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by **Savojarna** » Sun Apr 26, 2020 1:44 am

SFS VIII Season Preview (Part 2/2)

10. ASK Landsmark (13.)

ASK had a downright terrible season, and they have decided to abandon all hope into their internal philosophy and go into a completely new build based on former DNR coach Mirko Johansson, who has proven his ability of playing a strong, defensive side. The problems have been largely addressed on the transfer market: An overly old defence has been rejuvenated by the acquisition of Delaclava international Valentin Gusev and Sjoedrhavn prospect Anja Palme; and Eve Lovelace should be capable of taking load off Gavax Nenzi-Abe. Perhaps the most important change is the free transfer of Garrett Norwood, potential follow-up for Ryberg and a true commitment to physical, brutal matchups in the striker position. However, this team may need some time to come together, and won’t be threatening the top - yet.

Stadium: Axel-Nejdur-Stadion (capacity: 46’000)
Manager: Mirko Johansson (39)
Expected formation: 4-4-2 flat
Starting XI: Johan Jacobsson - Jussi Arpanen, Simon Omark, Valentin Gusev (DEL), Sergey Nemtsov - Jesper Groen, Eve Lovelace (BRE), Gavax-Nenzi Abe (QUS), Poul Olsen - Dominik Ryberg [C], Garrett Norwood
Notable reserves: Anja Palme (CB), Mikael Hansborg (CM), Calle Polman (RM), Ilari Litmanen (ST)
Transfers incoming: Eve Lovelace (CM/BRE, Scaffield/BRE, 3), Niina Saparinen (CB, FK Chemie Frisks, 0.6), Anja Palme (CB, FK Sjoedrhavn, 0.6), Garrett Norwood (ST/NPH, North Sabrefell/NPH, 0), Valentin Gusev (CB/DEL, free, 0) | outgoing: Viktor Nejman (coach, free), Nina Rasmussen (CB, Framfarir Kjefla, 0.3), Frida Valdström (OM, FK Sjoedrhavn, loan), Frans Kirkers (RB, retirement)

9. Savojars Vinge Virkaja (9.)

Under Hrolfrsson, SVV have managed to come back with a vengeance and make everyone forget about their horrible last season, and now come back to strenghten their position with some clever backup transfers. Having lost Aleksandra Virulainen to Partisan may be hurting their prospects, but SVV have backed up other positions with Florian Franz as the designated heir to Otalainen and alleviated their pains on the right wing. The addition of two right wingers leads to more flexibility on the side, and probably will lead to a slightly wider stance for the Virkaja side, and an incredibly deep team. However, in its DNA and its starting eleven, not much has changed, and that may be the best thing for a side that exceeded expectations in the previous season.

Stadion: Patrik Suhonen Stadion (capacity: 52’000)
Manager: Jon Sigur Hrolfrsson (43)
Expected formation: 4-3-3
Starting XI: Ingmar Lenberg - Dani Carlin (BRE), Lauri Anttakari, Boris Olgunov, Toni Antonov - Kirill Onagin, Max Stenberg, Lenka Otalainen [C] - Kasperi Lehtonen, Thorbjörn Vukkila, Jari Siilonen
Notable reserves: Valter Kjaer (LB), Ylvi Sootala (CB), Oleg Barkov (RB), Florian Franz (OM)
Transfers incoming: Florian Franz (OM/STL, FC Teussen Stelburg/STL, 0.75), Jari Siilonen (RM, FK Sjoedrhavn, 0.75), Lukas Meyer (RF/DEL, free, 0) | outgoing: Aleksandra Virulainen (GK, Partisan Sjoedrhavn, 4.5), Irina Korpikoski (ST, Metsuri Virkaja, 0.25), Heikki Vantarinen (GK, TSV Marzig/STL, 0)

8. FK Metall Jarnstad (8.)

Loevith has finally taken the consequences of his bad SFS 6 season and left the club despite being able to show that he has more capabilities than what he showed in that year. Nonetheless, FK seemed too limited in their setup, and their reinvigoration with Ognjan Vlahovic of Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom should, at the very least, prove to be very interesting. The lineup got changed a bit to organise the play a bit more, while maintaining Metall’s famous defensive stability. However, the new setup should give Boe and Björgen some more capabilities to roam forward, and leave Otarov less exposed up front. However, they still overly rely on individual players, especially given that they lost two young players in Sandbeck and Khavarin.

Stadium: MetallArena Jarnstad (capacity: 44’000)
Manager: Ognjan Vlahović (ZRH, 60)
Expected formation: 4-1-4-1
Starting XI: Aleksander Smichov - Terho Hytälä, Patrik Hornberg, Penelope Garner (NPH), Kiki Neturainen - Marios Tzavellas (NPH) - Kristian Boe, Traustir Hjalmarsson, Lovisa Mortensson, Frida Björgen - Valeri Otarov [C]
Notable reserves: Hjalmar Staal (CB), Stefan Johansson (DM), Roman Kanarin (OM), Rasmus Ekman (ST)
Transfers incoming: Ognjan Vlahović (coach/ZRH, VZRH Matov-Uri/ZRH, free), Penelope Garner (CB/NPH, AFC Corvistone/NPH, 2.5) | outgoing: Vyacheslav Khavarin (CM, La Nueva Avenida/FFD, undisclosed), Johan Sandbeck (ST, Red Star Kalagouba/MKD, 0.7)

7. Dynamo Sjoedrhavn (6.)

Dynamo get this season’s award for “absolutely insane off-season investment”. Recuecian international Grégoire Leclair and Nepharim leftback Louise Barton are a commitment to more defensive stability, and with Mookie Danube, many assume Dynamo found an adequate replacement for Jarnström. As a consequence, it seems as if Lägg is shifting more towards a defensive stance, without sacrificing the option to push forward - which is likely the best way for a side like Dynamo to avoid overextending and getting punished for it, as their defence was often caught out in the past season. While Dynamo are still perennial underachievers, the side has its qualities, and despite an offence that pales compared to its high-level defensive line, Sjoedrhavn’s number two is ready to throw a challenge at Parti’s feet.

Stadium: Stadion Dynamo (capacity: 35’000)
Manager: Kristian Lägg (46)
Expected formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI: Mookie Danube (XAN) - Louise Barton (NPH), Linne Kjaer [C], Matias Rydman, Jarkko Liparainen - Niklas Hoyberg, Grégoire Leclair (RCN) - Helgi Persson, Pohja Ulkanen, Kev Andersson - Aleksander Teranen
Notable reserves: Anja Loeseth (RB), Victor Loeseth (CM), Kristina Midtjaer (RF), Olof Johnberg (ST)
Transfers incoming: Grégoire Leclair (DM/RCN, Association Genève/RCN, 2.25), Mookie Danube (GK/XAN, Palace Crystal City/XAN, 1.25), Louise Barton (LB/NPH, South Laithland/NPH, 0) | outgoing: Anders Jarnström (GK, retirement)

6. Energie Thorsborg (7.)

Energie could not quite repeat their dream season from the year prior, but managed to defend the Savojar Cup, and thus qualified for international football the second year in a row. Nonetheless, Lars Walberg’s team went through a significant change due to losing national defender Roman Forsberg abroad. The money has been invested in a direct replacement from Siovanija and Teusland, but also in two more young international stars in Admassu and Hoscutt. Furthermore, Energie have backed up their goalkeeping future with Pär Tjova. With four new players, and none of them over 24, the team clearly has a solid plan for the future and looks to break into the Top 4 as soon as possible, investing their money cleverly. However, this does not yet seem to be the season of Energie, as their new signings will first have to prove themselves as a team.

Stadium: National Energiekollektivets Arena (capacity: 48’600)
Manager: Lars Walberg (41)
Expected formation: 4-3-3
Starting XI: Johanna Marqvist - Aiden Halstro, Lozen Pironev (STL), Zibo Olberg, Cylia Hoscutt (NPH) - Valentin Ljungberg [C], Abigail Admassu (BNJ), Ågot Sienkiewicz (FKR) - Kristin Vindjammer, Gustav Lindgren, Staale Lund
Notable reserves: Pär Tjova (GK), Lucas Bengtsson (RB), Petteri Jantaniemi (CM), Pernilla Sander (OM), Poul Andersen (ST)
Transfers incoming: Abigail Admassu (OM/BNJ, AFC Akwadua/BNJ, 4), Lozen Pironev (CB/STL, Wye United/APX, 2), Pär Tjova (GK, Motor Johansborg, 0.5), Cylia Hoscutt (RB/NPH, Starling/NPH, 0) | outgoing: Roman Forsberg (CB, Olympia Borograd/STL, 6), Flemming Skov (RB, Admiral Storevik, 1)

5. Libertas Bergheim (5.)

The last season has shown that despite their championship challenge in SFS VI, Libertas are not quite in the top tier yet. Their side requires another little push, and they hope to get it from the signing of Arkanin to take the weight off an aging Nyborg, who couldn’t quite sustain himself throughout the season. But with limited budgets, Libertas had to be clever on the market, and they did so by buying up free agents smartly. Their two main signings fill completely different roles: Goodharvest is a Nepharim centre-back looking to plug the hole left by Alyssa Broad’s return to Sabrefell for two or three years, until Gudrun Jansdottir hopefully proves to be the strong CB Libertas are looking for; Sandoval, on the other hand, will increase the number of options Libertas have on the right side and reduce their over-reliance on national team wingback Alexey Nurkanen as well as increase the ability to respond to being down.

Stadium: Bergheims Samfunnetsstadion (capacity: 27’900)
Manager: Helgi Laurison (65)
Expected formation: 3-4-1-2
Starting XI: Lotte Ronne - Andrea Najmina, Pyotr Nemanyev [C], Rook Goodharvest (NPH) - Richard Geddes (SCT), Thomas Bergqvist, Calle Vikingstad, Alexey Nurkanen - Denis Arkanin - Mika Hakeson, Tuomas Lajunen
Notable reserves: Ola Granlund (CB), Markus Nyborg (OM), Zacharis Sandoval (CMT/RM), Erland Stromby (ST)
Transfers incoming: Denis Arkanin (RLSK Pawlograd, 1.25), Zacharis Sandoval (RM/CMT, Alnio University of the Arts/CMT, 0), Rook Goodharvest (CB/NPH, Azewyn Royals/APX, 0), Gudrun Jansdottir (CB, Framfarir Kjefla Youth, 0) | outgoing: Alyssa Broad (CB/NPH, Athletic Sabrefell/NPH, return from loan)

4. Partisan Sjoedrhavn (3.)

If there is one team in Savojarna that can be expected to squander a ten point lead in the Championship, it is probably Partisan Sjoedrhavn. Accordingly, the focus of this side has been to overcome their SFS VII trauma. Identifying the defence as a weak point, they signed a new goalkeeper prospect in Aleksandra Virulainen, but are not looking to play Savojarna's hottest new star just yet according to Sigmundsson. Augustine Rahn is looking to add depth up front, and the core question is - do Parti bench her, Karjanen, or shift to a two-top? With Simon Jacobsen sold to Chromatika, Partisan's coffers are deep, but they haven't quite spent the money on the transfer window yet. So, for this season, they may look the weakest of the Big Four, but they are clearly in a lurking position: In three years, Virulainen and Jaerbyn may enter their prime, Poulsen will be a seasoned playmaker, and Rahn and Grönkjaer will still be solid, serviceable cornerstones of a team ready to take the title. Clearly, Partisan are playing the long game - now let's hope that patience in Sjoedrhavn is enough to wait out the early pains.

Stadium: Stadion Perl Kruger (capacity: 42’300)
Manager: Johan Sigmundsson (39)
Expected formation: 4-4-2 Diamond
Starting XI: Anders Johansson - Bjarne Thorvaldsson, Aleksandr Jernayev, Rasmus Helman, Johan Karlsson - Henning Roesk - Steinar Aarsoy, Alina Lund - Morten Poulsen - Perttu Karjanen [C], Augustine Rahn (NPH)
Notable reserves: Aleksandra Virulainen (GK), Rasmus Grönkjaer (RB), Pavel Shipulin (CM), Göran Jaerbyn (RM)
Transfers incoming: Aleksandra Virulainen (GK, Savojars Vinge Virkaja, 4.5), Ekaterina Antonov (LB, Mir Nestrovo, 0.2), Augustine Rahn (ST/NPH, Cypher Town/NPH, 0) | outgoing: Simon Jacobsen (ST, Alnio/CMT, 7), Pyotr Isarin (DM, Rotor Värstjö, 0.2), Heikki Palvarainen (RM, Partisan Sjoedrhavn, 0)

3. CASK Thorsborg (4.)

Imagine having Sergey Nweke and Juhamatti Rajala, putting them both onto the bench, and have that be considered a perfectly sensible decision. CASK have invested in the transfer market, and it is clear that the Army expects more of their flagship, especially now that Admiral are pushing for the title. However, their problem is that all the other Top 4 have also upgraded - and comparing to Partisan’s and Lok’s landmark goalie signings, and the incredibly spectacular offence that Admiral are building, it may just still not be enough for a title. However, CASK show development, and the fact that they didn’t sign two strong stars, but two foreign prospects under 25 spells excitement for the future. Nweke and Rajala are just as great diamonds in the rough as Pickton - who probably will share playtime with Rajala - and Prosdocimi, and with the national team’s backup goalkeeper and leftback, there is plenty of experience in the defence as well. Polina Zirkova has grown into her role of defence organiser, up front CASK still have the top scorer of SFS VII, and if the young talents fulfil their promises, nobody in Thorsborg will miss Petteri Hytönen this year.

Stadium: Stadion General Erik Harden (capacity: 62’000)
Manager: Johnny McDonald (46/SCT)
Expected formation: 4-1-3-2
Starting XI: Thomas Larsen - Lars Jensen, Polina Zirkova, Mikael Nielsen, Aleksandar Popovich - Arturo Prosdocimi (RCN) - Wallace Pickton (EUR), Paddi Gren, Pjotr Iljurov - Valter Birja, Kjetil Flyborg
Notable reserves: Timo Pohjanainen (CB), Rolf Patriksson (CM), Juhamatti Rajala (LF), Sergey Nweke (ST)
Transfers incoming: Wallace Pickton (LM/EUR, Callodown/EUR, 3.5), Arturo Prosdocimi (DM/RCN, Reçueçn FC/RCN, 1.25), Timo Pohjanainen (CB, FK Sjoedrhavn, 0.3) | outgoing: Petteri Hytönen (OM, Cap Nordique/DCN, 0.5), Johan Kjäll (CB, retirement)

2. Lokomotive Jarnstad (2.)

Before the season, we have questioned the fitness of Lok’s goalkeeper Esko Nurminen - and we were proven right, kind of. At least right enough that Lok decided to drop Nurminen and replace him with a Nepharim on the transfer market. At the moment, Lok are at a somewhat awkward space between generations: Palsdottir, Klaebo and Kjellsen are not at the level required to contest another title, and players like Ullqvist or Oystein have clearly passed their prime. For the short term, they found an adequate replacement for the defence in Nepharim free agent Roy Coyner, but the central midfield remains a question mark. Nonetheless, Lok are stable, Lok are deep, and they should not be written out until the end of the season.

Stadium: Stadion Savojarsk Jarnsvägen (capacity: 53’800)
Manager: Rjurik Smolderhøve (59)
Expected formation: 4-4-1-1
Starting XI: Gerik Knasmuller (NPH) - Jorgen Hallsen [C], Trent Ullqvist, Roy Coyner (NPH), Shisaru Zeperin (HIN) - Ake Ericsson, Pit Erlandsen, Halvard Oystein, Ivan Grivoshenko - Henrik Ljurbyn - Vilhjalmur Ruriksson
Notable reserves: Esko Nurminen (GK), Denis Metanov (CB), Hannu Vuotala (OM), Jonas Hellström (ST)
Transfers incoming: Gerik Knasmuller (GK/NPH, Chatswood/NPH, 3), Roy Coyner (CB/NPH, North Sabrefell/NPH, 0) | outgoing: Viktor Pettersson (LB, Aleiusia Capital/ZRH, 0.75)

1. Admiral Storevik (1.)

Storevik, having been eternally reliant on Krister Voynov, have gotten rid of their talisman - and it may have been for the best. Haukason’s team managed to win the title thanks to their new signings in Vladcik and Montag, and they have continued to build a scary superteam up front, digging deep into the coffers that were left by Voynov’s 15 million sale. Up front, they have built an offensive three that consists of three imports as Palina Leopold slots into right wing; in goal, the sometimes fragile Juralainen was replaced by Donnaconan national goalkeeper Jure Filipovic. Finally, the side has brought their contingent of capped Savojars up to four thanks to the acquisition of Flemming Skov. In defence, Galactico longlist choice Joonas Andersson still reigns supreme, and Admiral look like a force for at least the near future.

Stadium: Marinestadion (capacity: 48’000)
Manager: Gylfi Haukason (51)
Expected formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI: Jure Filipovic (DCA) - Kare Runarsson, Gregor Flygstad, Lauri Zirkkonen, Flemming Skov - Joonas Andersson [C], Birkir Evaldsson - Jzeovak Vladcik (SRS), Sabine Montag (NPH), Palina Leopold (NPH) - Arvid Jotansson
Notable reserves: Boris Lavrov (LB), Mah Huang (CB/HIN), Sigleifur Arnason (LM), Igor Vitanov (RM), Juri Sandrajev (ST)
Transfers incoming: Palina Leopold (RM/NPH, Iron City/NPH, 5), Jure Filipovic (GK/DCA, Cap Nordique/DCA, 1.5), Flemming Skov (RB, Energie Thorsborg, 1) | outgoing: Pavel Urkin (RB, retirement), Mikael Najman (OM, retirement)

by **Savojarna** » Fri May 08, 2020 11:41 am

SFS VIII Part 1/4

Matchday 1
Admiral Storevik 2–2 ESK Storevik
RLSK Pawlograd 0–2 Rotor Värstjö
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Landsmarks Industrie 0–0 AFK Savojagrad
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–1 ASK Landsmark
Traktor St. Andrei 1–0 FK Chemie Frisks
Transport Hovikkära 1–0 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Energie Thorsborg 0–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Libertas Bergheim 1–2 Lokomotive Jarnstad
CASK Thorsborg 0–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn

The honour of opening the season traditionally goes to the defending champions, Admiral Storevik, who open with the Storevik Derby against ESK. Obviously, Admiral are the clear favourites, but with their new acquisitions not fully slotted into the system yet, Baarsjö exploits an overextension by Skov and plays a long ball onto Persson after only seventeen minutes. Persson dashes into the open space and crosses to the centre, where Sigurdsdottir edges out Zirkkonen in the air and beats Filipovic with a clean header to the top left. However, ESK’s new acquisition Darya Macar has her own issues, and before the break, Palina Leopold leaves her opposition in the dust and cuts in before passing to Jotansson for the equaliser. Admiral now dominate the game and get repeated chances after the sides are switched - Jotansson heads a Skov cross over the goal, Montag’s distance shot is saved by Rolfrsson, and then Jotansson hits the post on a breakthrough - but it is ESK who take the lead again as Rikard Helborg’s shot from fifteen metres is deflected unluckily into the goal. However, the final word belongs to Admiral, who now push relentlessly with a two-top. Eventually, ESK crumble, and it is a magistral pass by MVP Sabine Montag to joker Juri Sandrajev that brings the equaliser to finish the Storevik Derby 2-2.

The rest of the top five of the country meet each other on Sunday, with Libertas trying to underline their ambitions to IFCF football at home against Jarnstad. Lokomotive play a focused game and take an early lead by Ljurbyn converting a free kick directly, and Gerik Knasmuller in goal has a relatively calm debut thanks to the tight organisation of Lokomotive. Before the break, Libertas nearly score the equaliser, but are denied by Roy Coyner; the case is nearly closed after Grivoshenko dribbles through after an hour and manages a pass to the middle, where Ruriksson prolongs it to Ericsson and the left winger converts. New Libertas player Denis Arkanin geets to show off his skill towards the end as he launches Hakeson deep and picks up an assist, but it is too late. CASK against Partisan, supposedly the first round’s top matchup, turns out a dull and overly cautious affair, although Parti keep the better end as Johansson - still number one ahead of Virulainen - denies CASK’s new offensive power, including a fantastic stop against Wallace Pickton trying his luck from six metres. Up front, Poulsen strikes gold with a beautifully precise long-range shot.

Matchday 2
Rotor Värstjö 3–2 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–3 CASK Thorsborg
Dynamo Novaya Russica 1–4 Libertas Bergheim
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–3 Energie Thorsborg
FK Chemie Frisks 1–0 Transport Hovikkära
ASK Landsmark 1–2 Traktor St. Andrei
AFK Savojagrad 1–2 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
ESK Storevik 1–2 Landsmarks Industrie
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 2–3 Admiral Storevik
RLSK Pawlograd 1–2 FK Metall Jarnstad

CASK face the next tough opponent as they have to travel up to Jarnstad to face off against Lok, and they shake off the light trouble from last week’s Partisan game easily as they dispatch Savojarna’s most consistent team swiftly. McDonald’s side attacks immediately and shells Gerik Knasmuller with five shots within the first twelve minutes, the last of which leaves the Nepharim in the dirt as Mikael Nielsen heads a corner past him. Before half an hour has passed, Pickton manages to dribble past a slightly overwhelmed Shisaru Zeperin; while his cross is punched away by Knasmuller, Paddi Gren converts the rebound from nineteen metres out and CASK take a 0-2 into half time. After the break, they sit back more, replacing Flyborg with defensive midfielder Jari Livonen, but even in this state, CASK pick up another goal as Zirkova launches a long ball onto the side of the pitch, where Pickton carries it all the way to the end of the field and launches a cross to the second post for Birja to score. Only in the final minutes can Coyner score off a free kick on the left side, but the goal doesn’t change what is a humiliation for Lokomotive.

Elsewhere, Parti also start out furiously, but after their 0-1 in Värstjö by courtesy of captain Perttu Karjanen, they mellow out a lot and get the second goal by a bit of luck as Poulsen converts a free kick. However, Rotor stay in the game and score the 1-2 before the break as Jonsson prolongs a corner to the second post and Perhaug scores from four metres. After the break, Partisan sit back and get complacent, and they get punished after the hour as Jernayev holds back Jonsson, the striker falls, and there is a penalty for the outsiders. Barnerud scores to the 2-2, and minutes later, Lundell cuts through a shell-shocked Partisan and scores the winner from fifteen metres out. Admiral similarly struggle with SVV, but manage to take away three points thanks to the strong performance of Jzeovak Vladcik, who gets an assist and a goal in the second half. Finally, Libertas’ new winger Zacharis Sandoval gets his first start against DNR and shines with two assists in their 1-4 away victory.

IFCF Playoff Round Leg 1
Admiral Storevik (SVJ) 1-1 Cassandra City (COS)
Ysberg Voetbal (OME) 1-2 Rotor Värstjö (SVJ)

In the Challengers Cup, Admiral are the lone team standing, drawing Cosumarites Cassandra City 1-1 at home. In the Storevik cold, the guests struggle, but outclass Admiral enough to make it notably hard to score for the Storevikers. They do, however, manage to force a goal before the break to take a lead that is broken only in the final ten minutes when a Leopold cross finds the head of Jotansson.
In the LBCT, Rotor have an easier time away in Omerica, taking an early lead off a distance shot by Lindell. The second goal after an hour brings them up 2-0 as Jonsson is fouled in the box and Barnerud scores the second goal into the bottom right corner, but Ysberg keep their chances alive with a late goal.[/spoiler]

Matchday 3
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–0 Rotor Värstjö
Admiral Storevik 3–1 RLSK Pawlograd
Landsmarks Industrie 1–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–1 ESK Storevik
Traktor St. Andrei 3–4 AFK Savojagrad
Transport Hovikkära 0–1 ASK Landsmark
Energie Thorsborg 3–1 FK Chemie Frisks
Libertas Bergheim 3–3 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
CASK Thorsborg 2–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad

Savojarna is not only the Big Four, and one of the most anticipated teams outside them was FK Torpedo, thanks to their signing of former NT coach Olaf Jurtanen. His 4-2-2-2 is adjusted to pressure Libertas’ far advanced wingbacks, and the order to press hard seems to bear fruit. After only eleven minutes, Geddes misplays under pressure and Roope shoots into the gap, taking along a rapidly advancing Selvala Tabur, her long ball finds Romanov, who swings in - 0-1. Quickly, the game develops into an open duel, and before the break, Libertas have reversed the score. First, Geddes makes up for his mistake and flanks the ball to the middle, where Lajunen scores with a header; then, Arkanin twists home a free kick from twenty-four metres. Torpedo’s pressure gets rewarded badly, as Lotte Ronne keeps Libertas in the match, but eventually Selvala Tabur’s long-range shot breaks Libertas. The third one comes seventy minutes in off a header by Landman, but Libertas’ all-out pressure brings the home team back: after Sandoval’s cross is cleared to a corner, Lajunen flies higher than everyone else and converts the corner at the first post to the 3-3 final result.

Even more goals fall in St. Andrei, where the relentless pressure of Traktor falls victim to too many holes at the back. AFK and Traktor trade blows, neither team able to pull away, but eventually Savojagrad accumulate a crucial lead. Anna Witchstone is the one to crack, and as she misplays a ball in the midfield, Andrey Ishkurin picks up on it and sends it wide to the right, where 19 year old Lipa Kuznetsov in her first SFS match picks it up and dribbles into the wide open Traktor flank, delivering a deadly pass to the middle, and Eddie Bains scores the 2-4. Sundgren’s final goal to the 3-4 is too little, too late; AFK take the victory. Elsewhere, Lok continue their tour of co-favourite teams as they take on Partisan away. The game descends into a Nepharim duel, as Augustine Rahn is man-marked by Roy Coyner - a deliberate choice of Lok’s coaching team to unsettle the striker. With Parti’s focal point gone, and Trent Ullqvist neutralising Karjanen, the Sjoedrhavener struggle, but seem to salvage at least a point - until the 86th minute, that is. Aarsoy dribbles over the left, crosses to the edge of the box for Karjanen, but Ullqvist intercepts and clears. Oystein carries the ball up the pitch, crosses it wide to Ake Ericsson. A counter rolls now; Grönkjaer hesitates for a split second and Ericsson has passed him. A flat pass to the centre, a stretched leg, Hellström pushes the ball over the line - Partisan 0-1 Lokomotive.

IFCF Playoff Round Leg 2
Cassandra City (COS) 1-2 Admiral Storevik (SVJ)
Rotor Värstjö (SVJ) 1-0 Ysberg Voetbal (OME)

Cassandra manage an early goal at home, but Storevik relatively quickly retaliate as Montag lobs a ball behind the defensive lines and Vladcik scores from an angle. The game is now wide open with more than an hour to go and a single goal being able to determine the winner, but both goalkeepers play very strongly and manage to avert the goal. The end of the game favours Storevik, as seventy minutes in, Jotansson slides into a rebound and pushes it over the line.
Värstjö are only tasked with not losing at home, and set up appropriately defensively. They manage to do exactly that, and in the end, a counter-attack sets up the lone goal of the game as a four versus three leads to the goal.[/spoiler]

Matchday 4
Rotor Värstjö 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Dynamo Novaya Russica 1–0 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 2–2 CASK Thorsborg
FK Chemie Frisks 1–6 Libertas Bergheim
ASK Landsmark 2–3 Energie Thorsborg
AFK Savojagrad 0–1 Transport Hovikkära
ESK Storevik 3–0 Traktor St. Andrei
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 3–4 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
RLSK Pawlograd 1–3 Landsmarks Industrie
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–1 Admiral Storevik

Both ASK Landsmark and Energie Thorsborg have seen significant changes to their team, with ASK signing a new coach and remodelling their midfield around Brenecian CM Eve Lovelace; Energie have lost two defensive cornerstones in Roman Forsberg and Flemming Skov, but have also acquired three new import players. The Thorsborger push immediately and find some early success as a header by Lindgren is saved by Jacobsson, but Abigail Admassu pounces on the ball for her first goal on Savojar soil. But by half-time, ASK have managed to turn the score as first, a pass of Gavax-Nenzi Abe reaches Norwood for the 1-1 and a corner by Jesper Groen is headed home by Ryberg. Right after the break, Norwood has the deciding goal on his foot, but misses high from twelve metres. Almost immediately after, a one-two of Admassu and Sienkiewicz leaves the Landsmarker midfield in the dust, and as young Delaclavan centre-back Valentin Gusev advances a bit too much, Admassu finds a gap and Kristin Vindjammer scores the equaliser. Thorsborg now presses ASK against the wall, and eventually the Army side commits a mistake: Mikael Hansborg is late on a tackle against Sienkiewicz, and the Falkyr midfielder converts the free kick herself perfectly to the top left and scores the late winner for Energie.

Admiral face similar adversity, but manage the fourth victory in a row thanks to a late solo by Palina Leopold and a clever pass not to Jotansson, who binds both Hornberg and Garner in the centre, but between the lines to Montag, who scores from eighteen metres. Lok follow up with an early goal in Värstjö, and while they only win 1-0, their victory is never in danger as Knasmuller shows a focused performance and Ullqvist neutralises Värstjö’s best man Thorgeir Jonsson. Partisan, on the other hand, stall out: DNR’s focused and brutal defence shuts down the Sjoedrhavener, and in the second half, a mistake by their defence leaves Maladict Farrell alone in front of Jacobsson to score the lone goal of the match. No problems, however, befall Libertas, who quickly go up two-nil in Frisk thanks to two Lajunen goals. Chemie claw one back by the half-hour mark, but then, Ristolainen gets passed by Hakeson and trips his opponent from behind. The verdict is penalty and a red card, setting Chemie down 1-3 by half time as Arkanin scores. In the second half, Libertas play down the game focused and with relentless pressure, leading to three more goals in the last twenty minutes and a 1-6 rout for the visitors.

Matchday 5
Admiral Storevik 5–1 Rotor Värstjö
Landsmarks Industrie 0–3 FK Metall Jarnstad
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 5–0 RLSK Pawlograd
Traktor St. Andrei 2–0 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Transport Hovikkära 0–0 ESK Storevik
Energie Thorsborg 1–1 AFK Savojagrad
Libertas Bergheim 0–0 ASK Landsmark
CASK Thorsborg 5–0 FK Chemie Frisks
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica

Dynamo Sjoedrhavn are another mid-table side that has heavily invested in the transfer market, signing a Reçueçian international in Grégoire Leclair as well as shoring up their defence with two more foreign stars. This defensive improvement has allowed the offensive half of Dynamo to be significantly more dangerous than in the past, and besides a stumble at home against ESK at matchday 3, the police club has had a hopeful start. One matchup that has proven difficult for DSJ is a defensive duel, only getting a 1-1 against a patchy ASK side on the first day, and RLSK is nothing if not a defensive challenge. However, Dynamo bring a completely new face to the table, replacing Hoyberg with the more offensive Victor Loeseth, and scoring two within twenty minutes with an Ulkanen long-range shot and a header by Teranen. RLSK are being pushed back hard, but manage to keep the score at 2-0 thanks to Jushchenko’s strong performance, but in the second half, they crumble after the 72nd minute 3-0 by Teranen, scored with a turning shot from twelve metres. RLSK fall apart in the final fifteen, conceding a spectacular 4-0 by Kristina Midtjaer high to the far-side corner as well as a short-range shot by Johnberg to the final 5-0 result.

Other lower-table sides suffer similarly, as a hattrick by Jotansson, supported by a goal from joker Sandrajev and a goal off a corner by Lauri Zirkkonen lead Admiral Storevik to an undisputed victory against Värstjö; the only goal for the newly promoted side coming off a late goal by Eirikur Perhaug. CASK even match Dynamo’s 5-0 thanks to a magistral performance of Paddi Gren and Wallace Pickton, two goals each by Birja and Nweke, and an aggressive performance by Arturo Prosdocimi, with the Reçueçian defensive midfielder driving Jansrud into desperation and provoking Chemie’s playmaker into a frustration foul that sees him sent off after an hour. DNR, on the other hand, prove a good favourite-killer yet again: One week after shutting out Partisan Sjoedrhavn, the side also closes the curtain on Lok, scoring a goal through Farrell early on and then closing the ranks, contesting the final ten minutes with six nominal defenders on the field and scraping out a 0-1.

IFCF Qualifying Round Leg 1
Admiral Storevik (SVJ) 2-2 AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)

Admiral manage a surprisingly well play against Audioslavian stronghold Izotz Zubia, and they almost manage the surprise as they lead 2-1 by half time thanks to a magistral performance by their playmaker. But Montag in top form isn’t enough to hold a lead, and eventually, Izotz Zubia crack Admiral open. The 2-2 in the 78th minute breaks the heart of Admiral’s defence, but it keeps the fixture open.[/spoiler]

Matchday 6
Rotor Värstjö 0–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
FK Chemie Frisks 1–2 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
ASK Landsmark 0–2 CASK Thorsborg
AFK Savojagrad 1–4 Libertas Bergheim
ESK Storevik 0–4 Energie Thorsborg
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 2–0 Transport Hovikkära
RLSK Pawlograd 1–2 Traktor St. Andrei
FK Metall Jarnstad 1–3 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Admiral Storevik 5–1 Landsmarks Industrie

It’s the first proper Derby Day in Savojarna, and we move right on to the big show - it’s ASK, it’s CASK, it’s the Army Derby in Landsmark. ASK are setting up a bit deeper and letting the visitors come at them; but they are the ones to get the first good chance off, as Gavax-Nenzi Abe slots a ball through the defence, but Zirkova stops Norwood from having a breakaway with a precise slide tackle from behind, just about avoiding the free kick. But eventually, ASK crack under the pressure of the visitors; Iljurov swings a long diagonal ball in and Gusev is a bit too slow for the offside trap, leaving Birja standing alone on-side and score completely open from short range. The stadium falls silent, but ASK try to fight back, almost getting the equaliser before the break, but Ryberg’s header goes just over the bar. The home team needs to open up, but they can’t quite push through CASK’s well organised defence; towards the end of the game, another counter finds its way and Rajala crosses to the centre flatly, with Flyborg waiting for the ball and scoring with a sliding kick.

As for the rest of the Big Four, they’re struggling, but manage to get their three points each. Lok begin on Friday evening against Torpedo and struggle with the highly fluid Jurtanen system at first, but the cogs don’t quite match up yet, and after the first twenty minutes the Jarnstaders stop chasing the fluid attackers and just line up in a flat back four, waiting for Torpedo to come to them, and score off a counter. Partisan take a swift 0-2 lead in Frisk, but almost lose grip on the match in the second half as Johansson fails to save a simple long shot, leading to a lot of criticism for the Partisan keeper. Only Admiral really convince: Industrie may get the first goal of the match, but the defending champions are not impressed and push back hard. They methodically pick apart the Lokomotive defence, and in the second half, as they tire out, Admiral rip through the defence scoring three goals in the last twenty minutes courtesy of Jotansson, Leopold, and Sandrajev.

IFCF Qualifying Round Leg 2
AC Izotz Zubia (AUD) 0-0 Admiral Storevik (SVJ)

When a side that regularly defends against Champions League winners, they are going to be adept at defending an away goal at home for ninety minutes against a league outside the top 32, and that’s exactly whyt Izotz show here. The team plays solid, defensive football, and despite Admiral’s best efforts, they don’t get more than two near-misses by Jotansson and a forceful shot by Leopold saved by the goalkeeper. In the end, not much is lacking for a surprise group stage appearance, but it’s just not enough for Admiral.

Matchday 7
Landsmarks Industrie 1–2 Rotor Värstjö
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–1 Admiral Storevik
Traktor St. Andrei 1–2 FK Metall Jarnstad
Transport Hovikkära 0–1 RLSK Pawlograd
Energie Thorsborg 1–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Libertas Bergheim 2–2 ESK Storevik
CASK Thorsborg 2–2 AFK Savojagrad
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 0–0 ASK Landsmark
Lokomotive Jarnstad 2–1 FK Chemie Frisks
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd

Usually, Partisan vs. ASK on a sunday afternoon may be attracting some attention in a slow week, but be little more than STV2’s feature game that the nation’s football fans watch. This is different when it’s the first appearance of Savojarna’s keeper prodigy Aleksandra Virulainen as an SFS starting goalie. And she also gets plenty of chances to show off as ASK profit from a slightly nervous Partisan, with a misplay by Roesk is collected by Eve Lovelace, feeding it up to Gavax-Nenzi Abe, and the Qusmi midfielder launches a long shot that Virulainen just about punches out. The following corner is cleared by Helman. Parti collect themselves over the run of the match and get their own chances in, but ASK are assembled in a highly defensive state and don’t get cracked easily. Lund fails to get a cross in to a waiting Augustine Rahn, Karjanen fails with a shot from nine metres out as it goes just wide, and in the final minutes, Aarsoy gets off a volley at the second post but is just about denied by Jacobsson. On the counter, Ryberg gets a cross and passes it over to Norwood, but the Nephar shoots just past the post; fiver minutes later, Virulainen saves a point-blank attempt by Ryberg and the game ends in a scoreless draw.

Goals are generally more rare this week, with the most attractive game being CASK’s 2-2 home draw against AFK. The Academics push hard and manage an early lead off a header by Eddie Bains; right before the break, playmaker Andrey Ishkurin twists a free kick to the top left corner for the 0-2. But a fiery cabin speech by Johnny McDonald averts the sensation as the team comes back with a vengeance. Only eight minutes after the start of the second half, Pickton finds a cross to Birja for the 1-2, and shortly after, Zirkova denies a brilliant through pass towards Lirov in the last second. Then, CASK mount more and more pressure, and it ends up being Sergey Nweke who scores the equaliser off a bad clearing attempt following a corner. Libertas also draw ESK 2-2 despite a spirited effort by Arkanin and Geddes, who guide the Bergheimer’s offence, but Sigurdsdottir scores two to keep ESK in the running. Finally, the title for the goal of the round goes to Torpedo’s Jelena Romanov: a cross from the overlapping Dina Chapman finds its way past every defender, right onto Romanov’s right foot, and the inverted winger finishes with a fantastic volley to secure her team a 0-1 victory in Novaya Russica.

Matchday 8
Rotor Värstjö 2–2 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
FK Chemie Frisks 0–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica
ASK Landsmark 0–2 Lokomotive Jarnstad
AFK Savojagrad 1–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
ESK Storevik 1–2 CASK Thorsborg
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 2–2 Libertas Bergheim
RLSK Pawlograd 2–2 Energie Thorsborg
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–0 Transport Hovikkära
Admiral Storevik 3–0 Traktor St. Andrei
Landsmarks Industrie 0–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn

In the middle of the pack, some teams are reaching unexpected success. Perhaps the most impressive ones are Traktor St. Andrei, who are leading the charge of the minnows in 7th despite not changing a thing about their absolutely insane all-out offence from last year. However, their sudden surge is aided by a relatively weak early schedule, and the result of an up-and-down trajectory, with Admiral their first true challenge. Traktor’s onslaught hits the Storeviker hard, but Filipovic plays a strong game with three major saves in the first twenty minutes, and twenty-five minutes in Palina Leopold shoots in the gap left by an overly offensive Marström, receives a long ball by Andersson, and is felled in the penalty area by Juha Teronen. Yellow and penalty is the verdict, and Arvid Jotansson takes the present - 1-0. Traktor get the equaliser before the break, but the VAR overturns the goal for a narrow, but correct off-side decision. The knockout comes a bit over the hour-mark with Skov overlapping on the right before a diagonal pass to Vladcik, a pass to the centre to the completely free Sabine Montag, and the 2-0 by the Nephar. The late goal by Vitanov completes the 3-0 that abruptly stops Traktor’s surge.

Behind the leaders, Lokomotive and CASK move in lockstep. Jarnstad manage to beat a completely harmless ASK Landsmark side thanks to a methodical approach and two goals by Ruriksson, one off a corner and one off a late counter. CASK struggle a bit more with ESK Storevik and first fall behind after fifteen minutes, but collect themselves and profit off mistakes in the ESK defence to score the reversing goals, Flyborg and Birja netting one each. Behind them, however, Energie stumble; despite a strong start with two goals in the first half, RLSK Pawlograd manage a surprising reversal thanks to Asha Solbachen’s constant work. The Nepharan midfielder first assists Samarev’s 1-0, and then manages to deliver the shot that centre-back Zibo Olberg deflects into his own team’s goal. Finally, Partisan attempt to overcome their struggle with three losses in the first seven games, but fall victim to a splendid shot by former Parti midfielder Viktor Zyukov as he circles a shot from 25 metres perfectly into the top left.

Matchday 9
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–6 Rotor Värstjö
Traktor St. Andrei 1–3 Landsmarks Industrie
Transport Hovikkära 0–1 Admiral Storevik
Energie Thorsborg 0–4 FK Metall Jarnstad
Libertas Bergheim 3–1 RLSK Pawlograd
CASK Thorsborg 2–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 2–2 ESK Storevik
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–1 AFK Savojagrad
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–1 ASK Landsmark
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–1 FK Chemie Frisks

If we’re talking about surprise teams, Rotor Värstjö are high on the list. The promoted side had made some headlines with fearless, creative play based on a solid defensive line around Barnerud and Zhirkov, but their true star seems to be the 22 year old Rika Lundell. The playmaker plays off a supreme display of skill in their surprising trashing of a lightly rotated Dynamo Sjoedrhavn, scoring the 0-1 per free kick after ten minutes and doubling up with a through pass to the inswinging Eirikur Perhaug after nineteen. Dynamo’s short comeback by hands of Loeseth doesn’t change anything, as Palvarainen crosses exactly onto the head of Jonsson for the 1-3 half-time result. After the break, Dynamo line up in a 3-5-2 with Kjaer back on the pitch, and the rested Teranen back on as well. The change doesn’t work at all, however, and only minutes after, Perhaug takes advantage of the space and crosses in long to the second post, where Lundell finishes volley. Then, a penalty gives Barnerud the 1-5, and the 1-6 is the final point of the Rika Lundell Show as she passes to new substitute Sveinn Arnason.

Dynamo’s annihilation may take centre stage, but Energie’s 0-4 loss to Metall is barely less bizarre. For over forty minutes, Energie press hard and almost get the lead multiple times, getting as close as Staale Lund hitting the underside of the bar, but the ball gets cleared out in extremis. Then, in the last moments of the first half, Björgen takes up speed, crosses diagonally to Boe, the left winger plays a flat ball to the middle, Otarov scores the 0-1. The stadium falls silent, and Energie can’t come back, conceding three more in the second half. Up top, Lok concede a valuable three points against AFK; Bains scores after only eleven minutes and Nordmark shows off thirteen saves to secure the clean sheet. CASK’s 2-1 victory over SVV thus results in the Thorsborgers taking second place, Lok falling behind into third. Transport Hovikkära fight just as valiantly with Chauncey frustrating Jotansson to no end, and for a long time, they not only manage to hold Admiral at bay, but also almost provoke a red card on Palina Leopold, who is visibly frustrated with the constant rough tackles by Warner. It is only luck and a quick intervention by Sabine Montag, coupled with Leopold’s substitution, that avoids worse. However, in the late stages of the match, a central midfielder off the bench decides the game for the champions, as Emil Carlsberg’s long-range shot results in the lone goal.

Matchday 10
Rotor Värstjö 3–1 FK Chemie Frisks
ASK Landsmark 2–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
AFK Savojagrad 0–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
ESK Storevik 1–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–6 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
RLSK Pawlograd 1–2 CASK Thorsborg
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–1 Libertas Bergheim
Admiral Storevik 1–1 Energie Thorsborg
Landsmarks Industrie 0–1 Transport Hovikkära
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–1 Traktor St. Andrei

Pressure is mounting in Sjoedrhavn, as despite their transfer offensive, Partisan sit only in 12th place, two victories and four draws to their name and already eight points behind IFCF contention. With the news having arrived at openly questioning Johan Sigmundsson as manager, their match with SVV is a crucial one - and they react. It takes only twenty minutes for Karjanen to convert a free kick, Aarsoy to cross onto Rahn’s head, and Karjanen to get a second one after dribbling past an over-eager Anttakari and finishing from ten metres out. Shortly before the break, a counter is interrupted by Onagin, who sees his second yellow for a tactical foul and is sent off in the first half; the following free kick comes long into the box, where Helman prolongs it - 0-4 before half time. The fans of SVV leave the stadium, and the ultras of the home team fall silent in protest, leading to an absolutely eery atmosphere. In the second half, a calm and focused Parti brings home victory, with Shipulin getting the fifth goal and Göran Jaerbyn scoring his first SFS goal for the final 0-6 result. Former SVV goalkeeper Aleksandra Virulainen leaves the pitch in panic after being whistled at and having beer cups thrown at her by angry Virkaja fans, and SVV will likely be punished for the fan anger provoked by the loss.

The match of the week on paper is Admiral vs Energie, first versus sixth. Energie get the early goal that they are looking for, with the pressing Abigail Admassu intercepting a pass by CB Lauri Zirkkonen after only three minutes. The Banijan reacts fast, playing into the gap to Lindgren, and Energie’s centre forward scores easily. Energie try to keep up the pressure, but fail to score: Vindjammer shoots wide from ten metres, and Filipovic saves miraculously against Lindgren twice. Eventually, Admiral’s skill up front is too much, and a cross by Vladcik finds Jotansson after the hour for the 1-1. CASK capitalise on the dropped points and win their clash with RLSK to shorten the gap to three points, while Lok stall in Storevik and have to concede a draw.

SFS B Talking Points

- FK Sjoedrhavn's strong start confirms rumours that the relegated capital side strongly aims for direct re-promotion, and that their young players are coming into their own. Adrian Klaebo is their surprising breakout player, holding up comfortably alongside the routined JC Idveld. Elias Hedberg manages to concede only four goals across eight games, cementing the FKS ambitions.
- The second favourite of the SFS B, Metsuri Virkaja, have significant issues to keep up with the top, particularly due to their propensity to draws. Alongside newly promoted Valdhavn IF, Metsuri have the fewest defeats of all sides, even topping SFS, but they also have drawn four games compared to only three victories.
- Both promoted sides, Nemstvo and Valdhavn, can hold their own in the league. Valdhavn in particular prove a difficult opponent with a strong defensive showing, matching FK Sjoedrhavn for the fewest goals conceded, but a light deficiency in the attacking departement keeps them from the top. Nemstvo as well manage to hold their own in the middle of the pack, and establishing itself around a strong midfield.
- Youth players are all the rage in the SFS B. Current leading scorer of the league is Navigator Jaromirgrad striker Alexander Morland, aged 19, and perhaps its most fascinating player is a 20 year old regista playing for Union, Kalle Jaulanen. The proportion of youth players is also higher than ever, with a record number of 17% of starting positions thus far being filled with U-21 eligible players.

Standings:
   SFS B                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 FK Sjoedrhavn            8    5   1   2    11    4   +7    16
 2 Norrhavn FK              8    5   1   2    10    6   +4    16
 3 Navigator Jaromirgrad    8    4   2   2    16    8   +8    14
 4 SK Cuprum Grennvik       8    4   2   2     8    5   +3    14
 5 Metsuri Virkaja          8    3   4   1    13   10   +3    13
 6 Valdhavn IF              8    3   4   1     7    4   +3    13
 7 Union Roopere            8    4   1   3    11   11    0    13
 8 Nemstvo SK               8    3   2   3     9   12   −3    11
 9 Motor Johansborg         8    3   1   4     8    7   +1    10
10 Polar Grundviken         8    3   1   4    11   13   −2    10
11 EU Storevik              8    2   3   3     6    7   −1     9
12 Framfarir Kjefla         8    2   3   3    12   16   −4     9
13 RAS St. Andrei           8    2   1   5     7   11   −4     7
14 Elektron Harkka          8    1   4   3     5   11   −6     7
15 Agrar Jurka              8    1   3   4     6   11   −5     6
16 Mir Nestrovo             8    0   5   3     5    9   −4     5

by **Savojarna** » Fri May 22, 2020 6:27 am

SFS VIII Part 2/4

Matchday 11
Traktor St. Andrei 1–0 Rotor Värstjö
Transport Hovikkära 0–0 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Energie Thorsborg 1–1 Landsmarks Industrie
Libertas Bergheim 0–2 Admiral Storevik
CASK Thorsborg 1–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–2 RLSK Pawlograd
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–0 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Dynamo Novaya Russica 1–0 ESK Storevik
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 2–2 AFK Savojagrad
FK Chemie Frisks 1–1 ASK Landsmark

Torpedo against AFK is by no means an established derby, and there is not much bad blood between the two, but a sleek Savojagrad media establishment fuelled by the large creative community around the university has spun the Derby of the Coast into a minor “thing”. It certainly helps that both teams have a tendency to play attractive football, and so, Savojarna gained a friendly rivalry. Today, it’s AFK’s turn to drown their opponents’ city in blue and yellow, and they also drown the pitch in their colours: Relentless pressing pushes back Torpedo in a back and forth, and it shows results. 18th minute, Shipulin finds Bains in the box, he cleverly lays it up for Lirov, 0-1. Then, 36th, Romanov dribbles through, feints a shot to the left, chips the ball in to the centre, and Jorinen taps in for the 1-1. Right before the break, Ishkurin takes a dribble, gets fouled, converts the free kick to the 1-2 at half-time. AFK come back more defensively, Townsend advancing to the wing and Eloise Davison slotting in at left back, and they get punished. Twenty minutes to go, Lirov fails to score after a corner thanks to a spectacular save by Bartok, and the Nephar launches a counter. Long ball up to Jamarin, who drops it back to Zhirkov. Pass to the side onto Romanov, a dribble, a long cross, a header by Jamarin - 2-2.

At the bottom of the table, RLSK celebrate a surprising, but welcome victory. Petrova’s successor Jushchenko saves three major chances in the first half before Mansheim manages a goal off a corner, and then, he holds his side in the game for an hour as Parti miss shots left and right. Eventually, Rahn manages to react to a rebound for the 1-1, but int the last minutes, Samarev gets a sketchy penalty that Svetlana Namenkova converts. Chemie, despite surprising themselves with a 1-1 against ASK, can’t follow up, putting them two points behind their Pawlograd rivals. Up top, Libertas lose a crucial match against Admiral thanks to two Nepharan goals, courtesy of by Leopold and Montag, while an early goal by Ljurbyn in Jarnstad goes unanswered. This puts Lok in third place, three points ahead of Libertas, with CASK still first chasers of Admiral.

Matchday 12
Rotor Värstjö 0–0 ASK Landsmark
AFK Savojagrad 2–1 FK Chemie Frisks
ESK Storevik 1–3 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 2–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica
RLSK Pawlograd 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–0 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Admiral Storevik 0–1 CASK Thorsborg
Landsmarks Industrie 3–3 Libertas Bergheim
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–0 Energie Thorsborg
Traktor St. Andrei 1–1 Transport Hovikkära

The big day is here, Savojarna sees its first true clash for leadership in the SFS as Admiral’s spectacular offence meets a fearsome, workmanlike CASK midfield in Thorsborg. Three points separate the teams, and a victory with four goals difference would place CASK on top. That may be too much to ask, but there is still a good shot at tying the lead for Thorsborg, and they are intent to use it, not sitting back against a fearsome Admiral. Fifteen minutes in, Prosdocimi initiates the attack to the left with Pickton, who takes the ball right with him and launches a cross to the centre, but Flyborg’s header scrapes the post and lands out. After 28 minutes, Storevik get their best shot, with a cross by Skov passing Jotansson and landing on the far post, where Vladcik gets denied from close range. The game moves back and forth, and right after the break Larsen shows another brilliant stop as he deflects a ball in a one-on-one with Jotansson. But then, twenty minutes before the end, Pickton cuts inside and swings a ball in, Flyborg heads back to the middle, and Birja slides into the ball to push it over the line and make CASK the winner.

Behind the duo, Lok take their chance to close the gap with a goal by defensive tower Roy Coyner, who manages to deflect a long free kick from mid-field past RLSK keeper Jushchenko. RLSK fail to pose a great danger, the best chance being a long-range shot that is saved by Knasmuller in Lok’s goal. Libertas and Landsmarks Industrie fight each other valiantly, but end in deadlock. Both sides have a double scorer: Sequel Bathanay opens the score with a penalty and then adds the 2-2 after an hour, when she scores in a one-on-one; for Libertas, Lajunen first heads home a cross by Richard Geddes for the 1-2 lead and then achieves the second lead for Libertas after a beautiful shot from eighteen metres. However, in the final minutes, Industrie find a gap. Pressing with all their might, the teenage talent Lovisa Tedenby shoots between two defenders, and with Ronne seeing the shot too late, she scores flat to the left to score the 3-3.

Matchday 13
Transport Hovikkära 0–2 Rotor Värstjö
Energie Thorsborg 0–3 Traktor St. Andrei
Libertas Bergheim 0–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
CASK Thorsborg 3–0 Landsmarks Industrie
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–1 Admiral Storevik
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
Dynamo Novaya Russica 1–0 RLSK Pawlograd
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 0–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
FK Chemie Frisks 0–0 ESK Storevik
ASK Landsmark 1–3 AFK Savojagrad

Pressure starts mounting in Sjoedrhavn as Partisan are struggling in the middle of the table, instead of fighting with the other Big Four. With the home game against Admiral, it isn’t getting easier, but the fans show support for their side and push for a victory. The side seems inspired, and Poulsen gets an early first chance with a free kick that narrowly goes over the goal. The early onslaught is rewarded after nineteen minutes, as Roesk feeds Aarsoy, and the winger ignores the tightly marked Augustine Rahn in favour of Karjanen at the edge of the box, who scores with a shot to the bottom left. Partisan keep up pressure, but Jure Filipovic in Partisan’s goal is strong, punching out crosses by Aarsoy and Lund and denying multiple close-range attempts. Zirkkonen takes centre stage as he neutralises Rahn, and Andersson falls deep to cover Karjanen, leaving Partisan increasingly harmless in its own midfield. Admiral stay calm and eventually get the goal, with Zirkkonen scoring off a corner to equalise.

CASK face a big opportunity with their game against Landsmarks Industrie, and they don’t take any prisoners: twelve minutes are played, Pickton cuts inside past Boedker, takes aim and swoops the ball perfectly into the far corner to the 1-0. To the delight of the audience, the Euran doubles up only seven minutes later, overstepping to leave Boedker in the dust again and crossing to the middle, where Flyborg converts with a diving header at the second post. CASK almost score a third before the break, but Lindblom saves a distance shot by Gren; the 3-0 comes in the second half as Nweke finishes a counter. In the Jarnstad Derby, a dreary and defensive game ensues in which Lok keep the better end as they manage to score after a one-two of Ljurbyn and Grivoshenko, the winger cutting inside and scoring the sole goal to keep Lok within four points of the lead. Behind the top three, a large gap looms, with Rotor taking fourth place as a double by Jonsson brings them a win, while Dynamo Sjoedrhavn stall out Libertas. with joker Johnberg scoring the late winner for the Police Team.

IFCF Liga B Champions Cup Group Stage, first half
Rotor Värstjö (SVJ) 2-0 Arboren FC (KOR)
Myrrh-Streamer (OAM) 0-2 Rotor Värstjö (SVJ)
Rozelle Alliance (BRE) 2-3 Rotor Värstjö (SVJ)

Rotor deliver a strong early group stage, playing with the confidence of a surprise team in the SFS. Rika Lundell is the magistral figure of Rotor, the 22 year old playmaker scoring a goal against Arboren and one against Rozelle, and one assist in each match. The other core player is Heikki Palvarainen, whose pressing and clever defensive assistance show the experience of over 150 games in the highest Savojar league, and captain Harald Barnerud, who organises the game with cool composure and manages the decisive third goal in Brenecia off a penalty shot. In the defence, loan player Dmitri Dmitriyev from FK Torpedo rules the skies, and Kappakari shows a great organisational talent that allows him to stay without a goal conceded for 203 minutes straight in the IFCF.

Matchday 14
Rotor Värstjö 3–1 AFK Savojagrad
ESK Storevik 1–1 ASK Landsmark
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 1–1 FK Chemie Frisks
RLSK Pawlograd 2–0 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
FK Metall Jarnstad 2–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Admiral Storevik 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Landsmarks Industrie 2–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–1 CASK Thorsborg
Traktor St. Andrei 2–0 Libertas Bergheim
Transport Hovikkära 1–0 Energie Thorsborg

Admiral finish their tour of the Big Four, receiving Lokomotive in their duel for second place. Everything seems possible: Admiral had the better start, Lok the better form; Admiral have the bigger stars, Lok fewer obvious weaknesses. The big Saturday evening fixture starts with a bang: Sabine Montag in a duel with Halvard Oystein, leaving the midfielder in the dust and putting all her force in a shot to the top right, but her countryman Gerik Knasmuller scrapes it out and clears for a corner. Shortly after, Zeperin is a bit too advanced and lets Vladcik slip through, the winger passes to the centre, but again Knasmuller gets a leg between the goal and Jotansson’s shot. A spectacular opening, with two big chances in the first fifteen minutes, but Lok aren’t slacking off either: Twenty minutes in, Oystein presses successfully and gets the ball off Evaldsson, lobs over the defence to Ruriksson, but the volley into the net is worthless as the striker is offside. The game continues to be close, with both sides having plenty of chances, but Knasmuller and Filipovic both keep a clean sheet - until the 65th minute. A long pass by Andersson to the wing, but Leopold loses the aerial duel against Hallsen, who immediately launches Ericsson. The left winger drops the ball off to Ljurbyn, and the playmakers’ shot from 18 metres brings the victory and second place to Lok.

A day later, CASK now can be secure to maintain their lead, but are under pressure as they face Dynamo away. The Thorsborgers try to play creatively out of the back, utilising the time and space Sjoedrhavn give them, and Zirkova launches a brilliant attack with a pass to Iljurov, who shoots into the gap behind Louise Barton and crosses diagonally to the middle, Flyborg scoring at the second post. But in the second half, Hoyberg equalises off a standard, leading to the 1-1 at full time. Partisan’s collapse continues slowly, succumbing to Landsmarks Industrie’s pressing as Norby gets a goal and an assist, the only Parti goal coming by a Karjanen free kick. On the other hand, Rotor Värstjö’s miracle continues, with a double within seven minutes resolving the clash with AFK Savojagrad. Lundell passes over to Palvarainen, rushes to the second post, gets the ball back - 2-1; shortly after, the playmaker finds a gap to pass to Jonsson and assist the 3-1.

Matchday 15
Energie Thorsborg 3–1 Rotor Värstjö
Libertas Bergheim 0–1 Transport Hovikkära
CASK Thorsborg 4–3 Traktor St. Andrei
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 3–3 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Lokomotive Jarnstad 2–1 Landsmarks Industrie
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–1 Admiral Storevik
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–1 FK Metall Jarnstad
FK Chemie Frisks 0–0 RLSK Pawlograd
ASK Landsmark 1–2 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
AFK Savojagrad 3–1 ESK Storevik

A bumbling Partisan against a resurgent Dynamo that has built its surprisingly strong season on a foundation of defensive structure doesn’t sound like an exciting match, but that’s what we’re getting as Parti are getting out the tricks. Coach Johan Sigmundsson, puts in Jespersen at centre-back and Göran Jaerbyn at right wing, and it works at first: Aarsoy dupes Liparainen and catches Danube off-guard in the near corner, and by the half hour, Rahn pushes a ball across the line from close range. 2-0 Partisan, and they can take the lead to the break as Virulainen denies a shot by Teranen spectacularly. Then, a first setback after half-time as Jernayev jumps a bit too low on a cross, accidentally prolongs it to the second post instead of clearing, and the lurking Kristina Midtjaer scores. Parti get back on track with a cross by Jaerbyn, punched away by Danube, but the second shot from nineteen metres out is good - 3-1 Poulsen. But Dynamo are not yet beaten. Twenty minutes to go, Teranen runs deep, collides with Jespersen, stumbles, falls, gets the penalty. Ulkanen converts to the bottom left, Virulainen guessing the corner, but too late on the jump. Then, Dynamo taste blood. Leclair wins the ball, a long pass, a won duel at the edge of the box. Johnberg pounces, dashes into the area, finds a way through the legs - 3-3.

Even more goals fall in Thorsborg as CASK fall behind 0-2 after twenty-five minutes, but as so often, Traktor lack the calmness to simply wait and defend. Tesharov wants to dominate the opposition, and the opposition avenges itself with the equaliser before half-time and a double strike by Valter Birja in the second half, Kasimir Samarov’s 4-3 coming too late to revert the score. Admiral, shaken after three games in a row without victory and having fallen to third place, run and run against a Dynamo Novaya Russica side that has turned itself into a stone wall. Finally, joker Juri Sandrajev finds a one-two with Montag that gets him into the box, and a shot from thirteen metres seals the deal. At the bottom, ASK Landsmark lose against SVV, with import player Florian Franz scoring the first goal by a Siovanija & Teusland player as his free kick lands in the goal for the 2-1. ASK lose captain and talisman Dominik Ryberg to injury as he falls to the ground without enemy intervention after a header. Lacking their captain, and falling into the depths of relegation again, ASK seem increasingly devoid of answers.

Matchday 16
Rotor Värstjö 3–1 ESK Storevik
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 2–0 AFK Savojagrad
RLSK Pawlograd 0–1 ASK Landsmark
FK Metall Jarnstad 1–0 FK Chemie Frisks
Admiral Storevik 1–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Landsmarks Industrie 0–2 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Traktor St. Andrei 1–4 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Transport Hovikkära 1–2 CASK Thorsborg
Energie Thorsborg 0–1 Libertas Bergheim

Not only Landsmark are struggling, but with Freya Sigurdsdottir out of shape, ESK Storevik are in trouble as well. Visiting surprise team Rotor Värstjö, the Storeviker are placing her on the bench, a desperation move that needs to pay off, or ESK are in trouble. The early game falls into their favour, but Kappakari plays a superb game, and defends time after time. The centre of the pitch is in Värstjö’s control, and ESK’s 4-2-2-2 gives Lundell all the freedom she could want. Rika Lundell is not one to think twice in that situation, pulling all the strings and getting the first assist as she lobs the ball behind enemy lines, where Perhaug scores the 1-0. Before the break, Lundell doubles up herself by free kick. ESK increase the effort and get a reward by a Darya Macar overlap, the left back crossing from the midfield onto the head of Uller Sigfridsson for the 2-1, and they run against the goal now. But the duo of Barnerud and Zhirkov is too good, and in the final minutes, it is ESK loan player Sveinn Arnason who slides into a flat cross by Palvarainen to score the 3-1 for Rotor.

Up top, Admiral stumble over a surprisingly efficient Torpedo. Tesharov manages to keep his midfield four in a flat line, crowding the centre of the pitch and nailing Admiral into their own half, but the defences - and above all Jure Filipovic - hold off the attack. After an hour, the fortress falls, with a long shot by Namenkova blocked by a defender, and Samarov pouncing on the rebound; but Admiral are too good, and a solo by Leopold brings the equaliser. Lokomotive also stumble, conceding a goal off a corner to Hoyberg’s heading and drawing against Dynamo, leaving CASK with a golden chance to distance their pursuitors - and Johnny McDonald’s side takes it. Hovikkära present a good challenge, with the defenders being at the core of the attention after an early goal by Serge Tempest, but eventually their fortress falls as well. Chauncey is penalised strictly for a shoulder charge on Birja, and Gren converts the penalty - 1-1 with twelve minutes to go. Rajala, coming on for Pickton, going deep after a one-two with Gren, a cross, a volley by Nweke, 2-1. CASK lead four points ahead of Lok and five ahead of Admiral, the title race all but reduced to three sides.

Matchday 17
Libertas Bergheim 2–1 Rotor Värstjö
CASK Thorsborg 2–0 Energie Thorsborg
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 0–0 Transport Hovikkära
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–1 Traktor St. Andrei
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–3 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–0 Landsmarks Industrie
FK Chemie Frisks 0–5 Admiral Storevik
ASK Landsmark 1–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
AFK Savojagrad 1–0 RLSK Pawlograd
ESK Storevik 4–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja

Upstarts Rotor Värstjö face off against a Libertas Bergheim striving to break into the ranks of the Big 4 in a match where if they win, they may cement their position as Best of the Rest and actually keep in touch with the leader group, but if Libertas win, they bring together the pursuitor pack at the cost of letting the top three get away at the top. Libertas, expectedly, try to press high, pushing back Rotor and crowding the middle, and it works. Geddes intercepts a ball on the wing, crosses to the middle, but for the moment Kappakari clears. Five minutes later, same situation, and this time Lajunen is there for the 1-0. Rotor strike back before the break as they get some more space, and a flat cross by Perhaug is taken on by Jonsson for the 1-1. Rotor manage to get some chances at the victory, Lundell shooting just over the goal and Dmitriev heading a corner against the crossbar, but in the end Libertas prevail. Arkanin slots the ball through to Lajunen, who waits patiently before passing to Hakeson for the 2-1.

This opens a big chance for the Top 3 to widen the gap even further, and they don’t hesitate. On the same night as Libertas’ narrow victory, CASK win the Thorsborg derby in the first half as a Gren free kick goal gives the leaders an early advantage, and Birja seals the deal before the break as he heads in a cross by Pickton. Prosdocimi shuts down Admassu completely, and Thomas Larsen denies a late onslaught with three great saves. Lok stall against Traktor, content with an early lead, but get punished with a goal in injury time by Matti Sundberg. Finally, on Sunday afternoon, Admiral utterly destroy Chemie. Two goals by Sandrajev and one by Arnason brings Storevik up 3-0 by half time, and Skov and Evaldsson contribute the two latter goals to convincingly beat the red lantern side. Finally, there is the Dynamo Derby, overshadowed by a brilliant performance of Grégoire Leclair. The Reçueçian dominates the midfield, completely isolating Farrell and Vilmarsson up top and ripping apart the defenses with quick, long passes. 19th minute, Andersson dances past Kirov, crosses in to Teranen, 0-1. 35th, Leclair plays long to Teranen, who drops it back to Ulkanen, and the Finn scores from twenty metres out. Then, in the second half, an overlap by Barton and a cross is cleared to a corner, landing right on the head of Johnberg for the 0-3.

Matchday 18
Rotor Värstjö 3–0 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
RLSK Pawlograd 2–2 ESK Storevik
FK Metall Jarnstad 2–1 AFK Savojagrad
Admiral Storevik 0–1 ASK Landsmark
Landsmarks Industrie 1–4 FK Chemie Frisks
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–0 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Traktor St. Andrei 0–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Transport Hovikkära 0–2 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Energie Thorsborg 2–0 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Libertas Bergheim 2–1 CASK Thorsborg

Libertas continue to be the number one team in bringing teams down, with next on the list being the leaders CASK. The Thorsborg side comes out of the locker room smelling blood in the water, and Prosdocimi gets in not one but two rough tackles on Arkanin before the fifteen minute mark; but offensively, not much works together as Libertas put their back three deep and hold off the attack. Then, Pickton finds a gap to Birja, but Lotte Ronne stops the shot. Finally, Flyborg scores, but he is offside and it remains 0-0. Meanwhile, Libertas pick up speed, circumventing Prosdocimi’s central reign via the wings, but Nurkanen and Geddes both see their crosses cleared by Zirkova’s magistral defence. Then, shortly before the break, Zirkova gets the ball and marches up the pitch, passing out to Iljurov, but the ball gets immediately back to centre, and Gren scores from a distance. In the second half, Libertas switch on the offence, Sandoval on the wing for Nurkanen, and they get rewarded as a cross is not cleared sufficiently, and Hakeson pounces for the 1-1. The teams now neutralise each other - until in the last ten, a cross finds its way into the CASK box, Lajunen and Nielsen rise to it, then the striker falls. A foul in the air, penalty, Arkanin lines up, scores - 2-1 Libertas.

Lokomotive face an uncomfortable opponent in Transport Hovikkära, defensive and tough, but not strong enough to keep the Jarnstad train at bay. An initial offence is broken down by a strong Gerik Knasmuller, who has to stop a shot by Viilanen from nine metres out and does so brilliantly, but then, there is not enough width even as Oouri and Warner overlap for their lives. It doesn’t help, and eventually a long ball finds its way behind enemy lines, Warner too far advanced to stop Grivoshenko, 0-1. Ten minutes later, gaps open up in the back, and Lok don’t hesitate, with Jonas Hellström scoring the 0-2. Admiral stall out against ASK, being shut down by the stone wall that is Landsmark’s defence. Omark and Gusev, bot national players of their countries, tightly mark Jotansson, and Eve Lovelace is given the task of man-marking Montag. Even a change in the system can’t bring success, and after 76 excruciatingly slow minutes with only six shots in total, Gavax-Nenzi Abe receives a long ball that he prolongs to Norwood, the Nephar breaking past Zirkkonen and bashing the ball into the net for the sole goal of the match. Finally, Värstjö sees a shock, Gennadi Simunov’s young and hungry side cutting through a highly estimated Virkaja team like a knife through butter, with two goals by Perhaug and Jonsson before the half-hour mark; the final score belongs to - whom else - Rika Lundell.

Matchday 19
CASK Thorsborg 1–1 Rotor Värstjö
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 0–1 Libertas Bergheim
Lokomotive Jarnstad 3–1 Energie Thorsborg
Dynamo Novaya Russica 1–0 Transport Hovikkära
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 0–3 Traktor St. Andrei
FK Chemie Frisks 0–3 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
ASK Landsmark 2–1 Landsmarks Industrie
AFK Savojagrad 1–2 Admiral Storevik
ESK Storevik 0–1 FK Metall Jarnstad
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–5 RLSK Pawlograd

The end of the first half of the season is almost comically uninteresting when it comes to the matchups, but the Landsmark Derby is poised to be at the very least entertaining. Industrie are struggling, and marred with injury, they rely on the young Lovisa Tedenby in midfield. The box-to-box player struggles with the physical and defensive nature of ASK, and is the one to spell early doom as she loses the ball to Lovelace, and a quick one-two with Gavax-Nenzi Abe brings her closer to the goal. Pure luck averts an early setback for the underdog, as Lovelace’s shot bounces off the crossbar. Industrie’s signature pressing doesn’t do much for them as ASK bypass it with long balls, and such a long ball by Delaclava’s Valentin Gusev finds Groen, who lobs it over the Industrie defence for Norwood - 1-0 at half time. After the break, Industrie have to open up, and ASK remain cold-blooded. Gusev wins a ball, Omark passes it to Lovelace, whose long ball finds Ilari Litmanen. The Finn doesn’t hesitate and beats Albin Lindblom in the 1v1 for the decisive goal; Sequel Bathanay gets a goal out of a chaotic corner kick in the 86th minute, but it’s too late to revert the score.
Up top, CASK are in for a shock after they dominate Rotor, but fall prey to a number of quick, painful counter-attacks. Lundell is denied by Larsen, and Zirkova stops Jonsson just in time to deny the two biggest chances of the first forty minutes, but right before the break, a corner lands on the head of defender Dmitry Dmitriev for Värstjö’s 0-1. Despite 62% possession and a 6-3 shot on goal statistic, CASK are down at half time, and they remain down as Kappakari in goal plays the match of his life. But then, in the final minutes, CASK playing with three strikers on the field, comes salvation. A ball into the box, desperately crossed in, punched out by Kappakari but held at the edge of the box by Gren; the shot deflected by a defender, blocked, but onto the foot of Nweke, who stands right in front of the goal - 1-1. With that blunder, Lokomotive feel their chance coming and wait calmly against an over-eager Energie Thorsborg. Three quick counters net three goals for a 3-1 victory, the goals coming twice from Ruriksson and once from Grivoshenko, and shortening the gap up top to only one point. Finally, SVV’s chaotic season continues. With Vukkila suspended, Olgunov injured and Otalainen missing without explanation, there is nothing to keep the side together. A corner and a penalty bring RLSK ahead, and by half time it’s 0-3 for the guests and SVV are down to ten after Oleg Barkov has lost his head and shoved Ylvenoinen into an ad board after the whistle. It doesn’t get better: shortly after the break, Max Stenberg collects a second yellow, and with nine men, SVV bitterly lose 0-5 at home.

IFCF Liga B Champions Cup Group Stage, second half
Rotor Värstjö (SVJ) 2-3 Rozelle Alliance (BRE)
Rotor Värstjö (SVJ) 2-1 Myrrh-Streamer (OAM)
Arboren FC (KOR) 2-2 Rotor Värstjö (SVJ)

Rotor now need to enter the conservation phase, and they do so brilliantly. Against Brenecia’s Rozelle Alliance, Isarin replaces Zhirkov and Herman plays for Lund to give the side a more offensive feel, which succeeds early on, but then defensive stability is lacking and Rozelle come back from a 2-1 to revert the score. Rotor’s first loss is taken calmly, no cause for concern as the side beats Oberour ar Moro’s Myrrh-Streamer at home thanks to a late Rika Lundell free kick.
Sandwiched between two important league games, there are rotations made again for the final game in Ko-oren against Arboren FC, with Värstjö more or less already qualified. Heikki Palvarainen is the big man, orchestrating the game from the right sideline in the absence of Lundell, and he delivers both the cross for the 1-1 and the shot that becomes a rebound for the 1-2. However, Arboren utilise the space at the back that comes from the changes in Rotor’s defence, and after Matriyev is left in the dust, can equalise for the 2-2 that sees both teams progress to the next round.

SFS B:

SFS B                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 SK Cuprum Grennvik      15   10   3   2    14    5   +9    33
 2 Valdhavn IF             15    8   4   3    16    7   +9    28
 3 Metsuri Virkaja         15    7   6   2    24   15   +9    27
 4 Norrhavn FK             15    8   2   5    19   12   +7    26
 5 Union Roopere           15    7   3   5    23   25   −2    24
 6 Motor Johansborg        15    7   1   7    16   14   +2    22
 7 Navigator Jaromirgrad   15    6   3   6    28   22   +6    21
 8 FK Sjoedrhavn           15    6   3   6    14   12   +2    21
 9 Mir Nestrovo            15    4   7   4    20   17   +3    19
10 Nemstvo SK              15    5   4   6    14   19   −5    19
11 RAS St. Andrei          15    5   2   8    19   21   −2    17
12 Elektron Harkka         15    4   5   6    14   21   −7    17
13 EU Storevik             15    4   4   7    18   23   −5    16
14 Agrar Jurka             15    4   3   8    13   18   −5    15
15 Framfarir Kjefla        15    3   5   7    20   29   −9    14
16 Polar Grundviken        15    4   1  10    14   26  −12    13

by **Savojarna** » Thu May 28, 2020 1:17 am

SHS Regular Season       Pld    W   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 CASK Thorsborg            60   40  14   228  138  +90    86
 2 PT Hovikkära              60   40  15   221  165  +56    85
 3 RHK Savojagrad            60   32  18   138  115  +23    74
 4 ESK Storevik              60   33  20   234  173  +61    73
 5 SK Torpedo Pawlograd      60   33  21   186  149  +37    72
 6 Savojars Vinge Virkaja    60   29  25   204  208   −4    64
 7 ASK Landsmark             60   28  27   125  133   −8    61
 8 Thorsborgs Technik        60   24  27   139  163  −24    57
 9 Partizan Novaya Russica   60   26  29   194  214  −20    57
10 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn         60   24  30   176  185   −9    54
11 HK Metall Jarnstad        60   23  30   193  197   −4    53
12 Sjoedrhavn SHK            60   22  32   143  176  −33    50
13 HK Orjalahti Dragons      60   22  32   119  160  −41    50
14 Traktor St. Andrei        60   20  32   156  181  −25    48
15 Kjefla Vulkan             60   17  31   110  138  −28    46
16 HK Rotor Värstjö          60   12  42   113  184  −71    30

SHS Playoffs

Play-ins:
ASK Landsmark 1-2 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn (2-1, 3-5, 0-1)
Thorsborgs Technik 2-0 Partizan Novaya Russica (5-4 OT, 6-3)

Quarterfinals:
CASK Thorsborg 3-4 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn (3-1, 4-3, 0-1, 3-0, 1-8, 0-2, 0-1)
PT Hovikkära 3-4 Thorsborgs Technik (3-5, 5-0, 6-1, 0-1, 3-4, 1-0 SO, 4-5 OT)
RHK Savojagrad 4-2 Savojars Vinge Virkaja (3-2, 1-0, 1-3, 3-4, 1-0, 1-0 OT)
ESK Storevik 1-4 SK Torpedo Pawlograd (0-2, 0-1, 2-4, 6-3, 1-2)

Semifinals:
RHK Savojagrad 1–4 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn (1-2, 0-1, 0-2, 5-1, 1-2 SO)
SK Torpedo Pawlograd 4-1 Thorsborgs Technik (2-1 OT, 1-0, 2-1, 1-2 OT, 3-2 SO)

Finals:
SK Torpedo Pawlograd 4–2 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn (1-2, 4-6, 3-1, 2-1, 1-0, 2-1)

SK Torpedo Pawlograd are Savojar Hockey Serien Champions

by **Savojarna** » Sat May 30, 2020 7:33 am

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
Savojarsk Cup Part 1

As usual, there isn’t much interesting stuff going on in the preliminary round, this year even skipping drawing together any decent amount of clubs from the same region, avoiding any sort of decent rivalry by region. At least some games are fairly interesting as football games, such as the tense 3-3 between International and Grigori Kartjov St. Pjotr, decided in favour of the visitor in extra time as St. Andrei carpenter Alexei Miranov scores his second goal right before the break. The most notable event is the reveal of 17 year old Hallsberga Vikingur striker Marko Haesflot, scoring a hattrick in his team’s 6-2 demolition of Thor Sejersheim and attracting some attention by the scouts of national level teams. However, most games oscillate between the lame, like SK Ullström’s unremarkable 1-0 home win over Norderhaven, and the outright dreary like Marjanoli vs. RFK Storevik, ending in a torturous 0-0 and decided on penalties.

Like so often, the eyes in the first round are on the clashes of the SFS A teams. Unlike last yea, there are no major clashes of top teams, but we do get a juicy matchup in the visit of a bumbling Partisan Sjoedrhavn to FK Chemie Frisks, and oh, what a matchup it is. Partisan seem to take control early as 18 year old Sven Ehlers scores the leading goal, but Chemie revert before the break as Joona Pärvi and Kimiko Maki score two goals for a 2-1 home lead. It takes Parti, like so often in the SFS, an entire half of running against a tight defence until they break through, Jaerbyn crossing into the centre and Rahn scoring with a header for the 2-2. In the League, this would be the end and another disappointment for Partisan, but this is the Cup and we get overtime - and what an overtime it was. In the first half, Partisan go up again as Poulsen scores from a distance, but Chemie equalise with a penalty before the overtime break. It’s another penalty that decides the game after Sandhaugen handles the ball in the box, leading to a penalty shot for Partisan that Henning Roesk scores calmly. Admiral Storevik also face one of their league rivals in AFK Savojagrad, but playing at home and with vigour, there is little to be done for AFK who unceremoniously lose 4-0.

In general, the favourites win, except in the shootout. Luck is absolutely rotten for the SFS from eleven metres. RLSK fail to score in 120 minutes against Mir Nestrovo despite being very much in control, but their offensive lack of power is almost embarrassing and Mir’s goalkeeper, the routined Roman Petrov, saves many a shot. As Mir are just as harmless, we enter a shootout - and oh, do RLSK embarrass themselves indeed. One scored, one missed, one saved, all while Mir score shot after shot, and eventually RLSK are the first SFS A team to fail. Agrar Jurka also beat their SFS A opponent in ASK Landsmark, winning 5-4 in penalties after an extremely lively game seeing six goals; and it gets even better with Union and Rotor. Rotor Värstjö are visibly tired from their international campaign and go down late in their game despite having led 3-1, eating goals from Roopere’s excellent wingers, a trademark of the team that keeps creating multiple good players in the offensive third. Rotor strike gold in overtime thanks to Sveinn Arnason scoring a goal in the first half, but Union strike back again by hands of 19 year old Ivo Pantanen, and it’s 4-4. But at the end, Union prevail in the shootout, celebrating their second round qualification, and Värstjö pay tribute for their packed calendar and international success.

The SFS A teams, once again, overwhelmingly get off easy, ESK beating last year’s relegation victim FK Sjoedrhavn (who are now rid of many of their talents) clearly and Dynamo blasting seven past the amateur side of SK Ullström. The two navy teams are both similarly merciless, beating their respective amateur opponents 0-5 each despite not playing their top level sides. However, some SFS sides struggle more. Landsmarks Industrie relies on two goals of a Sequel Bathanay that is only subbed in late against Jarov Jarovsk, edging out the Nationalligaen side 3-4 after being down until the last fifteen minutes. Facing an SFS B side flirting with promotion, CASK also struggle with their draw of Framfarir Kjefla, but eventually manage to win late as Kjefla’s energy is dwindling and Sergey Nweke nets two goals. Then, there are Dynamo Novaya Russica, whose strikers fail to get past Union keeper Mikko Loparainen, but manage to score late in extra time to secure octofinals as Dynamo midfielder Yamaj-Blonz Jok scores from the edge of the box. Finally, Transport actually do manage to fall to Valdhavn IF, with many rotations at the back harming the Finns as Valdhavn’s league topscorer Mikael Grönqvist scores double and the offence of Transport is ineffective as always.

As for the high level duels that actually did happen, the clear focus lays on the Jarnstad Derby thanks to the high levels of tension surrounding the game, it being a derby with probably the highest stakes of any Jarnstad Derby in the last decade. The Cup has always been more important for the likes of Metall, midtablers with a decent shot at it but lacking the endurance for a championship campaign, and it is them who take the field early, but Ognjan Vlahovic’s side fails to score - and is punished when Adrian Klaebo plays a long ball across their lines, Hornberg is too slow to make the offside trap snap, and Jonas Hellström has the easiest goal of his season as he is alone in front of the goal. However, Metall are for once not discouraged, and Vlahovic shows that he is perfectly capable of offence, with a ball finding a perfect way to Ekman who scores from close range to make it 1-1. In the end, it’s the typical Metall way of scoring off a corner that decides the game, Tzavellas getting his head on the ball and scoring the 1-2. Even more high profile is the game of Libertas and Partisan, but it ends up being a stale affair, each side scared of committing mistakes to help their high-ranked opposition, and in the end it is a dreary game that sees only five shots on goal in total. The goal comes off an Aarsoy shot, high to the near post, one of those where even though the game goes on for almost twenty minutes, you know that it’s functionally over - and it will be true.

As always, the big traditional question of the octofinals in the Savojarsk Cup are: How many lower-league teams are going to survive the winter? The answer, in this year, is at least one, as Kallora IF of the Nationalligaen and Elektron Harkka of SFS B meet each other in the octofinals. Kallora, in front of 3’720 frenetic visitors in an overflowing ground, manage an early goal by local boy Juha Jeramäki on a corner, and now put their life on the line for defending. Although Elektron have a strong offensive push, they look somewhat disjointed, and their individual actions are caught by Kallora’s fervent defending, but in the end Elektron find a goal and send us to extra time, and eventually the shootout - where Jeramäki misses, but so does Elektron’s Halanen, and then Elektron’s central striker Ola Virtanen misses as well, and for the first time in thirteen years, a third-tier side qualifies for the quarterfinals. A day later, Mir Nestrovo also make it through surprisingly, exploiting ESK’s abysmal season. Thorgeir Arnason, played in CB to get practice, plays a horrible failed pass into the foot of Mir striker Alexei Pyakov, who quickly cuts the two central defenders and scores the 3-1 for the underdog in the 55th minute. With ESK failing to mount a strong attack, and Nestrovo’s goalkeeper Petrov, already the demise of RLSK in the first round, fells another top team.

In the meetings of SFS A teams, the big one is Admiral vs. Dynamo in Storevik. Once again, the old adage of the champions never doing well in the Cup strikes true, with Mikko Juralainen struggling in Admiral’s goal and Leclair shutting down Admiral’s replacement playmaker, the 19 year old Arianna Berger. Even with Montag playing in the second half, it’s too late to revert the two goals scored by Ulkanen and Johnberg in the first half. SVV also manage to pull off a major upset against CASK, with Siovanija and Teusland’s Florian Franz pulling the strings in the playmaker position and 19 year old Delaclavan winger Lukas Meyer scoring two. Together with a goal by Vukkila and one by Zimarin, SVV win 4-2 against a CASK whose focus clearly lies on the Championship, continuing the tradition of SFS top teams losing out in the Cup. However, the true collapse is suffered by Partisan, whose only hope to any silverware by now is in the Cup, but there is no holding back against an unshackled Traktor. In St. Andrei, the Partisans completely collapse, Anders Johansson delivering a thoroughly convincing case for why Virulainen being the regular starter is a good decision as he concedes four goals in one half. Traktor lead 4-1 at the break, and it’s not getting any better. That leaves Metall, Dynamo and Energie as the three top-half SFS A teams, complimented by three mid to low sides of the top flight, one SFS B team in Mir Nestrovo, and the miraculous Kallora IF from the third Savojar tier.

by **Savojarna** » Wed Jun 17, 2020 4:59 am

SFS VIII Part 3/4

Transfers
As is usually the case, there is a lot of internal chaos at the winter window in the Savojar transfer market, but relatively little that actually manifests in the real. A typical case here is Rotor Värstjö playmaker Rika Lundell. The 22 year old, who is a hot candidate for the role of SFS A MVP, has been connected to a number of struggling clubs, but has been announced to stay at Rotor for at least the rest of the season - that does not mean, however, that she isn’t a hot guess to move abroad or to a Big Four side at the end of the season. Another failure can be witnessed in Pawlograd, as Torpedo have been bidding for a number of strikers including DNR’s Ljubor Taramin and Chemie’s Kimiko Maki, the latter having been proposed on a loan basis, but both transfers fell through.
More success up front has been found at Traktor, who have acquired one of the more promising names of the winter window in Jekatarina Smolov, a 21 year old left-footed forward of Navigator Jaromirgrad. Smolov, who has scored nine goals in 15 SFS B matches, has shown prowess both in the centre as a pouncing striker and on the right wing as a hybrid winger; in a pinch, she can be used on the left wing as well, although her two appearances for Navigator on the position haven’t been convincing. Transport Hovikkära also strengthened their offence by signing a youth player from AFK Savojagrad’s youth academy in the tall centre forward Mikhail Breganov. Breganov is only eighteen years old, but has been convincing in the past. Furthermore, Chemie announced a loan on 18 year old Libertas centre-back Gudrun Jansdottir until the end of the season.
The most exciting signing has been on the sidelines, where Partisan Sjoedrhavn moved to replace coach Johan Sigmundsson after a pretty dismal first half of the campaign. Sigmundsson’s follower is the 42 year old Patrik Alexandersson, formerly engaged at Valdhavn IF during their surprising run towards the top ranks of the SFS B, but also equipped with a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave prematurely in order to join an SFS A team. Alexandersson has been receiving his coaching training under Partisan auspices, being the former manager of the club’s U21 team and now taking the helm of the A side. He is expected to keep the DNA of the old Partisan side, but introduce some tactical variance and most importantly more motivation and energy.

Matchday 20
Rotor Värstjö 0–0 RLSK Pawlograd
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
ESK Storevik 2–0 Admiral Storevik
AFK Savojagrad 1–3 Landsmarks Industrie
ASK Landsmark 0–0 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
FK Chemie Frisks 1–1 Traktor St. Andrei
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–0 Transport Hovikkära
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–4 Energie Thorsborg
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–2 Libertas Bergheim
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–1 CASK Thorsborg

Although we expected the eyes of the nation to rest on the Sunday evening fixtures between Lok and Libertas as well as Partisan and CASK, it’s ESK Storevik that stun everyone in their Friday fixture against local rivals Admiral. Entering the Storevik Derby as a clear underdog, ESK actually manage an early goal by virtue of Rikard Helborg. Playing without Sigurdsdottir, who is in a persistent slump of bad form, they band together as a team, and Darya Macar does a brilliant job of controlling Palina Leopold to the point that the Nepharan first pulls the trigger on an absolutely hopeless shot after the hour, misses far, and then only narrowly avoids a red after an intentional shove after a whistle against the Squornshelan leftback. Only intervention by Jotansson and Montag holds her back, and while the referee opts for a yellow, Haukason still feels compelled to take out his winger. Admiral’s angry attacks are repelled by Baarsjö playing a superb game and Halldor Parvin man-marking Jotansson to death, and late in the match, an interception by Arvid Persson kicks off a counter that is converted by Uller Sigfridsson for a 2-0 at the Ejansk Stadion.

The eyes of the nation now do indeed turn to Sjoedrhavn, where Patrik Alexandersson debuts with a 4-1-4-1 that sees a double playmaking duo with Poulsen and Karjanen, and Rahn as a solo striker. The rather unconventional system works thanks to Henning Roesk discovering surprising defensive depth, and thanks to Göran Jaerbyn - replacing Alina Lund for this match - magistrally crossing the ball in after twenty-nine minutes, with Karjanen dashing in to convert at the second post. Alexandersson then shows adaptability, with Karjanen retracted in the second half for another defensive man in Pavel Shipulin, but CASK are too strong and an individual show of skill by Pickton gets them an equaliser. Lok also face destiny against Libertas despite going up early with a goal by Ericsson, but then, playmaker Henrik Ljurbyn falls after a fair challenge in the air. Ljurbyn doesn’t get up anymore, having injured his ankle badly in the landing and needing to be substituted, leaving Lok in a shock that is exploited by Richard Geddes and Tuomas Lajunen to score two goals.

Matchday 21
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 2–0 Rotor Värstjö
CASK Thorsborg 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Libertas Bergheim 5–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Energie Thorsborg 1–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Transport Hovikkära 0–0 FK Chemie Frisks
Traktor St. Andrei 1–0 ASK Landsmark
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–3 AFK Savojagrad
Landsmarks Industrie 3–0 ESK Storevik
Admiral Storevik 3–0 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–2 RLSK Pawlograd

Friday evening sees the duel of first versus second in Thorsborg. CASK host Lokomotive, with Ljurbyn being denoted as injured but playing due to the sheer importance of the game despite his injuries. CASK, however, don’t play nice, and tight marking by Arturo Prosdocimi leaves the playmaker pretty much without impact. Nonetheless, Lok are dangerous as Grivoshenko gets through the side and swings in, but Zirkova can intercept the attack at the last moment. They keep on the pressure with Ruriksson shooting from fourteen metres out, but getting denied by Larsen. Before the break, CASK get their biggest shot with Prosdocimi winning a ball and playing long for Iljurov, but Birja heads the cross centimetres above the goal. Then, in the final seconds of the half, CASK get a corner that is caught out by Knasmuller, who immediately starts a counter with a long throw to Ake Ericsson, who drops it off to Oystein. A long ball onto Grivoshenko, a diagonal pass to Ericsson, a flat one into the middle and Ruriksson scores from eight metres in a counter. It remains the sole goal as Pickton shoots over the bar from a tight angle and Nweke fails to beat Knasmuller from about eight metres in the second half. The victory reverses the order up top, Lokomotive now leading one point ahead of CASK.

Admiral keep touch with a clear 3-0 over a disjointed SVV, Otalainen unable to counter the many defensive holes of Savojars Vinge, leading the top three to get closer together. But in their shadow, Libertas’ strong showings bring the Bergheimers closer and closer to the top, and a convincing 5-0 over Dynamo Novaya Russica that is born from never releasing the pressure after an early goal by Mika Hakeson brings them ever closer into the pack. After the 2-0 by Arkanin, DNR push up the pitch and allow Hakeson to collect a second one, as Lajunen and Geddes net one each. Among the other pursuitors, there are setbacks: A double strike by Rahn and Partisan’s first victory under Alexandersson binds back Rotor Värstjö, and Dynamo Sjoedrhavn are taken by surprise by a defensive AFK, playing Brenecian wingback Lyn Townsend as a winger ahead of leftback Eloise Davison, which leaves Dynamo’s Kev Andersson exactly zero space to do literally anything. Two goals by Bains seal the deal for AFK. Down the table Landsmarks Industrie face ESK Storevik and profit off a horrible performance by Sigurdsdottir, to be substituted after 49 minutes, and a hattrick of Nepharan striker Sequel Bathanay to get them away from immediate relegation danger.

Matchday 22
Rotor Värstjö 2–1 FK Metall Jarnstad
RLSK Pawlograd 0–5 Admiral Storevik
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 2–0 Landsmarks Industrie
ESK Storevik 1–0 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
AFK Savojagrad 1–1 Traktor St. Andrei
ASK Landsmark 0–0 Transport Hovikkära
FK Chemie Frisks 1–3 Energie Thorsborg
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 0–10 Libertas Bergheim
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–2 CASK Thorsborg
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn

Sometimes, things just fall in place for one team. This week has an absolutely blatant example with Libertas travelling to Pawlograd against Torpedo, and the hosts being hit by horrible luck right away. After only thirteen minutes, Antti Roope is being tackled hard by an out-of-position Geddes, who gets a yellow, but Roope is removed from play with injury. Two minutes later, Lajunen scores off a corner; within ninety seconds Arkanin doubles up with a long shot. Already visibly frustrated, Däll lets himself be pulled out of position and is played like a fool, and Hakeson brings the score to 0-3 by twenty minutes of play. Torpedo make everything harder on themselves as before the break, the score now 0-4, Japarainen sees himself out of place as well and is late on a tackle, collecting a harsh but defensible red card. By the end of the game, hot-headed Torpedo striker Pjotr Jamarin collects another red for pushing away Lajunen after the 0-6, and Libertas have accumulated ten goals, Lajunen netting a hattrick and Arkanin as well as Geddes scoring two each.

Other sides also manage to get their share of goals, Admiral riding a brilliant performance by Vladcik (three assists, one goal) and a hattrick by Jotansson to a 0-5 victory against RLSK after playing themselves into a proper rush. After the game, frustrated supporters light up flares and storm the pitch, but the protests of the fans quickly fizzle out without doing much more than voice their frustration at a loss to one of the hated Armed Forces teams. CASK don’t run up the score, but still win convincingly with two goals in the first thirty minutes, and then saving the lead, with Prosdocimi playing the role of destroyer ahead of the centre-backs perfectly and Zirkova launching both successful attacks. Lok, however, are the odd one out, lacking creativity without the still injured Henrik Ljurbyn. Alexandersson’s double playmaker works out well, and eventually Karjanen draws out Roy Coyner, opening a slot for Poulsen to run into and get a diagonal ball from Aarsoy. Now alone against the keeper, Poulsen scores coldly for Partisan’s victory, closing the gap between the top three to one point per team.

Matchday 23
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–1 Rotor Värstjö
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 0–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
CASK Thorsborg 1–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Libertas Bergheim 1–0 FK Chemie Frisks
Energie Thorsborg 0–1 ASK Landsmark
Transport Hovikkära 0–2 AFK Savojagrad
Traktor St. Andrei 1–1 ESK Storevik
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 5–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Landsmarks Industrie 1–1 RLSK Pawlograd
Admiral Storevik 1–0 FK Metall Jarnstad

Lok receive a high-flying Rotor Värstjö at home, looking to take back the top after their loss to Partisan. However, things don’t go their way as Oystein advances too far and leaves a gap for Lundell, who cuts past Erlandsen as well and feeds the ball to the left side, where Eirikur Perhaug takes the ball along and cuts in, crossing low but not getting the assist as Jonsson doesn’t quite reach the ball, only slightly changing its direction and sending it wide. However, it’s a warning shot that motivates Rotor, and a long ball by Barnerud finds Palvarainen, who passes it to the middle, and this time Jonsson hits it perfectly for the 0-1. Lok, now properly shocked, can’t quite assert themselves and almost go down 0-2, but Knasmuller stops a free kick by Lundell miraculously. In the second half, Rotor’s window seems to close, with the hosts recomposing themselves and standing higher, pressing back the upstarts, and getting a good chance after 55 minutes as Ruriksson hits the crossbar. Eventually, Grivoshenko scores off a diagonal ball by Ake Ericsson to secure at least one point, despite Sveinn Arnason almost scoring a late 1-2 for Rotor, but Gerik Knasmuller saves with his leg.

The loss of points sets Lok at a disadvantage, and means they have to rely on help from, of all teams, local rivals Metall. Their clash with Admiral looks good for a long time, with the defences of the second Jarnstad team holding tight, but they fail to be dangerous and require some magic of Aleksander Smichov in goal. There are few chances for either side, and eventually, Admiral break through and score thanks to the individual skills of their Nephar attackers, Montag chipping the ball behind the lines onto the foot of Leopold, who dances past Hytälä gracefully and scores to the near corner. CASK also struggle with Torpedo, Jelena Romanov showing her class and scoring early, but a long ball by Zirkova to Rajala - playing on the right side today - leads to a counter that ends successfully as Sergey Nweke finishes from close range. The final result puts Admiral in the lead, but the top remains tight as CASK are just one point behind, with Lok trailing by three. Following yet another victory, Libertas shorten their gap to the leaders to five points, leaving the top closer than ever.

Matchday 24
Rotor Värstjö 5–3 Admiral Storevik
FK Metall Jarnstad 2–0 Landsmarks Industrie
RLSK Pawlograd 4–4 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–1 Traktor St. Andrei
ESK Storevik 2–1 Transport Hovikkära
AFK Savojagrad 1–1 Energie Thorsborg
ASK Landsmark 1–1 Libertas Bergheim
FK Chemie Frisks 0–2 CASK Thorsborg
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 0–2 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–2 Lokomotive Jarnstad

There is one single, clear, biggest surprise package in the SFS, and it’s recently promoted Rotor Värstjö. The side is storming the league with a combination of a strong youth players and an experienced defensive core around goalkeeper Kappakari and defensive midfielder Barnerud. Today’s home game against Admiral stands as a spectacular test, opening up with a double for Värstjö. Perhaug and Jonsson are the first two scorers, bringing Rotor up 2-0 after 25 minutes and leading to a party in the small, but sold out stadium. Admiral manage to get one back before the break, but a penalty by Barnerud brings about a 3-1 half time lead. Right out of the gates, Rotor strike again with a beautiful counter after an Admiral corner: Kappakari catches the ball, releases it to Perhaug. The winger dribbles past two defenders and passes to Jonsson, who defends it in mid-field against Andersson, passing back to Lundell. Lundell, with a long ball back to Perhaug, introduces speed. Then, Perhaug stops, turns around leftback Runarsson, and crosses the ball right onto the head of Jonsson for the 4-1. The stadium explodes, and Rotor don’t give up this lead, winning 5-3 at home in the end with the remaining goals belonging to Lundell, Leopold and Sandrajev.

Just as many goals, but more equitably distributed fall between RLSK and Dynamo, two teams not commonly known for their offensive merit. However, today is different, as Dynamo’s Kev Andersson and Aleksander Teranen score one each for an early lead, and then Nick Hoyman makes it 0-3 off a header. But after the break, a second yellow for Rydman and a penalty for RLSK let them lick blood, and within fifteen minutes it’s 3-3. RLSK press and get the lead by a scrappy Mansheim goal, and only a last-ditch header by Teranen secures Dynamo a point. CASK take the opportunity left by Admiral’s defeat and beat Chemie easily, taking back the lead up top, while at the bottom of the table, the heat intensifies with ESK facing Transport. The Storeviker are in trouble first, failing to threaten a tight Transport defence, and eventually Serge Tempest can bring Hovikkära in front - but it won’t last. A second-half change of bringing in Sigurdsdottir does revert the game as the out-of-form striker flashes her skill with a goal and a beautiful post play to give Helborg the chance for the 2-1. The victory puts some safe distance between ESK and Transport.

Matchday 25
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–1 Rotor Värstjö
Lokomotive Jarnstad 2–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 3–0 FK Chemie Frisks
CASK Thorsborg 3–2 ASK Landsmark
Libertas Bergheim 1–0 AFK Savojagrad
Energie Thorsborg 3–6 ESK Storevik
Transport Hovikkära 1–0 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Traktor St. Andrei 2–1 RLSK Pawlograd
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–1 FK Metall Jarnstad
Landsmarks Industrie 2–5 Admiral Storevik

It’s Derby Day in Thorsborg, and despite the favourite role being clearly assigned to the hosts and leaders, there is never an easy victory in the Army Derby. Sergey Nemtsov sets the tone seven minutes in as the right back brutally jumps Wallace Pickton; it is pure luck that lets both of them continue the game. Then, three minutes later, CASK set the footballing tone as Prosdocimi shoots at range and forces a corner out of Johan Jacobsson. The first attempt is cleared over the touchline by a defender, but the second corner lands on the head of Flyborg and in goal. The lead is reverted just before the break as Gavax-Nenzi Abe converts a free kick, but the match is largely a fight. It intensifies after the break, Lovelace breaking through and passing up to Garrett Norwood before Nielsen brings him down in the area - penalty for ASK, and the lead for the guests. Around the hour mark, their resistance breaks: Pickton dances past Eve Lovelace and Sergey Nemtsov, crosses in, and finds not Flyborg, but a sneaky Pjotr Iljurov at the far post for the 2-2. CASK now pile on the pressure, and with eight minutes to go, the Landsmarker yield to it, the winning goal belonging to Paddi Gren’s mid-range shot to the top left.

Even more spectacle happens in the other Thorsborg game, with Energie having ESK visit. Freya Sigurdsdottir, despite her abysmal season, gets another start, this time alongside Uller Sigfridsson, and the unconventional (for ESK) setup without a playmaker pays off, the Storeviker punching past a scrambled Energie defence twice in the first fifteen minutes. Then, it goes from bad to worse as Sigurdsdottir follows up with the 0-3 and the 0-4 just before the end of the first half, and although Energie - led by an irresistible Abigail Admassu - get two goals back early in the second, it’s too late. Eventually, ESK win the game 3-6. Only a little fewer goals fall between Landsmarks Industrie and Admiral Storevik, the latter winning 5-2 in Landsmark thanks to a double for both Vladcik and Jotansson. Partisan, finally, don’t drop anything at home against Chemie Frisks. Poulsen scores early, and Rahn doubles up before the break, leading to a secure 3-0 victory that marks their sixth unbeaten game in a row as well as Partisan’s return to the Top 10.

Matchday 26
Rotor Värstjö 3–1 Landsmarks Industrie
Admiral Storevik 0–0 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
FK Metall Jarnstad 1–1 Traktor St. Andrei
RLSK Pawlograd 0–0 Transport Hovikkära
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–3 Energie Thorsborg
ESK Storevik 1–4 Libertas Bergheim
AFK Savojagrad 1–1 CASK Thorsborg
ASK Landsmark 0–4 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
FK Chemie Frisks 1–0 Lokomotive Jarnstad
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 0–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica

Savojars Vinge and Energie Thorsborg meet up in Virkaja for a crisis duel between an SVV that is struggling against relegation, and an Energie that is slowly sliding out of the mid-table region. SVV come out all guns blazing, but Otalainen’s long shot is deflected by Marqvist and the following header by Anttakari goes over the bar. Practically on the direct counter, Admassu passes Onagin, plays wide to Vindjammer, and in the centre Lund scores the 0-1. The aggressive pressing of Energie continues to pay off as they bait Stenberg into a horrible pass right into the feet of Sienkiewicz, who takes a long shot and strikes gold as the ball lands in the top corner, leading to a 0-2 lead for the visitors at half-time. Then, with Franz and Meyer on the pitch in the second half, not much works for the Savojars Vinge side. Florian Franz gets a decent shot with a free kick, but fails to score; on the counter, Vindjammer scores the third goal for Energie. At least Lukas Meyer can get one back for some cosmetics, but even that turns out to not be granted to SVV as the Delaclavan is offside. Virkaja fall only three points ahead of the playoff spot, having to fight against relegation.

Up top, the teams struggle as Admiral are held by Dynamo Sjoedrhavn, who opt to let Leclair man-mark Montag to take the Nephar playmaker out of the game. It works, and with Leopold facing a compatriot in Louise Barton and Mookie Danube in goal denying Jotansson twice from short range, there isn’t much offensive light for Admiral. Still, they hold flawlessly and get a point at home. CASK don’t get more either, despite Birja’s goal in the third minute. However, at the half-hour mark, Eddie Bains jumps higher than Rydman and scores the equaliser. Without further goals, CASK can’t exploit Admiral’s mistake. Lok strike even worse luck as the Jarnstad side runs on against a defensive Chemie side, forcing save after save out of Karyanov, but then they receive a dagger to the heart as a header by Onagin after a corner lands in the net and Lok are defeated. This leaves the pursuitors with a shot, and they all take it as Rotor uses two assists by Lundell to beat Industrie 3-1, Libertas Bergheim annihilate ESK 1-4 with three goals in the first thirty minutes, and Partisan ride a late collapse by ASK to a 0-4 away victory as a final offence by the Landsmarkers leaves a lot of space for Karjanen, who picks up two goals.

Matchday 27
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–1 Rotor Värstjö
Dynamo Novaya Russica 1–0 FK Chemie Frisks
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–0 ASK Landsmark
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–0 AFK Savojagrad
CASK Thorsborg 4–2 ESK Storevik
Libertas Bergheim 2–2 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Energie Thorsborg 1–2 RLSK Pawlograd
Transport Hovikkära 1–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
Traktor St. Andrei 0–2 Admiral Storevik
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 3–3 Landsmarks Industrie

CASK host ESK Storevik in what is a must-win in the title race for CASK, but it seems to go another way as Sigurdsdottir shows that she is still dangerous with the 0-1 after twelve minutes. Although Pickton gets one back, CASK are down at the break as Baarsjö scores from a distance, and replace Flyborg with Nweke. The move pays off as shortly after, Prosdocimi launches a long ball to Iljurov, who crosses in to Birja. The header is saved by Rolfrsson, but Nweke slides into the rebound to equalise. Only five minutes later, Pickton passes an opponent and crosses in, and although the ball is repelled, Gren scores for the lead from nineteen metres out. The game is reversed, and ESK’s spirit seems broken as they see their lead vanish. The only big chance for the visitors after this goal is a header by Sigurdsdottir after a corner, which bounces off the crossbar into the audience, and CASK secure an important victory sealed by joker Juhamatti Rajala finishing a counter late in the game to set the score to 4-2. The reversal prevents CASK from losing important points, as their direct competitions for the lead win their games clearly.

Six goals are also scored elsewhere, with Dynamo Sjoedrhavn running into a high press, courtesy of Landsmarks Industrie. As the Industrialists get a first strike by hands of Sequel Bathanay, Dynamo get a little nervous, but a magistral performance by Leclair secures their back, and a long ball by Hoyberg in the back of the defence sets up Teranen to score against his former club. Then, Kev Andersson doubles up with a wonderful solo, and it’s 2-1 at the break. However, Dynamo still make too many errors, and eventually a ball falls into the feet of Norby, whose cross finds Klinger for the equaliser. Dynamo take the lead once again, but Industrie refuse to die, and Bathanay secures a draw late in the game. Another draw results between Torpedo and Rotor Värstjö, thanks to Bartok saving a great free kick by Lundell in injury time; the point for Pawlograd is not enough as their local rivals RLSK win over Energie and plunge the proud Navy team into relegation spots.

Matchday 28
Rotor Värstjö 0–0 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Landsmarks Industrie 0–1 Traktor St. Andrei
Admiral Storevik 1–0 Transport Hovikkära
FK Metall Jarnstad 1–0 Energie Thorsborg
RLSK Pawlograd 2–2 Libertas Bergheim
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 1–4 CASK Thorsborg
ESK Storevik 0–5 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
AFK Savojagrad 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
ASK Landsmark 2–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica
FK Chemie Frisks 1–0 FK Torpedo Pawlograd

Chemie versus Torpedo is usually not interesting; now it is a scrappy relegation fight that a side managed by Olaf Jurtanen is not built for. Romanov gets beaten down relentlessly by Chemie rightback Thomas Andersson, until she eventually gives up and walks off the field like a beaten dog, limpering on her left foot, to be replaced after 57 minutes. Ragnar Jorinen doesn’t have a better time, getting marked tightly for the entire game; Roope only has one shot throughout the match and sees it saved easily. The magic of Torpedo is definitely gone, and Chemie’s command of the centre of the pitch is nearly complete. Finally, the backside of the Navy team gives way as well: Chromatik Dina Chapman makes a mistake and plays a ball into the foot of Fridtjof Jansrud, and the closest thing Chemie have to a creative player dances smoothly past Däll and plays a through pass to Kimiko Maki, the Hinodejin scoring from close range and sealing the deal for the outsiders.

Up front, the most remarkable result is Libertas’ 2-2 against RLSK; an overly confident Bergheim side continues the attacks until it is too late and they run into a counter. Of all people, it is former RLSK player Denis Arkanin who loses the ball; Namenkova plays long to Ylvenoinen, the winger crosses in flatly, and Mansheim slides it over the line. Thanks to Dynamo holding Rotor to a scoreless draw, Libertas don’t get into any risks of losing their fourth place, but the gap to the top grows to eight points as Admiral, Lok and CASK all win. A clear victory over Savojars Vinge, where Lukas Meyer is conspicuously absent and rumour has it he returned to his native Delaclava, sets CASK Thorsborg ahead two points, with both Admiral and Lokomotive in striking distance. Behind, Partisan continue their charge with a 0-5 annihilation of ESK, led by a splendid Steinar Aarsoy delivering three assists.

Matchday 29
FK Chemie Frisks 0–0 Rotor Värstjö
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 0–1 ASK Landsmark
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–2 AFK Savojagrad
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–0 ESK Storevik
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 2–0 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
CASK Thorsborg 1–0 RLSK Pawlograd
Libertas Bergheim 2–1 FK Metall Jarnstad
Energie Thorsborg 1–4 Admiral Storevik
Transport Hovikkära 0–0 Landsmarks Industrie
Traktor St. Andrei 4–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn

Traktor welcome Dynamo Sjoedrhavn, who have held them to a draw in the Stadion Dynamo and generally excel with a strong defence built around Reçueçian Grégoire Leclair; with Traktor lacking captain Kasimir Samarov and relying on 21 year old Jekatarina Smolov in her first SFS start, things look even worse. Indeed, Dynamo strike first as Leclair intercepts a pass by Witchstone and launches a counter, successfully converted by Andersson. But then, Traktor find gold: Oleva gets a long ball to the side, where Sundgren gets taken off his feet; the following free kick is a perfect setup for Teronen’s 1-1. In the second half, Dynamo make more mistakes; Slavyana Oleva dribbles past Hoyberg and finds a gap for Smolov, who celebrates her first start with the second SFS A goal of her career, tunneling Mookie Danube in style. Then, ten minutes later, it is Witchstone who takes measure from twenty-one metres, circling the ball perfectly under the crossbar to make the score 3-1. Carried by a frenetic audience, Traktor push up the pitch, smothering Dynamo and getting the fourth goal off a cross by Marström to the second post, where Smolov flies in and completes the job with a diving header. Three goals scored by players under 21 symbolise the change of guard up front at Traktor, as they stun Dynamo with a clear victory.

Another clear victory comes to Partisan Sjoedrhavn, who maintain a series of ten unbeaten games in a row. Still without defeat under Patrik Alexandersson, the team beats SVV 2-0 after an early free kick goal by Karjanen and a scrappy goal by Rahn after a corner, pushing a ball over the line in the chaos, to close out the match before half-time. On the SVV side, Meyer is back on the pitch, but looks a shadow of himself, unmotivated and absent-minded, rumours about a transfer back to Delaclava or into a different league getting ever louder. Almost as if to prove Delaclavans can succeed in Savojarna, Valentin Gusev is the big man in ASK’s victory over FK Torpedo, taking the ball off Jorinen and launching the counter that ends in the lone goal of the match. Finally, the top four all win their games, cementing the tight title race; Rotor in fifth place drop two points as they fail to beat Chemie Frisks, but maintain an incredible streak of 253 minutes without conceding a goal, and only one loss to the unstoppable Partisan since the winter break.

SFS B:

SFS B                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 SK Cuprum Grennvik      22   13   5   4    23   12  +11    44
 2 Metsuri Virkaja         22   12   7   3    33   19  +14    43
 3 Valdhavn IF             22   11   5   6    24   12  +12    38
 4 Motor Johansborg        22   11   2   9    22   20   +2    35
 5 Norrhavn FK             22   10   4   8    29   23   +6    34
 6 Nemstvo SK              22    9   5   8    27   28   −1    32
 7 Union Roopere           22    9   5   8    31   38   −7    32
 8 Navigator Jaromirgrad   22    8   5   9    34   30   +4    29
 9 FK Sjoedrhavn           22    8   5   9    19   17   +2    29
10 EU Storevik             22    8   5   9    31   31    0    29
11 Polar Grundviken        22    8   2  12    27   33   −6    26
12 Mir Nestrovo            22    5  10   7    28   29   −1    25
13 Elektron Harkka         22    6   7   9    22   28   −6    25
14 Framfarir Kjefla        22    6   6  10    32   42  −10    24
15 Agrar Jurka             22    4   8  10    18   28  −10    20
16 RAS St. Andrei          22    5   5  12    20   30  −10    20

by **Savojarna** » Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:22 am

SFS VIII Part 4/4

Matchday 30
Rotor Värstjö 1–5 Traktor St. Andrei
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–0 Transport Hovikkära
Landsmarks Industrie 3–4 Energie Thorsborg
Admiral Storevik 4–2 Libertas Bergheim
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–1 CASK Thorsborg
RLSK Pawlograd 2–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
ESK Storevik 3–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
AFK Savojagrad 4–0 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
ASK Landsmark 0–0 FK Chemie Frisks

Libertas, trailing five points behind the top three that have been chasing the title since the early days, have a great shot to make some inroads as they travel to a Storevik that hasn’t always been convincing as of late, and misses defender Lauri Zirkkonen due to suspension and captain Andersson due to injury. But it all doesn’t matter if you have a Jzeovak Vladcik in his best form. The Squornshelan winger, overshadowed by the perhaps more spectacular Palina Leopold, shows that he is still a force to be reckoned with, dribbling knots into the legs of Alexey Nurkanen before being taken down by the defender. The following free kick is curled onto the head of Jotansson beautifully, who scores the 1-0. Ten minutes later, Montag takes a speculative shot that is repelled by Lotte Ronne, but with uncanny instinct, Vladcik seems to have waited for this rebound, scoring from close range. The 3-0 right before the break, scored again by Jotansson, closes the case early on; two Libertas goals are answered by a final nail in the coffin in injury time as Arnason plays a beautiful diagonal pass on a counter that Leopold only needs to tap in. The chance for Libertas is blown, and the gap to third widens back to eight points.

No mercy is given to poor Rotor Värstjö, lacking energy after a long and difficult campaign. The attempt of resting Lundell and Barnerud doesn’t work out as intended, and Jekatarina Smolov continues her run with a header at the second post to score the 0-2. After a three goal deficit at half-time, Rotor do bring in the big guns, and Barnerud picks up the lone goal off a free kick, but it isn’t nearly enough as Rotor lose 1-5. Landsmarks Industrie and Energie Thorsborg manage to score even more goals between the two of them, Klinger striking twice for Landsmark and Vindjammer for Thorsborg. However, the hero of the match is young Banijan Abigail Admassu, scoring the winner in injury time after a one-two with Staale Lund to finish from close range. The top level is less interesting; Lok and CASK both winning unspectacularly with 0-1, but picking up important points as all three pursuitors - including Partisan - lose their matches.

Matchday 31
ASK Landsmark 5–1 Rotor Värstjö
FK Chemie Frisks 0–1 AFK Savojagrad
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–3 ESK Storevik
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–2 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–0 RLSK Pawlograd
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 0–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
CASK Thorsborg 1–3 Admiral Storevik
Libertas Bergheim 6–1 Landsmarks Industrie
Energie Thorsborg 0–0 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Transport Hovikkära 0–1 Traktor St. Andrei

Everyone is focused on one match: CASK Thorsborg welcome their first pursuitors in Admiral Storevik. It is too early to be a truly decisive game in either way, but a loss for the hosts will cost them the lead, whereas a loss for Admiral will be an important setback. Knowing about the stakes, CASK set up defensively and are punished early on, as Montag finds a magistral pass over the defence right into the path of Leopold. Dancing past leftback Lars Jensen, Leopold swings in a cross, but Zirkova intercepts the ball at the second post. Five minutes later, the national defender under CASK contract has less luck, as she deflects a corner into her own goal in a desperate attempt to clear it. With the Thorsborger gameplan now being disrupted, they stand higher, and a clever pass by Andersson to Vladcik launches a counter that Jotansson converts to a 0-2 halftime lead. The second half goes slower, Thorsborg trying to build up over the side to bypass the Admiral double pivot, but failing as Skov aggressively covers Pickton and nails down the Euran. Nonetheless, after replacing Pickton with Rajala, the Finn’s different movement patterns briefly catch Skov off-guard and allows him a cross to Nweke, shortening the lead to 1-2. In the end, however, Admiral keep the better end, scoring a final third goal through a Montag free kick.

Behind the duo switching places, Lokomotive actually have a great opening to shorten the distance to the very top, but blow their chance; Ruriksson and Grivoshenko both blow good chances against Jushchenko and Knasmuller saves two dangerous counters. Few chances arise from two defensive teams, and in the end Lok fail to get past a scoreless draw against RLSK. In some cosmic irony, both Landsmark teams are being involved in blowouts, but their weekends go drastically different. Valentin Gusev is tasked with man-marking Rika Lundell and manages to shut her down with surprisingly little damage to defensive stability; up front, Garrett Norwood scores a hattrick. ASK striker and captain Dominik Ryberg, however, stumbles around for fifty-five minutes and then leaves for Litmanen, who scores the final 5-1. On the other hand, Landsmarks Industrie grab an early lead in Bergheim as Klinger scores from short range after a corner, and manage to hold on for about fifty minutes, being down 2-1 at halftime but having a big chance to come back after the break as Bathanay misses narrowly. Then, however, Arkanin scores the 3-1 and Landsmark fall apart as the high pressing takes their toll, conceding three more until the end of the game.

Matchday 32
Rotor Värstjö 0–0 Transport Hovikkära
Traktor St. Andrei 4–1 Energie Thorsborg
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 2–1 Libertas Bergheim
Landsmarks Industrie 1–2 CASK Thorsborg
Admiral Storevik 0–2 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
RLSK Pawlograd 2–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 4–0 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
ESK Storevik 3–0 FK Chemie Frisks
AFK Savojagrad 1–3 ASK Landsmark

It’s time for a crucial game in the fight for the last remaining IFCF spot, as Dynamo Sjoedrhavn and Libertas Bergheim meet. Two of the biggest contenders for international football, they both set up the strongest side possible, Dynamo with a strong defensive midfield against the high-pressing wingbacks of Libertas. The two immediately launch into a spirited fight, Arkanin striking first as he finds a golden pass to Lajunen, but the Finn hits the shin of Mookie Danube and fails to score. Then, Dynamo try their shot as Hoyberg carries a ball up the pitch and passes left to Persson, and their attack finds its target as Teranen rises high and heads it in. The defensive pivot is as strong as it can be, Leclair and Hoyberg playing a strong game, but it is all useless if you give away a free kick from 27 metres and Denis Arkanin curls it to the top left corner. An absolute screamer, and the 1-1 at half time. Game slows down largely now, the teams neutralising each other, until out of nowhere, Kev Andersson speeds into the void and receives a ball but fails to score as he is whistled back for a narrow offside. The final strike still belongs to Andersson, as Leclair intercepts a fast attack and sets up the counter via Kristina Midtjaer, playing as an inverted winger on the left. The youngster crosses in to the middle, Teranen lets it pass, and Andersson slides into the cross for a 2-1 lead for Dynamo that holds until the end.

Up in Jarnstad, Metall and Lokomotive meet for the Jarnstad Derby, and Vlahovic sets up the home side more defensive than ever. Replacing defensive midfielder Tzavellas for the centre-back Hjalmar Staal draws up a defensive, almost timid 5-4-1, but Metall compensate with a very roaming midfield. Boe plays almost as a winger, but can’t quite match Shisaru Zeperin; Roy Coyner blocks off Otarov completely, and it looks like a scrappy but boring 0-0. Until the last ten minutes, that is, where Grivoshenko launches into a brilliant solo past two defenders and swings in a cross that connects perfectly with the head of Jonas Hellström for the 0-1. New leaders Admiral try to respond, but get a difficult task in the resurgent Partisan Sjoedrhavn. With the deep-lying Partisan defence making Montag’s life difficult and Andersson isolating Poulsen, the two teams operate without their key players and struggle; however, Partisan have the advantage as Karjanen falls back to disrupt Admiral’s defence and allows Rahn some space in the box that the Nephar uses to score the 0-1. With Virulainen saving nine shots and a late counter by Aarsoy ending with the 0-2, Partisan continue their second half surge towards IFCF football.

Matchday 33
AFK Savojagrad 3–3 Rotor Värstjö
ASK Landsmark 0–1 ESK Storevik
FK Chemie Frisks 1–0 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–2 RLSK Pawlograd
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–1 FK Metall Jarnstad
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–2 Admiral Storevik
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 2–0 Landsmarks Industrie
CASK Thorsborg 3–0 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Libertas Bergheim 3–3 Traktor St. Andrei
Energie Thorsborg 3–0 Transport Hovikkära

Lok against Admiral, a clash of two top teams, gets all the attention, and the game delivers as Grivoshenko and Leopold both show a brilliant run on the right flank early on, but fail to score as the goalkeepers hold on. The two best foreign goalies in the SFS, Knasmuller and Filipovic duel each other in the first phase of the game, the defences uncharacteristically prone to error. Ullqvist misjudges a cross about half an hour into the game, and the ball lands on the foot of Vladcik to score the first goal and break Knasmuller’s streak. The setback makes Lokomotive open up and attack more, not exactly their natural ways, but necessary under circumstances. A free kick by Vuotala almost brings the equaliser, but the ball bounces off the crossbar into the out and it’s still 0-1 at half time. Then, in the second half, Ruriksson gets off a brilliant header, but Filipovic saves it spectacularly and launches a long counter over Vladcik. A great diagonal pass finds Leopold alone on the right wing, the Nepharan winger plays a sharp cross to the middle, and her compatriot Montag seals the counter with the final goal of the game.

The third team in the running delivers a stunning and convincing performance, a double by Nweke - who now replaces Flyborg as a starter - securing the early lead over Dynamo and ensuring that their tight defence does not get a grab onto CASK. Thorsborg aim for maximum offence on the wing, placing Pickton on the uncommon right wing and playing Rajala on the left, and it works as Leclair is largely bypassed. A screamer by Paddi Gren from twenty-three metres out finishes the game with a clean 3-0 to CASK. Rotor welcome AFK Savojagrad and start out strong, Lundell assisting two goals, but before the break Bains keeps the Savojagrader in the running right before the end of the first half. Barnerud gets the 3-1 with a massive shot from the distance, but in the end AFK have the longer breath and score twice in the last twenty minutes, securing a single point at home. Libertas face a similar fight against Traktor, pushing back the strong Russian side with their high wingbacks, but both sides find a lot of space in the centre. Smolov roams in the space behind an over-extended Richard Geddes to find a goal and an assist, whereas Arkanin drives his side in a spectacular 3-3 fight.

Matchday 34
Rotor Värstjö 4–1 Energie Thorsborg
Transport Hovikkära 0–0 Libertas Bergheim
Traktor St. Andrei 1–4 CASK Thorsborg
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Landsmarks Industrie 0–2 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Admiral Storevik 1–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
FK Metall Jarnstad 1–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
RLSK Pawlograd 1–0 FK Chemie Frisks
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–0 ASK Landsmark
ESK Storevik 0–2 AFK Savojagrad

The Sjoedrhavn Derby sees what may be its highest-stakes iteration in a long time. With Dynamo in ninth and needing points to keep some remote touch with the IFCF race, they host a rejuvenated Partisan Sjoedrhavn that have gotten stuck just under the top in their quest to catch up, stuck in sixth. Both teams desperately need points and come up with their best possible teams, the game moved into the Nationalstadion Carl Gustaf Bjurman after overwhelming attention from the audience - only for there to be almost nothing happening. Poulsen gets off a shot after twenty minutes, but it is deflected over the goal by a defender; right before the break, a free kick by Ulkanen is saved by Virulainen. Seemingly intimidated by the scenery, the teams are slowed down massively and fail to get good chances. Hoyberg tries off a corner, but misses high; Danube clears a cross by Aarsoy right ahead of the waiting Rahn. Then, as everyone seems to settle into the 0-0 with a bit over ten minutes to go, Rahn gets a tiny bit away from Kjaer, the Captain turns too late, gets her hand onto the striker’s shoulder, and the clever Nephar falls. Penalty for Partisan; Karjanen lines up, doesn’t flinch, 0-1. An underwhelming end to an underwhelming game, but an important victory for Partisan nonetheless.

Not much of note happens up front, with CASK beating Traktor clearly and without much struggle, Lokomotive exploiting a sometimes naive pressing of Landsmarks Industrie to score off two deadly counters, and Admiral winning 1-0 without glory after an early goal by Ruriksson. Behind the trio, however, hell breaks loose as Traktor’s loss and a stale and scrappy 0-0 of Libertas in Hovikkära break the race for the IFCF open again. Rotor Värstjö welcome Energie, and outplay the offensive and fluid Thorsborger on their own ground. Abigail Admassu tries to pull her Energie side together, but to no avail; there is no connection to the offence and Rika Lundell abuses the lack of a true defensive midfield in the Energie lineup ruthlessly. Lundell scores one, Jonsson gets two more, and the final goal comes by Eirikur Perhaug. The lone goal of Admassu per free kick cannot save her team, the low point circling around Falkyr Agot Sienkiewicz, blasting ball after ball into the stands from sometimes impossible angles. The results bring Partisan and Rotor back into the IFCF races, narrowing the race for fourth down to Libertas, Traktor, Parti and Rotor.

Matchday 35
ESK Storevik 1–3 Rotor Värstjö
AFK Savojagrad 3–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
ASK Landsmark 1–0 RLSK Pawlograd
FK Chemie Frisks 0–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 2–3 Admiral Storevik
Dynamo Novaya Russica 1–0 Landsmarks Industrie
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–0 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–3 Traktor St. Andrei
CASK Thorsborg 1–0 Transport Hovikkära
Libertas Bergheim 0–1 Energie Thorsborg

Proud Torpedo Pawlograd keep collapsing; Jurtanen’s system does not seem to fit the side, Jelena Romanov is injured, and Radu Bartok by now placed on the bench after a falling out with the coach; the Nepharan goalkeeper certain to leave in the upcoming transfer window. Eight points behind Transport and highly behind in goal difference, the side needs a victory. The task, however, is difficult as they host fellow navy side Admiral Storevik. Starting out of the gate like a whirlwind, Antti Roope scores one after nine minutes following a brilliant pass by Tabur, but Admiral strike back just shortly after with a cross by Leopold, a header by Jotansson, and a badly outpositioned Sergey Sharin lead to the 1-1. Again, Torpedo take the lead; this time it’s Romanov finding the gap past Zirkkonen and Ragnar Jorinen has to only tap it in. The Pawlograder dig in, defend themselves aggressively, start scrapping - but in the end, the flagship prevails. Sharin, only 19 years old, mispositions again on a free kick by Montag, has to rebound the ball, and Birkir Evaldsson pushes it over the line for the 2-2. Now attacking without confidence or order, Torpedo lose the ball again and a counter, successfully finished by Sigleifur Arnason, snuffs out the team’s hope.

Their navy brethren of Admiral, however, take the three points into their race with CASK and Lok. The Thorsborger follow suit, winning 1-0 against a Transport that still hasn’t scored more than ten goals, a low shot to the left by Birja bringing the decision late in the first half. CASK keep the lead two points ahead of Admiral; Lok’s fans have to fear for a long time before a violent Ruriksson shot from nineteen metres leads to the sole goal that keeps Lok alive, five points behind CASK. With seven points down compared to fourth-placed Libertas and just four matches to go, surprise package Rotor Värstjö need to win today’s game against ESK Storevik if they want to uphold their dream of IFCF football; and things look dire as Uller Sigfridsson scores the first one for the Storeviker. But then, Rotor return: Rika Lundell scores one through the legs of Rolfrsson, and of all people it is striker Sveinn Arnason, on loan from ESK, who scores the winning goal after a pass by Perhaug. The victory keeps Rotor’s dream alive as Libertas lose.

Matchday 36
Rotor Värstjö 0–0 Libertas Bergheim
Energie Thorsborg 1–0 CASK Thorsborg
Transport Hovikkära 0–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Traktor St. Andrei 0–2 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Landsmarks Industrie 0–2 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Admiral Storevik 0–2 FK Chemie Frisks
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–0 ASK Landsmark
RLSK Pawlograd 1–0 AFK Savojagrad
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 4–4 ESK Storevik

Traktor St. Andrei host Lokomotive in one of the two key matches of the week, both teams needing points desperately as Traktor lurk only two points behind a surprising IFCF appearance; Lokomotive, five points behind the leaders, could technically lose their chance to contest the title if they fail to win. Traktor attempt to push their high-octane, offensive play onto Lok, but the Jarnstaders match with surprisingly high pressing, and force a mistake out of Smolov. Hallsen conquers the ball and immediately sends it wide to Grivoshenko, and four Lok players assault Traktor’s three central defenders; but in the end Ake Ericsson misses wide, Nikitin just about touching the ball with his fingertips. Corner for Lok, Grivoshenko swings it in, Ruriksson goes high but misses. Surprised, Barushin fails to clear, the ball falls onto the foot of Halvard Oystein, and he pushes it across the line for the 0-1. Traktor open up more at the back, shelling the Lokomotive box with crosses, but the tight centre of the Jarnstader makes it hard to get the ball through to Traktor’s forwards. Knasmuller and Ullqvist both play a superb game, clearing ball after ball, and finally, a counter finds its way. The returned Henrik Ljurbyn has space, plays a one-two with Ericsson, magistrally launches Grivoshenko into depth and the winger scores the easiest goal of his season, just slotting it in near the post.

In the other key game for the IFCF, Libertas and Rotor play each other; the newly promoted Värstjö know their limits and play with almost uncharacteristic caution. With both sides being heavily reliant on their playmakers, they both put their opponent’s ten under tight control; Arkanin deals with the tight marking ever so slightly better than Lundell, but an inspired Lauri Kappakari avoids more damage. In the second half, Dmitriev gets a splendid chance off a corner, but Lotte Ronne deflects it over the crossbar; the 0-0 seems like a mutually agreed result from there onwards, Libertas holding on to the fourth place and Rotor remaining in a lurking position four points behind. Up top, Lok’s victory over Traktor came at the best possible moment as Energie Thorsborg manage to score early and suffocate CASK in a spirited Thorsborg derby, and Admiral take a gamble at home against Chemie as they rest Montag, Jotansson and Leopold; the hubris is punished as Chemie Frisk pull off a 0-2 upset. CASK still lead the race, two points ahead of Admiral and Lok. Finally, the drama of relegation picks up as Landsmarks Industrie face Torpedo Pawlograd. Even in the absolute crisis of Torpedo, Sharin shows a strong performance; the sheer talent of Jelena Romanov and Selvala Tabur is unmatched on Landsmark’s side and leads to a victory for Torpedo that keeps the Pawlograders alive on paper, while Landsmark are guaranteed to face playoffs or relegation.

Matchday 37
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 1–3 Rotor Värstjö
ESK Storevik 3–1 RLSK Pawlograd
AFK Savojagrad 1–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
ASK Landsmark 2–0 Admiral Storevik
FK Chemie Frisks 0–2 Landsmarks Industrie
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 2–2 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–2 Traktor St. Andrei
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–0 Transport Hovikkära
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 3–3 Energie Thorsborg
CASK Thorsborg 2–0 Libertas Bergheim

Admiral travel to Landsmark in order to face a by now thoroughly average ASK Landsmark. Victory will secure at least a good shot at repeating their title, even if they won’t hold it in their own hands; a draw or loss can be the end of all hopes. Admiral play like they are aware of it, pressing the issue as hard as they can, opening gaps at the back but not getting anything as goalkeeper Johan Jacobsson first saves a point blank header by Jotansson and then a beautiful volley by Leopold. The third attempt in the first half, a distance shot by Montag, is repelled and pushed over the line by Jotansson, but the assistant signals offside. On the next attack, Evaldsson loses the ball and Lovelace slots it through to Garrett Norwood, who stabs Admiral right into the heart with a shot through the legs of Jure Filipovic. Admiral’s all out attack in the second half is denied time after time, Valentin Gusev in central defence playing the game of his life, and then, in the final minutes as ASK have long shifted to a defensive 5-3-2, Eve Lovelace finally gets the spotlight. The Brenecian, showing good matches in ASK’s midfield all season long without much glory, wins a duel in the air, runs after the ball, shrugs off a challenge by Zirkkonen, and swings a violent shot at the goal from nineteen metres out. The ball zaps right under the crossbar, making it swing as it bounces off the bar into the net. 2-0 for ASK, and Admiral Storevik have lost all chances for the title.

CASK face Libertas and assign Arturo Prosdocimi to personally guard Arkanin, the Recuecian frustrating the Russian playmaker to the point that he shoves him away after a whistle and follows up with throwing a ball after Prosdocimi, resulting in a red card and the end of all hopes for Libertas. CASK stay cool, eliminate the remaining threat of Richard Geddes, and score two in the second half to secure the lead. Lok struggle against Transport Hovikkära, fighting and scrapping it out, eating tackle after tackle. In the end, Chauncey can’t quite clear a corner, Erlandsen pulls a trigger and shoots from twenty-two metres, the ball rebounds off a shin and lands in the goal. The goal leaves the race open, Lok waiting two points behind CASK before the final round; CASK’s task will be slightly harder as they face a Rotor Värstjö fighting for IFCF football at home, Lokomotive travel to Thorsborg and face an already eliminated Energie.

In the IFCF race, the defeat of Libertas opens everything up. First to the party are Rotor, playing against SVV - a special game as it gets known shortly before the match that SVV’s Lenka Otalainen will not be brought to the Cup of Harmony and Rotor’s Rika Lundell takes her place. The game is tight for twenty-five minutes, both sides with their chances to go ahead, but then Perhaug and Jonsson score one each to blow the door wide open for Rotor. The second half can’t change things anymore as SVV are tired; Florian Franz scores with a solo but can’t avoid a loss that brings Rotor within one point of the IFCF. Traktor follow against a harmless Dynamo Novaya Russica; Sundgren scores the first goal after twenty from short range, a header by Samarov brings the decision to bring Traktor level with Libertas for that elusive fourth spot. Then, finally, Partisan could pull level with the trio, leading Energie 1-0 at half time after a shot by Karjanen. And then, it devolves into an absolute mess. Sienkiewicz, 51st minute, from a distance: 1-1 to the top left. 55th minute, Lund, dribbling past Halstro and crossing in, header by Rahn, 2-1. Then, Admassu dribbling herself, passing Roesk, gets fouled. Free kick. 2-2 with twenty minutes to go. Five minutes later, Vindjammer runs down the left wing, seeks the 1v1 with Grönkjaer, crosses, finds Lindgren, 3-2. Then, four minutes to go, Karjanen swings in a high pass towards Rahn, Pironev goes to the ball, gets hit on the arm, clears. VAR calls in. Penalty. Karjanen, 3-3. Partisan salvage a point, but remain in seventh place, two points behind the promised IFCF lands. Libertas will be the direct opponent in the final game for the Sjoedrhaveners, with Traktor hosting Torpedo and hoping for an opening.

Finally, relegation races - Torpedo play Dynamo Sjoedrhavn and things look dire for a long time, Dynamo going ahead 2-0 in the first half; but in the last twenty minutes, Torpedo suddenly remember the stakes and score twice to secure a draw. Despite Hovikkära’s loss, the draw isn’t enough; Torpedo face the relegation fight but at least secure the pole position for the playoff spot as Landsmarks Industrie beat Chemie in a scrappy match thanks to two goals by Sequel Bathanay. Torpedo are one point ahead of both their opponents, who sit on the direct relegation spot with equal points; Industrie have the advantage of being the only team who plays at home as they host ASK in the Landsmark Derby, Chemie face Dynamo Sjoedrhavn away and Torpedo get the toughest draw as they need to travel to St. Andrei to face a Traktor aiming for international football.

SFS B:

SFS B                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 SK Cuprum Grennvik      30   18   6   6    33   17  +16    60
 2 Metsuri Virkaja         30   15   9   6    39   24  +15    54
 3 Valdhavn IF             30   14   7   9    33   22  +11    49
 4 Motor Johansborg        30   15   4  11    33   31   +2    49
 5 Norrhavn FK             30   13   5  12    35   36   −1    44
 6 Navigator Jaromirgrad   30   12   6  12    46   38   +8    42
 7 Nemstvo SK              30   11   9  10    35   36   −1    42
 8 Union Roopere           30   12   6  12    47   50   −3    42
 9 FK Sjoedrhavn           30   11   8  11    32   27   +5    41
10 Polar Grundviken        30   12   4  14    35   37   −2    40
11 EU Storevik             30   10   8  12    39   40   −1    38
12 Framfarir Kjefla        30   10   7  13    42   51   −9    37
13 Mir Nestrovo            30    7  13  10    36   36    0    34
14 Agrar Jurka             30    6  13  11    24   33   −9    31
15 RAS St. Andrei          30    8   7  15    25   37  −12    31
16 Elektron Harkka         30    6   8  16    26   45  −19    26

by **Savojarna** » Tue Jul 07, 2020 5:47 am

SFS VIII Final Matchday

Three big races are still open on the final day of the SFS, and some major surprises and Cinderella stories could still become reality. Up top, the duel for the championship has been reduced to two sides: CASK Thorsborg lead two points ahead of Lok Jarnstad; with goal difference clearly in favour of the Thorsborger (+39 vs. +22) Lok require a big game and some luck to win their second title of the SFS era. Behind the duo, a fierce battle for the fourth place and IFCF competition has broken out between four sides. Libertas Bergheim and Traktor St. Andrei are equal in points, with Libertas being far ahead on goals, but Traktor facing easier opposition; behind them, Partisan Sjoedrhavn and Rotor Värstjö are lurking within striking range. At the bottom of the table, three teams are already locked into the three “danger spots”; however, FK Torpedo are in the prime position to secure a playoff spot and manage to pull their head out of the noose at the very last moment.

Focus games:
Rotor Värstjö vs CASK Thorsborg - The surprise team of the season hosts the leaders. CASK need a draw in order to secure the title, or help from their local rivals Energie. But Rotor will not roll over and die: Despite only being seventh, a victory gives them a shot at the Challenger’s Cup, as long as Partisan beat Libertas and Traktor do not beat Torpedo.
Energie Thorsborg vs. Lokomotive Jarnstad - Lok need a victory to be able to challenge the title, but only if Rotor can pull off a victory. Any points for CASK, and the dream is over for Jarnstad. Local police expect this to be a high-risk match due to the fear that CASK supporters unable or unwilling to make it to Värstjö may join the stands, but Energie refuse to play on neutral ground.
Libertas Bergheim vs. Partisan Sjoedrhavn - The winner has a good chance to make it to the Challenger’s Cup, the loser will place between fifth and seventh. A draw is likely to see both sides eliminated.
Traktor St. Andrei vs FK Torpedo Pawlograd - A difficult game for either side as Traktor need a win to have a chance for the IFCF, and Torpedo can avoid direct relegation with a win. Drawing or losing leaves hopes open for Torpedo, but not for Traktor.
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn vs. FK Chemie Frisks - Chemie can only stave off relegation by winning and hoping that neither Torpedo nor Industrie win themselves. However, even a Dynamo that has little to play for will make that hard.
Landsmarks Industrie vs. ASK Landsmark - Industrie are in pretty much the same position as Chemie, but with the added motivation of a derby to fire up their opponents. Thanks to goal differential, a draw is enough for them if Torpedo lose.

Other games:
Transport Hovikkära vs. Dynamo Novaya Russica - two teams that are happy they have avoided relegation, finishing roughly where you’d expect them to. Perhaps Transport get some push from the chance of being the best Sumanen team if they win.
RLSK Pawlograd vs. Savojars Vinge Virkaja - Not something anyone who isn’t a fan will want to watch. Neither team has anything to gain, but may still lose a rank. RLSK will be happy either way, SVV will be disappointed either way.
Admiral Storevik vs. AFK Savojagrad - Admiral may still come second, but that’s all that is at stake here. AFK will finish anywhere between eighth and tenth, all of which are a success for the team.
FK Metall Jarnstad vs. ESK Storevik - 12th versus 13th, tied on points and with the possibility to get as high as tenth, if everything goes their way. But with the teams being on friendly terms and little to play for, this is for all intents and purposes a dead rubber.

Formations
Few unexpected changes are to be seen. CASK, like in many games over the last weeks, start Nweke and Birja up front; more surprising is the choice of Pohjanainen over Mikael Nielsen. Partisan, knowing about the threat of Libertas’ left wing, play the fitter Rasmus Grönkjaer over Karlsson on right back; Libertas opt for the offensive choice in Sandoval over Nurkanen. In the relegation games, Torpedo bring back Radu Bartok in a desperate attempt to save themselves, and Boris Grigorin plays alonside Tabur for some more defensive stability at Torpedo. Chemie’s task may have gotten a tiny bit easier as Dynamo rest Grégoire Leclair for Reçueçn’s upcoming World Cup campaign, fielding Loeseth instead and putting Kristina Midtjaer on the left side as an inverted winger.

Conditions
Stadia across the nation are filled to the brim, except for the four fixtures without much impact. Admiral fans welcome their team with a massive display thanking them for the season; about fifty fans of CASK are not being allowed into the National Energiekollektivets Arena, where they hope to see their local rivals Energie Thorsborg stall Lokomotive to a title while CASK play away in Värstjö. The weather is shaky: Russica experiences an early summer evening with temperatures around 22 degrees and a projection of heavy rain later in the games, as does Southern Vestrholm; in Bergheim, the temperatures are lower and heavy wind plagues the valley together with occasional rain.

19:55 - Pre-kickoff ceremonies
A copy of the trophy is being brought onto the pitch in both Värstjö and Thorsborg, while the original is put onto a podium in Storevik, where the captain of reigning champion Admiral officially returns it to the SFFB. In exchange, SFS Chairman Lars Källström hands Andersson an official memorial plate. In St. Andrei, Slavomir Tesharov is officially thanked for his work as he will retire as Traktor head coach after the season; Libertas legend Pyotr Nemanyev is also being given a ceremonial thank you for his 495th game in the highest tier for Libertas, a club record.

1’ - Kick-off
At exactly 20:00, the synchronised clocks of the referees give a signal and the whistle is blown. Kick-off for the final matchday of the Savojar Football Series!

2’ ROT 0-0 CASK
No false caution from Rotor, who immediately look for an attack. Lund overlaps on the right and is sent deep by Heikki Palvarainen, but Zirkova manages to get her foot into the cross to the second post.

3’ LAI 0-0 ASK
The Landsmark Derby sees no love lost between the teams. Norwood attempts to simply rush through the defence, Malinsson refuses to budge, and the striker goes down. The referee sticks with a warning, but it is a free kick from nineteen metres.

4’ GOAL! LAI 0-1 ASK scored by Gavax-Nenzi Abe
What a banger by Gavax-Nenzi Abe! The Qusmo takes aim from nineteen metres and curls a free kick to the top right corner, with no chance for Lindblom to save it. The ball bounces off the post into the net!

6’ ETH 0-0 LOK
Energie come out of the locker room with a strong showing, Admassu and Sienkiewicz in particular looking for openings. The latter takes aim from twenty metres, but Knasmuller saves easily.

7’ DSJ 0-0 CHE
Midtjaer enjoys her freedom on the left wing and curls a ball to the long top corner. Valery Karyanov saves and the danger is over; maybe a cross would have been the better option here.

8’ LIB 0-0 PAR
After a corner, Partisan search for Rahn and almost find the Nephar. But the header is blocked by a defender; in the ensuing chaos, Poulsen misses the goal from about six metres with a sliding shot.

10’ GOAL! TRA 1-0 TOR scored by Matti Sundgren
Smolov enters a 1v1 on the edge of the box and sees Danijela Ukarin overlapping behind her. The Russian winger swings the ball to the centre, where both Yarkov and Ceciu miss and Sundgren, despite his surprise to get the ball, converts at the second post. On the virtual table, this puts Traktor into the IFCF.

11’ LIB 0-0 PAR
The stadium collectively sighs as Denis Arkanin misses the completely free Richard Geddes on the left edge of the box and instead goes for a shot from nineteen metres, getting denied by Virulainen. Corner for Libertas.

12’ LIB 0-0 PAR
NO GOAL! Lajunen jumps higher than Helman, prolongs a ball at the second post where Vikingstad stretches out his foot and scores, but the midfielder was offside. VAR overturns the on-field decision of a good goal.

13’ ROT 0-0 CASK
The leaders fire a first warning shot. Nweke takes a long ball past Dmitriev, whose inexperience shows in his positioning, but then shoots it half a metre over the bar.

15’ DSJ 0-0 CHE
Nasty tackle by Sundhaugen, who takes down Teranen at the edge of the box. It’s a yellow, and after quick consultation with the video ref, Lars Helguson points to the spot and gives a penalty for the home side. Apparently the foul was just inside the penalty area.

16’ GOAL! DSJ 1-0 CHE scored by Pohja Ulkanen
No discussions here - Ulkanen takes seven steps back, slows down just enough to send Karyanov down to the left side and chips the ball into the middle.

17’ LAI 0-1 ASK
Good attempt by Bathanay from twelve metres, but Jacobsson can deflect it to the side and Valentin Gusev clears the rebound right before Klinger’s feet.

18’ GOAL! ETH 0-1 LOK scored by Ivan Grivoshenko
Lok put on the pressure! Energie are dominating the game without getting many chances, and after a cross by Vindjammer, Knasmuller intercepts the ball and launches a counter. A diagonal ball to Ericsson sets off a 3v3, and the winger finds Grivoshenko at the second post for the leading goal.

20’ DSJ 1-0 CHE
Chemie are not looking like a side that may save themselves from immediate relegation. Ulkanen cuts through the midfield and finds a gap to pass the ball forward to Aleksander Teranen, who shoots just a little bit wide.

21’ LIB 0-0 PAR
Now it’s Partisan who are centimetres away from a goal. Aarsoy whips in a sharp cross that slips through the fingers of Lotte Ronne, but Rahn jumps a tiny bit too low and cannot guide the ball into the net.

23’ ROT 0-0 CASK
Palvarainen dupes Jensen and whips in a cross, but Pohjanainen clears in front of Jonsson. Barnerud then takes a wild swing from twenty metres out, but sends it into the stands.

24’ GOAL! DSJ 2-0 CHE scored by Grégoire Leclair
Dynamo play the ball around Chemie’s box slowly and methodically for a good three minutes, and finally, there is a gap. Leclair jumps into a gap to take a pass by Midtjaer directly, and knocks it right into the bottom left corner!

25’ LAI 0-1 ASK
After a free kick by Gavax-Nenzi, the ball bounces wildly around the box and lands in front of Garrett Norwood, but the Nephar seems too surprised to react and shoots it right in the arms of Albin Lindblom.

26’ ROT 0-0 CASK
Rajala seeks an opening on the right side and gets tackled hard by Stendholm right as he swings in an early cross. The ball flies over the head of Birja, but the referee gives a free kick to CASK and a yellow to Stendholm for a frankly reckless tackle.

27’ GOAL! ROT 0-1 CASK scored by Timo Pohjanainen
Of all people, the young centre-back who starts for only the third time could be the big CASK hero! Using all his 193 cm to his advantage, Pohjanainen rises at the penalty spot and heads the cross right into the net for what may be CASK’s championship goal.

28’ ETH 0-1 LOK
Lokomotive find another counter on the right side where Halstro is too far advanced. Grivoshenko darts into the gap, passes it through to Ruriksson, but the striker arrives a tad late against Marqvist and can just about jump over the Energie keeper.

30’ TSA 1-0 TOR
There is some sign of life in Torpedo. Romanov crosses the ball in towards Jamarin, who prolongs it to the second post, but Antti Roope only hits the outside net. No luck for Pawlograd!

31’ GOAL! LIB 1-0 PAR scored by Aleksander Jernayev (own goal)
Libertas score the goal that greatly improves their IFCF prospects with a little bit of luck. Arkanin lobs the ball deep behind the enemy defences, where Sandoval reaches it first; the winger from Chromatika bashes in a low cross that bounces off the shin of Jernayev under the crossbar!

33’ ROT 0-1 CASK
Things progress as planned for CASK. The soon-to-be champions almost get a second one as Nweke turns smoothly past Hangren and shoots from fourteen metres. Lauri Kappakari saves the shot with a quick reflex, deflecting the ball with the leg.

34’ ETH 0-1 LOK
Admassu sets up Sienkiewicz, who could pass to Staale Lund lurking on the edge. But the Falkyr opts for a shot, which gets deflected into the stands. Corner for Energie.

36’ LIB 1-0 PAR
Quick revenge from Partisan who try to claw their way back into the game. A shot by Poulsen curls towards the goal, but misses the post by centimetres.

37’ LAI 0-1 ASK
Industrie struggle, but they don’t die yet. Despite ASK controlling the game, they get a lucky corner, and Klinger almost equalises the game; Omark manages to head it out at the second post.

39’ DSJ 2-0 CHE
Dynamo press further and almost find a third one as Kristina Midtjaer swings the ball to the middle, but Kasperi Perkinen can clear narrowly before Teranen.

40’ TSA 1-0 TOR
Smolov drops the ball to Ukarin, she crosses to the middle, and Samarov is pulled back in the centre! Referee Oleg Shakurin immediately points to the spot and it’s a penalty for Traktor!

41’ TSA 1-0 TOR
It’s missed! Captain Slavyana Oleva shoots hard, but not very precise, and off the leg of Radu Bartok, the ball bounces into the stands. Bartok celebrates as if he had won his team the Championship, but Torpedo are still down.

43’ GOAL! DSJ 2-1 CHE scored by Fridtjof Jansrud
Out of absolutely nowhere Chemie claw back a goal before the break. Jansrud starts a counter together with Andersson and Onagin, and manages to score cleanly.

44’ LIB 1-0 PAR
Lajunen gets a header in a good position, but fails to beat Virulainen, who has positioned herself exceptionally and secures the ball in her waiting arms.

45’ - Halftime
It’s time for a break in all stadia. At halftime, both teams in the championship race are ahead 0-1, which would result in CASK winning the title two points ahead of Lokomotive. In the IFCF race, Libertas would secure fourth place ahead of Traktor; a reversal in Bergheim would give Traktor the spot, whereas Rotor and Partisan would require help from Torpedo Pawlograd. As it stands now, nothing changes in the relegation race as all three teams involved are currently losing by one goal. Especially in Russica, things may get chaotic as the meteorologists suggest rain to be incoming in the next ten minutes after kick-off.

Virtual table:

1. CASK Thorsborg - 85 pts/GD +40
----------
2. Lokomotive Jarnstad - 83/+23
3. Admiral Storevik - 78/+39
4. Libertas Bergheim - 65/+33
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5. Traktor St. Andrei - 65/+11
6. Rotor Värstjö - 61/+13
7. Partisan Sjoedrhavn - 60/+25

46’ - Kickoff
We’re back on, and there are already heavy winds picking up on in St. Andrei. No reports of other things happening yet, although there are some light delays in Värstjö as travelling CASK supporters light smoke bombs.

48’ TSA 1-0 TOR
Torpedo try something after the break. Roope wins a 1v1 and crosses to the centre, but Nikitin can come out and clear the ball without too much trouble.

49’ ROT 0-1 CASK
CASK push the issue of their championship hard. Rajala crosses in to Birja, but Kappakari jumps out like a handball keeper and deflects the ball out into a corner.

50’ GOAL! ROT 0-2 CASK scored by Sergey Nweke
Yet another goal off a standard for CASK as a corner flies to the first post, where Birja prolongs it to the second post and Nweke can tap it into an open goal easily! This may be the championship all but packed up for the leaders.

52’ LIB 1-0 PAR
Poulsen gets intercepted by Vikingstad, who launches a long ball that Arkanin prolongs. Three versus three is the name of the game, but Virulainen stops the shot by Hakeson.

53’ ETH 0-1 LOK
Energie don’t want to give up just yet. Lund takes aim for the near corner and sees the ball repelled by Knasmuller, and Roy Coyner can clear only narrowly before Lindberg.

54’ DSJ 2-1 CHE
Midtjaer! The winger gets a ball in the midfield and swings in before surprisingly trying to curl the ball into the far top corner. But she gets denied by Karyanov.

55’ GOAL! ETH 1-1 LOK scored by Abigail Admassu
After a throw-in, Energie shift the ball around the space thirty metres from the goal, and finally they find a gap. Vindjammer breaks into a gap and lays the ball back to Admassu, who scores from fifteen metres.

57’ LAI 0-1 ASK
Bathanay gets a rather desperate header after a high diagonal pass, but Jacobsson can clear the ball rather simply. Industrie struggle hard to get through the ASK defence.

58’ GOAL! LIB 1-1 PAR scored by Steinar Aarsoy
Finally there’s a goal for Partisan after their long period of pressuring the goal. Aarsoy passes Sandoval in the 1v1 and manages a one-two with Poulsen, and then cleanly catches Ronne between the legs. The goal means that as of now, Traktor are in the IFCF.

60’ ROT 0-2 CASK
Lundell finds a strong shot from eighteen metres exactly into the top left corner, but Thomas Larsen shows why he is still considered one of the SFS’s best keepers and punches it out to a corner.

61’ TSA 1-0 TOR
Romanov gets taken down by a harsh tackle from Teronen and remains down. A hard knock for Torpedo, who take out their winger in favour of Kare Andersson and are forced to operate a bit more defensively.

62’ ROT 0-2 CASK
The corner is punched out by Larsen and lands on the feet of Zirkova, who launches a quick counter to Rajala. Rajala’s cross finds Nweke, who dances past Dmitriev and shoots, but misses wide.

64’ GOAL! DSJ 3-1 CHE scored by Aleksander Teranen
Dynamo profit from bad placement in the central defence of Chemie. Sundhaugen is a bit out of position against the tall Aleksander Teranen, and wingback Louise Barton notices immediately, crossing it in from the midfield and finding the striker’s head.

65’ ROT 0-2 CASK
CASK now sit back more, with the title firmly within their grasp, but they still are highly threatening on counters. Wallace Pickton manages a brilliant through pass to Birja, but Kappakari saves the shot.

66’ GOAL! LIB 1-2 PAR scored by Augustine Rahn
The score has reversed in Bergheim! Poulsen finds a brilliant pass, and in the centre, Rook Goodharvest is a step too late; Karjanen manages to get a sideways pass off and Rahn scores from close range. This puts Partisan in fifth place, but as long as Traktor win their game it won’t be enough for the IFCF.

68’ ETH 1-1 LOK
Lok know that the situation is dire, but they still seek out attacking play. Ljurbyn finds a shot from the distance, but misses wide; Marqvist would likely have been in place.

69’ LAI 0-1 ASK
ASK find a way with Gavax-Nenzi Abe passing through a hole, and Malinsson’s clearance landing right in the feet of Ryberg. The shot of the ASK captain is deflected over the goal by Industrie’s captain, Jesper Lund.

70’ GOAL! LAI 0-2 ASK scored by Dominik Ryberg
Nobody manages to defend the tall Dominik Ryberg after a corner! With Landsmarks Industrie too far away from their opponents, the striker finds an easy second goal and probably seals Industrie’s fate.

72’ DSJ 3-1 CHE
Chemie are trying to find something, but they make too many mistakes. Leclair can intercept a ball fairly easily and counters immediately; Midtjaer is a bit too egoistic on the attack and misses.

73’ ETH 1-1 LOK
Ruriksson gets a cross in the middle, but Grivoshenko’s pass has been a bit deflected and the striker can’t hit it perfectly, sending the ball into the stands.

74’ ROT 0-2 CASK
Rika Lundell, all but settled to be the MVP of the season, leaves the pitch under standing ovations. Rotor bring in the young Sveinn Arnason as a more offensive backup.

76’ LIB 1-2 PAR
A beautiful combination of Libertas, who slide the ball through the entire Partisan defence through a combination of fluid, direct passes - but then, Mika Hakeson fails the final shot and sends it two metres high!

77’ GOAL! TSA 1-1 TOR scored by Pjotr Jamarin
Suddenly the IFCF is put upside down! Roope dribbles through the opposition and abuses Traktor’s advanced position, then he passes in flatly and after both Jorinen and Temarainen miss, Jamarin can score at the second post.

78’ ETH 1-1 LOK
Energie almost find gold on a counter after Lozen Pironev launches a long ball right onto the foot of Lund, who lays the ball back for Sienkiewicz. But the Falkyr fails to beat Knasmuller, and Ullqvist can clear.

79’ GOAL! DSJ 3-2 CHE scored by Fridtjof Jansrud
Out of nowhere Chemie get a sliver of hope back as Rydman unnecessarily fouls Ivan Onagin, and the free kick is perfectly curled under the crossbar by Jansrud!

80’ ROT 0-2 CASK
Arnason gets a shot off and sees it blocked by Pohjanainen, but Zirkova can deflect the second shot by Jonsson into a corner.

82’ TSA 1-1 TOR
Witchstone packs a punch from twenty metres and almost finds a goal, but Bartok is not easily fooled. Torpedo seem swimming, but refuse to sink just yet.

83’ ETH 1-1 LOK
Lokomotive with yet another good chance after they brought on a second striker. Ruriksson prolongs a cross, Hellström shoots, but the ball is deflected into a corner by Pironev.

85’ GOAL! LAI 0-3 ASK scored by Ilari Litmanen
The deal is sealed in Landsmark. Gusev wins a ball and passes it to Lovelace, who lobs it past the high press of Industrie to find Litmanen. The joker beats Lindblom safely in the 1v1.

86’ LIB 1-2 PAR
Poulsen takes aim from fifteen metres and almost finds a goal, but Lotte Ronne just about scratches it out of the bottom right corner.

87’ GOAL! LIB 1-3 PAR scored by Aleksander Jernayev
Jernayev evens out his own goal from the first half as he rises at the first post and nods in a corner! The defender is lucky that Libertas leave him completely alone, and he uses the chance.

88’ ROT 0-2 CASK
CASK don’t want to leave any doubts in their title quest. Pickton takes aim one last time from the left wing, but only hits the outside of the net. Then, the Euran is replaced by Pjotr Iljurov under thundering applause.

89’ ETH 1-1 LOK
Lok have more or less given up hope. Admassu is given a lot of space to run through before chipping the ball over to Poul Andersen, who shoots into the arms of Knasmuller.

90’+1 Final whistle: LAI 0-3 ASK
The referee has pity with Landsmarks Industrie and ends the game, together with their SFS A tenure.

90’+1 DSJ 3-2 CHE
Chemie’s desperate last-ditch attempt almost works as eight metres in front of the goal, the ball suddenly falls onto the foot of Jarkko Kapanen. But Kapanen seems to be surprised himself, and can’t quite control the ball, which harmlessly rolls into Mookie Danube’s arms.

90’+2 GOAL! TSA 2-1 TOR scored by Anna Witchstone
A mistake in the back by Ylvi Japarainen lets Smolov get into the box, but the angle is difficult and the players in the middle are covered. However, Smolov finds her friend and roommate Witchstone at the edge of the box, and the Schottian strikes gold from fifteen metres!

90’+3 Final whistle: ROT 0-2 CASK, LIB 1-3 PAR, ETH 1-1 LOK
Three more games end, including the two matches with the title contenders. Lokomotive Jarnstad fail to win their last game, CASK win the trophy with an away victory in Värstjö!

90’+4 Final whistle: DSJ 3-2 CHE
The game drags on a little after some discussions broke out over a yellow card to Joona Pärvi, but ultimately it ends with Sjoedrhavn’s home victory and the relegation of Chemie.

90’+5 Final whistle: TSA 2-1 TOR
There is a last attempt by Torpedo to score a goal, but it’s too little against a Traktor side that for once actually stands defensively. The last attempt by Roope, a violent shot from eighteen metres out, flies wide and that was it for the season!

Final Standings

Savojar Football Serien A  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 CASK Thorsborg              38   26   7   5    73   32  +41    85
 2 Lokomotive Jarnstad         38   25   6   7    43   21  +22    81
 3 Admiral Storevik            38   24   6   8    74   35  +39    78
 4 Traktor St. Andrei          38   19   8  11    62   50  +12    65
 5 Partisan Sjoedrhavn         38   17  12   9    60   32  +28    63
 6 Libertas Bergheim           38   17  11  10    78   48  +30    62
 7 Rotor Värstjö               38   16  13   9    61   49  +12    61
 8 ASK Landsmark               38   15  12  11    38   33   +5    57
 9 AFK Savojagrad              38   14  11  13    51   46   +5    53
10 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn           38   11  17  10    51   47   +4    50
11 Energie Thorsborg           38   13  11  14    57   58   −1    50
12 FK Metall Jarnstad          38   12  11  15    29   27   +2    47
13 ESK Storevik                38   12  11  15    57   64   −7    47
14 RLSK Pawlograd              38   12   9  17    42   53  −11    45
15 Dynamo Novaya Russica       38   13   4  21    17   45  −28    43
16 Savojars Vinge Virkaja      38    9   8  21    40   71  −31    35
17 Transport Hovikkära         38    7  12  19    10   28  −18    33
18 FK Torpedo Pawlograd        38    5  14  19    35   68  −33    29
19 Landsmarks Industrie        38    7   7  24    40   75  −35    28
20 FK Chemie Frisks            38    6  10  22    23   59  −36    28

Relegation playoff:
FK TORPEDO PAWLOGRAD 6-1 Valdhavn IF (VIF 1-3 TOR; TOR 3-0 VIF)

SK Cuprum Grennvik and Metsuri Virkaja are promoted to SFS A
FK Torpedo Pawlograd remain in SFS A
Landsmarks Industrie and Chemie Frisks are relegated to SFS B

by **Savojarna** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 1:44 am

SFS VIII: Lower Leagues

Nationalligaen

Standings
   Nationalligaen                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 FK Odin Kjaershavn             30   17   2  11    23   16   +7    53
 2 Pawlograd Marina               30   15   5  10    34   23  +11    50
 3 SFK Barjovo                    30   11  12   7    21   18   +3    45
 4 Kallora IF                     30   11  11   8    26   21   +5    44
 5 Jarov Jarovsk                  30   10  13   7    38   37   +1    43
 6 Partizan Yarkovo               30   11   9  10    41   39   +2    42
 7 Trollsheim Jarnsmän            30   10  12   8    35   35    0    42
 8 Imperial Storevik              30   10  12   8    19   19    0    42
 9 Tapparainen FK                 30   11   8  11    36   31   +5    41
10 Sporting Järvonen              30   11   6  13    21   22   −1    39
11 Zenit Jegrava                  30   10   8  12    41   38   +3    38
12 Nord-Sjoedrhavn FF             30    8  13   9    23   23    0    37
13 FK Perl Kruger Sandvik         30   10   7  13    28   32   −4    37
14 Jaromirgrad Union              30   10   7  13    21   29   −8    37
15 Industrie Hovikkära            30    9   7  14    25   33   −8    34
16 FK Freya Grennvik              30    4  12  14    23   39  −16    24

FK Odin Kjaershavn and Pawlograd Marina are promoted to SFS B
Industrie Hovikkära and FK Freya Grennvik are demoted to Regional Division 1A
Jaromirgrad Union are demoted to Regional Division 1B

Regional Division 1

Regional Division 1A          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Hallsberga Vikingur            22   13   7   2    43   19  +24    46
 2 Juventus Bergheim              22   10   8   4    22   15   +7    38
 3 Virkaja 1914 FK                22    9  10   3    30   23   +7    37
 4 Aurum Kjefla                   22    9   3  10    27   24   +3    30
 5 Frisks IF "Admiral Grön"       22    8   6   8    26   24   +2    30
 6 International Johnsberg        22    9   3  10    14   18   −4    30
 7 SK Sjöveld                     22    8   5   9    18   21   −3    29
 8 Victoria Haukkala              22    7   7   8    24   28   −4    28
 9 SK Marjanoli                   22    6   9   7    27   31   −4    27
10 Bjurman Mävle                  22    5   8   9    15   26  −11    23
11 RFK Storevik                   22    5   6  11    15   21   −6    21
12 Norderhaven Drakken            22    4   6  12    10   21  −11    18

   Regional Division 1B          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 FK Vestermalm Thorsborg        22   12   6   4    29   19  +10    42
 2 FF Parken Sjoedrhavn           22   13   3   6    25   15  +10    42
 3 Thor Sejersheim                22   12   6   4    20   11   +9    42
 4 Jon Palsson IF Ljörvik         22    9   5   8    34   27   +7    32
 5 Virovsk St. Andrei             22    9   5   8    28   34   −6    32
 6 SK Ullström                    22   10   1  11    24   27   −3    31
 7 Grigori Kartjov FK St. Pjotr   22    6  10   6    30   25   +5    28
 8 Ostemkin Revolution            22    7   7   8    17   16   +1    28
 9 Union Poljansk                 22    6   8   8    25   35  −10    26
10 Högvald FK                     22    6   5  11    20   21   −1    23
11 Narod Trepkov                  22    5   5  12    18   30  −12    20
12 Birga IF                       22    2   9  11    11   21  −10    15

Regional Division: National Finals

 Regional Division 1: National Finals  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                
1 Juventus Bergheim                      10    5   1   4    10   12   −2    16    —   1–0  2–2  1–2  1–0  1–2
2 Virkaja 1914 FK                        10    4   3   3    22   16   +6    15   4–0   —   1–1  4–0  4–1  2–2
3 Hallsberga Vikingur                    10    4   3   3    15   16   −1    15   2–1  3–0   —   1–1  0–3  2–1
4 FF Parken Sjoedrhavn                   10    4   3   3    10   13   −3    15   0–1  2–2  0–2   —   1–1  2–1
5 Thor Sejersheim                        10    3   3   4    11   11    0    12   0–1  2–0  3–2  0–1   —   1–1
6 FK Vestermalm Thorsborg                10    2   3   5    15   15    0     9   0–1  4–5  4–0  0–1  0–0   —

Hallsberga Vikingur, FK Vestermalm Thorsborg and Juventus Bergheim are promoted to Nationalligaen
No group reassignments are necessary

SFS VIII: AWARDS

SFS VIII Team of the Season (4-3-3, fan vote)
Goalkeeper: Gerik Knasmuller (Lokomotive Jarnstad)
Defenders: Lars Jensen (CASK Thorsborg), Polina Zirkova (CASK Thorsborg), Dmitri Dmitriev (Rotor Värstjö), Flemming Skov (Admiral Storevik)
Midfield: Arturo Prosdocimi (CASK Thorsborg), Rika Lundell (Rotor Värstjö), Denis Arkanin (Libertas Bergheim)
Forwards: Wallace Pickton (CASK Thorsborg), Sequel Bathanay (Landsmarks Industrie), Palina Leopold (Admiral Storevik)

SFS VIII Top Scorer:
1. Tuomas Lajunen (Libertas Bergheim) - 23 goals
2. Arvid Jotansson (Admiral Storevik) - 20 goals
3. Aleksander Teranen (Dynamo Sjoedrhavn) - 19 goals
4. Vilhjalmur Ruriksson (Lokomotive Jarnstad) - 18 goals
5. Sequel Bathanay (Landsmarks Industrie) - 17 goals

SFS VIII MVP (voted by players, managers and journalists, total: 500 votes)
1. Rika Lundell (Rotor Värstjö, 126 votes)
2. Wallace Pickton (CASK Thorsborg, 115 votes)
3. Bprislav Yarkov (Traktor St. Andrei, 86 votes)

SFS VIII Best Goalkeeper (voted by managers and journalists, total: 100 votes)
1. Aleksandra Virulainen (Partisan Sjoedrhavn, 34 votes)
2. Gerik Knasmuller (Lokomotive Jarnstad, 32 votes)
3. Johan Jacobsson (ASK Landsmark, 13 votes)

by **Savojarna** » Sun Jul 12, 2020 1:46 pm

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna

Savojarsk Cup Part 2

Quarterfinals:
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 1–6 Energie Thorsborg
Savojars Vinge hope to be able to catch a break after the winter, but their precarious situation in the Championship led to Hrolfrsson switching up his team significantly. The defence is almost entirely replaced, down to the 19 year old replacement goalkeeper Santtu Kivonen getting a start. But the experiment goes horribly wrong as Kivonen misjudges a corner after only four minutes, and Lozen Pironev scores his first goal on Savojar turf. Thorsborg, playing with their best XI, press from the beginning, and Admassu and Sienkiewicz set the score to 3-0 before the break, with the fourth goal coming by virtue of Vindjammer dancing past Ylvi Sootala for the 4-0 in injury time. The second half is a drag, with SVV no longer truly trying to contest the lead and Energie preserving their energy. The sole highlight is the attempt of Lukas Meyer to justify his hiring, dribbling circles around Aiden Halstro, but fittingly for the game, he misses the goal in his attempt. SVV’s lone score comes five minutes later off a free kick by Franz, but it does little more than some cosmetics.

Kallora IF 1–0 Mir Nestrovo
A duel of a Nationalligaen side against an SFS B team doesn’t typically attract much attention. However, things change when it’s the quarterfinal, Kallora could become the third ever Nationalligaen side to reach the semifinals of the Cup (and the two other instances came before the SFS B was fully professionalised), and the stadium is the spectacular, [url=https://cdn.unitycms.io/image/ocroped/1200,1200,1000,1000,0,0/D6MqEssKAig/0jLTc0yuaPu860bBoAhUBX.jpg]scenic mountain ground[url] of Kallora IF. In front of a full ground, Kallora receive Nestrovo, with the focus resting on the local 18 year old winger Ilari Milvonen and club legend Juha-Pekka Niemi in goal. The two are in the focus of the attention indeed, with Niemi receiving a true barrage of shots in the first seventeen minutes, but saving them all - until one slips through after a corner. But the referee decides that Mir striker Ukarov has interfered with Niemis ability to make a save, and rules the goal annulled. Kallora find some more stability after the incident, creating an even game by the end of the first half, slow and defensive but even. Then, an hour in, the moment that every member of the audience will remember: Milvonen, on the left side, tunnels Larsson and swings a ball in. Right before the goalkeeper, striker Jussi Halparinen prolongs it over the hands of the goalie, and half with his head, half with his nose, the second striker Ajolahti pushes the ball over the line. The lone goal of the game falls to Kallora, and the third division side is rewarded with a cup semifinal.

Traktor St. Andrei 0–2 FK Metall Jarnstad
Traktor vs Metall is offence vs defence at its best; both sides replace some players but stick to the basic idea. Jekatarina Smolov, Slava Karamasov, and Oleg Trikhichev form a complete second string offence for Traktor; Metall switch it up with Ekman and Kanarin up front in a less common 4-4-1-1 formation to capitalise on the notoriously high-standing Traktor. The wingers of Metall need to run a lot today, shooting behind the lines time after time to profit from Traktor’s back three, but they get their reward after twenty minutes as a long ball by Johansson finds the foot of Frida Björgen, and in the three versus three Ekman tunnels goalkeeper Georgi Nikitin for Metall’s first goal. Traktor try to strike back and see good chances with Trikhichev taking a cross volley but only hitting the outside of the net; Smolov’s low shot is cleared by Smichov, and on the following corner the same Smichov catches a point blank header by Karamasov. Metall take the lead into the break, which seems to break Traktor. Although a violent crossbar shot from 22 metres by Witchstone seems to wake up the Russians for the last twelve minutes, they fail to revert the score as a counter ends with Kristian Boe’s 2-0 for Metall.

Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–0 Landsmarks Industrie
The last quarterfinal also ends with only one team scoring. Neither side is an offensive prodigy in this year, and the situation is even more dire for Landsmark as they rest Sequel Bathanay for the upcoming relegation fight. With their only constant source of goals removed, Industrie fail to threaten the stable double pivot of Dynamo, with Leclair and Loeseth clearing ball after ball. Finally, towards the end of the first half, Kristina Midtjaer is in the mood to break the deadlock by diving through a gap between Sundberg and Malinsson, drawing out goalkeeper Albin Lindblom, and crossing flat to the middle. Olof Johnberg has an open goal in front of himself and taps it in calmly, securing the lone goal of the match for a Dynamo that now reverts to defending and brings the victory home in collected and efficient manner.

Semifinals:
Energie Thorsborg 2–5 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Thorsborg receive Dynamo looking for a cup title hattrick, but they get brought back to reality fast and harsh. Eight minutes in, a speculative pass by Olberg towards Admassu is intercepted by the hulking presence of Nick Hoyberg, who sends it back where it came from. Ulkanen heads it to the side, Midtjaer dribbles past Aiden Halstro with ease and beats Johanna Marqvist in the near corner. And things don’t get better for Energie, as the counter-attack specialists of Dynamo strike again after twenty minutes, Sienkiewicz aiming for a shot that is intercepted by Linne Kjaer and immediately turned around via the left side. Persson takes aim for a cross, and Teranen heads it in for an early 0-2. Although Vindjammer can score a goal before the break, things look bad for Energie as they are down 1-3 at half-time. An all-out attempt for offence fails as Admassu is taken down by Leclair in what Energie supporters aggressively claim to be a foul, but the referee disagrees. A quick counter ends with Teranen taking the ball past Pironev in a spectacular move and slotting it into the bottom left corner for 1-4. The last half hour passes in relative obscurity, one more goal on each side sealing the dreams for Energie.

Kallora IF 0–1 FK Metall Jarnstad
The miracle that Kallora are hoping for doesn’t come, as an early mistake in the midfield allows Metall their trademark counter attack. Mortensson passes the ball through the defence onto the wing, Björgen bypasses an opponent and passes to the middle, where Rasmus Ekman taps in after only eighteen minutes. Metall are not easily broken down, and despite many attempts by the Finnish third-division side, they manage to shut out Milvonen and co. to secure their final appearance.

Final:
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 2–1 FK Metall Jarnstad
Perfect conditions surround what is likely the last game of the career of Marios Tzavellas, who is honoured with a big Nephara-themed tifo by the Metall fans in the stadium. However, they are vastly outnumbered by Dynamo fans, who don’t quite have a home game, but play in their own city. Both sides use their defensive midfield as a sort of important pivot, with the destructive Tzavellas opposing the more versatile duo Leclair - Loeseth. No surprises are to be seen as Ejanan referee Olafur Leifsson leads the teams out onto the pitch at 14:20, preparing for the ceremonials and the International, to be sung by the North Vestrholm folk singer Rolf Sjoyden. Then, the sun shows itself from behind the clouds right as 14:30 approaches, and with the jump of the clock, Leifsson blows the whistle and opens the game.

Metall opens the game with the ball, but their first attempt fizzles out quickly, to be answered by an aggressive Dynamo. Midtjaer, starter in the Cup, dribbles down the right side, and swings in sharply as Hytälä confronts her. Curling the ball towards the top corner, the shot is maybe a bit too ambitious, but it sets the tone as Dynamo get an early corner. Although usually a more cautious side, Dynamo clearly want to get the first goal, aware of the fates of Kallora and Traktor, who ran into a brick wall after conceding to Metall. Ten minutes later, they try again with Teranen flying high to head a ball into the bottom left corner, but he misses by just about ten centimetres. The pressure mounts, and yet it is Metall who almost score first. On a counter, Tzavellas launching a long ball that Ekman can head to the side into the course of Kristian Boe, they catch out the opposition on the back foot. Boe exploits the travelling by Anja Loeseth, and then finds Ekman again in the middle, but with a great save Mookie Danube avoids disaster for Dynamo. The first half ends 0-0, Savojarna’s cup final still on knife’s edge.

Then, for second half, finally, there is some touch of magic on the pitch, although it comes from a piece of very, very nasty and un-magical work. A dribble by Midtjaer, who makes Hytälä look bad once again by cutting just to the inside of the defender, is stopped harshly as the left back jumps in and blocks her path. The young winger falls over his leg, earning Hytälä a very deserved yellow card and Dynamo a free kick from the right side. Pohja Ulkanen lines up for the shot, and curls it magistrally over the wall to duck into the near bottom corner, unstoppable for Aleksander Smichov. 1-0 Dynamo; but Dynamo are not Metall. Although they are trying to keep the lead, they can’t help but look for more offence, wanting to keep the ball moving, and it’s in one of those attacks that Mortensson can intercept a ball and launch an attack. Leclair mis-steps a tiny bit to allow Kanarin to slip past the Reçueçian right as the ball comes to Metall’s attacking midfielder, who spots a small gap on the left side. A thunderous shot, just about not reached by Kjaer, and just about not reached by Danube, landing in the back of the net for a dramatic final phase. The game is on knife’s edge for the last fifteen minutes, but then Metall start to tire. Knowing they need to decide the game before extra time and won’t be able to grit it out, they overstep. Ulkanen finds the still fresh Kev Andersson, who one-twos himself into the box with Teranen, and then has only Smichov ahead of him. A feigned shot, a reaction by Smichov, and a beautiful chip seal the match for Dynamo Sjoedrhavn, who secure the Savojarsk Cup.

by **Savojarna** » Sat Aug 15, 2020 3:26 am

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
SHL Regular Season 2: Part 1/2

Following their defeat to BHK at the top, ESK Storevik want to regain the crown of Savojarna, and they announce their ambitions with a smacking victory, humiliating BHK in their direct duel with nimble play. The only issues of ESK this season seem to be defensive teams that meet the Storevikers in fearless duel, as Sjoedrhavns SHK and Novaya Russica manage to best the favourites. Title holders BHK Kjefla, on the other hand, open the season with a crushing blow: a fourteen point loss against PT Hovikkära Handball suggests that this year’s BHK, having lost their captain and centre Eythor Siglason to retirement, are just not that good at dealing with technical and quick opposition. It takes another loss before the champions find their track, but eventually, Kjefla manage to find their way and stand in second halfway through the season. Cuprum follow close behind, although with a seeming gap as they appear to be chanceless against BHK in a home loss to close out the first half of the regular season.

Behind the Ejanan trio, Dynamo Sjoedrhavn kick the season off strong, topping the table until matchday 11 and beating BHK off the back of their goalkeeper Jesper Knudsen showing a spirited performance and 22 year old winger Alex Holmgren breaking out as a star in the making. Then, however, they lose to ESK - not surprising, but it seems to take out all of the wind as Dynamo struggle to keep up the pace, lose three in a row and drop to fourth place. RSK Novaya Russica, PT and CASK seem to struggle for the pursuitor role behind, all three capable of brilliant matches as much as stale defeats, and PT’s usually so dominant backcourt largely dormant for now. The three should be able to lock in playoffs if they continue their play, but neither looks like a challenger to the Ejanan Trio.

Nine teams contest the playoffs, with Respublika currently being the odd one out as Moulin has not been able to play the dominant role he has elsewhere, and seeming inconsistent on the court. There are also not deep enough in defence, struggling from inconsistencies in their young backcourters, Marianov and Lenberg. Nevertheless, they manage to keep five points over an overly limited SHK side, and clearly above the bottom four. It looks as if play-outs are already nearly decided, as Kjaershavn is still the best-looking of the bottom four despite their offence being the weakest of the league as their pivot proves a constant weak point of the team. Worst off are Argentia, who need to get their act together fast, or face the prospect of a near-certain risk of relegation.

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 ESK Storevik                     15   13   0   2   419  367  +52    39
 2 BHK Kjefla                       15   12   0   3   405  372  +33    36
 3 SK Cuprum Grennvik               15   10   1   4   394  364  +30    31
 4 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn                15   10   0   5   429  390  +39    30
 5 RSK Novaya Russica               15   10   0   5   401  396   +5    30
 6 PT Hovikkära Handball            15    8   1   6   414  388  +26    25
 7 CASK Thorsborg Handball          15    8   0   7   393  395   −2    24
 8 EU Storevik                      15    7   1   7   395  391   +4    22
 9 Respublika Savojagrad            15    7   0   8   400  394   +6    21
10 Sjoedrhavn SHK                   15    5   1   9   387  406  −19    16
11 Norderholmens HK Kjaershavn      15    4   0  11   366  414  −48    12
12 Spartakus Jarnstad               15    4   0  11   375  429  −54    12
13 Admiral Storevik                 15    3   1  11   382  399  −17    10
14 Argentia Tannakull               15    1   1  13   371  426  −55     4

by **Savojarna** » Tue Aug 25, 2020 3:33 pm

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
Meet the Teams: Savojarna Hockey Series Preview

ASK Landsmark
Location: Landsmark, Vestrholm
Stadium: Stadion General Axel Nejdur, cap. 11’700
Colours: White, Black, Red

ASK are the ever-second to CASK, founded as a secondary team of the dominant Army side, and sharing a highly explosive rivalry with their rival from the centre of the island. Located at the far east of Vestrholm in a somewhat boring and military-infused town, the city identifies with ASK significantly more than is the case with their army brethren from Thorsborg. Without another hockey club in the city, their fans are plentiful and loud especially against CASK, and value hard work above all else, something traditionally reflected in a team that is inspired by Sumani schools of hockey that value direct play and tactical discipline.
ASK’s roster is in a somewhat awkward spot, with the team rather old and built around a few stars such as winger Mans Thorgren and their Ontorisan right winger Akkori Corispan. In defence, a lot will depend on how ASK’s aging defence can manage their energy, especially with goalkeeper Boris Yuzhni adding another season despite being the oldest SHS player with 38 years. On the bench, they have a goalkeeping talent in 20 year old Jan Leifsson, but he is not yet ready to take the helm, and for this season anything more than the pre-playoffs would be a success.

CASK Thorsborg
Location: Thorsborg, Vestrholm
Stadium: Stadion General Hardén, cap. 22’000
Colours: Dark Red, White, Blue

One of Savojarna’s traditional state-sponsored powerhouses, it’s in CASK’s DNA to expect victory every season in the nation’s core sports of hockey and football, however, they have been traditionally more successful in the latter than in the former. Nonetheless, CASK are big and strong. While their following is numerous across the country, they are famously unpopular in the city of Thorsborg itself, especially in the Southern parts of it; however, the surroundings are strongly in CASK’s hands, as is the Northwestern part where the team is located. CASK play solid hockey, physical and direct but not without some sophistication and with iron tactical discipline. Traditionally known for good goaltending and the ability to deliver in clutch situations, CASK are the title favourites.
Their strength in terms of the roster are the offence, especially the wing with national players Dominik Gränlund, Mikael Söderberg and Valeri Taranin, as well as the traditional strong CASK goaltending with Niklas Hoyman. Defensively, there is a spectacularly strong first pairing in Ingerman and Toranen, but there is little to follow up, and the center position could prove somewhat of a weakness with Piranen long past his prime and no true leader on the horizon; nonetheless, everything short of a playoff semifinal is a disappointment.

Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Location: Sjoedrhavn, Vestrholm
Stadium: Sjoedrhavns Stadsstadion, cap. 26’400
Colours: Red, White, Blue

DSJ are a police club formed out of the massive Dynamo SK organisation, in the past fervently opposed with Dynamo St. Andrei, but with the latter not being given support anymore for the new SHS, the side have lost their main rivals. Now being in a somewhat awkward spot in terms of identity, Dynamo still see themselves as a natural contender. Their hockey is remarkable for its offence and its love for spectacle, equipped traditionally with many offensive defencemen and high scorelines, coupled with many shots and technically skilled forwards. Their fans are a bit derided as “sunshine supporters”, numerous but not loud when the times are good and absent when they are bad.
The team is centered around Dynamo’s traditional qualities - good, aggressive centers compared with some technically brilliant wingers in Nurchenko, Jällvik and Jukkara as well as some snipers on the blue line like Kristiansen, all backed up by a solid Petter Malmström in goal. While lacking the flashy star power of a CASK, the roster is deep enough to challenge the top and to make a good run in the playoffs, but there is just as much of a risk that this side falters early on. At least a quarterfinal can be expected, however.

ESK Storevik
Location: Storevik, Ejana
Stadium: Norsk Palace, cap. 18’800
Colours: Grey, Black, Red

Hockey is about as popular as handball in the icy North, which means: insanely popular. However, unlike handball, where Ejana is famously fractured and not really capable of agreeing on anything beyond hating on Admiral (with the exception of its fans, of course), in hockey supporting ESK is a question of regional pride even for their usual rivals of Kjefla Vulkan, although with some reluctance. Outside of the far North of the island, however, ESK are king, and their arena is barely ever not sold out even in almost irrelevant games. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly for a team of the high, rugged North, Storevik are traditionally a creative side shaped by its very own brand of ice hockey that is barely seen elsewhere. They are often stocked highly with Ejanan players, considered somewhat of a regional selection.
ESK’s current side centers around Jonas Gulbrandsson, the star of Savojarna’s national team, but the rest of the side is more than just a supporting cast, and remarkable by its youth and hunger with centers like Eythor Malinsson and defenders like Terje Nordrsson. Its youth department is also famed and currently strong with Eirikur Ingmarsson the next in the pipeline. For this season, it’s unsure how ready this team is besides Gulbrandsson and his defensive partner Jon Asgeirsson, but at least the playoffs shouldn’t be a problem; and the semifinals are at least a strong possibility.

HK Metall Jarnstad
Location: Jarnstad, Vestrholm
Stadium: Jarnstads Samfunnetsstadion, cap. 13’800
Colours: Black, Red, Grey

As befitting a proud, formerly powerful regional centre with only one hockey club, Metall are popular and their fans are proud. A working class town, sport is a central thing to the city’s identity, and Jarnstad supporters are famously loud. The city’s team is also focused on local players and a homegrown support of coaches, although there is a certain friendship with the Ejanan teams and, consequentially, ESK’s hockey school of technique and skill. However, this is Jarnstad, and they put their own spin on anything, in this case complimenting ESK’s skill-driven play with an insane speed and physical qualities that are uniquely Jarnstad. Traditionally strong in offence, but complimented with solidarity and a common defensive play where required, Vestrholm’s northernmost professional side is a power to reckon with.
However, this time around, the expectations may exceed the qualities. Anders Hjalmarsson is a brilliant center that keeps the team together, but around him, there isn’t too much to support - many young players, and some older veterans whose qualities are increasingly questionable. This setup leaves HKM in a difficult position that is probably not immediately delivering any sort of success, leading to at best a play-in position.

HK Orjalahti Dragons
Location: Orjalahti, Sumanen
Stadium: Dragon Arena, cap. 7’160
Colours: Black, Orange, Silver, Green

Orjalahti are a newer addition to the Savojar hockey landscape. The local club had been playing in the third league until recently, when it was bankrolled by three local cooperatives under the leadership of former Minister for Trade Jarkko Lehtarainen, an Orjalahti native, to provide a professional sports home for the area. The collapse of the old SHS and its refounding greatly accelerated Orjalahti’s journey to top tier ice hockey, although it also brought scorn to the club that is regarded as an unnecessary international, and ultimately also fake, transplant that doesn’t earn its place between the assembled grandees of Savojar ice hockey. Among locals, however, Orjalahti are decently popular despite there being some frowning over the “Dragons” branding, and pre-Lehtarainen fan gear is commonly seen in the stands. Youth all over the country also seem to be warming up to the Dragons, not the least thanks to their controversial but slick branding.
On the ice, this team is very much still finding its identity, but in general, Orjalahti play a highly physical and direct hockey - yet another reason why they have a tough standing with the traditionalist and romantic Savojar crowd. At least their captain and best player, 24 year old centre Ola Joturainen, is a local. The same goes for goaltending prospect Harri Nietala and the hulking defender Tuomas Jutsuniemi; the coach and many of the wingers, however, are Northern Vestrholmers. Björn Hilde at the boards is a young and innovative coach, fitting this team that is so unlike its competitors.

HK Rotor Värstjö
Location: Värstjö, Vestrholm
Stadium: Värstjös Isstadion, cap. 9’000
Colours: Purple, White, Gold

A previously regional team with a decently long tradition that has seen an influx of youth players recently, as it became more and more likely they would soon be playing top level hockey. Fervent regional support, although largely ignored in the rest of the country. Devoid of many rivalries or enemies, HK Rotor are looking to impress Savojarna with a stylish and offensive brand of hockey, utilising their young guns to skate circles around their opposition.
On the ice, they hired a charismatic and hopeful young coach in the 38 year old former Sjoedrhavns SHK player Juri Kjellberg, an acribic worker who demands fierce loyalty, but rewards it with an emotional and understanding style of coaching and a lot of trust in his players’ abilities. Kjellberg, who was also placed in charge of all sports management, is going to put a high priority on fast play and switching quickly from defence to offence, utilising the speed of his players for an oppressive brand of hockey.

Kjefla Vulkan
Location: Kjefla, Ejana
Stadium: Námumenns Stadion, cap. 6’840
Colours: Red, Black, White

Kjefla Vulkan are an old Ejanan mining side, comprised of workers at the copper mines in the Northeast of this island. They are present in many different sports and known for not only being a sports club, but also a social institution in the often grim parts of Ejana outside Storevik. Many a miner’s child has been playing for Kjefla to escape the dreary life of a copper worker, and many a child after a mining disaster has found a new home in the club’s many academies, even if they are not ultimately talented. This has netted them an incredibly devout following, and the adoration of a whole region that makes Vulkan one of the most spectacular teams to attend home games of. Especially when playing ESK, the stadium is commonly packed and loud, although the rivalry is friendly rather than bitter.
In terms of hockey, this is a direct and fast side, looking to drive right to the goal and shoot sooner rather than later. It may be a stereotype that Kjefla’s fans like honest, hard work, but it’s not unfounded in reality. There are some massive defenders and centers in this team, and young star defender Hjalmar Hrafnason will be a joy to watch in the powerplay.

Partizan Novaya Russica
Location: Novaya Russica, Russica
Stadium: Stadion Partizan, cap. 8’200
Colours: Yellow, White, Black

Often considered sort of boring at best, Partizan are a difficult one. Traditionally, they are unpopular, considered a Savojarsk team in a rather patriotic part of Russica, and they are commonly misunderstood as a plastic team due to the rather recent rise to prominence of town and team alike. But PNR have a long history and a surprisingly large following among young people in the region who care more about supporting their local team than they do about Savojarsk, Russian, or politics. For the new generation that grew up once the old gripes of the Revolution got buried in the 1980s, Partizan is just their team - and they bring a lot of noise and creativity to the stadium.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said on the ice. Although Parti have occasional glory days and stars, there is often just not much to be said about a team that builds on a solid defence, good tactics, and aims for playoff qualification at best. Partizan are now on a quest to renew, and a tenth place will probably be the highest this team can aim for.

PT Hovikkära
Location: Hovikkära, Sumanen
Stadium: Stadion Haakon Bromstjö, cap. 18’240
Colours: Red, White

PT Hovikkära are the traditional force of Sumanen, a local team taken into the patronage of the Sumani Communist Party in its early days, and developed into the representative of this strong hockey region. Sumani hockey is tactically astute and fast, reliant on quick passes and finding open lanes. PT embody this, and any other style would quickly draw the ire of the fans, who are fickle at best. However, the club is usually strong enough to fulfil its own high expectations and draw in crowds at the legendary stadium, recently renamed about a 1980s club legend that died in a tragic accident.
On the ice, PT are a well-oiled machine without many stars. Tuomas Jaskinen has long been the lone star of the team, leading the first line and the scoring lists from the right wing, but things have changed for this season as Johan Bryzhnev has returned from Belushya Guba, and signed with the Red Stars. This makes for a fearsome first line, even if Pyry Otala isn’t a world class center, and PT are looking for yet another title charge.

RHK Savojagrad
Location: Savojagrad, Russica
Stadium: Rushmore Arena, cap. 11’300
Colours: Black, White, Gold, Red
The Russian club of Savojagrad was founded in the 1930s, as the local side Spartak Savojagrad did not accept Russian students of the local university. Having since branched out into a more widespread representant of the city, the club name was officially shortened to RHK, with the acronym no longer having an official meaning. Fans now interpret it sometimes as “Rushmore Hockey Club”, representing a multicultural outlook of Savojagrad’s team. They are playing a quick and attractive hockey, generally aiming for speed and direct passes, and rely on a good youth department.
The eyes of many people are obviously on the stars of the team, with an (aging) first defence of Yarchenko and Glukov and a first offence featuring Denis Elegin and Mikko Simonen, but there is also depth in this team. Banijan second-liner Robin de Villiers and 22 year old Anders Henberg lead a spectacle-laden second formation, and in defence, Anatoliy Donskoy and Viktor Anjushkin are a powerful duo that guides the RHK powerplay. This team is on the way to becoming a lasting Savojar power, and will battle Torpedo for the position of the best side in Russica.

Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Location: Virkaja, Sumanen
Stadium: Stadion General Ilvonen, cap. 13’600
Colours: Blue, White, Red
The Air Force team are by far the best supported side of the Armed Forces due to the relative lack of other local teams. Having had occasional highs and lows, like most SVV teams, they have the least demanding fans of the big teams as well, meaning that trips to Virkaja are almost always bound to be loud, chaotic, and overall impressive experiences. The team plays a style of very fast and direct hockey, with lots of skating, and some influence of the classic Sumani school of puck possession and passing it around. Typically developing many skilled defenders who are comfortable on the puck, it’s also a hotbed for youth development.
This year’s team has its strengths in the defence, with national backup goalkeeper Ville Kerjanen and a versatile defensive pairing in Petteri Juranen and Fridtjof Zackrisson. However, the team is also in the middle of a rebuild, with many defenders aging; much weight will rest on the stars Jovinen, Juranen, Teronen and Kerjanen. The questions for SVV are: How fast can their young players step up, and how long can the aging stars carry a team?

Sjoedrhavn SHK
Location: Sjoedrhavn, Vestrholm
Stadium: Sjoedrhavns Stadsstadion, cap. 26’400
Colours: Blue, Red, White
Founded as a city team by the urban authorities, SHK have deep roots within the capital. Back in the day, it used to be a vessel to give something to do to Savojarna’s abandoned youth in the capital, and then became an institution of Sjoedrhavn industrial life. Nowadays, it’s a pro club, but one with large amounts of support among the city’s working class and a distinctively scrappy, hard-hitting style of play. Occasional forays into the world of dazzling stars and attempts to make championship runs were abandoned fairly quickly in favour of a more reserved, back to the roots style under the new sporting management led by former SHK legend Anton Lidbäck.
Although the team has been transformed, and the introduction of a new coach in the young and sort of unexperienced Mikael Bergman has been criticised, there are still traces from when the ambitions of SHK went wild. Novozemlyan center Radoslav Klepakhov and Neu Engollon international Von Roessler make for a dangerous duo, and in defence, Axelsson and Jarborg are there to let devastation rain onto pretty much everyone. The weakest spot of this team will be the goalkeeping position, with the 24 year old Sven Haakonson being the best bet of SHK’s patchy roster.

SK Torpedo Pawlograd
Location: Pawlograd, Russica
Stadium: Stadion Torpedo, cap. 17’940
Colours: White, Red, Black
The Navy’s top team in ice hockey as well as the one remaining Pawlograd team, Torpedo are well liked across the country, with a fringe following of former Admiral fans in Storevik after the team disbanded. They are also a spectacular team that often introduces new tactical innovations, and is known for daring and offensive play. This has led to an uncanny ability to get stars to play for Torpedo, knowing that they are going to play for titles in front of a full house - and that glamour has not harmed the team’s support one little bit.
This year’s SK Torpedo is absolutely stacked in the offence, as evidenced by the ability of forming a line out of top 6 NT forwards in Kasajev, Aljekhin and Stefansson. Depth is largely fine as well, besides a slight weakness on the right wing. However, in goal, much rests on the shoulders of 37 year old club legend Alexei Varyshnin, and while there are two strong options in waiting, neither Antonsson nor Jauranen played significant times on the professional level.

Thorsborgs Technik
Location: Thorsborg, Vestrholm
Stadium: Thor’s Den, cap. 13’650
Colours: Blue, Yellow, White

Technik used to be a weaker team, struggling to make do in the shadow of CASK - until they found Lars Lörvik. The coach managed to turn around the club almost on his own, acting as both the general sports manager and the head coach. Building up his empire like this, he has formed a team that centers on offensive play and high speed, aiming directly for the net, with many skilled offensive defenders and a slew of physical, tough forwards. Looking for breakaways, speed is paramount in his play. Fans of Thorsborgs Technik have wholly adopted the style and are a highly devoted bunch that tends to absolutely adore the team’s strong identity and aggressive style, often making Thor’s Den a fearsome stadium to visit.
Old veterans like Iosif Pashkunin and Eythor Pahlsen have held the team together through difficult times, and strong younger players like Semyon Astyugin, Flemming Aversen and defensive talent Johan Sandqvist are carrying the sporting part on their back. Age has taken its toll on the team, but Lörvik is known for being able to find replacements where needed, and overachieve with a troublesome side.

Traktor St. Andrei
Location: St. Andrei, Russica
Stadium: Stadion Traktorov “Slava Nishov”, cap. 11’280
Colours: Green, White, Yellow

Traktor are the team of the farm workers around St. Andrei, the region known as the grain chamber of the country. Traditionally, they are heavily tied to their local regional identity and history, which was primarily lived through the duel with Dynamo St. Andrei, representant of the national institutions and the police force. Now, DSA have given up on pro hockey, leaving Traktor the sole club in town, although a number of DSA players and fans have transferred to former “brotherly rival” Dynamo Sjoedrhavn. Traktor fans place a lot of pride in their region and in good, honest hard work. This shows through the team’s management, which has always been from Northern Russica, and in its DNA of physical, fast hockey focusing on local talent.
On the ice, there are some identifier figures in a team that struggles a little right now in a small rebuild. Leonid Karenin and Sergey Vetrayev are local heroes looking to lead this team towards a victory, and former U20 defender Tuukka Lajanen can be a strong powerplay organiser at good times. However, many of their stars are a little shaky, including their goalkeeper Marcus Valdner, who has had some of his best times behind him at age 32.

by **Savojarna** » Wed Sep 09, 2020 11:36 am

SFS VIII Season Preview (Part 1/2)

Metsuri Virkaja (Last season: SFS B 2.)

Origin and identity: Metsuri translates to The Lumberjacks, which shows the origin of this team. Originally a worker’s team from the Sumani capital, Metsuri have always prided themselves on camaraderie and work ethic. Their fans are locals, who largely swing green and white outside of the more affluent central districts and the more military-oriented areas around the SVV stadium and the Virkaja Air Base; however, there is also a large following among Northeastern Russians thanks to a sort of affiliation to the Virkaja timber industry.
Tactics: Stable in the centre, fast on the counter, and strong in aerial duels. Metsuri are the stereotypical physical lower-range Savojar side. Ulamäki’s Virkaja has remarkably aggressive strikers off the ball, and a touch of brilliance in Korpikoski up front; other than that, we can expect a low-lying midfield and a defensively oriented side.
Key Players: Joona Valkarainen in the back is what keeps Metsuri’s defence together, as he is the only centre-back in the team that has noteworthy skills on the ball. As the captain and oldest team member, he is also a key element off the pitch. Up front, Irina Korpikoski is a highly skilled and deadly former national team striker and by far the most accomplished player of a fairly limited side. Finally, in midfield, Sofi Ljoersted will play a crucial role in initiating and carrying counters, a role she has filled well during the promotion campaign.
Hopefuls: Kimi Hartikainen is the biggest name on the bench, the former U18 national player being a key element on the left wing and often coming on in the second half to turn around a losing game. Taito Viinanen is hoping to use a strong season for a U21 cap as well, and has been a dangerous SFS B joker. In the back, Filip Persson is being groomed as the follow-up goalkeeper to Ingerman.

Stadium: Cuprum Arena Football (capacity: 14’700)
Manager: Jotsi Ulamäki (46)
Expected formation: 4-4-2
Transfers incoming: -- | Outgoing: --

SK Cuprum Grennvik (SFS B Champion)

Origin and identity: SK Cuprum are the sole team from the town of Grennvik, a relatively small mining town on the island of Ejana. The third-biggest town on the island, they are the number three in hockey and handball behind the behemoth that is Storevik and Kjefla, who have one strong team in each. In football, however, SK Cuprum are solidly the third-best Ejanan team. This side is usually physical, aggressive, and workmanlike at heart.
Tactics: The promotion of SK Cuprum was built on a defensively stable setup and dangerous, quick counters over the tall Holmberg and the quick Vaitanen. They rarely stray far from their position and rely on long balls, something they will probably ramp up even more now that the side faces stronger opposition.
Key Players: In defence, captain Bjarne Mejveldt is easily the most important cornerstone of the team. A clever and tactically astute defender, he will have to bring his best play for Grennvik to stay a chance. Up front, much has been hanging on the speed of striker Karolina Vaitanen and left midfielder Kolbeinn Ingvarsson. Hopes are that Johan Arnheim in the centre and Ivan Onagin up front can give the squad more stability with their top-flight experience.
Hopefuls: Sven Löfqvist has been a regular in the promotion campaign and will come into age sooner rather than later; the same can hopefully be said of centre-back Laila Olsen who has been a focus of scouts recently. The biggest name on the bench, or potentially in goal, is U18 goalkeeper Morten Henberg. On loan from Euran club Falourr, he will share play time with Freyrsson.

Stadium: Cuprum Arena Football (capacity: 14’700)
Manager: Sigurdur Hafnason (39)
Expected formation: 4-4-2
Transfers incoming: Ivan Onagin (ST, from FK Chemie Frisks, 0.5 million NSD), Katarina Ceder (LB, Motor Johansborg, 0.3), Damjan Emin (RM, Agrar Jurka, 0.25), Johan Arnheim (CM, RLSK Pawlograd, free), Morten Henberg (GK, Falourr/EUR, loan) | Outgoing: --

FK Torpedo Pawlograd (18.)

Origin and identity: Established in 1944 in reaction to ASK Landsmark, Torpedo were supposed to represent the new spirit of the Navy. They did better than ASK for a long time, but recently struggled with professionalisation and growing expectations. Proud of their backing and symbolic role, they traditionally value skill and elegance. Recently, Torpedo were mostly known for being a chaotic side that suffers from a biting press and a fickle management, but also has superb fans and some qualities in youth development.
Tactics: A fast, modern side that employs heavy pressing. After Jurtanen’s experiments, using three fast, mobile attackers up front became a Torpedo signature move again. They are backed up by two defensive midfielders supposed to stop attacks and build up the game, but Nyborg has been known to give his playmakers more withdrawn roles as well, leading to a flatter 4-3-3 than what is commonly played by offensive sides.
Key Players: The wingers Jelena Romanov and Antti Roope are expected to be the most important part of the revitalised Torpedo, and the cornerstones of the offence. Much of Torpedo’s attacks goes through the sides. Selvala Tabur is going to be the most important person in the middle. The midfielder from the Squornshelan Remnant States demonstrated her mental strength last year, when she never gave up despite a horrible season, and was rewarded with an important role in Torpedo’s midfield.
Hopefuls: The biggest question mark in Torpedo’s tean is goalkeeper Sergey Sharin. A 20 year old, he has been occasionally playing following the benching of Bartok after the Nepharan keeper’s fallout with Jurtanen, and now has to take charge all by himself. Dmitri Dmitriev is another prospect, coming back from a superb season at Rotor Värstjö, and fighting for a starting position in a strong central defence.

Stadium: Stadion Admiral Rjurden (capacity: 52’000)
Manager: Lew Nyborg (41)
Expected formation:
Transfers incoming: Lew Nyborg (coach, free), Dmitri Dmitriev (CB, Rotor Värstjö, return from loan) | outgoing: Olaf Jurtanen (coach, Ming/CMT, free), Radu Bartok (GK/NPH, Leichhardt/NPH, 1)

Transport Hovikkära (17.)

Origin and identity: Football had always been connected with dockworkers in Savojarna, and TH are one of the few pre-revolution teams around. They were also said to have played an important role in the revolution as a worker's union. The dockworker's team enjoys large support among the city's working class and has a large syndicalist ultra group. Clashes with SVV are high-risk games due to political tension. On the pitch, nothing short of leaving it all on the green would be tolerated, and there is a certain expectation of straight-forward play.
Tactics: Turamäki’s team transitions back to a 5-2-3 after the two-top experiment failed, but it is a small change as the name of the game remains scrappy, brutal defensive work. The central line will be pulled together and attempt to play mostly as central shuttlers, the wingers are expected to trace back a lot, and everyone who wants to play an offensive role needs to be quick to run deadly counters that are almost the only source of Transport’s goals.
Key Players: Pitarova and Parvanov, the team’s defensive midfield line, is going to have a key role thanks to the formation that leaves them exposed in the middle of the pitch. In the defence, Greg Chauncey has proven to be a cornerstone of the central defence, whereas Oouri and Warner build an international flanking force. The big question remains the offence, where neither Serge Tempest nor Ragnhild Viilanen could convince last season.
Hopefuls: Severi Litmanen has been one of the best wingers in the SFS B and was promptly picked up by a top flight side. The new man on Transport’s right side will be brought into play slowly behind routined Benjamin Tin, but is clearly destined to take over the position in the future. Another prospect is Mikhail Breganov up front, one of the few hopes in Hovikkära’s offence.

Stadion: Pohjoiskaivaa (capacity: 46’000)
Manager: Ville Turamäki (58)
Expected formation: 5-2-3
Transfers incoming: Severi Litmanen (RM, Nemstvo SK, 0.6), Saakari Ahtisaari (CB, Polar Grundviken, 0.3) | outgoing: Teemu Jeraväinen (ST, Elektriklestirmespor/TMR, 1.75), Evgeni Mikhailov (RB, Navigator Jaromirgrad, free)

Savojars Vinge Virkaja (16.)

Origin and identity: The team was founded in 1946 as the representative of the Savojar Air Force. From its beginning, it was supposed to challenge the domination of CASK and Admiral, but struggled to achieve this. SVV see themselves as representing the technical side of Savojarna, and have been associated with high technical skill and tactical sophistication. Their fans are sort of fickle, and the team often swings wildly between strong seasons challenging for international play and unspectacular or downright bad results.
Tactics: Lijushkin is coaching his first season for SVV, making it sort of unclear what his side will look like. Traditionally, Virkaja play a fluid 4-3-3, which fits well with Lijushkin’s tactics at FK Torpedo. They can be expected to run and pass a lot, and have their wingers orient themselves towards the goal. Traditionally, they are highly offensive, and emphasise their defenders to join the offence.
Key Players: Lenka Otalainen has been the player with whom SVV have stood and fallen in the past, but with the arrival and increasing strength of Florian Franz, the reliance on the single playmaker may get smaller. Vukkila is the main target for goals, and in the back, Ylvi Sootala is the remaining part of a very strong defence. It will be important to see how him and Lenberg are holding up with the departure of Anttakari.
Hopefuls: Janne Toivanen is the newly signed prospect in the central defence, who has shown some strong games at FK Sjoedrhavn. Up front, there is much hope placed on Justus Rintanen, and the youth international needs to deliver to avoid the bulk of goal-scoring duty being left with Vukkila. Another recent addition is Ejnar Balle, who is likely going to be used in the U21, but may inherit Kjaer and Carlin’s place on the left side.

Stadion: Patrik Suhonen Stadion (capacity: 52’000)
Manager: Dmitry Lijushkin (41)
Expected formation: 4-3-3
Transfers incoming: Dmitry Lijushkin (coach, free), Janne Toivanen (CB, FK Sjoedrhavn, 0.5), Ejnar Balle (LB, EU Storevik, 0.25) | outgoing: Lauri Anttakari (CB, CASK Thorsborg, 2), Lukas Meyer (RW/DEL, Farrenton Athletic/EUR, 2)

Dynamo Novaya Russica (15.)

Origin and identity: Founded as policemen's club in 1915, turned into a representative team in 1938. Used to be a development team for Dynamo Sjoedrhavn until the 70s, which led to the Dynamo Rivalry. The second police club is also particularly popular in most places, but due to a lack of other clubs in Novaya Russica, they moved from police club to representing NR. Recently gained traction among locals, but still mostly hated nationally.
Tactics: A classical defensive Savojar team: defensive, tough to break down and relying on a tight midfield to counter the opponent down. Often using a fast striker to bring in offence, and sometimes a hanging striker within the midfield five. In the centre, the midfield tends to lie deep, with the wingers providing the main offensive drive to bring balls into the front third. Usually, this is enough for DNR to scrap itself into the middle of the pack.
Key Players: Interestingly for a defensive side like Dynamo, their main stars are playing up front. With the retirement of former national team right winger Ville Mertonen, his replacement Norby will have to deliver in order to ensure continuous offence from this side. The same is true for Nepharan star striker Maladict Farrell, who has single-handedly kept Novaya Russica in the safe zone across the past season, and Yamaj-Blonz Jok, who will be tasked with organising the midfield.
Hopefuls: Johanna Sundqvist is expected to be a starter or regular sub for the first time, the 20 year old centre-back needs to be up to the task or DNR will struggle. Lavro Zhilin is an exciting polyvalent striker for the Police side, and Ilya Netrayev a rare homegrown offensive talent at the right or left wing.

Stadion: Stadion Dynamo (capacity: 29’700)
Manager: Hjalmar Loevith (56)
Expected formation: 4-5-1
Transfers incoming: Pernille Norby (RF, Landsmarks Industrie, 1.25), Lavro Zhilin (ST, Motor Johansborg, 0.3) | Outgoing: Ville Mertonen (RM, retirement)

RLSK Pawlograd (14.)

Origin and identity: Founded by students as a Russican club in 1932, and struggling to get acceptance in Pawlograd. Fierce rivalries exist with multiple other Pawlograd teams, with varied success. RLSK are a union team supposed to represent the whole town, but have their strongest base among the traditionally liberal-national Pawlograd students and often are considered a hotbed of Russian liberal nationalism.
Tactics: RLSK are a perennial scrapper of the SFS who embodies the spirit of Savojar football to its core. The back three mostly is a back five, but the fullbacks are fast and join in on fierce counters. The midfield mostly lies low, with the occasional striker falling back to link to the centre and shuttling the ball up to their colleague.
Key Players: In a midfield full of destroyers, Svetlana Namenkova stands out as a natural leader, captain, and most talented of the numerous defensive RLSK players. Next to her, the Nepharan duo of Solbachen and Kotsonis is tasked with shuttling the ball forward, a task with which RLSK’s play stands and falls. In defence, the players tend to share the burden equally, but with the centre back line being not as solid as fans may wish, Jushchenko will be required to show up and carry this team.
Hopefuls: In an aging back three, Michail Pavlov is the sole provider of youth. Aged 20, many fans demand his regular inclusion into the team, as the rest of the defence is aged 29 and over. The same goes for striker Patrik Eriksson, who had a good pre-season as a dynamic hanging striker and pressing machine.

Stadium: Stadion Alexey Sakharov (capacity: 37’000)
Manager: Grigori Markov (67)
Expected formation: 3-5-2
Transfers incoming: -- | outgoing: Johan Arnheim (CM, SK Cuprum Grennvik, 0)

ESK Storevik (13.)

Origin and identity: Ejana was dominated by dockworker and neighbourhood squads. In 1940, ESK were founded to challenge the primacy of Admiral with a true Ejana team supported by the local leaders. A union of clubs representing city neighbourhoods of Storevik, it has developed into a sort of "national team" of Ejana, enjoying support all over the island. Its fans are pretty fervent, and often swing into left-wing political activism.
Tactics: Freyrson has an image of a tactical expert, shaping his team over a long time. His system is a highly fluid 4-2-2-2, relying on two hybrid wingers, a classical scorer and a trequartista. He has been in charge for an era now, to the point where the team conforms entirely to his tactical vision, and generally embodies technical, fast and fluid football.
Key Players: The last season’s horrible early phase showed that ESK are highly dependent on Freya Sigurdsdottir, and that she is the biggest keystone of the team even at her advanced age. The tall striker’s killer instinct is otherwise lacking in ESK, and she is the main player of the squad. On the sides, Nikanen is particularly crucial for feeding the central forward, and leftback Darya Macar has turned into the special something of the back line.
Hopefuls: Twenty year old defender Thorgeir Arnason is the main hope of youth in an otherwise aging lineup, really. Uller Sigfridsson, although more than just a young hopeful, is the focus of many prayers of those who hope he can finally grow to step into Sigurdsdottir’s footsteps, and at age 23, he may already face his last chance at ESK.

Stadion: Ejansk Stadion (capacity: 41’000)
Manager: Halldor Freyrsson (62)
Expected formation: 4-2-2-2
Transfers incoming: -- | outgoing: Sveinn Arnason (MS, Rotor Värstjö, 0.75/option after loan)

FK Metall Jarnstad (12.)

Origin and identity: Miner clubs were some of the oldest clubs in Savojarna. FK Metall were a union of many different clubs after the Revolution, some of which existed since the 1870s. Formed from the miners around the city of Jarnstad, Metall enjoy a solid basis in the entire Jarnslän. They are often seen as a country team, and an honest, hard-working union team. One of the first to introduce a foreign coach, they showed no inhibition to take risks either.
Tactics: Relying on a tough to break defence, with two flat chains, FK Metall usually shut down the midfield. Once they got the ball, they usually try to get the ball to a fast striker or winger. The central midfield is of crucial importance for both obtaining the ball and progressing play up the pitch once it is won.
Key Players: With Marios Tzavellas gone into well-deserved retirement, Lovisa Mortensson and Traustir Hjalmarsson in the centre will have to play a strong season to ensure that Metall’s centre holds. In the back, Nepharan Penelope Garner is the one source of youth and skill in the Jarnstad back line, and Aleksander Smichov needs to be a reliable back stop for the black and red.
Hopefuls: Fredrik Stralsund, Metall’s new signing on the right wing, should create some more depth behind Björgen and help in a stretched out season. Behind him, there is little in terms of youth, but there is a hopeful year coming up behind him in the youth squad, and one or the other of them may get an early call-up.

Stadium: MetallArena Jarnstad (capacity: 44’000)
Manager: Ognjan Vlahović (ZRH, 61)
Expected formation: 4-1-4-1
Transfers incoming: Fredrik Stralsund (RM, FK Chemie Frisks, 0.5) | outgoing: Henning Svarthus (CB, Hofvinger/GRF, loan), Marios Tzavellas (DM/NPH, retirement)

Energie Thorsborg (11.)

Origin and identity: Having been formed in the 1890s, Energie are one of the oldest clubs in Thorsborg and were a founding member of the Savojar League. They are a notorious mid-table team, but have had a high time in the early SFS days with back-to-back cup victories. Formed out of the electricity workers of Thorsborg, this club has become a representative of the Western part of the city, and many traditional workers support them.
Tactics: A high-pressure team that often attacks rapidly, using up to five attackers after winning the ball in midfield. Ljungberg often carries the brunt of the defensive burden, with the rest of the side storming forward and trying to overwhelm the enemy team. Likely to take many shots from the midfield or the wing.
Key Players: Valentin Ljungberg remains the core of the side as he is the pin on which the offensive tactics of the front five rest; Olberg and Pironev need to hold up their end of the stick as well to make sure Energie don’t run into persistent counters. Up front, with Andersen aging and Lindgren of shaky form, Vindjammer is a core source of goals; Agot Sienkiewicz remains another keystone in the midfield.
Hopefuls: One name shines above all others: 22 year old Banijan megatransfer Abigail Admassu was supposed to turn Energie into a title contender, but didn’t quite arrive in Thorsborg yet. Her first season at Energie was average, and hopes are high that she can step up to outstanding. The other big prospect at the club is Ulf Svensson, who is expected to carry the legacy of Johanna Marqvist in goal.

Stadium: National Energiekollektivets Arena (capacity: 48’600)
Manager: Lars Walberg (42)
Expected formation: 4-3-3
Transfers incoming: Ulf Svensson (GK, EU Storevik, 0.5) | outgoing: Harald Larsson (DM, Zvezda Vlaikograd/STL, 1.5), Pär Tjova (GK, Rülândéá Kôstä/FFD, undisclosed)

by **Savojarna** » Fri Sep 11, 2020 6:35 am

SFS VIII Season Preview (Part 2/2)

Dynamo Sjoedrhavn (10.)

Origin and identity: Founded 1923 to represent the police in the first national league, and gained success after a slow start. Notable for choking the cup, having only won three of eight cup finals. One of two police clubs, they share a rivalry with Dynamo NR. They are emphasising skill and strength in their players, but are said to have mostly bandwagon fans - who haven’t had too much to celebrate recently, as the team has been falling down the ranks recently, largely due to a lack of depth.
Tactics: One of the more offensive teams, they employ heavy pressing with their wingers and forwards. The central midfield plays box to box, using vertical passes. Traditionally they emphasised getting wingers and offensive midfielders close to the goal as well, and chances are this is going to continue with their new signings. Dynamo are in a bit of a change, and have brought in many new players, making them a bit of a black box.
Key Players: Grégoire Leclair is one of the relatively few foreign national team players to play in the SFS, and the Reçueçn defensive midfielder has been a core element of the team’s good times in the last season. He and his midfield colleague Niklas Hoyberg are crucial to the stability of Dynamo’s defence, especially when the fullbacks overlap. Offensively, much has rested on the shoulders of Aleksander Teranen, but new signings should alleviate the pressure.
Hopefuls: Mohamed Khedira is the big unknown in the team. A 22 year old winger and striker from Quebec, he seems perfectly made for Dynamo and could become a core part of the team. Furthermore, the duo of Teemu Routsiainen and Reksi Halanen is a big hope for the club. The duo was famed in Savojar youth football before transferring to North Quadana, but came back disappointed and now ready to use their second chance at Dynamo.

Stadium: Stadion Dynamo (capacity: 35’000)
Manager: Kristian Lägg (47)
Expected formation: 4-2-3-1
Transfers incoming: Mohamed Khedira (RW/QUE, St. John’s Arsenal/QUE, 1.5), Rasmus Vikborg (CB, Transport Hovikkära, 1), Reksi Halanen (LM, Otterlo Rangers/NQU, 1), Teemu Routsiainen (DM, Otterlo Rangers/NQU, 0.5), Esa Simola (CM, Elektron Harkka, 0.3) | outgoing: Kristina Midtjaer (RM, Rockridge Phoenix/BRE, 2), Victor Loeseth (CM, Lokomotive Jarnstad, 1.5), Anja Loeseth (RB, CASK Thorsborg, 1.3), Leif Jonasson (LB, retirement)

AFK Savojagrad (9.)

Origin and identity: Founded 1903 as a student club at the University of Savojagrad, a bastion of the Russian Unionist movement as well as conservatism. Disbanded in 1910 and refounded 1917 as a much more open-minded and internationally oriented club. Aka is the oldest student club of the country, viewed as a team of intellectuals who will lose themselves in tactical intricacies.
Tactics: Previously a defensive team, they still have two big strikers that are typical scorers. However, under Haraldson they have become a lot more fluid and looking to rely more on short passes. There is a lot of play through the wings and a classical playmaker, looking to distribute balls across the field.
Key Players: Kevin Nordmark is the face of this team, and as a former All-Star goalkeeper, he has been able to handle the pressure that has been on him for much of his career. He needs to show up if AFK want to end up in the top half of the table again. Up front, Lirov and Bains have been the strongest assets of an AFK that has been struggling to find danger from other positions.
Hopefuls: Ilari Milvonen was perhaps the most anticipated player of the U18 team, and he has signed with AFK. With Shipulin aging and the Savojagrader enjoying to play through the sides, many think he has chosen a highly challenging, but high-potential team. Arnar Jonsson in the playmaker position will be another young player looking to net playtime behind an aging Ishkurin.

Stadion: NUSArena (capacity: 14’800)
Manager: Emil Haraldson (47)
Expected formation: 4-4-2 diamond
Transfers incoming: Niina Saparinen (CB, ASK Landsmark, 0.

, Arnar Jonsson (OM, FC Avenhorn/NQU, 0.7), Valtteri Lehto (ST, Landsmarks Industrie, 0.6), Ilari Milvonen (LM, Kallora IF, 0.4), Daniela Aalberg (RB, Polar Grundviken, 0.4) | outgoing: Lipa Kuznetsov (RM, Rotor Värstjö, 1.4), Boris Olgajev (ST, Zenit Jegrava, free), Rolf Allman (CB, retirement)

ASK Landsmark (8.)

Origin and identity: Founded 1942 as a farm team for CASK, they got independent in the 1970s. Despite periodical success, they have largely been a mid-table team relying on a scrappy, defensive style of football to overcome their bigger rivals. As a state team with limited success, their fan base is sort of small and considered prone to bandwagoning.
Tactics: ASKL value hard work over technical brilliance. Tough defence and fast counter-attacks over the side are their key path to success, with Ryberg as the top striker. They operate a lot with long through balls from the midfield, and seek to find one of their killers up front.
Key Players: Eve Lovelace has shown that she is perfect for the position that ASK seek in central midfield. She combines disciplined defence with a penchant to find passes that Gavax-Nenzi Abe has rarely displayed. At the back, Delaclava international Valentin Gusev has grown into an equal partner to Omark. But all of this is nothing without the offence. Ryberg used to be the key part of it, but the addition of Garrett Norwood has lifted some pressure from his shoulders, potentially improving ASK’s prospects.
Hopefuls: An aging team that struggles to have much hope on the bench, the eyes of ASK lie on new transfer Rjurik Hoegh. Having come from Lok for two millions, he is the sole invigorating part of an ASK Landsmark team that tries to get one last hurrah out of their team before a big rebuild is in order.

Stadium: Axel-Nejdur-Stadion (capacity: 46’000)
Manager: Mirko Johansson (40)
Expected formation: 4-4-2 flat
Transfers incoming: Rjurik Hoegh (LB, Lokomotive Jarnstad, 2) | outgoing: Poul Olsen (RF, Partizan Castlemilk/GLZ, 1.25), Niina Saparinen (CB, AFK Landsmark, 0.

Rotor Värstjö (7.)

Origin and identity: Värstjö became the centre of the Savojar aircraft industry in the 1930s and formed a football team soon after due to the influx of workers. They were never successful, with their SFS 8 seventh place being an all-time record, but widely regarded in high esteem by neutrals. A union team from a smallish town in Vestrholm, they have been described as "suffering from a constant inferiority complex", but coped decently with it.
Tactics: Recently turned from brutal scrapper to respected development team. Simunov took the team over six years ago and introduced newer, younger players to great success. The team used to make up for its lack of a playmaker by fast and creative play and a rock-solid DM, something they likely will rely on again after the loss of Rika Lundell in the offensive creator position.
Key Players: Lauri Kappakari in goal was one of the bedrocks of success in the past season, as he has been the player to make up for the occasional error of what was largely a SFS B defence. He will get some support by Industrie keeper Albin Lindblom, but one of the two will have to be in shape. Harald Barnerud in the midfield will also be an important connector between the defence and the strikers, and Heikki Palvarainen on the right flank is going to be the focal point for chance creation.
Hopefuls: Fridtjof Jansrud, at age 28, is an accomplished SFS player, but he is still The Hopeful as the former Metall and Chemie playmaker is going to enter his first stint of offensive football. Tuomioja and Palander are trusted to replace Dmitriev, and in the offence, Lipa Kuznetsov is relied upon as a polyvalent sideline player. Finally, if Sveinn Arnason can carry over his SFS 8 form, he may find himself a starting position.

Stadium: Värstjös Samfunnetsstadion (capacity: 22’000)
Manager: Gennadi Simunov (55)
Expected formation: 4-2-3-1
Transfers incoming: Lipa Kuznetsov (RM, AFK Savojagrad, 1.75), Fridtjof Jansrud (OM, FK Chemie Frisks, 1.25), Vyacheslav Karamasov (ST, Traktor St. Andrei, 1), Albin Lindblom (GK, Landsmarks Industrie, 0.75), Sveinn Arnason (MS, ESK Storevik, 0.75/option taken), Paavo Tuomioja (CB, Valdhavn IF, 0.4), Charlotta Pala (CB/EFL, Micronia YFC/EFL, 0) | Outgoing: Rika Lundell (OM, North Laithland/NPH, 5.5), Dmitri Dmitriev (CB, FK Torpedo Pawlograd, return from loan)

Libertas Bergheim (6.)

Origin and identity: After the formation of a national league, the teams of the three biggest Bergheimer unions had formed the club in 1927. Libertas is traditionally an upper-midfield team with 2 cups, but still chases that elusive first championship. They are the team of Bergheim's unions, made up of coal and silver miners as well as loggers. Bergheim's independent spirit and left-libertarian tradition shapes the club's identity and its large fan base.
Tactics: Libertas prefer speed over strength. Their main road to the goal is via the sides, either searching Lajunen in the box or Hakeson behind it, although the addition of a bona fide playmaker has made the team more versatile. Often play a slanted version of a back three, with one side having a wingback and the other a more offensive winger, and almost playing with a back four off the ball at times.
Key Players: Tuomas Lajunen up front is Libertas’ life insurance and constant threat for the top-scoring title; now, his life will probably get even easier as he gets an equal partner in Nepharan veteran Sequel Bathanay. Arkanin in the playmaking position and Geddes on the left side will be the main chance creators in midfield. Andrea Najmina is the defensive brain of Libertas, holding up the back three with unspectacular, high-quality work.
Hopefuls: Two big youth names stand out in this side: rightback Minna Lagerqvist will have the unfortunate task of replacing national team player Alexey Nurkanen, and in defence, Gudrun Jansdottir will try to make inroads in the senior team. Neither will see much playtime, but hope to establish themselves as future team pillars.

Stadium: Bergheims Samfunnetsstadion (capacity: 27’900)
Manager: Helgi Laurison (65)
Expected formation: 3-4-1-2
Transfers incoming: Sequel Bathanay (ST/NPH, Landsmarks Industrie, 1.25), Minna Lagerqvist (RB, Framfarir Kjefla, 0.3) | outgoing: --

Partisan Sjoedrhavn (5.)

Origin and identity: Founded 1936 as a union of four Sjoedrhavn teams and immediately successful, but losing out after the 50s. Short resurgence with 2 titles and a cup in the 90s, and establishing themselves as the weakest Big Four team in the SFS era. Formed as a representative vehicle by Communist elites, Partisan's fans are stereotyped to be bureaucrats from the KPS, although there are also plenty of fans who are drawn to their often spectacular play. They are popular nationally, but not in their town.
Tactics: "Parti" show resilience and speed on the counter-attack. Relying on two hard-to-break defensive lines, they try to trap the opponent and then use the speed of the midfield to score. Although defensively, they are not the most interesting team, their offence usually relies on some trickery from the forwards and stunning plays. Under new coach Patrik Alexandersson, there is an increasing pivot towards more offensive play.
Key Players: Perttu Karjanen and Morten Poulsen in the offensive midfield have been played next to each other as a double playmaker last season by Alexandersson, which has been very successful and will have to work out again if Parti want to go far. In defence, much lies on the defensive leader of Aleksandr Jernayev, as they have failed to get a desired centre-back. The question is where goals could come from if Augustine Rahn does not score as intended, and Karjanen and Aarsoy cannot pick up the slack.
Hopefuls: Machua Cronin is not a young talent, but the 25 year old central midfielder from AFC Treason has never played in a role where she was supposed to carry a pro team to a title. This is a situation where nobody knows if the five million spent on her will be worth it, but Parti will pray that it works. Offensively, Sven Ehlers and Göran Jaerbyn are expected to have a breakout season, and new signing Heikki Aho is hoped to strengthen the defensive depth.

Stadium: Stadion Perl Kruger (capacity: 42’300)
Manager: Patrik Alexandersson (42)
Expected formation: 4-1-4-1
Transfers incoming: Machua Cronin (CM/NPH, AFC Treason/NPH, 5), Heikki Aho (DM, Union Roopere, 0.75) | outgoing: Yuri Zhuranov (DM, FK Chemie Frisks, 0.25), Rasmus Helman (CB, FK Chemie Frisks, 0), Anders Johansson (GK, Landsmarks Industrie, 0)

Traktor St. Andrei (4.)

Origin and identity: A club founded in 1902 as St. Andrei F.C., this is one of the oldest sides in Savojarna. It had counter-revolutionary ties and was disbanded in 1911, but refounded 1915 as Traktor. They have a heated rivalry with RAS. Traditionally a farmer's team of the region around St. Andrei, the team has a large following in the countryside. In the city, they are somewhat associated with Russian nationalism and counter-revolutionaries.
Tactics: Under club legend Slavomir Tesharov, the team had been highly offensive and often played with three goal scoring forwards; this DNA has been preserved, but changed up a little by bringing out Damian Trolli of Valladares. While the exact tactics are a blackbox, we expect Trolli to keep up the offensive outlook, but change to a more conventional 4-3-3 with (potentially inverted) wingers and three central midfielders.
Key Players: Juha Teronen in defence and goalkeeper Georgi Nikitin have been working overtime in the past, keeping a back three together and fighting to plug holes. Under the new system, the pressure may be a bit less, but the responsibility remains. Kasimir Samarov will have to find his position in the new system, but be another key player in powering the Traktor offence. On the wings, Sundgren comes off a splendid season, and hopes to continue the form.
Hopefuls: Anna Witchstone and Jekatarina Smolov have had good professional debut seasons, and now have to prove that it was not just a great few games, but players with long-term potential. Finn Kopperberg, signed last year as a long-term prospect in goal, will be pulled from the U21 into the senior team and hopes to establish himself, and the same goes for 19 year old youth international Oleg Trikhichev.

Stadion: Stadion Traktorov (capacity: 56’000)
Manager: Damián Trolli (VLD, 44)
Expected formation: 4-3-3
Transfers incoming: Mikael Borthem (RB, FK Sjoedrhavn, 0.6) | outgoing: Vyacheslav Karamasov (ST, Rotor Värstjö, 1)

Admiral Storevik (3.)

Origin and identity: Founded 1916 as a Navy team, immediately building a heated rivalry with CASK. Admiral were initially stronger but fell behind in the 1930s, struggling for titles since. Historically, the army club are their biggest rivals, followed by Torpedo and ESK. Although Admiral are not very popular in Storevik, quite a few people in Ejana support them as the main source of potential titles for the island.
Tactics: Admiral have transformed from a traditionally more defensive team relying on few talented strikers into a bona-fide balanced side. They rely on a calm, collected buildup from a strong defensive line and a double pivot that provides a base for the offensive four to stray forward and work creative magic.
Key Players: Joonas Andersson in defensive midfield has been a core element of past Admiral successes, and played himself into the Galacticos Longlist after carrying them to an SFS title two years ago. Ahead of the captain, the trident of playmaker Sabine Montag, assist king Jzeovak Vladcik and scorer Arvid Jotansson has been transformed into a diamond by the addition of Palina Leopold on the right wing, and the Nepharan winger has swiftly convinced with regular goals.
Hopefuls: New signing Patrik Brygg, twenty year old youth international of Savojarna, is the heir apparent to the 31 year old Sabine Montag, and will have to slowly grow into the role. Arianna Berger in central midfield is similarly waiting for her chance to play alongside Evaldsson and eventually take over from captain Andersson; on the left back position, Boris Lavrov is probably in the last season of waiting for his big chance before a breakthrough or a transfer.

Stadium: Marinestadion (capacity: 48’000)
Manager: Gylfi Haukason (52)
Expected formation: 4-2-3-1
Transfers incoming: Patrik Brygg (OM, FK Sjoedrhavn, 1.5) | outgoing: Juha Terjakov (OM, CF Outineau/KSK, 0.75), Erland Stromby (ST, Latrobe AFC/KSK, 1.25)

Lokomotive Jarnstad (2.)

Origin and identity: Formed in 1929, Lok is younger than Metall Jarnstad, and the two entered a heated rivalry immediately. Lok is the club of the railway workers in the Jarnslän and see themselves as the club of the city of Jarnstad. Because of the state's support for the railways, they are a strong team, and were the first union team to win the SFS, and are often derided by Metall fans as a state team in denial.
Tactics: A typical Savojar defensive team, they fall back and rely on a quick counter. They hardly ever make defensive mistakes, but are often criticised for lack of inspiration and unfair play. A lot is going on on the sides, especially the right side, and the nominal playmaker Ljurbyn often plays almost as a hanging striker. In the defence, they play a tight line and operate with long balls onto the wing or to the strikers.
Key Players: The trio of Roy Coyner and Trent Ullqvist in central defence, and Gerik Knasmuller in goal, is the fundament on which Lok’s success rests. Up front, Grivoshenko has often been the only one capable of creating any sort of threat, although the arrival of Loeseth should be alleviating this pressure. Vilhjalmur Ruriksson is the stone with which this team stands or falls, as no other Lok player can provide the necessary offensive power to score regular goals.
Hopefuls: Adrian Klaebo is only 19 years old, but likely to get his chances in a year that is full with league games, IFCF matches, and a cup run. The deep-lying playmaker is the eventual heir of Halvard Oystein, with Loeseth little more than a stopgap. The same goes for left midfielder Mikaela Kjellsen, who has been compared to Grivoshenko in her unpredictable style. Tristana Palsdottir in defence will not yet break through to the first team, but the 21 year old can expect regular play time.

Stadium: Stadion Savojarsk Jarnsvägen (capacity: 53’800)
Manager: Rjurik Smolderhøve (60)
Expected formation: 4-4-1-1
Transfers incoming: Victor Loeseth (CM, Dynamo Sjoedrhavn, 1.5), Nikolaj Poulsen (RB, Landsmarks Industrie, 0.5) | outgoing: Rjurik Hoegh (RB, ASK Landsmark, 2)

CASK Thorsborg (SFS 8 Champions)

Origin and identity: Founded 1916 as an Army team, with heated rivalries with the other branches (mainly Admiral). Savojarna's army club profited for decades from conscription laws. This has changed with the formation of the SFS, but CASK's self-image of the confident record champion has not. In recent years, they have transformed themselves into a team relying heavily on good transfers. Regardless of their approach, CASK are beloved within the army, respectfully hated in other state institutions, and loathed by all union team fans.
Tactics: CASK's strength lies in switching quickly. The defensive midfield acts as an anchor, trying to quickly move the ball up to the front. The defence largely stays back. Since the arrival of McDonald, they play a two-top, and recently shifted their focus to building play over the wings to compensate for the lack of a world-class playmaker.
Key Players: The success of CASK came off a surprising man: Arturo Prosdocimi, hopeful defensive midfielder from Reçueçn, proved to be an absolute bedrock for the creative offence. Pickton is another key element, with the 23 year old Euran having been the main creative player on the wing. In defence, much rests on Lauri Anttakari, who is supposed to play as commanding a role in the centre as he did in Virkaja, and to compensate for Polina Zirkova’s 12 million transfer to Eura.
Hopefuls: All of Thorsborg looks to Janna Sauthier as their main hope. The 23 year old Nepharan winger has already sold a record amount of shirts with her 14, having cost six million NSD to come from Cypher Town. She is supposed to complete an offensive quartet that can match Admiral’s. Behind her, Kaisa Gyldenström is waiting for her professional debut; up front, 22 year old Sergey Nweke wants to advertise himself for a top transfer next summer.

Stadium: Stadion General Erik Harden (capacity: 62’000)
Manager: Johnny McDonald (47/SCT)
Expected formation: 4-1-3-2
Transfers incoming: Janna Sauthier (RM/NPH, Cypher Town/NPH, 6), Lauri Anttakari (CB, Savojars Vinge Virkaja, 2), Anja Loeseth (RB, Dynamo Sjoedrhavn, 1.3) | outgoing: Polina Zirkova (CB, Ulsa/EUR, 12), Juhamatti Rajala (LF, Brisara FC/CMT, 3.5)

by **Savojarna** » Sun Sep 13, 2020 3:39 pm

SFS IX Part 1/4

Matchday 1
ESK Storevik 2–3 Metsuri Virkaja
Energie Thorsborg 1–1 Rotor Värstjö
RLSK Pawlograd 0–0 Transport Hovikkära
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 1–3 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–1 ASK Landsmark
SK Cuprum Grennvik 2–1 Libertas Bergheim
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–2 CASK Thorsborg
Admiral Storevik 5–2 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–0 AFK Savojagrad
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–0 Traktor St. Andrei

It’s not the most interesting season opener we have ever seen, but there’s some action to be found. Lew Nyborgs Torpedo travel to Storevik to meet their sister club, Admiral - and there is no time for a nice family reunion in the Navy, as Palina Leopold opens fire. The Nephar shoots on the goal eight minutes in, Sharin deflects forward, Jotansson converts for the first goal of the new SFS season. Ten minutes later, it’s Vladcik on the move, and his cross finds Jotansson again - 2-0, and we haven’t even cracked twenty minutes yet. Not a good start for Nyborg, but his team fights valiantly and finds openings. Romanov dazzles past Flemming Skov, and passes across to Roope for the 2-1; however, before the break arrives, Montag curls home a beautiful free kick to set the score to 3-1. After the break, Leopold’s second breaks the back of Torpedo, and a late offensive firework sees only a goal on the counter by Sandrajev, and a header by Dmitriev to at least shorten it to 5-2.

Cuprum Grennvik play their first SFS A match in a long, long time, and they face tough opposition at their home stadium as Libertas Bergheim come for a visit. However, it turns out that the quick counters of Cuprum put Bergheim’s offensive back three into trouble. After the initial pressure wears off, Mejveldt launches a long ball onto the foot of Leda Fjodorov, who has a lot of open space in front of her - and promptly becomes Cuprum’s first scorer. In the second half, a mistake by the defence gifts Ivan Onagin a penalty, and the former Chemie forward converts; the late goal by Arkanin is nothing but cosmetics. Damián Trolli’s arrival in St. Andrei has been expected with interest, but the fans are not yet rewarded as Lok stall out the game, and Roy Coyner plays a superb defensive performance that shuts down the Traktor offence completely. At least they see a spectacular play, as a bicycle kick by young Jekaterina Smolov goes wide.

Matchday 2
Metsuri Virkaja 0–0 Traktor St. Andrei
AFK Savojagrad 1–0 Lokomotive Jarnstad
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 4–4 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
CASK Thorsborg 1–2 Admiral Storevik
Libertas Bergheim 1–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
ASK Landsmark 1–0 SK Cuprum Grennvik
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 2–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Transport Hovikkära 1–0 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Rotor Värstjö 0–1 RLSK Pawlograd
ESK Storevik 1–0 Energie Thorsborg

It’s CASK, it’s Admiral, it’s on. The oldest rivalry in the country, and the first Big Four duel in the season, this match is bound to attract some attention from the media. It also delivers on the pitch, as Janna Sauthier and Palina Leopold square off to crown the best Nepharan right winger in the league; Sauthier gets an early lead as her cross to Nweke almost leads to the leading goal, but Juralainen saves the header on the line. Prosdocimi then commits a rare mistake as he lets Montag dribble past him, and the SFS 7 MVP passes the ball skilfully between the lines for Jotansson, who chips it… five centimetres wide. It takes fifty minutes for goals to fall, but then, a corner finds the head of Pohjanainen, who prolongs it onto the foot of Valter Birja, and that’s the lead for CASK. No beauty, but in. Ten minutes later, Vladcik leaves Anja Loeseth in the dust and crosses in, where Jotansson heads it in for the 1-1. The teams are careful, don’t want to give up an edge, but eventually, one cracks. Prosdocimi, who isn’t having his best day, finds a pass intercepted by Arianna Berger, Leopold reacts faster than Lars Jensen, and joker Patrik Brygg moves up to score the winner from fourteen metres out. Admiral take down CASK in Thorsborg, a massive victory for the challengers.

FK Torpedo meet Dynamo in a much anticipated game, both teams undergoing changes. Dynamo’s new Quebecois winger Mohamed Khedira shines with an early goal and an assist in the first half, but the Pawlograder strike back as captain Romanov scores, and after the break Zhirkov converts a free kick for the 2-2. The game is on knife’s edge, Roope gives Torpedo the lead before Teranen and Hoyberg reverse it again. Then, in the final minutes, Chapman crosses in, Kjaer deflects the ball, Ragnar Jorinen somehow gets his foot in, 4-4. Lok struggle again, and it seems that teams have figured out how hard the Big Blue Machine finds it to create play. Although Coyner and Ullqvist play superbly, the offence is stalling, and no centre-back in the world can do anything against Andrei Ishkurin’s sheer skill from set pieces; a free kick, carved into the sky like a work of art, lands in the top left corner and it’s 1-0 for Savojagrad. Finally, let’s have an eye on the other promotee, Metsuri - Joona Valkarainen plays nothing short of the game of his life in defence, and they remain unbeaten as Traktor St. Andrei have trouble adapting to Trolli’s game, and remain goalless.

Matchday 3
Energie Thorsborg 2–0 Metsuri Virkaja
RLSK Pawlograd 2–1 ESK Storevik
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 1–6 Rotor Värstjö
Dynamo Novaya Russica 1–0 Transport Hovikkära
SK Cuprum Grennvik 0–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
FK Metall Jarnstad 2–0 ASK Landsmark
Admiral Storevik 1–1 Libertas Bergheim
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–1 CASK Thorsborg
Lokomotive Jarnstad 2–0 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Traktor St. Andrei 1–3 AFK Savojagrad

How good are Rotor Värstjö without Rika Lundell? The youngster has moved to Nephara, and Fridtjof Jansrud is a replacement that cannot quite make her forgotten. In the first round, a 1-1 against Energie may not have been too shabby, but defeat to RLSK stings; Rotor have something to prove coming to Virkaja. SVV exert pressure with the duo of Franz and Otalainen now playing alongside each other, but Rotor quickly figure out the counter: Play long from the defence. Paavo Tuomioja excels in doing just that, and within twenty minutes, he has found first Lipa Kuznetsov, then Slava Karamasov. 0-2 for Rotor, and the game is only picking up in speed. Stendholm overlaps, draws a quick combo with Perhaug, slams it to the middle, and Karamasov picks up his second of the night. At least one goal saves SVV’s honour as Florian Franz steals the ball off Barnerud, finds a diagonal pass to Lehtonen, and the winger slams it home, full of anger. Nonetheless, Virkaja are beaten by half time as a penalty, converted by Jansrud, gives Rotor a 1-4 lead. By the end of the game, it’s six goals for the visitors, one more for Jansrud and one for Thorgeir Jonsson off the bench.

Elsewhere, RLSK remain one of only three unbeaten teams as they score late against ESK Storevik, two goals in the final ten minutes reverting what was looking like certain defeat for the Russians. Admiral are another one, drawing Libertas at home in a high-class game. Admiral get the early push, but Lotte Ronne plays a superb match, denying a header by Jotansson on the line and a distance shot by Montag with the tips of her gloves; on the counter, Geddes’ cross misses Lajunen’s foot by a few centimetres for an unstoppable tip-in. A goal after thirty minutes is quickly and justly called offside, and the game slows down a bit. It takes until the hour mark that it picks up again, as Leopold’s cross is cleared, but only onto the foot of Evaldsson who scores from twenty-two metres out. Libertas are now challenged, and they respoind with a fierce attack. Bathanay, pale until now, misses narrowly with a massive volley, and Arkanin puts a free kick to the bar; in the end, Geddes finds the gap with a shot to the near corner. Finally, Partisan struggle long against Cuprum, but Machua Cronin organises the game with impeccable patience, and in the end Karjanen uses all his experience to find a gap for the 0-1, marking Parti as the only team to win all of their first three games.

Matchday 4
Metsuri Virkaja 2–3 AFK Savojagrad
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 6–0 Traktor St. Andrei
CASK Thorsborg 1–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Libertas Bergheim 1–0 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
ASK Landsmark 0–1 Admiral Storevik
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 0–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
Transport Hovikkära 0–1 SK Cuprum Grennvik
Rotor Värstjö 2–2 Dynamo Novaya Russica
ESK Storevik 2–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Energie Thorsborg 1–1 RLSK Pawlograd

CASK Thorsborg play Lok Jarnstad. A game with not much rivalry, but one that has been big for the championship in most years - but now, Lok are bumbling at the lower midtable. They still bring their A game to Thorsborg, though; Coyner decides to give his compatriot Sauthier a hearty welcome to Savojarna only five minutes in with a brutal yet fair tackle. The following corner is caught by Knasmuller, who launches a counter. Grivoshenko leaves Jensen squarely in the dust and profits from Anttakari’s attempt to score on the corner to find a lot of space, and Henrik Ljurbyn’s right foot. Larsen is chanceless as Lok take the lead seven minutes into the game. However, the Jarnstaders are too cautious now, conceding shot after shot and only being kept in game by Gerik Knasmuller’s superb play. Tristana Palsdottir is brought on as a fifth defender for Ljurbyn, betting everything on holding off CASK for twelve more minutes, when a clear by Ullqvist just doesn’t quite make it. Prosdocimi intercepts it, sends Pickton onto a long run down the left side, and this time Knasmuller misses it as joker Kjetil Flyborg uses his height perfectly to hit the top left corner. 1-1 between the two giants is the verdict, a result that ultimately helps neither team.

FK Torpedo absolutely demolish the opposition in the Russican Classic, beating a naive Traktor 6-0 as St. Andrei get caught in Torpedo’s high pressing time after time, and get the receipt promptly handed to them. Five different scorers for six goals show the incredible power that this team has on a good day, but the good days are rare for Torpedo. Rotor also deliver some spectacle against Novaya Russica as they unleash a true flurry of shots onto Jovanova, but Dynamo hold and counter fast to scrap out two second-half goals to punish a Rotor that isn’t content with sitting back, but continues to attack past the breaking point. Finally, Libertas win a tightly contested fight against Dynamo Sjoedrhavn as Arkanin can beat Leclair in a one versus one to set up the winning goal by Lajunen; Mohamed Khedira almost gets the equaliser five minutes before the end, but is whistled back for a narrow offside.

Matchday 5
RLSK Pawlograd 0–0 Metsuri Virkaja
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 2–4 Energie Thorsborg
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–2 ESK Storevik
SK Cuprum Grennvik 1–2 Rotor Värstjö
FK Metall Jarnstad 1–0 Transport Hovikkära
Admiral Storevik 0–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–0 ASK Landsmark
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–1 Libertas Bergheim
Traktor St. Andrei 1–1 CASK Thorsborg
AFK Savojagrad 3–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd

AFK Savojagrad have had a record of starting out strong and getting to the top early on, and with some of the top shots bumbling it, their Sunday night fixture at home could propel them into second place. Facing off Torpedo, they are beginning play aggressively and get an early chance, but with Lirov aiming high on the header, the chance is gone. Torpedo are returning the pressure in kind, and after a little mistake by Townsend, Jelena Romanov finds the gap and the pass to Jamarin in the centre to put Torpedo in front. AFK are unfazed and continue their play, pushing through a very high left wing and find a cross to the centre, where Eddie Bains can get the equaliser before the break. In the second half, AFK come out stronger, even though they still struggle; but a strike of luck gives them an early free kick that goes right to the top left corner. With Torpedo now forced to play more aggressively, there is space for AFK to counter; after Lirov’s 3-1 the game is over and Savojagrad take second place.

While Savojagrad is celebrating, Thorsborg gets increasingly worried. A loss at home against Libertas is no catastrophe, and the defence of the Bergheimers plays a strong game, but the bigger picture is worrisome. 13th, with only three goals scored in five games, is not where a club with title ambitions should be, and Lok know it. Another struggling team is finally picking it up: Damian Trolli’s revision of Traktor took time to take hold, but now, a 1-1 against CASK shows not only that St. Andrei can still do it, but also shows that they can do something very different than before. In place of pure attack and outscoring the opponent, Smolov gets an early goal and then Traktor sit back, putting in a challenge. Defending cleverly and countering quick, they force CASK into a test of patience that only gets resolved nine minutes before the end by a solo of Wallace Pickton. Finally, Partisan visit Admiral and continue their streak as Cronin wins the duel of the Nepharim against Sabine Montag, and Perttu Karjanen scores in the second half to beat Admiral.

Matchday 6
Metsuri Virkaja 0–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
CASK Thorsborg 3–0 AFK Savojagrad
Libertas Bergheim 2–1 Traktor St. Andrei
ASK Landsmark 0–0 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–2 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Transport Hovikkära 0–2 Admiral Storevik
Rotor Värstjö 0–1 FK Metall Jarnstad
ESK Storevik 2–0 SK Cuprum Grennvik
Energie Thorsborg 1–2 Dynamo Novaya Russica
RLSK Pawlograd 1–5 Savojars Vinge Virkaja

An unbeaten Partisan, the last one standing, receives local rivals Dynamo Sjoedrhavn in the Stadion Perl Kruger. Both teams come with their best possible teams, trying to shine in Parti’s home turf, and the home team are also the ones that seem to have the better start. Cronin shows a different face than against Admiral, playing a creative game and distributing balls left and right, but Leclair and Hoyberg stand deep and repel the pressure, leading to only two shots on Mookie Danube’s goal in the first 25 minutes. Then, Vikborg can’t quite control a long ball and Poulsen can shoot into the gap, taking it with him and setting up Rahn for the sole goal of the first half. However, in the second half of the game, Dynamo push harder and harder. Khedira gets the first chance, but gets denied for a corner; Hoyberg heads it in for the equaliser. The game is now wide open; Rahn, Jaerbyn and Ehlers all miss their chance for the winner for Parti, while Ulkanen and Persson can’t beat Virulainen. In the final fifteen minutes, however, a desperate shot by Leclair from the midfield is deflected unluckily by Jespersen, and lands in the goal to end Partisan’s unbeaten streak.

Admiral travel to Hovikkära, always a difficult opponent to face. The team starts slow and gets bogged down in a back five that plays exceptionally tight, with Pitarova and Hallbeck playing a clear holding role as well and leaving the offence completely to the three nominal forwards. The attempt almost works as Amelia Warner sends Benjamin Tin deep with a long diagonal pass that catches Boris Lavrov off guard, but the shot attempt by Tin goes wide. Then, slowly, the wall cracks - Leopold still sees herself denied by Kari Tuvanen in goal and Jotansson misses wide after fifty minutes; an hour into the game, however, Jotansson heads in a cross from close range. Montag’s free kick to the 0-2 cements victory and the leadership for Admiral. Celebrations abound in Storevik as a double by the grand old lady of ESK, Freya Sigurdsdottir, lets them wrestle down a valiantly fighting SK Cuprum and puts the black and grey in fourth place. Finally, SVV, under immense pressure after a horrible start into the season, redeem themselves gloriously as Otalainen scores twice, Franz picks up three assists and Siilonen finally gets his first goal of the season in a 1-5 away demolition of RLSK.

Matchday 7
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 1–0 Metsuri Virkaja
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–1 RLSK Pawlograd
SK Cuprum Grennvik 1–1 Energie Thorsborg
FK Metall Jarnstad 1–2 ESK Storevik
Admiral Storevik 1–0 Rotor Värstjö
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–0 Transport Hovikkära
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Traktor St. Andrei 1–1 ASK Landsmark
AFK Savojagrad 1–3 Libertas Bergheim
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–1 CASK Thorsborg

Under normal circumstances, Lokomotive vs Partisan could be a fight for the leadership of the league. Now, it’s a fight of a top side against a lower midfield team struggling to keep away from relegation as nothing goes right for the Jarnstaders. Again, it’s mostly luck that’s missing: Grivoshenko gets whistled back from the off-side narrowly, Ruriksson heads the ball just over the bar, and Ljurbyn’s free kick is miraculously saved in only the first twenty minutes. Any of these could have changed the pace of the game, but as it goes, Lok stall. Then, Jaerbyn gets the ball shortly before the end of the first half, cuts to the inside, and takes the invitation offered by a clumsy tackle by Shisaru Zeperin. A fall, a whistle, a penalty, and it’s a goal as Karjanen chips the ball past a helpless Gerik Knasmuller. 0-1, Jarnstad’s spirit broken, and their attacks fizzle out as Parti take no risks in the second half. Replacing Karjanen by Zyukov and going as far as to bring on the centre-back Carlsen for Poulsen in the last twenty minutes, there is nowhere to go for Lok as they drop to 16th.

AFK Savojagrad need to prove themselves after their surprising appearance in second, and Libertas are a good test. However, the results are quickly apparent: Bathanay, blooming with a stronger team around her, bashes in a short-range goal after only twelve minutes, and a mistake by Kevin Nordmark lets a long-range shot by Vikingstad pass into the goal for an early 0-2. One goal a piece in the second half is not enough to change anything about that. Rotor are also tested, but in their case, they mostly pass as the team that has been stripped of some key players hold off Admiral for seventy-nine minutes thanks to a great performance by new discovery Paavo Tuomioja. Karamasov even almost scores the winning goal, but his slide into the ball falls short by half a foot’s length. However, a late goal by joker Juri Sandrajev ends all hope for Rotor, as they are not rewarded for a strong performance. Cuprum Grennvik do get their reward despite an early goal for Energie, courtesy of Abigail Admassu; the Ejanans continue to bide their time and get rewarded as twenty-year-old Damjan Emin on the right wing crosses the ball in to Onagin, and collects his first SFS goal participation as the striker scores volley at the second post.

Matchday 8
Metsuri Virkaja 0–2 CASK Thorsborg
Libertas Bergheim 6–4 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
ASK Landsmark 2–0 AFK Savojagrad
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–1 Traktor St. Andrei
Transport Hovikkära 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Rotor Värstjö 1–0 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
ESK Storevik 3–3 Admiral Storevik
Energie Thorsborg 0–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
RLSK Pawlograd 1–1 SK Cuprum Grennvik
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica

The Storevik Derby is an odd one - on one hand, it’s one of the few truly contentious regional derbies in a country where rivalries run along political and institutional lines, rather than local hostility; on the other hand, it is almost entirely irrelevant for the table and comes with a clear favourite most of the times. This time, however, ESK could deny their rivals the leadership, and it motivates the black and grey. Sigurdsdottir, playing as if she was still in her prime, nods home a Persson cross after twelve minutes; Baarsjö’s hammer from twenty-two metres sets the score to 2-0 after half an hour. The Ejansk Stadion is celebrating in ecstasy as Nikanen almost finds a third one, but hits the crossbar; ten minutes later, it falls silent as a free kick by Montag finds the goal. Darya Macar’s overlap almost leads to the third for ESK, but as Sigurdsdottir is beaten to the cross by goalie Jure Filipovic, Admiral counter. A long ball to Brygg, who replaced Montag at half-time, prolonged to Vladcik, leads to the equaliser. Joker Johanna Straey gets ESK into the lead again, but Jotansson scores in the final ten minutes to make it 3-3. Yet, it’s not enough to keep Admiral in the lead, and ESK’s fans may go to sleep knowing they caused a headache to their richer, stronger neighbours.

New leaders Libertas take the nation by storm as it’s doors wide open in their clash with a relentless Torpedo. A hattrick by newly capped Tuomas Lajunen is not enough, as Torpedo keep coming back thanks to Roope and Romanov playing exceptionally well, and Lotte Ronne conceding a shot from forty metres out as she gets tricked by the gusts of wind blowing through the stadium. However, Bathanay contributes two goals as well, and with Richard Geddes’ banger for the 6-4, Torpedo are finally dead for good. The other top teams match, but surprise package AFK Savojagrad stumble as Valentin Gusev eliminates Bains and a double by Garrett Norwood lets ASK win the duel of these two upper midfield contenders. Lok get a little bit of a boost, as they manage to break down an offensively harmless Hovikkära and get a goal off a corner, courtesy of Trent Ullqvist.

Matchday 9
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–0 Metsuri Virkaja
SK Cuprum Grennvik 0–2 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
FK Metall Jarnstad 2–0 RLSK Pawlograd
Admiral Storevik 0–1 Energie Thorsborg
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 2–2 ESK Storevik
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–2 Rotor Värstjö
Traktor St. Andrei 3–0 Transport Hovikkära
AFK Savojagrad 1–0 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 0–1 ASK Landsmark
CASK Thorsborg 1–2 Libertas Bergheim

Libertas get their first big challenge since taking the lead as they travel to Thorsborg to face defending champions CASK. The Thorsborger open with the confidence of a top team, aiming for a quick lead, and they almost get it as Janna Sauthier dashes in the space opened by Geddes and launches Birja, but the striker is off-side. Ten minutes later, almost the same play happens, but this time, Rook Goodharvest heads out the ball and Nurkanen starts a quick counter before launching Arkanin. A through pass finds Bathanay, and the Nepharan Cannon scores the leading goal. CASK are not easily defeated, however, and quickly after the break, Sergey Nweke shows a solo effort after being launched by Gren. Shielding the ball against Goodharvest, he tunnels the Nephar and gets fouled in the attempt to pass; the following free kick is a short tap by Gren over to Nweke, who shoots it past the wall into the goal from twenty-four metres. The half-Banijan striker almost doubles up as Pickton crosses the ball right onto his head, but Lotte Ronne saves from close range - and immediately launches the counter, up to Vikingstad, who finds Mikael Berg on the right side. A cross onto the head of Lajunen, a header, and Larsen is chanceless against Libertas’ winning goal.

Kevin Nordmark has played many strong games for Energie; he may now have delivered his masterpiece with a brilliant thirteen saves against an angry Partisan Sjoedrhavn attack to preserve the lead that AFK got in the fourteenth minute, as Andrei Ishkurin scored from the edge of the box. No shot gets past Nordmark today, and the AFK captain secures the win that hands Partisan their second loss of the season. Elsewhere, Energie Thorsborg are pressing back Admiral, but unlike usually, they manage to not expose themselves at the back. Uncharacteristically, Aiden Halstro stays behind and shadows Leopold to her breaking point, which has her kick a ball into the stands frustratedly and getting carded for it; Valentin Ljungberg takes Montag completely out of the game, and the lone goal by Staale Lund grants Energie a surprising victory in Storevik. At the bottom of the table, Traktor face Hovikkära in a duel of offence vs defence. The Finns hold for fifty-five minutes, but then, an individual mistake by Ahtisaari grants Smolov a short-range chance - and the first goal. With Transport opening at the back, Traktor score two more and push Transport at the bottom of the table.

Matchday 10
Metsuri Virkaja 1–2 Libertas Bergheim
ASK Landsmark 0–1 CASK Thorsborg
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 5–0 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Transport Hovikkära 2–0 AFK Savojagrad
Rotor Värstjö 1–0 Traktor St. Andrei
ESK Storevik 1–0 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Energie Thorsborg 6–4 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
RLSK Pawlograd 0–1 Admiral Storevik
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–1 FK Metall Jarnstad
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–0 SK Cuprum Grennvik

Energie take the momentum from their victory over Admiral into the home match with Dynamo Sjoedrhavn, but in a very different way. Against the more defensive Dynamo, whose main threats are not necessarily on the wings, Hoscutt and especially Aiden Halstro push up; Dynamo play without Grégoire Leclair, who is suspended, and seem vulnerable at the back. Teemu Routsiainen cannot quite match Leclair in providing stability, and after ten minutes, Energie already lead 2-0. But the team from the capital does not want to give up and score two themselves, each one matched by another Energie goal. A wild frenzy with two strikes for Lindgren and one each for Sienkiewicz and Vindjammer is matched by Teranen scoring twice, both upon assist by Khedira. The Quebecois is also the one closing the game to 4-3 right before the break, as he pounces on a stray ball on the far post. Then, after the teams come back onto the pitch, Admassu strikes from distance, setting the score back to 5-3, a penalty after the hour makes it 6-3. The game is decided, although at least Reksi Halanen on the left wing can celebrate his first SFS goal.

Elsewhere, the Army clubs clash in Landsmark, and although there is barely anything really interesting about ASK this season, they will always attract some attention and come back into shape when it’s against their big Thorsborg brothers. Norwood and Ryberg get a good shot each in the first fifteen minutes, however, nothing comes from it as Larsen saves both. The first CASK attempt comes much later, but it’s also much more dangerous; Pickton dribbles quickly past Nemtsov and bashes the ball to the centre, where Nweke misses it wide by about ten centimetres. Then, the goal comes shortly after as new ASK member Hoegh fails to clear a ball, Prosdocimi sends it to Birja, a header across the box to Nweke, and the striker scores the goal. The game then slows down a lot, letting CASK win the game. At the top, Libertas manage to wear down Metsuri, who once again are simply too predictable to hold off a top team; behind them, a double by Rahn and a double by Aarsoy is demolishing Torpedo to hold joint second. ESK are the surprise team, as a single goal by Sigurdsdottir and a valiant defensive effort are enough to defend against a troubled Lokomotive.

SFS B

SFS B                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Landsmarks Industrie     7    7   0   0    14    3  +11    21
 2 FK Sjoedrhavn            7    5   1   1     7    1   +6    16
 3 Navigator Jaromirgrad    7    4   3   0    11    2   +9    15
 4 Mir Nestrovo             7    4   3   0     9    2   +7    15
 5 Nemstvo SK               7    4   1   2     8    7   +1    13
 6 FK Chemie Frisks         7    3   3   1     6    5   +1    12
 7 Union Roopere            7    3   2   2    13   11   +2    11
 8 EU Storevik              7    3   0   4     6   11   −5     9
 9 Motor Johansborg         7    2   2   3     7   10   −3     8
10 Elektron Harkka          7    2   1   4     8    9   −1     7
11 Polar Grundviken         7    1   4   2     4    5   −1     7
12 Framfarir Kjefla         7    2   1   4     7    9   −2     7
13 Norrhavn FK              7    2   0   5     5    7   −2     6
14 Valdhavn IF              7    1   2   4     4   11   −7     5
15 Agrar Jurka              7    1   0   6     4    9   −5     3
16 RAS St. Andrei           7    0   1   6     1   12  −11     1

by **Savojarna** » Wed Sep 23, 2020 3:05 am

SFS IX Part 2/4

Matchday 11
SK Cuprum Grennvik 1–0 Metsuri Virkaja
FK Metall Jarnstad 1–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Admiral Storevik 2–2 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–4 RLSK Pawlograd
Lokomotive Jarnstad 4–2 Energie Thorsborg
Traktor St. Andrei 2–2 ESK Storevik
AFK Savojagrad 1–0 Rotor Värstjö
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–1 Transport Hovikkära
CASK Thorsborg 1–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Libertas Bergheim 0–2 ASK Landsmark

It’s time for a classic in Thorsborg, as CASK welcome Partisan in a duel of Nepharan super transfers. Partisan’s central midfielder Machua Cronin gets the upper hand in an early direct clash as she falls to the side and snatches the ball off Janna Sauthier, who was trying to dodge Thorvaldsson and did not see her compatriot arrive. Cronin’s tackle leads to a swift counter over Aarsoy, but Lauri Anttakari reaches the ball just before Rahn. Then, CASK get their first good chance as Nweke pounces on a cross and reaches it just in time, but Virulainen deflects the ball to a corner. Sauthier swings it in, aiming perfectly for Anttakari in the centre, but at the first post, Birja rises unexpectedly and beats a stunned Virulainen in the near corner. 1-0 CASK after only eighteen minutes, and the home team now starts defending clinically. It takes replacing Jaerbyn with the more established and more clever Alina Lund to break the lines, as the right winger drifts so far inside that a hole has to open up on the right. Karjanen pounces into it immediately and receives the ball from Poulsen, running forward with all the speed he can still muster and slotting the ball into the farside bottom corner for the equaliser.

The Storeviks don’t use this slipup as, in a weird turn of fate, they both draw 2-2, even though the fashion in which they arrive there is wildly different. Admiral fire on all guns and lead 2-0 after only 25 minutes after two assists by Montag; a penalty before the break gives SVV some hope back and Florian Franz’ solo in the last fifteen closes the game. ESK, on the other hand, fall behind; but even under Trolli, Traktor can’t hold a lead and concede twice to counters. With all pursuitors drawing, Libertas could extend their lead to seven points, but fail to do so as ASK Landsmark withstand the pressure; Delaclavan defender Valentin Gusev playing a superb match, and two counters lead to two goals for the visitors. On the bottom, the promotees Metsuri and Cuprum meet. It’s a deadlock between two strong and well-organised 4-4-2 teams, with U18 keeper Morten Henberg getting the call over a lightly injured Freyrsson in Cuprum’s goal. The goalie, who is on loan from Falourr, plays a great match and denies Korpikoski twice from short range in the first half; in the end, a mistake by Metsuri captain Joona Valkarainen lets Cuprum striker Karolina Vaitanen slip through and convert a long ball by Mejveldt for the lone goal of the match.

Matchday 12
Metsuri Virkaja 0–1 ASK Landsmark
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 2–1 Libertas Bergheim
Transport Hovikkära 1–3 CASK Thorsborg
Rotor Värstjö 1–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
ESK Storevik 0–0 AFK Savojagrad
Energie Thorsborg 1–1 Traktor St. Andrei
RLSK Pawlograd 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Dynamo Novaya Russica 1–1 Admiral Storevik
SK Cuprum Grennvik 0–1 FK Metall Jarnstad

In the Perl Kruger, leaders Libertas Bergheim come to visit second-placed Partisan Sjoedrhavn. Knowing what is at stakes, Libertas start out somewhat slow, sitting back and letting a Partisan come that mainly relies on Cronin to provide defensive stability. Karjanen and Rahn struggle with the tight back three, finding little space; however, for once the much criticised Morten Poulsen gets to shine. Dropping a ball off to Cronin, he runs deep, awaiting a long ball by the Nephar and prolonging it on the wing, where Aarsoy takes over. A flat cross to the back by the winger finds Karjanen’s foot, and Ronne is beaten for the first time in the game. Libertas now need to open up a bit more as the break approaches, and Parti almost get a second one as Jaerbyn fails to complete a counter in injury time. Then, in the second half, they use the additional space well, exploiting Libertas’ old problem of Richard Geddes’ lack of defensive conscience. Jaerbyn finds and exploits the space, crosses early and catches Granlund by surprise; the defender fails to prevent Rahn’s header for the 2-0. Even though joker Mika Hakeson gets a goal back in the last twenty minutes, it’s too late, and the pursuitors win in the duel at the top.

Behind the duo, the two Storeviks struggle. ESK completely stall out in a fairly dull game of defensive, precise, but uninteresting football. Kevin Nordmark plays a solid game, while Sigurdsdottir doesn’t, and the 0-0 is the logical consequence. Admiral manage a good start against DNR, winning an early goal thanks to Vladcik’s brilliant dribble and cross that Sandrajev converts. However, they get complacent and a late strike happens; Norby gets the ball into the box somehow, and Maladict Farrell does not need a second reminder to score. CASK take advantage as they are demolishing Transport early on, Nweke getting a double in the first half and Pickton sealing the deal with a strike from the side. Transport get a goal back as Tempest beats out Pohjanainen in the 1v1 to score. The biggest profiters, however, are Metall. A victory over Grennvik is not that much to write home about, and they have to fight hard for it, but it tastes oh so sweet when circumstances conspire to throw them up into third place, ahead of the tied CASK, Admiral, and ESK.

Matchday 13
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–0 Metsuri Virkaja
Admiral Storevik 2–1 SK Cuprum Grennvik
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Traktor St. Andrei 2–1 RLSK Pawlograd
AFK Savojagrad 4–4 Energie Thorsborg
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–2 ESK Storevik
CASK Thorsborg 2–1 Rotor Värstjö
Libertas Bergheim 1–0 Transport Hovikkära
ASK Landsmark 0–0 Partisan Sjoedrhavn

Sometimes, you get bangers in tight and important games that go on to be classics; but sometimes, you get games where everyone scores a lot, but nobody really cares at all. The clash of early-season sensation AFK Savojagrad, now fallen from grace into their usual midfield place, against Energie Thorsborg is one of the latter kind. Sure, it’s spectacular to see Kristin Vindjammer slam a volley home to the near top corner for the first goal, and it even has its charm to see her shoot the ball three times, only to have it blocked twice, before it finally bounces over the line for the second one. Sure, Jacob Lirov’s header that equalises right after the break is a thing of beauty; and Zyukov’s flat free kick under the wall that set the score to 3-2 will make the rounds on twii.tur. Sure, the game even featured some historic qualities as the eighth and final goal marks Ilari Milvonen’s first SFS goal, the left winger pouncing on a badly cleared cross. However, in the end, none of that can mask that 4-4, while more fun than 0-0, leaves these teams fledgling around in the no man’s land of the table.

Talking of not helping anyone, draws are weirdly popular this match day, and none of them are doing the teams any good. Dynamo Sjoedrhavn are way below where they want to be, and it’s not gonna help them that they have to rely on Khedira lucking into a very, very clumsy tackling by the clearly over-aged Damjan Kirov to draw a penalty and at least one point. Up top, ASK are so blatantly parking the bus that after fifty scoreless minutes, they actually replace Ryberg with a third centre-back and stall out a furious Partisan into a dire, scoreless draw. The sliver of hope comes from CASK, who face a once again surprising Rotor Värstjö. Lipa Kuznetsov even gets the outsider ahead at first, but then, Wallace Pickton shows why he drove Juhamatti Rajala out of the starting lineup within a few games last season. A straight line of a pass, directly onto the leg of Nweke, prepares the equaliser an hour into the game; ten minutes later, Pickton dusts Lund and crosses the ball into the back space, where Gren comes flying in and scores by a diving header.

Matchday 14
Metsuri Virkaja 0–3 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Transport Hovikkära 1–0 ASK Landsmark
Rotor Värstjö 1–2 Libertas Bergheim
ESK Storevik 2–2 CASK Thorsborg
Energie Thorsborg 0–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
RLSK Pawlograd 1–1 AFK Savojagrad
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–4 Traktor St. Andrei
Dynamo Novaya Russica 1–0 Lokomotive Jarnstad
SK Cuprum Grennvik 3–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–2 Admiral Storevik

Defending champions CASK are expected to be pushing for the lead; ESK Storevik may not be expected here, but can’t be moved as Freya Sigurdsdottir gets in one last great season before she will most likely retire next summer. With nothing to lose, ESK start firing on all guns in the Ejansk Stadion, scoring the first goal after only seven minutes - but Sigfridsson was offside, and it’s cancelled. Still, the tone is set; that is, until Janna Sauthier intercepts a horrible pass by Persson and runs, runs like the wind, cuts straight past Darya Macar, and finds Birja in centre for the 0-1. The teams lock horns tightly, ESK managing to go toe to toe, and finally breaking through as the central midfield moves up a little and pressures Prosdocimi into a missed pass. Baarsjö shoots the ball out to Nikanen, a flat pass finds Sigfridsson, and this time it’s a goal. The second one comes right after as Macar makes up for her mistake, overlapping and crossing to the second post, where Sigurdsdottir collects the goal. But it’s CASK, and you can never count them out - Pickton finds a cross, Parvin reaches it, but can only prolong the ball, and Sauthier cashes in on the rebound. The game is spectacular, and 2-2 is probably a success for ESK, but it doesn’t exactly help either team to close the gap to the top.

Elsewhere, the coaching carrousel is slowly being dusted off. Dynamo Sjoedrhavn lose 3-1 to newly promoted SK Cuprum, as striker Karolina Vaitanen is plucking their defence apart; national team centre-back Linne Kjaer may as well be absent, and Danube is clearly out of form. Kristian Lägg is not yet in actual danger, but captain Kjaer thinly veils her opinion in saying “I think we were played today, they were perfectly tuned for us in a way that we were not”. SVV’s Dmitry Lijushkin may as well be gone by now, if it weren’t for the fact that he is only in his position for half a year, and that his defensive cornerstone Anttakari went to Thorsborg on short notice. With Sootala injured, things are looking dark in Virkaja, but not dark enough to pull the trigger. The biggest fallen giants, however, are vice champions Lok Jarnstad, losing to Dynamo Novaya Russica and looking incredibly harmless in the process.

Matchday 15
Admiral Storevik 4–0 Metsuri Virkaja
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 3–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–0 SK Cuprum Grennvik
Traktor St. Andrei 0–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica
AFK Savojagrad 0–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 2–2 RLSK Pawlograd
CASK Thorsborg 2–2 Energie Thorsborg
Libertas Bergheim 1–0 ESK Storevik
ASK Landsmark 0–1 Rotor Värstjö
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–0 Transport Hovikkära

The new promotees against a perennial powerhouse is rarely an interesting clash, but in this case, it provides a case study of just how powerful the offensive quartet of Admiral are when they are in their best form. Jotansson, Vladcik, Montag and Leopold line up for the duel with Metsuri, one of the tougher defences in the league - and smash them. Valkarainen is not having a good day trying to keep his team in check, as the game absolutely falls apart within minutes after kick-off as the two Nepharim just combine through the entire defence of Metsuri. It’s only thanks to Leopold missing the goal that the first one doesn’t fall right there, although the grace period only lasts three minutes until Stensson is late onto a tackle, and Montag dips the ball over the wall, makes it look easy as she scores the 1-0. Then, it’s Vladcik’s turn to shine as he pounces the ball of Östlund, twists around Vorobei, shoots it flat into the centre and smiles as Jotansson beats Ingerman to the ball - 2-0. Before the break, Admiral make it 3-0 courtesy of Vladcik, as the SRS winger scores with a volley at the far post. It’s brutal, and thankfully Admiral calm down after the break as Brygg subs in for Montag and Arnason takes over from Vladcik. However, Leopold still refuses to be outdone, and Valkarainen can’t stop her as she gracefully jumps his tackle before tunneling Ingerman for the fourth goal.

Elsewhere, two city derbies are contested, and coincidentally, each of them sees four goals too; albeit distributed differently. CASK need to fight against Energie, but profit from their overly confident and aggressive play, netting two on the counter to come back from what was first a 0-1 and then a 1-2. Torpedo vs. RLSK may at least be heated and intense on the pitch, but the emotions can’t paint over the fact that the football is poor; the goals mostly consequences of bad defending more than anything else. Each team finishes with ten men after a penalty given to Torpedo in injury time lets tempers flare - for nothing, as Romanov shoots the penalty high over the bar. More of an outcome happens between Libertas and ESK, as the leaders show their upstart pursuitors the limits of focusing on a single striker. Goodharvest personally shadows Sigurdsdottir, frustrating her to the point of punting a ball into the stands and seeing a (unconsequential) yellow card for it. A single goal by Lajunen crowns the confident and focused display by the Bergheimers. Finally, taking a look at the coaches’ carousel, the spin slows down as all three pressurised coaches win their games.

Matchday 16
Metsuri Virkaja 0–0 Transport Hovikkära
Rotor Värstjö 1–0 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
ESK Storevik 1–0 ASK Landsmark
Energie Thorsborg 0–5 Libertas Bergheim
RLSK Pawlograd 0–1 CASK Thorsborg
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–2 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–2 AFK Savojagrad
SK Cuprum Grennvik 0–0 Traktor St. Andrei
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Admiral Storevik 0–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn

In last place with now five points down, Metsuri get a rare chance of giving their SFS A hopes a boost by playing at home against fellow relegation candidates Transport Hovikkära. Against the most harmless offence of the league, Metsuri for once look stable, but Transport quickly show why even a season where they needed more than two matches on average to score a goal, they didn’t go down. Korpikoski and Sirkala are aptly covered by the three centre-backs, and Uutala as the spare man acts as an aggressive CB to squash all attempts by usually dangerous Sofi Ljoersted. In offence, however, Transport also fall completely flat. Benjamin Tin manages to get himself injured within twenty minutes, falling without any outside influence; his replacement Severi Litmanen is largely ineffective. At least Tempest is playing well, although he rarely gets balls; his almost-goal in injury time gets deflected by Rasojev into a corner that goes nowhere. The five point gap persists with a scoreless draw.

Libertas try to keep the pressure up top high, and they manage to do so in spectacular fashion. Sequel Bathanay is clearly in shape as the Nepharan striker, having been relieved from her underperforming Industrie Landsmark team, bashes two past Marqvist. There is little doubt she’d also have made the hattrick, but after Geddes scores the third one right before the break, Helgi Laurison decides to rest his scorer and brings on Hakeson for the second half. Lajunen and joker Hakeson get the two goals of the second half to finish the game 0-5. Even better for them is the fact that the other teams drop like flies: Partisan struggle with the VAR as a late goal by Rahn is not given because of a contentious offside call; on the next play, Karamasov scores for Rotor and sinks their hopes. Admiral drop to Mohamed Khedira’s nineteenth minute banger and a concentrated, spirited defence by Dynamo; CASK and ESK may win narrowly, but have too big a gap to cause Libertas to worry. Bergheim are now six points clear, all but securing leadership at halfway.

Matchday 17
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–0 Metsuri Virkaja
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–1 Admiral Storevik
Traktor St. Andrei 3–2 FK Metall Jarnstad
AFK Savojagrad 1–0 SK Cuprum Grennvik
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 2–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
CASK Thorsborg 3–0 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Libertas Bergheim 4–0 RLSK Pawlograd
ASK Landsmark 2–0 Energie Thorsborg
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–0 ESK Storevik
Transport Hovikkära 1–1 Rotor Värstjö

Second against fifth and Big 4 club against upstart is the matchup for Partisan hosting ESK Storevik. The hosts are quick to assert dominance, pushing hard but not finding success as Rahn goes wide, Karjanen is denied by the keeper twice, and Poulsen’s shot from eighteen metres just about brushes against the crossbar. Then, ESK make their first move with Sigurdsdottir - and it’s a goal, for a fraction of a second, before the referee decidedly waves it off. The striker is propping herself up on the defender’s shoulder, and Parti get a free kick. The opening firework may have been charming, but then, the game flattens off with many mistakes on both sides, the only truly clean player on the pitch being Partisan’s Machua Cronin, as well as the two keepers - although they don’t get much to do. Virulainen shows off her skill right before the break as a point blank shot by Sigfridsson bounces off her foot to go high over the bar; on the other end, few balls find the goal. In the end, it’s a penalty that decides the game as after a corner, both Rahn and Bjarnasdottir go to the ball, but the latter touches it with her hand. Penalty, yellow, and a goal are the result.

Elsewhere, Lok face Admiral in what used to be the fight for the championship two years ago; now, it’s mainly sad as Ruriksson runs up time and time again into the (metaphorical) meat grinder of the central defence, who shut the striker down repeatedly, until all hope is lost for Lok. Defensively, Lok may be strong, but even they eventually fall to one of the most stacked offensive quartets of the league as Jotansson converts a rebound from close range and massively undermines Smolderhove’s position on the bench. In the rest of the top group, CASK shine by demolishing SVV at a canter, with Pickton assisting both strikers once and Paddi Gren converting a beautiful free kick, before CASK finish the last half hour in a light mood. Libertas add one more as they beat RLSK 4-0, with the Pawlograders competitive for only 50 minutes before falling apart at all ends.

Matchday 18
Metsuri Virkaja 2–3 Rotor Värstjö
ESK Storevik 1–1 Transport Hovikkära
Energie Thorsborg 2–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
RLSK Pawlograd 1–0 ASK Landsmark
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–3 Libertas Bergheim
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–4 CASK Thorsborg
SK Cuprum Grennvik 1–2 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
FK Metall Jarnstad 2–1 AFK Savojagrad
Admiral Storevik 1–1 Traktor St. Andrei
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–0 Lokomotive Jarnstad

Two teams with some coaching trouble are meeting up in Sjoedrhavn as Dynamo face Lok in a game of hope for both. There is a lot of tension around the two teams, as neither are in great shape; with the likes of triple champion Rune Zackrisson and World Cup coach Lise Asbeck out of a job, both Smolderhove and Lägg are being written out of a job by the journalists. And the game begins as you may expect from two insecure teams: Slow, cautious, defensive play abound, Leclair almost dropping between the centre-backs as Hoyberg covers Ljurbyn. On the other side, Shisaru Zeperin doesn’t move a millimetre away from Khedira, the Hinodejin frustrating the young Quebecois to no avail and almost drawing a red as Khedira appears to be lashing out after a particularly rough tumble, but decides to turn off and kick the pitch instead. It’s a scrappy game full of tensions, but with few highlights; the best scene comes from Grivoshenko attempting a spectacular volley at the second post, but he hits it with the shin and sends the ball flying over the bar into the stands. In the end, Hoyberg sails higher than Coyner after a corner and buries the ball in the net, giving Dynamo a victory they don’t quite deserve.

Other crisis teams don’t do much better as Savojars Vinge host the leaders Libertas, who are not here to play nice. Lenka Otalainen may be out of shape, but the game shows how important she is to the team as a leader. Nineteen minutes into the game, a completely fair tackle by Vikingstad sees her fall onto her shoulder and injuring it, forcing a substitution; following that, SVV lose their hope and their order. Libertas are quick to abuse that and put three behind a hapless Virkaja; after the break, they manage to compose themselves, but the game remains at 0-3. Libertas’ fans celebrate twice as hard as usual, knowing that Partisan have lost to Energie Thorsborg by virtue of a double by Falkyr midfielder Agot Sienkiewicz. The gap thus opens to seven points as CASK overtake Partisan, demonstrating a masterclass of offensive football against Dynamo Novaya Russica and demolishing the Russians, as Nweke, Pickton, Gren, and Birja all score a goal to display the incredible depth of CASK’s offence.

Matchday 19
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–1 Metsuri Virkaja
Traktor St. Andrei 1–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
AFK Savojagrad 0–1 Admiral Storevik
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 0–2 FK Metall Jarnstad
CASK Thorsborg 3–1 SK Cuprum Grennvik
Libertas Bergheim 2–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica
ASK Landsmark 0–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–0 RLSK Pawlograd
Transport Hovikkära 0–1 Energie Thorsborg
Rotor Värstjö 0–2 ESK Storevik

There are plenty of teams who would happily take 12th place right now, but Lokomotive Jarnstad are not one of them. An uninspired performance that fails to capitalise on an early goal by Ruriksson leaves the team look tired, hapless, and simply out of steam against a Metsuri side that is trying their best, sticking to their guns and essentially makes their game plan “find Irina Korpikoski”. Smolderhove realises it and assigns Ullqvist to man-mark the Finn, but Korpikoski uses all the experience from her long and fruitful career to eventually draw a penalty from the centre-back, score it herself, and secure a point in Jarnstad. Right after the game, coach Rjurik Smolderhøve - a Lok legend that is now in his sixties - announces what the nation has seen coming: “I have been here for long enough to shape this team, and to bring it into the positions it has been in in the past. I have nothing but good memories of Lokomotive, the team that I have had in my heart as a player and as a fan, but it is also a skill to realise when it’s time to move on. In this position, at this point, I don’t think I can help this team anymore, and I will retire immediately as manager of the team”, he proclaims, holding back tears.

Up front, it’s a day of doing your dury as Libertas beat DNR in a dull and controlled game; CASK score three against Cuprum thanks to a restless Wallace Pickton; Partisan and Admiral grind out 1-0 victories against their respective opponents, neither shining but both succeeding. The winter break has a clear leader, but heavy contention behind; with a second Champions League berth at stake, nobody can afford to slack off. At the bottom, Metsuri Virkaja are in trouble despite their tie, already looking like a team waiting to be picked off by the relegation spectre. Above them, however, scrappy fights break out. SVV manage a victory despite missing their captain, courtesy of an uncharacteristically defensive approach and a 23 metre banger by Florian Franz, the Teuslander becoming a fan favourite rapidly. Transport become the new focus of worry, as the Hovikkära side fails to score again - only eight goals in nineteen games are not enough even for a defensive side.

SFS B

SFS B                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Landsmarks Industrie    15   13   1   1    35   14  +21    40
 2 FK Sjoedrhavn           15    9   4   2    15    6   +9    31
 3 Navigator Jaromirgrad   15    7   7   1    20   11   +9    28
 4 Nemstvo SK              15    7   4   4    16   12   +4    25
 5 FK Chemie Frisks        15    7   3   5    17   13   +4    24
 6 Mir Nestrovo            15    5   8   2    19   13   +6    23
 7 Framfarir Kjefla        15    7   1   7    13   13    0    22
 8 EU Storevik             15    7   1   7    12   15   −3    22
 9 Valdhavn IF             15    4   5   6    13   15   −2    17
10 Polar Grundviken        15    4   5   6     8   11   −3    17
11 Union Roopere           15    5   2   8    20   28   −8    17
12 RAS St. Andrei          15    5   1   9    12   18   −6    16
13 Elektron Harkka         15    3   4   8    17   23   −6    13
14 Agrar Jurka             15    4   1  10     9   18   −9    13
15 Norrhavn FK             15    3   3   9    10   15   −5    12
16 Motor Johansborg        15    2   6   7    17   28  −11    12

by **Savojarna** » Tue Sep 29, 2020 3:05 am

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna

Savojarsk Cup Part 1

Preliminary Round

Few truly mentionable results in the first round, which traditionally is just a series of games between Regional League sides. There a brutal result in Narod Trepkovs 8-1 victory over Sjöveld, and some very tight games. Aurum Kjefla face off Thor Sejersheim and go to penalties, where the guests take a win; Union Poljansk and Virkaja 1914 manage an epic shootout of 24 attempts and five missed shots, with the better end for the guests as well. Virkaja keeper Juha Mirtamäki becomes a meme as he sinks down, completely exhausted, and hugs the ball after having caught the final penalty, a weak effort to the bottom right. Others manage a thriller within ninety minutes, as SK Ullström defeat Grigori Kartjov St. Pjotr thanks to two goals in the final ten minutes, reversing the score; they are now moving on to the first main round along with eleven other Regional Division 1 teams.

First Round

The big names enter the competition, and the big questions are immediately: which of them play each other, and which ones lose to some minnow? As for the latter, this time pretty much everyone gets over the first hurdle. Only ASK Landsmark are truly taking a dive as they drop an early goal off a corner to SFS B side EU Storevik, and the Ejansk University side just never relents in their fierce defence. Eventually, ASK succumb, making them the only SFS A team to lose to a lower-ranked side. Metall Jarnstad and Dynamo Sjoedrhavn hang on in extra time for Dynamo and even the shootout for Metall, but they do hang on; in the SFS B, however, ridicule awaits Nemstvo SK as they lose 4-0 to Nationalligaen side Pawlograd Marina. Zenit Jegrava will also not be too happy as they drop to the otherwise unspectacular Nord-Sjoedrhavn FF. The most clear performance comes from Energie Thorsborg, who demolish a regional side 7-1, with a hattrick by Abigail Admassu, one of the lone stars in the lineup. Torpedo and Rotor Värstjö reach clear victories at a canter, and while Transport don’t manage to run up the score, the Hovikkära side qualifies with a calm and collected performance in Jaromirgrad.

Now, as for direct clashes, there is a juicy one in Traktor vs. Partisan. A duel of two teams fighting for the IFCF last season, it promises spectacle; spectacle we get as Jekatarina Smolov wants to prove her worth and Sven Ehlers matches her on the Parti side. Both young strikers get two, and the older teammates don’t wanna fall behind as Lund and Ukarin score one each as well. It gets tense between the two in overtime, but the eventual goal comes from the joker Oleg Trikhichev, who blasts past Partisan leftback Antonov to slot the ball into the net. Admiral Storevik even have to go to penalties against SVV, seemingly dead after an extra time goal by Otalainen, but Jotansson comes up clutch from short range to score the equaliser in the second half of extra time. In penalties, they remain cooler and take the win. CASK, playing with a heavily rotated side, somewhat surprisingly drop to Cuprum as they clearly have bigger priorities; Libertas Bergheim also almost get eliminated as they struggle with Chemie Frisks, but beat the relegated side on penalties to make it to the second round.

Second Round

Energie seem to hold on to their Cup Magic reputation, beating Motor Johansborg easily and without conceding a single goal - clearly, young Ulf Svensson is growing up to be the backbone of this team. AFK Savojagrad match the coolness of Energie by beating Perl Kruger Sandvik brutally, relentlessly pushing their way to a 6-2 victory. However, the two are pretty much alone in that: Admiral have to go through penalties to defeat International Johnsberg of the Regional Division 1 after Flygstad scores an own goal in extra time; ESK at least manage to defeat SFS B side Elektron Harkka in overtime. For others, humiliation is bigger. Dynamo, starting into the season with high ambitions and spending, fall apart as Högvald FK can beat them 2-0, despite the trio of Khedira, Teranen and Ulkanen all standing on the pitch by the end of the game. RLSK Pawlograd play their “rivals” Pawlograd Marina - while it is technically a derby, they have never before played each other and have significant fan crossover - and lose. One day later, local rivals Torpedo follow up with a defeat in the shootout to Odin Kjaershavn, somehow the least humiliating defeat of all upper class teams. But the most dramatic exit comes to Lok, facing relegated Landsmarks Industrie. In the final five minutes of extra time, Industrie score the goal that sends them to the octofinals, courtesy of young talent Lovisa Tedenby of DBC and SWC fame. Among lower-league sides, Imperial beat last year’s surprise package Kallora IF on penalties, securing the Regional Division an octofinal berth.

Some other bangers come out of SFS teams being drawn together. Metsuri, the recently promoted and likely soon demoted Virkaja side, host Traktor and drag out the game after an early strike by Irina Korpikoski; Ljoersted and Stensson act as highly defensive players to hold on to a narrow lead. Rasojev and Valkarainen move heaven and earth to hold off Traktor, but can’t hold on as eventually, young Smolov finds the gap she needs to score a tap-in on a cross. After a cagey and defensive extra time, penalties swing in favour of Traktor as the 19 year old Kimi Hartikainen steps up for Metsuri - and bangs it about one and a half metres wide. Libertas Bergheim draw the other promotees, Cuprum Grennvik, and play a focused and clean game that doesn’t suit the scrappier Grennvik, and although they only score one goal, Libertas never seem in danger. Finally, Transport get a team that has some recent SFS experience in FK Sjoedrhavn - and fall, as the common issue of “we cannot score a goal” befalls Transport.

Octofinals

Savojarsk Cup Octofinals are usually all about the lower division teams that can secure the next round, but this year, they are about the Storevik Derbies. On Saturday, Regional Divisionist Imperial meets the SFS B’s EU Storevik in a small derby - and it sees the ultimate upset as Imperial play boldly around their 17 year old playmaker Jón Olafur Sigthorsson and the veteran Arnar Birkirsson, throwing in all his experience from playing in the SFS A and B with Framfarir Kjefla. Birkirsson scores twice on a pass by Sigthorsson, and although Ester Palme scores a late one, it’s not enough as Imperial defend thanks to a master performance by Halldorsson in the Imperial goal. A day later, the big Storevik derby of Admiral and ESK goes the way of the latter, as Admiral rest a significant part of their top team, willing to sacrifice the Cup in the face of competing for both a championship and the Challenger’s Cup. Sigurdsdottir and Sigfridsson get one each as Johanna Straey shines with two assists; the lone goal by Admiral is set up well by Patrik Brygg, but Sandrajev’s short-range shot is the only thing that sticks.

Elsewhere, Energie continue their cruise into the spring; Traktor have to fight yet again, but finally manage to avoid extra time as Sundberg scores a goal in the first half to defeat Mir Nestrovo. In the two remaining duels between lower-league teams, Landsmarks Industrie annihilate Pawlograd Marina with two goals by veteran Gabriel Klinger, underscoring their ambitions for a direct return to the top tier; FK Sjoedrhavn do their duty in Högvald as Högvald graduate Emil Olofsson scores the lone goal in his old home stadium. Finally, in the two remaining duel of the SFS A, Dynamo Novaya Russica catch Libertas off guard; the Bergheimers’ young squad fails to hold a Maladict Farrell in top form at bay and DNR continue their tradition of strong cup showings. Drama ensues between AFK and Rotor, despite a dull and tactical game. In extra time, all caution goes out of the window: Lipa Kuznetsov hits the post in front of an almost open game, and on the direct counter, Valtteri Lehto scores. Then, Kuznetsov makes amends by scoring on the second half, leading to a shootout, with the better end for Rotor as Kevin Nordmark fails to make a save.

The quarterfinals draw puts all the lower-league teams against an SFS A team; Landsmarks Industrie facing off the favourites from Energie, surprise package Imperial receiving Dynamo Novaya Russica, and FK Sjoedrhavn drawn against ESK Storevik. Traktor, having already eliminated Partisan in the first round and Metsuri in the second, don’t get a break, facing Rotor Värstjö away.

by **Savojarna** » Fri Oct 02, 2020 7:23 am

SFS IX Part 3/4

Matchday 20
Metsuri Virkaja 2–3 ESK Storevik
Rotor Värstjö 1–1 Energie Thorsborg
Transport Hovikkära 0–0 RLSK Pawlograd
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 0–4 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
ASK Landsmark 1–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Libertas Bergheim 3–1 SK Cuprum Grennvik
CASK Thorsborg 1–1 FK Metall Jarnstad
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–1 Admiral Storevik
AFK Savojagrad 1–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Traktor St. Andrei 1–0 Lokomotive Jarnstad

Lok make a big splash and sign the legend herself, former Savojarna national team coach Lise Asbeck, for two years. In the press conference following her appointment, Asbeck points out that she is here for the long run and fans should not expect results in the first year, but they can’t help but getting excited about her debut in St. Andrei. Unfortunately for the legend, it goes badly. Yarkov scores within ten minutes, and the offence of Lok is as slow as ever - although at least the problem changes a bit. Ruriksson gets a few good balls into the box, but in goal, Georgi Nikitin is playing a fantastic game, facilitated by the defence pushing out Ruriksson into difficult positions. Grivoshenko almost gets a goal with a desperate late effort, but the ball is blocked and punted down the field, where Trikhichev even almost gets a second one, if he hadn’t shot the ball two metres over the bar. In injury time, Ljurbyn gets a free kick from 23 metres and brings the ball dangerously onto the goal, almost getting an equaliser, but fails to convert as a dive by Nikitin saves the day for Traktor and makes Asbeck lose her debut.

Maybe by lack of a good alternative, SVV decide to keep Lijushkin on - and the Russian delivers on his return from the winter break. Franz scores two against a Partisan that is missing Machua Cronin on a minor injury and Jernayev on a suspension, clearly lacking defensive stability. Virulainen doesn’t help the issue with shouting at her front line an awful lot, but who can blame her after they let Vukkila simply walk into the box and beat her clean from ten metres? CASK draw Metall in a tired, uninspired match, with neither team seeming to be back from the summer break yet, while Admiral enter the Navy Derby with much fervour and just as much bad luck. Montag hits the post, Leopold slips in front of the goal, and Jotansson heads the ball right into the arms of Sharin twice; but at least Vladcik scores one to avoid disaster. Unfortunately for the pack, Libertas capitalise with a smooth 3-1 over promotees Cuprum, Bathanay contributing one and Geddes two in a cruising win.

Matchday 21
Traktor St. Andrei 1–0 Metsuri Virkaja
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–0 AFK Savojagrad
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–0 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Admiral Storevik 1–1 CASK Thorsborg
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–1 Libertas Bergheim
SK Cuprum Grennvik 0–1 ASK Landsmark
Dynamo Novaya Russica 1–0 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 1–2 Transport Hovikkära
RLSK Pawlograd 2–0 Rotor Värstjö
Energie Thorsborg 0–5 ESK Storevik

ESK Storevik are not commonly considered title contenders, but they just about may be this year. Facing Energie Thorsborg isn’t exactly a major test, but they are the type of dangerous mid-table team that you need to beat in order to have any shot at the top spots, and ESK do so in style. A team that has long been reliant on Freya Sigurdsdottir, the Storeviker are suddenly stepping up their game beyond her. Sigfridsson gets two, and Arvid Persson one; Sigurdsdottir still manages one goal to score the 0-4. Energie, on the other hand, are completely falling apart. In the first half, Admassu gets a shot, but is denied by Rolfrsson; in the second, Lund gets two headers on goal, but sees the first saved and the second bouncing off the post.

Elsewhere, Admiral and CASK meet in a pursuitors’ duel, resulting in two first half goals and an overly cautious second half, neither team wanting to give up the point they have in the bag. The result is a 1-1 that only helps Libertas, who net a win thanks to a lone Bathanay goal. Partisan even lose their match, as DNR manage to completely shut down their offence due to spectacular defensive play and a lack of buildup, with Cronin still missing out. Vilmarsson’s second half tap-in secures a victory for Novaya Russica that pushes Partisan down to fifth, although the IFCF spots are not yet in danger. In Jarnstad, Lise Asbeck gives her home debut as Lokomotive’s coach; they stall out a 0-0 against AFK in a fairly dull, but tactically astute game. The biggest chance is a short-range attempt by Ruriksson, but a good reflex by Nordmark sees the ball flying off into the stands.

Matchday 22
Metsuri Virkaja 5–3 Energie Thorsborg
ESK Storevik 1–0 RLSK Pawlograd
Rotor Värstjö 2–4 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Transport Hovikkära 1–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–1 SK Cuprum Grennvik
ASK Landsmark 1–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
Libertas Bergheim 1–1 Admiral Storevik
CASK Thorsborg 6–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
AFK Savojagrad 0–2 Traktor St. Andrei

Dynamo Sjoedrhavn may not be in a particularly strong state right now, hovering around the middle of the pack, but there is still some prestige in facing CASK. However, the prestige aspect of the duel is quickly lost as Sauthier shoots a precise cross to the centre, Nweke gets his foot in, and it’s one-nil; three minutes later, Prosdocimi feeds a long ball to Birja, he drops it off to the left, and Pickton converts to the 2-0. Fifteen minutes in, CASK lead by two and also miss a free kick from nineteen metres, showing total dominance. Before the break, the score is 4-0 thanks to a double by Valter Birja; fifty minutes in, Gren adds another one to set it to 5-0 with a banger from twenty metres where Dynamo’s defence simply watches. The game then slows down, with the guests getting at least one back as Nielsen gets the ball against his hand and Leclair converts the following penalty. Flyborg gets the final word, CASK demolishing their opposition from the capital 6-1.

Up top, Libertas and Admiral face each other, and while it looks like a strong challenge from the Storevikers, it all goes wrong in the second half. Montag scores a free kick to bring Admiral up by half an hour, but after the break, Libertas manage to exploit all kinds of mistakes as Admiral are looking for too complex plays, and in the end, an intercept by Bergqvist starts a counter through Nurkanen, who crosses to Lajunen and gets the equaliser. The draw isn’t great for either team, but they’ll have to take it. ESK continue to be the underdog in the race as they defeat RLSK on a clinical performance in defence and a single goal by Sigfridsson. Partisan draw as well to Cuprum, after an early lead off a corner by Grennvik midfielder Sigfinsson; right before the break, Karjanen equalises before the match settles into a dull, defensive and cagey affair. Offensive spectacle comes elsewhere as Irina Korpikoski is on fire and scores a hattrick against an overly offensive Energie, leading to a 5-3 victory, Hartikainen and Sirkala contributing the other goals.

Matchday 23
AFK Savojagrad 4–0 Metsuri Virkaja
Traktor St. Andrei 0–3 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–0 CASK Thorsborg
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 2–0 Libertas Bergheim
Admiral Storevik 1–0 ASK Landsmark
FK Metall Jarnstad 1–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
SK Cuprum Grennvik 0–1 Transport Hovikkära
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–1 Rotor Värstjö
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 2–0 ESK Storevik
RLSK Pawlograd 1–0 Energie Thorsborg

Lokomotive under Lise Asbeck face their first big test as they receive CASK in front of their own fans, whose expectations of Asbeck have not quite been tempered as much as the club management may have hoped. However, the team finally steps up to the challenge posed by the reigning champions as CASK are besieging the goal of Lok, but can’t break it. Roy Coyner and Tristana Palsdottir are holding up the centre very well, and Asbeck’s handwriting is slowly starting to show in the midfield. With the wingers pushing up more and Victor Loeseth daring to move into a more constructive position, the counters of Lok have increased in danger, allowing for a quick one right before the break as Loeseth lobs the ball behind the CASK line and gives Grivoshenko and Ruriksson a 2v2 with Anttakari and Pohjanainen. Beating the young Timo Pohjanainen in the direct duel, Grivoshenko breaks the game wide open by passing over to Ruriksson. CASK’s offensive pressure increases in the second half, first substituting Prosdocimi for the more offensive Patriksson and then going all out in the last ten minutes, putting Flyborg onto the pitch for Gren, and running it down with three centre forwards. Nweke almost gets a goal from eighteen metres, but Palsdottir slides into the shot at the last moment; the following corner is headed on by Flyborg but saved miraculously by Knasmuller to secure a victory for Lokomotive.

Elsewhere, FK Metall Jarnstad play spoiler to a furious Partisan, playing a calm game centred on their flat five dubbed “the Zeta Rekan Wall” by fans, after coach Ognjan Vlahovic. Johansson in defensive midfield, a position that is quickly becoming known as a Savojar specialty, is playing his keystone role brilliantly, and Ekman gets the lone goal of the first half as he slots home a Frida Björgen diagonal ball from close range. However, Penelope Garner gets a little over-eager in the last twenty minutes, perhaps a but tired from the intense defending they have to do, and shoulder-charges her compatriot Rahn, who immediately falls. Penalty for Partisan and a goal for Karjanen, cold as ice, secures at least a draw. Libertas Bergheim also commit a rare mistake as the left side is hopelessly exposed by the offensive nature of Richard Geddes, and Dynamo know it. Focusing on their Quebecois winger Mohamed Khedira, they play through that flank relentlessly; by the time that Libertas plug the hole, Khedira has scored one and assisted another to a 2-0 victory. As ESK are defeated in Virkaja, Admiral are the only top five team to win their game as Vladcik’s cross to Jotansson, coupled with a mistake from goalkeeper Johan Jacobsson, leaves the national team striker with an easy header into an empty goal from five metres to make up some ground on Libertas.

Matchday 24
Metsuri Virkaja 1–0 RLSK Pawlograd
Energie Thorsborg 2–2 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
ESK Storevik 1–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Rotor Värstjö 2–0 SK Cuprum Grennvik
Transport Hovikkära 0–2 FK Metall Jarnstad
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–1 Admiral Storevik
ASK Landsmark 0–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Libertas Bergheim 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
CASK Thorsborg 0–1 Traktor St. Andrei
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–1 AFK Savojagrad

We’re treated to a duel of the pursuitors with Partisan hosting Admiral in Sjoedrhavn for a promising fight. Admiral show us a glimpse into their future as Montag is suffering from a light illness, and Patrik Brygg gets a shot at his future role; Arianna Berger is replacing the suspended Joonas Andersson. The duo doesn’t fall off at all, however, and performs strong, with Berger being behind the first big chance by passing the ball diagonally to Leopold, whose cross is just about cleared by Jespersen. After half an hour, Partisan get their biggest chance, but a long-range shot by Cronin is cleared by Filipovic, leading to a surprisingly harmless corner. In a game that is played on a high level, but not spectacular, we go into the break scoreless. Ten minutes later, the tie is broken as Steinar Aarsoy finds a great cross into the free space at the second post, Skov and Zirkkonen are too late and Karjanen converts at the second post. However, Admiral ramp it up after the goal, and Brygg hits the post shortly after the goal; in the 75th minute, it’s Lavrov who crosses the ball from the midfield and Jotansson who receives it and scores the equaliser on a turn.

Libertas drop points again, losing to the reinvigorated Lok Jarnstad, who exploit the problems of Richard Geddes perfectly. Just like Dynamo Sjoedrhavn a week ago, Lok find an early success on the right side as Grivoshenko runs deep and scores in the near corner; the defensive midfield is what makes the difference as Libertas just can’t find a way past
Erlandsen and Loeseth. However, they can afford the loss, as Danijela Ukarin finds a perfect pass back onto Witchstone, who scores the decisive goal for Traktor St. Andrei in their game against an uninspired CASK. ESK Storevik are the only top five side to get a win, exploiting the fact that DNR don’t find an answer to the problem that is Freya Sigurdsdottir and getting a second half goal off a corner.

Matchday 25
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–1 Metsuri Virkaja
AFK Savojagrad 0–1 CASK Thorsborg
Traktor St. Andrei 1–4 Libertas Bergheim
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–0 ASK Landsmark
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–3 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Admiral Storevik 1–0 Transport Hovikkära
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–1 Rotor Värstjö
SK Cuprum Grennvik 2–2 ESK Storevik
Dynamo Novaya Russica 1–1 Energie Thorsborg
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 2–2 RLSK Pawlograd

It’s derby time in Sjoedrhavn, and Dynamo want to use this opportunity to prove that the low table position they find themselves in is not reflective of their actual ability. Unfortunately, it all goes wrong straight away as only three minutes in, Hoyberg plays a horrible pass right into the foot of Machua Cronin, who immediately deploys the counter. A long ball out to Jaerbyn bypasses the Dynamo midfield, and suddenly, Parti find themselves in a five versus four that Augustine Rahn finishes from close range. The Red and Gold keep pressing, and only six minutes later Aarsoy intercepts a pass from Liparainen to immediately play a through ball onto Karjanen, who cleanly beats Mookie Danube in the 1v1. At least Dynamo stop the bleeding, and they get very close to a goal of their own before the break as Pohja Ulkanen gets a midrange shot that Jespersen deflects into the foot of Persson, but perhaps a bit surprised, the winger sends it high into the sky. The game slows down a little bit, Dynamo unable to bypass Partisan’s defence and Parti unwilling to risk too much. Teranen gets the crowd excited as he falls right after the break, but the referee denies a penalty - correctly, as the replay shows. Then, ten minutes later on the other side, a cross hits the hand of Rasmus Vikborg, and this time it is a penalty. Rahn first fails to beat Danube, but scores the rebound for the 0-3.

A duel of two Ejanan games leads to an unfortunate draw for ESK, who take a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to Sigurdsdottir scoring a header and Nikanen converting off a counter. Then, however, right before the break Baarsjö makes a small mistake and lets Sigfinsson through; a long ball down the centre finds Karolina Vaitanen, and the striker finds the goal. Ingvarsson then manages to duel out Arjonsson with his incredible speed and finds a cross going seemingly nowhere, but somehow the ball bounces off Parvin into his own goal to make it 2-2. Libertas are prepared for revenge, playing Simundsen in place of Geddes for more defensive stability, and it plays out great as Arkanin plays a magistral game with two assists and one goal to get out a 4-1 victory in St. Andrei. Kevin Nordmark and his defenders can almost stall out a 0-0 against a CASK that completely outmatches them, but ultimately, they do fall to Wallace Pickton’s strike of brilliance as the Euran draws two opponents before chipping the ball in to Birja, converting volley for an important and beautiful goal.

Matchday 26
Metsuri Virkaja 0–0 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
RLSK Pawlograd 0–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Energie Thorsborg 0–1 SK Cuprum Grennvik
ESK Storevik 1–3 FK Metall Jarnstad
Rotor Värstjö 2–2 Admiral Storevik
Transport Hovikkära 0–2 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 0–0 Lokomotive Jarnstad
ASK Landsmark 0–3 Traktor St. Andrei
Libertas Bergheim 3–0 AFK Savojagrad
CASK Thorsborg 1–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd

ESK Storevik stubbornly cling on to their surprising fourth place, and reliably winning games like Metall - a defensive and difficult, but ultimately limited side - at home are what sets apart SFS Champions from surprise stories. Vlahovic’s flat five seems to counter the fluid ESK side, however, as Storevik just run straight into a wall. Mortensson man-marks Gudmundsson, preventing the deep-lying playmaker from having any impact, and Hytylä’s work on the left side shuts down the most reliable source of crosses to the centre. Valeri Otarov up top has a brilliant game and scores two in the first half, including a banging goal from almost twenty metres out. ESK do manage to get one back right before the break as Sigfridsson falls back a tad to receive a ball and draws in two defenders, but passes out to Persson; the winger scores in the near corner. The desperate attacks that follow pressure FK Metall, with Helborg replacing Baarsjö for an ultra-attacking diamond, but it just doesn’t quite work as Penelope Garner is not giving Sigurdsdottir any room to breathe, and Smichov registers two brilliant parries on short range. In injury time, joker Rasmus Ekman even gets away to score a third one, and ESK are being put back on their attempt to score.

Lok Jarnstad, despite having a pretty rough time in terms of their opponents, are unbeaten for five games; they add another one as Gerik Knasmuller registers eleven saves against an increasingly angry Partisan to shut out the Sjoedrhaveners. Rahn almost registers a goal in the 83rd minute, but is whistled back for offside; although the referee checks the video, the call stands. CASK also stumble, as they concede a goal in first half injury time: Tabur plays a long ball, Anja Loeseth misjudges the ball a little and misses it, Romanov pounces on it and runs deep to pass back to the centre. With their minds already in the break, nobody covers Pjotr Jamarin, and he scores flat to the right. At least CASK manage to get a goal back, Gren scoring a free kick from nineteen metres. Admiral also drop points despite two goals by Jotansson, as Rotor refuse to give up and score two in the second half, Kuznetsov and Karamasov netting the goals. This leaves Libertas as the only team in the top group to win, an uncontested 3-0 against AFK, widening the gap to ten points - maybe, that elusive first championship is finally on the table?

Matchday 27
CASK Thorsborg 2–0 Metsuri Virkaja
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 3–3 Libertas Bergheim
AFK Savojagrad 1–0 ASK Landsmark
Traktor St. Andrei 1–4 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–0 Transport Hovikkära
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–0 Rotor Värstjö
Admiral Storevik 0–0 ESK Storevik
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–3 Energie Thorsborg
SK Cuprum Grennvik 1–2 RLSK Pawlograd
Dynamo Novaya Russica 3–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja

Libertas travel to Pawlograd to face FK Torpedo, a match that promises spectacle between two traditionally offensive teams. The match lives up to its promise as there are two goals within eleven minutes; first Zhirkov passing through a gap in the defence to Roope for a 1v1, then Lajunen prolonging a corner to Bathanay, who taps it in on the second post. Half an hour in, Simunov almost adds a third one, but his distance shot is deflected into a corner; the corner is caught by Ronne and immediately turned into a counter, in which Geddes scores the 2-1 for Libertas. Before the break, there is another goal as Romanov crosses in, and Jamarin jumps higher than both Goodharvest and Najmina to score a spectacular header. With the score on 2-2, the game is on a knife’s edge, and outrage breaks out as Arkanin is fouled on the edge of the box and a free kick is given, but turned into a penalty through video review. However, Sergey Sharin saves the attempt, leaving the game tied. Then, a lucky punch comes through as Granlund doesn’t hit a ball as intended, it bounces off a leg into the foot of Ragnar Jorinen, and the Torpedo joker finds a gap to score the 3-2. It says at this result for a while, but then, Libertas find the gap. Mikael Berg chips it through a gap, Bathanay misses the ball, and Lajunen slides in to score the equaliser.

Partisan are pushing hard against St. Andrei, beating the Russians resolvedly even in the first half, going into the break 2-0 and could easily lead 4-0 based on their chances. However, there is no scarcity of goals in the second half either, pushing as Karjanen converts a penalty and Ehlers scores from close range before finally, Trikhichev - subbed in to get some playing practice - passes in and lets Yarkov tip it over the line to at least secure a 1-4. The Storevik Derby is as important as never before, with both teams aiming to take an IFCF spot, and perhaps even aiming for the title. However, it seems like the importance of the game is bogging the teams down, trying to avoid being scored on at all costs, and as a result, they scrap it out without much goal pressure. In the end, Straey gets closest for ESK, but is denied in the near corner by Filipovic; on the other end, Jotansson misses high and Montag sees a free kick defended by Hrolfrsson. A scoreless draw helps neither side. On the bottom, Dynamo Novaya Russica meet a direct competitor in Savojars Vinge, and actually manage a win thanks to the raw class of Maladict Farrell, who gets two. Although Lehtonen gets one back, it’s not enough as Vilmarsson scores a third one following a free kick. The win pulls DNR out of the relegation places, although Transport Hovikkära save SVV from the relegatio spot.

Matchday 28
Metsuri Virkaja 2–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–1 SK Cuprum Grennvik
RLSK Pawlograd 1–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
Energie Thorsborg 1–3 Admiral Storevik
ESK Storevik 1–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Rotor Värstjö 1–3 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Transport Hovikkära 0–1 Traktor St. Andrei
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 4–1 AFK Savojagrad
ASK Landsmark 0–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Libertas Bergheim 2–1 CASK Thorsborg

First versus second, with only ten matchdays to go, is the name of the game tonight as Libertas host the Sunday evening fixture against CASK. Stakes are high for Thorsborg, resting nine points behind Libertas, as a loss tonight may mean the end of their title hopes. They also play like their lives depend on it, fighting for their hopes with Sauthier getting a cross that Birja just about misses, and Nweke pushing Goodharvest off a ball and failing to beat Ronne from point blank range. Then, twenty minutes in, Pickton crosses in flat and Granlund slides into the pass, collecting the ball between his legs and immediately sending it long. Vikingstad prolongs with his head, Geddes takes the ball past Loeseth and crosses it in to the second post, where Bathanay scores the 1-0. CASK stick with it, even though luck is missing; Nweke misses high from six metres as he charges towards a slightly imprecise cross, and the ball jumps off Pickton’s thigh into his arm right as the Euran lines up for a cross. In the second half, finally, CASK manage to find something as Gren finds some space, Birja beats Goodharvest in a 1v1 and scores. But Libertas also know the stakes, and they carefully bide their time until CASK overstretch. Prosdocimi plays a bad pass under high pressure and loses the ball, Arkanin finds the gap between the defenders, and Lajunen scores.

Admiral travel to Thorsborg to face a fledgling Energie, and they are quick to exploit the weaknesses of a team that still refuses to defend with more than five men. With the Admiral side sitting low and defending whatever is thrown at them, they manage to find counters, and after a slow first half ending 0-0, Admiral take a two goal lead by the hour mark. Eventually, Vindjammer also finds a gap and scores the 1-2, but it’s never going to be enough as Leopold finishes the job to keep Admiral within ten points of the leaders and in second place. Behind, everything is close, forcing the Storevikers to fight for their prospects of playing Champions League; Lokomotive win 3-1 in Värstjö, making the race for the Challengers’ Cup tight as well with ESK having five points of reserve. At the bottom, the two U21 players Kimi Hartikainen and Taito Viinanen both score one in order to give Metsuri a rare victory against a potential rival for the relegation, beating DNR at home and maintaining some contact to the end of the table. The other promotee, SK Cuprum, similarly manage a win thanks to a lone goal against SVV; the quick Kolbeinn Ingvarsson finds a gap and Onagin heads the cross in at the first post against a stunned Ingmar Lenberg.

by **Savojarna** » Sun Oct 04, 2020 1:25 pm

SFS IX Part 4/4

Matchday 29
Libertas Bergheim 4–3 Metsuri Virkaja
CASK Thorsborg 2–1 ASK Landsmark
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 0–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
AFK Savojagrad 1–2 Transport Hovikkära
Traktor St. Andrei 3–4 Rotor Värstjö
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–1 ESK Storevik
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–2 Energie Thorsborg
Admiral Storevik 1–0 RLSK Pawlograd
FK Metall Jarnstad 0–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
SK Cuprum Grennvik 0–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica

Traktor St. Andrei hosting Rotor Värstjö is a duel of the two surprise packages of last season, and they don’t hold back with the spectacle. The Russians rush out with full force, Smolow replacing Yarkov for the day and giving a big promise for the future as she scores in the first ten minutes, beating Tuomioja in the 1v1 and blasting a precise shot past Kappakari. Rotor are not thinking about giving up, though, and Perhaug’s cross to Karamasov gives the striker a perfect option to score on his past teammates and equalise after twenty minutes. Before the break, Palvarainen threads the needle to relay a ball to Karamasov, who lays it off to the approaching Jansrud for the 2-1. Traktor don’t relent, and in injury time of the first half, after a corner, Juha Teronen jumps higher than everyone else and scores the equaliser. Rotor make the difference in the second half, with Karamasov getting his second of the night and the joker, Lipa Kuznetsov, getting the 4-2 that seems to decide the game after 67 minutes. Barnerud almost adds a fifth one, but his big shot from the distance bounces off the crossbar. Traktor’s late surge gives them one goal back, but the midrange shot by Anna Witchstone isn’t enough to reverse course as the game ends 3-4.

Another 4-3 is significantly more surprising, although a bit less spectacular, as the usually defensive Metsuri Virkaja force Libertas to fire all their offensive guns to overturn a lucky 2-0 halftime lead. The first goal comes off a solo effort of Korpikoski, before a contentious hands call on Goodharvest gives Metsuri a penalty they convert for a seemingly safe lead. However, Libertas answer in kind, replacing Nurkanen with offensive alternative Mikael Berg and score two within fifteen minutes, before Bathanay brings Libertas the lead with a close range shot. Metsuri do equalise by virtue of Hartikainen crossing in onto Sirkala, who scores the 3-3, but Arkanin finishes them off with a free kick to win 4-3. The Army Derby is never truly uninteresting, but as fat as CASK vs. ASK goes, this one isn’t too interesting - an early lead for the favourites as first Pickton and Gren combine through the backline for the Euran to convert; then, Nweke scores off a solo. ASK run into a defensively set up CASK and get one goal off Ryberg after a corner, but it’s not enough to threaten CASK. Finally, in the fight for the IFCF spots, ESK Storevik are on the hot seat and face their direct opposition in Lok Jarnstad, who once again struggle to score. With focused defence and a scrappy goal by Sigfridsson, ESK secure victory and make an eight point gap to Lok.

Matchday 30
Dynamo Novaya Russica 1–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 2–1 Admiral Storevik
RLSK Pawlograd 1–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Energie Thorsborg 1–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
ESK Storevik 4–1 Traktor St. Andrei
Transport Hovikkära 0–2 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Rotor Värstjö 1–4 AFK Savojagrad
Metsuri Virkaja 1–0 SK Cuprum Grennvik
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 2–1 CASK Thorsborg
ASK Landsmark 1–1 Libertas Bergheim

In the direct duel of the two promotees, stuck at the very bottom of the table, Metsuri Virkaja face almost certain relegation if they lose this match, which would open the gap for Metsuri to the relegation playoff spot to a whopping ten points. For Cuprum, the game was no less important, with a victory over Metsuri closing the gap to Transport after the Hovikkära side lost their game to Torpedo on Saturday. With the stakes high, both teams opt for a defensive approach, Bjarne Mejveldt commanding a tight Cuprum ship and Metsuri relying on Filip Persson, with regular goalkeeper Ingerman injured, to work magic. The young Metsuri keeper manages to completely control his box, not giving up any sort of crosses to Cuprum; offensively, however, not much happens for Metsuri compared to a Grennvik side that uses captain Bilvesen for threatening wing runs. However, they can’t use the crosses as intended, leaving Cuprum falling short; Valkarainen holds Ivan Onagin in check as Metsuri rely on their speed on the counter. It’s one of those deadly, fast counters that decides the game as Hartikainen finds a pass to Sirkala, and the striker scores from short range. After DNR win on Friday and Transport lose on Saturday, the relegation fight sees Novaya Russica in 17th, Transport on the playoff spot four points behind. SK Cuprum are sitting three behind the playoff, with Metsuri closing the gap and now being only four points behind a chance to stick in the SFS A.

Up top, Partisan face CASK and manage a strong game, using their fullbacks well to counter CASK’s big threats on the wing. Grönkjaer struggles with Pickton early on, allowing the Euran a cross that almost leads to a goal, but Virulainen just about saves the shot by Birja. On the left backline, Thorvaldsson completely eliminates Janna Sauthier, leaving the Nephar no room to breathe, and Parti beautifully utilise the space in the centre. Cronin, having fewer defensive duties than usual, almost acts as a deep playmaker, setting up a counter that Karjanen uses for the first strike. CASK answer before the break as Nweke manages to beat Jernayev in the 1v1 and sets up an easy goal for Birja, but the game falls to the hosts. Morten Poulsen sets up the final shot in the second half, arriving late in the box to convert a cross by Aarsoy for the 2-1. The result puts Partisan in second place, eleven points behind a Libertas that can’t get past a 1-1 in Landsmark. Admiral are third on even points following a loss to Savojars Vinge, while a double by Sigurdsdottir paves the way for an ESK win that lets them match CASK at two points off the Champions League.

Matchday 31
ASK Landsmark 2–1 Metsuri Virkaja
Libertas Bergheim 1–0 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
CASK Thorsborg 2–0 Transport Hovikkära
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 5–1 Rotor Värstjö
AFK Savojagrad 0–1 ESK Storevik
Traktor St. Andrei 1–0 Energie Thorsborg
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–0 RLSK Pawlograd
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–2 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Admiral Storevik 1–3 Dynamo Novaya Russica
FK Metall Jarnstad 1–1 SK Cuprum Grennvik

First against Second sounds like a tight duel with the leadership on the table, but nothing could be further from the truth as Libertas are twelve points ahead. Victory could pretty much decide the championship in all but name, and Libertas know it, getting their goal early on. Eleven minutes into the game, Vikingstad plays a long ball to the side, where Sequel Bathanay has drifted wide to accept it and cut through Thorvaldsson and Jernayev. She passes into the middle, and Lajunen takes the open goal for the 1-0. Libertas want to add another one, but it’s Partisan who gets the next major chance after 18 minutes. In the middle, Cronin takes the ball off Arkanin and finds the advancing Grönkjaer to launch an attack over the right wing, but Rahn heads the ball just over the bar. With this warning shot fired, Libertas sit back and defend. Partisan get some good chances, but Karjanen’s shot from 20 metres hits the post, and Rahn’s header off a corner goes wide. In the second half, Lajunen gets another good chance, but sees his shot denied by Virulainen; on the other side, Poulsen and Ehlers get two more good shots, but fail to find the back of the net. Aarsoy gets a final good chance in front of a half-open goal, but only hits the outside of the net.

With the victory up top, the second place becomes even more important as the lead is now thirteen points for Libertas, making the Champions League the prime point of contention among the rest of the leading five teams. CASK and ESK both win their games with a clean sheet and a convincing performance, leaving the duo in second and third, thirteen points behind the leaders. Behind, Partisan are on a gap of fifteen points, together with Admiral. The Storevikers lose at home to Dynamo Novaya Russica, thanks to a naive display of running into the defensive rows of a well-organised and motivated, albeit limited, side. Maladict Farrell thrives in conditions like these, and the Nephar strikes twice, with the third goal being a free kick by Yamay-Blonz Jok to end the hopes of Admiral. The victory puts Dynamo eight points ahead of the relegation spots as Cuprum are the only team of the bottom three picking up a point.

Matchday 32
Metsuri Virkaja 1–2 FK Metall Jarnstad
SK Cuprum Grennvik 1–4 Admiral Storevik
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–0 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
RLSK Pawlograd 0–1 Traktor St. Andrei
Energie Thorsborg 3–1 AFK Savojagrad
ESK Storevik 0–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Rotor Värstjö 3–3 CASK Thorsborg
Transport Hovikkära 0–1 Libertas Bergheim
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 0–0 ASK Landsmark

Rotor Värstjö challenge CASK in a home game, a true challenge for a young Rotor side not known for great fullbacks. However, their wingers are strong with Eirikur Perhaug and Heikki Palvarainen, and the duo traces back splendidly to counter CASK’s strong wingers. With the wingers on defensive duty, however, Jensen and Loeseth can roam up the pitch, and it’s a cross by Anja Loeseth that sets up CASK’s 1-0 as she finds Birja perfectly to beat Kappakari in the near corner. But Rotor respond in kind, with an attack through the centre finding Jansrud from seventeen metres, and a shot to the bottom left that beats Larsen clean. Perhaug even gets the second goal within seven minutes as he can pounce on a lost ball at the second post after a corner that has sailed past everyone. Thorsborg know how to trade blows, and right before the break, Janna Sauthier swings to the inside to open a gap for Loeseth, who gets her second assist as Birja picks up the double. CASK take the lead for a second time as a clumsy challenge by Paavo Tuomioja sets up a penalty for the favourites, and Paddi Gren steps up to score the goal. However, Rotor refuse to give up, and it is their main striker relegated to joker Thorgeir Jonsson who scores the last one in the final fifteen minutes as he can convert a through ball by Jansrud from point blank range.

Libertas once again take a victory, this time off a tenacious Transport Hovikkära that very well may have taken points if they actually managed to score a goal at some point, but without any serious goal threat on the enemy side, Libertas can push with all their players and manage to eventually break through the back line to score that one elusive goal in the last fifteen minutes as a combination gets the ball onto the foot of Hakeson, who manages to find a gap and score. As their pursuitors are once again unstable, Partisan drawing Landsmark scorelessly and ESK losing to Torpedo because of a penalty given away stupidly by the ESK defence, they widen the gap to fourteen points. Only Admiral manage to truly convince as they manage four goals against Cuprum, the charge led by Leopold with three assists, and move into second place.

Matchday 33
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–0 Metsuri Virkaja
ASK Landsmark 0–2 Transport Hovikkära
Libertas Bergheim 4–2 Rotor Värstjö
CASK Thorsborg 1–1 ESK Storevik
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 0–1 Energie Thorsborg
AFK Savojagrad 1–3 RLSK Pawlograd
Traktor St. Andrei 1–1 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
Lokomotive Jarnstad 0–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 2–0 SK Cuprum Grennvik
Admiral Storevik 2–0 FK Metall Jarnstad

CASK Thorsborg against ESK Storevik is a game with high stakes, as either team requires a win to retain theoretical chances for the championship, as well as avoiding to slip off a little in the fight for winning a Champions League spot. The game begins cagey with ESK’s wingers sitting back a lot, Arvid Persson shadowing Sauthier and Loeseth, but in the end of the first half the differences start coming through as Sauthier manages a through pass for Nweke that is just about defended by Hrolfrsson, and Birja manages to miss the goal by about five centimetres. But it’s ESK who take a goal into the break, thanks to a breakaway by the clever veteran Nikanen, and a cross to Sigurdsdottir who scores at the first post. But it’s a lucky strike, and while the Storevikers are defending hard and managing to hold on for almost half an hour, eventually there will be a pass slotting through. Joker Flyborg converts from short range on a diagonal ball from Pickton, and scores the goal to equalise. However, neither team manages to break the deadlock, and both teams drop from championship contention.

Partisan need more than just a win, they also need things to go their way in Bergheim. But first, Sjoedrhavn need to do their part, and while they are a bit minimalist in how they do it - a slightly lucky Rahn goal from close range, and a defensive outlook that secures the win - they do it. In the end, Libertas do their too, though. Lajunen scores twice, and Geddes gets one too to set the game to 3-0 at half time. Rotor push back as good as they can, and manage to get a goal back following a very long throw-in by Stendholm that gets everyone by surprise and is converted by Karamasov, but it’s too little, too late. Libertas win 4-2 and lead in a way that only Admiral are still able to catch up. At the bottom, Cuprum don’t stand a chance to the slow, gradual grinder of Dynamo Sjoedrhavn, making it impossible for them as well as for Metsuri to secure their survival in the SFS A. Cuprum can still make it through the playoffs, but it will be a tough one, with five points lacking and a series of difficult games coming up.

Matchday 34
Metsuri Virkaja 0–3 Admiral Storevik
FK Metall Jarnstad 1–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
SK Cuprum Grennvik 0–1 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–0 Traktor St. Andrei
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 0–0 AFK Savojagrad
RLSK Pawlograd 3–1 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Energie Thorsborg 3–6 CASK Thorsborg
ESK Storevik 5–4 Libertas Bergheim
Rotor Värstjö 1–1 ASK Landsmark
Transport Hovikkära 0–1 Partisan Sjoedrhavn

ESK Storevik are probably quite happy with their season, and the fact they can’t reach the title anymore takes some stakes out of their clash with Libertas Bergheim. Still, honour and Champions League spots are good enough motivators for them to push, and Libertas will push back as they know that a win tonight would secure the first title in club history. ESK get first blood with Sigurdsdottir’s header after a corner, and double up within ten minutes as a long range attempt by Sigrun Baarsjö hits the lower edge of the bar and bounces into the net. One each carries the game to first half injury time, where Bathanay stumbles in the box after a rough duel with ESK’s Halldor Parvin. The referee doesn’t blow it off, but it doesn’t matter as the Nephar keeps it together, gets up and shoots the ball between the legs of a surprised Rolfrsson. 3-2 is the half time score, and it doesn’t slow down as Johanna Straey comes on, apparently an effort to seal the deal as soon as possible. The left forward gets the fourth one of the game, but Geddes keeps it tight with a beautiful shot curling into the farside corner. The equaliser comes through as Hakeson shoots, Lajunen deflects and it somehow bounces in off a defender, but in the final minutes, Sigurdsdottir gets her second one to make it 5-4 for the home team.

Coupled with a victory for Admiral in Virkaja - an undisputed 3-0 courtesy of Montag’s free kick and two crosses by Vladcik finding a target in the middle - the championship is not yet decided, with Admiral just barely hanging on with a still massive eleven point lead and only four games to go. Partisan also defeat Hovikkära, making the CL race tight with only two points in hand for Admiral. Behind them lurk CASK, who celebrate a spectacular victory over Energie. With the anger of a lost title in their stomachs, and the honour of a derby on the line, CASK’s players go all out and lead 4-0 by half time, Birja getting two, Gren one and Pickton one. Sienkiewicz gets one back right after the break, but Nweke and Sauthier extend the lead to six, leading to demolition - were it not for Johnny McDonald taking out Prosdocimi and Sauthier for the veteran Livonen and the teenager Gyldenström, leading to some insecurity that lets Staale Lund and Abigail Admassu close the gap to 6-3. Still, victory is never in danger, and CASK close the gap to the CL to three.

Matchday 35
Transport Hovikkära 1–0 Metsuri Virkaja
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 1–1 Rotor Värstjö
ASK Landsmark 1–0 ESK Storevik
Libertas Bergheim 3–5 Energie Thorsborg
CASK Thorsborg 0–2 RLSK Pawlograd
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 1–2 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
AFK Savojagrad 1–0 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Traktor St. Andrei 0–1 SK Cuprum Grennvik
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 0–2 Admiral Storevik

Before we turn attention to the top of the table and the Champions League race, we have to look at relegation as Transport Hovikkära, 18th and in the playoff spot, face 20th Metsuri Virkaja. Serge Tempest, the Audioslavian striker criminally hemmed in by the fact that Transport simply don’t have a notable offence, gets onto the board. His short-range, scrappy goal is quintessentially Transport, and it’s oh so sweet as it secures that Hovikkära manage to widen the gap to at least one team; for Metsuri it’s rather bad as the loss means they’re out of the SFS A for sure. Cuprum manage a win against a Traktor that has simply nothing left to play for, and therefore manage to keep in touch with the playoff position. Up top, Admiral manage a methodical win over Dynamo after an early solo effort by Palina Leopold set them up for a lead; Partisan only draw Rotor, setting them back significantly on the race for the Champions League. The big question is: What are Libertas doing? Scoring three and still losing is what they are doing, as both Sienkiewicz and Vindjammer put on an incredibly spirited performance and fight out a win that leaves Admiral still down by eight, and with no margin for error.

Matchday 36
Metsuri Virkaja 0–1 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Admiral Storevik 1–0 Lokomotive Jarnstad
FK Metall Jarnstad 3–1 Traktor St. Andrei
SK Cuprum Grennvik 0–0 AFK Savojagrad
Dynamo Novaya Russica 2–3 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 1–0 CASK Thorsborg
RLSK Pawlograd 2–0 Libertas Bergheim
Energie Thorsborg 0–0 ASK Landsmark
ESK Storevik 0–0 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Rotor Värstjö 2–0 Transport Hovikkära

Are Libertas collapsing? Winning a game against RLSK should not be a question of great effort, but something sort of excepted by a champion. However, everything goes wrong for the Bergheimer as they seem to suddenly get nerves. Solbachen finds a pass to Samarev - 1-0. Najmina punts the ball down the field right onto the foot of an advanced Svetlana Namenkova, who uses the chance for the 2-0. Libertas play numerous faulty passes in the offensive third - the zero stays. Admiral, at the same time, do their job against Lokomotive. Not more, not less, just a focused performance that finishes with Andersson playing a ball into the backline, Leopold collecting it, passing it into the centre flatly, and Jotansson sending Knasmuller into the wrong corner. It’s simple, it’s efficient, it makes for a win that shortens the gap to five and leaves Admiral in contention. Partisan draw ESK because of a smattering of missed chances, and suddenly, the Champions League is out of the picture for Sjoedrhavn. At the bottom, Transport miss their match point as they lose out to Rotor Värstjö, but as SK Cuprum manage only a draw, the Hovikkära side is still in front.

Matchday 37
Rotor Värstjö 2–0 Metsuri Virkaja
Transport Hovikkära 1–4 ESK Storevik
Partisan Sjoedrhavn 0–0 Energie Thorsborg
ASK Landsmark 2–1 RLSK Pawlograd
Libertas Bergheim 0–0 Savojars Vinge Virkaja
CASK Thorsborg 1–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica
FK Torpedo Pawlograd 0–1 SK Cuprum Grennvik
AFK Savojagrad 1–0 FK Metall Jarnstad
Traktor St. Andrei 1–2 Admiral Storevik
Lokomotive Jarnstad 1–0 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn

Libertas go first on the penultimate day, aiming to secure their lead - a home victory would mean the championship for Bergheim. But again, the nerves seem to be in their way, with the home team absolutely dominating SVV in all ways, but unable to score a single goal. Bathanay is alone in front of the goal - wide. Lajunen gets in a header - saved by Lenberg. Nothing seems to work, and the result is that the championship is not yet locked up as Admiral are succeeding in their mission of beating Traktor St. Andrei. Three points separate the sides, with the goal difference being +29 for both. Behind the duo, the IFCF contenders do what they need to to secure their spots. CASK only get a draw and fall a little as ESK, carried by the still brilliant Freya Sigurdsdottir, manage a 4-1 win against Transport; still, they secure Challengers Cup participation together with Partisan and ESK. Libertas and Admiral, while still fighting for the championship, know they are going to the Champions League. On the bottom, things are tight as Cuprum manages to score a goal against Torpedo while holding on the onslaught of Roope and Romanov, the lack of a true focal striker showing. This shortens the gap for relegation on a single point.

Matchday 38
Metsuri Virkaja 0–2 Lokomotive Jarnstad
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn 1–1 Traktor St. Andrei
Admiral Storevik 1–0 AFK Savojagrad
FK Metall Jarnstad 1–0 FK Torpedo Pawlograd
SK Cuprum Grennvik 0–1 CASK Thorsborg
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–0 Libertas Bergheim
Savojars Vinge Virkaja 1–1 ASK Landsmark
RLSK Pawlograd 0–2 Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Energie Thorsborg 1–0 Transport Hovikkära
ESK Storevik 0–1 Rotor Värstjö

A low-scoring final day of the season still promises a lot of excitement. Starting at the bottom, SK Cuprum need a victory against CASK to capitalise on Transport’s lack of scoring in Thorsborg, but they also fail to score as Pohjanainen and Anttakari are playing at the top of their game, shutting down their production completely. Unable to get into the box on a promising play more than once or twice, they can’t score the relieving goal and are forced into the SFS B. Up top, Libertas play DNR and need a draw to secure the championship; Admiral need to win against AFK to challenge for it. The latter ends up being no big deal, with the goal coming easily as Jotansson faces little contest on a first half corner. The latter, however, doesn’t quite work out as intended - Libertas hunker down and counter out DNR’s flat four with a defence that is almost a back five. They decide to just wait it out and go for the 0-0, a plan that works perfectly in finally delivering that first championship to Libertas.

SFS A Final Standings
   Savojar Football Serien A  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Libertas Bergheim           38   24   6   8    74   45  +29    78
 2 Admiral Storevik            38   22  11   5    59   29  +30    77
 3 Partisan Sjoedrhavn         38   19  12   7    47   23  +24    69
 4 CASK Thorsborg              38   18  12   8    65   37  +28    66
 5 ESK Storevik                38   18  11   9    58   40  +18    65
 6 Lokomotive Jarnstad         38   17   9  12    28   20   +8    60
 7 Rotor Värstjö               38   15   9  14    52   53   −1    54
 8 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn           38   13  13  12    40   46   −6    52
 9 RLSK Pawlograd              38   13  10  15    36   39   −3    49
10 FK Metall Jarnstad          38   14   7  17    31   35   −4    49
11 Energie Thorsborg           38   12  13  13    56   63   −7    49
12 Savojars Vinge Virkaja      38   13  10  15    44   52   −8    49
13 Traktor St. Andrei          38   12  13  13    43   51   −8    49
14 ASK Landsmark               38   13   9  16    23   27   −4    48
15 AFK Savojagrad              38   13   8  17    39   47   −8    47
16 FK Torpedo Pawlograd        38   12  10  16    55   57   −2    46
17 Dynamo Novaya Russica       38   10  12  16    25   36  −11    42
18 Transport Hovikkära         38    9   7  22    18   40  −22    34
19 SK Cuprum Grennvik          38    8   9  21    24   44  −20    33
20 Metsuri Virkaja             38    5   9  24    26   59  −33    24

SFS B

Final Standings SFS B
   SFS B                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 FK Sjoedrhavn           30   18   7   5    39   18  +21    61
 2 Landsmarks Industrie    30   18   6   6    52   30  +22    60
 3 Framfarir Kjefla        30   14   4  12    34   27   +7    46
 4 Nemstvo SK              30   12   9   9    34   28   +6    45
 5 FK Chemie Frisks        30   13   6  11    36   32   +4    45
 6 EU Storevik             30   12   5  13    29   40  −11    41
 7 Navigator Jaromirgrad   30    9  13   8    33   33    0    40
 8 Motor Johansborg        30    9  12   9    40   42   −2    39
 9 RAS St. Andrei          30   12   3  15    26   31   −5    39
10 Agrar Jurka             30   11   5  14    29   33   −4    38
11 Polar Grundviken        30   10   8  12    25   30   −5    38
12 Mir Nestrovo            30    8  12  10    35   33   +2    36
13 Elektron Harkka         30    9   8  13    47   53   −6    35
14 Valdhavn IF             30    8   9  13    27   36   −9    33
15 Norrhavn FK             30    8   8  14    26   31   −5    32
16 Union Roopere           30    8   7  15    36   51  −15    31

Relegation Playoff
Transport Hovikkära 5-2 Framfarir Kjefla (2-1, 3-1)

Individual Awards

Team of the Season (4-4-2)
GK: Aleksandra Virulainen (Partisan Sjoedrhavn)
DEF: Rjurik Hoegh (ASK Landsmark), Rook Goodharvest (Libertas Bergheim), Roy Coyner (Lokomotive Jarnstad), Alexey Nurkanen (Libertas Bergheim)
MID: Wallace Pickton (CASK Thorsborg), Machua Cronin (Partisan Sjoedrhavn), Florian Franz (Savojars Vinge Virkaja), Janna Sauthier (CASK Thorsborg)
FWD: Freya Sigurdsdottir (ESK Storevik), Sequel Bathanay (Libertas Bergheim)

SFS IX Top Scorer:
1. Sequel Bathanay (Libertas Bergheim, 25 Goals)
2. Freya Sigurdsdottir (ESK Storevik, 24)
3. Mohamed Khedira (Dynamo Sjoedrhavn, 21)
4. Sergey Nweke (CASK Thorsborg, 20)
4. Jelena Romanov (FK Torpedo Pawlograd, 20)

SFS IX MVP (voted by players, managers and journalists, total: 500 votes)
1. Freya Sigurdsdottir (ESK Storevik, 101 votes)
2. Sequel Bathanay (Libertas Bergheim, 98 votes)
3. Janna Sauthier (CASK Thorsborg, 89 votes)

SFS IX Best Goalkeeper (voted by managers and journalists, total: 100 votes)
1. Aleksandra Virulainen (Partisan Sjoedrhavn, 41 votes)
2. Jure Filipovic (Admiral Storevik, 29 votes)
3. Alexander Smichov (FK Metall Jarnstad, 13 votes)

by **Savojarna** » Sun Oct 04, 2020 1:28 pm

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna

Savojarsk Cup Part 2

Quarterfinals
Landsmarks Industrie 1–4 Energie Thorsborg
Imperial Storevik 0–1 Dynamo Novaya Russica
Rotor Värstjö 2–2 Traktor St. Andrei (2–3 AET)
FK Sjoedrhavn 2–2 ESK Storevik (2–3 AET)

Semifinals
Dynamo Novaya Russica 0–1 ESK Storevik
Energie Thorsborg 3–3 Traktor St. Andrei (3–5 AET)

Final
ESK Storevik 1–1 Traktor St. Andrei (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.)

by **Savojarna** » Sun Oct 25, 2020 6:30 am

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
SFS structural reforms are going to take hold after tenth edition

By Mikhail Stefanov/SNNA
With ten seasons of the SFS A, the top tier of Savojar professional football, being played, there are talks of reform again. Representants of Partisan, Libertas, Admiral, and Lokomotive have been submitting a proposal to reduce the league’s size from 20 to 18 teams, with the SFS B being simultaneously expanded from 16 to 18. The main reasoning for the reform was the increasing number of international fixtures for Savojar teams as the SFS is gaining in international standing and coefficient. As this leads to more teams suffering from fixture congestion, there was demand to reduce the size; the reduction would reduce the calendar by four games, allowing for some more space for the international games.

In an interview, Partisan chairman Kjell Arndtsen stated: “It’s increasingly challenging for more teams. The league is developing, and that’s a great thing for the country and the league, and all of our teams. When we have set up the SFS like this, it was basically our prime competition, only a few teams were actually able to make it into the international competitions and the ones who made it often dropped quickly. Now, in the past we have seen multiple teams making it far into the international competition, such as the LBCT or the Challenger’s Cup last season. If we want to continue that road, which we should, as it’s the best way of showcasing Savojar football and improving our players, then we need to continue enabling our teams. The best way to do this is to make sure that they can compete in the international game with the best teams possible”.

A side effect is also the lengthening of the SFS B season, which some top B teams assumed may make promotees more competitive, as the difference between the tiers could potentially be smaller than it used to be. The main point of contention was the promotion/relegation procedure, for which the arrangement was decided by a single majority in favour of the original proposal. The next season will see three teams directly relegated to the SFS B, with the 16th and 17th-placed teams playing relegation play-offs. The SFS B will only see one direct promotee this season, however, there will still be chances for promotion for three second-tier teams, as the number 2 and 3 of the SFS B will be playing in the play-offs. The shares of prize money for the transition season will be calculated as if there were no promotion/relegation change, as a concession to the opposing clubs. The suggestion was therefore passed with 21 votes in favour, and 13 against.

by **Savojarna** » Mon Oct 26, 2020 6:50 am

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
Savojar Hockey Series 1 - Regular Season (1/2)

Due to the lack of RP last season, I have decided to freeze the SHS in stasis for a year (including player ages) and maintain this preview from last season.

Seemingly favoured ESK Storevik are dropping off hard, losing their first three games straight, although Storevik fans argue that PT and Torpedo are difficult opposition to start with. This may be a fair point, especially given the flying start of Torpedo around their youth duo of Kasajev and Aljechin and the sheer power to decide games of Johan Bryzhnev. However, the loss against HK Metall is a clear cause for concern, even if fans are quick to write it off as a one-off due to Hjalmarsson having a great night and scoring two goals. An altogether different vibe comes through from SK Torpedo, who face a difficult schedule with ESK Storevik and PT Hovikkära, but a focused performance against both and a strong performance by Boris Aljechin, collecting three goals in the first week, leads them to the top of the table with a clean 3-0 record. The only other team to match are Thorsborgs Technik, winning three games in which they are favoured to do so, although Kjefla challenge the Techniker for their points. It’s a late goal by Flemming Aversen that makes the difference in Thor’s Den, letting Thorsborg carry on their perfect record.

SKT continue their show of strength, easily dispatching RHK Savojagrad in their own stadium to make a true announcement of their intentions. This time it’s Kasajev doing the massive work with two goals, and Ville Stefansson picking up two assists. However, the string finally breaks in the sixth game, as a somewhat tired-looking Torpedo fall to a Partizan side playing defensively, careful, and cagey at times. A magistral performance by the entire Novaya Russica team and a goal by 21 year old left wing talent Kirill Spakurov in overtime shuts down the Torpedo streak. Meanwhile, the red lantern passes on as ESK pull it together and demonstrate three focused and clean performances, only truly struggling against regional rivals Kjefla, who seem to get a bit of a Derby Boost before being summarily crushed in the shootout by Jonas Gulbrandsson scoring twice. The new favourite at the bottom is PT Hovikkära, hampered by Johan Bryzhnev being out with a minor injury for the latter two games, and losing to both Partizan and Kjefla.

RHK Savojagrad open up with a smashing victory in Värstjö, Denis Elegin netting a hattrick as the Rushmori Hockey Club (as they have officially dubbed themselves for this season) wins 7-1 away. Behind Elegin, Banijan Robin de Villiers scores twice as well, while veteran Mikko Simonen shines with three assists. Against Partizan, they double up, but it costs too much energy and there is no more gas in the tank for the game against Dynamo, losing in the shootout but at least taking five points out of the week. The rush puts them on fourth place, but only one point behind the leaders Traktor and CASK. CASK solidify their position by beating ESK Storevik 2-0 at home, a brilliant performance by goalkeeper Niklas Hoyman carrying the army team to a surprise win against Savojarna’s favourites. At the bottom, PT show signs of hope before falling to CASK as well, again in a shutout, leading to now 157 straight minutes of unbeaten play for Niklas Hoyman.

A clash of titans on Saturday evening as leaders CASK Thorsborg receive third-placed SK Torpedo, and the duel delivers. Gränlund and Kasajev score in the first period, and a powerplay goal by Stefansson puts Pawlograd in the lead during the second period. However, CASK strike back in the end, with goals by Söderberg and Ingerman reversing the score; a strike in the last five minutes by Kasajev puts the Pawlograders back on even footing. They can win the shootout, but with that being worth little more than bragging rights, they won’t be too happy with it. Victories over Sjoedrhavn SHK and in the Russian Classic against Traktor St. Andrei, coupled with a loss for CASK in Jarnstad, let the Pawlograders take the lead by Wednesday, making it all look a lot more rosy. Another team where things are rosy this week are the HK Orjalahti Dragons; the heavily criticised side is showing that they can hold their own on the ice by getting a clean six point week and moving up into fourth place. At the bottom, ESK and PT are slowly recovering, but not anywhere near their fans’ massive expectations.

Two weeks after Rotor’s absolute demolition by the hands of CASK, the Värstjö side is registering a big win over another title contender in SK Torpedo, whom they beat 6-1 on Pawlograder ice. Replacement goalkeeper Jauranen is not having a great time, conceding three in the first period before being taken off the ice after the 0-4. However, SK bounce back and can keep touch with CASK. The leaders from Thorsborg are showing their strength with a 7-2 in Kjefla, but lose out against their most bitter rivals ASK Landsmark as the Landsmarkers play highly defensively, eliminate CASK’s offence by heavy, physical play, and win the game off a lone powerplay goal by center Oleg Potemkin. A victory over the Dragons, who chose to rest goalkeeper Andrej Jaroskov and lack Risto Tirkkanen with a suspension, still keeps CASK in the lead. PT Hovikkära, finally, beat down their Sumani rivals from Savojars Vinge Virkaja with an 8-0, four points going the way of Johan Bryzhnev, but it is all meaningless as a loss to Dynamo and a draw in Thorsborg to Technik means that they finish yet another week outside the play-in positions.

Few matches can provide as great a narrative as the duel of PT Hovikkära and ESK Storevik, home of the former Belushya Guba Twins and national team linemates Jonas Gulbrandsson (ESK) and Johan Bryzhnev (PT). In Hovikkära, Gulbrandsson gets the better of the two as the Ejanan scores two, the third goal being provided by Terje Nordrsson in the powerplay. Marcus Jauslason, in what may be his final hurrah in the ESK goal, shows off a great performance, registering a shutout on top. PT, however, bounce back with an overtime victory against RHK Savojagrad courtesy of Bryzhnev (who else?) and a surprise win away against SK Torpedo, where the charge is led by Jaskinen and Otala, who both score a goal and an assist. The win puts them on 10th place, enough to secure a play-in spot for the moment. A disappointment for the team, which is aiming to secure a title, but enough to salvage the season for the moment.

Nicknamed “the perpetually overlooked”, Thorsborgs Technik are aiming to find spotlight with a series of good plays. Dispatching ASK through a long, slow-burning attrition fight and cruising to a win against the Dragons, the Techniker manage to set themselves up for a Wednesday night duel for the lead against local rivals CASK, tied on points, in Thor’s Den. The stadium is packed and loud, with the game being aggressive and fast. Astyugin and Aversen both manage to almost beat Hoyman, but both get denied; on the counter, CASK score the leading goal by Taranin. Then, the second goal of the night falls right before the second break in the powerplay, Toranen banging a slapshot to the net and Debreshev deflecting the puck into the goal. It’s the final point of the night, ending the charge of Thorsborgs Technik. ESK and PT manage to continue their rejuvenation with two perfect weeks - until Wednesday, that is, when ESK fail to score on their local rivals Vulkan Kjefla, the lone goal being a powerplay slapshot by Hjalmar Hrafnason. It’s still enough to put ESK on fourth place, with PT right behind on fifth.

In a season that has largely been tight, with no team being able to establish themselves as a clear favourite, CASK are finally starting to pull away. Beating SVV isn’t a brilliant success per se, but their game against ESK in the Norsk Palace is an announcement. Gulbrandsson is clearly the best player on the ice, getting his team ahead with a goal in the first period and once again in the second with a crisp pass to Malinsson. However, the depth of this CASK team is above the superior individual players of ESK, and three different players score three goals to claw themselves back twice and then score the final game in powerplay, Ingerman slapping the puck onto the net and Mikael Söderberg finding a rebound to score the winner. A loss to PT Hovikkära prevents them from completely running away with the league, but it’s enough to get four points clear of the Finns. Previous crisis side PT manage to go another week unbeaten, and with their spectacular victory over a somewhat tired CASK puts them in second, tied with Pawlograd.

Right when CASK fans thought they have a shot at pulling away at the top, they get ripped back to reality with a harsh week, losing to direct competitor SK Torpedo first. Aljechin opens score, but behind him, Torpedo’s previous generation show that they are still here, as Ville Stefansson snipes it perfectly to the top left corner. Then, a much more painful loss to Partizan Novaya Russica follows on Wednesday, leading to Torpedo taking the lead off a 1-0 against Traktor. Player of the week, however, is Terje Nordrsson who carries his ESK Storevik side to two victories, including a dominant 6-0 where he registers two assists and a goal; as well as two more assists against Dynamo Sjoedrhavn on Wednesday. Spectacle is generally high in demand this week, as Kjefla Vulkan play an ebb-and-flow play where they first go ahead 2-0 to be equalised by the half-way-mark; take another lead but get reversed 3-4 by the second break, but score three in the final period to win. Dynamo Sjoedrhavn and SVV also trade blows, with the latter getting back two equalisers after being down 2-3 and 3-4, the last goal being a beautiful combination of Teronen and Jovinen that is finished with a perfect five hole one-timer.

Heading into the halfway point of the season, the early slumps have been overcome; the four expected top teams are sitting comfortably on the top of the table. SK Torpedo are securing the lead in two overtime victories on Sunday and Tuesday, both OT goals scored by Stefansson who shows that he is still a strong player. PT are making an announcement completely unleashing their strong forwards in Pyry Otala and Johan Bryzhnev, who are scoring 12 goals in the Friday and Sunday games before adding three more against SVV in order to close the half against their Finnish rivals. At the bottom, Thorsborgs Technik have a horrible week playing three favourites back to back to back, and losing all three games to drop below the play-in range. However, every team still is in close distance to the play-in group, and 15th-placed Orjalahti are only three points behind 10th placed SVV. Partizan, falling off four points behind Orjalahti Dragons and seven behind the play-in spots, look like lone team to struggle hard but strike back in this week to close the gap, leaving everything tight across the league.

SHS Regular Season standings
   Regular Season           Pld    W   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 SK Torpedo Pawlograd      28   16   8    64   53  +11    36
 2 CASK Thorsborg            28   16   9    56   41  +15    35
 3 PT Hovikkära              28   16  10    57   39  +18    34
 4 ESK Storevik              28   14  10    56   44  +12    32
 5 RHK Savojagrad            28   13  10    63   51  +12    31
 6 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn         28   13  11    64   63   +1    30
---------------------------------------------------------------
 7 HK Rotor Värstjö          28   14  12    60   58   +2    30
 8 Traktor St. Andrei        28   11  11    48   45   +3    28
 9 ASK Landsmark             28   11  12    40   41   −1    27
10 Savojars Vinge Virkaja    28   12  14    44   51   −7    26
---------------------------------------------------------------
11 Thorsborgs Technik        28   12  15    50   57   −7    25
12 Sjoedrhavn SHK            28   11  15    39   44   −5    24
13 Kjefla Vulkan             28   10  14    42   56  −14    24
14 HK Metall Jarnstad        28   10  14    49   59  −10    24
15 HK Orjalahti Dragons      28   11  16    43   58  −15    23
16 Partizan Novaya Russica   28    8  17    34   49  −15    19

by **Savojarna** » Sat Nov 07, 2020 7:22 am

SFS X Season Preview (Part 1/2)

Landsmarks Industrie (Last season: SFS B 2.)

Origin and identity: A typical Savojar union of numerous local and union clubs, Industrie were established in 1919 by fusion of a number of local clubs, and hardly got past the midfield of the top flight. This side is historically known as an aggressive bunch of no-nonsense people. Popular in the city of Landsmark, with the surroundings supporting ASK. They are proud of their youth development and many of their players stick with the team for a long time, earning them praise from fans even if they may be mediocre at football.
Tactics: An often spectacular side that often may be less talented, but overcomes it with high pressure football. They emphasise speed and strength over talent, but often surprise. Aggressive pressing in two blocks of four is a given with this side, and they have a penchant for finding quick, dangerous, and highly efficient strikers that go on to play big roles at the club, or sometimes at other SFS A teams.
Key Players: Anders Johansson, having contested most of his career at Partisan Sjoedrhavn, is instrumental to this side as his experience in organising and guiding a defence is what keeps the back together. His counterpart at the other end is one-club-man Gabriel Klinger, a heading monster and great pressing player, who has been supported by Cuprum signing Karolina Vaitanen to provide extra speed. On the flanks, Borkerud’s speed and accurate crossing will be the source of many chances if he finds Klinger.
Hopefuls: Lovisa Tedenby. Former Savojarna U18 captain and cornerstone of this side, she has aged into a commanding and calm midfielder who can run a tight ship at only 21 years old, and a runner if there has ever been one. Elisabeta Grokov, although with experience at the B level, is playing her first season as a top-tier starter; Mortensson similarly will try to cut his teeth against top-tier defenders. Bjarnfinn Arnason and Vitali Paavaniemi are about to play their first pro season and will see limited playtime.
Expectations: Much depends on some question marks in the form of young, inexperienced players or singular actors. If Tedenby and Grokov can handle the top tier and Johansson doesn’t go into a slump or gets injured, this side can scrap out a lower midfield place, but if anything goes wrong, they’ll go right back to the B.

Stadium: Landsmarks Arbetarnas Stadion (capacity: 22’900)
Manager: Mika Aleksen (41)
Expected formation: 4-4-2
Transfers incoming: Karolina Vaitanen (ST, originating club: SK Cuprum Grennvik, price: 1 mil. NSD), Bjarnfinn Arnason (LB, NFA Högvald Vit, 0), Vitali Paavaniemi (GK, Industrie Akademien, 0)| Outgoing: --

FK Sjoedrhavn (SFS B Champion)

Origin and identity: FKS have been established as a union of dockworker, factory worker, and student teams in 1962, although many of their constituent teams date to pre-revolutionary times. A side deeply rooted in Sjoedrhavn, somewhat relishing their difficult spot as the number 3 in the city in terms of success. Supported by Sjoedrhavn artists, punks, and syndicalist since the 1980s and thriving in fanatic support of the city.
Tactics: Limited in their technical skill, but full of wiry, creative and strong players that can make up with quick feet, stamina, and iron will. Johansson plays with something between a 5-2-3 and a 3-4-3, and relies on a quick back line that can initiate fast counters. They are not particularly skilled, but work together well and organise around fast, direct football. Often playing over the sides, FKS’s counters are usually overwhelming and very dangerous.
Key Players: Adrian Boedker and Mari Eskildsen play the role of offensive trigger from the back line, distributing balls and initiating the quick counters of the side. In midfield, supertalent and youth international Jesper Gyldenstjerne - an FKS product - had a key role in their SFS B championship, together or in place of club legend JC Idveld (who, despite losing his starting position, remains crucial in the dressing room). Hrolfr Bjarnason will play main striker, and did so with great success in the B.
Hopefuls: The crucial wingback positions are being filled by two relatively unproven players. Sigthor Vilmarsson on the right has newly arrived from relegated Cuprum, where he did a decent job; on the left, Graintfjall’s Eir Bjarnfinnursdóttir will have to prove how she can adapt to the SFS. The same is true for Liam Trout, a Tikariotan left winger who could be anything between spectacular and underwhelming. Finally, Emil Olofsson is going to back up Bjarnason in offence, a 20 year old striking talent.
Expectations: From a record-breaking crash in their first SFS A season to a respectable, but insufficient effort three years ago in their second attempt, FKS have improved, but the Citizens will not be good enough to actually make it this year with the extended relegation. Still, there is hope they will stay in the race for a good while, and maybe promote some players to other SFS A teams.

Stadium: Sjoedrhavns Stadsstadion (capacity: 28’400)
Manager: Olle Johansson (39)
Expected formation: 5-2-3
Transfers incoming: Sigthor Vilmarsson (RB, SK Cuprum Grennvik, 0.5), Gregor Flygstad (CB, Admiral Storevik, 0.4), Eir Bjarnfinnursdóttir (LB/GRF, Korsback/GRF, 0), Liam Trout (LF/TKT, Guillarim Blades FC/TKT, 0) | Outgoing: Denise Rydberg (CB, retirement), Urho Surminen (ST, retirement)

Transport Hovikkära (18.)

Origin and identity: Football had always been connected with dockworkers in Savojarna, and TH are one of the few pre-revolution teams around. They were also said to have played an important role in the revolution as a worker's union. The dockworker's team enjoys large support among the city's working class and has a large syndicalist ultra group. Clashes with SVV are high-risk games due to political tension. On the pitch, nothing short of leaving it all on the green would be tolerated, and there is a certain expectation of straight-forward play.
Tactics: Turamäki’s team transitions back to a 5-2-3 after the two-top experiment failed, but it is a small change as the name of the game remains scrappy, brutal defensive work. The central line will be pulled together and attempt to play mostly as central shuttlers, the wingers are expected to trace back a lot, and everyone who wants to play an offensive role needs to be quick to run deadly counters that are almost the only source of Transport’s goals.
Key Players: Few teams look at a 17th place and decide to heep wverything the same, but Transport have done just that. In the defence, Greg Chauncey has proven to be a cornerstone of the central defence yet again, whereas Oouri and Warner build an international flanking force. The defensive midfield remains crucial and does that job just well. The big question remains the offence, where neither Serge Tempest nor Ragnhild Viilanen could convince last season.
Hopefuls: Severi Litmanen has been one of the best wingers in the SFS B and was promptly picked up by a top flight side a year ago; his appearances behind Tin have been promising. Mikhail Breganov up front can be expected to get more playtime, as he is one of the few hopes in Hovikkära’s offence with the other strikers stumbling. Sara Varanen at centre-back may finally represent a step away from the destructive Transport style to a more calm, ball-oriented defensive play.
Expectations: If the offensive part of the team can finally become more efficient in front of the goal, this is a team that could easily make the lower midfield and stay up for another few years. If they don’t, it’s gonna be a swift relegation to the SFS B.

Stadion: Pohjoiskaivaa (capacity: 46’000)
Manager: Ville Turamäki (59)
Expected formation: 5-2-3
Transfers incoming: --

Dynamo Novaya Russica (15.)

Origin and identity: Founded as policemen's club in 1915, turned into a representative team in 1938. Used to be a development team for Dynamo Sjoedrhavn until the 70s, which led to the Dynamo Rivalry. The second police club is also particularly popular in most places, but due to a lack of other clubs in Novaya Russica, they moved from police club to representing NR. Recently gained traction among locals, but still mostly hated nationally.
Tactics: A classical defensive Savojar team: defensive, tough to break down and relying on a tight midfield to counter the opponent down. Often using a fast striker to bring in offence, and sometimes a hanging striker within the midfield five. In the centre, the midfield tends to lie deep, with the wingers providing the main offensive drive to bring balls into the front third. Usually, this is enough for DNR to scrap itself into the middle of the pack.
Key Players: Qusmo native Yamaj-Blonz Jok is the keystone of this side, organising play from a defensive position and acting equally strong as a destroyer as he does as a shuttler. Unfortunately for him, there will be a need for playmakers in this year’s DNR, and he is not one of those. Up front, Maladict Farrell is the person with whom this lineup necessarily stands or falls, as he is the only cold-blooded striker in the lineup. Defensively, Jovanova in goal is probably the key figure, but DNR’s defence is a unit with many skilled players, but no outstanding one.
Hopefuls: Lavro Zhilin will have to actually take responsibility up front this year, with the other strikers now all being 30 or over. He has shown last season that he is capable of scoring off the bench, but he’ll have to do it a lot more now. In defence, Grigori Pjatov is probably nto yet seeing regular play, but could become a relevant player in the near future; with Inga Sedova in goal, Jovanova’s replacement seems to come out of the second tier, but will have to prove herself on the SFS A level.
Expectations: Things always looked grim in Novaya Russica (although some would say that is mainly because of just how dull and dour DNR play) but it was going to get tougher with extended relegation. A difficult season lays ahead, but Farrell, Jovanova and Yamaj-Blonz may just about provide the class needed to save the club for another year.

Stadion: Stadion Dynamo (capacity: 29’700)
Manager: Hjalmar Loevith (56)
Expected formation: 4-4-2
Transfers incoming: Inga Sedova (GK, Framfarir Kjefla, 0.4), Grigori Pjatov (CB, NFA Högvald Blue, free) | Outgoing: Johanna Sundqvist (CB, AFK Savojagrad, 0.75), Karl Povar (CM, retirement)

FK Torpedo Pawlograd (16.)

Origin and identity: Established in 1944 in reaction to ASK Landsmark, Torpedo were supposed to represent the new spirit of the Navy. They did better than ASK for a long time, but recently struggled with professionalisation and growing expectations. Proud of their backing and symbolic role, they traditionally value skill and elegance. Recently, Torpedo were mostly known for being a chaotic side that suffers from a biting press and a fickle management, but also has superb fans and some qualities in youth development.
Tactics: A fast, modern side that employs heavy pressing. After Jurtanen’s experiments, using three fast, mobile attackers up front became a Torpedo signature move again. They are backed up by two defensive midfielders supposed to stop attacks and build up the game, but Nyborg has been known to give his playmakers more withdrawn roles as well, leading to a flatter 4-3-3 than what is commonly played by offensive sides.
Key Players: Last year’s hopefuls have matured into cornerstones of the team as Sergey Sharin was surprisingly comfortable in his starting position, and Dmitri Dmitriev had a good season on a troubled lineup. Now, Dmitriev has left, leaving Sharin ever more important in the back. Tabur ahead of him has fulfilled her role as composed shuttling midfielder well, but it’s not a role to carry the game from either - this duty will now fall almost entirely on the shoulders of Roope, with his colleague Romanov on the left wing having left for Nephara.
Hopefuls: Kimi Hartikainen is a determined former youth international that has proven his ability to play on the top level in a defensive Metsuri Virkaja that didn’t exactly offer much to a left winger; Torpedo will give him more space to shine if he can handle the fickle mistress that is Pawlograd. Vilborg Asthorsdottir will have slightly more space to mature, the 22 year old midfielder being brought in as a backup for captain Antti Roope. A slick dribbler and conscious two-way player, she can bring a much needed element of humility to this team. Rely on Torpedo to find one or two academy players down the line, too.
Expectations: This side won’t find peace for another season or two, at that rate. Losing two cornerstones of the light at the end of the tunnel provided by last season won’t help them at all, and the fight against relegation will be a true challenge now that the league is shrinking. Still, this is Torpedo, and while the season will be chaotic and messy, they probably find a way to stay alive and well.

Stadium: Stadion Admiral Rjurden (capacity: 52’000)
Manager: Lew Nyborg (42)
Expected formation: 4-3-3
Transfers incoming: Kimi Hartikainen (LF, Metsuri Virkaja, 1.5), Vilborg Asthorsdottir (RM, Elektron Harkka, 0.6) | outgoing: Dmitri Dmitriev (CB, Admiral Storevik, 2.3), Jelena Romanov (LF, Stahlburg Rovers/NPH, 2)

AFK Savojagrad (15.)

Origin and identity: Founded 1903 as a student club at the University of Savojagrad, a bastion of the Russian Unionist movement as well as conservatism. Disbanded in 1910 and refounded 1917 as a much more open-minded and internationally oriented club. Aka is the oldest student club of the country, viewed as a team of intellectuals who will lose themselves in tactical intricacies.
Tactics: Previously a defensive team, they still have two big strikers that are typical scorers. However, under Haraldson they have become a lot more fluid and looking to rely more on short passes. There is a lot of play through the wings and a classical playmaker, looking to distribute balls across the field.
Key Players: Kevin Nordmark is the face of this team, and needs to show up if AFK want to end up in the top half of the table again. Up front, Bains is the prime scorer, although Lehto is slowly making inroads. In defence, Zyukov is an instrumental stopper in the defensive midfield; and left wingback Lyn Townsend has shown her worth as well, shoring up the left flanks and providing many crosses to the dangerous strikers of AFK.
Hopefuls: Ilari Milvonen has not played much yet last season, but the then 18 year old could surprise some of his critics and will probably see more regular playime. With Torbjörn Kringen, the team signed yet another hopeful on the wings, a two-way utility player who can play both sides. Defensively, eyes are on Johanna Sundqvist, the centre-back having been signed from Dynamo Novaya Russica to support AFK’s defensive rebuilding.
Expectations: Formerly a case of “just what you’d expect”, 15th is below this sides’ expectations nowadays. With some clever re-signings and new players growing into their roles, AFK’s eyes are set on the top 10, and with their recent stadium expansion seeing the light of day for the first time, motivation will be high to crack that magic line.

Stadion: NUSArena (capacity: 18’200)
Manager: Emil Haraldson (48)
Expected formation: 4-4-2 diamond
Transfers incoming: Johanna Sundqvist (CB, 0.75), Torbjörn Kringen (LM, Motor Johansborg, 0.5)| outgoing: --

ASK Landsmark (14.)

Origin and identity: Founded 1942 as a farm team for CASK, they got independent in the 1970s. Despite periodical success, they have largely been a mid-table team relying on a scrappy, defensive style of football to overcome their bigger rivals. As a state team with limited success, their fan base is sort of small and considered prone to bandwagoning.
Tactics: ASKL value hard work over technical brilliance. Tough defence and fast counter-attacks over the side are their key path to success, with Ryberg as the top striker. They operate a lot with long through balls from the midfield, and seek to find one of their killers up front.
Key Players: ASK stand and fall with the central midfield, Eve Lovelace playing the role of the general and shuttler and Gavax-Nenzi Abe being the main creative element of the team. Up front, there is a group of pouncing strikers around Ryberg, Litmanen and the main striker, Nephara’s Garrett Norwood. Defensively, Valentin Gusev of Delaclava and Rjurik Hoegh, former Savojarna youth international, stand out.
Hopefuls: With Gavax-Nenzi crossing the 30, as well as Mikael Hansborg, the central midfield requires rejuvenation and is getting it in person of 22 year old Alyosha Shabunin. A shuttler with stamina and work ethic, although limited in technique, he fits the ASK identity to a t. Up front, Solveig Vedmark introduces a new type of player, the 18 year old being a technical and quick striker more at home in other teams, aiming to add versatility.
Expectations: ASK are disappointed with a 14th place, but they are also aware that better times can be expected. Most Landsmark fans expect a light improvement and hope to stay away from any relegation-related places, but IFCF contention would be a surprise. Middle of the pack is exactly where this side beligns.

Stadium: Axel-Nejdur-Stadion (capacity: 46’000)
Manager: Mirko Johansson (41)
Expected formation: 4-4-2 flat
Transfers incoming: Alyosha Shabunin (CM, EU Storevik, 0.6), Solveig Vedmark (ST, NFA Högvald Bla, 0) | outgoing: --

Traktor St. Andrei (13.)

Origin and identity: A club founded in 1902 as St. Andrei F.C., this is one of the oldest sides in Savojarna. It had counter-revolutionary ties and was disbanded in 1911, but refounded 1915 as Traktor. They have a heated rivalry with RAS. Traditionally a farmer's team of the region around St. Andrei, the team has a large following in the countryside. In the city, they are somewhat associated with Russian nationalism and counter-revolutionaries.
Tactics: The days of reckless offensive that Savojarna has learned to associate Traktor with may be over, but they are still an offensive side that loves to attack and score goals wherever possible. Two central midfielders are now supposed to hold off counters a bit more reliably and limit the ability for the opponent to score too easily, but the old Traktor DNA of three forwards all aiming for goal and highly offensive wingbacks remains. Expect spectacle, but a more toned down and more restricted one than it used to be.
Key Players: Much stands and falls with goalkeeper Nikitin, and with Juha Teronen ahead of him, holding off the advances of the opposition; Oleva’s more withdrawn position proved to make her have a bigger impact on the team as well. Witchstone has grown into another solid building block in the centre and hopes to get another good season. Offensively, there is no single key player, although any big success would likely come off another top season of Sundgren.
Hopefuls: Many of the old hopefuls have left the squad to go abroad or to a top team, but of those who remain Finn Kopperberg is generally rumoured to play his final season as a backup. Jukka Palander will also be aiming to get more playtime behind Matti Sundgren, and the stamina-heavy winger could be a good addition. The biggest name among the young ones, however, is Thea Squarciafichi, labelled secondary striker but likely to share playtime with Yarkov almost evenly.

Stadion: Stadion Traktorov (capacity: 56’000)
Manager: Damián Trolli (VLD, 45)
Expected formation: 4-3-3
Transfers incoming: Thea Squarciafichi (ST/SVG, EDC Fossano/SVG, 1) | outgoing: Jekatarina Smolov (ST, CASK Thorsborg, 2.5), Oleg Trikhichev (RF, Lokomotive Jarnstad, 1.5)

Savojars Vinge Virkaja (12.)

Origin and identity: The team was founded in 1946 as the representative of the Savojar Air Force. From its beginning, it was supposed to challenge the domination of CASK and Admiral, but struggled to achieve this. SVV see themselves as representing the technical side of Savojarna, and have been associated with high technical skill and tactical sophistication. Their fans are sort of fickle, and the team often swings wildly between strong seasons challenging for international play and unspectacular or downright bad results.
Tactics: Traditionally, Virkaja play a fluid 4-3-3, which fits well with Lijushkin’s preferred tactics. They can be expected to run and pass a lot, and have their wingers orient themselves towards the goal. Traditionally, they are highly offensive, and emphasise their defenders to join the offence. Lijushkin plays with an offensive playmaker, and two relatively solid defensive midfielders to provide defensive stability.
Key Players: Lenka Otalainen has been the player with whom SVV have stood and fallen in the past, but with the arrival and increasing strength of Florian Franz, the duo will have to share playmaking duties with Franz likely being the first choice. In the back, Ylvi Sootala is the remaining part of a formerly very strong defence that will have to do his best to retain some stability and bring back the former strength. Up front, Rintanen is about to take the helm, with Vukkila falling off to the side more often.
Hopefuls: Toivanen and Rintanen are prospects that have played their first season successfully from the second row, and now are ready to take on more responsibility. It remains to be seen what happens in the future with the duo, as well as with back Ejnar Balle, who is now likely to start getting first pro games. In midfield, Ilari Martanen has been one of the most expensive youth signings in recent history, a calm and surprisingly mature shuttler from the Dynamo academy.
Expectations: Lijushkin has abandoned his experiment of high-flying offence based on the duo of Otalainen and Franz, and aims to stabilise his side. If SVV can get over their sensibilities regarding club legend Lenka Otalainen, there is hope to re-establish themselves as a midfield team, if they cling to underperforming players, relegation is a risk.

Stadion: Patrik Suhonen Stadion (capacity: 52’000)
Manager: Dmitry Lijushkin (42)
Expected formation: 4-3-3
Transfers incoming: Ilari Martanen (CM, Akademien Dynamo, 1.2) | outgoing: Markko Niskanen (DM, Newrook City/NPH, 2)

Energie Thorsborg (11.)

Origin and identity: Having been formed in the 1890s, Energie are one of the oldest clubs in Thorsborg and were a founding member of the Savojar League. They are a notorious mid-table team, but have had a high time in the early SFS days with back-to-back cup victories. Formed out of the electricity workers of Thorsborg, this club has become a representative of the Western part of the city, and many traditional workers support them.
Tactics: A high-pressure team that often attacks rapidly, using up to five attackers after winning the ball in midfield. Ljungberg often carries the brunt of the defensive burden, with the rest of the side storming forward and trying to overwhelm the enemy team. Likely to take many shots from the midfield or the wing.
Key Players: Valentin Ljungberg remains the core of the side as he is the pin on which the offensive tactics of the front five rest; Olberg and Pironev need to hold up their end of the stick as well to make sure Energie don’t run into persistent counters. Up front, Vindjammer has been close to the only reliable source of goals last season; Agot Sienkiewicz remains another keystone in the midfield alongside Banijan Abigail Admassu..
Hopefuls: Massive long-term improvement up front is the theme of the past transfer season for Energie. They have signed a new right winger in Damjan Emin, the player most likely to see regular playtime, and a counterpart on the left with the two years younger Lea Mörk. The duo is reminiscent of Vindjammer and Lund, although with the sides flipped; Emin is the skilled scorer to Mörk’s workhorse-like crossing. In the centre, 19 year old Victoria Borgen is new to the Energie side, a clever pouncing striker with excellent speed and shooting technique.
Expectation: Energie have incredible potential, and the fans know it. They are demanding the side to break into the Big 5 and contest for international football, which may be a big ask; however, an improvement is clearly possible. Somewhere between 7th and 11th is where we ssee this team end up.

Stadium: National Energiekollektivets Arena (capacity: 48’600)
Manager: Lars Walberg (43)
Expected formation: 4-3-3
Transfers incoming: Damjan Emin (RM, SK Cuprum Grennvik, 1.25), Lea Mörk (LM, Norrhavn FK, 1), Victoria Borgen (ST, NFA Högvald Vit, 0)| outgoing: --

by **Savojarna** » Fri Dec 11, 2020 5:45 am

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
Savojar Hockey Series 1 - Regular Season (2/2)

ESK start off the second half of the season brilliantly, fighting out two tough wins over PT Hovikkära and SK Torpedo and crowning the week by dispatching HK Metall unceremoniously with a double by Gulbrandsson in the first period. The three wins from three games are enough to lift the Storevik side up to… fourth, as their competition also manages to play strong. PT Hovikkära struggle most, given their difficult competition, losing but still get a convincing win out against RHK as Bryzhnev carries the Finns; SK Torpedo stumble early on but come back with a win over PT to maintain their lead. The crown for the worst team of the week goes to HK Metall, losing 7-1 in the first game after the break and then proceeding to take no point out of the season, losing their space in the pre-playoffs for now.

Savojarna’s hockey community gets a treat as SK Torpedo welcome Metall with a full-on offensive mindset, and forget their defence in the process. An all out brawl in Pawlograd - in the metaphorical sense - leads to a spectactular game with nine goals, and a crowning empty netter to set the final score to 6-4. But it seems to have tired the side out, and they struggle against a harmless Partizan, scoring the lone goal only in the final minutes of the game in the powerplay. It is still enough to maintain shared leadership with PT and ESK, who both net the full six points over the week. Only CASK can keep up at the top, dominating both Rotor and Dynamo, but they ultimately fall too, losing the derby to an unleashed Thorsborgs Technik side, 3-1 being a friendly result for the Army side who fall apart in defence.

HK Orjalahti Dragons face a difficult first SHS season, and this may be their toughest week, facing off all three top 3 sides. Under the eyes of club president Jarkko Lehtarainen, they play physical and direct against ESK Storevik, and although Gulbrandsson and Malinsson manage to break through twice in the first period, the Dragons refuse to die. Joturainen tips in a puck in the powerplay, and late in the second period a slapshot by winger Ingmar Nythorsson lands smack dab in the top left corner. A third period shot by defender Tuomas Jutsuniemi rebounds onto the stick of Brythen in the centre, and it’s 3-2 Orjalahti. Unfortunately for them, the spirit doesn’t quite carry over, and they get crushed 5-0 by regional rivals PT in the next game, although the point picked up away against Torpedo to close out the week will make things a little less bad. This week, ESK leave as leaders, thanks to consecutive wins over CASK and Sjoedrhavn SHK, with Gulbrandsson being the only player to score a goal in all three games of the week.

Thorsborgs Technik and Dynamo Sjoedrhavn are two of the teams that traditionally try to challenge the top sides of the league, hovering just outside the biggest names. Nurchenko and Kristiansen get an early lead for the Sjoedrhavn guests, but the slight favourites from Thorsborg get the reversal in the second period, and a spectacular game ends with doubles for Nurchenko and Astyugin - and a win for Thorsborg. CASK face Torpedo in a prestige duel of the Armed Forces, and despite Torpedo getting the better start with a Kasajev goal, CASK equalise and Valeri Taranin scores in overtime to get the bragging rights. Somewhat shook and exhausted, Torpedo also lose to Sjoedrhavn SHK the following day, losing all their power in the final period and conceding three to lose 2-4.

HK Rotor concede three defeats in this week. The first one to Torpedo can be expected, but it’s the defeats against Metall and in Novaya Russica that really hurt them, as the Värstjö side loses valuable points in the playoff race and drops down to 12th, eight points off the playoff spots in an otherwise incredibly tight race. CASK face their archrival ASK Landsmark in the Army Derby, a brutal affair as always with zero space for error and a hard, physical play. There are two scraps before the first break, and in the end the game sets a new season record for penalty minutes - but the result is clear: ASK beat their old enemies in Thorsborg with 3-0, leaving CASK’s fans in agony. Things don’t get better the next day, as Axel Nygaard scores two for the Orjalahti Dragons to beat an uninspired and weak Thorsborg side surprisingly. As a result, the army side slips from the top group, five points behind the top 3. ESK lead the pack thanks to another unbeaten week, four points clear of PT and five ahead of SK Torpedo.

Leaders ESK stumble right at the start, dropping two points to their first pursuitors in PT Hovikkära. Bryzhnev vs. Gulbrandsson is always the headline when these two meet, and the result is decisively in the Russian’s favour, scoring twice to set the 2-1 scoreline at the end of the second period. Gulby does score his lone goal of the evening in the final period, but it is controversially disallowed for a goaltender interference; PT seal the match with a powerplay goal six minutes before the end. But they manage to rehabilitate themselves with a big win over SK Torpedo, the defence doing a perfect job of shutting down Kasajev and Aljechin and Eythor Malinsson collecting two - and they finish off with a demolition of HK Metall, who fall apart in the final period, conceding four goals in the final twenty minutes. On the same day, SK Torpedo face PT in the challenger’s duel - and it’s a good one. Bryzhnev strikes first, Kasajev returns it before the first break; and although there are no more goals before the end of the game, chances are plenty, but so are saves. It takes an overtime powerplay for Otala to score in OT, setting PT into the second place.

SK Torpedo have not quite rehabilitated from last week’s losses. A hard-fought win against RHK is just a brief moment, as the Pawlograders follow it up with a loss to Metall and another one to Partizan Novaya Russica, simply failing to use their chances due to many a missed or weak shot. In parallel, ESK Storevik win all three games, two of them very clearly, and the last one against ASK thanks to a beautiful Gulbrandsson solo in overtime. PT Hovikkära also beat Metall and Partizan, each of them 1-0, and then finish the week with a Johan Bryzhnev hattrick. The consequence is that ESK and PT lead by seven points over SK Torpedo, giving some shape to the top of the table. On the bottom, however, everything moves together again, as even 16th-placed Partizan are only 11 points behind the playoff spots.

Right as the regular season comes to a close, ESK are finding their form with a win over Orjalahti where the Storeviker show not only technical skill, but also physical prowess in two scrappy goals. While the next day saw them lose to CASK, the Storeviker are still the first side to lock in their playoff spot. PT Hovikkära follow them to lock in at least play-ins, as do SK Torpedo - among others, thanks to a spectacular 9-1 victory over a disjointed Kjefla Vulkan - as do Traktor St. Andrei thanks to a third-period goal in the powerplay by Tuukka Lajanen. On the last day of the week, CASK battle PT Hovikkära on the doorsteps of the playoffs, and it’s a spectacle. Bryzhnev and Otala score two each, as do Gränlund and Taranin, but it’s Mikael Söderberg who scores the final goal in overtime with a one-timer over the goalie’s pad. Finally, RHK Savojagrad face off Dynamo Sjoedrhavn in a duel right on the playoff line - and demolish Dynamo, with an offensive wave that crashes all over the police team. Five different players score, de Villiers and Simonen double, and RHK catch up to their rivals in what may end up being a play-in series.

Time to take stock in the playoff race with only three games to go: The big lines in the SHS are 6th, above which teams make it directly to quarterfinals, and 10th, above which teams take part in the playoffs. Torpedo and Traktor St. Andrei face off on the final day of the week, with the winner locking in Top 6; Kasajev starts out with an early goal, but Traktor fight back well, Vetrayev taking the lead with two goals. Lajanen once again scores an important goal, but it’s local hero Leonid Karenin who gets the winner and locks playoffs in for Traktor. A loss to Sjoedrhavn SHK on the final day costs HK Metall the chance to still make playoffs proper, but it does keep SHK’s chances of the play-in race alive. The race at the line is very tight, with Technik and Metall currently in, but both SVV and Sjoedrhavn SHK aiming to make a late lunge into the play-ins. Every game will count from now on.

Under normal circumstances, SK Torpedo would be disappointed with a loss to Rotor Värstjö, but they can probably take it when a parallel loss by Dynamo means that the Pawlograd side locks in the play-offs proper on matchday 58. True carnage begins the next day. On the ice, it manifests in not one, but two massive away blowouts - with repercussions. RHK’s 0-6 in Orjalahti keeps their hopes of directly qualifying for the playoffs proper alive, as CASK and RHK are separated by just one point. On the other hand, HK Metall could be the final team to lock in playoff participation with a win against Värstjö, but Rotor come to play, and knock down the Jarnstaders with a 7-2 away win. However, Savojars Vinge fail to take advantage as they can’t beat the already qualified PT, making the playoff race done and dusted after 59 games. CASK need a win against Dragons on the last day to lock in quarterfinals, and win they do - a clear 4-1, with Orjalahti never capable of fighting back.

Regular Season           Pld    W   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 ESK Storevik              60   38  17   146   95  +51    81
 2 PT Hovikkära              60   35  19   131   85  +46    76
 3 Traktor St. Andrei        60   29  20   109   90  +19    69
 4 ASK Landsmark             60   27  20    96   81  +15    67
 5 SK Torpedo Pawlograd      60   30  23   140  124  +16    67
 6 CASK Thorsborg            60   31  24   116   95  +21    67
-----------------------------------------------------------
 7 RHK Savojagrad            60   29  23   131   97  +34    66
 8 Dynamo Sjoedrhavn         60   26  24   120  127   −7    62
 9 Thorsborgs Technik        60   27  29   114  110   +4    58
10 HK Metall Jarnstad        60   25  27   107  129  −22    58
-----------------------------------------------------------
11 Savojars Vinge Virkaja    60   24  30   101  119  −18    54
12 Sjoedrhavn SHK            60   22  29    82   89   −7    53
13 HK Rotor Värstjö          60   21  34   116  147  −31    47
14 Kjefla Vulkan             60   21  34    85  136  −51    47
15 HK Orjalahti Dragons      60   20  36    80  124  −44    44
16 Partizan Novaya Russica   60   19  35    71   97  −26    44

Playoff matchups

Play-ins (Best of 3):
RHK Savojagrad (7) vs. HK Metall Jarnstad (10)
Dynamo Sjoedrhavn (8) vs. Thorsborgs Technik (9)

Quarterfinals (Best of 7):
ESK Storevik (1) vs. DSJ/THT/HKM
PT Hovikkära (2) vs. RHK/DSJ/THT
Traktor St. Andrei (3) vs. CASK Thorsborg (6)
ASK Landsmark (4) vs. SK Torpedo Pawlograd (5)

by **Savojarna** » Sat Dec 12, 2020 5:14 am

SFS X Season Preview (Part 2/2)

FK Metall Jarnstad (10.)

Origin and identity: Miner clubs were some of the oldest clubs in Savojarna. FK Metall were a union of many different clubs after the Revolution, some of which existed since the 1870s. Formed from the miners around the city of Jarnstad, Metall enjoy a solid basis in the entire Jarnslän. They are often seen as a country team, and an honest, hard-working union team. One of the first to introduce a foreign coach, they showed no inhibition to take risks either.
Tactics: Relying on a tough to break defence, with two flat chains, FK Metall usually shut down the midfield. Once they got the ball, they usually try to get the ball to a fast striker or winger. The central midfield is of crucial importance for both obtaining the ball and progressing play up the pitch once it is won.
Key Players: Lovisa Mortensson and Traustir Hjalmarsson in the centre will have to play a strong season to ensure that Metall’s centre holds. In the back, Nepharan Penelope Garner is the one source of youth and skill in the Jarnstad back line, and Aleksander Smichov needs to be a reliable back stop for the black and red. Up front, they have a luxury problem as Ekman and Otarov are two players likely able to start for the Jarnstaders.
Hopefuls: New call-up Morten Pedersen up front is a highly talented player from the team’s own youth squad, proving his scoring ability with the number two in scoring in the Savojar U19-league. Additionally, Metall have signed two talents from the second division in left back Jan Svärd and midfielder Baard Andersen. Both can be expected to get some minutes, but no regular position in this team.
Expectation: A difficult season for a team that is relying on an old guard with some unproven youth players behind it, but Metall are going to be fine. Expect them to just fizzle out somewhere between seventh and twelfth.

Stadium: MetallArena Jarnstad (capacity: 44’000)
Manager: Ognjan Vlahović (ZRH, 62)
Expected formation: 4-4-1-1
Transfers incoming: Jan Svärd (LB, Elektron Harkka, 0.75), Baard Andersen (CM, Mir Nestrovo, 0.5), Henning Svarthus (CB, Hofvinger/GRF, return from loan) | outgoing: Hjalmar Staal (CB, Metsuri Virkaja, 0.5)

RLSK Pawlograd (9.)

Origin and identity: Founded by students as a Russican club in 1932, and struggling to get acceptance in Pawlograd. Fierce rivalries exist with multiple other Pawlograd teams, with varied success. RLSK are a union team supposed to represent the whole town, but have their strongest base among the traditionally liberal-national Pawlograd students and often are considered a hotbed of Russian liberal nationalism.
Tactics: RLSK are a perennial scrapper of the SFS who embodies the spirit of Savojar football to its core. The back three mostly is a back five, but the fullbacks are fast and join in on fierce counters. The midfield mostly lies low, with the occasional striker falling back to link to the centre and shuttling the ball up to their colleague.
Key Players: In a midfield full of destroyers, Svetlana Namenkova stands out as a natural leader, captain, and most talented of the numerous defensive RLSK players. Next to her, the Nepharan duo of Solbachen and Kotsonis is tasked with shuttling the ball forward, a task with which RLSK’s play stands and falls. In defence, the players tend to share the burden equally, but with the centre back line being not as solid as fans may wish, Jushchenko will be required to show up and carry this team.
Hopefuls: In an aging back three, Michail Pavlov is the sole provider of youth; in the last season, he has shown a decent performance, but not sufficient to nail down a starting spot so far. The same goes for striker Patrik Eriksson, who had a good pre-season as a dynamic hanging striker and pressing machine and then fell behind Samarev; he will now likely get his first starting season.
Expectations: Last season was an overachievement, and RLSK will probably revert to the mean. If the team hasn’t significantly lost quality, they may be safe in the lower midfield, but there is a chance that, especially if injuries affect the team, they have to fight against relegation.

Stadium: Stadion Alexey Sakharov (capacity: 37’000)
Manager: Grigori Markov (68)
Expected formation: 3-5-2
Transfers incoming: -- | outgoing: --

Dynamo Sjoedrhavn (8.)

Origin and identity: Founded 1923 to represent the police in the first national league, and gained success after a slow start. Notable for choking the cup, having only won three of eight cup finals. One of two police clubs, they share a rivalry with Dynamo NR. They are emphasising skill and strength in their players, but are said to have mostly bandwagon fans - who haven’t had too much to celebrate recently, as the team has been falling down the ranks recently, largely due to a lack of depth.
Tactics: One of the more offensive teams, they employ heavy pressing with their wingers and forwards. The central midfield plays box to box, using vertical passes. Traditionally they emphasised getting wingers and offensive midfielders close to the goal as well, and chances are this is going to continue with their new signings. Dynamo are in a bit of a change, and have brought in many new players, making them a bit of a black box.
Key Players: Hoyberg and Leclair have been the rocks of this side in the past season, playing the main defensive midfield positions in the team. They will need to repeat that performance, as will centre defender Linne Kjaer. Mohamed Khedira shone last season on the wing, but will now likely have to play as the main striker more often as Teranen ages and he gets more competition on the right win.
Hopefuls: Giovanna Vitale is already 25 and proved herself in Savigliane, but she is still the big question mark as we don’t know how the idea of putting her into the right wing position with Khedira in the centre will work out. Left back Grigori Paranov may slowly ease into the team, and last season’s youth duo Routsiainen and Halanen will have to take on more responsibility.
Expectations: Dynamo are still in a rebuild, but we can expect the rebuild to go well - another top ten spot is expected, and an IFCF spot could be on the cards if everything works out. However, if not everything works out, it could be back to the drawing board quickly. Either way, Dynamo should be safe from any chaos.

Stadium: Stadion Dynamo (capacity: 35’000)
Manager: Kristian Lägg (48)
Expected formation: 4-4-2 hanging
Transfers incoming: Giovanna Vitale (RM/SVG, free agent, 0) | outgoing: Olof Johnberg (ST, retirement)

Rotor Värstjö (7.)

Origin and identity: Värstjö became the centre of the Savojar aircraft industry in the 1930s and formed a football team soon after due to the influx of workers. They were never successful, with their SFS 8 seventh place being an all-time record, but widely regarded in high esteem by neutrals. A union team from a smallish town in Vestrholm, they have been described as "suffering from a constant inferiority complex", but coped decently with it.
Tactics: Recently turned from brutal scrapper to respected development team. Simunov took the team over six years ago and introduced newer, younger players to great success. The team used to make up for its lack of a playmaker by fast and creative play and a rock-solid DM, and one can still see that in their play; however, they largely have managed to find some more creative play.
Key Players: Harald Barnerud in the midfield will also be an important connector between the defence and the strikers, where either one of Jonsson or Karamasov will have to be in top form in order to convert. On the wing, the right side in particular is a strong point with both Kuznetsov and Palvarainen being strong creative players. In the central defence, both Tuomioja and Hangren will have to be strong.
Hopefuls: Sveinn Arnason is the man behind the lines, finding a new challenge as an offensive playmaker rather than a striker. He will have to prove his strength in a new position. In central defence, both Janne Palander and Eastfield Lodge’s Charlotta Pala, the 19 year old defensive duo, will be seeing some regular play, something that worked well for Rotor in the past.
Expectations: The club makes clear that their expectation is simply to keep away from relegation, but the fans will probably hope to find another high midfield finish. Chances that this will happen are there, but it should not be assumed to be the case, as much relies on the prospects of Rotor being actually good.

Stadium: Värstjös Samfunnetsstadion (capacity: 22’000)
Manager: Gennadi Simunov (56)
Expected formation: 4-3-3
Transfers incoming: -- | Outgoing: Malena Hensberg (ST, Motor Johansborg, loan)

Lokomotive Jarnstad (6.)

Origin and identity: Formed in 1929, Lok is younger than Metall Jarnstad, and the two entered a heated rivalry immediately. Lok is the club of the railway workers in the Jarnslän and see themselves as the club of the city of Jarnstad. Because of the state's support for the railways, they are a strong team, and were the first union team to win the SFS, and are often derided by Metall fans as a state team in denial.
Tactics: A typical Savojar defensive team, they fall back and rely on a quick counter. They hardly ever make defensive mistakes, but are often criticised for lack of inspiration and unfair play. A lot is going on on the sides, especially the right side, and the nominal playmaker Ljurbyn often plays almost as a hanging striker. In the defence, they play a tight line and operate with long balls onto the wing or to the strikers.
Key Players: The trio of Roy Coyner and Trent Ullqvist in central defence, and Gerik Knasmuller in goal, is the fundament on which Lok’s success rests. However, previously a weakness, the signing of Zeta Rekan national team striker Bogdan Rawic made Lok’s offence a fearful threat. With Grivoshenko still present on the right, and Adrian Klaebo slowly taking more of an active role, Lok are rounding out their rough edges to become a fearsome side.
Hopefuls: At 20 years old, Adrian Klaebo is fully expected to take on a starting role in central midfield. He is an incredibly smart defensive midfielder aiming to distribute balls alongside the more workmanlike Loeseth. At the right side, the addition of Oleg Trikhichev has added yet more depth behind Grivoshenko. The big shining diamond in the team, however, is central midfielder Sara Kristoffersdóttir of Graentfjall, likely the youngest to ever play for Lok in the SFS.
Expectations: This is a deeper side then ever, they have signed a powerful striker in Bogdan Rawic, and Klaebo is on track to become a cornerstone of not only Lok, but also the Savojar National Team. It’s hard not to see this side contest for at least the IFCF, if not the championship.

Stadium: Stadion Savojarsk Jarnsvägen (capacity: 53’800)
Manager: Rjurik Smolderhøve (61)
Expected formation: 4-4-1-1
Transfers incoming: Bogdan Rawic (ST/ZRH, Aleiusia Capital/ZRH, 6), Oleg Trikhichev (RW, Traktor St. Andrei, 1.5), Jevgeni Kuzkin (CB, Mir Nestrovo, 0), Sara Kristoffersdóttir (CM/GRF, Fliserboding/GRF, 0) | outgoing: --

ESK Storevik (5.)

Origin and identity: Ejana was dominated by dockworker and neighbourhood squads. In 1940, ESK were founded to challenge the primacy of Admiral with a true Ejana team supported by the local leaders. A union of clubs representing city neighbourhoods of Storevik, it has developed into a sort of "national team" of Ejana, enjoying support all over the island. Its fans are pretty fervent, and often swing into left-wing political activism.
Tactics: Freyrson has an image of a tactical expert, shaping his team over a long time. His system is a highly fluid 4-2-2-2, relying on two hybrid wingers, a classical scorer and a trequartista. He has been in charge for an era now, to the point where the team conforms entirely to his tactical vision, and generally embodies technical, fast and fluid football.
Key Players: Sigurdsdottir is still a core part of the team, even if she isn’t a starter anymore after the signing of a new striker. However, she is still a core player in the locker room, and will be instrumental in keeping this team together especially internationally. Who is taking her place on the field? Uller Sigfridsson and Rikard Helborg both showed promise, as has Arvid Persson, building the core of the offence. Defensively, much rests on the shoulders of Parvin and Bjarnasdottir; but the team has overall gained significantly in depth and looks well positioned for another good season.
Hopefuls: With Sigfridsson and Arnason living up to the expectations and moving more towards regular roles, there are not that many question marks left in this side. Quebecois Eddie Guweddeko is an unknown quantity after his transfer, but has shown promise; for Thorgeir Arnason, the big question is whether he can repeat last year’s performances. Overall, however, this is a tested and proven (and somewhat old) team on its perhaps last hurrah.
Expectations: ESK don’t have very high class players aside from an aged Sigurdsdottir, and perhaps Persson in top form - and potentially, of course, Guweddeko. However, they also don’t have significant holes in the squad and if they get on a run, much is possible. The fans will expect something around 10th, though.

Stadion: Ejansk Stadion (capacity: 41’000)
Manager: Halldor Freyrsson (63)
Expected formation: 4-2-2-2
Transfers incoming: Eddie Guweddeko (ST/QUE, Kingston FC/QUE, 2) | outgoing: --

CASK Thorsborg (4.)

Origin and identity: Founded 1916 as an Army team, with heated rivalries with the other branches (mainly Admiral). Savojarna's army club profited for decades from conscription laws. This has changed with the formation of the SFS, but CASK's self-image of the confident record champion has not. In recent years, they have transformed themselves into a team relying heavily on good transfers. Regardless of their approach, CASK are beloved within the army, respectfully hated in other state institutions, and loathed by all union team fans.
Tactics: CASK's strength lies in switching quickly. The defensive midfield acts as an anchor, trying to quickly move the ball up to the front. The defence largely stays back. Since the arrival of McDonald, they play a two-top, and recently shifted their focus to building play over the wings to compensate for the lack of a world-class playmaker.
Key Players: Arturo Prosdocimi is the bedrock upon which CASK’s fearsome offensive team rests; the defensive midfielder needs to be in top form. Ahead of him, the true key players are on the sides, with Wallace Pickton and Janna Sauthier being the potentially best wingers of the SFS. Especially Sauthier has made headlines as the first SFS player to be called up into the national team of Nephara, and she wants to shine. Defensively, Thomas Larsen is one of the two best goalkeepers of the league; the only real CASK question marks are the fullbacks.
Hopefuls: Jekaterina Smolov is not truly a hopeful anymore, having proven her worth in St. Andrei; however, with a transfer sum of 2.5 million, she will have to prove that she can also bring results outside the Traktor environment. Behind, Yuezhou’s Wen Xiaohui is supposed to plug the hole in the offensive midfield; the 21 year old will be thrown into the deep end right away. Finally, another 21 year old is being brought in as the backup to Prosdocimi - a tough task for Heikki Aho, who will have to show his potential not as suddenly as Wen, but has big steps to fill.
Expectations: CASK are always expected to contest for the win, and bringing in Smolov and seeing their wingers improve should bolster that. However, with Nweke and Gyldenström, they have lost their best striker and a key talent, so perhaps the ambitions are going a little more towards the Champions Cup spots.

Stadium: Stadion General Erik Harden (capacity: 62’000)
Manager: Johnny McDonald (48/SCT)
Expected formation: 4-1-3-2
Transfers incoming: Heikki Aho (DM, Partisan Sjoedrhavn, 3), Jekaterina Smolov (ST, Traktor St. Andrei, 2.5), Wen Xiaohui (OM/YZH, Interdimensional Misei/HIN, 1.3) | outgoing: Sergey Nweke (ST, Unioneers/EUR, 6.7), Kaisa Gyldenström (RM, North Sabrefell/NPH, 2.5), Mans Sandberg (GK, Ratzupalfu Rhinos/SNL, 1.25), Jari Livonen (DM, retirement)

Partisan Sjoedrhavn (3.)

Origin and identity: Founded 1936 as a union of four Sjoedrhavn teams and immediately successful, but losing out after the 50s. Short resurgence with 2 titles and a cup in the 90s, and establishing themselves as the weakest Big Four team in the SFS era. Formed as a representative vehicle by Communist elites, Partisan's fans are stereotyped to be bureaucrats from the KPS, although there are also plenty of fans who are drawn to their often spectacular play. They are popular nationally, but not in their town.
Tactics: "Parti" show resilience and speed on the counter-attack. Relying on two hard-to-break defensive lines, they try to trap the opponent and then use the speed of the midfield to score. Although defensively, they are not the most interesting team, their offence usually relies on some trickery from the forwards and stunning plays. Under new coach Patrik Alexandersson, there is an increasing pivot towards more offensive play.
Key Players: With Karjanen gone, there is a lot more weight on the shoulders of Morten Poulsen, but also a lot more freedom in playmaking; also thanks to the support that has been given by Machua Cronin. Overall, this may just shake out to work well. In defence, Jernayev remains a leader but has gotten a support in Broad; still, an Aleksandra Virulainen in good form may be important for their success. The question is where goals could come from if Augustine Rahn does not score as intended.
Hopefuls: Parti continue their strategy of bringing in one big name signing from Nephara every year - this time they splurged on defender Alyssa Broad, who has proven her worth in Savojarna previously when she was on loan at Libertas Bergheim, but she seems to have stagnated since. The SFS is an attempt to kick-start her career again. Offensively, Sven Ehlers and Göran Jaerbyn have reached the capacity to play from the start, and will want to repay the trust.
Expectations: Defence has been a problem for Partisam, and that seems to have been fixed. This is a team that has previously shown it’s good enough for the championship if everything comes together, and even if it so far hasn’t come together, we completely expect them to take aim at the title - or at least the IFCF.

Stadium: Stadion Perl Kruger (capacity: 42’300)
Manager: Patrik Alexandersson (43)
Expected formation: 4-4-2
Transfers incoming: Alyssa Broad (CB/NPH, Sabrefell Athletic/NPH, 5.5), Taito Viinanen (ST, Metsuri Virkaja, 0.7) | outgoing: Heikki Aho (DM, CASK Thorsborg, 3), Alina Lund (RF, Club Racing Sept-Iles/QUE, 0), Perttu Karjanen (MS, retirement)

Admiral Storevik (2.)

Origin and identity: Founded 1916 as a Navy team, immediately building a heated rivalry with CASK. Admiral were initially stronger but fell behind in the 1930s, struggling for titles since. Historically, the army club are their biggest rivals, followed by Torpedo and ESK. Although Admiral are not very popular in Storevik, quite a few people in Ejana support them as the main source of potential titles for the island.
Tactics: Admiral have transformed from a traditionally more defensive team relying on few talented strikers into a bona-fide balanced side. They rely on a calm, collected buildup from a strong defensive line and a double pivot that provides a base for the offensive four to stray forward and work creative magic.
Key Players: With Andersson gone, more weight rests on the offensive trident of Vladcik - Jotansson - Leopold and on playmaker Sabine Montag. Centre forward Arvid Jotansson is on probation, so to say, after losing his starting spot in the national team, and will need to have a better season if Admiral want to win the title. Dmitri Dmitriev in the defence is a signing that Admiral have wanted for a while, a centre-back to shore up their traditionally strong back line. The question is how much he can do in this team.
Hopefuls: Brygg is still here, and he is still slowly being eased into his role as future playmaker behind Montag, who will probably see her last season as unchallenged leader in the position. Behind him, Arianna Berger sees no such protection as the retirement of Andersson means she has to go straight into the starting formation, a tough task for the talented player.
Expectations: Andersson gone, Montag aging and Jotansson in questionable form means all together that Admiral are not the title contender they want to be this year. Likely, they will end up somewhere in the top 5, netting themselves a spot in the IFCF, but not anywhere near the championship.

Stadium: Marinestadion (capacity: 48’000)
Manager: Gylfi Haukason (53)
Expected formation: 4-2-3-1
Transfers incoming: Dmitri Dmitriev (CB, FK Torpedo Pawlograd, 2.3), Robin Oakes (CB/TKT, Dhun Lagarr FC/TKT, 1.25) | outgoing: Gregor Flygstad (CB, FK Sjoedrhavn, 0.4), Joonas Andersson (DM, retirement)

Libertas Bergheim (SFS 9 Champions)

Origin and identity: After the formation of a national league, the teams of the three biggest Bergheimer unions had formed the club in 1927. Libertas is traditionally an upper-midfield team with 2 cups, but still chases that elusive first championship. They are the team of Bergheim's unions, made up of coal and silver miners as well as loggers. Bergheim's independent spirit and left-libertarian tradition shapes the club's identity and its large fan base.
Tactics: Libertas prefer speed over strength. Their main road to the goal is via the sides, either searching Lajunen in the box or Hakeson behind it, although the addition of a bona fide playmaker has made the team more versatile. Often play a slanted version of a back three, with one side having a wingback and the other a more offensive winger, and almost playing with a back four off the ball at times.
Key Players: Tuomas Lajunen up front is Libertas’ life insurance and constant threat for the top-scoring title; now, his life will probably get even easier as he gets an equal partner in Nepharan veteran Sequel Bathanay. Arkanin in the playmaking position and Geddes on the left side will be the main chance creators in midfield. Andrea Najmina is the defensive brain of Libertas, holding up the back three with unspectacular, high-quality work.
Hopefuls: In goal, Mikhail Trischuk is supposed to create more reliability, as Lotte Ronne has been patchy in the past. He has been strong in South Newlandia, but there is always a big question in how goalkeepers transition elsewhere - just ask Radu Bartok. Similarly, Trixie Cottan is an unknown quantity, coming in on a free transfer from Brenecia. In terms of youth players, Gudrun Jansdottir is still looking to slowly ease into Libertas’ central defence, and she has generally promised much.
Expectations: With little changes to the team and the additions being more or less proven players, although not in the SFS, it’s hard to see this team do anything else than contesting for a title defence. It’s not by any means pre-decided, but Libertas do enter the season as favourites.

Stadium: Bergheims Samfunnetsstadion (capacity: 27’900)
Manager: Helgi Laurison (66)
Expected formation: 3-4-1-2
Transfers incoming: Mikhail Trischuk (GK/SNL, Ratzupalfu Rhinos/SNL, 4), Trixie Cottan (CB/BRE, Francisca Orient/BRE, 0) | outgoing: Johan Simundsen (LF, Osarese Marcadia/AUD, 0.8), Markus Nyborg (OM, retirement)

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