The Pony Principality of Equestrian StatesNational Hoofball Team - Cup of Harmony 71 Roster Quick FactsKPB Ranking: 61st (12.18 pts.)
Style Modifier: -1.75
Nickname: The Ponies
All-Time Record: 256-91-76 (3-2-0 at CoH 71)
Achievements: Market
Cup V (Champions), Runner
Cup 3 (Champions), Equestria
Cup II (Runner-Up), Equestria
Cup I (3rd Place), Market
Cup VI (3rd Place),
Cup of Champions 4 (Semifinals),
Cup of Harmony 71 (Quarterfinals), VIII Olympiad - Men's (Quarterfinals), VIII Olympiad - Women's (Quarterfinals), World
Cup 67 (Round
of 16), World
Cup 70 (Round
of 16),
Cup of Harmony 51 (Round
of 16),
Cup of Harmony 53 (Round
of 16),
Cup of Harmony 60 (Round
of 16), World
Cup 64 (Qualified), World
Cup 65 (Qualified), World
Cup 66 (Qualified), World
Cup 71 (Qualified)
KitsHome - Away - Reverse The national team receives its kits from two different companies, though the design for each is the same. Kits for the humanoid players (see above) are provided by
Kirola Sportswear of Audioslavia, while those for equine and other non-humanoid players are provided by
Generosity Sporting Equipment. The Equestrian kits were designed to be simple and easy to identify, using the national colors
of purple and orange.
Group F#19 - Flardania (26.95 pts.)
#61 - Equestrian States (12.18 pts.)#88 - Banija (8.22 pts.)
#105 - Somecoldwetislands (6.11 pts.)
#132 - Pridnestrovia (3.33 pts.)
Tournament ScheduleGroup Stage - Group FMD1: Equestrian States 1-1 Pridnestrovia
at Stade de Solis (cap. 80,240) in Fyre, Qasden (Draw)
MD2: Flardania 0-0 Equestrian States
at Moriardi Square (cap. 75,500) in Destiny, Qasden (Draw)
MD3: Bye DayMD4: Equestrian States 2-0 Banija at Moriardi Square (cap. 75,500) in Destiny, Qasden (Win)
MD5: Somecoldwetislands 0-3 Equestrian States at Stade de Solis (cap. 80,240) in Fyre, Qasden (Win)Knockout StageRound of 16: Equestrian States 2-0 Filindostan at Royal T.V. Stadium (cap. 90,500) in T.V. City, Qasden (Win)Quarterfinals: Equestrian States vs. New Gazi
at New Qad Field (cap. 85,750) in Qad City, QasdenPlayersGoalkeepers#1 - Gentle Breeze (Pegasus - Female)Position: Goalkeeper
| Age: 28
| Debut: vs.
Qazox (WC62 Qualifying)
Club: Dwile Warriors
| League: Apox National League
International Caps: 115
| Assists: 2
| Goals: 0
Dubbed by some
of her more devoted supporters "the Goddess
of Goalkeeping", Gentle Breeze is considered by many one
of the multiverse's best hoofballers even by fans outside her homeland, unlike many other players with similar claims
of being among the sport's elite. Over the course
of her career, the Ponies' keeper has won a Di Bradini
Cup, six trophies with her club teams, and no fewer than five Golden Glove awards in some
of the multiverse's top leagues. After making her international debut at age 18, Gentle Breeze initially was the Equestrian States' second-choice goalie behind High Soarin', but ultimately forced the veteran to retire from national team duties after taking his starting job. Since then, Gentle Breeze has been the Ponies' undisputed go-to goalkeeper yet is only now beginning to enter her prime years, her ambitions
of someday being considered an all-time legendary great aren't as absurd as they may once have seemed.
#21 - Marilyn Peterson (Human - Female)Position: Goalkeeper
| Age: 24
| Debut: vs.
Urain (VIII Olympiad)
Club: Kings Park
| League: Schottic Premier League
International Caps: 18
| Assists: 0
| Goals: 0
Not a particularly well-known player, even among Equestrian hoofball fans, Marilyn Peterson is a goalkeeper who has shown considerable potential in her performances in the NFA Premiership over the past several seasons. Though Peterson has now passed Nightflame in the Ponies' depth chart, she's still nowhere near Gentle Breeze and her playing time will thus be limited to facing lower-caliber opponents. Regardless, Marilyn Peterson would likely be a starter for other national teams and will be a regular for the Ponies for the foreseeable future.
#22 - Nightflame (Unicorn - Male)Position: Goalkeeper
| Age: 27
| Debut: vs.
Yesopalitha (WC63 Qualifying)
Club: Canterlot Royals
| League: United League
International Caps: 23
| Assists: 0
| Goals: 0
With Gentle Breeze on the team, Nightflame's playing time has almost always been limited to friendlies and low-importance international matches, but is still a talented goalkeeper with much to offer the Equestrian States national team. A product
of the Canterlot Stars' famed youth academy, Nightflame has developed into one
of the United League's top keepers and is a more than capable backup goalkeeper who steps up his game when called upon, a quality which serves him well given his role in the Equestrian squad.
Defenders#12 - Brix Hamilton (Human - Female)Position: Defender (LB/CB)
| Age: 28
| Debut: vs.
Argo Islands (WC63 Qualifying)
Club: Handon United
| League: Schottic Premier League
International Caps: 90
| Assists: 12
| Goals: 2
Unlike most other current Equestrian superstars, Brix Hamilton wasn't very highly-rated as a teen by scouts, and thus was more than happy to sign a modest deal with a mid-table club in Earent, Nithgard GU, where she quickly became a key member
of the team. Several years after joining the Kaynd, Hamiton and Nithgard stunned the multiverse by first winning the Integ Brandel and then going all the way to the Champions'
Cup quarrterfinals. From that season on, Brix Hamilton's stock soared as Nithgard climbed up the UICA rankings and eventually won a Champions'
Cup title, Hamilton becoming just the second Equestrian to hoist the coveted trophy. Now with Schottia's Handon United, Brix Hamilton is playing better than she ever has before and is determined to help lead the Ponies to glory in the World
Cup.
#8 - Andrea Molovi (Human - Female)Position: Defender (CB)
| Age: 31
| Debut: vs.
Euskirribakondara (WC61 Qualifying)
Club: Crisisbless
| League: NFA Premiership
International Caps: 188
| Assists: 6
| Goals: 3
Despite being a longtime starter for the Ponies and one
of the team's most experienced players, Andrea Molovi is considered by some as one
of the Equestrian States' most overlooked stars. Among the first Equestrian-born human players to make a name for herself on the domestic and international level, Andrea's disciplined style
of play often earns her praise from coaches and fellow players as she's able to make crucial tackles without being booked in the process. Andrea Molovi's role in 1830 Cathair's rise to international prominence after being sold to the Audioslavian club by Stalliongrad HC boosted her own international profile, and though not as young as other Equestrian defenders is still a key member
of the Equestrian back line and will likely remain so in the near future.
#3 - Flitter (Pegasus - Female)Position: Defender (CB/DM)
| Age: 32
| Debut: vs.
Waspeaters (WC60 Qualifying)
Club: Crystopolis City
| League: United League
International Caps: 219
| Assists: 21
| Goals: 10
Twin sister
of Ponies captain Cloudchaser, Flitter is viewed by many as an anchor
of the Equestrian back line and is considered one
of the best defenders to ever represent the Equestrian States on the international stage. A regular starter for the Ponies since her debut as a promising 20 year-old during the World
Cup 60 qualifying campaign, she may not be the most imposing player on the pitch, but Flitter is exceptionally quick and agile for a defender, often relying on her speed and hoofwork to steal or intercept the ball rather than brute force tackling.
#19 - Krysia Bailey (Human - Female)Position: Defender (RB/CB/DM)
| Age: 23
| Debut: vs.
Iturributa (WC68 Qualifying)
Club: Avenida Leal
| League: FARF Freitball Ligá
International Caps: 57
| Assists: 8
| Goals: 2
One
of several promising young defenders to make the senior team, Krysia Bailey is an extremely talented prospect who is already considered the best Equestrian right-back. Currently playing with Farfadillis' Avenida Leal, Krysia Bailey looks every bit like a star
of the future and, along with Rumble and Erauso Iburrusteta, is routinely hailed as one
of the faces
of the next generation
of Equestrian talent. Offensively-minded, Bailey isn't afraid to assist in the attack, charging down the flanks when called upon and launching pinpoint crosses to her waiting teammates.
#20 - Rumble (Pegasus - Male)Position: Defender (CB/DM)
| Age: 22
| Debut: vs.
Jeckland (Pre-WC68 Friendly)
Club: Cloudsdale Flyers
| League: United League
International Caps: 56
| Assists: 2
| Goals: 0
The younger brother
of longtime Ponies striker Thunderlane, Rumble is another one
of Pearly White's "new generation" defenders. Though the young pegasus idolizes his older brother, Rumble's talents lie at the opposite end
of the pitch, though his speed and versatility have seen him occasionally feature in the midfield where he's also excelled. Regardless
of where Rumble is on the field, opponents should be careful not to underestimate this young Equestrian's abilities.
#27 - Sunlight (Unicorn - Female)Position: Defender (RB/CB)
| Age: 24
| Debut: vs.
Saint James Islands (Pre-WC69 Friendly)
Club: Ponyville United
| League: United League
International Caps: 22
| Assists: 1
| Goals: 0
Sunlight is slightly older than her fellow "new generation" defensive stars and doesn't have quite the same megastar potential as the other youngsters Pearly White brought into the senior team, though her skills are a bit more developed than her colleagues' and is only second-choice on the right wing behind Krysia Bailey. Less
of an attack-minded fullback than other Equestrian internationals like Bailey and Hamilton, Sunlight shines with her natural instincts and is equally-capable
of performing in a central role.
#24 - Erauso Iburrusteta (Human - Male)Position: Defender (CB)
| Age: 22
| Debut: vs.
Osarius (Pre-WC69 Friendly)
Club: Santos Luega
| League: SuperLiga
International Caps: 37
| Assists: 2
| Goals: 0
Born and raised in Astograth, Erauso Iburrusteta defected to the Equestrian States after his homeland's government was toppled by the current fascist regime. Signed as a young prospect by the Cloudsdale Flyers, Erauso quickly rose through the ranks to establish himself in the United League before being signed by perennial Felixian power SC Volker. Boasting the pace to required keep up with the high tempo
of the Equestrian game, Iburrusteta has already established his value to the Ponies' and is seen by Pearly White as an eventual replacement for Andrea Molovi whenever she decides to retire from international play.
#35 - Nightshade (Bat Pony - Female)Position: Defender (LB)
| Age: 19
| Debut: vs.
Estenia (WC71 Qualifying)
Club: Oldem Knights
| League: Apox National League
International Caps: 3
| Assists: 0
| Goals: 0
Young and relatively untested even with the Little Ponies, Nightshade's senior team selection came as a surprise to many, but Pearly White needs only point at Nightshade's vast potential to explain her choice. Hailed by some scouts as the next Brix Hamilton, this bat pony will be on the national team for years to come if she even comes close to matching expectations.
Midfielders#9 - Rainbow Blitz (Pegasus - Male) - VICE-CAPTAINPosition: Midfielder (CAM/ST)
| Age: 28
| Debut: vs.
Slembana (Pre-WC63 Friendly)
Club: Makosile United
| League: V-League Declasse Division
International Caps: 173
| Assists: 80
| Goals: 73
Already considered legendary by many Equestrian hoofball supporters, Rainbow Blitz has been a starter for the Ponies ever since his international debut and was the star player
of the Little Ponies teams that dominated the 26th and 27th Di Bradini Cups. Having spent nearly his entire career with Makosile United in the Stellar Division, Rainbow Blitz has long been one
of the top midfielders in the V-League and is regularly among the league leaders in assists and average performance rating. The cyan pegasi's lightning-quick speed and remarkable agility are only really challenged on the Equestrian national team by emerging world-class striker Pristina Shine, but Rainbow Blitz's knack for creating scoring opportunities has played no small role in his teammate's international successes.
#2 - Cloudchaser (Pegasus - Female) - CAPTAINPosition: Midfielder (CM/CAM)
| Age: 32
| Debut: vs.
Khytenna (Pre-WC60 Friendly)
Club: Mallox
| League: FSF Härlighet Ligan
International Caps: 242
| Assists: 98
| Goals: 59
The current captain
of the Equestrian States national team and twin sister
of veteran defender Flitter, Cloudchaser is seen as the Ponies' leader on the pitch and is as popular among her teammates as she is among Equestrian supporters. Unselfish and boasting pinpoint accuracy with her passes, Cloudchaser rarely fails to create chances for the Equestrian attackers and is among the Ponies' all-time assists leaders. On corners, Cloudchaser is a top target for the Ponies as her aerial supremacy combined with excellent control
of her headers makes the pegasus mare an extremely potent threat that opponents cannot afford to ignore.
#5 - Apple Cobbler (Earth Pony - Female)Position: Midfielder (CAM/RM/CM)
| Age: 22
| Debut: vs.
United Gordonopia (VIII Olympiad)
Club: Jungle Strike FC
| League: V-League Stellar Division
International Caps: 73
| Assists: 17
| Goals: 10
First appearing for the senior team when she was just 16 years-old, Apple Cobbler became the youngest Equestrian full international during the VIII Summer Olympics and has long been hailed as the future
of the Equestrian midfield. At the club level, Apple Cobbler has spent her entire professional career with world-famous Vilitan powerhouse Jungle Strike FC, where her talents have been nurtured and given the opportunity to thrive. Though at her best when playing in a central attacking role, Apple Cobbler tends to be used more on the right wing by Pearly White in the Ponies' setup and has done well adapting to the position.
#11 - Krystal (Unicorn - Female)Position: Midfielder (CM/LM/CAM)
| Age: 27
| Debut: vs.
Manetreal (Equestria
Cup 4)
Club: Crystopolis City
| League: United League
International Caps: 97
| Assists: 24
| Goals: 14
Another member
of the Di Bradini
Cup-winning Little Ponies team, Krystal has played alongside Rainbow Blitz in the Equestrian midfield throughout her international career and is another quick-moving threat for Pearly White to wield against opposing midfields. Krystal is perhaps the best Equestrian player when it comes to controlling the ball and can effortlessly zip up the pitch if given any space by defenders. However, her small stature (even among fellow ponies) and slender build puts her at a disadvantage on headers, and is thus often is tipped to deliver corners.
#17 - Rosie Tyler (Human - Female)Position: Midfielder (CM/DM/LM)
| Age: 24
| Debut: vs.
Colombian Britannia (Pre-WC66 Friendly)
Club: Willox Street Pirates
| League: Christopheran Super-League
International Caps: 53
| Assists: 9
| Goals: 10
Rosie Tyler has seemingly moved to a new club every season in her professional career, with her latest move being to Port Christopher's Willox Street Pirates. A versatile midfielder who can thread passes to her teammates from any range, Tyler plays a major role in the Ponies' counterattacks, quickly distributing the ball and moving it up the pitch. Rosie Tyler has also been a popular choice for taking Equestrian set pieces lately, adding yet another tool to her personal arsenal
of skills.
#14 - Stardust (Pegasus - Female)Position: Midfielder (RM/CM/CAM)
| Age: 27
| Debut: vs.
Blouman Empire (WC63 Qualifying)
Club: Whitetail Foresters
| League: United League
International Caps: 92
| Assists: 20
| Goals: 9
Largely overshadowed by the successes
of Rainbow Blitz and Krystal after the 27th Di Bradini
Cup, Stardust saw her career revived after moving to Blau-Weiss Pallstadt following underwhelming spells with Umber Lumber
of Falcus and Iskara Daii
of Starblaydia. An extremely fast sprinter, Stardust is most lethal on counterattacks and must be tightly-marked by defenders to prevent her from making perfectly-timed runs that can leave her with the field wide open before her.
#4 - Apple Jack (Earth Pony - Male)Position: Midfielder (DM/CM)
| Age: 33
| Debut: vs.
Antoletia (WC60 Qualifying)
Club: Treftadaeth Alliance
| League: FSF Härlighet Ligan
International Caps: 214
| Assists: 45
| Goals: 20
The oldest player currently on the Equestrian States national team, Apple Jack is a battle-hardened veteran
of twelve World
Cup campaigns, though he's recently lost his starting job and has announced his intention to retire from international hoofball after the upcoming World
Cup. A physical defensive-midfielder who's not afraid to rough up opposing strikers and midfielders, Apple Jack could have been a center-back had he wanted to play on the back line as he certainly has the build for it. The tallest and physically strongest player on the team, Apple Jack will likely come off the bench to make most
of his appearances this campaign as a late-game sub brought in to protect a lead.
#16 - Luminesce (Unicorn - Female)Position: Midfielder (CM/LM)
| Age: 20
| Debut: vs.
Bears Armed (Equine-Ursine
Cup 12)
Club: Lexington Victory
| League: COTEFA Terranean League West
International Caps: 22
| Assists: 3
| Goals: 2
One
of the most promising members
of the newest generation
of Equestrian national team talents, Luminesce plies her trade with New Gelderland's Lexington Victory. A fairly traditional Equestrian prospect, Luminesce is a quick and nimble midfielder who can run for ages without seeming to tire at all. Though her slender build means she's fairly weak in the air, her pace and ability on the ball makes up for it.
Forwards#10 - Pristina Shine (Unicorn - Female)Position: Forward (ST)
| Age: 26
| Debut: vs.
Footballand (VIII Olympiad)
Club: Canterlot Royals
| League: United League
International Caps: 86
| Assists: 15
| Goals: 59
Though some still debate whether or not Pristina Shine is truly a world-class striker, there's no arguing that she isn't well on her way to becoming one. Signed by world-famous Iturributa United as a teenager, Pristina Shine was immediately thrust into the spotlight and regularly started for the club, finishing third in the league in scoring in her first season. Over the next few years, the young forward's profile continued to soar as she seamlessly transitioned from the Equestrian league to the higher-profile Iturributan Premiership. When Iturributa fell to the invading Astograthians, Pristina Shine followed her Polarian manager to Divisjon One's Red Star Severny, where she again established herself as a rising superstar, finishing among the prestigious league's top scorers and claiming her second Young Player
of the Year award. With the international retirement
of legendary Equestrian striker Fire Dash, Pristina Shine has taken the former captain's spot as the Ponies' primary scoring threat and opponents will need to be wary
of her lightning-quick speed and lethal ability to finish.
#7 - Thunderlane (Pegasus - Male)Position: Forward (ST)
| Age: 32
| Debut: vs.
Waspeaters (WC60 Qualifying)
Club: Crystopolis City
| League: United League
International Caps: 211
| Assists: 35
| Goals: 79
While not the most imposing member
of the Ponies' attack, Thunderlane's value to the team lies primarily in his versatility. A talented passer and extremely dangerous long-distance accuracy, the pegasus is often overlooked by opponents as Pristina Shine and Rainbow Blitz are seen as more immediate threats. When not appropriately defended, Thunderlane can deliver a hammer blow to opposing teams with one well-placed shot that might appear seemingly out
of nowhere. The longtime "other" Equestrian striker, first behind Fire Dash, now behind Pristina Shine, Thunderlane may not get the same attention as his teammates, but his relentless determination has often inspired late comebacks by the Ponies when called upon. When Thunderlane is playing his best, the Equestrian States can be extremely difficult to beat.
#6 - Wither (Bat Pony - Female)Position: Forward (ST)
| Age: 28
| Debut: vs.
The Pazhujeb Islands (WC63 Qualifying)
Club: Whitetail Foresters
| League: United League
International Caps: 52
| Assists: 7
| Goals: 24
Widely viewed as the most under-appreciated Equestrian striker, Wither's abilities and scoring record would suggest that she's a regular starter for the Ponies, but she has often been overlooked in favor
of the more-established stars. Though Wither's playing time has increased dramatically under Pearly White, she's still considered a second option behind Thunderlane in the roster. Despite her role with the national team, Wither is a determined athlete who never backs down from challenge and who likely will soon take over Thunderlane's position in the Ponies' depth chart as the pegasus nears the end
of his international career.
#26 - Decima (Sphinx - Female)Position: Forward (ST/CAM)
| Age: 20
| Debut: vs.
Osarius (Pre-WC69 Friendly)
Club: Ponyville United
| League: United League
International Caps: 17
| Assists: 0
| Goals: 7
A potential superstar in the making, Decima is one
of the United League's brightest young stars, playing for league superpower Ponyville United. A well-rounded striker with speed and stamina to spare, power in the air, and a keen eye for scoring from any range, Decima could well be one
of the Equestrian States all-time greats if she can fulfill her potential. Still, she has a bit left to learn and won't be taking Pristina Shine's place anytime soon, though fans expect that she'll see plenty
of playing time in the upcoming campaign.
Coaches & StaffManager - Pearly White (Earth Pony - Female) - 45Appointed interim manager
of the national team by the Hoofball Association following the resignation
of Twilight Striker - the Ponies' long-time boss
of some 12 World
Cup campaigns - Pearly White secured the position on a permanent basis with a number
of impressive performances against higher-ranked opposition in her first games at the helm, including a stunning upset
of then-defending world champions Vilita in the 3rd
Cup of Champions. Since then, Pearly White has done nothing to give her employers any doubts that she's the best pony for the job, leading the Equestrian States on a Runner
Cup title run without dropping a single point and reaching the 4th
Cup of Champions semifinals before capping it all off with a second round appearance at the World
Cup finals.
Assistant Manager - Dreamy Skies (Pegasus - Female) - 41Not very long ago, Dreamy Skies was a rookie manager taking the reins
of Second League club Whitetail Foresters. Her arrival had a near-instant impact on the club's fortunes as they were promoted to the United League the following season and now regularly contend for UICA berths, an incredible improvement in such a short period
of time for a team once known largely for producing talent which was then poached by bigger clubs, at the Foresters' expense. When Pearly White first took charge
of the Equestrian senior team, she managed to convince the HA that the still-young pegasus would be a strong addition to the Ponies' coaching staff, and thus far it has paid-off spectacularly. Players routinely praise Dreamy Skies for her enthusiastic optimism and superb work ethic which makes her a popular figure in the locker room and on the practice field.
Assistant Manager - Lunar Dusk (Bat Pony - Female) - 41The newest addition to the national team staff is Lunar Dusk, somepony few Equestrian hoofball fans were aware
of just a three years ago but is today one
of the best-known coaching talents in the Pony Lands. Like Dreamy Skies, Lunar Dusk's managerial career started in the second tier with Crystal Fair HC, a previously unremarkable side from the Crystal Empire which she transformed into a legitimate force within a few seasons thanks to a focus on quickly developing the Grounders' budding young stars into hoofballers capable
of hanging with the best. After shattering numerous Second League records and earning promotion, Crystal Fair survived a relegation battle in their first ever United League campaign, broke into the top half the following season, and last year defied all expectations to come within a tiebreaker playoff
of ending Crystopolis City's previously unchallenged monopoly on the Crystal Empire's Champions'
Cup berth. With Lunar Dusk's undeniable talent for inspiring young players alone makes her a valuable addition to the staff, but her brilliant tactical mind makes her appointment by Pearly White a no-brainer.
Goalkeeping Coach - Fire Blossom (Unicorn - Male) - 50Responsible for training the Ponies' goalkeepers is Fire Blossom, whose exploits as a keeper in the old Equestrian Premier League earned him much respect amongst early Equestrian hoofball fans and eventually a job with the national team. Fire Blossom's prophetic praise
of a teenage prospect named Gentle Breeze and his subsequent push for her initial selection to the senior team for World
Cup 62 qualifying have since earned him a reputation as a natural judge
of potential, not to mention a considerable amount
of credit for Gentle Breeze's many successes.
Scout - Diamond Star (Unicorn - Female) - 48Originally chief scout under Twilight Striker with the Canterlot Royals, Diamond Star was later hired for the national team by the Royals' and Ponies' manager to help identify young Equestrian players with international potential, and the unicorn scout did not fail in her task. Among the current national team stars first scouted by Diamond Star are Thunderlane, Cloudchaser, Rainbow Blitz, and Pristina Shine. Now the manager
of Stalliongrad HC, Diamond Star has seen her national team role diminished, though she still provides valuable advice to Pearly White regarding her observations
of potential internationals within the United League.
Scout - Golden Hooves (Earth Pony - Female) - 59A veteran member
of the Equestrian States staff, Golden Hooves has been around the national team for what seems like forever, her longevity speaking to her performance as a reliable scout. While fellow Ponies scout Diamond Star's focus lies primarily upon United League players and her evaluation
of their potential with regards to the senior team, Golden Hooves is responsible mostly for scouting Equestrians on foreign clubs and assessing the Ponies' opponents and how their players compare with those available to the Ponies.
Fitness Coach - Craig Jackson (Human - Male) - 48Hired in the midst
of the injury plague which characterized the Ponies' World
Cup 63 qualifying campaign, Craig Jackson was the first human member
of the Ponies' staff and has done well to keep Equestrian players' injuries minimal in the years since then. While fitness coaches generally don't get much respect or attention from the press, Jackson's gift for keeping players
of various biologically-diverse species in near-perfect health throughout grueling tournament schedules which can push them above and beyond their limits is certainly nothing to be dismissed as trivial.
Team StrategyThe Ponies' most-used formation is the slightly modified 3-5-2, preferred by former manager Twilight Striker because
of the strength and dominance
of the Equestrian midfielders. Thanks to the versatility
of the Equestrian States' players, the formation gives the Ponies the ability to shift quickly from the offense to the defense and vice-versa. More recently, however, the Equestrians have begun to shy away from the 3-5-2 in favor
of the 4-2-3-1 in order to strengthen the back line and keep their opponents guessing. Aside from the formations themselves, the Equestrians have a number
of definitive strengths and weaknesses.
First, the Ponies are among the world's fastest and most durable teams, using their natural advantages to tire out opponents. With those two traits as the defining characteristics
of the Equestrian style
of play, the squad excels at producing chances in the latter stages
of the match. But while the attack dominates the second half, opposing squads have occasionally found success going all-out at the start
of the match in an attempt to build an insurmountable lead.
Another area in which the Equestrian States has traditionally dominated is in the aerial battles for headers. While the Ponies are generally shorter than their opponents, the team is often credited with impressive leaping abilities (particularly among the pegasai players). Controlling headers makes the team lethal on corner kicks, and opponents looking to defeat the Equestrians must limit the number conceded to the Ponies or else face a barrage
of dangerous short-range shots from the Ponies' attackers.
On Species and Equestrian HoofballThe Equestrian States is a nation
of incredible diversity. When many countries make this kind
of statement, they are referring only to racial matters dealing with differences in skin color or culture. But the Equestrian States takes diversity to a whole new level, with dozens
of sapient species living alongside each other in
harmony. From pegasai to griffons, and humans to dragons, the Equestrian States is among the most diverse nations known to exist. But diversity has also had a unique and intriguing impact on the playing
of sports in the Equestrian States, and hoofball is no exception. In the following paragraphs, the natural strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies
of each prominent species in the Equestrian States will be explored, offering those unfamiliar with the Equestrian States a chance to explore the wonderful diversity that makes the Equestrian States a great country and gives our beloved national hoofball team a versatility that few others can hope to match.
For the full article (written during WC65, and a highly-recommended read for my opponents), please click here.RP PermissionsMy opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes - Only that the player was injured and how they were injured, I will determine actual severity
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes - Same restrictions as above apply
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes - Limited to one per match, player info and species sections give hints on likely candidates
Godmod other events: Yes - No weather-related events allowed in the Equestrian States
Other Notes: TG me if you have any questions regarding my RPs, requests for more information on the Equestrian States, or requests for exemptions from my RP restrictions. Additionally, I
strongly encourage my opponents to read through my roster's section on team strategy and the linked article on species to get a better idea
of the team's strengths and weaknesses. Note that Equestrian records do not include matches played from WCs 72-78. Player statistics are updated through post-WCQ71 friendlies.