United 1–0 Ponyville United
(Antinanco '58)
Manechester City HC 1–1 Cloudsdale Flyers
(K. Berry '8, D. Bagg '39)
Everfree Forest HC 1–0 Whitetail Foresters
(A. Eljjoy '24)
Seaddle Sounders 1–0 Appleoosa HC
(J. Saint Claire '62)

Though the Cloudsdale Flyers haven't quite secured the title, a spot in the Champions' Cup is the worst they can do now as no Equestrian club can catch them now, only Crystopolis City posing any threat to the Flyers as Crystal Fair would need a massive swing in goal differential to overtake Cloudsdale. With Crystopolis and Crystal Fair now second and third in the table respectively, there's still a legitimate chance that the Crystal Empire might get two teams in the Champions' Cup, something nobody would've predicted at the start of the season. In the event that the Royalty and Grounders finish in the top three, North Spire (who will finish as the third best club from the Crystal Empire in the league) and either Crystal City United or Southwind would qualify for the Globe Cup as the two allocated Crystalline representatives at the cost of whichever Equestrian team finishes eighth, likely sparking protests from the unlucky supporters. At the bottom of the table, the relegation battle remains tight, though Manechester United and the Manehattan Manticores still seem the two most likely clubs to finish in the bottom three.

   United League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Cloudsdale Flyers             36   22   9   5    76   47  +29    75   Champions' Cup (EQS)
 2 Crystopolis City              36   21   7   8    45   26  +19    70   Globe Cup (CRY)
 3 Crystal Fair HC               36   20   9   7    44   26  +18    69   Globe Cup (CRY)
 4 Canterlot Royals              36   20   8   8    78   35  +43    68   Globe Cup (EQS)
 5 Ponyville United              36   20   8   8    62   27  +35    68   Globe Cup (EQS)
 6 Canterlot Stars               36   19  10   7    88   52  +36    67   Globe Cup (EQS)
 7 Stalliongrad HC               36   17  10   9    45   29  +16    61
 8 Everfree Forest HC            36   17   9  10    64   39  +25    60
 9 Whitetail Foresters           36   17   5  14    54   44  +10    56
10 Manechester City HC           36   15  10  11    72   53  +19    55
11 Appleoosa HC                  36   13   8  15    25   24   +1    47
12 North Spire HC                36   12   9  15    27   39  −12    45   Globe Cup (CRY)
13 Seaddle Sounders              36    9  12  15    36   71  −35    39
14 Crystal City United           36   10   7  19    24   43  −19    37
15 Southwind HC                  36   10   6  20    24   34  −10    36
16 New Cloudsdale Colonists      36    7  10  19    28   56  −28    31
17 Manehattan Dragons            36    8   7  21    37   69  −32    31
18 Ponyville Galaxy              36    8   5  23    21   54  −33    29
19 Manechester United            36    6   9  21    29   62  −33    27
20 Manehattan Manticores         36    5  10  21    26   75  −49    25

Match Day 37
The stands at Sky-High Coliseum are packed well beyond capacity as the Cloudsdale Flyers host Manechester United in a match which will have a major impact on both ends of the table. A win is needed for the Flyers to hoist the United League trophy in front of their home support while the Red Diablos can't afford to lose, a draw could be enough for either club but could just as easily be damning. For 25 minutes the two teams are locked in a stalemate, that is until Nightwing finds Ezio Grassi on a cross which the Osarian superstar fires home to give Cloudsdale the lead. Just over ten minutes later, Nightwing finds the net on his own to cement the Flyers' advantage before Orion Comet comes off the bench and seals the result with an excellent run. For Flyers fans, it's a dream come true as their team lifts the gleaming proof of their triumph high for all to see, while the small contingent of Manechester United supporters begin the long trip home in silence, their relegation fate now sealed. Elsewhere in the league, Ponyville United hammers the Canterlot Stars to remain in the Champions' Cup chase, retiring legends Fire Dash and Starlight Sparkle playing like the international stars they once were in the victory. The Manehattan Manticores also earn a badly-needed three points to keep their survival hopes alive as the Ponyville Galaxy and Manehattan Dragons are beaten by Crystal Fair and the Canterlot Royals respectively.

Seaddle Sounders 3–1 Southwind HC
(A. Benitez '7, Golden Glory '23, Ruby Watch '42, C. Pearson '77)
Appleoosa HC 3–1 Everfree Forest HC
(Silverwing '29, A. Ligali '47, Appleshine '55, Cornflower '75)
Whitetail Foresters 1–0 Manechester City HC
(I. Prism '43)
Cloudsdale Flyers 3–0 Manechester United
(E. Grassi '26, Nightwing '37, Orion Comet '74)
Ponyville United 5–1 Canterlot Stars
(Fire Dash '3, Starlight Sparkle '24, N. Doherty '44, Checkered Flag '56, Fire Dash '69, J. Cisternino '84)
Manehattan Manticores 5–1 New Cloudsdale Colonists
(B. Henryson '23, Homura '36, Crystalbarre '42, Homura '47, Crystalbarre '63, Constance '67)
Crystal Fair HC 2–1 Ponyville Galaxy
(Silver Moon '51, Golden Glitter '57, Diamond Mint '62)
Manehattan Dragons 0–1 Canterlot Royals
(I. van Stiphout '62)
Crystal City United 0–0 North Spire HC
(No Scoring)
Stalliongrad HC 1–0 Crystopolis City
(Cloud Kicker '13)

Ezio Grassi and the Cloudsdale Flyers may have won the United League title with a game to spare, but there's still one week left in the season and several clubs will have something to play for on the final day of their campaigns. At the top of the table, four teams remain in contention for the last two Champions' Cup berths: Canterlot Royals, Crystal Fair, Crystopolis City, and Ponyville United. Making the race for Champions' Cup hoofball even more intriguing is the fact that the Royals and Grounders will play each other in their final match and the remaining possibility of two clubs from the Crystal Empire finishing in the top three, which would wreak havoc among the Globe Cup hopefuls. Down at the bottom of the table the Red Diablos are already relegated, but the rest of the bottom five are separated by just three points after the Manehattan Manticores win against New Cloudsdale to preserve their United League status for at least another week. Two of the four teams will survive, two will play in the second tier next season and a match between the Manticores and Galaxy could end in one or both clubs being relegated by the final whistle; as with the UICA races, drama is to be expected in the relegation battle.

   United League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Cloudsdale Flyers             37   23   9   5    79   47  +32    78   Champions' Cup (EQS)
 2 Crystal Fair HC               37   21   9   7    46   27  +19    72   Globe Cup (CRY)
 3 Canterlot Royals              37   21   8   8    79   35  +44    71   Globe Cup (EQS)
 4 Ponyville United              37   21   8   8    67   28  +39    71   Globe Cup (EQS)
 5 Crystopolis City              37   21   7   9    45   27  +18    70   Globe Cup (CRY)
 6 Canterlot Stars               37   19  10   8    89   57  +32    67   Globe Cup (EQS)
 7 Stalliongrad HC               37   18  10   9    46   29  +17    64   Globe Cup (EQS)
 8 Everfree Forest HC            37   17   9  11    65   42  +23    60
 9 Whitetail Foresters           37   18   5  14    55   44  +11    59
10 Manechester City HC           37   15  10  12    72   54  +18    55
11 Appleoosa HC                  37   14   8  15    28   25   +3    50
12 North Spire HC                37   12  10  15    27   39  −12    46   Globe Cup (CRY)
13 Seaddle Sounders              37   10  12  15    39   72  −33    42
14 Crystal City United           37   10   8  19    24   43  −19    38
15 Southwind HC                  37   10   6  21    25   37  −12    36
16 New Cloudsdale Colonists      37    7  10  20    29   61  −32    31
17 Manehattan Dragons            37    8   7  22    37   70  −33    31
18 Ponyville Galaxy              37    8   5  24    22   56  −34    29
19 Manehattan Manticores         37    6  10  21    31   76  −45    28
20 Manechester United            37    6   9  22    29   65  −36    27   Relegated

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