AOCAF Cup LV - Everything Thread

[Demot]

Demot "Dynamo" Roster

Kits

Home Away

Manager: Scott Gaines, age 46
Assistant: Gary Josephs, age 43

Modifier: +4

GK: Manuela Brunson, age 26, Club Demot (F)
GK: Wesley Goulette, age 26, Skyhaven FC
GK: Ladawn Simard, age 31, Likewell Kirk (F)
LB: Lee Walker, age 29, Likewell Kirk
LB: Steven Woods, age 26, Atalantian FC
CB: Brenda McDaniel, age 25, Oceanic United (F)
CB: Michele Noriega, age 30, Club Demot (F)
RB: Michael Cooper, age 28, Druidisian United
RB: Richard McMorrow, age 30, Likewell Kirk
RW: Karen Courtney, age 28, Oceanic (F)
RW: Margaret Santana, age 30, Oceanic United (F)
LW: Terry Jackson, age 29, Likewell Kirk
LW: Rose Yearwood, age 30, Skyhaven FC (F)
MC: Rocco Branch, age 29, Skyhaven FC
MC: Herbert Lisenby, age 31, Maracruse Typhoon
AMC: Jacqueline Trosper, age 30, Druidisian United (F)
AMC: Carol Pugh, age 26, Atalantian FC (F)
AMC: Viola Silvis, age 28, Skyhaven FC (F)
AMC: Jennifer Nguyen, age 29, Oceanic (F)
ST: Christopher Moore, age 28, Oceanic United
ST: Sean Johnson, age 29, Likewell Kirk
ST: Carmine Holmes, age 30, Likewell Kirk
ST: Latoya Joseph, age 26, Mirria United (F)

Simard
McMorrow                  Noriega                Walker
Santana                        Lisenby                     Yearwood
   Trosper      Nguyen  
     Johnson            Holmes     

I Give To My Opponent The Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers: Y
Godmod Goalscoring Events: N
Injure Players: Y, but no more than two games out
Godmod Injury Events: N
Red Card Players: Y
Yellow Card Players: Y
Godmod Other Events: TG me first.
=================================

[Yesopalitha]

Roster for Yesopalitha's AOCAF 55 Team

Kits compliments to Kirola Sportswear of Audioslavia
Nickname: The Flames
Style Modifier: +1 (Formation: 4-1-3-2)
Home Stadium: The Sacred Heart, Freedom's Altar (144,000)

RP Permissions Box
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: N
RP Injuries to my players: Y (I can determine severity)
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y, two max
Hand out red cards to my players: N
Godmod other events: N

Head of State
Nirdasil Ageless The Dark Crusader

Head of Federation
Jane Vander Rox Age: 56

Manager
Portia Thrift Age: 59

Starters
GK Henrietta CALHOUN Age: 25, Tarahal Lake Athletic // Traditional Shot Stopper
Daughter of Jonah Calhoun

RB Dianae ERIBON Age: 27, Freedom's Altar United // Enforcer
CB Patricia VICKERS Age: 26, Denal-Ithorn Warriors FC // Aerial Defender
CB Jamison NOTT Age: 28, North Hampton City // Man-to-Man Player
LB Zae'ell FINN Age: 30, New Hazingafar FC // Offensive Minded

DM PARK Ryung Gil Age: 28, Tarahal Lake Athletic // Defensive Sieve
Son of Park Sung Hwan
RM Monika JACK-BENTLEY Age: 28, Lenox Athletic // Set Piece Taker
Daughter of Isaac Jack-Bentley
CM Maurice HUNT Age: 24, Avengers United // Pacer
Daughter of Jing Wang
LM Jenniven YERSAU Age: 29, Worthington Cougars // Crosser
Daughter of Michael Yersau

ST Zoé ROSWELL Age: 25, Worthington Cougars // Opportunist
Daughter of Hilary Vander Rox
ST Nadya DOSTOEVICH Age: 21 (Vampire) CAPTAIN, 1860 Azoth // Finisher

Bench
GK Myles GNOSKI Age: 25, Unbidden United // Aggressive Keeper
GK Ezekiel LARSON Age: 28, Freedom's Altar United // Set Piece Specialist
RB Seamus JARVIAN Age: 30, Tarahal Lake Athletic // Tackling Machine
RB Gerrard DEREAU Age: 27, Unbidden United // Aerial Defender
CB Alisha HANNON Age: 29, Freedom's Altar FC // Man-to-Man Player
CB Omar WIX Age: 24, South Hampton City // Offensive Minded
CB Na'er JONES Age: 27. Lenox Athletic // Aerial Defender
CB Kimberly JACKSON Age: 28, Avengers United // Tackling Machine
LB Danidra RAOULHAVEN Age: 28, Tarahal Lake Athletic // Enforcer
LB Mai VALENTINE-WHEELER Age: 27, Denal-Ithorn Warriors FC // Offensive Minded
RM Rowena YOSPUR Age: 27, Worthington Cougars // Shooter
RM Barrion OMAR Age: 30, Mean Green United // Crosser
CM Qarim DOTTS Age: 27, Avengers United // Pacer
CM Andromeda MILKYWAY Age: 29, Tarahal Lake Athletic // Defensive Sieve
CM Niro OXFORD Age: 29, Freedom's Altar Holy Templars // Aerial Attacker
CM Kiel LINDMALT Age: 29, Unbidden United // Tackling Machine
CM Tarry IMARO Age: 24, Xavier United // Pacer
LM Silas VANCE-BROOKS Age: 27, New Hazingafar Knights // Crosser
LM Arrietta TAYLOR Age: 28, Denal-Ithorn Warriors FC // Shooter
ST Brie LAWSON Age: 27, Lenox Athletic // Finisher
ST Anastasia KORTONDO Age: 29, Avengers United // Aerial Attacker
Daughter of Fantasia Cecile-Marie and an Astograthian expat.
ST Emmit HARMON-JONES Age: 28, Freedom's Altar FC // Pacer
ST Imshael LORETTA Age: 27, Freedom's Altar Holy Templars // Shooter

---

Breakdown of the Roster

Among the back four, Eribon is the enforcer, Vickers the aerial specialist, Nott the man-to-man player, and Finn the one who is more offensive minded. Helping them out will be Park, now transitioning to the defensive midfielder position, the one that he plays for Tarahal Lake Athletic. Playing the midfield will be Monika Jack-Bentley, who is the free-kick taker, Maurice Hunt, who plays with lots of pace, and Jenniven Yersau, a great crosser.

Zoe Roswell will be expected to contribute, but things will as always flow through the immortal vampire Nadya Dostoevich.

If this team is to win, their midfield will dictate possession and get enough chances for the strikers to do their work; the defense should not have to do much.

[Equestrian States]

The Pony Principality of Equestrian States
National Hoofball Team - AOCAF Cup 55 Roster

Quick Facts
AOCAF Ranking: 21st (5.82 pts.)
Style Modifier: -1.75
Nickname: The Ponies
All-Time Record: 260-91-77 (4-0-0 at AOCAF Cup 55)
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), AOCAF Cup 55 (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)

Kits

Home - 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.

Players

Goalkeepers

#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-CAPTAIN
Position: 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) - CAPTAIN
Position: 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.

#25 - Aarón Aiza (Human - Male)
Position: Midfielder (RM/DM/CM) | Age: 26 | Debut: vs. Osarius (Pre-WC69 Friendly)
Club: Herzegovina City FC | League: [BNJ] Banijan Soccer League
International Caps: 28 | Assists: 3 | Goals: 4
Aarón Aiza started his career in Yttribia and even featured for the Yttribian national team several times before defecting to the Equestrian States when the Esportivan nation was taken over by the Corvidae. Though the Corvidae no longer rule Yttribia, Aiza continues to play for the Ponies at the international level. Slower than most Equestrian midfielders, Aarón makes up for his lack of speed with stamina and smarts, rarely making a poor decision on the pitch.

#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.

#15 - Elaine Everdeen (Human - Female)
Position: Midfielder (CAM/LM) | Age: 28 | Debut: vs. The Inevitable Syndicate (WC65 Qualifying)
Club: Anomalies FC | League: [CMT] Chromatik Premier Division
International Caps: 68 | Assists: 9 | Goals: 6
The younger sister of former Ponies' striker Katherine Everdeen, Elaine is a talented midfielder entering her prime who first found success with Sunrisian club Granger Dragonites before moving to Chromatika's Anomalies FC. Graceful and agile, the younger Everdeen sister can race up and down the pitch at an impressive clip even compared to her speedy equine teammates. Though her endurance isn't as impressive, Elaine Everdeen shouldn't be underestimated by her opponents and is often used as a substitute against weary opponents to give the Equestrians that final attacking boost whenever a goal is needed.

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 & Staff

Manager - Pearly White (Earth Pony - Female) - 45
Appointed 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) - 41
Not 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) - 41
The 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) - 50
Responsible 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) - 48
Originally 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) - 59
A 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) - 48
Hired 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 Strategy

The 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 Hoofball
The 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 Permissions
My 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.

[Equestrian States]

AOCAF Cup LV
Match Day 1 Results

Group A

Equestrian States 4–0 Somecoldwetislands
Starblaydia 4–1 Anthor

Group B

Farfadillis 3–5 Valanora
Aji No Moto 1–0 Ko-oren

Group C

Chromatika 4–0 Melbergia
Tropicorp 5–0 Euran Oceania Territories

Group D

Soltsteed 0–2 Yesopalitha
Mriin 2–4 Cosumar

Group E

Tomikosan 1–1 95X
Osarius 5–2 Salem Oregon

Group F

North New South Wales 0–2 Banija
Sultanate of Oontaz 1–3 Eshan

Group G

Vilita & Turori 4–3 Demot
Qasden 1–1 Nuovo Serone

[Vilita and Turori]

Vilita & Turori [4] - [3] Demot

AOCAF 55 :: The Equestrian States :: The Vilita & Turori Eel-Cat Things got off to a strong start to their 55th Atlantian Oceania Confederation of Association Football tournament with a 4-3 victory over the Demot Dynamo. Demot were looking to position themselves as potential Group G spoilers after a strong showing in AOCAF LIVe in Tropicorp. With three points on the day, coupled with a two-time Cup of Harmony champions Qasden being held to a 1-1 draw by a nation no one in Vilita & Turori had ever heard of coming into the AOCAF competition, the Eel-Cat Things look odds-on to advance to the knockout round after just one game.

Victory wasn't always assured against the Dynamo, however, despite Purapal Eskiiy getting the Eel-Cat Things off on the right foot with a well struck effort just 6 minutes into the match that snuck under the arm of Ladawn Simard in the Demot net. Demot would fight back however and goals from Rose Yearwood and Herbert Lisenby gave the Dynamo a 2-1 lead at the half.

It would be a high-scoring roller coaster of a game as Va'a-Rio Kiwavyn and Fishtii Blikala would score in the second half to re-claim the lead for Vilita & Turori before substitute Viola Silvis levelled the scores against for Demot.

The match was finally decided six minutes from time when Linvoi Warazil was set through by Jurzen Devmiko and finished cooly past Simard securing all three points for Vilita & Turori.

Elsewhre on Matchday 1, Group A went to form with the hosts Equestrian States and former champions Starblaydia both routing their opponents with four-star triumphs. The match of the day was without question in Group B where a new look Vanorian side proved they still had what it takes by outdueling the Farfadalilahn team 5-3. Group C was another blowout central with Chromatika and Tropicorp combining to post nine unanswered goals past Melbergia and the Euran Oceanian Territories - who have now begun to establish themselves as perennial whipping boys of the AOCAF Cup.

Debutant Soltsteed struggled with a defeat to Yesopalitha in Group D but Banija was more fortunate in their Group F victory over North New South Wales. Finally, in Group E, the great North West looks in trouble as 95X were held by the Komarov-Thomiya team while Salem Oregon was thrashed by an otherwise lifeless Osarius side 5-2.

:: Vilita & Turori Goalscorers :: :: 6' Purapal Eskiiy :: 49' Va'a-Rio Kiwavn :: 66' Jirijii Januaa :: 84' Linvoi Warazil

:: Vilita & Turori Statistics :: :: Possession: 57% :: Shots on Target: 9 :: Corner Kicks: 4

:: Demot Statistics :: :: Possession: 43% :: Shots on Target: 5 :: Corner Kicks: 11

:: Demot Goalscorers :: :: 17' Rose Yearwood :: 28' Herbert Lisenby :: 76' Viola Silvis

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Vilita & Turori Eel Cat Things Lineup v. Demot ::
[GK]Mako Canopii, [D.]Jirijii Januaa, [D.]Biliki Rona'atu'i, [D.]Mileke Drokasorna, [D.] Linkat Cjinder, [ML] Jurzen Devmiko, [MC]Cywrenta Vlintejni, [MC] Purapal Eskiiy, [MR] Daliora Toru'u, [FC]Tenziki Kulakao, [FC]Nii'arala Milaaso
BENCH::
[FC]Linvoi Warazil, [FC]Meldi'ita Mungwaii, [M]Va'a-Rio Kiwavn, [M]Lati'ala Giaoka, [U ]Jirak Trikala, [D]Inbekira Ajhabekk, [GK]Wiyauw An'maude

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[Banija]

OOC: What is a Katikkiro? What is a Kabaka? What in the world does Lukiiko mean? Refer to the spoiler in my signature for English language translations of Banijan political terms!

Election Season Comes Early to Banija as RTC Corruption Scandal Finally Brings Down The Government


Katikkiro Sarjo Kaba(left, leader of FJP) standing alongside Deputy Katikkiro Kunda Mansaray(right, leader of CRU) as they leave Muaguzo Palace

BUSUKUMA- The RTC Corruption scandal has been the dominant force in Banijan politics for the past two months. The main question has been- what will happen to the government? The scandal has caused 5 members of the Katikkiro's cabinet to resign, as they have been indited. While Sarjo Kaba himself has not faced any charges personally, it has been increasingly hard to try and form a government. And while they have tried to keep the government upright, as the two major parties are horrified by the reactionary policies of the Defiance Coalition, they finally became undone, as the Government could not withstand the pressure.

The straw that broke the camel's back, in this case, was the fall of the half-brother of the Katikkiro, Buba Kaba. Kaba was the Chancellor of the Treasury, equivalent to the role of Minister of Finance in many other countries. He has not gotten extremely bad reviews, but the half-brother had furiously denied that he was part of these allegations. However, while no charges were brought up that he had ever been part of the RTC bribery scandal as a member of the cabinet, Kaba was charged with taking money while he was the City Council President of Istria, in order to ensure that the bids to operate the railway between Istria International and Downtown Busukuma were non-competitive in favor of the Regional Transit Corporation.

With that, the Collective Resistance Union could no longer stand as a part of the government. Kunda Mansaray, the Deputy Katikkiro and the leader of the CRU, the junior partner in the coalition, officially announced her intention to withdraw her party from the coalition government, and call for new elections. She told reporters that "it is high and clear that the voters get a chance to have their say. Politics as usual is broken, and now it is shown that the two major parties simply work in the hands of big business. Our experience in government will bring about a possibility that one would have never thought possible- a CRU lead, socialist government, the furthest left of its kind in the history of this country."

The Katikkiro and the Deputy Katikkiro visited the Mujaguzo Palace today, as is required by Banijan customs, to visit the Kabaka to inform him that the Lukiiko no longer had confidence in His Majesty's Government. And, at that point, that was it. Sarjo Kaba was roundly criticized for this move to immediately seek an election by party members and professors from Banija's major universities, saying that he should have gone for a grand coalition, though one has never been tried in Banija, in order to shut out the Defiance Coalition.

The charismatic billionaire Matthias Mutebi, the former owner of Banijan Soccer League team Mynda Soccer Club, who had the club forcefully taken from him as part of a plea deal to avoid prison due to his fraud conviction, praised the move. "Our party has seen a major rise in the polls after this scandal, and it is because we are clean. The other major parties like to focus on the needs of Banijans who live abroad- I say that we need to focus the needs of Banijans on Banijans! With campaign season now officially on, I will release my platform, which will show how the state's concerns will be fighting for Banijans in Banija, rather than those who left this country to live abroad."

His party, who got 5% of the vote in the last election, but seems to be the only party that has completely escaped the RTC corruption scandal in the last election, is now polling between 29 and 35% in the polls, which would translate into somewhere between 150 and 200 seats in the Lukiiko, enough to be the largest party in the 500 member Lukiiko, though falling well short of the 250+1 number needed for a majority. He is expected to release an anti-corruption platform that will blast through the state, one that will be probably seen as extremely divisive, and one that might make headlines across Atlantian Oceania, especially among the largest Banijan diaspora that exists in many countries, both inside and outside the region.

This is going to be a very curious election season. Will Mutebi, just recently disgraced by being forced to give up the Mynda Soccer Club, make a comeback in such a large and spectacular fashion, by becoming the head of government in his first ever entry into politics? If elected, what will happen to Banijan sports? The Winter Olympics are coming up, and he was vocally critical of the Banijan hockey team. He probably wont' have good things to say about Banija's winter athletes, as John Nampoza is the only one who actually resides in Banija. And, of course, these qualifiers were held abroad, due to weather.

It will be an intriguing election, but one must say this- with a firebrand such as this one so close to entering power, this election will certainly reshape the country's outlook and how we are viewed in the world, from the Commonwealth to the rest of Atlantian Oceania, to the far abroad as well.

Previous Election Results
500 seats up for election to the Lukiiko.
Free Justice Party- 223 seats, 40.1% of the popular vote, led by Sarjo Kaba. Center-Left.
People's Protection Movement- 177 seats, 35% of the popular vote, led by Malick Sonko. Center-RIght.
Collective Resistance Union- 43 seats, 7% of the popular vote, led by Kunda Mansaray. Combination of Green and Socialist Parties. Hard-Left..
Christian Patriots League- 39 seats, 6.8%% of the popular vote, led by General Kutubo Marenah. Socially conservative hard-right.
Defiance Coalition- 18 seats, 5% of the popular vote, led by Pa Uster. Fierce nationalist hard-right.
The FJP and CRU formed a coalition government, with the FJP as the senior partner and the CRU as the junior partner.

All 5 parties will be contesting these upcoming elections, with the only leadership change being Pa Uster, after her death, being replaced by Matthias Mutebi.

AOCAF LV Roundup
The Kadongo Kamu won their opening game of the AOCAF LV in Group F, defeating North New South Wales, a relative minnow in this sport, by a score of 2-0. Kiggwe Mavuto, Banija's all-time leading goalscorer, scored a goal in the 23rd minute while star #9 Toyuwa Okafor, who just signed for the Lorentine Lions of Chromatika, who are in the 26th best league in the world(in comparison to the BSL, ranked 114th), celebrated his new contract by scoring in the 42nd minute. It was a relatively easy 2-0 win over an unranked side.

Of course, their next match is against World Cup Qualifying group rivals Eshan. These two teams raced against each other for a spot in the World Cup Finals, and Banija beat Eshan at home, but star man Marco van Ciavatinni buried our slim qualification chances in Rosaria. It is indeed a big game for Banija, not only due to the recent sporting history between these two countries, but Banija's enduring political scandal. Centered on the RTC, a Banijan company headquartered in the Echani capitol, that will add quite a spark to the hoopla surrounding what is already a big match.

We'll what any of the major Banijan associations in Rosaria, from the Rosaria Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Temple, to the Rosaria Knights, to any RTC officials, have to say about the scandal going into a match against the country where the scandal started, though no Echani citizens, as far as any of the evidence points, were involved in this scandal.


Official flag of the Defiance Coalition

[-Anthor-]

Against the legendary, Warriors come up empty
A lone goal from Padmore remains the sole consoltation in an embarrassing 4-1 loss to Starblaydia

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Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus (@Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus)(TH)
^{Baltha 10, 602AE 11:00 AM | Vaumort, Anthor}

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TH photo

Vaumort, Anthor(Herald) — After an extremely sore performance during the the most recent attempt by the Anthoran national team to qualify for the World Cup, manager Adrien Darby was surely anxious to head into their first international match since the qualifying campaign concluded and conduct themselves with skill and good execution, but all of his plays went poorly and the Warriors dropped one of their worst defeats during their short AOCAF history as the famed Starblaydia national football team saw the Warriors off with a final score line of 4-1.

A number of fans, sports broadcasters, as well as pundits across the kingdom have begun to criticize a number of key changes that Darby enacted prior to the kickoff of the 55th AOCAF; Geoffrey Bissette, the nails-tough left midfielder hailing from Evesham United was benched from the Starting XI rotation and was replaced with the upcoming Thorvald Padmore, who recently became one of the first Anthorans to play abroad after he was sold from recently relegated Edington Chiefs to the Brenecian side Pikemouth for a sum of approximately 2 million or more pounds. Padmore has been regarded as a future national team starter, but his substitute performances in the last two qualifying campaign seasons failed to produce a consistent series of gems and Bissette who despite growing older seems to have rejuvenated himself during Evesham's recent local success within the Norberry Champion's League. John Stone was also removed from the starting squadron and relegated to the bench, with the slightly younger and much more athletic Alistair Dolan called up to replace him. While Dolan's skill across our domestic league is recognized, many people argued the trade of skills between the two players was inadequate; while Stone is one of the few remaining defensive midfielders left in the Champion's League, Dolan is apart of the newer generation of more agile, flexible midfielders who not only can play the center of the pitch but also play the flanks well, especially if they have played under the Evesham system like Dolan has the last few years. However, Dolan isn't known for any amazing defensive skills, and one would argue that despite the stacked arrangement of the five man defender set lead by Frank Cartwright, the Warriors need to shore up on defense after giving up crucial goals in key games.

The replacements seemed awkward and out of touch with their first team members; Dolan connected well with McKenzie, mostly because their fellow starters on domestic side Evesham, and Padmore seemed far to used to playing defensively like the Chiefs had forced him to play the last few seasons, even though he's very similar to another youngster, Nicholas Stark, just much beefier and a tad slower. Being asked to commit to both sides of the ball was definitely new terrain and you could tell, mostly because he failed horribly at covering his mark of the Starblaydian captain Pawel Zapotowski for the full length of the match, which allowed Zapotowski to help rally in an assist on the brace of goals that Marcello Di Bradini managed to hammer home past Hackshaw; Di Bradini was joined in his efforts by solo goals from Anra Kolmka (48) and Frederico Esposito (65), the latter who made an lethal precision header under the cross bar that was out of the reach of Hackshaw's defensive attempts.

And that brief summary also brings us to a major point of contention; Kirk Hackshaw. The man is undoubtedly within the Top Five of best keepers within the country, but this most recent campaign when he was asked to step up and replace the proven Bryan Kimball after the latter went down with a severe head injury just three matches into the last World Cup's campaign has seen Hackshaw prove time and time again that he has the tendency to break down under pressure; both key matches against Flardania were pivotal losses that helped ensure the Warriors failed to qualify for the sixth straight world Cup, and many fans have been clamoring for his removal, even going so far as burning effigies of him in some riots in Tharsius earlier this week. John Bryce, the keeper for Evesham who had the 2nd best defense this past season, is the leading popular vote to replace him, however there is also a large cult following around Richard Carter, mostly due to the fact he was the former keeper for the national team under six seasons ago when Kimball replaced him after Kimball had a breakout and then continued to grow; Carter would have the benefits of being familiar with the team, which despite the changes over the years is still full of a number of the key players that were on the team back then, namely Cartwright and Rigsby, however he does turn 33 later this summer and is the third oldest starting keeper in the league, so there is that consider. Mind you, this is all just fan speculation and sports center type coverage, Darby has denied he's currently seeking a new keeper, but the public insists on the bubbling pressure especially since the Warriors medical staff has yet to release an official return date for Bryan Kimball.

The Warriors next game will be up against Somecoldwetislands, which is definitely the easiest game scheduled for them in this brief regional championship bout as they are international newcomers who remained un-ranked, which presents the perfect opportunity to allow Darby to implement the patches he needs to and tinker and hone before the Warriors head into the final match against Equestrian States which will prove to be just as tough as fight as last nights, if not more so.

Gnaeus Tanicus Vopiscus contributed to this article.

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115987 comments

^{FAVORITE THIS DISCUSSION}

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[Ko-oren]

Previously

A man clad in a lab coat (though not for any particular reason) walked out in front of Katherine and Katanmak. The scientist, or whatever his title was, was just introduced to Katherine as Oliver. Remmington, was his last name, if she remembered correctly. There were quite a few names thrown around the meeting. As the trio turned the corner, Katherine turned to Katanmak, the head coach of the Ko-orenite NT. "How long have you known about this? Who is the LISA we're about to meet?" and then there were a few more questions, when suddenly Katanmak interrupted. "One of the first things you'll have to know about this NT as an assistant coach, is that we run things a bit oddly. As in, the players and everything that happens on the field, is just normal, as you know. But the way training is designed and the players that are selected and the kind of gameplan we have, well, that's all LISA. Even though I'm the head coach. I'm just the face of the training staff, making sure it all runs well. But the technical decisions.... I don't make them."

Every single thing Katanmak said, no matter how correct it was, just confused Katherine further. Oliver had been silent throughout the exchange too. By now, they were up on the third floor of the Qasden hotel. Oliver still walked out in front of them, turned right from the last set of stairs, held out his key card to quickly open the hotel room door. He stepped inside first, stuck his key card in the slot to turn on the lights, and disappeared into the room. Katanmak followed him, motioning to her that she should close the door as soon as she came in. She did, and looked into the room. Apart from the two she already knew, she expected to see this LISA. But there was no woman there. No man, either. Sitting on the desk across from the double bed was a laptop, hooked up to a microphone in the centre of the room.

Oliver spoke up first: "Hello, LISA," he said in a clear, calm voice. "Hello, Oliver," the laptop said in a very real voice. Katherine could tell it was computer generated, but most of the stress and intonation in its voice was natural. "Hello, LISA," Katanmak said next, "We have brought Katherine here. Katherine, could you introduce yourself to LISA? Just your name should be enough. Say it slowly, she has to get used to your speech pattern first." Oliver took over from there, visibly proud. "She's getting better at recognising voices. Even from those that she's never heard before. Of course, we might have cheated a little and fed her voice clips from your interviews back when you were a player." "Hello, LISA," Katherine said. A few moments of silence followed. "This must be Katherine," the laptop said. "Welcome, my name is LISA. My full name is Lifelike Intelligent Strategic Assistant. Pleased to meet you."

Katherine rolled her eyes at the acronym. Katanmak caught her disapproving gaze, but Oliver still stared at the laptop, proud of the name. "God," she thought, "female voice, female name, forced acronym to go with said female name, I think I've seen this on tv loads of times before," but she caught herself before vocalising that thought. She did say something else. "LISA, who are you?"

A short silence followed again.

"I'm LISA, I analyse on behalf of the Ko-orenite national soccer team. I receive information from wearable sensors on the players, from the data provided by the data scientists on the sidelines based on the success of each player's action, and from dozens of other factors. In the end, I come up with a training report. I analyse the tendencies behind opponents' games and decide on which players to line up, what strategy to follow, and how to prepare players for next match in the remaining training sessions," LISA said, well rehearsed. "I can also analyse how accurate my decisions were, and adapt them for further situations. I'm a work in progress, but - aren't we all?" Even the jokes were pre-programmed. Katherine expected LISA's voice to not change for any kind of joke she made, but to her surprise, LISA paused before "aren't" like you'd do as a real person. She didn't know if LISA was even aware of sarcasm, but pre-programmed or not, the laptop executed the joke perfectly, even if you could see it coming from a mile away.

Katanmak caught her mid-thought. "Katherine, this is LISA. Makes sense now?" he asked, offhandedly, like it was obvious that the NT had been secretly coached by AI for a few months now. "She's coming with us from now on, as a member of the coaching staff. Logistics are still a bit of a pain, but we've got ways of taking her overseas. This laptop is, well, her here in Qasden, and she's coming with us like that to the Equestrian States, as well."

[Aji No Moto]

AJIAN SPORTS JOURNAL
Bringing you with the latest sports updates from Aji No Moto

AOCAF: Yellow Hawks stun Ko-oren, 1-0

EQUESTRIAN STATES - The Aji No Moto football team made a great start to their AOCAF campaign by scoring an upset against Ko-oren, 1-0. Yutaro Shigemitsu scored the only goal in the 55th minute that put the Ajians currently level on points with five-time World champions Valanora, and will certainly make manager Shoji Takayama very happy.

Both teams had their fair share of chances, but it was the Ko-orenites who had slightly more scoring opportunities, just they were not able to convert any of them into a goal. Wouter Wouters had the closest chance for Ko-oren, but his shot grazed just above the bar that made manager Katanmak Juliasterinthen hold his head in anguish.

Shigemitsu also made an early chance at the first half, but his low driven shot was easily saved by Lyami Aviara. When the teams came back from the tunnel though, it was him who scored the goal when he volleyed the ball past Aviara to give the lead to the unfancied Ajians. The Dragonflies still unloaded a barrage of chances, but Fusanosuke Kudara was alert to pry any of them away from danger. As such, the Yellow Hawks was able to secure the win and will face Farfadillis in their second match for Group B.

[Chromatika]

Moments of the Off-season
1: Xi Xe

The room was messy, cluttered, and a bit musty. A single window on the fall wall looked like it hadn't been opened in days. It was dark, save one desk lamp. A young woman, short, with flowing raven black hair and green eyes, was typing furiously on her computer screen while swearing under her breath. Why did online courses require so much work? Xi Xe blamed her parents' influence in convincing her to continue her education even while playing football. After graduating from the University of Wirr Tsi with a degree in Linguistics with an emphasis on Quebecois (French), she had taken two years off to concentrate on her game. With her leading the way, the Alnio Union had bounced back into the Premier Division and actually shocked quite a few faces in the round-robin stage before falling victim to bad defending and having to defend their spot in the Premier Division in the Promotion/Relegation Playoffs at the end of the season. Thankfully, her striking partner - one Marcia Haskell of Nephara - and she had combined for a ridiculous tune of nine goals in two matches to defend their spot from upstarts Miners FC.

Which had all led to this offseason, when she had decided to enroll for a Masters in Linguistic Program, provided through Chromatik City College University, the University with the best online degree program in the nation. She was signing up for classes when it became clear that just continuing to learn Quebecois French would not be enough. Some of the other languages being offered were Vloo (they were Cosumarite neighbors after all), Italian, Portuguese, German, and Spanish.

That was when she received a notice that she had a new email message from her agent, Lilliard Pompadeaux. Agents were a new profession in Chromatika - in the days of the Party, the Party had taken care of all the dealings for you - but Pompadeaux was one of the best, being the agent for Xe as well as a handfull of high-profile Chromatik players, the most important of which was one Kaytlyn Victoriane. He probably would have been Keira Andisori's agent as well if Andisori wasn't such an independent woman.

The message simply read, "Call me. Lilliard."

She picked up her cell phone and dialed 2. 1 was for her mother, 2 for her agent. After three rings, he picked up the phone, and she could tell by the tone in his voice that something serious was going down."

"Xi? Where are you right now?" came his voice, a bit frantic.

"In my room, registering for classes. What's the matter, Lilliard? Did I piss Cates off somehow again? Did Marcia change her mind about staying instead of going back home?" She had pissed off her manager more than once through the season, mostly by calling out her teammates when they played badly. What else was she going to do? Sit by and watch as the team lost their lead gained through the first eleven games to fall all the way to tenth? To hell with that, she would always speak her mind, even if it was true that her mouth would get her into trouble.

"No, no. Listen, you might want to sit down for this," came the reply.

Well, Lilliard wasn't one to say that, of all things. No, her agent was always go-go-go, ask questions later. This was something else, indeed.

"All right, you have my attention. What the hell is going on?" asked Xe, getting a bit impatient.

"I got a phone call about a potential move for you," replied Lilliard, "They're serious about it, and offering enough money that Cates would be mad to say no. As long as you wanna go, I'm pretty sure that the deal is a done one."

Now that was surprising, too. Carline Cates and all of Alnio knew that Xi was probably the most important player on the roster. She was on the shortlist of domestic based players to be on the next World Cup Qualifying Team once again, she had already scored eight goals for the Chromatiks in twelve appearances, and was making a name for herself in front of Manager Silian Parker. Just how big of a deal would it have been for Cates to consider letting her go?

"Well, spit it out," ordered Xe, "Don't hold me in suspense."

"It's... It's Mâ Âlâmëómë!" answered Lilliard.

Xe burst out laughing, tears running down her face. She spent the next fifteen seconds or so laughing so hard that her sides hurt. "Very funny, Lilliard. No, who really was it?" she inquired.

"I thought you might take it this way," sighed Lilliard, "I'm not pulling your leg, Xi. It really is the Farvish team, Mâ Âlâmëómë. They want you to start for them."

She didn't mean to do it, but Xi dropped her phone. It fell to the floor with a loud clang. She bent down slowly, picked it up, and said to her agent:

"Sign. Me. Up."

"I thought you'd never ask," he replied, "I'll call you back."

Her mind raced as she took in what she had just heard. Her eyes darted back to the front of the computer screen. It was time to put Spanish on the list of classes to take. Did CCCU provide classes in Rulandese?

She was going to Farfadillis.

---

Chromatka 4-0 Melbergia
Xe '22, '48 Andisori '62, 82
AOCAF 55 Group Stage Match 1
Lineup: Williams; Ilya - Stef - Damjana; Thorben - Hellion - Mora - Liam; Rien - Gail - Xe. Subs: Kelly-> Thorben '55, Niro -> Xe '59, Andisori -> Gail '72
A rudimentary, customary win over Melbergia in which the team was never threatened and controlled the middle of the pitch set the tone for the Chromatiks in the first game of the Group Stage in the Equestrian States. Xi Xe and Keira Andisori took turns being the scorers for the match with a brace apiece as they absolutely battered the Melbergians. Parker opted to give every usual-sub some playing time, and the one that impressed the most was one Nova Williams making her debut. She didn't have to do much, but what little she had to do she did exceptionally well.

The team will try to keep up their momentum when they face their toughest opposition, Tropicorp, next.

[Equestrian States]

Pristina Shine Leads Ponies' Rout of Soggy Islanders and Finds a New Home
by Steve McNotapony

CANTERLOT - It was an excellent day all around for the Equestrian States' star striker Pristina Shine yesterday. Not only did she lead the Ponies to a convincing victory over Somecoldwetislands in the AOCAF opener, netting herself a hat trick, but the unicorn forward also finally sealed her long-anticipated move to Audioslavia's famed 1830 Cathair FC where she hopes to prove herself as a world class striker and perhaps even challenge Gentle Breeze's claim to the "Best Equestrian Hoofballer" title.

"It's exciting," Pristina Shine said when reached for comment, "I'm thrilled that I was able to help the Royals to the title last season, but when I heard that 1830 Cathair was interested in my services, there was no way that I was going to say no. They're one of the best clubs in the multiverse and I'm thrilled to be signing with them."

[Equestrian States]

AOCAF Cup LV
Match Day 2 Results

Group A

Somecoldwetislands 1–3 Anthor
Equestrian States 1–0 Starblaydia

  Group A                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Equestrian States              2   2  0  0    5   0  +5    6
2 Starblaydia                    2   1  0  1    4   2  +2    3
3 Anthor                         2   1  0  1    4   5  −1    3
4 Somecoldwetislands             2   0  0  2    1   7  −6    0

---

Group B

Valanora 1–0 Ko-oren
Farfadillis 5–4 Aji No Moto

  Group B                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Valanora                       2   2  0  0    6   3  +3    6
2 Farfadillis                    2   1  0  1    8   9  −1    3
3 Aji No Moto                    2   1  0  1    5   5   0    3
4 Ko-oren                        2   0  0  2    0   2  −2    0

---

Group C

Melbergia 1–0 Euran Oceania Territories
Chromatika 0–1 Tropicorp

  Group C                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Tropicorp                      2   2  0  0    6   0  +6    6
2 Chromatika                     2   1  0  1    4   1  +3    3
3 Melbergia                      2   1  0  1    1   4  −3    3
4 Euran Oceania Territories      2   0  0  2    0   6  −6    0

---

Group D

Yesopalitha 3–4 Cosumar
Soltsteed 1–2 Mriin

  Group D                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Cosumar                        2   2  0  0    8   5  +3    6
2 Yesopalitha                    2   1  0  1    5   4  +1    3
3 Mriin                          2   1  0  1    4   5  −1    3
4 Soltsteed                      2   0  0  2    1   4  −3    0

---

Group E

95X 5–0 Salem Oregon
Tomikosan 1–1 Osarius

  Group E                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 95X                            2   1  1  0    6   1  +5    4
2 Osarius                        2   1  1  0    6   3  +3    4
3 Tomikosan                      2   0  2  0    2   2   0    2
4 Salem Oregon                   2   0  0  2    2  10  −8    0

---

Group F

Banija 1–5 Eshan
North New South Wales 0–0 Sultanate of Oontaz

  Group F                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Eshan                          2   2  0  0    8   2  +6    6
2 Banija                         2   1  0  1    3   5  −2    3
3 Sultanate of Oontaz            2   0  1  1    1   3  −2    1
4 North New South Wales          2   0  1  1    0   2  −2    1

---

Group G

Demot 1–0 Nuovo Serone
Vilita & Turori 2–1 Qasden

  Group G                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Vilita & Turori                2   2  0  0    6   4  +2    6
2 Demot                          2   1  0  1    4   4   0    3
3 Qasden                         2   0  1  1    2   3  −1    1
4 Nuovo Serone                   2   0  1  1    1   2  −1    1

[Melbergia]

Melbergia 1–0 Euran Oceania Territories

A headed goal from veteran centreback Jon Nyholm was enough to gift Melbergia three points in what was otherwise an uninspiring affair.

Participating in their maiden AOCAF Cup, Melbergian fans celebrated their team's first win, and indeed their first goal in the competition, having previously been demolished by a dominant Chromatika in their debut outing.

The game saw two teams playing staid, wooden football, clearly neither side wishing to lose. The difference eventually came from a corner in the 72nd minute, mixed communication on behalf of the Euran defence leaving Nyholm unmarked and able to dispatch a straightforward header at the far post. A simple highlight in a game that otherwise had very few.

Whilst the win gives Melbergia some small hope of progression, many believe it would take a minor miracle. Their fate is ultimately likely to be out of their hands - should Chromatika dispatch an inferior Euran side then it is all over barring Melbergia somehow beating Tropicorp by a margin of five goals. Bookmakers are currently offering a generous 2000-1 on this likelihood.

Mood is high in the Melbergian camp however, and the side go forwards to their game with Tropicorp looking to achieve a solid performance and at least finish third in the group.

[Starblaydia]

World Cup 78 Part One: Takeaway | Two: Duchess | Three: Fidget | Four: Torque | Five: Omen | Six: Leap | Seven: Screams | Eight: Iota | Nine: Death | Ten: Wrong | Eleven: Happy | Twelve: Together | Thirteen: Sweat | Fourteen: Taken | Di Bradini Cup 41 Part Fifteen: Stunned | World Cup 79: Part Sixteen: Fame | Seventeen: Weird | Eighteen: Sheep | Nineteen: Grave | Twenty: Gather

Before the 55th AOCAF Cup began...

The one good thing about the time in between World Cups was that Simeone got to travel around to the various regional tournaments in the mundane realm. The potential for the Holy Empire and the Archregimancy facing off against each other for the football bragging rights once per cycle was a rather alien concept here, but it meant Simeone was free to wander around and, in particular, visit the Atlantian Oceania Confederation of Association Football Cup. He'd last made an appearance in the fifth edition, where he'd captained the side to the Quarter Finals, scorined nine goals in eight games. But now, fifty tournaments later, Starblaydia were expected to make the second round and then no further, such had their standing in both World and Regional football fallen.

It would certainly be an interesting tournament, as Starblaydia were in a group with the hosts, Equestrian States, and two nations that he was embarrassed to admit that he'd never heard of. Quite how he could remember the likes of Big Pimento, Kylaai and Lexmarak, but not be able to keep up with even the regional game to know who and how good Anthor and Somecoldwetislands were, he wasn't sure. This was why, apparently, they'd given him the Device. He pulled it out of his suit pocket to have another look at it.

Back in the Dreamed Realm it had been an awkwardly-shaped gadget that Simeone had presumed would be good for ghost hunting. It was essentially a screen of some sort on a short stick that served as a grip, with all sorts of oddly-shapped buttons of varying geometric designs around the outside, and two little antennae poking out of the top. It beeped, it whistled, it buzzed and generally made a nuisance of itself. Now he was in the mundy realm, however, it had become the sleekest black mirror of a smartphone he'd ever seen. It was scratch, drop and grease resistant; he never even saw his own fingerprints on it, never mind the invulnerability of the thing when he'd dropped it shortly after arriving in Starblaydia. On the screen, apps were swiped and faded and tapped with a precision he was sure technology designers could only dream of. It hadn't actually dawned on him yet how appropriate that thought was.

On of the benefits of this Device was how it figured out the world around him. Whatever he wanted, by and large, he could find in it's various apps quickly and they gave him as much information as he needed. Anthor debuted at the 61st Baptism of Fire, for instance. This was useful to tell Simeone quite how out of touch he was with the smaller teams of the modern international game, much to his chagrin. The little Device vibrated subtly in his pocket, just enough for him to notice, when some sort of pertinent new information was made available to him. He wondered whether this was Dreamed Realm 'magic', or whether there was a team following his movements at all times, doing research, and sending him that research on the spot. He mostly hoped that it was the former option.

Being fifty editions since he'd last played for the team was a little bit of a landmark that someone at the SFA had thought would be nice for him to turn up. Probably someone in PR or Social Media or the like, but Simeone was happy to help his other country in any way he could. 'Other country'? At this point he'd been in the Holy Empire far longer than he'd been an actual living Starblaydi, so quite where he felt he was a citizen of troubled him on occasion. It didn't matter, really, he still had great pride for the team in white and purple, even if he was growing increasingly distant from the nation and it's people.

It had been arranged that a delegation of VVVIPs would send the Starblaydi team off this evening on their journey to Equestrian States. Meet the team in their nice suits, shake some hands, take some pictures, say something inspirational but not arrogant to the assembled media - the usual sort of stuff. Simeone, waiting patiently for the last of the dignitaries to arrive so that the team could make their official entrance and be sent of their way, didn't expressly consider himself very-very-very-important in this situation, but there's nothing like publicists to overstate things. How important could a send off party get?

'Oh', the clamour of an approaching group of people told him, 'that important.'

Lady-Protector Korra Starblayde swept through the departure lounge of Jhanna International Airport like a surfer on a tsunami. Flanked by the President of the SFA, Tororin Halatyrion, she was the focused, determined centre of a whirlwind of officials, followers, journalists and security that swarmed around her. She was also, Simeone thought to himself for not the first time, really rather beautiful. But there was this nagging feeling in the back of his mind that he'd seen her somewhere before. She was a Svecia, not a Somecoldwetislands, and that's all he could think of before she was standing in front of him and the cameras were rattling their shutters like playing cards in a fleet of bicycle wheels, the bright white of their flashes fairly blinding him to everything but her silhouette in front of him. Automatically they reached out their hands to shake at the same time, and if any words were said between them, they were nothing more than social pleasantries. But, when their hands touched, Simeone immediately felt a sense of overwhelming dread. It was matched by the Device in his suit pocket going what could only be described as 'batshit crazy'. It felt like it was doing backflips in his jacket, buzzing and whirling and jumping around.

This was wrong. This was very-very-very-wrong. But, as quick as that, the ruler of Starblaydia had moved on and Tororin Halatyrion was shaking his hand and patting him on the shoulder, bringing him back to reality. The Device, like a small child who has largely given up trying to get one's attention, was only halfheartedly vibrating in his pocket. If anything, it had distracted him from processing quite how much of a chill had gone up his spine. But there, however, was the heavy double doors opening and there was Ázëwyn leading her team into the departure lounge, and then suddenly everything was normal in his world again.

He'd check the notifications later, as the Device gave him one last vibration in annoyance.

[Ko-oren]

Previously

By the time the third AOCAF match rolled around, Katherine was almost getting used to the strange addition to the coaching staff. Simultaneously she still fully expected someone to tell her it was all a prank. She even grew accustomed to life in the Equestrian States for a little: early morning staff meeting, morning training session, lunch, afternoon training session, and then some hanging around to make sure all the data was complete and correct and making notes for tomorrow's sessions. Evenings were free, though there was curfew for every single person associated with the team. Coach or player, you had to be in by 21:00. Team presidents and the press staff was exempt from this, but the press world was so removed from Katherine's tasks, she had to stop and think for a minute to remind herself of them.

The early meeting was one between the head coach, the assistant coaches, LISA, the head of medical staff, the head of strength and conditioning, and two of the data staff. All in all, it was a fairly big group, about half the size of the entire group of players. The medical staff and strength and conditioning would start off the day by listing the issues found the day prior and the expected impact on that player's performance. Then LISA came up with the training session for the day. The data staff was ready to answer any question about why every specific exercise was picked.

She noted, for instance, that versus Valanora, it took the team an average of 6,5 seconds to shift from offensive to defensive formation, a upward (though that means bad in this case) trend from since the end of World Cup qualifiers. The team was slower to react to dispossession than before, and that, according to LISA, was the main reason for the bad results as of late. More successful teams, she said, took anywhere between 3 and 7 seconds, with the bulk of those around 4 seconds. In that 2,5 seconds between the average and Ko-oren, the ball would be won back on the first or second pass far more often, leading to more successful counterattacks, as well as to less time in possession to the opponents.

Slowly, though, Katherine started seeing trends to LISA's coaching. Ko-oren was naturally a defensive team. Most players have worked under a defensive coach, focused on limiting the opponent's openings for attack. Since data took over, there was a shift towards trying to possess the ball for as long as possible. Every single time this meant that the entire team moved up front to give support to the attacking structure, and every single time the opponents managed to get lucky once or twice behind a very high Ko-orenite defensive line. However, those one or two times every now and again weren't significant enough to show up on LISA's lists, which were based around averages. Now, the Dragonflies rarely conceded off of these moments, but if any opponent figured that out, it could be a valid tactic to send wingers in behind the line in case the Ko-orenites lost the ball. Paired with the long time it took to shift to a defensive stance, this was going to be deadly soon enough. Aji no Moto even scored in that way. Valanora did it countless times. Both were 0-1 losses.

It wasn't the case that everyone took LISA's words for granted, either. For every strange decision, someone would raise the question why that was going to be a successful strategy next game, and every time, the data staff managed to come up with a valid explanation for the software's behaviour. In fact, everyone worked hard to make this team successful. LISA even looked for gaps in the opponents' play, and often found something to go on. In the actual match, that gap was still there, but every opposing coach so far had seen what went wrong and made steps to correct it before the second half. Wouters and Beaulieu had some shots on goal here and there, but still no goal. Could soccer even be planned in that way? It seemed like it definitely could, but that the right questions still weren't asked. Katherine was told to lay low for her first tournament as a staff member, but she'd have to do something quick, if she wanted to help the team, the results, and the method involved.

[Banija]

OOC: What is a Katikkiro? What is a Kabaka? What in the world does Lukiiko mean? Refer to the spoiler in my signature for English language translations of Banijan political terms!

Controversial proposals from Matthias Mutebi draw harsh reaction from Banijan emigrant community


Matthias Mutebi (right) at a campaign rally in Jinja City

JINJA CITY- Matthias Mutebi's Defiance Coalition is shockingly leading the polls in order to get elected to the Lukiiko, and simultaneously watching the complete cratering of the two major parties, the People's Protection Movement and the Free Justice Party, one of whom has always led the government since the establishment of the modern Banijan political system almost 120 years ago. He is riding on the back of public anger regarding the RTC corruption scandal, which has captured politicans in both major parties, and allowed Banija's largest corporation to have an outsized influence in Banija's transportation policy, and essentially, create a public transit monopoly inside the country, inside the places where decent public transit actually exists.

Known as a far-right party, they are black nationalists, who believe that ethnic Banijans are some of the most 'pure people on Earth', and that Banija should work best for those whose ethnic roots are on this land, specifically of the Kasanke ethnicity. Many Kasanke, which are Banija's biggest ethnic group, have flocked towards this radical group, while other minority groups are flocking towards the Collective Resistance Union. In Moravica, of course, the Chrstian Patriots League is making large strides, as the home of the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is getting religion about its politics.

Matthias Mutebi released a bunch of controversial proposals today that angered many in Banija's emigrant community, and were roundly criticized by Banija's major parties and the CRU, the socialist junior partner in government. The major proposal he made was the reform of dual citizenship, to severely restrict and limit it for Banijans. He said that a government led by the Defiance Coalition would reform Banija's citizenship laws so that those who are born Banijans cannot claim dual citizenship, and that dual citizenship can only be applied to those who naturalize within the country.

This, of course, would have the effect of forcing millions of Banijans living abroad with dual citizenship to make a choice- to dump the citizenship of their homeland, or to dump the citizenship of the land they reside in. It is a choice that many Banijan emigrants do not want to make. Matthias Mutebi told a rally that "Banijans abroad, Puritan Mormons, are not doing a service to their country by leaving Banija. When our best and brightest go to live and work in Eshan, or the Equestrian States, or Quebec, or anywhere in the Near Abroad in Atlantian Oceania or in the far abroad everywhere else, are damaging their country at home by contributing to the brain drain. If you willingly leave Banija, why should you be called a Banijan?"

He also told reporters that the law, of course, would not be applied to those who immigrated to Banija. "Not everyone, obviously, is born in Banija. For those who come here and improve their own lives, and the lives of our citizens, we welcome with open arms. We should encourage those who want to be a Banijan by choice, rather than restrict that. But to those Banijans, born of great blood but who willingly choose to abandon their country and work abroad for their only selfish reasons, and cause the brain drain that has crippled this country? It's one thing if you keep your citizenship, like many of our athletes, but then to try to claim allegiance to that country as well? Then you cannot claim to be Banijan."

The law was harshly criticized by Banijans living abroad, saying that the government would force many Banijan citizens to make a choice that would hurt their own personal well-being. Alifa Baldeh, a Banijan Winter Olympian from the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, told reporters that Mutebi's controversial proposal would cause an 'irreparable divide' between Banijans at home and Banijans abroad. He said that Banijans living abroad would see themselves as 'second-class' if this proposal was passed and if Mutebi was elected, and he urged Banijans to vote against the Defiance Coalition.

Not a single member of the Kadongo Kamu reacted to the proposal, all saying that they wanted to focus on their final game of the group stages of the AOCAF. Mutebi, however, has some supporters among his proposals, especially inland. While many of Banija's emigrants come from the National Capitol Region and the Moravica region, many Banijans, especially inland, grow frustrated with this population. Chibuzo Desta, a City Council member in Jinja City, Banija's largest non-port city, said that Banijans recognize that "the brain drain is the main thing that holds this country back, and we, as a society need to take measures to reduce that."

Mutebi is leading in the polls, and it seems that while he sheds plenty of support in Banija's biggest cities, like Istria and Busukuma, he is gaining support inland, in places like Jinja City and Hoima, while the Christian Patriots League, increasingly looking like a potential coalition partner of Matthias Mutebi, are running up big numbers in Moravica, saying that the RTC corruption scandal happened because Banija has 'lost its moral foundation as a Mormon nation', and that this nation 'needs to preach religion more to all regions of the country', which was seen by many as a thinly-veiled shot at the Busoga Islands, which are majority Shia.

The election is about to be upon us, and Mutebi seems likely to pull out a stunning electoral victory, even with his harsh attacks on Banija's emigrant community, who tend to account for somewhere between 5 and 10% of the vote in Banijan general elections. Banija's relations with its emigrant community, and quite possibly all of its members, will be fundamentally changed if Mutebi can hang on and win this election.

AOCAF Roundup: Banija walloped by Eshan but still control their own destiny to reach the knockout stages
Banija has a tough battle ahead of them. With the way that group play has panned out, it seems as if Banija won't be able to qualify as a top two third place team. That said, they have a decent chance of making the knockouts in an automatic qualifying stop. Banija lost 5-1 to Eshan in a match where they got dominated in every phase, North New South Wales earned a shock draw with Oontaz to allow Banija to control their own destiny going into the final match of group play.

The formula is simple- if Banija gets a win or a draw against higher ranked Oontaz, they will advance from the group stages, and reach their tournament goal of making progress and making the knockout stages of this major tournament. However, if they lose, they will finish the group stage with only 3 points, and with a goal difference already at -2, there seems to be little chance of them being in the top two of the 7 third place teams.

If they are to win, they will have to change their game. Eshan, a team that Banija played two very close games against in World Cup Qualifying, dominated Banija on a neutral field. Banija was dominated in all three thirds, and their goal happened in the 90th minute when Eshan was already up 5-0. They will need to forget about this one, and focus on what they can do better (hint: everything!) to beat Oontaz.

What will happen? We are not sure. We will predict a 1-1 draw: while Banija's loss to Eshan was bad, the Oontaz draw against North New South Wales was also pretty bad. We think Randolf Cherry will be able to do what it takes to call this tournament a success, which is just enough in the final match of the group stages to send Banija to the knockouts.

[Chromatika]

Moments of the Off-season
2: Alyss Montague

A brown tabby stirred as a ray of sunlight hit its face. It meowed in annoyance, and a short, young woman with bleach-blonde hair chuckled.

"Oh, Tibby, I'm glad I listened to Alyss and got you. Even if you drive Butler crazy," said one Keira Andisori, taking in the sunshine in her Crisisbless flat. At the mention of her name, the small robot known as Butler came up to her and intoned, "I still think the four-legged creature is a nuisance, Mistress, but you are the boss."

"Thank you, Butler. Can you check my comm logs and remind me when Alyss said she'd be here?" asked Keira.

"In approximate twelve minutes, Ma'am. She also mentioned something important," replied Butler, before bowing and exiting the room.

Life as a footballer in Nephara was great. You had the fame, the privacy of your personal life if you worked hard enough for it, the exposure enough to show the world what you could do. The populace were mad about the Premiership, and Chromatik players were starting to make a difference. Lisa Amos and herself in Starling, Erika Morningstar in Sabrefell Athletic, Jazmin Dragana in Brinemouth, Aysu Damjana in Vermillion Rage, Rowena Sierra for the Violence Chariots, and even Miranda Gail at Southfell United. With AFC Corvistone also moving into the Premiership, Gerrit Tatu would be arriving, too. This Chromatik representation was a sign of the times that the small island nation in Atlantian Oceania was starting to garner international attention more than before. Unfortunately, the Chromatik League was not quite up to the level to house the national team, though the results being put forth by one Tihon led by Catheline Alister wasn't going unnoticed.

Alyss and she had decided early on that they would not return home to Chromatika in the offseason, and instead stay in Nephara. Although they were the most famous homosexual couple in Chromatika, and life for those in same-sex relationships had gotten much better since the overthrowing of the Chromatik Party, Nephara was head and shoulders above Chromatika in civil rights and liberties. It was from this flat in Crisisbless that Keira continued her side job as an adviser to Alina Krasnikova and a blogger and Alyss continued her side job in managing a winery in Eyrods from afar.

The Chromatik populace seemed to think that Alyss had seduced her, but really, it was that Keira had noticed Alyss's advances and decided to commit to the relationship. They were three years apart in age, but they bore that well; in the years they had been together, the relationship had blossomed into a serious one, and they were actually thinking of getting married soon.

She would only be bringing one Beaunia Andisori, her sister who had separated from her at birth, while Alyss had more of a family. Her mother supported their relationship a hundred percent, and ran the winery in Eyrods; her father was a convicted Chromatik Party Secret Police member currently serving in prison, and someone that Alyss had cut all ties with.

The doorbell chiming brought Keira back the present as Alyss Montague entered the room. Two inches taller and a bit larger, Montague's jet-black hair and angled features defined her; in her everyday blouse and jeans, she looked like a million bucks. Her cheeks were flushed more than the usual blush, and she looked like she had run up the stairs to get to Keira a bit sooner.

"Hey, luv," stated Montague, pecking Keira on the cheek.

"Hey, yourself," replied Keira, "What's up? Loque give you grief over not accepting that bid from King's Park? Victoriane and Kelly giving you trouble for not joining them in Schottia? Tell them that you're mine, and I'm more important than all the potential matchups in the world."

Alyss shook her head three times before sitting down next to Keira and holding their hands together.

"Nope. Kaytlyn said she understood and agreed - even joked that she's glad she doesn't have to play me twice a year - and Whitney is a bit scared of me because I'm friends with Meagan. No, it's not that. It's just with that bid by Cullen and King's Park, it's opened up the fact that I might be persuaded to move, and another bid came in," replied Montague.

"Well, it better be from within the Premiership, or it's not happening. You and Loque agreed upon that -" Keira stopped as she saw a look flash across Alyss's face. She understood. "A Premiership Club made an offer, didn't it? And it's a better team than Coret? Can't be Lisa - she wouldn't do that without telling me - Who is it?"

"It's... Brinemouth," breathed out Alyss.

"WHOA, what?!" shouted Andisori, springing up and starting to pace around, "Brinemouth?! To join Soederquist and Conjure? Mescalin's squad?"

"Yep. Loque gave me her blessing, too. I think I'm going to take it, Keira. Brinemouth is a beautiful city, and their bullet train takes me back here in a matter of two hours. It'll finally give me a chance to participate in international club football before we retire and you go into politics and me more into my winery business, and it just makes too much damn sense," explained Alyss.

"Jazz know yet?" asked Keira, referring to Jazmin Dragana, winger at Brinemouth.

"No, I think they're holding out until I make my decision. So, what do you say?" inquired Montague back.

"Oh, come on!" exclaimed Keira, "As if I would say no? I mean, from Starling's perspective, you're going to be ridiculously hard to beat next year, but this is your dream, your career! Brinemouth will be great for you! And that bullet train system is pretty sick. Go on, make the call to Loque that you'll accept, and thank her for taking care of not one but two Chromatiks."

Montague kissed Andisori on the cheek once more and went out to make the phone call.

Keira sat for a bit, basking in the glow of knowing that their lives were going to get even better.

Chromatik football power couple? Indeed. And both of them were women. Screw you, old Chromatik ideals and Chromatik Party. Screw you.

---

Tropicorp 1-0 Chromatika
AOCAF 55 Group Stage Match 2
Lineup: Ria; Morningstar - Aart - Ellen; Kelly (C) - Montague - Sybill - Dragana; Victoriane - Andisori - Niro. Subs: Damjana -> Ellen '59, Hellion -> Sybill '79, Gail -> Andisori '87
A frustrating defeat at the hands of Tropicorp saw every opportunity by the Chromatiks go awry - all ten shots on goal.

They'll have one match to bounce back against the Euran Oceania Territories before they head into the knockout phase.

[Vilita and Turori]

Vilita & Turori [2] - [1] Qasden

AOCAF 55 :: The Equestrian States :: The Vilita & Turori Eel-Cat Things secured their space in the Round of 16 with a 2-1 victory over Qasden on Group Stage matchday two. It was a Cats on Cats battle and it was the Jungle Cats who put in the best purrformance with an opening goal from Linvoi Warazil to set the stage and a match winner 15 minutes from time off the foot of Tenziki Kulakao as the Eel-Cat Things re-took the lead that was snatched away from them earlier in the second half when Onyx Foster had equalized for Qasden.

The result puts two-time Cup of Harmony champions Qasden on the bring of elimination from the fifty-fifth AOCAF competition as they were held to a 1-1 draw on the opening matchday against Nuovo Serone. They will have a chance to advance still, however, as the third matchday of play in Group G will see the Cats of Qasden square off against the Dynamo of Demot in what could ultimately become a winner-take-all showdown. Should the match end in a draw, Demot have the advantage as a result of their narrow victory over Nuovo Serone on Matchday 2. For Vilita & Turori, Not only are they already assured of a place in the Round of 16 but now the Eel-Cat Things will get to experiment a bit in their final matchup of the group phase against Nuovo Serone.

:: Vilita & Turori Goalscorers :: :: 8' Linvoi Warazil :: 76' Tenziki Kulakao

:: Vilita & Turori Statistics :: :: Possession: 90% :: Shots on Target: 6 :: Corner Kicks: 7

:: Qasden Statistics :: :: Possession: 10% :: Shots on Target: 6 :: Corner Kicks: 5

:: Qasden Goalscorers :: :: 52' Onyx Foster

---

Vilita & Turori Eel Cat Things Lineup v. Qasden ::
[GK]Mako Canopii, [D.]Jirak Trikala, [D.]Jirijii Januaa, [D.]Biliki Rona'atu'i, [D.] Linkat Cjinder, [ML] Va'a-Rio Kiwavn, [MC]Purapal Eskiiy, [MC] Jurzen Devmiko, [MR] Polaox Torerun, [FC]Tenziki Kulakao, [FC]Linvoi Warazil
BENCH::
[FC]Meldi'ita Mungwaii, [FC]Nii'arala Milaaso, [M]Kudii Davasarii, [M]Cywrenta Vlintejni, [U ]Wiztsana Iretziia, [D]Mileke Drokasorna, [GK]Vernasa Sanamun

---

[Aji No Moto]

Farfadillis 5-4 Aji No Moto

FFD Scorers: Xíxì Êns (x2); Groaré Sasca (x2); Täjó Çíânflöné
ANM Scorers: Shigemitsu (x3); Kikkawa

The Yellow Hawks had one chance to make it to the knockout stages of the AOCAF... and oh boy, they squandered it.

The Farves scored as much as they wanted to, putting five past Kudara, but they made the scoreline more respectable - by scoring four of their own, to make the end of the game more interesting. It was also a cardfest in the match, with four yellows received by the opposition, and three by the Ajians, plus the late sending off of Shibaguchi.

The Yellow Hawks face Valanora next, and while they are pessimistic about their chances there, they are hoping that the Dragonflies, who they beat, will in turn beat the Farves by a tight margin to have any chances to go through the group stage.

---

Kissan Motors Headquarters
Serizawa, Aji No Moto

The Sugiyama clan, who owns one of the largest automobile companies in Aji No Moto, discussed about possible sponsorships to the national teams of Aji No Moto. They already sponsor three sports clubs of the town, Serizawa Birdy's football, basketball, and volleyball teams, plus the sponsorship of the stadiums of these teams. They also have multiple racing circuits at Serizawa and at the nearby Harajuku, and their motorsports arm have already ventured into the WGPC world and planning to enter a team in the NSSCRA, Formula Hodori, and WGP2, courtesy of their new partners, the IGR Group.

The meeting lasted around two hours, where the decision was plain and simple: support the Ajian national teams by sponsoring their further activities moving forward. They had a lot of surplus of money, and that would be their way to give back to the community.

[Farfadillis]

"Federico! I knew I'd find you here!" Edgardo shook my hand with clear enthusiasm, as always. "Rëléé Síràànágâ. Always a good place to go fishing. Great minds think alike!"

You didn't really have to be very smart to think of going to Rëléé Síràànágâ when tasked with scouting for Rulandese players. It was conveniently far away from the drug war and the more dangerous neigborhoods. If you squinted a bit, you could confuse it for a safe place, even. It also harbored some of the most talented kids a scout would see in their life. Fôrté Wínrôuge played there as a kid. So did his cousin Täjó Çíânflöné. Dí Maozöxê recruited Xíxì Êns there not long ago, too.

"It certainly smells of fish." I responded, in a half-hearted attempt to be polite and not ignore him completely. "I really wish these kids weren't so talented. I'd avoid this place like the plague if I could."

"On that, we agree. I don't like being surrounded by these barbarians." If we hadn't been speaking Faroleran, we would've probably gotten killed for that remark.

I'm not sure I would've called them barbarians, but the Rulandese sure were more... anarchic, in a sense. Especially when it came to youth football. In every other Farf state, and indeed most of the Multiverse, there are football clubs for kids. When they hit age ten or so, they get scouted by the professional teams and they go from there. That's what we at Avenida Leal did in our home state. Things worked differently in Ruland.

Every kid that aspired to be a footballer would just play football on the streets. Little teams of kids gathered to play football. Then the more talented ones would excel. Quickly, their parents would take them to different neighborhoods and gather them with other good players. Hierarchies would form quickly and out of thin air. The less talented kids would play each other, and they'd have fun. Also, something to forget their misery for a few hours. The more gifted ones would play like their life depended on it. The math between the Süsînís, which is the term they use for the teams whose kids are most talented, could turn very ugly. That made scouting in Ruland particularly difficult. Best case scenario, you'd find the next Wínrôuge. Worst case scenario, a shoot-out would break out.

Once a year, usually around February, all of the Süsînís would go to the Rëléé Síràànágâ to play a few matches. Exhibition matches, so to speak. Scouts from all Ruland would go, and so would some from Puerto Farolero, like Edgardo and me. The kids would play like never in their lives. Some would be as young as nine, others as old as fourteen. It was extremely organized and even more disorganized. Twenty-six years ago, I was there when Wínrôuge scored seven in both exhibition matches, despite being just eight. Mâ Âlâmëómë's scout picked him up. As a Faroleran scout, you stood no chance against the Rulandese scouts, obviously.

"Say, that kid. The right winger. He really can dribble, huh?" Edgardo sometimes forgot he had to act in La Nueva Avenida's best interests, not mine.

"A bit too one-footed for my liking. The huge centreback over there's been impressing me more, if I'm honest." To be fair, I made the same mistakes as him.

Honestly, the few matches I'd seen that day had kind of disappointed me. There were many talented kids, yeah, but not nearly as many as in years before. There were also no stand-out players. You'd always hear again from at least one or two players you saw here. At the very least, a couple would reach the top flight. These kids hadn't really shown that kind of talent, however.

After that match finished, Edgardo approached the right winger that had impressed him. Since the kid hadn't been that impressive, things turned out to be pretty easy for him.

Soon after, two new teams took the pitch (if you could really call it a 'pitch'). Something immediately called our attention.

"Federico... isn't that kid a bit too small?"

"He might just be very short." I immediately dismissed what Edgardo was hinting. It's better not to get your hopes.

The referee blew the whistle and the kids began playing. Both of us were fixated on this kid. He really had such an... uninspiring frame. How old could he be? Nine? Eight? Seven? The kid hadn't yet touched the ball and we were both already hyped for whatever he could manage to do with such a huge physical disadvantage.

As soon as one his teammates passed the ball to him, we realized our suspicions were correct. He took the ball, dribbled one, two, three, four... then he chipped it over the goalkeeper. The kid was far more nimble than all the others. The ball was glued to his feet.

Federico and I looked at each other, not quite believing what we'd just seen. The last kid we'd seen do something like that at Rëléé Síràànágâ had been Xíxì Êns, and he was noticeably older. The match continued, and the kid continued to show his quality through and through. By the end of the match, it was pretty obvious. This kid's performance could only be compared to Wínrôuge's about two decades before. The Rulandese scouts seemed to be even more impressed than us. They didn't even wait for the kid's second match; they straight up approached him.

Much to our surprise, after only a brief exchange, Mâ Âlâmëómë's scout left with an annoyed look on his face. Di Maozöxê's scout had a similar reaction. Excited, we ended up approaching him.

"You were fantastic out there! Is this your mother?" Edgardo shook the kid's minuscule hands, then he shook the woman's slightly bigger hands. His Farf was not the best, but it got his point across even in Ruland, which was more than could be said about my Farf. That was another barrier for Faroleran scouts in Ruland. Language.

"I'm his father's cousin, actually." She responded in perfect Faroleran. "I take it you're both Faroleran?"

"Are you Faroleran?!" I could not hide my shock. No Faroleran in his right mind would make their way to Ruland to have his kid play football to impress some dumb scouts like us.

"Yes, though my husband's Rulandese. Little Kuasar over here was told the kids over here were better than at home. He came for a challenge."

"I can't help but feel he was sorely disappointed." Edgardo remarked what we were both thinking.

The woman chuckled. "Yeah, he's quite something, isn't he? We've not tried him out for any clubs yet. You know, he's gotta wait four years for that." With some quick maths, I realized the kid was eight.

"So he's eight, huh..." I trailed off for a bit. "Edgardo, I'm sure we're both thinking the same thing."

"That this kid could be the next..."

"Yes." I turned to the woman. "Excuse my manners. My name's Federico Fernández. I'm a scout for Avenida Leal."

"Excuse my manners, too." Edgardo soon followed my example. "My name's Edgardo Godoy. I scout for La Nueva Avenida."

Kuasar pulled the woman's clothes. She leaned in and he whispered something into her ear. She smiled.

"Well, that's fantastic. Kuasar is actually very interested in Avenida Leal. He's actually a big fan of the team." A shit-eating grin took over my face, while Edgardo's face became the purest expression of disappointment I've ever come across.

"I can offer him a place in the U-12 squad straight away."

"The spoting incenive is enticing, but I was hoping for a more... monetary... offer, let's say."

"Three hundred." I offered nonchalantly. She laughed in my face.

"Three hundred feardallis? Are you trying to insult us?"

"I thought the 'thousand' was implied." My shit-eating grin returned. The woman's face was priceless.

I wasn't the most shrewd negotiator. My talents didn't lie there. I was merely a scout, and I was sure three hundred thousand feardallis would prove the bargain of the century for my club. Edgardo looked at me like I was out of my mind, though.

"Is that a deal, then?" I pressed.

She could only nod, words having abandoned her after my offer. I looked at the kid and smiled

"Well, Kuasar. I guess you'll be wearing black and yellow soon."

[Equestrian States]

Ponies Prevail in Purple Derby
by Steve McNotapony

Starblaydia 0-1 Equestrian States
at Royal Equestria Stadium in Canterlot, Equestrian States
Attendance: 104,572
Scoring:
Elaine Everdeen '78 (A. Aiza)

CANTERLOT - The Ponies entered their match against Starblaydia knowing that a win would almost certainly be enough to effectively clinch a berth in the second round of the AOCAF Cup, though nopony expected that earning those precious three points would be easy and in the end that majority consensus was confirmed as the so-called "Purple Derby" developed into a closely-contested match.

Really, calling the meeting of the Equestrian and Starblaydi teams the Purple Derby overstates the history between the two nations, as they've met just once in the last 20 years albeit in a crucial group stage match at the 65th World Cup that saw the Blades edge out the Ponies and secure themselves a spot in that tournament's second round. Still, the match between the multiverse's two best-known purple-clad teams was bound to draw plenty of attention, particularly with the Equestrians hosting this edition.

Anyways, as anticipated, the game was another fiercely fought battle just like the Ponies' and Blades' previous meeting, though unlike that match there weren't anywhere near as many goals. Not for a lack of trying, however, as goalkeepers Gentle Breeze and Bjorn Järvinen put on a pair of spectacular performances in goal to keep the match scoreless entering the final 15 minutes of play.

Ultimately, it was Elaine Everdeen who came off the bench to score the late winner for the hosts, assisted by a perfect cross from Aarón Aiza. The pairing was an appropriate one, as both players have performed well since moving abroad last season, Aiza even managing to win the Banijan league's Player of the Season award.

  Group A                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts        MD2 Results:
1  Equestrian States        2   2  0  0    5   0  +5    6         Somecoldwetislands 1–3 Anthor 
2  Starblaydia              2   1  0  1    4   2  +2    3        @ Grand Regal Stadium in Canterlot
3  Anthor                   2   1  0  1    4   5  −1    3         Starblaydia 0–1 Equestrian States 
4  Somecoldwetislands       2   0  0  2    1   7  −6    0        @ Royal Equestria Stadium in Canterlot
  Starblaydia ahead of Anthor on head-to-head points

Meanwhile, at Grand Regal Stadium, Anthor saw off Somecoldwetislands to keep their hopes of advancing alive, though they will face a stiff challenge from the Ponies, who have been excellent thus far on home soil, holding both the Soggy Islanders and Starblaydis scoreless in their two wins.

[-Anthor-]

One Win Down, But Can the Warriors Repeat it Next Week?
A predicted win against the newcomer occurs, but can the Warriors repeat this against EquestrianStates?

^{SHARE THIS:}

Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus (@Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus)(TH)
^{Baltha 11, 602AE 11:00 AM | Vaumort, Anthor}

---

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Nicholas Stark celebrates his first goal of the contestTH photo

Vaumort, Anthor(Herald) — Well, I'm sure all Warrior fans blew out a collective sigh of relief this past evening after at least one prediction of our annual AOCAF campaign came true after we defeated Somecoldwetislands on a comfortable 3-1 scoreline, being carried through the night by a methodical style of play centered on dominating possession instead of the usually high-charged aggressive offense, and in particular being led by Nicholas Stark who scored a brace of goals in one of his finest international performances in his blossoming and still young career.

However, one of the more notable talking points to be had about this came, and in the public team training sessions was the appearance of Ashingdon United's Richard Carter, who had been rumored to be re-selected as the teams starting keeper in the wake of Kimball's prolonged recovery and Hackshaw's continued dismal performance and manager Adrian Darby made the roster move official five nights ago in a very curt press statement, announcing that Hackshaw had been dismissed from the national team entirely, which Richard Carter being called up and selected for first team and Evesham's John Bryce as a placement for the potential substitutes selections. Carter had been spotted training with the team before the announcement for two days and afterward both he and Bryce were seen getting large amounts of time on the practice field. In his first national team performance in more then six years, Carter worked hard for his okay game rating, managing to save a total of 8 shots, parry a further 5 and allowing just a lone goal early on, at the fourteen minute mark by the opposing team's lead striker.

Nicholas Starks did amazingly well, scoring at the 42nd minute mark and then again at the 57th to show that the midhalf break hadn't cooled him off in the slightest, netting the first banger in the opposing goal off of a precision placed lob pass from Frank Cartwright and then getting the second in after a quick pass inside the box from Jason Rigsby. Thorvald Padmore also scored the team's final goal, around the 68th minute mark after a cross came into the box from Alistair Dolan on the right flank of the pitch and Padmore managed to execute some skillful footwork to outclass two defenders and tap it into the net. The team's well calibrated and methodical style of play gave a hallmark to their finest performances, and despite giving up an early goal, fans and commentators were joined by manager Darby in calling it one of the team's finest matches in the last year.

However, it was also an predicted victory over a vastly inexperienced team, and their final upcoming match is a do-or-die situation against a very skilled, very experienced and extremely capable EquestrianStates, who are also the hosts of this year's AOCAF, and the Equestrians have been on fire this AOCAF, putting up 5 goals in 2 games and not allowing a single goal in either contest which has afforded them the #1 seed in the group. Pundits would point out their afraid that the strong defense of the Ponies would halt potent scorers such as Rigsby, McKenzie and Murphy dead in their tracks, or even possibly that the defense would wilter against the leaned attack from the opposing side, but gaffer Darby has expressed nothing but absolute confidence in the skill of his squad and players to overcome them in the match ahead, and encouraged both his team, staff and fans to keep their heads on straight and focused, and the Warriors could pull out of it with a victory that could send them into advancement stages with the AOCAF.

Gnaeus Tanicus Vopiscus contributed to this article.

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[Qasden]

Vans Scare Fans before Win or Go Home Match

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MANECHESTER, EQUESTRIAN STATES
by Clyde V

---

With two games down and one more to go in the AOCAF LV group stage, Team Qasden is certainly in hot water in the eyes of their fans back in T.V. City, after they crashed tremendously in their previous matches here in the Equestrian States.

On the first day of regional competition, the Vans were to play an unranked Nuovo Serone team for what was an expected easy 3 points. Shockingly, however, the Blue-Reds did not deliver as hoped for, with a single goal by Bostun being the only driving force towards a draw. An unfortunate eye sore right off the bat for sure, and fans weren't exactly pleased with that, either. (See: Qad Rams Caprius through Crowd for more information on that) While that enough opened a gash to our knockout dreams, all the second game did was add salt to it.

When taking on a strong Vilita & Turorian team, Foster tied the match at one apiece 52 minutes in before being quenched by a 2nd Vilitan goal 24 minutes later. Our offense couldn't make up for the deficit in time and, in return, failed to win the match, costing them another 3 points. Which brings us to here.

1 point, 1 match to go, and only 1 possible solution for the Vans to advance at this point. The Demot squad, like the Blue-Reds, suffered a blow to the Eel-Cat Things. However, in their matchup against Nuovo Serone, the fellow Azeurians managed to claim a 1-0 win, earning themselves a key 3 points to advance. So what does this mean for us? A loss to the Dynamo would, without a doubt, send our boys and girl back home crying broken glass. A draw, worthy of 1 point, would also be worthless for TQ since we would still lack enough points to proceed. That leaves them with the opportunity for victory. A win in Manechester would earn the Vans 3 points, raising our score to 4 and allowing us to clinch the playoffs with pride. But the Demot team is still a strong threat, having competed in several previous editions of the tournament.

Will our Vans be able to fight their way back into our hearts? Or will their CoH legacy fall to dust? Stay tuned, stay updated, and stay alert for our postgame report live from the hay bales of Manechester, Equestrian States!

[Equestrian States]

AOCAF Cup LV
Match Day 3 Results

Group A

Starblaydia 5–0 Somecoldwetislands
Anthor 3–8 Equestrian States

  Group A                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Equestrian States              3   3  0  0   13   3 +10    9   Q
2 Starblaydia                    3   2  0  1    9   2  +7    6   Q
3 Anthor                         3   1  0  2    7  13  −6    3
4 Somecoldwetislands             3   0  0  3    1  12 −11    0

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Group B

Aji No Moto 0–5 Valanora
Ko-oren 2–3 Farfadillis

  Group B                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Valanora                       3   3  0  0   11   3  +8    9   Q
2 Farfadillis                    3   2  0  1   11  11   0    6   Q
3 Aji No Moto                    3   1  0  2    5  10  −5    3
4 Ko-oren                        3   0  0  3    2   5  −3    0

---

Group C

Tropicorp 1–0 Melbergia
Euran Oceania Territories 2–3 Chromatika

  Group C                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Tropicorp                      3   3  0  0    7   0  +7    9   Q
2 Chromatika                     3   2  0  1    7   3  +4    6   Q
3 Melbergia                      3   1  0  2    1   5  −4    3
4 Euran Oceania Territories      3   0  0  3    2   9  −7    0

---

Group D

Mriin 1–1 Yesopalitha
Cosumar 1–0 Soltsteed

  Group D                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Cosumar                        3   3  0  0    9   5  +4    9   Q
2 Yesopalitha                    3   1  1  1    6   5  +1    4   Q
3 Mriin                          3   1  1  1    5   6  −1    4   Q
4 Soltsteed                      3   0  0  3    1   5  −4    0

---

Group E

Osarius 2–2 95X
Salem Oregon 0–2 Tomikosan

  Group E                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 95X                            3   1  2  0    8   3  +5    5   Q
2 Osarius                        3   1  2  0    8   5  +3    5   Q
3 Tomikosan                      3   1  2  0    4   2  +2    5   Q
4 Salem Oregon                   3   0  0  3    2  12 −10    0

---

Group F

Sultanate of Oontaz 1–3 Banija
Eshan 4–4 North New South Wales

  Group F                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Eshan                          3   2  1  0   12   6  +6    7   Q
2 Banija                         3   2  0  1    6   6   0    6   Q
3 North New South Wales          3   0  2  1    4   6  −2    2
4 Sultanate of Oontaz            3   0  1  2    2   6  −4    1

---

Group G

Qasden 3–1 Demot
Nuovo Serone 2–7 Vilita & Turori

  Group G                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Vilita & Turori                3   3  0  0   13   6  +7    9   Q
2 Qasden                         3   1  1  1    5   4  +1    4   Q
3 Demot                          3   1  0  2    5   7  −2    3
4 Nuovo Serone                   3   0  1  2    3   9  −6    1

---

Knockout Stage Seeding

   Knockout Seeding             Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
 1 Equestrian States              3   3  0  0   13   3 +10    9   Q
 2 Valanora                       3   3  0  0   11   3  +8    9   Q
 3 Vilita & Turori                3   3  0  0   13   6  +7    9   Q
 4 Tropicorp                      3   3  0  0    7   0  +7    9   Q
 5 Cosumar                        3   3  0  0    9   5  +4    9   Q
 6 Eshan                          3   2  1  0   12   6  +6    7   Q
 7 95X                            3   1  2  0    8   3  +5    5   Q
---------------------------------------------------------------
 8 Starblaydia                    3   2  0  1    9   2  +7    6   Q
 9 Chromatika                     3   2  0  1    7   3  +4    6   Q
10 Farfadillis                    3   2  0  1   11  11   0    6   Q
11 Banija                         3   2  0  1    6   6   0    6   Q
12 Osarius                        3   1  2  0    8   5  +3    5   Q
13 Yesopalitha                    3   1  1  1    6   5  +1    4   Q
14 Qasden                         3   1  1  1    5   4  +1    4   Q
---------------------------------------------------------------
15 Tomikosan                      3   1  2  0    4   2  +2    5   Q
16 Mriin                          3   1  1  1    5   6  −1    4   Q
17 Demot                          3   1  0  2    5   7  −2    3
18 Melbergia                      3   1  0  2    1   5  −4    3
19 Aji No Moto                    3   1  0  2    5  10  −5    3
20 Anthor                         3   1  0  2    7  13  −6    3
21 North New South Wales          3   0  2  1    4   6  −2    2

---

Round of 16 Matchups

Equestrian States vs. Mriin
at Royal Equestria Stadium (cap. 98,625) in Canterlot

Starblaydia vs. Chromatika
at Wild Grounds (cap. 56,500) in Everfree

Tropicorp vs. Yesopalitha
at Elements Stadium (cap. 48,750) in Ponyville

Cosumar vs. Osarius
at Diamond Park (cap. 75,000) in Stalliongrad

Valanora vs. Tomikosan
at Grand Regal Stadium (cap. 81,955) in Canterlot

95X vs. Farfadillis
at Pony Lands Park (cap. 54,000) in Manechester

Vilita & Turori vs. Qasden
at Sky-High Coliseum (cap. 57,750) in Cloudsdale

Eshan vs. Banija
at Derby Field (cap. 65,000) in Manehattan

[Cosumar]

"The Wedding of Cormak Lethbridge and Gabriella Antonio" (Part 1)
Chromatik City, Capital District, Chromatika
Two Months Ago

Like a true military officer, all six feet and four inches of Cormak "Brigadier" Lethbridge stood at rigid attention on the white-marble platform as he surveyed the wedding scene laid out before him.

The private pavilion was stunning, just as Anomalies owner Marlow Edge had promised it would be when he called to offer Gabriella his "finest piece of small event real estate". It was indoors but spacious, with walls meticulously constructed out of glass so that rays of sunlight filtered in naturally all around in an incandescent kaleidoscope of angles, colors and intensities. Hanging greenery cascaded majestically from the shining glass, giving the space the ambiance of some kind of opulent greenhouse. To his left, the iconic silhouette of Anomaly Tower across the street could be discerned through the glass.

It truly was picture-perfect. It just didn't feel like his.

Most people grow up dreaming of their wedding day. Or, at least, giving it an occasional contemplation. The gowns, the attention, the rituals, the rings, the music. That first sight of your betrothed. The wedding night. Everyone has pictured it. But not Cormak. It's not that he didn't want those things... It's just that he'd never really bothered thinking about them. He didn't have the luxury of such pleasant thoughts in his hardscrabble upbringing. Ever since, he'd always been the lone wolf, the stone-faced leader, the serious single-minded achiever. "Dashing groom on the altar" never seemed like a role that was in the cards. So now that the reality was staring him in the face, Cormak had no fictional version in his head to compare it to. He felt like he was watching a strange movie of some alternate version of his life.

Suddenly, organ notes rang out from somewhere behind Cormak, reminding him that this was no movie. This was real, and now it was happening. An unusual sensation formed a knot in his stomach. Was it...fear? He'd never felt it before. And why the hell were his palms sweating? He'd led men and women into battle in some of the most intimidating environments in all of sport without a flinch. He'd delivered fiery captain's speeches that would make your hair stand on end. He'd even stared down thugs on the streets of Kaldukosic as early as age 14. Now, he was losing his steel in the face of, what, wearing a suit and saying some words?

No. Not what. Whom. Only one person has ever been able to make Cormak feel so vulnerable. And now she was walking around the corner, led sheepishly into the gold-carpeted aisle by a man in Chromatik Navy dress blues, her father.

Gabriella. What remained of Cormark's staunch Brigadier mask came crumbling down as she rounded fully into view and he let out an involuntary gasp. They'd been together for awhile, but he'd never seen Gabriella quite like this. So dressed up, so... radiant. The way her raven-colored hair reflected the beams of sunlight and fell over her shoulders. The way her deep, dark eyes contrasted the snow-white veil. The tender humility with which she carried herself. Everything. She was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. When she finally looked up at him, standing there stiffly on the altar, her nervous laugh as they made eye contact immediately vanquished any vestiges of fear or uncertainty from his mind. In all his years as a leader of men, he'd never been more certain about anything than he was about Gabriella.

Isn't it funny how one small moment, one person, can take everything you thought you knew about your life and flip it upside-down? As Gabriella walked toward him down the aisle, step by step, images of everything they'd shared together flashed before Cormak's eyes.

They were were perfect together: Ying and Yang oddities that balanced each other out. The quiet striker who hated the spotlight and the commanding goalie who lived for it. The socially awkward and the socially overbearing. The long-torsoed woman and the stick-legged man. Yet both with a kindred sense of discipline and determination forged in the urban environments of their youths and the Nepharim midtable purgatory of Coret Hawks.

Cormak remembered all the times Gabriella told him how much she needed him in order to feel confident, womanly and whole, and how strangely warm it always made him feel. But he also remembered how, beneath the surface, he needed her just as much. His bluster, drive and intense dedication were always there, but Gabriella gave them a positive purpose beyond the pitch. She channeled it all towards good. Towards light and beauty when it could have easily led him astray. Before her, he was the same self-assured man, but he didn't know to where he was so confidently striding. In actuality, he was lost. Gabriella, always the same, always just Gabriella, became his anchor.

That's what he told her for the first time when he proposed nearly two years ago, a rare occasion when he willingly slipped out of his Brigadier persona and showed his vulnerable side.

...GOAL! Out of nowhere! But that’s what Auburn Weber gets you, moments of improvisation and cunning - Hastings hoofed the ball into midfield and she flicked it over a stunned McDonald’s head, rolled it to a side where her favoured left could twat it in, and then twats it in past a despairing Cormak Lethbridge! Hope for the Diamonds, while the Hawks slip out of the Globe Cup places...

The scene replayed itself in Cormak's mind on repeat for the remaining minutes of the match, even as he made a brilliant reflex save in the 87th to keep Coret momentarily alive. Weber's stupid-ass twatted shot flew by over and over again, tormenting him.

Since the dawn of preseason ten months prior, he'd led by example, pushing himself and pushing his teammates to run harder, think faster, train longer. All for one goal: long-awaited UICA status for Coret Hawks, at last. It was working, it was finally paying off, but in the crucial last match of the season... HE, their leader, was the one that fell short. He failed them all.

He should've saved it. With each mental repetition, the anger welled up inside Cormak, begging to erupt in a firestorm of militaristic barks and curses. At his defenders. At the opponents. At everyone. As the final whistle blew on 1-1, he started to rip off his captain's armband in self-disgust and begin his tirade...

...Until a soft hand on his back stopped him in his tracks. Without looking, he knew it was Gabriella. Her serene presence, her mere touch, siphoned the negative energy from him like a sponge.

Gabriella understood the intense pressure Cormak placed on himself as the team's "Brigadier". She understood precisely how he would be blaming himself for that conceded equalizer, for the season coming up short. And, most of all, she understood that he didn't want any whiff of pity or blame-shifting.

"We'll learn from this. This feeling, right now? It means that everything we did this year - it wasn't enough. So we come back next season and do even more," she stated simply. They stood there solemnly for several minutes, her hand on his back as he calmed.

Finally, as the last results from around the Premiership trickled in, the Diamondqueen fans at The New Overlook celebrated their safety at the expense of Coret's UICA dreams.

"Let them enjoy it. These Diamond morons are SO relegated next year anyways," Gabriella chimed as they began to walk back towards what was surely a crestfallen dressing room. Her hand drifted from Cormak's back and down to his own huge hand, wrapping hers sweetly within his. Suddenly, Cormak felt like The Brigadier again, and he knew exactly how to address his team...

"Guys. We'll learn from this," he boomed five minutes later as twenty-odd sitting footballers looked up at him. "This pain you're feeling right now, it just means that everything we did this year - it wasn't enough."

Mid-speech, Cormak was dumbfounded to realize he was repeating Gabriella's own words to him. Just with a bit more steel.

"...So we come back next season and we do even more."

In that very moment, he made up his mind. He decided that Gabriella made him a better man, a better leader, a better version of himself. He never wanted to be without her ever again. There, in the Coret Hawks dressing room with a sweaty audience, those feelings came flooding out. It wasn't exactly romantic. He didn't have a ring yet. And he knew Gabriella hated being the center of attention, but... it felt right. Just this once, he wanted everybody to know how special she was.

"Gabriella Antonio. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" he finally concluded, hastily dropping to a knee as twenty-odd green shirts hooted and hollered.

Through the mayhem, Cormak saw a blushing Gabriella starting to shrink into the opposite wall, but he met her eyes with a confident gaze and motioned her towards him.

He wasn't taking no for answer.

"Oop-"

Cormak was yanked out of his memories by Gabriella, only a few feet away now, slipping on her dress' bridal train on the steps leading up to the altar. As if in slow-motion, he saw her falling backward, panic filling her eyes, seconds away from certain injury...

...To Be Continued

---

Mriin 2-4 Cosumar
AOCAF Group D, Matchday 1
Tidesson 5', Svensson 12', Tidesson 18', Targaryen 36'
Assisted by Serafino, Wolff, Valgard, Serafino
Subs: Lechjakr, Yilmaz, Royannais


Yesopalitha 3-4 Cosumar
AOCAF Group D, Matchday 2
Valgard 1', Tidesson 16', Wolff 31', Svensson 82'
Assisted by Sibučić, Sibučić, Svensson, None
Subs: Tapp, Royannais, Chisenhall


Cosumar 1-0 Soltsteed
AOCAF Group D, Matchday 3
Valgard 1'
Assisted by Sibučić
Subs: Simmons III, Tapp, Zeale-Riddick


Cosumar vs. Osarius
AOCAF Round of 16, Diamond Park, Stalliongrad

Goal-Scorers Tally (9 GF)
Bryger Tidesson (3)
Peter Svensson (2)
Romikk Valgard (2)
Ragnar Targaryen (1)
Kurt Wolff (1)

Assists Tally
Isla Sibučić (3)
Bellerophon Serafino (2)
Kurt Wolff (1)
Romikk Valgard (1)
Peter Svensson (1)

Reserves Appearances Tally
Warren Royannais (2)
Denton Tapp (2)
Berk Lechjakr (1)
Tamer Yilmaz (1)
Mortimer Chisenhall (1)
Corey Simmons III (1)
Vega Zeale-Riddick (1)