Soccer - Season 37Previews - Top League Maethoru SCStadium: Rikalathen Arena (39000) in Maethoru, KCT
Titles: 4 (Hist. Titles: 9)
Rivals: Aminey CS,
Gehrenna FC
Background: The club to beat ever since its inception right into the modern era. Record champions. The only club (so far) to go deep into UICA/IFCF tournaments. Name a record, and it's likely Maethoru's. The success is built on an amazingly competent front office, buying and selling the exact right players for the job - even if they're not big names. The club's never been far away from meritocratic politics, as a club located in the heart of government.
This is the club for: Gloryhunters, bandwagoners, fans of efficiency.
Members: 260661 /
Season tickets: 39971
Wage bill: 32,7M
Last season: 1st place, another championship. It was a lot closer than in years past and it caused a minor shake-up in the Capital Club.
The plan for this season: A fourth consecutive championship or bust. They have the oldest team in the league and the highest wage bill by several million NSD. They have perfected their 3-5-2 lineup with plenty of national team talent, a few foreigners in key positions, and have actually looked for younger talent in some places. Emi van Kalvenhaar already has Dragonfly appearances and was a natural fit in the wide yet deep defence, with Parsons on a tight leash on midfield, and so far a great find in Joljaurinden up front. They'll have to look for alternatives next to the young Ko-orenite as we're not exactly sure how long Donath is going to last. Bagaurunir has a lot of credit when it comes to roster-building choices, but nobody knows how quickly that credit runs out if Maethoru do not cruise to another easy title. IFCF success is just a season away, and fans would love to go to another Champions League knockout series, but as long as they keep making the group stage (or close to it), that's alright.
Prediction: 1
Starters1 GK Wellington Doolan (KOR, 33) -
Maethoru SC - a emotional, athletic artist.
2 RF Edialor Aiamara (KOR, 26) -
Maethoru SC - a egotistical, beefy mercenary.
3 CB Kialja Monurga (KOR, 30) -
Maethoru SC - a breezy, toned cheater.
4 LF Emi (f) van Kalvenhaar (KOR, 23) -
Maethoru SC - a active, bulky all-rounder.
5 DM Maks Shishkin (MYT, 25) -
Maethoru SC
6 RM Mata Vaugrenard (KOR, 31) -
Maethoru SC (C) - a impressionable, agile journeyman.
7 CM Timothy Parsons (KOR, 23) -
Maethoru SC - a loyal, fast opportunist.
8 LM Saushilu Janoreirinthen (KOR, 31) -
Maethoru SC - a irrational, bony technician.
9 AM Louise Bliase (CMT, 29) -
Maethoru SC
10 SS Nunstaurilin Joljaurinden (KOR, 22) -
Maethoru SC - a modern, fit interceptor.
11 ST Jessika Donath (NPH, 36) -
Maethoru SC
Substitutes12 AM Wouter Wouters (KOR, 35) -
Maethoru SC - a outspoken, portly maestro.
13 SS Bernard Smitherman (KOR, 24) -
Maethoru SC - a unmotivated, stringy all-rounder.
14 RF Josef Bijstroom (KOR, 32) -
Maethoru SC (VC) - a cruel, plump debater.
15 CM Morbaul Roshuserinden (KOR, 22) -
Maethoru SC - a loud, powerful jack of all trades.
16 LB Ninausthend Zesusdhaundhen (KOR, 22) -
Maethoru SC - a adaptable, nimble all-rounder.
C Nalaikh Bagaurunir (KOR, 53) -
Maethoru SC
Aminey CSStadium: Stade sur la Baie (70000) in Aminey, Aminey
Titles: 0 (Hist. Titles: 0)
Rivals: Maethoru SC,
Couziers-Olympiques
Background: While they're not the oldest francophone club (that's Tanques), Aminey was founded as
the club of the City of Entertainment, the largest city of its region. The club has always had high-profile fans, lots of money... and lots of expectations. Even third stringers are picked apart by local media - and those stories then turn national fast. Big name transfers are a necessity. Who keeps interrupting important celebrity gossip with these dumb weekly matches?
This is the club for: Those who like big names, glamour, and (good) players that are more like movie stars at times.
Members: 301283 /
Season tickets: 42735
Wage bill: 27,6M
Last season: 2nd place on goal difference. They were so close to finally knocking Maethoru off their pedestal, and yet they were ONE GOAL AWAY from the title (after a 2-2, 0-0, 1-1, and a 1-0 win in the league against Maethoru). At least they made the Champions League group stage.
The plan for this season: It's very simple. Maethoru must be defeated. At their disposal they have one of the younger squads, with a good idea as to why 1) that player with 2) their skills and 3) their tendencies play on that position. Aminey has been building for a while, and for a while it was just Same Old Aminey with their money-wasting ways, but it turns out that the younger acquisitions they made over the years have grown into a damn good team. The star is Abbagan, who is never received well by opposing fans at away games, but he gets it done. Meanwhile, with a big, mean defence, a midfield with a lot of different skills and sides to it, and two foreign strikers (retained for not just being the typical Ko-orenite finisher: they can play between the lines and everything!), Aminey has another good bid for the title.
Prediction: 2
Starters1 GK Edou Bittencourt (KOR, 24) -
Aminey CS - a martyr, strong playmaker.
2 RF Andre de Breye (OAM, 25) -
Aminey CS
3 RB Ainila Aethene (KOR, 23) -
Aminey CS - a tenacious, heavy strategist.
4 LB Ivier Lambert (KOR, 22) -
Aminey CS - a sarcastic, towering teammate.
5 LF Boloraun Rurindhaunden (KOR, 25) -
Aminey CS (C) - a political, toned mercenary.
6 DM Evander Bush-Sprenger (QUE, 33) -
Aminey CS (VC)
7 RM Harold Batchelor (KOR, 29) -
Aminey CS - a impatient, muscular jack of all trades.
8 CM Checkered Flag (EQS, 30) -
Aminey CS
9 LM Parala Abbagan (KOR, 25) -
Aminey CS - a evil, stringy ball winner.
10 RS Fabian Thundhart (MRT, 26) -
Aminey CS
11 LS Daniel Mirzadeh (EFL, 25) -
Aminey CS
Substitutes12 RM Donald Quelch (KOR, 25) -
Aminey CS - a predictable, powerful playmaker.
13 RB Ric Boulanger (KOR, 25) -
Aminey CS - a disorganized, buff poacher.
14 LB Tamrie Munarring (KOR, 29) -
Aminey CS - a opportunistic, staunch playmaker.
15 ST Adée Lavigne (KOR, 22) -
Aminey CS - a loving, skinny free kick specialist.
16 GK Norauspu Thurzerthinden (KOR, 22) -
Aminey CS - a casual, towering genius.
C Emeline (f) Millet (KOR, 47) -
Aminey CS
Straudum VVStadium: Hazel Arena (18500) in Straudum, Sudaefjoll
Titles: 0 (Hist. Titles: 0)
Rivals: Schemerdrecht SVV, SC Sokrona,
Sterrenwolde FC
Background: Straudum, despite the humble size of its stadium and fanbase, is one of the eight historical clubs of the country, and yet is the most overlooked team out there. Straudum is the moneyball club, playing incredibly defensive football, finding ignored talents all over Ko-oren, and plugging them into their squad on the cheap. As it's also up in the north, beyond Schemerdrecht (their biggest rivals), it's dark and cold and miserable. "Could he do it on a rainy
Kuhrathu in Straudum" applies.
This is the club for: Fans of defensive football. If you agree with the Dragonflies' outlook on how the game should be played, Straudum's your club.
Members: 198903 /
Season tickets: 34787
Wage bill: 28,3M
Last season: 7th place, and they've gravitated towards 7th for a few years now. They have to make the top 6 again (and all but guarantee IFCF football).
The plan for this season: Finish in the top 5, for IFCF football. Normally, Straudum is a club of small means, with a modest budget, even for a stable Top League club, but they've gone all out in one desperate year. If this blows up on them, they'll have to decimate the squad and hope they don't relegate in the coming years. Success now means that they can maintain the team for a short while - hopefully - while raking in IFCF money. The only player that's really at any danger of leaving is Virtanen (35 years old), and the rest of the team was built by simply not selling after one decent year. Several decent defenders have left the club for big money so that the rest of the team can stay intact, but over time, keeping all your decent players as they all hit their prime at the same time is very expensive. Straudum still is that small regional club at heart, finding quality (defensive-minded) players across the multiverse, but especially in the northeast: Aenemare, Aelisire, and a long list of players that have since left for other clubs.
Prediction: 3
Starters1 GK Gudo Neihof (KOR, 29) -
Straudum VV - a creative, tiny genius.
2 RF Aesimila Aelisire (KOR, 30) -
Straudum VV (C) - a hostile, bony visionary.
3 RB Adam Archer (KOR, 21) -
Straudum VV (VC) - a grumpy, pudgy leader.
4 CB Aenassa Aenemare (KOR, 23) -
Straudum VV - a considerate, burly clown.
5 CB Rafael Dwan (KOR, 25) -
Straudum VV - a pessimistic, powerful teammate.
6 LF Baste Pellenkoft (KOR, 26) -
Straudum VV - a imaginative, slim daredevil.
7 RM Syl Brousseau (KOR, 24) -
Straudum VV - a complex, petite clown.
8 CM Arvid Goedmondsen (KOR, 23) -
Straudum VV - a argumentative, tall aggressor.
9 LM Tijl Scherpenkate (KOR, 25) -
Straudum VV - a powerful, quick interceptor.
10 RS Joni Virtanen (SVJ, 35) -
Straudum VV
11 LS Dennis Moore (KOR, 25) -
Straudum VV - a frivolous, quick technician.
Substitutes12 LB Marc Hoevink (KOR, 23) -
Straudum VV - a soft, instinctive gladiator.
13 LB Amelia Tuff (DOG, 31) -
Straudum VV
15 LM Dwada-Intov Tez (QUS, 35) -
Straudum VV
16 CM Amelia Inchcombe (KOR, 30) -
Straudum VV - a rude, short ball winner.
C Esolent Eregrenthen (KOR, 53) -
Straudum VV
Katashi-KanatsuStadium: Suzumebachi Stadium (25000) in Katashi, Katashi
Titles: 0 (Hist. Titles: 0)
Rivals: Advance Alara, Katashi Azula, Yonenomura, Odahayashi Revolution
Background: They were one of two clubs that predated the Yoshiman championship, and therefore entered into the national, Ko-orenite league. There they established themselves as a somewhat attacking, but always well-led squad with a Yoshiman-only policy right up until modern times. While their trophy cabinet is a bit empty, they've always been up there with plenty of UICA/IFCF berths. They represent the east and its slightly combative stance towards the Gehrennan, meritocratic, government.
This is the club for: Rebels: both tactically (heavily geared towards attack) and politically. That said, Katashi is part of the 'establishment' as one of the original eight clubs as well.
Members: 264342 /
Season tickets: 39880
Wage bill: 25,4M
Last season: 5th, and made the Challengers Cup by 4 points. It seems they're a solid, reliable top-6 team for now, but looking at the squad on the field, it's not a given they'll be there forever.
The plan for this season: The idea is to stay in the IFCF with a core of Polack, Nakazono, Morris, and Miyahara. They rejuvenated the team with a few new names (that are under 30 years old this time) that hopefully keeps them afloat for a while. There might be a decrease in production, which will hurt, especially for a team like Katashi that relies on scoring a lot of goals, but it should all work out in the end. The Banijan head coach - new to the team - will create an even clearer path for an attacking gameplan, which wasn't always as clear and well thought out so far either.
Prediction: 4
Starters1 GK Thomas Stewart (AUD, 28) -
Katashi-Kanatsu
2 RF Haranobu Yoshimi (KOR, 22) -
Katashi-Kanatsu - a discreet, portly creator.
3 RB Kuniyuki Watabe (KOR, 22) -
Katashi-Kanatsu - a disruptive, petite architect.
4 LB Dani Ardouin (KOR, 30) -
Katashi-Kanatsu - a competitive, agile wall.
5 LF Frank Polack (KOR, 23) -
Katashi-Kanatsu - a sleazy, muscular wall.
6 DM Reizo Yokota (KOR, 36) -
Katashi-Kanatsu - a discreet, petite workhorse.
7 RM Moha Nakazono (KOR, 31) -
Katashi-Kanatsu (C) - a funny, swift teammate.
8 CM Josiah Ewell (KOR, 23) -
Katashi-Kanatsu - a exuberant, toned visionary.
9 LM Leon Morris (KOR, 24) -
Katashi-Kanatsu - a creative, thin all-rounder.
10 SS Kenji Miyahara (KOR, 31) -
Katashi-Kanatsu (VC) - a diplomatic, well built maestro.
11 ST Narihira Taniuchi (KOR, 22) -
Katashi-Kanatsu - a mature, beefy debater.
Substitutes12 LF Eilidh Convery (BRE, 33) -
Katashi-Kanatsu
13 CM Calisto Martis (KOR, 29) -
Katashi-Kanatsu - a busy, towering gladiator.
14 ST Tyler Veldhoen (TLI, 27) -
Katashi-Kanatsu
15 RB Nwdawd yTismewch (KOR, 24) -
Katashi-Kanatsu - a cowardly, gigantic visionary.
16 LB Nata Deschanel (KOR, 28) -
Katashi-Kanatsu - a neutral, trim tackler.
C Kiggwe Siakam (BNJ, 59) -
Katashi-Kanatsu
Schemerdrecht SVVStadium: Orange Bowl (54000) in Schemerdrecht, Intermare
Titles: 2 (Hist. Titles: 0)
Rivals: Straudum VV,
Sterrenwolde FC, Donderen
Background: The north's most famous club has put the city and the region on the map. Somewhat defensive, Schemerdrecht has a history of suppling the national team with good defenders, holding midfielders, and captains. Their rivalry is with nearby clubs instead of with the regular Aminey or Maethoru. The club is often up there in the championship debate and easily keeps pace with the other contenders.
This is the club for: Supporters of sensible football. If you want a club with no surprises, hijinks, or problematic personalities, Schemerdrecht is it.
Members: 280809 /
Season tickets: 41334
Wage bill: 19,7M
Last season: 4th, with a gap between them and 3rd place as well as them and 5th place. They were good, but couldn't get it done against the bigger clubs and lost points to lower clubs in times of injury or simply 'off days'.
The plan for this season: Maintain top 6, and challenge Aminey for second place if possible, and get that ICFC CL spot. The end game for Schemerdrecht has always been to make the CL every few years but they're losing against Aminey - and Maethoru is near impossible to catch anyway. The clear star of the team for now is Grondhuis, a new guy they recruited for a key position in their 4-4-2, as the person linking the midfield and the attack, providing assists for a remarkably efficient Vashila. As the duo are 22 and 24, they should learn each other's style well and pair up for the better part of a decade. There are new names in defence, with Draaijer and Dijkstra now forming the central back duo, but with an experienced midfield core of Ulysse and Hilberdink, with support of Hergulauthen and Goossen behind them, there's not that much to worry about. They made their moves for the future at least.
Prediction: 5
Starters1 GK Barre Goossen (KOR, 31) -
Schemerdrecht SVV (C) - a brave, trim technician.
2 RF Oridhin Hergulauthen (KOR, 31) -
Schemerdrecht SVV - a catty, agile shadow.
3 RB Marn Draaijer (KOR, 24) -
Schemerdrecht SVV - a posessive, burly controller.
4 LB Heja Dijkstra (KOR, 22) -
Schemerdrecht SVV - a cerebral, well built teammate.
5 LF Wilbur Read (KOR, 24) -
Schemerdrecht SVV - a catty, heavy workhorse.
6 DM Thisdin Mergakhinen (KOR, 24) -
Schemerdrecht SVV - a frugal, strong daredevil.
7 RM Samuel Ulysse (KOR, 34) -
Schemerdrecht SVV - a sociable, slender ball winner.
8 CM Jurre Hilberdink (KOR, 30) -
Schemerdrecht SVV - a evasive, ripped showman.
9 LM Cibran de Castro (KOR, 24) -
Schemerdrecht SVV - a sarcastic, stringy cheater.
10 SS Jel Grondhuis (KOR, 22) -
Schemerdrecht SVV - a evasive, trim opportunist.
11 ST Kijoshi Vashila (KOR, 24) -
Schemerdrecht SVV - a charming, compact wall.
Substitutes12 RB Lawrence Sterling (KOR, 25) -
Schemerdrecht SVV - a sincere, hard-hitting creator.
13 LF Apple Crumble (EQS, 25) -
Schemerdrecht SVV
14 RF Hywel Ewell (KOR, 24) -
Schemerdrecht SVV - a paranoid, towering creator.
15 DM Ian Egmar (KSK, 32) -
Schemerdrecht SVV
16 ST Oliver Dhondt (NQU, 34) -
Schemerdrecht SVV
C Lenne Kollenstaart (KOR, 46) -
Schemerdrecht SVV
Bruncester United AFCStadium: Top Brass Arena (19500) in Bruncester, Surbourneshire
Titles: 0 (Hist. Titles: 0)
Rivals: Cirelbourne United, Opalshire FC
Background: The club has all the makings of a historical, long time contributor to the Ko-orenite soccer scene. And while Bruncester is old, it's not historically old, but the club has made a name for itself nonetheless. Back when the southeast was thriving, the club was founded, and was an immediate success though they couldn't get over the hump. Their rivalry with Cirelbourne was the strongest in the country, before the southeast crumbled economically and both clubs lost their relevance a little bit. Nowadays, Bruncester is a defensive club, trying to get the best players from all over Surbourneshire, hoping to establish itself as
the anglophone club.
This is the club for: Nostalgians. Fans of that old-timey feeling. Traveling to away games by train. No-nonsense play.
Members: 216292 /
Season tickets: 36276
Wage bill: 20,8M
Last season: 6th. After many down years, their rivals Cirelbourne went down, and Bruncester since climbed back up to where they were in the glory days, but they missed out on IFCF play.
The plan for this season: Some in the club would say the goal is to make the IFCF, but most agree it's just about avoiding relegation. The team is decently put together and is willing to work for each other, but there are gaps, and not everyone knows the system. Goodenough is an average goalie for the Top League, MacDermot stagnated, while Durling and Tantalopoulos are new-ish, and Ensaunden and Gregory have been flown in from other clubs. Coach Donald will have to create an identity for the group (originally, Bruncester are the 'hard-working, defensive club', as opposed to Straudum just being defensive and Branvon just being hard-working) that works for a rag-tag team of players that haven't played together for longer than 3 years, if that. Gregory and Tjessem carry the team in terms of possession and tempo. Kitchingham is the original local - and damn good at the game.
Prediction: 6
Starters1 GK Thomas Goodenough (KOR, 22) -
Bruncester United AFC - a sensible, buff artist.
2 RF Hadrian Pazos (KOR, 25) -
Bruncester United AFC - a cowardly, stocky playmaker.
3 RB Sean MacDermot (BLN, 29) -
Bruncester United AFC
4 CB Gjöl Noordburg (KOR, 28) -
Bruncester United AFC - a tidy, lanky zone marker.
5 LB Calvin Kitchingham (KOR, 29) -
Bruncester United AFC - a ignorant, trim box-to-box player.
6 LF Ewen Durling (KOR, 22) -
Bruncester United AFC - a optimistic, swift aggressor.
7 DM Kherles Ensaunden (KOR, 30) -
Bruncester United AFC - a straightforward, muscular cheater.
8 CM Jess Gregory (KOR, 28) -
Bruncester United AFC (VC) - a intuitive, lanky communicator.
9 AM Charlie Cradduck (KOR, 23) -
Bruncester United AFC - a neutral, short architect.
10 RS Margarita Tjessem (QUE, 26) -
Bruncester United AFC
11 LS Lambros Tantalopoulos (VDR, 26) -
Bruncester United AFC
Substitutes12 LF Nicolas Umkala (TJU, 30) -
Bruncester United AFC
13 LS Gidhasok Gaunaurinthen (KOR, 29) -
Bruncester United AFC - a cowardly, muscular trickster.
14 LF Edgar Gridley (KOR, 34) -
Bruncester United AFC (C) - a unlucky, bony architect.
15 CM Ulysses Jones (KOR, 23) -
Bruncester United AFC - a unreliable, fit strategist.
16 GK Gale Morris (KOR, 25) -
Bruncester United AFC - a unchanging, fit architect.
C Grady Donald (KOR, 44) -
Bruncester United AFC
Advance AlaraStadium: Spider Stadium (21000) in Alara, Alara
Titles: 0 (Hist. Titles: 1)
Rivals: Katashi-Kanatsu,
Teragaseki, Echizen
Background: As one of two clubs that never played in the Yoshiman championship but went into the Ko-orenite league, Alara has always been the underdog, the outsider. They've had to fight for recognition, for their place in the league, but have persevered all this time. Alara is the stereotypical all-out attack club, with many famous strikers and assisters representing its colours.
This is the club for: Fans of underdogs, fans of different approaches, and long club histories full of likeable and less likeable people. They're cup fighters, too.
Members: 175013 /
Season tickets: 32692
Wage bill: 21M
Last season: 3rd - nobody dared dream that in an era where the big clubs run away from the little ones, 'small' Alara could make it up here. They went to the IFCF, not with a ton of success, but they keep proving that their (attacking) style works in the Top League.
The plan for this season: Hard to say. On the one hand this club has the elements to go on another weird run and get an IFCF spot, on the other hand they'll have to avoid long stretches of bad results, loss of confidence, and a finish in 10th place. As those are all things we've seen Alara do in recent years. They have an up and down roster with proven commodities like Mizuno, Okawa, and Turner (who are regulars for the national team) but then pair it up with Shiba, Adachi, and Borthwell, who are all dubious at best. It'll be hard to make their offensive style work with some odd choices on the roster in vital, chance-creating positions.
Prediction: 7
Starters1 GK Howard Cheyne (KOR, 24) -
Advance Alara - a extroverted, burly communicator.
2 RF Hikomoto Mizuno (KOR, 28) -
Advance Alara (C) - a mischievous, hard-hitting cheater.
3 LB Melchor Ferreira (KOR, 20) -
Advance Alara - a boring, lanky architect.
4 RB Susu Shiba (KOR, 31) -
Advance Alara - a posessive, gigantic daredevil.
5 LF Winwig Jundy (KOR, 24) -
Advance Alara - a mature, thin penalty specialist.
6 RM Atsuteru Adachi (KOR, 24) -
Advance Alara - a noncompetitive, bulky professional.
7 CM Ratko Ivančir (ZRH, 24) -
Advance Alara
8 LM Jéré Camille (KOR, 23) -
Advance Alara - a inhibited, burly mercenary.
9 AM Emmit Borthwell (KOR, 22) -
Advance Alara - a predictable, muscular captain.
10 SS Murai Okawa (KOR, 25) -
Advance Alara - a frivolous, lanky tactician.
11 ST Lew Turner (KOR, 30) -
Advance Alara - a emotional, plump showman.
Substitutes12 GK Emmet Pinkerton (KOR, 25) -
Advance Alara - a silly, buff architect.
13 LB Ya Chu (QCY, 26) -
Advance Alara
14 LM Gennady Burtsov (PYA, 31) -
Advance Alara
15 AM Corey Richardson (ZWZ, 26) -
Advance Alara
16 ST Huije Eleveld (KOR, 27) -
Advance Alara - a unyielding, pudgy wall.
C Nanami (f) Aoki (KOR, 53) -
Advance Alara
Miradela GDStadium: Estádio Fortaleza (29000) in Santa Teresa, Finisterre
Titles: 2 (Hist. Titles: 1)
Rivals: Branvon CD,
Castelo e Calvente CS
Background: Santa Teresa was the first soccer capital of Ko-oren - regardless of whether trophies just flowed to Maethoru anyway. Miradela is the upper class club of the city, representing the business owners and most of the middle class as well. They long looked up to Branvon's trophy cabinet (until winning a few titles when Maethoru wasn't looking) but have always looked down on Branvon's fans and followers. Money's rarely a problem for them, though they value a manager with a plan over just buying every player they want.
This is the club for: Fans of results, the upper class, nobility, looking down on peasants.
Members: 239602 /
Season tickets: 38110
Wage bill: 22,5M
Last season: 10th. That's not what anyone saw coming, and it's clear that Miradela isn't in control anymore since their championship days.
The plan for this season: They opted to postpone the rebuild, and looked for talent they already had under contract (or was just leaving the university leagues) and arrived at Janson, Barra, and Gima. At some point, though, they'll have to accept that they're just not a top tier club anymore. With Bares, Janson, and Blair, there are some potential league-wide stars, but there are a lot of has-beens and unproven players that, honestly, haven't looked great so far.
Prediction: 8
Starters1 GK Ronald Munks (KOR, 32) -
Miradela GD - a energetic, quick man marker.
2 RB Larry Janson (KOR, 22) -
Miradela GD - a courteous, fast target man.
3 CB Anibal Barra (KOR, 22) -
Miradela GD - a private, instinctive genius.
4 LB Leon Bares (KOR, 25) -
Miradela GD (VC) - a resentful, powerful captain.
5 DM Cornelious Magrath (KOR, 29) -
Miradela GD - a extroverted, bulky ball winner.
6 RM Dada Carbonneau (KOR, 34) -
Miradela GD - a complex, gigantic box-to-box player.
7 CM Froitoso Valdovinos (KOR, 25) -
Miradela GD - a optimistic, powerful teammate.
8 LM Imanol Etxaurren (AUD, 29) -
Miradela GD
9 SS Simme Nijboer (KOR, 27) -
Miradela GD - a intellectual, bony showman.
10 RS Tim Blair (CBP, 34) -
Miradela GD (C)
11 LS Clement Spanner (KOR, 25) -
Miradela GD - a timid, bulky tactician.
Substitutes12 ST Paskal Toussaint (CMT, 27) -
Miradela GD
13 SS Cilistro Salomon (KOR, 29) -
Miradela GD - a moody, instinctive professor.
14 LS Domingos Noya (KOR, 34) -
Miradela GD - a catty, staunch ball winner.
15 RB Magnus George (MUR, 25) -
Miradela GD
16 RM Jasuvide Gima (KOR, 19) -
Miradela GD - a creative, fit gladiator.
C Martin Costello (TMB, 53) -
Miradela GD
Branvon CDStadium: Estádio Marítimo (28000) in Santa Teresa, Finisterre
Titles: 0 (Hist. Titles: 7)
Rivals: Miradela GD,
Castelo e Calvente CS
Background: Santa Teresa was the first soccer capital of Ko-oren - regardless of whether trophies just flowed to Maethoru anyway. Branvon is the working class club of Santa Teresa, representing the harbour and the coast guard, without any of the military pretenses. The biggest rival is Miradela, from the same city, and fans will take two wins over them rather than a title.
This is the club for: Anyone who likes a club of the people. Hard working, honest football.
Members: 239602 /
Season tickets: 38110
Wage bill: 15,9M
Last season: 9th, which felt right for them.
The plan for this season: Branvon's style of play isn't easy to find players for in Ko-oren. The hard-working, stamina-dependent way that Branvon wants to employ despite a coaching switch (opting for non-native to the region, Sutherland) has few fans and fits even fewer players. The back line with Basquez, Gachet, and Mislahaunden is a great start, and overall they like to rely on players that are going to be there for them for multiple years. Loyalty is a must. That's why it's odd that the foreign players they have are generally older - they're not going to be the long-term options the fans want. Up front, new players like Ulloa and yDismeom are a weird duo to pin all your hopes on - are they going to get chances at all, and if they do, will they finish them? It's hard to see them improve on the 9th place of last year.
Prediction: 9
Starters1 GK Dorothea Soumare (ASU, 28) -
Branvon CD
2 RF Isabela Basquez (KOR, 28) -
Branvon CD - a hypocritical, quick cheater.
3 RB Gilles Gachet (KOR, 25) -
Branvon CD - a pessimistic, thin ball winner.
4 LB Arinori Agano (KOR, 24) -
Branvon CD - a boring, ripped ball winner.
5 LF Bardaun Mislahaunden (KOR, 25) -
Branvon CD - a gentle, quick ball winner.
6 DM Lois Reza (KOR, 30) -
Branvon CD - a private, instinctive wall.
7 RM Sichaech yLonnhas (KOR, 23) -
Branvon CD (VC) - a smart, towering captain.
8 LM Niiko Taraala (MRN, 34) -
Branvon CD
9 AM Guillem Serra (AUD, 31) -
Branvon CD
10 RS Llounguís Ulloa (KOR, 22) -
Branvon CD - a silly, bulky maestro.
11 LS Llwmhaef yDismeom (KOR, 22) -
Branvon CD - a loyal, hard-hitting box-to-box player.
Substitutes12 LF Paulo Cales (KOR, 25) -
Branvon CD - a cocky, quick trickster.
13 RM Patrick McMora (SNL, 29) -
Branvon CD
14 RM Jada Shall (EFL, 23) -
Branvon CD
15 AM Prince Carter (TJU, 25) -
Branvon CD
16 GK Xeronimo Morquecho (KOR, 23) -
Branvon CD - a chatty, slim tactician.
C Anthony Sutherland (KOR, 49) -
Branvon CD
WSR AFCStadium: Uriagali Field (10000) in Eaglebury, West Strand Riding
Titles: 0 (Hist. Titles: 0)
Rivals: Pride of Eaglebury
Background: Rising from the fourth division to the Top League, just as the latter opened up to promotion/relegation, WSR's story is one of a lot of luck and some planning coming together. WSR is from the west coast of Ko-oren, which is remote and empty. The fans are just happy to be here, knowing things can't always be good.
This is the club for: If your perfect holiday destination is a faraway, rainy, narrow strip of somewhat liveable land, and you like taking life day by day as it comes, WSR's for you.
Members: 187320 /
Season tickets: 33634
Wage bill: 18,3M
Last season: 8th, a poor follow up from their previous year, but then again, promoting teams seem to do disproportionally well in the Top League, and if you finish 8th, that's a lot better than what the other promoting teams have done (Couziers, Castelo).
The plan for this season: Maintaining their status in the Top League. They are a club with a healthy home advantage given distance from the rest of the country with a fanbase and potential playerbase that not all teams can rely on. Football is very popular in the dense southwest, and yet, with Maynard relegated, it's up to WSR to be 'the' club. As far as players are concerned, the core of the team is clear, they have a very young squad, with Connor, Ebina, Oakley, Pernet, and Mareraunthen, they have a quality base to start building from. The next few years, they should improve the squad position by position, but for now, it's all good.
Prediction: 10
Starters1 GK Sylvester Connor (KOR, 23) -
WSR AFC - a kind, agile showman.
2 RF Dundor Windill (KOR, 29) -
WSR AFC (C) - a clever, short wall.
3 CB Bruenna Savo (SRS, 34) -
WSR AFC (VC)
4 LF Jorre Truin (KOR, 27) -
WSR AFC - a wise, skinny penalty specialist.
5 DM Martin Sheils (KOR, 24) -
WSR AFC - a determined, well built teammate.
6 RM Tolajilo Ebina (KOR, 25) -
WSR AFC - a inspired, bulky penalty specialist.
7 LM Walter Blomgroen (KOR, 22) -
WSR AFC - a inhibited, stocky dynamo.
8 AM Phileas Oakley (KOR, 28) -
WSR AFC - a inconsiderate, beefy target man.
9 SS Trevor Painton (KOR, 23) -
WSR AFC - a childlike, tall leader.
10 RS Max Pernet (KOR, 25) -
WSR AFC - a sociable, hard-hitting playmaker.
11 LS Jausdorak Mareraunthen (KOR, 22) -
WSR AFC - a adventurous, quick playmaker.
Substitutes12 GK Jonah Hickson (SYL, 30) -
WSR AFC
13 CB Sinclair Pardey (KOR, 24) -
WSR AFC - a considerate, burly ball winner.
14 LF Jebung Bumbra (KOR, 29) -
WSR AFC - a scheming, pudgy all-rounder.
15 AM Stanley Thompkins (KOR, 24) -
WSR AFC - a mean, portly all-rounder.
16 LM Bou Overink (KOR, 30) -
WSR AFC - a willing, short genius.
C Violet (f) Wakefield (KOR, 54) -
WSR AFC
Couziers-OlympiquesStadium: Stade Central (12100) in Linieux, Cote Austral
Titles: 0 (Hist. Titles: 0)
Rivals: Aminey CS, Linieux en Onyx, Bellmare Union
Background: Couziers is one of three clubs surrounding Willowbourne that have historically vied for that city's soccer fans - in addition to catering to their local fans in Linieux. Originally, the club had teams in multiple different sports - hence 'Olympiques' - and is still paired to the Linieux Harriers to an extent.
This is the club for: If you want a 'family' club, that's inextricably linked with its fans and players despite being in such a modern, well-connected city.
Members: 190820 /
Season tickets: 34010
Wage bill: 13,5M
Last season: 11th and nearly escaped relegation (on goal difference). They haven't been able to follow up their immediate after-promotion season, and it remains difficult to discern the team's long term plans.
The plan for this season: They either have very young or very old players, and so Leroux' job it is to construct something that can compete on the long term. It's not unthinkable to see them relegate, but it feels like it can be avoided as well. With Fillanes and Candy they have solid players, but the defence and midfield has some questionable players. The good news: the bench is full of talented people that can come through for them later in the season. This season should be one of survival and building something competitive for later.
Prediction: 11
Starters1 GK Reg Siemeling (KOR, 23) -
Couziers-Olympiques - a mature, skinny professor.
2 RB Xaquin Rodas (KOR, 37) -
Couziers-Olympiques - a solemn, skinny tackler.
3 CB Tommy Anderson (SNL, 27) -
Couziers-Olympiques
4 LB Odde Aandal (KOR, 33) -
Couziers-Olympiques - a witty, petite professor.
5 DM Nanberry Bingarra (KOR, 27) -
Couziers-Olympiques (C) - a sincere, ripped aggressor.
6 RM Évra Bernier (KOR, 22) -
Couziers-Olympiques - a rude, agile controller.
7 LM Authusa Aoriene (KOR, 24) -
Couziers-Olympiques - a emotional, powerful clown.
8 AM Marcel Roux (ESH, 36) -
Couziers-Olympiques
9 SS Barney Fillanes (KOR, 21) -
Couziers-Olympiques - a modern, toned interceptor.
10 RS Roja Tammerveld (KOR, 24) -
Couziers-Olympiques (VC) - a extroverted, burly daredevil.
11 LS Nicholas Candy (KOR, 24) -
Couziers-Olympiques - a noncompetitive, portly wall.
Substitutes12 RM Rwoll yBharw (KOR, 24) -
Couziers-Olympiques - a childish, athletic cheater.
13 CB Lemuel Massey (KOR, 22) -
Couziers-Olympiques - a intellectual, petite technician.
14 ST Aimogina Aeganora (KOR, 22) -
Couziers-Olympiques - a impressionable, swift playmaker.
15 LM Clodio Muniz (KOR, 23) -
Couziers-Olympiques - a frugal, hard-hitting communicator.
16 GK Dalton Ede (KOR, 22) -
Couziers-Olympiques - a opportunistic, buff artist.
C Audrey (f) Leroux (KOR, 52) -
Couziers-Olympiques
Tanques AOEStadium: Stade Amandine (30000) in Étouille, Cote Austral
Titles: 1 (Hist. Titles: 1)
Rivals: Amandine AdF
Background: As one of the historical eight clubs, this club has one ancient championship trophy, as well as one modern one. It's a shame they fell down, right after winning their modern title, even. This club upholds the pride of all of southern Côte Austral, and it's hard to imagine light blue as belonging to any club other than Tanques. The Francophones have always focused on a possession-based playing style, fluid in defence and attack, with many creative playmakers in their ranks over the years.
This is the club for: Lovers of beautiful football, fans with a longing for the past, francophones, or if you like to spend your time in a town that's nice and warm year round.
Members: 201280 /
Season tickets: 34995
Wage bill: 10M
Last season: First in the second division, climbing up to the top after their surprise relegation a few years ago. Initially they were surprised by the competitiveness of the second tier, even though they have players that can easily compete at this level. That said, they still had to let some guys go, and give up on some depth at the same time.
The plan for this season: Stay up and get some magic back that got them a title a while ago. They still have Helzinger, Bousquet, Weaver, yLladdlog. Jerguthinthen and Daraluthen are fantastic names and it's incredible they opted to go to Tanques, a club noted for its impressive midfields over the years, over clubs that might get them more immediate gratification. Tanques might have to settle being a development club for a while, but the philosophy (high possession, great midfield, give opponents few opportunities to build up and score) is clear and the players are fairly well chosen to carry that out.
Prediction: 12
Starters1 GK Carl Malmstroom (KOR, 22) -
Tanques AOE - a fanatical, compact debater.
2 RF Chwnchawf yLladdlog (KOR, 35) -
Tanques AOE - a sensitive, portly ball winner.
3 CB Seffewr ySaellhon (KOR, 31) -
Tanques AOE - a surprising, quick wall.
4 LF Farruco Ogas (KOR, 22) -
Tanques AOE - a funny, pudgy captain.
5 DM Risijun Jerguthinthen (KOR, 22) -
Tanques AOE - a defensive, portly all-rounder.
6 RM Liga Askari (CMT, 25) -
Tanques AOE
7 CM Tabitha Helzinger (NPH, 29) -
Tanques AOE
8 LM Khidinu Daraluthen (KOR, 21) -
Tanques AOE - a pretentious, thin playmaker.
9 AM Basti Bousquet (KOR, 25) -
Tanques AOE - a amicable, strong visionary.
10 SS Aristotle Weaver (MBT, 33) -
Tanques AOE (VC)
11 ST Trey Burnett (TKT, 34) -
Tanques AOE
Substitutes12 LF Toshinobu Kanata (KOR, 29) -
Tanques AOE - a extroverted, skinny visionary.
13 DM Cole Train (KOR, 28) -
Tanques AOE (C) - a mean, short captain.
14 SS Aaron Lyford (KOR, 22) -
Tanques AOE - a callous, compact gladiator.
15 RM Ambrose Cameron (KOR, 23) -
Tanques AOE - a opportunistic, stringy dynamo.
16 LM Guy Dadson (KOR, 22) -
Tanques AOE - a predictable, fast debater.
C Cicy Boisselot (KOR, 42) -
Tanques AOE
RetirementsGK Takayuki Hanazawa (KOR, 40) -
Aminey CS
SS Dorre Siebelt (KOR, 38) -
Schemerdrecht SVV
GK Ekiken Uchino (KOR, 37) -
Teragaseki
SS Samou Vallotton (KOR, 37) -
Branvon CD
ST Xaime Novoa (KOR, 37) -
Branvon CD
RF Vobe Vatsu (KOR, 37) -
Katashi-Kanatsu
LS Julio Vermelho (KOR, 37) -
WSR AFC
AM Sorai Nagamine (KOR, 36) -
Advance Alara
LM Oscar Brownsmith (KOR, 35) -
Arboren FC
CB Amber Steelshrift (NPH, 38) -
Miradela GD
FormatThe second, third, and fourth divisions are triple round robins: that's 12 teams, for 3 games x 11 opponents - 33 matchweeks.
The Top League plays a double round robin (22 games), then splits into a top 6 and bottom 6. These groups play another double round robin (10 games) for 32 total - and the final table takes all 32 matchweeks into account. The top six get to divide all the IFCF tickets. The bottom six have the VCI ticket... and the sole relegator.
The season starts after summer, in Jaranethan (early Sep). After a short break in Zedhasim (mid Dec), two thirds of the season are played between Kigdinir (late Dec) and Tobtoren (mid Jun). Various international competitions take place just before the new season starts, while the Cup and IFCF take place throughout the year.
TransfersThe clubs didn't manage to land a signing, which was alleviated by the automatic transfer back to their original Ko-orenite club following a few bankrupcies in foreign leagues that flew a little too close to the sun financially. Several older stalwarts of Ko-orenite clubs moved abroad, however:
LB Max Devilliers (KOR 31) - Eterna Stars, VLD -> Clube de Norwegian wood, BRO, 2.2M
CM Motonobu Watanuki (KOR 26) - Mazinaw Vanorian, KSK -> New Lakeland Soccer Club, CDG, 3.25M
RB Valentijn Doorwouds (KOR 34) - Latrobe Athletic, KSK -> Wynleth Flyers, KSK, free
LB Harmon Mulvahill (KOR 22) - Osarese Marcadia, AUD -> Cazadores Cathair, AUD, 5.5M
GK Hannah Rutherford (CDG 27) - Fukushira Guerilla, KOR -> AFC Rochford, NPH, 0.25M
LB Peter Hellegeland (KOR 31) -
Straudum VV, KOR -> Bul Khungur Miners FC, TKT, 4.5M
CM Geomraff yCinrhadd (KOR 23) - Ephesian FC, ZWZ -> Glenmount Town, TLI, 1.8M
Several youngsters left our own pyramid for another one: two players went to Southwest Eastnorth, one left for Xanneria, and one to Græntfjall.
International ResultsTwo group stage appearances in the Champions League is always reason for a coefficient party, but the next six games ended terribly for both
Maethoru SC and
Aminey CS. They did better than the trio that was invited to the Challengers Cup, none of which made the group stage. Poor performances in the Rising Stars Cup, Liga B Champions Trophy, and Cup Winners' Cup couldn't lift the spirits of the second half of the season. That said, the five clubs active in the two big competitions amassed 5.5 points, which is way down from the 9 points of the last campaign but still better than most seasons preceding that. The Ko-orenite Top League now sits in 20th, but the clubs will have to follow this cycle up with a good one. Another 5-point campaign drops us two points - which would still put us 20th - but means we lose the way into the top 16 as the association's goal states.
The good news is that Eastfield Lodge, the Squornshelan Remnannt States, Valladares, Freeport, and Siovanija and Teusland are all losing fairly good seasons too. The bad news is that for leagues below us, Crystal Empire, ZRH, Mytanija, and Equestria are all losing horrible seasons (or in Mytanija's case - no season at all).
Champions League
Second Qualifying Round
(SRS) Chalesm FC 3–7 Aminey CS (KOR) 2–6 1–1
Third Qualifying Round
(KOR) Maethoru SC 2–1 Gortz United (ASG) 2–0 0–1
(KOR) Aminey CS 2–0 Energija Chernovets (STL) 2–0 0–0
Playoff Round
(KOR) Maethoru SC 4–1 St Thomas (TLI) 3–0 1–1
(KOR) Aminey CS 5–4 Norrion Rovers (EFL) 2–3 3–1
Group Stage
# Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts ONU MET STG MTU
1 CF Outineau KSK 6 3 3 0 11 6 5 12 - 3-1 1-0 2-2
2 Metropolis Alligators VLD 6 3 1 2 12 13 -1 10 3-3 - 0-2 2-1
3 Spartangrad EUR 6 3 0 3 10 10 0 9 0-2 3-4 - 2-1
4 Maethoru SC KOR 6 0 2 4 7 11 -4 2 0-0 1-2 2-3 -
# Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts LNA HZC TAS AIY
1 La Nueva Avenida FFD 6 3 1 2 12 12 0 10 - 3-1 2-3 2-1
2 Herzegovina City FC BNJ 6 3 0 3 11 11 0 9 * 3-0 - 2-0 2-4
3 AFC Treason NPH 6 3 0 3 9 9 0 9 * 1-2 3-1 - 1-2
4 Aminey CS KOR 6 2 1 3 11 11 0 7 3-3 1-2 0-1 -
Challengers Cup
Preliminary Round
(ESL) Buffalo Niagara 1–3 Katashi-Kanatsu (KOR) 0–2 1–1
(INS) Neagra FC 2–1 Katashi-Kanatsu (KOR) 2–1 0–0
(FET) Pawston City 2–3 Schemerdrecht SVV (KOR) 2–1 0–2
Second Qualifying Round
(MVE) Requista Boys 2–3 Schemerdrecht SVV (KOR) 2–3 0–0
Third Qualifying Round
(MYT) FK Arsika 2–2 p Advance Alara (KOR) 0–1 2–1 (7–8 pen)
(BOL) SC Lagos 4–1 Schemerdrecht SVV (KOR) 3–1 1–0
Fourth Qualifying Round
(SFD) Sanford Falls 3–2 Advance Alara (KOR) 2–2 1–0
CAFA LigAnaia
Group Stage
# Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts LGR AMN ACQ FKV
1 Langmere Green Rovers FC FVA 6 5 0 1 14 4 10 15 - 2-0 5-0 1-0
2 Aminey CS KOR 6 4 0 2 9 4 5 12 3-1 - 0-1 2-0
3 AC Acqui Bollente SVG 6 3 0 3 5 9 -4 9 0-2 0-1 - 2-0
4 FK Vselitamak PYA 6 0 0 6 2 13 -11 0 1-3 0-3 1-2 -
# Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts MAE STN NAC HMD
1 Maethoru SC KOR 6 5 1 0 17 4 13 16 - 1-0 2-2 4-1
2 Stanton Town KRY 6 3 0 3 9 5 4 9 0-1 - 1-0 3-0
3 Nazionale Acqui Bollente SVG 6 1 2 3 3 10 -7 5 0-5 1-0 - 0-0
4 Hastmead Diamante OSR 6 1 1 4 6 16 -10 4 1-4 2-5 2-0 -
Round of Sixteen
(KOR) Maethoru SC 6–1 KT Itzalovalle (AUD) 5–0 1–1
(MRT) Century Mertagne FMFC 4–1 Aminey CS (KOR) 2–0 2–1
Quarterfinals
(KOR) Maethoru SC 1–2 e Century Mertagne FMFC (MRT) (1–1 FT)
Elimination Round One
(KOR) Maethoru SC 0–2 Wirr Tsi (CMT)
Cup Winners' Cup
Preliminary Round
(KOR) Maynard AFC 4–5 Dinamo Thetford FC (LFD) 2–2 2–3
Liga B Champions Trophy
First Qualifying Round
(KOR) Mawrystwyth 5–4 Duntho Sporting Club (BNJ) 3–3 2–1 (aet)
Second Qualifying Round
(KOR) Mawrystwyth 1–2 Sydberg (KOR) 1–1 0–1
Third Qualifying Round
(KOR) Sydberg 0–1 Universitario de Maldonado (VLD) 0–0 0–1 (aet)
Playoff Round
(PFA) Offsdi Dalas 1–3 Tanques AOE (KOR) 1–1 0–2
Group Stage
# Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts SWD TNQ PRO GRM
1 Sword EUR 6 5 1 0 13 4 9 16 - 1-0 3-3 2-0
2 Tanques AOE KOR 6 2 2 2 8 8 0 8 * 1-3 - 1-1 2-2
3 Preo Team ZRH 6 2 2 2 8 8 0 8 * 0-2 1-2 - 1-0
4 Greymont LFD 6 0 1 5 2 11 -9 1 0-2 0-2 0-2 -
Round of 16
(PFA) Pacifica 4–3 Tanques AOE (KOR) 3–1 1–2
Rising Stars Cup
Second Round
(QUE) Newfoundland Regional 3–1 Rozenvoordse Academie (KOR) 3–0 0–1
Group Stage
Group G P W D L GF GA GD Pts KSK EUR VLD KOR
1 CF Outineau KSK 6 4 1 1 12 3 9 13 - 5-1 3-0 1-2
2 Spartangrad EUR 6 2 2 2 9 9 0 8 0-2 - 1-1 3-0
3 Metropolis Alligators VLD 6 0 5 1 4 7 -3 5 * 0-0 1-1 - 1-1
4 Maethoru SC KOR 6 1 2 3 4 10 -6 5 * 0-1 0-3 1-1 -
Tie broken by goal difference
Group H P W D L GF GA GD Pts FFD BNJ KOR NPH
1 La Nueva Avenida FFD 6 3 2 1 14 12 2 11 - 1-1 2-1 2-2
2 Herzegovina City FC BNJ 6 2 3 1 11 9 2 9 5-3 - 1-2 1-1
3 Aminey CS KOR 6 2 1 3 8 11 -3 7 1-3 1-1 - 1-3
4 AFC Treason NPH 6 1 2 3 10 11 -1 5 2-3 1-2 1-2 -