Rainbow League System Season Ten Preview
Red League - Part 2/4
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All crests courtesy of Vulpine Sportif
Storyline 2 - Has Chromatik Done Enough to Catch Wirr Tsi?
There is no denying the fact that for the last few seasons of the Red League, two teams stand at the top - Wirr Tsi and Chromatik. Sure, Myana is always sniffing around, and the likes of Lhor and Tihon have an outside shot, but it's Jannick Kontiola and his youth movement against Zhaxi Nanlei and the defensive wall that is Wirr Tsi. In Season Eight, Chromatik won by virtue of Wirr Tsi conceding a late goal to Myana; Season Nine saw Wirr Tsi keep the lead on the final matchday despite the Capitalizt beating the Anomalies.
What makes Wirr Tsi so good? It all starts with the commitment that Nanlei, Begley, Burns, and Wan have had to the movement. Kathie Begley has been approached multiple times by both foreign and domestic clubs, and it's no secret that if she had gone abroad to perhaps the S-FPL, the Zenith, the EuraLeague, or the National League, she could've gained the clout and notoriety needed to perhaps contend for the starting job against Juxon Fillar. Begley has committed to the Wirr Tsi brand, and has stated multiple times that she'd rather retire first. As for Burns, the acquisition of the Defensive Midfielder from Chromatik has been a game changer as she's worked tirelessly with Wan Sheping to let Sara Kristoffersdóttir be free on the defensive end. Wan has turned out to be the lynchpin of the entire squad, being soft-spoken and reliable. As for Zhaxi himself, a debate can be made that he is the greatest Yue Manager ever; however, he's fallen in love with the city, the club, the players, and the fanbase, and as long as his hands control the Shock, he's proven that the team can win.
Why is Chromatik the right squad to contend with Wirr Tsi? Jannick Kontiola, the Quebecois Manager in his seventh season, learned from the first initial seasons with the club that he would need to commit to youth. Chromatik play a very flowing 4-1-2-3; the Defensive Midfielder is asked to do a lot in coordination with the back four and the keeper while the front five are given all the room in the world to create. Kontiola made the signing of his life when he grabbed Trudy Harrison; then, Leysa Burns decided to leave to give Harrison the starting spot, which led to Stephen Kerr being called up. Throw in Cande Montalban and Owen James of the last few seasons, and Chromatik, when rolling, are a squad that can score from every level of the pitch. Sure, they do struggle with putting the opposition way at times and can concede a bit more than they would have liked, but when you score more than seventy goals in a thirty-game season, does it really matter? No.
Last season, the only spot of concern for Chromatik was the concession of forty-four goals, which wasn't bad, but with seventy-one goals scored, showed that the defensive side of the ball was where the team was needing reinforcement. Chromatik responded by shipping Tania Vincent to Lhor and bringing in Medusa Strand, a possible starter in the future for the Nephara Cormorants. Will Raul Vitan, Stephen Kerr, Kamil Jernejec, and John Mikeal help keep Strand clean enough to get that title? Bringing in Rebecca Anne Wawanolett should help - the Quebecois can play a hybrid role between Trudy Harrison and Cixin Nguyen's, and Micha Burkhard was serviceable but not great. Also, there's no denying the fact that this is only the second season as part of the team for one Owen James - and a lot is expected from the Euran winger.
What did Wirr Tsi do in response? One lateral move and one massive move. In bringing up Mimír Waltheofsson from Z'ai'ai, the Shock add a dynamic striker who know how to create from scratch, something that a player playing in such a team needs. Kendra Carpenter and Sara Kristoffersdóttir do get the ball to the striker, but a lot of the times, they are too busy helping out on the defense, and in other opportunities, the striker must make the independent move on their own. Mimír Waltheoffson has shown in his years at Umbar State and Z'ai'ai that he can indeed do that. At left back, a departing Tiana Revels has been replaced by a World Cup Champion in Vivica Muscadin. Muscadin is sharp and trained to win at any and all costs. She strides the field with an easy arrogance and a ferocious burst of pace, and anyone trying to get past her is due a stud in the back of the knee. She'll provide the backbone the team needs as they face high-flying offenses like Chrmoatiik.
Due to the format of the Red League, the Chromia Derby falls on the final matchday of each half, and the Air Force - Navy game between Wirr Tsi and Myana happens on the final matchday. This means that though the two title contenders don't play each other on the final day, which can lead to all the scenarios that we've seen in the last few seasons. It's always fascinating to see Trudy Harrison face off against Leysa Burns, as well as the continued attack of Chromatik being assuaged by the defensive wall that is Wirr Tsi.
How long can this new duopoly last? Myana's gained two new Central Midfielders, Lhor's retooled yet again, and Tihon has a new lease on life after the Emma Arthur acquisition. All three of them would love nothing more than to shock the league and the country and knock the two clubs off their pedestal.
The oddsmakers say that Wirr Tsi are the narrow favorites, with Chromatik being in close second. Which will take the title? Which will be stuck holding the short end of the stick? Will a dark horse supplant them both? Wirr Tsi tied Myana and Anomalies last season with their third title; the only other club to have won more is Tihon, with five during the Chromatik League era.
FELSWYR
MG Nicoletta Amaudo (59)
GK Narcissa Rousseau (25)
RB Lois Pennant (32) RES
CB Summer Speers (30)
CB Donheil Hwang (22)
LB Pietr Nex (31) CAPTAIN
RM Andrew Tarpey (26)
CM Nicolás Allauca (31)
CM Alyosha Meledina (26)
LM Emma Knoflach (23)
ST Vissenta Okamoto (25)
ST Renate Haggard (29)
GK Maribel Gilbert (31)
RB Larrio Potts (29)
CB Joseline Fourtin (35)
CB Mona Dit (27)
LB Dario Sange (28)
RM Edward Harrington (31)
CM Huguette Jacquier (31)
CM Patricia Jacques (30)
LM Katie Rothers (33)
ST Garret Intera (28)
ST Noémie Dubois (31)
ST Josephinie Coon (24)
Fans: Frosties, Felswyrites
Location: Felswyr, Mountain District, Chromatika
Owner: Felswyr Resorts Initiative
Stadium: Frozen Stadium (Cap. 32, 100; 32,100 Seats)
Manager: Nicoletta Amaudo (59), 4th Season with Team
Captain: LB Pietr Nex
Predicted Starting XI: (4-4-2) - Rousseau; Pennant - Speers - Hwang - Nex; Tarpey - Allauca - Meledina - Knoflach; Okamoto - Haggard.
In: CB Donheil Hwang (Mipojoseon, 2.5M), GK Narcisa Rousseau (Nazionale Acqui Bollente, 3M), ST Garret Intera (Flames of the West, 0.5M).
Out: GK Nicole Watson (Crossroads, 5M), CB Vana Morgen (Knetyohai, 0.5M).
Retired: ST Markita Crosland (33).
Drafted: None.
You Might Be a Felswyr Fan if... You like the cold stadium, you like being a small town that's been in the top flight for so many seasons, you like defense, you think cyan is a good color, or you like a tight-knit culture.
Background: Located by the slopes of Mt. Niar, Felswyr is a winter wonderland, a town of ski resorts and ice skating rinks. It is a tourist town of the mountain kind, a place where people flock to during the wintertime. The town has really grown fond of their Frost since the days when the team moved up to the Premier Division in Season 5 of League Chromatiks. A small town team punching above their weight, Frost fans (who calls themselves Frosties) feel like their team does a good job representing them because they don't like the city types anyway. The Frozen Stadium is a jewel of a beautiful venue, with no roof and no protection against the elements. It is home field advantage if there ever was one.
The Story So Far… In the third year of Nicoletta Arnaudo’s tenure, Felswyr continues to play a defensive brand of football, having played their way to the top half of the table yet again. Nicole Watson was up there with Kathie Begley as one of the best keepers in the league, and the duo of Okamoto and Haggard provided enough run support, aided by Katie Rothers.
Recent Changes: With expansion on the horizon, Felswyr will try to maintain its top eight standing. Losing Nicole Watson is a blow, but Narcisa Rousseau is an intriguing prospect, and the Frost’s way of playing defense will likely be enough to compensate for any of the inexperience. Donheil Hwang comes to supplant Joseline Fourtin as well, while Emma Knoflach and Katie Rothers change positions on the roster.
Key Player: LM Emma Knoflach
A year removed from the CCFA, Knoflach has been readying for this position. Katie Rothers is a good playmaker, but Knoflach has youth on her side and a very good cross with a surprising first touch. Knoflach appears ready to take up the mantle, but it will indeed be a challenge - Felswyr’s way of play is defense-first as always, after all.
Name to Watch: GK Narcisa Rousseau
Felswyr lost a lot when Watson left to go to Crossroads, but it made sense for the Cassadaigan’s career given her meteoric rise from Eyrods to Felswyr, and now to Crossroads. In comes Rousseau from Savigliane - someone who has a dominant presence in the box with strong athleticism and a bit of an ego. That ego will come in handy, as Felswyr prides themselves in their defense, and if she makes the most of this, she’ll have a chance to move up the league as well.
Team Scores (Out of 5): Finances ★★★ Media Presence ★★ Strength of Youth in Region ★★ Club Culture ★★★★★ Momentum ★★★
Fans' Expectations: Top Half of the Table.
The Frost keep defying expectations, having made the top half of the table. Eighth in the Red League is nothing to sneeze at, and the fans are aware of that. They almost had an outside chance at crashing the top six - but ran out of steam. If they succeeded? Frost fans would lose their minds.
Pundits' Prediction: Midtable (7th-10th).
One of the best defensive teams in the Red League will remain just that, and it’s likely that Felswyr will remain the best team in the Mountain District despite the promotion of Z’ai’ai and the return of Umbar. One of the nine teams to never be relegated from the Red League in the days of the Rainbow League System, Felswyr maintains its status as the little town that could.
FRENEI TOR
MG Lynn Branch (64)
GK Lew Karlov (26) RES
RB Pirjo Loefgren (24)
CB Henning Svarthus (26)
CB Amadou Duret (24)
LB Vincenzo Wilkins (29) CAPTAIN
RM/RW Abigail Jones (24)
CM Wladoslaw Dorboslawić (25)
CM Willy Koop (27)
LM Katrina Rothers (32)
ST Bonagiunta Rossi (23)
ST Prisca Rogers (31)
GK Kenny Yerong (27)
RB Toby Turner (31)
CB Max Anderson (30)
CB Tomaa Ybarra (24)
LB Jodi Hanna (32)
RM Valeri Verim (25)
CM Jakob Umgostinik (31)
CM Tammara Ferrari (29)
CM Corrine Crosby (29)
LM Brenda Allison (29)
ST Walt Emerson (32)
ST James Boudon (31)
Fans: Blues, Tealers, Torians, Frenei
Location: Tor, Urrhed Island, Chromatika
Owner: Frenei, Chromatik streetwear brand
Stadium: Tor Block (Cap. 13,000)
Manager: Lynn Branch (64), 2nd Season with Team
Captain: LB Vincenzo Wilkins
Predicted Starting XI: (4-4-2) - Karlov; Loefgren - Svarthus - Duret - Wilkins; Jones - Dorboslawić- Koop - Rothers; Rossi - Rogers.
In: ST Prisca Rogers (Chromatik, 1M), ST Walt Emerson (Flames of the West, 0.5M), RM Valeri Verim (Sanar, 0.5M).
Out: None.
Retired: GK Bryce Galloway (33), RM Landon Keller (33), ST Jimmy McCarthy (33).
Drafted: None.
You Might Be a Tor Fan if... You're a fan of small town teams, you like a team that stays loyal to their players, you like being fan of the team with one of the shortest names in the Red League, or you like the Frenei brand.
Background: A town located in the northeastern part of Urrhed island, Tor is a surfer's paradise. They were the laughingstock of the league for many years in the early days but have finally landed a team into the Red League. Now, Frenei has bought Tor, and promised more stable financial leadership in the days ahead - whether that leads to more success is another story altogether.
The Story So Far… Tor remained one of the more consistent teams in the league, never really contending for promotion nor relegation. Despite conceding fifty goals - ten more than the last season - the squad was never out of touch with the top half of the table, falling just short of that ultimate goal. Bonagiunta Rossi remains one of the best strikers in the league, while Katrina Rothers provides the needed boost from the side; Abigail Jones is a young player with much upside.
Recent Changes: In acquiring Prisca Rogers from Chromatik, Frenei Tor think they’ve found a late bloomer; she won’t have to do much with Rossi, but her presence will be important. Frenei Tor doubled down by not changing anyone else in the starting lineup, hoping that their continued play together will lead to better results, especially with expansion on the horizon.
Key Player: ST Bonagiunta Rossi
Now in the third year with the club, Rossi is Frenei Tor’s best chance at scoring every game. Not getting much help from rest of the squad, Rossi must often rely on individual strength. Thankfully, the Savigliane national is up for the challenge, and as long as he is sharp, Frenei will do well. There’s talk about him possibly moving onto a better squad soon, but Frenei will be happy to have him as long as they are able to hold onto him.
Name to Watch: RM/RW Abigail Jones
A rare sighting, the Sylestonean is a hybrid midfielder/winger with the ability to go up and down the field at a whim. Jones has shown an aptitude for taking risks when needed, which can often times kickstart Frenei’s attack. With youth on her side, she’s another player whose potential is limitless.
Team Scores (Out of 5): Finances ★★★ Media Presence ★★★★ Strength of Youth in Region ★★ Club Culture ★★★ Momentum ★★★
Fans' Expectation: Midtable Finish.
Tor fans are a competent bunch that understand what to expect from their team - which is now possibly making it up to the top half of the table. They didn’t change anyone substantial, to be sure, but did they need to?
Panel’s Prediction: Midtable (7th-10th).
This team, jelling together for one more season? As Chromatika moves to twenty teams in the Red League, this should be a formative year for this squad.
LANAR
MG Yeremi Belaustigetigoitia (59)
GK Jared Baglowski (30)
RB Gerome Meyer (25) RES
CB Isak Liverstam (22)
CB Sierra Caylor (32)
LB Neal Diamond (31) CAPTAIN
CM/DM Pengsoo Brown (17)
DM Kieron Player (27)
RW Mairead Colston (18)
AM Layla-Mae Potts (24) RES
LW Ruby Vanderley (17)
ST Georgiann Huynh (24)
GK Shinto Angor (28)
RB/RWB Loic Thorley (22)
CB Jemima Moore (31)
CB Naomi Enderson (27)
LB Leopoldine Weber (30)
CM Idimora Rowesi (27)
DM Ahi Kanar (31)
RW Francis Adam (25)
AM Zaire Illion (28)
LW Nancy Gregorian (26)
ST Charlie Ross (19)
ST Qing Chere (28)
Fans: Falconeers, Nesters
Location: Lanar, Rainbow District, Chromatika
Owners: Blue Collection
Stadium: Hawk's Nest (Cap. 112,000; 44,200 Seats)
Manager: Yeremi Belaustigetigoitia (59), 5th Season with Team
Captain: LB Neal Diamond
Predicted Starting XI: (4-2-3-1) - Baglowski; Meyer - Liverstam - Caylor - Diamond; Brown - Player; Colston - Potts - Vanderley; Huynh.
In: CB Sierra Caylor (Lhor, 3M), RW Mairead Colston (Heart of Saguenay Academy, 1M), CM/DM Pengsoo Brown (Daedonggang 3.26, 4M), GK Shinto Angor (Pria, 0.5M), CB Naomi Enderson (Inon, 0.5M).
Out: CB Davorka Sevcik (Rudlit Miners, 1M), RAM/RW Jacqueline Holt (Ming, 0.5M), CM Alberto Di Cosmo (Ming, 0.5M).
Retired: GK Jericho Ishon (33), RB Akavi Shipur (33), CB Poedro Osman (33).
Drafted: RWB/RB Loic Thorley (Chromia Central College University).
You Might Be a Lanar Fan if... You are a Lanar resident who likes having one up on Sanar, you like the black and red theme, you like players from Quebec and Shingoryeo, you like a lost cause, or you're used to supporting a lost cause (though that may be changing).
Background: Located at the Western side of the Rainbow district, Lanar was founded first, and is the older brother. Lanar is known for producing most of the nation's vehicles. Viper Motors (previously Imhar Automotive) has a huge factory here. Being by the coast means a lot of foreign cars come through here as well. They're rabid about their Hawks, and used to underachieving as a team, but passionate nonetheless. The Red Hawks have become a bit of a mainstay in the Red League, though they keep missing the top half of the table.
The Story So Far… Rudy Vanderley turned out to be a better fit than expected, Jacqueline Holt played her part, and Georgiann Huynh ended up being a dependable striker. The defense did fall off a bit, but tenth place is far better than anyone expected from this team after letting go of so many veterans. No, there is new life for Lanar.
Recent Changes: With one Quebecois player working out well, Lanar tripled down. Pengsoo Brown may be a bit much like a penguin and need to be motivated to stay in shape, but he has instinctual positioning, passing, and the ability to move the ball. Mairead Colston, on the other hand, brings a burst of youth and spark from the right side, as Lanar becomes a team led by three Quebecois players - all aged eighteen or less. It’s a different kind of youth movement - and one that also has the potential to pop off.
Key Player: CM/AM Layla-Mae Potts
The Grearian, despite the national football federation folding, remains one of the best young midfielders in the entirety of the Red League. With the ability to both shoot from range and turn up the pitch on a single step, Potts is Lanar’s primary playmaker. Though Colston, Vanderley, and Huynh remain at the front of the attack, it’s Potts that will make this team run.
Name to Watch: LW/ST Ruby Vanderley
Sharp, bright-eyed winger with excellent techniques, Vanderley knows how to get past opposing defenses, sometimes even committing to making a scene if needed. That level of creativity and drive is something that Lanar continues to count on, and with the new partnership with Huynh and Colston, he remains one of the centerpieces of Lanar’s future.
Team Scores (Out of 5): Finances ★★★ Media Presence ★★★★ Strength of Youth in Region ★★★ Club Culture ★★★★ Momentum ★★★
Fans' Expectations: Top Half of the Table.
Fans are still agitating after the breakup, but Vanderley’s rise in prominence and the acquisition of two more Quebecois players has the Red Hawks’ fanbase back in good standing with Lanar.
Panel’s Prediction: Treading Water (10th-13th).
Tenth place should be the goal here, as the team looks to be at the middle of the new table of the twenty-team Red League.
LHOR
MG Titor Hilinka (64)
GK Tania Vincent (30)
RB Maxime Tennant (29) RES CAPTAIN
CB Minne van Schelven (31)
CB Kiana Woo (26)
LB Gustaw Wojtkiewicz (22)
RM Madadh Kerr (21)
CM/AM Gerah Kama (27)
LM Tzeitel Remsza (29)
W Valrauncion (Elf)
ST Dani Emdelbia (29) RES
LW Andréa Croix-Pierre (33)
GK Dani Barr (27)
RB Candice Potts (28)
CB Laurine Barreau (31)
CB Ilda Woodall (24)
CB Fred Lark (27)
LB Jackelyn Keefe (24)
RM Wario Oppenheim (28)
CM Wendy Thomas (18)
LM Mélodie Spanghero (31)
RW Niandros Thermox (32)
ST Beata Edmond (30)
LW Andréa Croix-Pierre (33)
Fans: Lhorites, Orca-Watchers
Location: Lhor, Coastal District, Chromatika
Owner: Adama Sowe
Stadium: The Cove (Cap. 51,265; 28,000 Seats)
Manager: Titor Hlinka (64), 5th Season with Team
Captain: LB Jess Seselja
Predicted Starting XI: (4-3-3) - Vincent; Tennant - Schelven - Woo - Wojtkiewicz; Kerr - Kama - Remsza; Valrauncion -Emdelbia - Croix-Pierre.
In: LW Andréa Croix-Pierre (Falourr, 0.5M), CB Kiana Woo (Tihon, 6M), RM Madadh Kerr (Newton Arran, 6M), CB Minne van Schelven (1830 Cathair, 6M), ST Beata Edmond (Anchors FC, 0.5M), GK Tania Vincent (Chromatik, 6M), CB Laurine Barreau (Alnio, 0.5M), GK Dani Barr (Pùr, 0.5M), LW Keenan Ogden (Vitoron, 0.5M).
Out: LB Jess Seselja (Yassaca, 2.7M), CB Wlad Wlad (Atletic Saint Eleanor, 2.2M), CB Sierra Caylor (Lanar, 3M), LW Esther Vorster (Iron City, 1.5M), RM Barrion Winge (Knetyohai, 0.5M), GK Gabrielle Dick (Ming, 0.5M).
Retired: LW Candice Eckert (27), GK Frieda Pearce (35), CB Barrion Namko (33), ST Anna-Maria Illert (33).
Drafted: LB Gustaw Wojtkiewicz (University of the Islands).
You Might Be a Lhor Fan if... You're a fan of Banijan investors in Chromatika, you like new money, you love Orcas, you are in the Coastal District, you are excited for a rebuilding project, or you like the gold color palette.
Background: Located in the northeast corner of Chromatika, right by the ocean, Lhor was historically a whaling town, and now a place that is famous for its whalewatching tours. Otherwise, Lhor is famous for being the fashion Capital of Chromatika - although most of the modeling still happens in Chromia. A lot of young people live in Lhor because it's a small yet fashionable town. With Lhor's recent success, their fanbase has started to grow, and with Pria's team struggling, Lhor has become the premier team of the Coastal District. With Sowe’s money starting to shape the club, the sky is the limit.
The Story So Far… If Lhor wins the title in the next few seasons, fans will point to Season Eight as the season where things started to really get together. Bringing in Valrauncion, the Elf scored twenty goals in his debut season, while new Winger Esther Vorster scored eighteen and Dani Emdelbia sixteen as the squad scored sixty-nine goals, the highest in the last five years. Defensively, though the back four is aging, they’ve really learned how to play together in front of Gabrielle Dick. Ultimately, Lhor fell a few key losses short from contending for the title, but they finally showed that Adama Sowe’s rebuilding project definitely has more than a small chance to succeed. The followed up with another spirited campaign, but fell short once again; this time, being third by a single goal. They’re getting too used to being fourth place, but what more can they do?
Recent Changes: Titor Hlinka is going to get one more chance, and he’s doing everything in his power to try to finish in a Champions’ League berth. Andréa Croix-Pierre returns from Eura for one last season starting, Kiana Woo, Minne van Schelven and Gustaw Wojtkiewicz brought in to help the defense ahead of a new keeper - Tania Vincent. The thought is that Valrauncion and Dani Emdelbia are enough to lead the attack with a new defense.
Key Player: W Valrauncion
How could a player be worth over a hundred million NSD? That was the biggest question posed to the Orcas, and the Elf didn’t disappoint. Valrauncion’s prowess in front of the net has already become a bit of a legend, and as he becomes more and more involved in the Red League, his potential will become more and more realized with this team.
Name to Watch: LW Andréa Croix-Pierre
One of the better players in Chromatik history, Croix-Pierre comes to fill Vorster’s spot for at least a season. She has veteran experience, exposure, and the air of a player who’s seen it all - which is what this team needs.
Team Scores (Out of 5): Finances ★★★★★ Media Presence ★★★★ Strength of Youth in Region ★★ Club Culture ★★★★ Momentum ★★★★
Fans' Expectations: Contend for the IFCL.
Last two seasons showed that Lhor can, in fact, be near the top of the table. Now, it’s time to get one of those three IFCL spots and make sure that their march toward the top continues as planned. The moniker that money can’t buy everything needs to be challenged.
Panels’ Prediction: Outside Looking In (3rd-5th).
This is nothing against Lhor, and more of an endorsement for Myana, Wirr Tsi, and Chromatik. The so-called “Big Three” are way too good to let in Lhor, so unless one of them completely folds, the Orcas will have to be happy with fourth place - though the gap is the narrowest it's been. Will it cost Hlinka the job?