Liga Federal de Valladares (Official Thread)

by **Valladares** » Mon Mar 19, 2018 4:28 pm

LIGA FEDERAL DE VALLADARES
PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-FIFTH SEASON - PREVIEW: PART I

The Liga Federal de Valladares welcomes one and all to the fifty-fifth season of Valladar domestic football, with Fontvielle Impact coming into the new season as defending champions. This season will finally see the much-awaited return to the Apertura-Clausura system with a final to be played at the end of the year, which is expected to increase the league's competitiveness by giving the smaller teams more and better chances to qualify for international competition. Will the new competition format help Fontvielle Impact confirm their return by defending succesfully the title won last season? Will it be the time for another member of the "Big 6" to celebrate? Or will any of the smaller clubs take advantage of the switch and spoil the party for the favorites? So, without further ado, here we have this preview for you to start answering those questions!

(Key: Best three players in bold, foreigners in italics)

Ajax Carloburgo:

Full Name: Football Club Ajax Carloburgo
Nicknames: The Immigrants, The Red-Whites
Stadium: Olympic Stadium, Carloburgo, Mountbatten (Cap. 38,755)
Kit Sponsor: ECOMM (Software development)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 13th - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 20,317
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Houghton - Campbell, Gardner, Andrews (C), Farfán - Fowler, Portilla, Muriel, Bell - Holmes, Armstrong
Moves Out: Aiden Pearson (FW, 24, VLD) to Tihon Tide (CMT)
Moves In: Lucas Bertin (FW, 18, VLD) promoted from Ajax Academy
Commentary: Ajax are coming off another average season in both the league and the Shield, where they were unable to get to at least the Round of 16 after ending as cup runners-up in the previous two seasons. For this upcoming season news are not really good as their main striker Aiden Pearson left for new challenges in Chromatika and was not properly replaced, meaning that the offensive line will lose some power. However, the remainder of the team and coach Alexander Pereira continue in the club, having gained more experience. Considering this panorama, it is safe to say that the second team from Carloburgo will continue aiming for mid-table stability, and maybe an outside chance at a Globe Cup berth if they manage to get in the way of the remaining contenders.
The Pundit's Prediction: Once again, the Immigrants are letting their main players go with leading striker Aiden Pearson being the most recent addition to the list. That loss will hit them really hard as the team looks more and more weakened every season. 15th.

AS Bezieres:

Full Name: Association Sportive de Bezieres
Nicknames: Les Rouges (The Reds), Les Démons (The Devils), L'ASB (The ASB), Les Aigles (The Eagles)
Stadium: Stade de Foix-Jules Picot, Bezieres, Foix (Cap. 63,170)
Kit Sponsors: Hydro-Foix (Electric utilites), Triangle Électronique (Home appliances)
Honours (25): 9 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 10, 11, 13, 16, 27, 36, 40, 42, 47), 7 Kings' Shields (KS 5, 9, 15, 19, 39, 41, 44), 5 Supercopas (SCV 5, 7, 18, 25, 29), 1 Torneo de Verano (Season 54), 3 Cup Winners' Cups (CWC 15, 16, 17)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 7th - Kings' Shield: Winners
Average Attendance: 48,246
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Dussan - Mayard, Donato, dos Santos (C), Loft - Rojas, de Préville, Lessard - Barrios - Mendoza, Núñez
Moves Out: Alfred Valdivia (FW, 24, VLD) to Brigham (EUR), Theo Bollaert (CB, 23, VLD) loaned to CAP
Moves In: Fabián Villafañe (FW, 20, VLD) promoted from ASB Academy
Commentary: The victory in the Kings' Shield final against Metropolis Alligators and the eventual qualification to both the Globe Cup and Cygnus Cup saved Ronald Labbadia and AS Bezieres from a resounding failure last season, as the team wasted the chance to secure international qualification via Liga-1 by losing the Derby to Fontvielle Impact and allowing their arch-rivals to win the championship, while also falling down to seventh place in the process. For this season, Les Rouges will have a significant loss: substitute striker Alfred Valdivia, who departed to the other side of the Ituyán looking for better chances. However, the starting 11 remains untouched and that is something that calms coach Labbadia a bit, as he has set his goals on a tenth league championship for Bezieres as well as a decent participation in international competition. Last but not least, Les Rouges will also have a "new" management, as owner Rémy de Saint-Lorent decided to deliver the baton to his daughter Catherine, who has set a milestone with this move as she becomes the first chairwoman of a top tier team in Valladares.
The Pundit's Prediction: Last season, Bezieres showed they can easily be either a candidate to win the title or a team that will suffer pains to clinch a UICA berth, just to botch it within inches of the finish line. Such volatility makes them an unpredictable and unreliable team, which will nevertheless be in the Globe Cup hunt until the end for this upcoming season. There's no Valdivia to rescue them in dire moments anymore, though. 6th.

AS Vaud:

Full Name: Association Sportive de Vaud-Gatineau
Nicknames: Les Étudiants (The Students)
Stadium: Stade Omnisports Gatineau, Gatineau, Foix (Cap. 18,500)
Kit Sponsor: None
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-2: 2nd, Promoted - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 5,315
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Moreira - Mallory, Brisson, Chrétien (C), Teixeira - Pellegrino, Groleau, Silva - Páez - Duhamel, Balzan
Moves Out: Walter Ribonetti (AM, 27, VLD) loaned to Real Campo Grande
Moves In: Ricardo Teixeira (LB, 28, VLD) from Hoxford Rovers, Rafael Pellegrino (MR, 24, VLD) on loan from Libertad, Mauricio Arias (FW, 19, VLD) on loan from Canalave Dragons
Commentary: Last season, Vaud were one of the sides who displayed the best football in Liga-2 and their outstanding campaign allowed them to finish in second place, thus they are back to Liga-1 as the sole representative from Gatineau in the top tier. Les Étudiants are fully aware that their goal for this season will be avoiding relegation, and they decided to strengthen their squad with defender Ricardo Teixeira and forward Mauricio Arias, both with experience in the top flight, as well as midfielder Rafael Pellegrino who was one of the revelation players last season in Liga-2, being instrumental in the campaign of surprise package Libertad, who were on the verge of promotion. Out of the teams expected to be in the relegation struggle, Vaud were the side that brought the most players, and they will be hoping that fact will help them make the difference with the rest of their rivals.
The Pundit's Prediction: Vaud are looking like they will be a really hard nut to crack for every team in the league. They are capable enough to give some of the top teams a scare, but their real fight will be with Pumas and the matches against them will be the crucial ones in order to avoid an early return to Liga-2. 17th, relegation playoff winners.

Bohemians Metropolis:

Full Name: Bohemians Metropolis Football Club
Nicknames: Gallo (Rooster), Los Albiverdes (The White-Greens)
Stadium: Estadio Luis Frattini, Metropolis, District of Metropolis (Cap. 18,500)
Kit Sponsor: Heritage (Insurance)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 10th - Kings' Shield: Round of 16
Average Attendance: 11,435
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Ríos (C) - Dueñas, Hammond, Almeida, Howell - Navas, Moyes, Bastos - Correa - Vargas, Vasseur
Moves Out: Alain Barthez (AM, 25, VLD) to Centralis Heart (ETM)
Moves In: Felipe Correa (AM, 27, VLD) back from loan to Libertad
Commentary: A 10th place finish in the most recent season is yet another proof of the consolidation of Bohemians in the top tier. Coach Gilbert Favre has big merit on that achievement as he has managed to make the most of the resources available on his team and turn a side tipped to get relegated into a dangerous dark horse. The Gallo was another victim of the latest wave of emigration of Valladar players, as their flagship player Alain Barthez moved to Electrum to play in the highly-demanding Terranean League, however playmaker Felipe Correa is back from his spell at Libertad and will be Barthez' replacement this season, charged with the responsiblity of providing strikers Franco Vargas and Pierre Vasseur with assists. This season will be the moment to see whether Bohemians will be up to stay comfortably in mid-table for another season or finally try and push for qualification to an international berth. It will all depend on their efforts and Favre's ability to draw water from stones...
The Pundit's Prediction: The Gallo have managed to stay at the top tier with much comfort even though both of their pillars in recent campaigns have been lured by other stronger teams and left: first Brayan Borja and now Alain Barthez. Perhaps they will not have enough gas to compete for the Apertura, the Clausura or stay in the UICA race for too long but they'll continue safely away from the relegation battle. 14th.

Canalave Dragons:

Full Name: Canalave Dragons Football Club
Nicknames: The Dragons
Stadium: Dragon Stadium, City of Canalave, Canalave (Cap. 50,987)
Kit Sponsors: Mercantil Bank (Financial services), Canalave Port Authority (Port operation)
Honours (5): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 19), 3 Kings' Shields (KS 12, 14, 23), 1 Supercopa (SCV 11)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 9th - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 29,047
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): McKinley - Moreira, Sánchez (C), Belfry, Cummings - Lambert, Silva, Morel, Vieira - Rose, Costa
Moves Out: Adrien Borges (FW, 25, VLD) to Helfin Fief (COS)
Moves In: John Rose (FW, 25, DUN) from Rose City (DUN), Chris Willis (FW, 20, VLD) promoted from Canalave Dragons U-19
Commentary: For the Dragons, last season was full of disappointment. A poor league performance, where the Canalase club failed to get anywhere close to a UICA berth, added to an early elimination from the Kings' Shield (which is the competition they usually excel at) and the departure of fan favourite Adrien Borges only because he was not of the liking of coach Bruno Mouche have angered the fans and piled up a lot of pressure on the team for this upcoming season. The arrival of the first player from Dunnes to play in Valladares in the shape of John Rose (brought especially to replace Borges and appease the fanbase) as well as the promotion of Chris Willis to the senior squad to join Ronald Vieira and Daniel Costa make us think that the Dragons will be in full offense mode for this upcoming season, but the truth is that the people around the team are already desperate for results. They want to win stuff or qualify for stuff, and they want both things now. The environment at Canalave will be really heavy (and hotter than usual) for this season...
The Pundit's Prediction: The Dragons have made an interesting wager by landing Dunnish striker John Rose, who should blend into the team's usual offensive mentality just fine. If Rose manages to make a quick adaptation to the city and the team, the Dragons will definitely be pushing to win either the Apertura, the Clausura, or a Globe Cup berth through the aggregate table, if none of these options work. They should also try to not get themselves blushed by minor teams in the earlier rounds of the Shield for a change (protip: the Shield is a quicker way to sneak into the GC...). 8th.

CAP:

Full Name: Club Atlético Popular de Los Chorros
Nicknames: Los Cuervos (The Ravens), Los Ediles (The Councillors)
Stadium: Estadio Municipal, Los Chorros, Mountbatten (Cap. 41,311)
Kit Sponsor: MAXI (Hypermarket)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-2: 1st (Champions) - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 9,292
Starting Lineup (5-4-1): Palacios - Suárez, Saucedo, Bollaert, Delima, Rodas - Quiñónez, Hoffmann (C), Montoya, Ospina - Bruin
Moves Out: Thiago Matheus (CB, 25, VLD) to Metropolis Alligators
Moves In: Theo Bollaert (CB, 23, VLD) on loan from AS Bezieres
Commentary: CAP are back to the Liga-1 after dominating the Liga-2 last season. The only loss for the team from Los Chorros ahead of this season is centreback Thiago Matheus, who rejected several offers from presitigious foreign teams to join Metropolis Alligators, to which CAP's Board reacted by bringing substitute CB Theo Bollaert from Bezieres. In order to avoid yet another short-lived stay in the top tier, Los Cuervos will be relying on their defense, led by goalkeeper Alexis Palacios and centreback Pedro Saucedo, while also hoping for striker Karl Bruin to make the most out of the chances they get through counterattacks. CAP will be looking to secure salvation at the end of the season by snatching some points off the "Big" teams as it used to be common practice for them as well as beating all of their rivals in the relegation struggle.
The Pundit's Prediction: CAP's main goal for this season will be fighting to avoid relegation, and they will give fight to the likes of Pumas, Vaud, and Edmonton to achieve that. However, their defensive approach and tactics might take their toll. 19th.

Deportivo Junín:

Full Name: Club Deportivo Junín
Nicknames: Los Granates (The Maroons), Los Orientales (The Easterners)
Stadium: Arena Junín, Ciudad de Junín (Cap. 43,394)
Kit Sponsors: Ortel (Telecommunications), Alcaldía de Junín (Local government), Atmochem (Petrochemicals)
Honours (3): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 49), 1 Kings' Shield (KS 43), 1 Rushmori Copa de Campeones (CdC 37)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 8th - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 24,883
Starting Lineup (4-4-1-1): Fernández - Castrillón, Marín, Rojas, Fresquet (C) - Pasquel, Otero, Padilla, Stokes - Drea - Valencia
Moves Out: Derek Young (RB, 31, ETM) as free agent, Joel Klein (LM, 32, ETM) as free agent
Moves In: Elkin González (RB, 20, VLD) promoted from Deportivo Junín U-19, Sergio Caballero (LM, 20, VLD) promoted from Deportivo Junín U-19
Commentary: Last season, the Granates were one match away from a return to an international final after losing to Ulsa in the Cup Winners' Cup semifinals and were able to stage a decent comeback which even had them with an outside chance of finishing in fifth place in Liga-1 and a possible return to the Globe Cup, events which were convincing enough for the club's Board to renew their endorsement to the project led by coach Victor Anigo and former NT star Jean-Pierre de Roux for this upcoming season. Deportivo Junín have shocked everyone in this off-season by announcing that they would be parting ways with Electrumite players Derek Young and Joel Klein, both important players in the Eastern squad. Although both players reported personal issues as the reason for their departure, some media in Junín reported that it was part of Anigo's plan to purge the roster and pave the way for squad renovation, as 20-year olds Elkin González and Sergio Caballero were promoted to the main squad in their replacement. The Granates, now led by Euran and Chromatik midfielders Jim Stokes and Willard Drea as their main international stars, will be looking to return to the international stage by aiming at a fourth or fifth place finish in the league, or another Kings' Shield victory...whichever way they choose will be appreciated by the Juninese population, who are starting to grow more and more passionate about their team.
The Pundit's Prediction: Once again, Deportivo Junín will be part of the "UICA hopefuls" group, fighting against Bezieres, TFC, the Stars, and the Dragons for a possible Globe Cup berth. The departure of their Electrumite players as well as the reinforcements for the rest of the sides involved might leave the Granates behind in that race, so maybe focusing on the Kings' Shield (or trying to win either the Apertura or the Clausura) could be a safer bet for them. 10th.

Edmonton United:

Full Name: Edmonton United Football Club
Nicknames: The Monties, The Blue-Blacks
Stadium: Albert Field, Edmonton, Westlands (Cap. 20,000)
Kit Sponsor: Ferroni (Food processing)
Honours (6): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 29), 4 Kings' Shields (KS 8, 26, 28, 33), 1 Supercopa (SCV 14)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 12th - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 14,614
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Herner - Machado, Lama, Bélanger, Salazar - Miller, Ramírez, Allister, Turnbull - Arrú, Jonferth (C)
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Although a twelfth place isn't really considered much of an achievement, considering Edmonton's standards and performance in recent times it is worth a lot. The Monties were expected to be fighting for their life until the end but managed to string a nice streak of consecutive wins and sealed their top flight status with relative comfort as a result. Given that the team stays the same from last season, and still guided by the experience of Cosumarite striker Delwyth Jonferth, for the upcoming Edmonton will be hoping for a higher finish in the aggregate table which allows them to stay away from relegation, and who knows, they might try and clinch an international berth while they're at it: they've got a relatively young side but far more experienced compared to last season, a more benign system of play...and a fanbase to lure again as the attendance averages at Albert Field keep falling every season...
The Pundit's Prediction: Edmonton have managed to be safe from relegation for several seasons already with varied formulas: first by using experienced players, then a mixture of experience and youth, and now mostly young players. However, they are unlikely to repeat last season's campaign since they declined to reinforce themselves unlike some other smaller teams such as Ajax or Bohemians. They will still be able to avoid relegation in comfortable fashion, though...15th.

Eterna Stars:

Full Name: Eterna Stars Football Club
Nicknames: The Stars, The Yellows
Stadium: Alain Tramontin Stadium, Eterna City, Eterna (Cap. 60,207)
Kit Sponsor: Hipinito (Soft drinks)
Honours (5): 2 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 2, 20), 2 Kings' Shields (KS 1, 22), 1 Supercopa (SCV 28)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 6th - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 46,195
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Cross - Serrate, Mackarin, Holmes, Waldo (C) - Sierra, Castillo, Rengifo - Fagundes, Mehdizade, Germain
Moves Out: Alexander Casierra (FW, 24, VLD) to Galatica (PAS)
Moves In: None
Commentary: Despite the Stars failed to achieve their goals of qualifying for international competition last season, they were able to end in a respectable sixth place at the end of the season while also showing some interesting things in their squad: a powerful partnership up front with Chromatik striker Aide Mehdizade and Valladar counterparts Peter Fagundes and Valentin Germain, with Mehdizade being the team's top scorer as well as one of the Liga-1 best players, as well as a solid defense led by NT goalkeeper Alan Cross, which had the least goals conceded in the league with just 36 goals against. In this season, the Stars will be hoping to capitalize on these strong spots in order to return to a UICA competition, and now that the season will be split into Apertura and Clausura tournaments they will surely have higher odds of achieving that goal than in a single long tournament.
The Pundit's Prediction: The Stars have set their goal on winning either the Apertura or the Clausura in order to qualify for the Champions' Cup without depending on the aggregate table. And that's the best course of action in order to avoid being involved in another tough battle with their usual rivals for the last Globe Cup spot, especially now that there are going to be only two berths awarded through the aggregate table, instead of the usual four. 7th.

Étoile Verte:

Full Name: Club Sportif Étoile Verte de Bezieres
Nicknames: Les Verts (The Greens), L'Étoile (The Star)
Stadium: Stade de Charmilliot, Bezieres, Foix (Cap. 13,000)
Kit Sponsor: Triangle Électronique (Home appliances)
Honours (1): 1 Kings' Shield (KS 29)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-2: 6th, Liga-2 Final Playoffs Winner (Promoted) - Kings' Shield: Round of 16
Average Attendance: 9,039
Starting Lineup (4-1-4-1): Ospina - Galtier, Rouzet, Bakvis, Haroche - Magnin (C), Herivaux, Boisbriand, Vaughan - Bernardi - Forlán
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Étoile Verte are the last team promoted from Liga-2 for this season, by dramatically sneaking into the final playoff spot on the last matchday and once there beating theoretically stronger sides such as Stanford United in the semifinals and surprise package Libertad on penalties in the final. Les Verts, commanded by coach Gustavo Franco for some time, have given continuity to their squad, led by midfielder Pierre Magnin, who has consolidated himself as team captain, and Nuevo Caracas-born striker Gustavo Forlán, who has naturalised himself as a Valladar citizen after some time of being playing in Valladares, and will be looking forward to stay in the top tier for more than one season by relying on the experience provided by Magnin and goalkeeper Andrés Ospina, and the talent of both Forlán and playmaker Raymond Bernardi at the front. The second team from Bezieres will have some stiff competition in the relegation race but they are confident they've got enough weapons to avoid the drop.
The Pundit's Prediction: Out of the three promoted sides, Étoile Verte look as the weakest one, especially given by the fact that there was no movement in and out of the team and the roster remains unchanged. Perhaps it is a competitive roster for Liga-2 standards, but Liga-1 will be a whole new level for them. 20th.

by **Valladares** » Mon Mar 19, 2018 4:29 pm

LIGA FEDERAL DE VALLADARES
PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-FIFTH SEASON - PREVIEW: PART II

Fontvielle Impact:

Full Name: Impact de Fontvielle Football Club
Nicknames: Les Bleus (The Blues), L'Impact (The Impact), Hexachampion
Stadium: Stade de la Frontière, Fontvielle, Foix (Cap. 41,378)
Kit Sponsors: Tamount (Food processing), MasterAuto.vd (Car rental)
Honours (28): 12 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 5, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 41, 54), 3 Kings' Shields (KS 2, 18, 35), 7 Supercopas (SCV 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 19, 23), 2 UICA Champions' Cups (CC 37, 40), 1 UICA Globe Cup (GC 53), 1 UICA Super Cup (SC 37), 2 Cup Winners' Cups (CWC 18, 35)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 1st (Champions) - Kings' Shield: Round of 16
Average Attendance: 36,884
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Gillet (C) - Pedretti, Bianchi, Millar, McNair - Jiménez, Sykes-Lussac, Rouillard - Baume, Alexandre, Conte
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Fontvielle Impact will be entering this season as defending champions, having broken a 13-year titleless streak with a win over their arch-rivals Bezieres on the last matchday of last season. It seems the risk the Tamount family decided to take three seasons ago by handing the team to the then-unexperienced coach Daniel Bernard has managed to deliver good results fairly quickly, as Bernard managed to return the team to UICA competitions as well as win the league while also consolidating an offensive (and attractive) style of play. The team still boast their fearful offensive trident comprised by Liga-1's top goalscorer Wilfried Baume as well as strikers Alexandre and Carlos Conte, and a sturdy defense led by experienced goalkeeper Antoine Gillet, which has also become a pillar of their recent success. For this upcoming season, and with the fans having their faith restored, Les Bleus will be aiming at their thirteenth title, which will enable them to become sole leaders of the Liga-1's Roll of Honour once again, while also making a deep run in the Champions' Cup. As Valladar champions and as former CC winners, they're obliged to do well in that competition...
The Pundit's Prediction: As defending champions, Les Bleus will start the season as the natural frontrunners in the race for the championship. Retaining the players that won the championship last season was a good first move by the Tamounts, and it looks like l'Impact might be celebrating another domestic crown at the end of the season. 1st, champions.

Marinos Metropolis:

Full Name: Club Deportivo Marinos de Metrópolis
Nicknames: Los Marineros (The Mariners), Los Celestes (The Sky Blues), El Cuarto Grande (The Fourth Big Team)
Stadium: Estadio Zachary Fortin, Metropolis, District of Metropolis (Cap. 50,304)
Kit Sponsor: TelFax (Telecommunications)
Honours (20): 6 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 4, 44, 45, 46, 52, 53), 5 Kings' Shields (KS 6, 25, 31, 36, 38), 3 Supercopas (SCV 26, 29, 31), 2 UICA Champions' Cups (CC 60, 61), 1 UICA Globe Cup (GC 37), 2 Cup Winners' Cups (CWC 38, 39), 1 Rushmori Copa de Campeones (CdC 33)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 2nd - Kings' Shield: Semifinals
Average Attendance: 44,309
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Espinel - Ledesma, Perrin (C), Ariza, Murcutt - Cáceres, Pareja, García, Yilmaz - Zelaya, Fortin
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: A win over relegated outfit Hamanos might have been useless to stop Fontvielle Impact from winning the title last season, but instead precipitated the end of the Paulo Oliveira era at Marinos Metropolis. Fortunately for the interests of newcomer Cosumar coach Sergio Vilar, the base of players that had been working under the now Valladar NT gaffer during Marinos' recent glorious period are still there and willing to return to the summit of Valladar football. Vilar's work should be made easier with capable strikers such as Quebecois player Marcos Zelaya and Aymeric Fortin (who's following his father's footsteps) as well as the creativity of fellow countryman Tamer Yilmaz and the experience of goalkeeper Franco Espinel. The Marineros may have failed at defending the title last time, but they will surely want to bounce back quickly with a seventh Liga-1 championship. Due to their recent campaigns, Marinos are another team where winning the title is a must.
The Pundit's Prediction: Like champions Fontvielle Impact, Marinos have kept their roster unchanged for this new season, however and unlike l'Impact, the Marineros will be starting over with a new process as Sergio Vilar comes to take the reins. Adaptation to this change might take some time for Marinos, but once they've done it they will be just as powerful as they were under Oliveira's tenure. 3rd.

Metropolis Alligators:

Full Name: Metropolis Alligators Football Club
Nicknames: The Alligators, The Green-Blues, The Titan, MA
Stadium: Alexander I National Stadium, Swangard, District of Metropolis (Cap. 95,021)
Kit Sponsor: TelFax (Telecommunications)
Honours (29): 12 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 1, 3, 14, 15, 18, 31, 32, 33, 34, 39, 43, 50), 7 Kings' Shields (KS 3, 4, 11, 20, 30, 32, 40), 7 Supercopas (SCV 8, 9, 10, 12, 17, 20, 21), 1 UICA Globe Cup (GC 29), 1 UICA Super Cup (SC 29), 1 Cup Winners' Cup (CWC 30)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 3rd - Kings' Shield: Runners-up
Average Attendance: 65,843
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Hartigan - Revault, Hoyos (C), Matheus, Ponce - Carrillo, Nielsen, Allegro - Komarov, Borja, Bogarín
Moves Out: Julián Quintero (GK, 35, VLD) to Sol de Rushmore (RIO), Julien Montana (CB, 30, VLD) to Hoxford Rovers, Joel Sutton (AM, 33, EUR) as free agent
Moves In: Aidan Hartigan (GK, 26, BRE) from Westpike United (BRE), Thiago Matheus (CB, 25, VLD) from CAP, Charles Allegro (AM, 24, CEN) from Tir Snake Strike (CEN)
Commentary: Everyone at Metropolis Alligators is fed up with third places, and last season's irregular campaign that saw them clain yet another bronze medal while also losing the Kings' Shield final to Bezieres in controversial fashion was the straw that broke the camel. Determined to not finish in third again, the Titan went shopping in the most recent Transfer Window and brought some interesting players such as Brenecian goalie Aidan Hartigan, Cenian playmaker Charles Allegro, and promising Valladar centreback Thiago Matheus (who rejected some enticing offers abroad only to play for his favourite team), while also retaining their goalscoring jewel Brayan Borja. However, to make way for those new players, they had to allow others to leave, and that's how they decided to replace some pieces that were very important for them at some point such as experienced goalie Julián Quintero, who left to try new challenges in Río Oscuro, as well as defender Julien Montana and Euran playmaker Joel Sutton, who had been in decline for some time already. With those moves, expectations for the Alligators in this season are higher than usual, and Impact's championship last season also forces MA to go for their thirteenth championship in order to stay ahead of Les Bleus.
The Pundit's Prediction: Out of the four main title contenders, the Alligators are the ones with the biggest need and the most pressure on them, and consecuently they invested the most in new players in order to return to their rightful place: the top of the table. Their chances will depend on how well the new elements can integrate themselves into the team, but they should be competitive enough to challenge for the title, unlike previous seasons. 2nd.

Nacional:

Full Name: Club Nacional de Fútbol
Nicknames: La Academia (The Academy), Los Albos (The Whites)
Stadium: City of Metropolis Stadium, Metropolis, District of Metropolis (Cap. 47,826)
Kit Sponsor: None
Honours (7): 3 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 7, 12, 30), 3 Kings' Shields (KS 13, 21, 42), 1 Supercopa (SCV 24)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 4th - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 23,205
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Gaviria - Marrugo, Carrillo, Delgado, Rueda - Vélez (C), Pardo, Revault - Mickel - Ovalle, Carreño
Moves Out: Andy Navarro (FW, 27, VLD) to Revolutionaries (EUR), León López (RB, 37, VLD) retired
Moves In: Alejandro Acosta (RB, 20, VLD) promoted from Guzmán-Cress Academy, Marcelo Ponce (FW, 19, VLD) promoted from Guzmán-Cress Academy
Commentary: With yet another fourth place finish last season, Nacional have confirmed themselves as a perennial guest in the title race, or at least as a frequent UICA qualifier. Jean Camacho has designed the Albo squad to offer a lot of fight to the Big teams but despite that, they always end up missing out on the podium. For this season, La Academia will have a couple of quite noticeable absences: striker Andy Navarro, who was transferred to Eura's Revolutionaries, and iconic right-back León López, who retired last season and will join the Guzmán-Cress Academy as a coach, and they decided to look at the Academy for new prospects to replace them: right-back Alejandro Acosta and forward Marcelo Ponce were the chosen ones, but in light of their lack of experience, former substitutes Jaír Marrugo and Sebastián Carreño will be part of the starting 11. People at Barrio Obrero are fully aware that this is a weakened version of Nacional, but they also believe that the team will be able to give a much bigger shock and finally win its fourth championship.
The Pundit's Prediction: For some time already, La Academia have shown themselves to be a really capable team despite their youth. However, with the departure of Andy Navarro, Nacional will definitely have less firepower than usual this season, and that will eventually resent their title chances. 4th.

Olympique de Fontvielle:

Full Name: Club Sportif Olympique de Fontvielle
Nicknames: Les Jaune-et-Bleus (The Yellow-Blues), L'OF (The OF)
Stadium: Stade de l'Amitié, Fontvielle, Foix (Cap. 29,185)
Kit Sponsor: Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Valladares (Rail transport)
Honours (8): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 35), 5 Kings' Shields (KS 7, 16, 24, 34, 37), 2 Supercopas (SCV 13, 22)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 16th - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 13,293
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Nassar - Bourdain, Zapata, Corchia, Pavard - Spiro, Gudbranson, Malicki (C) - Verne, Vargas, Armada
Moves Out: Eduardo (AM, 26, VLD) to Polaris (CEN)
Moves In: Richard Armada (FW, 26, MBT) from Bellight FC (MBT)
Commentary: Last season was a really stressful one for Olympique de Fontvielle, since they were once again fighting neck to neck with another team to save themselves from relegation, which they eventually achieved on the very last matchday. For this reason, the team's Board decided it was time for some extreme reforms ahead of the new season: first, l'OF received the good news that Frank Rozenthal would be returning home after his fruitful career in Eura, however, it wasn't going to be a return to play for the team...but to manage everything football-related as he became the new Director of Football. After taking over his new position, Rozenthal recommended the Board to terminate the contracts of coach Frank Boern and his assistants (which they did) and give a chance to Damián Trolli, an unknown coach for the vast majority of the Valladar footballing world, who has never coached a professional team. Last but no least, the departure of playmaker Eduardo was covered with the arrival of the Mareibatian striker Richard Armada, hoping to give Olympique more power up front. This new project led by Rozenthal and the Board is aiming to get l'OF away from any relegation danger and back to the place where they really belong: the upper half of the table and the fight for international berths, and the fans expect for this to be the much-awaited resurgence of their team...although they have some huge doubts regarding the coach chosen for this mission...
The Pundit's Prediction: The primary goal for Olympique de Fontvielle will be, once again, avoiding relegation. Even though the Trolli bet is a really risky one (even riskier than Impact's one with Daniel Bernard), this new project under Frank Rozenthal's guidance looks promising enough and if everything goes according to plan, Olympique will be able to move away from the relegation zone for good. It seems Les-Jaune-et-Bleu will be finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel...12th.

Pradera FC:

Full Name: Pradera Fútbol Club
Nicknames: Los Verdiblancos (The Green-Whites)
Stadium: Estadio de la Montaña, Pradera, Antioquia (Cap. 43,174)
Kit Sponsor: MasterAuto.vd (Car rental)
Honours (2): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 37), 1 Supercopa (SCV 15)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 15th - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 21,393
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Orozco (C) - Ávila, Calderón, Estacio, Vélez - Rodríguez, Molina, Morales, C. Salgado - Teixeira, M. Salgado
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Pradera are coming from yet another disappointing season, in which the Verdiblancos did just enough to avoid relegation, ending in 15th place of the league. Things at the Kings' Shield, which was seen as the lifesaver at the Antioquian capital, were not much better either as they were only able to get to the round of 32 where they were ousted by minnows FC Coulombes. Given that there was no movement at the Estadio de la Montaña and the squad remains untouched, expectations are not really high for this season and Pradera will be attempting to break into the top 10 at the end of the season, although if we consider the most recent history, the players as well as coach Frédéric Galletti will be under a lot of pressure. The fans won't tolerate another flirting with relegation this season...
The Pundit's Prediction: The Verdiblancos will remain in mid-table positions this season, although they won't be so pressed by relegation this time and instead will be challenging for a top 10 finish. They could also try and make a deep run in the Kings' Shield, which at the moment is their way to return to UICA football next season. 11th.

Pumas Maldonado:

Full Name: Clube de Futebol Pumas de Maldonado
Nicknames: O Puma (The Cougar)
Stadium: Estádio do Maldonado, Maldonado, Chiquito (Cap. 20,546)
Kit Sponsor: Alival (Food processing)
Honours (1): 1 UICA Series B Champions' Cup (SBCC 37)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 17th, Promotion/Relegation Playoff: Winners - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 14,048
Starting Lineup (3-4-1-2): Vieira (C) - Quintana, Espíndola, Leal - Almeida, Guimarães, Santana, Medina - Miranda - Barroso, Bastos
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Last season, Pumas achieved their goal of avoiding relegation first by emerging victorious in their particular head-to-head race against neighbours Patriotas (who went down) and then crushing Libertad's dream at the playoff in a somewhat cruel fashion, beating them 4-0 in the first match in Lierravus. Seeing that last season's expectations were met and the Puma managed to avoid the drop, the Board decided to renew their contract with coach Fábio Machado, who is now expected to consolidate the team in the top tier and for that he will be once again relying on players such as playmaker Mateus Miranda and strikers Rodrigo Barroso and Fabrício Bastos, who have led the team's offense for three seasons now. Everyone in Maldonado hopes that Pumas can get rid of the relegation ghost for good this season and start aiming at higher placements.
The Pundit's Prediction: Pumas might have managed to retain their Liga-1 status last season, but they have to remember that the relegation fight is always tight and severely punishes the slightest mistake. Especially with teams such as CAP and Vaud who will also be battling to stay more than one season in the league. 18th.

Real Campo Grande:

Full Name: Esporte Clube Real Campo Grande
Nicknames: Os Verdolagas (The Purslanes), Real (Royal)
Stadium: Estádio Estadual Armando Bozzelli, Campo Grande, Chiquito (Cap. 58,259)
Kit Sponsor: Hipinito (Soft drinks)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 11th - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 24,383
Starting Lineup (4-3-2-1): Gonçalves (C) - Ademir, Mota, Alves, Inciarte - Marulanda, Méndez, Corgnet - Martino, Ribonetti - Danilson
Moves Out: Henrique (AM, 28, VLD) loaned to Patriotas FC
Moves In: Walter Ribonetti (AM, 27, VLD) on loan from AS Vaud
Commentary: The most recent season was one within the realm of normality for Real Campo Grande, as the Verdolagas finished in 11th place in the league while not making a lot of noise in the Kings' Shield. However, it also left some positive conclusions especially in the defensive zone as the Reales conceded less goals than teams such as Marinos, the Alligators, Nacional, and Bezieres while goalkeeper Camilo Gonçalves was nominated for the league's Golden Glove and defender Joao Francis Inciarte was included in the Team of the Season. Antonio Araújo has been quietly building a strong team based on a solid defense (and it shows) and now hopes to boost the offense with the arrival of playmaker Walter Ribonetti from Vaud, who will be in charge of teaming up with forward Danilson in order to improve the team's goal production. Real Campo Grande will be looking to capitalize on these strong points as well as make themselves strong at their lofty fortress in order to become a serious contender for a Globe Cup berth.
The Pundit's Prediction: Real Campo Grande are slowly growing as a team and consolidating themselves as a dangerous contender for international berths. They are more than capable to give the likes of Eterna Stars, the Dragons, and Junín a scare and will give some fight in the UICA race. 9th.

Slateport Bulls:

Full Name: Slateport Bulls Football Club
Nicknames: The Bulls
Stadium: Estadio de la Riviera, Slateport, Eterna (Cap. 40,110)
Kit Sponsor: OilCo (Petroleum industry)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 14th - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 16,506
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Arias (C) - Pereira, Collins, Martins, Calero - Navas, Infante, Sampaio - Salazar, Lúcio, Márquez
Moves Out: Mario Peluffo (FW, 24, VLD) to Alianza Floriana (RIO)
Moves In: Óscar Salazar (FW, 25, VLD) on loan from Tannenberg FC
Commentary: The renovation process in Slateport Bulls had a rough start as the team commanded by Arthur Bogden stayed for most of last season in the relegation zone, and the fans had started to show their displeasure. Fortunately for them, the Bulls managed to chain some successive wins in the final stretch which allowed them to dispel the threat of relegation and reach safety with one game in hand. For this season, Slateport Bulls have lost striker Mario Peluffo to Alianza Floriana in Río Oscuro, however, they were able to recruit striker Óscar Salazar, who has come to the shore of Hamanos Lake looking for the chance Tannenberg was going to deny him this season. Also, the Bulls can continue relying on the experience of goalkeeper Gerardo Arias and striker Lúcio, who will be the ones in charge of leading his team's defense (the former) and offense (the latter). The goal for this team in this season will be staying away from relegation, and pushing for a top 10 finish if possible.
The Pundit's Prediction: The Bulls are going through a slow and long process and will have to keep focusing on building a team that allows them to stay safely away from the relelgation race instead of trying to enter into the top 10 of the league. The latter goal can wait. 13th.

Tannenberg FC:

Full Name: Tannenberg Football Club
Nicknames: The Citizens, TFC, The Black-Whites, The Knights
Stadium: White Meadow Arena, Carloburgo, Mountbatten (Cap. 69,780)
Kit Sponsor: Dashka Motors (Automobile manufacturer)
Honours (8): 5 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 6, 17, 38, 48, 51), 2 Kings' Shields (KS 10, 17), 1 Supercopa (SCV 16)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 5th - Kings' Shield: Quarterfinals
Average Attendance: 52,585
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Becker (C) - Gillet, Lucerna, Martínez, Vargas - Moyes, Mariner, Barreto, O'Brien - Barrantes, Stavanger
Moves Out: Óscar Salazar (FW, 25, VLD) on loan from Tannenberg FC
Moves In: Rafael Barrantes (FW, 27, AUD) from Cazadores Cathair (AUD)
Commentary: Last season, the Citizens were able to claim the much coveted fifth place of the league and the possibility of qualify for the Globe Cup on the last matchday just to be left empty-handed by Bezieres' victory in the Kings' Shield one week later. Among the highlights of TFC's campaign last season we can feature midfielders Nick Mariner and Christian O'Brien, widely considered one of the revelation players of both the league and the subsequent Copa Rushmori which was won by the Valladar NT, as well as the resurgence of Nepharim striker Dragan Stavenger in the final stretch of the season, scoring vital goals to get Tannenberg closer to international qualification. This time, the Board decided to look at Audioslavia for reinforcements once again and managed to land Cazadores Cathair striker Rafael Barrantes, who comes with the mission to emulate what his fellow countryman Joord Rietveld did in Carloburgo, as well as being a much-needed companion for Stavanger up front. This season, TFC are aiming at winning their sixth domestic crown, although a return to either the Champions' Cup or the Globe Cup will also be welcomed...
The Pundit's Prediction: Tannenberg are looking to become a contender for Impact, Marinos, the reinforced Alligators, and Nacional as they kept last season's base and added Rafael Barrantes looking to have more offensive weight. However, the other four sides are still one step ahead of them. 5th.

Valladar Liga-2 Clubs and Prediction:
(Clubs ordered according to predicted position)

Hoxford Rovers (Hoxford, Westlands)

Patriotas FC (Columbus, Mountbatten)

AS Montreux (Montreux, Foix)

Hamanos Athletic Club (Hamanos, Antioquia)

Libertad (Lierravus, Alto Danubio)

Defensores de Villafuerte (Villafuerte, Antioquia)

Stanford United (Stanford, Mountbatten)

FC Sillimus (City-state of Sillimus)

Bellavista Jets (Metropolis, District of Metropolis)

Real Pradera (Pradera, Antioquia)

FC Maritime Westporte (Westporte, Canalave)

FC Townsville (Townsville, Westlands)

Atlético Nápoles (Metropolis, District of Metropolis)

Danubio FC (Metropolis, District of Metropolis)

Nord Energie FC (Toril, Eterna)

AD Cerro (Cerro, District of Metropolis)

FC Columbus (Columbus, Mountbatten)

Valencia FC (Valencia, Antioquia)

Adelaide Kickers (Adelaide, Westlands)

FC Fauxham (Fauxham, Eterna)

Valladar Liga-3 Clubs and Prediction:
(Clubs ordered according to predicted position)

Gatineau UC 98 (Gatineau, Foix)

EC Comercial (Campo Grande, Chiquito)

Servette FC (Servette, District of Metropolis)

Carloburgo Phoenix (Carloburgo, Mountbatten)

Villaznia AC (Villaznia, Eterna)

RC Belfort (Gatineau, Foix)

Bretford Royals (Bretford, Westlands)

Alianza Antioquia (Pradera, Antioquia)

Sporting Florencia (Florencia, Antioquia)

Universitario de Maldonado (Maldonado, Chiquito)

RC Corania (Corania, Antioquia)

Deportivo Aguablanca (Aguablanca, Mountbatten)

FC Westporte 984 (Westporte, Canalave)

AS Mont-Blanc (Mont-Blanc, Eterna)

Northport Bears (Northport, Westlands)

Dynamo Metropolis (Metropolis, District of Metropolis)

SC Alcázares (Alcázares, Mountbatten)

AC Tallin (Carloburgo, Mountbatten)

Eterna Celtic (Eterna City, Eterna)

Yumbo FC (Yumbo, Mountbatten)

by **Valladares** » Fri Mar 23, 2018 9:33 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-FIFTH SEASON (PART I OF V)

UICA First Preliminary Round First Leg (January 10-11)

Activity for Valladar clubs in the brand-new season started pretty early with the UICA competitions kicking off right after the holidays, and the first team to come out to compete are recently promoted outfit Étoile Verte, who took on Yesopalitha's Raxton Beavers FC on Wednesday and managed to return to Bezieres with a scoreless draw thanks to a flawless defensive performance. Meanwhile, Nacional started their Globe Cup adventure the next day, hosting Equestrian club Canterlot Stars at the City of Metropolis Stadium. La Academia scored the opener thanks to Sebastián Carreño in the 23rd minute, but were unable to translate their dominance into more goals and allowed the visitors to rescue a valuable draw ahead of the second leg next week in Equestrian States.

Raxton Beavers FC (YSP) 0-0 Étoile Verte
Nacional 1-1 Canterlot Stars (EQS)

UICA First Preliminary Round Second Leg (January 17-18)

The Valladar sides found no trouble to advance to the following round of their respective competitions, with Étoile Verte only needing a goal by Gustavo Forlán to beat Raxton Beavers at the Stade de Charmilliot on Wednesday. And Nacional fulfilled what was dictated by logic and beat Canterlot Stars on the road with goals by Mario Ovalle, Phillippe Revault, and Ernesto Vega, winning the series against the Equestrian side by an aggregate score of 4-2.

Étoile Verte 1-0 Raxton Beavers FC (YSP) (1-0 agg)
Canterlot Stars (EQS) 1-3 Nacional (2-4 agg)

UICA Second Preliminary Round First Leg (January 23-24-25)

The second preliminary round of UICA competition sees both of the Metropolis powerhouses joining the action, with Marinos starting their Champions' Cup campaign by playing the Whirl-Islander runners-up Lagoon Red Diamonds at the Estadio Zachary Fortin on Tuesday. The team now coached by Cosumarite manager Sergio Vilar left the tie all but sentenced thanks to the stellar performances of Aymeric Fortin and Marcos Zelaya, both of whom scored braces to propel Marinos to a 4-1 win in their first match of the season. And the Alligators had their Globe Cup début the next day, narrowly beating Beltian Coast from Melbergia in Swangard thanks to a penalty turned into goal by striker Brayan Borja. That same day, Étoile Verte lost to StoneHedge Rovers in Ethane but were able to keep the affair far from decided thanks to a late goal by substitute player Christian Hidalgo, while on Thursday and returning to the Globe Cup, Nacional took a step towards the third preliminary round by beating FC Teussen Stelburg from Siovanija and Teusland at the City of Metropolis Stadium.

Marinos Metropolis 4-1 Lagoon Red Diamonds (WRL)
Metropolis Alligators 1-0 Beltian Coast (MLB)
StoneHedge Rovers (ETN) 2-1 Étoile Verte
Nacional 3-1 FC Teussen Stelburg (STL)

Torneo de Verano Matchday 1 (January 27 to February 1)

The domestic competitions officially started with the Torneo de Verano, which is being played by the 12 Liga-1 teams that are not taking part in UICA competition this season and hosted once again at the Estadio Olímpico de la UNV in Caraure, the capital city of the Arauco state. As for the competition itself, TFC and Canalave Dragons collected their first three points in Group A with narrow wins over Pradera and Edmonton, respectively, showing why they are considered among the favorites to win this edition. Group B had its first day of competition the next day, with the "new" Olympique de Fontvielle kicking off their new process with an encouraging win over the Stars while Ajax took the lead in the group after beating Bohemians with a brace by striker Vincent Armstrong. And last but not least, we had the opening of Group C with Pumas shocking Deportivo Junín with a 2-0 win over the Granates in the early match, while in the last match of the day, Real Campo Grande and Slateport Bulls treated everyone to an exciting 6-goal match in which the Bulls eventually emerged victorious.

Group A
Tannenberg FC 1–0 Pradera FC
Canalave Dragons 1–0 Edmonton United

Group B
Eterna Stars 0–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Bohemians Metropolis 0–2 Ajax Carloburgo

Group C
Deportivo Junín 0–2 Pumas Maldonado
Real Campo Grande 2–4 Slateport Bulls

UICA Second Preliminary Round Second Leg (January 30-31-February 1)

The second preliminary round of UICA competitions ended with three out of four Valladar clubs making it to the next round of their respective tournaments. On Tuesday, Marinos headed to the Whirl Islands to face the Red Diamonds with a four-goal advantage which judging by what both sides showed in the first leg seemed an insurmountable disadvantage for the hosts, however, it turned out to be a disastrous night for the Marineros as they allowed the Whirl-Islander side to tie the series after 90 minutes with a 4-1 win, and then conceded another goal in extra time to seal their elimination from the Champions' Cup. The news coming from the other competitions were much better though, as Étoile Verte managed to turn around their fortunes against StoneHedge Rovers by beating them 2-0 in Bezieres, result that allowed them to keep advancing in the SBCC, and Metropolis Alligators and Nacional were also through in the Globe Cup after the former defeated Beltian Coast in Melbergia and the latter tied FC Teussen Stelburg, advancing thanks to the 3-1 win in the first leg in Metropolis.

Lagoon Red Diamonds (WRL) 4-1 Marinos Metropolis (5-1 AET, 5-4 agg)
Étoile Verte 2-0 StoneHedge Rovers (ETN) (3-2 agg)
Beltian Coast (MLB) 2-4 Metropolis Alligators (2-5 agg)
FC Teussen Stelburg (STL) 2-2 Nacional (3-5 agg)

Torneo de Verano Matchday 2 (February 2 to 7)

The Torneo de Verano continues in Caraure in full swing with the second matchday. In Group A, the Dragons got closer to qualification for the semifinals by beating TFC 2-1, with Pradera bouncing back from their defeat in the début against TFC and handing Edmonton their second loss in the competition with goals by the Salgado brothers in each half of the match. In Group B, Olympique de Fontvielle became the first team to clinch qualification to the semifinals thanks to their 1-0 win over Ajax, while the Stars and Bohemians cancelled themselves out with a 2-2 draw which severely hurts their chances to qualify for the semifinals, while in Group C, the Bulls also clinched qualification with their victory over Pumas, and Deportivo Junín became the first side mathematically eliminated from the competition after losing to Real Campo Grande in the final match of the day.

Group A
Pradera FC 2–0 Edmonton United
Tannenberg FC 1–2 Canalave Dragons

Group B
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Eterna Stars 2–2 Bohemians Metropolis

Group C
Pumas Maldonado 1–2 Slateport Bulls
Deportivo Junín 1–2 Real Campo Grande

UICA Third Preliminary Round First Leg (February 6-7-8)

The third preliminary round of UICA competition started with the début of most of the remaining Valladar sides involved in international competition, including champions Fontvielle Impact, who travelled to Juvencus to play AC Pomena on Tuesday in their first Champions' Cup match of the season. Les Bleus managed to earn a hard-fought win thanks to Wilfried Baume's goal in the 85th minute of play and will head to the Stade de la Frontière with the goal to extend such advantage to seal their qualification for the playoff round. At the same time, Marinos (who parachuted to the Globe Cup after that embarrassing loss to Lagoon Red Diamonds) and Étoile Verte were also having action in their respective competitions, with the former claiming another large win at home, this time against Humoor Skog from the Koana Islands (which the fans are hoping they won't blow away in the return leg next week), and the latter narrowly lost to Lexington Conflagration in a hard-fought match at the Stade de Charmilliot and will have 3 away goals to counter for the second leg in New Gelderland. Wednesday brought to us the SBCC début of AS Vaud, who got half of the job done by defeating Audioslav side Artiglieria at the Stade Omnisports Gatineau but allowed the visitors to remain alive in the tie with an away goal. And the remaining Globe Cup matches played on Thursday ended with all Valladar sides avoiding defeat, with Kings' Shield winners Bezieres being led to a large win against Sterling City United with a hat-trick by striker Daniel Mendoza, the Alligators earning a key win in Ethane against South Saints, and Nacional being rescued from defeat at home against Yuezhou's Beian City with a last-minute goal by Nicolás Lucchetti.

AC Pomena (JUE) 0-1 Fontvielle Impact
Marinos Metropolis 6-2 Humoor Skog (KOA)
Étoile Verte 2-3 Lexington Conflagration (NGD)
AS Vaud 3-1 Artiglieria (AUD)
AS Bezieres 3-0 Sterling City United (DAR)
Nacional 2-2 Beian City (YZH)
South Saints (ETN) 0-1 Metropolis Alligators

Torneo de Verano Matchday 3 (February 8-9-10)

The group stage in the Torneo de Verano is now over, with Canalave Dragons confirming themselves as the best team in Group A by defeating Pradera to claim their third win in a row and the honorific title of "best team of the group stage", while Tannenberg beat Edmonton with goals by Dragan Stavanger and Audioslav striker Rafael Barrantes and clinched second place in the group, hoping for other results elsewhere to go their way in order to follow the Dragons to the semifinals. In Group B, Olympique de Fontvielle's winning run was stopped by Bohemians, with the Gallo beating l'OF in a thriller and bowing out of the competition with dignity, while Ajax dashed all hopes held by the Stars (and TFC) and beat them to move into second place and eliminate both Stars and Citizens from the competition (the latter on GD). After the results in the other two groups, Pumas and Real Campo Grande headed to their regional derby knowing that a victory for either would put them into the next round, at the expense of Ajax, and until the 70th minute of play, the berth was for the Verdolagas, who were beating Pumas 3-0, however, a furious reaction by the Puma in the last 20 minutes of play allowed them to equalize the game but left both sides eliminated. And in the last match of the group stage, Junín's alternate squad was too good for Slateport Bulls' alternate squad, who fell to the Granates by a 2-0 score in a match with nothing to play for other than the teams' honour. The semifinals of this Torneo de Verano will then be Canalave-Ajax and Slateport-Olympique.

Group A
Canalave Dragons 1–0 Pradera FC
Edmonton United 1–2 Tannenberg FC

Group B
Bohemians Metropolis 4–3 Olympique de Fontvielle
Ajax Carloburgo 3–2 Eterna Stars

Group C
Real Campo Grande 3–3 Pumas Maldonado
Slateport Bulls 0–2 Deportivo Junín

--Group A                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Canalave Dragons             3   3  0  0    4   1  +3    9 Q
2 Tannenberg FC                3   2  0  1    4   3  +1    6
3 Pradera FC                   3   1  0  2    2   2   0    3
4 Edmonton United              3   0  0  3    1   5  −4    0

  Group B                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Olympique de Fontvielle      3   2  0  1    5   4  +1    6* Q
2 Ajax Carloburgo              3   2  0  1    5   3  +2    6* Q
3 Bohemians Metropolis         3   1  1  1    6   7  −1    4
4 Eterna Stars                 3   0  1  2    4   6  −2    1

* Olympique de Fontvielle ahead of Ajax Carloburgo on H2H

  Group C                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Slateport Bulls              3   2  0  1    6   5  +1    6 Q
2 Pumas Maldonado              3   1  1  1    6   5  +1    4*
3 Real Campo Grande            3   1  1  1    7   8  −1    4*
4 Deportivo Junín              3   1  0  2    3   4  −1    3

* Pumas Maldonado ahead of Real Campo Grande on GD

Torneo de Verano Semifinals (February 13-14)

The Torneo de Verano reached its decisive stage with the semifinals being played. In the first one, Canalave Dragons faced Ajax looking to reach the final with another flawless performance, however, whilst the Dragons kept wasting incredible chances to score thorughout the 90 minutes, the Immigrants just needed to score the only real chance they had in the entire match: a counterattack started by winger Harrison Bell and nicely finished by striker Lewis Holmes after a cross. And with that goal in the 21st minute, Ajax kicked the team coached by Bruno Mouche of the tournament and qualified for the final on February 17th. In the other semifinal, Olympique de Fontvielle confirmed their qualification for the final without much trouble, as the side coached by Damián Trolli cruised to a 3-0 thumping of a naive and harmless Slateport Bulls and will now play Ajax for the first piece of silverware of the season.

Canalave Dragons 0–1 Ajax Carloburgo
Slateport Bulls 0–3 Olympique de Fontvielle

UICA Third Preliminary Round Second Leg (February 13-14-15)

The third preliminary round of UICA competitions had a mostly bitter ending for Valladar sides, with only 3 out of 7 teams in this stage advancing from their respective ties. In the Champions' Cup, Fontvielle Impact got one round closer to their return to the group stage of the competition by keeping drawing with AC Pomena at the Stade de la Frontière. Impact never really had their berth to the playoff round under risk as they managed to extend their advantage to two goals thanks to Alexandre's goal just before halftime, and the goal for the Juvencus champions came a little too late. On Wednesday, both AS Vaud and Étoile Verte embarked in tough trips to Audioslavia and New Gelderland with the goal of claiming their berths into the playoff round of the SBCC, with Les Étudiants being ahead in their series and Les Verts needing to win by two goals in order to keep their dream alive. However, both sides lost and were ousted from the competition, Vaud's case being more painful as they lost the tie thanks to that lone goal scored by Artiglieria in Gatineau. Meanwhile, the Globe Cup brought mixed results to the Valladar contingent, with both Marinos and Bezieres advancing after claiming merely formal victories in the Koana Islands and Darmen, while Nacional and Metropolis Alligators were eliminated: La Academia lost to Beian City in Yuezhou after yet another poor game, and the Alligators saw how South Saints turned around the tie at the National Stadium in what eventually became the second straight elimination of the Alligators at the hands of an Ethanian team, and prompting the heavy booing of nearly 50,000 people present at the stadium.

Fontvielle Impact 1-1 AC Pomena (JUE) (2-1 agg)
Lexington Conflagration (NGD) 2-0 Étoile Verte (5-2 agg)
Artiglieria (AUD) 2-0 AS Vaud (3-3 agg; Artiglieria advance on away goals)
Humoor Skog (KOA) 0-1 Marinos Metropolis (2-7 agg)
Sterling City United (DAR) 1-2 AS Bezieres (1-5 agg)
Metropolis Alligators 1-3 South Saints (ETN) (2-3 agg)
Beian City (YZH) 1-0 Nacional (3-2 agg)

Torneo de Verano Final (February 17)

The Torneo de Verano is already in its final match with two unlikely contenders: Ajax Carloburgo and Olympique de Fontvielle, both of them hoping to give themselves a huge boost of morale ahead of the start of the season. 13,330 spectators, evenly distributed between both rivals, gathered at the Estadio Olímpico de la UNV for the match, which started with Ajax controlling the ball and trying to bring danger to the goal defended by More Nassar by using the speed of left winger Harrison Bell. During the first 20 minutes of play, the Immigrants had three chances to score, and the Olympique goalie was instrumental to save his team in two of those. Meanwhile, Les Jaune-et-Bleu looked far from the dynamic and active team that had been playing so far in the Torneo de Verano and only after the 20th minute tried to attack through crosses to the box, all of which were easily controlled by the Ajax defense. Despite the team coached by Damián Trolli managed to push the Immigrants away from their goal, they were in serious trouble as they lacked creativity up front and their players kept making poor choices, easing Ajax's work in the process. With that panorama, the first half ended with a scoreless draw.

For the second half, and seeing that Gaëtan Malicki was totally absorbed by the marking of the Ajax players, Trolli decided to replace striker Jeffrey Verne, who wasn't playing a good game, with midfielder Corentin Kremer. Kremer didn't take too long to create associations with Malicki and Olympique's collective performance improved greatly. Ajax kept trying to score the opener through mid-range shots but Nassar was ready to stop or deflect them, and it finally came in an attack for l'OF in the 74th minute in which Malicki and Kremer started playing in their own half of the field and then the latter sent a long pass which was received by Mareibatian striker Richard Armada, who eventually sent it to the back of the net. As expected, this goal prompted a reaction from Ajax which went on an offensive onslaught looking for the equalizer, however, the Olympique defense managed to resist the attacks. In injury time, the Immigrants had their best chance to score the equalizer and send the match to extra time, however, the header by Zachary Gallagher hit the post and the rebound was cleared by Sergio Zapata, effectively killing all hope for the team from Carloburgo and giving the "new" Olympique their first title of the season.

THE SECOND TORNEO DE VERANO FINAL: AJAX CARLOBURGO VS. OLYMPIQUE DE FONTVIELLE
@ Estadio Olímpico de la UNV, Caraure, Arauco
Attendance: 13,330
Referee: Adrián Valenzuela (District of Metropolis)

Ajax Carloburgo 0-1 Olympique de Fontvielle
(Armada 74')

Ajax Carloburgo: Houghton - Campbell, Gardner, Andrews (C), Farfán - Fowler, Portilla, Muriel (Bertin 75'), Bell - Holmes, Armstrong (Gallagher 64'). Manager: Alexander Pereira
Olympique de Fontvielle: Nassar - Bourdain, Zapata, Corchia, Pavard - Spiro (Bencomo 81'), Gudbranson, Malicki (C) - Verne (Kremer 46'), Vargas, Armada. Manager: Damián Trolli

UICA Playoff Round First Leg (February 20-21-22)

We're getting closer to the group stages of UICA competition, and the playoff rounds were the next hurdle to jump for Valladar sides. In the Champions' Cup, Fontvielle Impact had a dangerous challenge in front of them as they hosted Brenecian champions Kingsgrove at the Stade de la Frontière on Tuesday evening. And Les Bleus narrowly managed to get the advantage in the tie thanks to a brace by Carlos Conte, however the Brenecians made sure the tie would be far from closed by scoring a goal of their own. The next day, we were able to witness CAP's SBCC début as the Cuervos took a huge step towards the group stage of that competition with a 3-0 thumping of Super-Llamaland side Wheathampton Warriors, and to round up the perfect week for the Valladar sides in UICA competition, Marinos and Bezieres did their job in the Globe Cup as the former beat Ephesian FC with a hat-trick by Aymeric Fortin, and the latter defeated Blashpool City in Ethane.

Fontvielle Impact 2-1 Kingsgrove (BRE)
CAP 3-0 Wheathampton Warriors (SLL)
Blashpool City (ETN) 1-2 AS Bezieres
Marinos Metropolis 3-0 Ephesian FC (ZWZ)

Canalave Crown Match (February 25)

With the implementation of the Torneo de Verano, the Canalave Crown match is no longer the curtain-raiser to the new season of Valladar football, however it remains as an important match with Liga-1 defending champions Fontvielle Impact and Kings' Shield current holders AS Bezieres playing their first domestic match of the season in front of 41,585 spectators who gathered at Canalave's Dragon Stadium to watch the rematch of the most recent Derby du Foix, played on the last matchday of the previous season where l'Impact celebrated their twelfth title with a win while also forcing their arch-rivals to win the Kings' Shield in order to qualify for the Globe Cup. Given that both teams were on the verge of playing crucial matches to decide their fate in UICA competition, both decided to reserve their main players for the second leg of their international games and fielded alternate squads for this match.

As for the game itself, the Liga-1 champions were the ones who took control of the ball from the very beggining and started attacking Bezieres' defense with the speed of Omar Chávez and Éric Rochat through the wings, while Les Rouges tried to rely on a solid defense and at the same time were waiting for the chance to hit back on counterttacks. For some time the strategy by Ronald Labbadia worked, with the Bezierien defense led by team captain Olivier Jacquet having success at their goal of isolating the trio of Impact strikers from the rest of their team, however, after 27 minutes Rochat was able to break ASB's resistance with a mid-range shot that took goalie Danny Richardson by surprise, scoring the opener for the Liga-1 champions. The 1-0 naturally forced the Kings' Shield holders to react and come out of their cave, however, their attacks were easily controlled by Impact's defense, and at the same time striker Ernest Dillmont had two clear chances to increase the advantage in the scoreboard but both went wide, and so the first half ended with advantage for the Liga-1 champions.

For the second half, and seeing that Bezieres were lacking something up front, Labbadia decided to send playmaker Arley Barrios to the field and the team greatly improved as Barrios took the reins of the attack in Les Rouges and the team started creating dangerous chances to find the equalizer. Meanwhile, Fontvielle Impact didn't come back to Richardson's premises as they were being unable to get out of their own half of the pitch. However, and just when the Kings' Shield holders had cornered their rivals and it was a matter of time for the equalizer to come, Les Bleus dealt the knockout blow to their arch-rivals with the second goal, with striker Daniel Barbieri finishing a deadly counterattack in the 79th minute. Bezieres kept looking for the equalizer to keep the affair closer but the goal by Christian Núñez (who had replaced Richard Gervais in the 83rd minute) came too late to prevent Fontvielle Impact from claiming their eighth Supercopa title.

THE THIRTY-SECOND SUPERCOPA VALLADAR: FONTVIELLE IMPACT VS. AS BEZIERES
@ Dragon Stadium, City of Canalave, Canalave
Attendance: 41,585
Referee: William Perkins (Eterna)

Fontvielle Impact 2-1 AS Bezieres
(Rochat 27', Barbieri 79'; Núñez 89')

Fontvielle Impact: Cabrera - Fadutz, Aristizábal, Vera (C), Démont - Poulain (Jiménez 83'), Chávez, Rochat - Barbieri (Baume 87'), Hurst (Alexandre 74'), Dillmont. Manager: Daniel Bernard
AS Bezieres: Richardson - Romero, Jacquet (C), Vasseur, Fletcher - Desjardins (Rojas 61'), André Luiz, Billy (Barrios 46') - Villafañe, Chamoun, Gervais (Núñez 83'). Manager: Ronald Labbadia

UICA Playoff Round Second Leg (February 28-March 1)

Just three days after beating Bezieres in the Canalave Crown, Fontvielle Impact confimed their much-awaited return to the Champions' Cup group stage by holding a brave Kingsgrove side to a draw in Brenecia, Wilfried Baume scoring the goal that put Les Bleus 3-1 ahead on aggregate early in the first half of the match. Meanwhile, Liga-2 champions CAP travelled to Super-Llamaland with a 3-goal cushion and ended up cruising to another easy win over Wheathampton Warriors in order to confirm their place in the SBCC groups. And on Thursday, Marinos and Bezieres advanced to the last qualifying round of the Globe Cup, with the Marineros losing to Ephesian FC in Zwangzug but never having qualification at a real risk, and Les Rouges beat Blashpool City at home without much trouble.

Kingsgrove (BRE) 1-1 Fontvielle Impact (2-3 agg)
Wheathampton Warriors (SLL) 2-5 CAP (2-8 agg)
Ephesian FC (ZWZ) 2-1 Marinos Metropolis (2-4 agg)
AS Bezieres 3-1 Blashpool City (ETN) (5-2 agg)

by **Valladares** » Wed Mar 28, 2018 7:00 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-FIFTH SEASON (PART II OF V)

And now we return to your normal Liga-1 broadcast...

Torneo Apertura Round 1 (March 2-3-4)

The new Liga-1 season was officially opened on Friday 2nd with defending Liga-1 champions Fontvielle Impact welcoming their Liga-2 counterparts CAP to the top tier with a 3-0 thumping at the Stade de la Frontière, in a match where striker Carlos Conte scored a brace after defender Pedro Saucedo scored the first goal (own goal, rather) of the season early in the first half. Nacional were also off to a great start, beating promoted side Étoile Verte at the Stade de Charmilliot, with the other remaining promoted side Vaud grabbing their first points of the season after beating Olympique de Fontvielle in Gatineau. Meanwhile, heavy favourites Metropolis Alligators were shocked in Slateport as the Bulls beat the Titan in their season opener, Marinos were held to a draw by Pradera in Metropolis, and Deportivo Junín and Eterna Stars failed to get anything out of their visits to Maldonado and Edmonton. And in the remaining matches of the Apertura's opening weekend, Fabián Villafañe's first professional goal was enough for Bezieres to defeat Bohemians at the Estadio Luis Frattini, and Canalave Dragons and TFC exchanged blow after blow in an electrifying match that ended with a point for both sides.

Fontvielle Impact 3–0 CAP
Edmonton United 1–0 Eterna Stars
Canalave Dragons 3–3 Tannenberg FC
Bohemians Metropolis 0–1 AS Bezieres
Marinos Metropolis 2–2 Pradera FC
Slateport Bulls 1–0 Metropolis Alligators
Étoile Verte 1–3 Nacional
Ajax Carloburgo 2–0 Real Campo Grande
Pumas Maldonado 1–0 Deportivo Junín
AS Vaud 1–0 Olympique de Fontvielle

Globe Cup Qualifying Round First Leg (March 8)

With Fontvielle Impact and CAP already safe in the group stages of the CC and SBCC respectively, Globe Cup sides Marinos and Bezieres remained as the only ones still to jump the final hurdle separating them from the groups, with the Marineros hosting New Llama Capitals from Super-Llamaland and Les Rouges welcoming Capivara Group's Chapeleta de Desportos to the Stade de Foix-Jules Picot. And both sides were able to deliver the first blow in their respective series, with Marinos narrowly beating the Capitals at Parque Rushmore in a match where both Aymeric Fortin and Marcos Zelaya scored, and Bezieres netting four past the Capivara side. However, both Valladar teams made as they allowed their rivals to score important away goals which keep them alive for the second leg at their respective stadiums.

Marinos Metropolis 2-1 New Llama Capitals (SLL)
AS Bezieres 4-2 Chapeleta de Desportos (CPV)

Torneo Apertura Round 2 (March 10-11)

Three teams have collected two wins after two matches, those ones being defending champions Fontvielle Impact, Nacional, and Bezieres. Les Bleus did not allow any nasty surprises from Edmonton at their stadium and beat them with a brace by Wilfried Baume, while the Albos needed to wait 88 minutes to score the winning goal against a tough Ajax side, and Les Rouges claimed their second win of the season by defeating Marinos in a match where both sides fielded alternate squads, thinking in their respective Globe Cup rematches. Both Pradera and TFC were able to give more value to the draws they got in their respective débuts with victories at home in this round: the Verdiblancos defeated Slateport Bulls at the Estadio de la Montaña, and the Citizens handed Bohemians their second loss in a row courtesy of the Rafael Barrantes-Dragan Stavanger pair. Meanwhile, the reformed Olympique de Fontvielle and Metropolis Alligators were able to take off with wins over promoted sides CAP and Étoile Verte, Junín beat Vaud in the Far East to claim their first points of the season, Real Campo Grande beat Pumas in the Chquito state derby, and the first E1 Derby of the season between Stars and Dragons ended with the latter side stealing a point from Eterna City.

CAP 0–2 Olympique de Fontvielle
Deportivo Junín 2–0 AS Vaud
Real Campo Grande 1–0 Pumas Maldonado
Nacional 1–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Metropolis Alligators 4–2 Étoile Verte
Pradera FC 3–1 Slateport Bulls
AS Bezieres 1–0 Marinos Metropolis
Tannenberg FC 2–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Eterna Stars 2–2 Canalave Dragons
Fontvielle Impact 2–0 Edmonton United

Kings' Shield First Round (March 13-14-15)

And now, it's time for Kings' Shield action to start with the First Round featuring 186 Valladar clubs: the 5 worst clubs in Liga-2 last season, plus all the clubs in Liga-3, Liga Nacional (4th tier), the Ligas Regionales (5th tier) and the twelve State Championships (6th tier), barring 3 clubs from Electrum competing under the blessing of the Valladar and Electrumite FAs, plus the Asociación Juninense de Fútbol (AJF).

Real Guadír 0-1 Eterna Celtic

Mariscal Rondón 0-0 Valencia FC (1-0 AET)

Metropolis City FC 2-1 Guararé FC

Independiente Morón 1-0 AC Valencia

Atlas SC 0-0 Cartago FC (0-0 AET, 2-1 PKs)

Sion-Impact OSC 0-1 Carloburgo Phoenix

Unión Junín 2-0 Buitrera FC

Arma FC 0-0 AS Lausanne (0-0 AET, 4-2 PKs)

Atlético Rozo 2-0 Remo

Mountain United 2-2 Aguablanca FC (2-2 AET, 4-5 PKs)

Vitória Maldonado 2-0 Sporting Faro

EC São Januário 1-0 Chesham Town

Dynamo Metropolis 2-1 Playa Larga FC

AD Sillimus 0-3 SC Alcázares

Bridgeborough United 2-0 Atlético Poblado

Newcastle Town 1-3 Olympique de Coulombes

Alianza Antioquia 5-1 Ferroviario

Club Juventud 3-4 Swangard FC

Sillimus Islanders FC 3-1 Cardenales FC

Campinas FC 1-1 Saintsbury United (1-1 AET, 1-3 PKs)

Adelaide Heart FC 1-3 AFC Trefford

Albany Lynx FC 3-2 Tessano FC

Fauxham United 0-0 AS Mont-Blanc (0-0 AET, 3-1 PKs)

Excelsior Exeter 1-3 Unión de Loja FC

AD Cerro 1-1 Estudiantes de Metrópolis (2-1 AET)

Estudiantes de Colón 2-1 Carloburgo Star FC

Deportivo Balboa 1-0 Deportivo Angostura

Neuchâtel-Sport 2-0 Hamilton Rockets

FC 1093 Los Chorros 1-0 Nacional (CG)

CSDA Junín 1-0 Mineros de Talamonte

Real Colón 2-1 Gatineau Athletic Club

FC Bluewich-Furness 0-0 Hoxford Athletic (1-0 AET)

EC Comercial 2-0 CS Clermont

FC Columbus 0-0 Atlético Robles (1-1 AET, 3-4 PKs)

Alto Danubio FC 0-0 Port Authority FC (0-0 AET, 3-0 PKs)

Sabaneta FC 1-1 Tarragona FC (2-2 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Victoria United 0-1 AC Talamonte

Adelaide Kickers 2-1 AS Laval-Avignon

Kingsville Reds 0-1 Academia Puerto Soldado

Kingsley-Bedford FC 0-2 Almaguer FC

Toril Beavers 3-0 Gazélec Saint-Rémy

Alejandría SC 1-0 Potros de Slateport

Encinar SC 1-1 SC Canalave Young Boys (1-1 AET, 2-3 PKs)

Puente Nacional FC 2-0 Westporte City FC

Minault United 2-2 Villaznia AC (3-5 AET)

FC Annecy 0-3 Corumbá EC

Estrella Roja 1-1 RC Copacabana (1-1 AET, 3-0 PKs)

Português 0-2 Isla Nueva FC

Bretford Royals 1-1 FC Verder Metropolis (1-2 AET)

Northport Mariners 0-2 Sport Lierravus

Salvador FC 2-0 Policía Nacional FC

University of Canalave FC 1-0 Stade Foixien

Port Arthur FC 6-1 Standard Fontvielle

Unión Ature 1-2 Araguaná

Birdwall City 1-1 Gatineau UC 98 (2-2 AET, 3-4 PKs)

Jamundí FC 3-1 CS Ypres

Yumbo FC 1-0 FC Endemien

CA Lierravus 0-0 SC Tabatinga (0-0 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Campograndense 0-0 FC Henriville (1-1 AET, 0-1 PKs)

Trois-Rivières Athletic 1-2 Águilas de Tresquebradas

Racing Corinto FC 0-0 FC Blacktown (0-0 AET, 3-0 PKs)

FC Fauxham 1-1 Curzón FC (1-1 AET, 1-2 PKs)

Atlético Caraure 2-0 Real San Miguel

Deportivo Lomas 0-3 Atlético Alpino

Universitario de Junín 0-0 SC Río Laguna (0-0 AET, 3-2 PKs)

FC Silverstone 0-0 Cidade do Leste (0-0 AET, 4-3 PKs)

ACD Faro 0-1 Northport Bears

Santacruz FC 3-0 Carolina Rangers

Western Suburbs FC 0-1 Canalave Rangers

Central Español 0-2 Cerro Plateado FC

Puracé FC 1-0 CR Palmas

Real Trinidad 1-1 Townsville Fury (1-1 AET, 2-0 PKs)

AC Huez 0-1 8 de Octubre FC

CA Barbosa 1-1 Richmond City (2-3 AET)

RC Corania 2-1 Borderville Rogues

Operário FC 0-1 FC Westporte 984

Servette FC 2-1 Port Arthur Warriors

Abbotsford SC 1-1 FC Borderville (1-1 AET, 0-3 PKs)

Atlético Caney 2-0 RC Victoria

FC Broomfield 1-1 Leeward Tech FC (1-2 AET)

Llaneros de Barracas 0-2 Deportivo Municipal

Deportivo Meléndez 3-1 Fermont OSC

CD Melgar 0-2 Deportivo Aguablanca

Real Junín FC 1-0 Hamilton Steelers

Club Petrolero 2-2 Luton Town FC (3-2 AET)

Blue-White Westporte 1-2 OSC Canalave

AC Tallin 2-2 Arenápolis FC (3-2 AET)

Deportivo Cerrito 0-1 Orlèans FC

Rapid Metropolis 3-3 Adelaide City FC (3-3 AET, 2-3 PKs)

Westporte Sailors FC 2-1 Columbus Cannons

RC Belfort 0-1 Sporting Florencia

San Luis FC 1-1 Alianza Bochalema (1-2 AET)

Universitario de Maldonado 0-0 LDU Victoria (0-0 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Globe Cup Qualifying Round Second Leg (March 15)

The UICA qualifying rounds finally reached their end with the second leg of the Globe Cup qualifying round matches, and Bezieres was the only Valladar team able to enter the group stage despite losing their match to Chapeleta de Desportos in Capivara Group. However, the 4-2 win earned in the first leg in Bezieres was enough of a cushion to allow Les Rouges to go through. Meanwhile, Marinos played a dreadful match in Super-Llamaland against New Llama Capitals, losing 3-0 and crashing out of international competition in the process, this of course becoming a big failure for Cosumarite coach Sergio Vilar early in the season.

New Llama Capitals (SLL) 3-0 Marinos Metropolis (4-2 agg)
Chapeleta de Desportos (CPV) 1-0 AS Bezieres (3-4 agg)

Torneo Apertura Round 3 (March 17-18)

With Fontvielle Impact losing narrowly in their visit to Canalave and Bezieres getting their second loss in four days by losing to the Bulls in Slateport, Nacional were able to become sole leaders after 3 matches, keeping their perfect record by beating Pumas in Maldonado. Olympique de Fontvielle claimed their second win in a row by thumping Junín at the Stade de l'Amitié with Mareibatian striker Richard Armada scoring a hat-trick, while the Alligators stumbled to a second defeat, this time against Ajax in Carloburgo. Marinos were finally able to celebrate their first win in the league, beating a tough TFC at the Estadio Zachary Fortin, and promoted side Étoile Verte also earned their first three points of the campaign by defeating Pradera at the Stade de Charmilliot. Elsewhere, Vaud joined the group of teams with 6 points after beating Real Campo Grande, Edmonton and CAP cancelled each other out at Albert Field, and Bohemians and the Stars also remain winless as both sides shared the spoils in Metropolis with a 2-2 draw.

Edmonton United 2–2 CAP
Canalave Dragons 3–2 Fontvielle Impact
Bohemians Metropolis 2–2 Eterna Stars
Marinos Metropolis 1–0 Tannenberg FC
Slateport Bulls 3–1 AS Bezieres
Étoile Verte 1–0 Pradera FC
Ajax Carloburgo 1–0 Metropolis Alligators
Pumas Maldonado 1–2 Nacional
AS Vaud 1–0 Real Campo Grande
Olympique de Fontvielle 4–1 Deportivo Junín

Torneo Apertura Round 4 (March 24-25)

Nacional continued with their victorious streak in this early stretch of the Apertura, with a convincing 3-1 win over Vaud at the City of Metropolis Stadium, with four teams following La Academia with 9 points out of 12: Fontvielle Impact, who bounced back from their defeat to the Dragons in Canalave last week by beating cellar-dwellers Bohemians with a brace by Alexandre, Olympique de Fontvielle, who earned a very important victory in the heights of Campo Grande (which is their third in a row), Ajax, who shocked Pradera at the Estadio de la Montaña, and Bezieres, who emerged victorious from the first Derby de Bezieres of the season against Étoile Verte. Meanwhile, both of Metropolis' "Big" sides claimed equally big wins in this round, with Marinos thumping the Stars, who have already hit the panic button after going winless in four matches, and the Alligators were propelled by strikers Brayan Borja and Cristian Bogarín to an annihilation of Pumas at the National Stadium. In other matches, Junín became the victim for CAP's maiden win of the season, TFC beat a combative Slateport Bulls side in a convoluted match with 2 players sent off per side, and the Dragons remain as the only unbeaten team (other than leaders Nacional) after their new striker John Rose led them to victory in Edmonton.

CAP 1–0 Deportivo Junín
Real Campo Grande 1–3 Olympique de Fontvielle
Nacional 3–1 AS Vaud
Metropolis Alligators 4–0 Pumas Maldonado
Pradera FC 1–2 Ajax Carloburgo
AS Bezieres 2–0 Étoile Verte
Tannenberg FC 2–1 Slateport Bulls
Eterna Stars 0–3 Marinos Metropolis
Fontvielle Impact 2–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Edmonton United 1–2 Canalave Dragons

UICA Group Stage Matchday 1 (March 27-28-29)

The group stages of UICA competitions have now started, and none of the Valladar representatives in UICA competition managed to get wins in this week. The ones that were the closest to achieve it were Fontvielle Impact, who drew the mighty Euran side Revolutionaries at a packed Stade de la Frontière while also showing some mettle, and CAP, who let victory slip off their hands in the dying minutes of their match against Nukon in Eura on Wednesday. In contrast to this, Bezieres were not off to a good start in the Globe Cup, losing to Polaris in Ceni, with former Olympique de Fontvielle playmaker Eduardo as executioner.

Fontvielle Impact 1-1 Revolutionaries (EUR)
Nukon (EUR) 2-2 CAP
Polaris (CEN) 2-0 AS Bezieres

Torneo Apertura Round 5 (March 31-April 1)

Round 5 and the start of April brought to Nacional their first real challenge of the season, as they travelled south to Fontvielle to face Olympique de Fontvielle. Even though the side coached by Damián Trolli gave the Albos a lot of trouble, Jean Camacho and his squad were eventually able to claim their fifth win in a row thanks to a solid performance by striker Sebastián Carreño, who led his team with a brace. Meanwhile, another enticing match was being played at Carloburgo's Olympic Stadium, with Ajax and Bezieres locking horns with second place at stake, trying to take advantage of Olympique's defeat and Fontvielle Impact's narrow loss to Marinos in Metropolis. Eventually, Les Rouges were able to emerge as winners thanks to a goal by Richard Gervais and continue 3 points adrift the top. Canalave Dragons are now third after beating CAP and chaining their third win in a row, while also keeping their unbeaten streak, with Metropolis Alligators beating Vaud and climbing up the table as well. In other matches, Pradera and Junín returned to winning ways with the former defeating Pumas in Maldonado and the latter taking charge of Real Campo Grande, TFC slipped in Bezieres with a loss to Étoile Verte, Bohemians won their first match of the season in a thriller against Edmonton, and the first SuperClásico of the season between Slateport Bulls and Eterna Stars ended up with the latter leaving Slateport with the full prize and a much wanted first win thanks to a goal by former Bull Aide Mehdizade.

Canalave Dragons 3–1 CAP
Bohemians Metropolis 3–2 Edmonton United
Marinos Metropolis 1–0 Fontvielle Impact
Slateport Bulls 0–1 Eterna Stars
Étoile Verte 2–0 Tannenberg FC
Ajax Carloburgo 0–1 AS Bezieres
Pumas Maldonado 0–1 Pradera FC
AS Vaud 2–3 Metropolis Alligators
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–3 Nacional
Deportivo Junín 4–2 Real Campo Grande

Kings' Shield Second Round Match (April 4)

With the Copa de Campeones overlapping with the second round of the Kings' Shield, and Fontvielle Impact being slated to play in both competitions, the Valladar champions decided to request the collaboration by humble sixth tier club Sabaneta FC to bring their cup match forward to April 4 in order to allow them to play the first round of the Copa de Campeones without any scheduling problems. The team from Greater Metropolis accepted the request and thus the match was played on this date in Cerro, and Les Bleus (who fielded an alternate squad for this game) cruised to a dominating 4-0 victory in their Kings' Shield début thanks to goals by William Hurst, Omar Chávez, Daniel Barbieri, and Kevin Martins, becoming the first team to clinch a berth to the next round of the competition.

Sabaneta FC 0-4 Fontvielle Impact

Torneo Apertura Round 6 (April 7-8)

Leaders Nacional have now made it 6 wins in as many matches after coming from behind to beat Junín at the City of Metropolis Stadium, with Bezieres crushing Pumas at home to stay in second place and still trailing the Albos by 3 points, and Canalave Dragons continue in third thanks to their win over Bohemians at Dragon Stadium, which also allows them to keep their unbeaten streak intact. Defending champions Fontvielle Impact returned to winning ways with their alternate squad beating Slateport Bulls 3-1 at home and moved up to fourth place, Pradera defeated Vaud with a brace by Nepharim striker Gareth Teixeira and are now sixth, while Marinos and the Alligators were unable to win in this round, as the Marineros lost in Edmonton and allowed the Monties to celebrate their first victory since MD1 and the Titan and Olympique de Fontvielle cancelled themselves out in Swangard with a scoreless draw. In other matches, the Stars got their second straight win, beating Étoile Verte at home, Real Campo Grande earned a much-needed win in Los Chorros against CAP, and TFC and Ajax shared the spoils in an entertaining Carloburgo Derby at White Meadow Arena that ended in a 2-2 draw.

CAP 0–1 Real Campo Grande
Nacional 2–1 Deportivo Junín
Metropolis Alligators 0–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Pradera FC 2–0 AS Vaud
AS Bezieres 5–1 Pumas Maldonado
Tannenberg FC 2–2 Ajax Carloburgo
Eterna Stars 2–1 Étoile Verte
Fontvielle Impact 3–1 Slateport Bulls
Edmonton United 3–1 Marinos Metropolis
Canalave Dragons 3–2 Bohemians Metropolis

UICA Group Stage Matchday 2 (April 10-11-12)

All of the Valladar teams still involved in UICA competition won their matches in this week of international cup action. In the Champions' Cup, Fontvielle Impact earned a valuable win against Avenida Leal, with Wilfried Baume scoring the lone goal for Les Bleus in Farfadillis which allows l'Impact to move to second place in Group F with the same points as group leaders Revolutionaries, whilst Lexington Victory are third with 3 points, and the Farf side remained at the basement with no points after 2 games. On Wednesday, it was CAP's turn to claim victory, as the Cuervos beat Banija's Corizova United in Los Chorros and lead Group A with 4 points, along with Eura's Nukon, and the Banijans and Pinel are being left behind with 1 point each. And on Thursday, Bezieres bounced back from their previous loss in Ceni and defeated Laketown Rangers with a penalty scored by Daniel Mendoza to collect their first three points in Group J of the Globe Cup, going up to second place and trailing Polaris by 1 point. The Taeshanis are third, with the same points as Les Rouges, and Ulsa are still last with 1 point.

Avenida Leal (FFD) 0-1 Fontvielle Impact
CAP 2-1 Corizova United (BNJ)
AS Bezieres 1-0 Laketown Rangers (TAE)

Torneo Apertura Round 7 (April 14-15)

With two goals in each half, scored by Mario Ovalle and Ronald Mickel, Nacional claimed a very important victory in Campo Grande and remain as solid leaders having won all of their games so far. Besides, they have opened a 6-point gap on top thanks to Bezieres being defeated by Vaud in Gatineau on Sunday, and Marinos putting an end to Canalave Dragons' unbeaten streak with a 2-0 win over the Dragons. Fontvielle Impact were also greatly benefited by those results, since their win over Étoile Verte combined with those losses for Rouges and Dragons allowed Les Bleus to place themselves in second place with 15 points. Meanwhile, Metropolis Alligators kept stumbling and were held to a scoreless stalemate by Deportivo Junín in the Far East, with Olympique de Fontvielle being denied the win against Pradera with the Verdiblancos rescuing a point from Fontvielle thanks to a late goal by Mauricio Salgado, and the Stars' incipient winning streak was cut by Ajax Carloburgo in a 7-goal thriller at Carloburgo's Olympic Stadium. Elsewhere, Slateport Bulls striker Óscar Salazar led his team to victory against Edmonton with a hat-trick, CAP managed to leave the bottom three after beating Bohemians at the Frattini, and Pumas lost to TFC at home and stayed anchored to the basement.

Bohemians Metropolis 0–1 CAP
Marinos Metropolis 2–0 Canalave Dragons
Slateport Bulls 3–0 Edmonton United
Étoile Verte 0–2 Fontvielle Impact
Ajax Carloburgo 4–3 Eterna Stars
Pumas Maldonado 0–2 Tannenberg FC
AS Vaud 2–0 AS Bezieres
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–2 Pradera FC
Deportivo Junín 0–0 Metropolis Alligators
Real Campo Grande 0–2 Nacional

Copa de Campeones First Round First Leg (April 18)

After beating Étoile Verte at the Stade de Foix, Fontvielle Impact returned home to play their first match in the Copa de Campeones, hosting Olastor champions Olastaryn FC at the Stade de la Frontière. Although it seemed that Les Bleus would be cruising to an easy win after going 3-0 ahead in the first half with goals by Alexandre, Carlos Conte, and Wilfried Baume, Olastaryn improved their performance in the second half and managed to score two goals which keep the tie wide open ahead of the second leg next week in Olastor.

Fontvielle Impact 3-2 Olastaryn FC (OLA)

Torneo Apertura Round 8 (April 21-22)

Nacional are still counting all their matches in the Apertura as wins, this time beating a brave CAP side in Los Chorros with a late goal by substitute striker Nicolás Lucchetti. Fontvielle Impact and Canalave Dragons are in second and third place, respectively, with the former narrowly edging past Ajax at home, and the latter thumping Slateport Bulls at home with Daniel Costa scoring a brace and Dunnish player John Rose killing the Bulls off with the third and last goal at Dragon Stadium. In one of the interesting matches of this round, Bezieres and Olympique de Fontvielle were unable to separate each other at the Stade de Foix, which prevented the Rouge side from staying close to their arch-rivals Impact, and kept the team coached by Damián Trolli in the upper half of the table. Marinos seem to have finally understood the methodology brought by Sergio Vilar, as they played their best match of the season in the 4-0 demolition of Bohemians at the Estadio Luis Frattini which takes them to fifth place, whilst the Alligators had to make a great effort to beat Real Campo Grande at the National Stadium. In other matches, Chromatik playmaker Willard Drea scored the goal that allowed Junín to snatch a point from the Estadio de la Montaña against Pradera, the Stars bounced back from their most recent defeat with a win over Pumas at home, Audioslav striker Rafael Barrantes led Tannenberg to victory against a tricky Vaud side, and Edmonton and Étoile Verte showed just how bad they are by playing an insipid and emotionless match at Albert Field.

CAP 2–3 Nacional
Metropolis Alligators 1–0 Real Campo Grande
Pradera FC 1–1 Deportivo Junín
AS Bezieres 1–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Tannenberg FC 3–2 AS Vaud
Eterna Stars 2–1 Pumas Maldonado
Fontvielle Impact 1–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Edmonton United 0–0 Étoile Verte
Canalave Dragons 3–0 Slateport Bulls
Bohemians Metropolis 0–4 Marinos Metropolis

Kings' Shield Second Round (April 25-26)

In the second round of the Kings' Shield we see the remaining 35 teams from Liga-1 and Liga-2 entering the competition and joining the 93 first round winners, to make a field of 128 teams. And the biggest news is that Nacional finally lost a match! Yes, they crashed out of the Kings' Shield as soon as they entered it after losing 1-0 to Eterna Stars in Eterna City, and in another attractive all-L1 matchup in this early stage of the competition, TFC were eliminated after losing to Junín at home. Canalave Dragons had yet another embarrassing exit from this competition after losing to sixth tier side Real Colón in Columbus, and to round up the list of eliminated Liga-1 teams, we've got AS Vaud, who were also kicked out of the competition by losing 1-0 to Sillimus. Meanwhile, defending Shield holders Bezieres started their title defense on the right foot by thumping Águilas de Tresquebradas, and Olympique de Fontvielle and Ajax got rid of their rivals without much trouble, unlike teams such as Marinos, the Alligators, Real Campo Grande, Edmonton and the Bulls, who (in the case of Alligators, Monties, and Bulls) even needed extra time or penalties to win their matches. Bohemians beat Atlético Nápoles in one of the derbies of north Metropolis, and the match between Sabaneta FC and Fontvielle Impact was already played on April 4 due to the international commitments of the Valladar champions.

CSDA Junín 0-1 Yumbo FC

Leeward Tech FC 1-1 Deportivo Municipal (1-1 AET, 2-3 PKs)

FC Westporte 984 0-0 Real Pradera (0-1 AET)

Port Arthur FC 0-1 Canalave Rangers

Hoxford Rovers 1-1 Unión Junín (1-1 AET, 5-4 PKs)

Swangard FC 2-1 Stanford United

Alianza Bochalema 1-1 Villaznia AC (1-2 AET)

Westporte Sailors FC 2-1 Atlético Robles

Atlas SC 1-0 SC Alcázares

Metropolis City FC 2-2 OSC Canalave (2-2 AET, 4-3 PKs)

EC Comercial 3-1 EC São Januário

8 de Octubre FC 1-1 AFC Trefford (1-1 AET, 2-1 PKs)

Salvador FC 1-2 Hamanos Athletic Club

Alejandría SC 1-2 Marinos Metropolis

Real Trinidad 1-1 Club Petrolero (1-1 AET, 4-1 PKs)

AC Talamonte 3-0 Deportivo Balboa

Alto Danubio FC 1-1 Saintsbury United (2-1 AET)

Libertad 1-1 Richmond City (2-1 AET)

Fauxham United 0-1 FC Henriville

Edmonton United 1-1 FC 1093 Los Chorros (2-1 AET)

Tannenberg FC 1-2 Deportivo Junín

Real Campo Grande 3-2 Academia Puerto Soldado

Universitario de Maldonado 1-1 Deportivo Meléndez (2-1 AET)

Mariscal Rondón 0-2 Patriotas FC

AS Bezieres 3-0 Águilas de Tresquebradas

Étoile Verte 1-0 Orlèans FC

Real Junín FC 1-0 FC Verder Metropolis

Jamundí FC 1-0 Deportivo Aguablanca

FC Bluewich-Furness 0-2 Ajax Carloburgo

Independiente Morón 3-3 Metropolis Alligators (3-4 AET)

Pumas Maldonado 2-0 Eterna Celtic

Almaguer FC 0-0 Slateport Bulls (1-1 AET, 0-2 PKs)

Unión de Loja FC 0-1 Cerro Plateado FC

Atlético Caraure 1-0 AC Tallin

Danubio FC 1-2 Vitória Maldonado

Alianza Antioquia 3-0 Estudiantes de Colón

Atlético Rozo 2-4 Bellavista Jets

CAP 1-0 Curzón FC

Araguaná 0-4 Neuchâtel-Sport

Northport Bears 2-0 Sporting Florencia

Bohemians Metropolis 1-0 Atlético Nápoles

Aguablanca FC 0-2 Puente Nacional FC

FC Maritime Westporte 3-1 AD Cerro

Gatineau UC 98 1-1 Universitario de Junín (2-1 AET)

Olympique de Fontvielle 3-0 Bridgeborough United

Adelaide Kickers 2-1 AS Montreux

Real Colón 1-0 Canalave Dragons

University of Canalave FC 0-2 Dynamo Metropolis

Corumbá EC 2-3 Carloburgo Phoenix

Atlético Alpino 1-1 Isla Nueva FC (1-1 AET, 2-1 PKs)

FC Sillimus 1-0 AS Vaud

FC Townsville 0-0 FC Borderville (0-1 AET)

Santacruz FC 3-0 Puracé FC

FC Silverstone 1-1 Sport Lierravus (1-3 AET)

Eterna Stars 1-0 Nacional

Toril Beavers 0-2 Adelaide City FC

Nord Energie FC 1-0 Atlético Caney

Olympique de Coulombes 2-0 Albany Lynx FC

RC Corania 1-0 Defensores de Villafuerte

Sillimus Islanders FC 0-4 Pradera FC

Servette FC 0-2 Racing Corinto FC

CA Lierravus 0-1 Arma FC

Estrella Roja 1-3 SC Canalave Young Boys

Copa de Campeones First Round Second Leg (April 25)

Speaking of which, Impact travelled to Olastor for the second leg of their matchup against Olastaryn with a short advantage thanks to the 3-2 win in the first leg in Fontvielle. And this time, the team coached by Daniel Bernard demonstrated the gap in quality between the Valladar and Olastorian champions with two goals by Wilfried Baume scored in quick succession, to which the hosts could not answer. With that and a 5-2 win on aggregate, Les Bleus advanced to the quarterfinals of the regional competition.

Olastaryn FC (OLA) 0-2 Fontvielle Impact (2-5 agg)

Torneo Apertura Round 9 (April 28-29)

The first Derby Añejo of the season was the perfect opportunity for Metropolis Alligators to confirm their liftoff once and for all while at the same time putting the handbrake on Nacional, however, the team coached by Jean Camacho are unstoppable (despite that lapsus last week in the Shield) and added their arch-rivals to their list of victims with a 2-1 win over them at the City of Metropolis Stadium, leaving MA 14 points adrift from the top in the process. Fontvielle Impact are still trying to give some fight, piling more misery on Pumas with their victory over them in Maldonado in order to stay in second place, whilst Marinos are now in third place after giving another drubbing, this time to CAP. Canalave Dragons and Bezieres suffered speed bumps in this matchday, as the former were held to a draw by Étoile Verte, and the latter lost in Junín against the Granates, however, Ajax and Olympique de Fontvielle collected important wins in their quest to stay placed as high in the table as possible with the Immigrants beating Edmonton at home and the Jaune-et-Bleus winning over TFC at the Stade de l'Amitié. The Eternan teams are not having a good time in the league, with the Stars being unable to beat Vaud, and the Bulls losing at home to an effective Bohemians side, and Real Campo Grande tied with Pradera after being defeating the Verdiblancos 3-1 with 5 minutes to go.

Marinos Metropolis 4–0 CAP
Slateport Bulls 0–2 Bohemians Metropolis
Étoile Verte 1–1 Canalave Dragons
Ajax Carloburgo 1–0 Edmonton United
Pumas Maldonado 0–2 Fontvielle Impact
AS Vaud 1–1 Eterna Stars
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–0 Tannenberg FC
Deportivo Junín 1–0 AS Bezieres
Real Campo Grande 3–3 Pradera FC
Nacional 2–1 Metropolis Alligators

UICA Group Stage Matchday 3 (May 1-2-3)

The group stages of the UICA competitions reached their halfway point with mixed results for the three Valladar teams still in competition. On Tuesday, Fontvielle Impact had the mission to start securing qualification for the Champions' Cup knockout stage by beating Lexington Victory in New Gelderland, and the Valladar champions returned from eastern Terranea with a precious 2-1 win which allows them to go on top of Group E with 7 points, leaving their rivals stranded in third place with 3 points. The next day, CAP were also able to take a huge step to the next round of the Series B Champions' Cup after winning 3-0 in Capivara Group against Pinel, result with which the Cuervos reach 7 points and also lead their SBCC group. However, Bezieres were unable to follow on the footsteps of the Liga-1 and Liga-2 champions and brought Ulsa back to life after allowing the Eurans to beat them at home. Les Rouges finished the first half of group stage action being in last place of their group, with only 3 points.

Lexington Victory (NGD) 1-2 Fontvielle Impact
Pinel (CPV) 0-3 CAP
AS Bezieres 1-2 Ulsa (EUR)

Torneo Apertura Round 10 (May 5-6)

The first quarter of this Liga-1 season (and first half of this Apertura tournament) ended with Nacional winning their tenth match in a row in Pradera against the Verdiblancos and leading the league with 30 out of 30 points, with defending champions Fontvielle Impact still trailing by 6 points after beating Vaud at the Stade de la Frontière. Canalave Dragons ratified their good first part of the season with a thrashing of Ajax at Dragon Stadium which allows them to stay in third place with 21 points, while Marinos were left behind after losing to Slateport Bulls in the Blue Derby at the Estadio Zachary Fortin with a goal by Alexis Márquez. Olympique de Fontvielle and Metropolis Alligators earned important victories on the road against the Stars and CAP, thinking in the aggregate table for the second half of the season, with Tannenberg following both sides after a 4-3 victory over Junín in a match where Rafael Barrantes and Dragan Stavanger ran riot against the Granate defense. In the first Ilirian Derby of the season, Real Campo Grande were able to breathe some fresh air with a win over Bezieres, who fell to eighth place with 16 points after the defeat in Campo Grande, Edmonton got a much-needed win against cellar-dwellers Pumas at Albert Field, and Bohemians pushed Étoile Verte into the bottom three with Franco Vargas being the scorer of the winning goal against Les Verts at the Estadio Luis Frattini.

CAP 0–2 Metropolis Alligators
Pradera FC 2–3 Nacional
AS Bezieres 0–2 Real Campo Grande
Tannenberg FC 4–3 Deportivo Junín
Eterna Stars 1–3 Olympique de Fontvielle
Fontvielle Impact 2–1 AS Vaud
Edmonton United 3–1 Pumas Maldonado
Canalave Dragons 5–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Bohemians Metropolis 1–0 Étoile Verte
Marinos Metropolis 0–1 Slateport Bulls

Standings after Torneo Apertura Matchday 10

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Nacional                        10   10   0   0    24   10  +14    30
 2  Fontvielle Impact               10    8   0   2    19    6  +13    24
 3  Canalave Dragons                10    6   3   1    25   14  +11    21
 4  Marinos Metropolis              10    6   1   3    18    7  +11    19
 5  Olympique de Fontvielle         10    5   3   2    17   10   +7    18
 6  Metropolis Alligators           10    5   2   3    15    8   +7    17
 7  Tannenberg FC                   10    5   2   3    18   15   +3    17
 8  AS Bezieres                     10    5   1   4    12   10   +2    16
 9  Ajax Carloburgo                 10    5   1   4    12   14   −2    16
10  Pradera FC                      10    3   4   3    17   15   +2    13
11  Eterna Stars                    10    3   3   4    14   18   −4    12
12  Slateport Bulls                 10    4   0   6    11   15   −4    12
13  Deportivo Junín                 10    3   2   5    13   15   −2    11
14  Edmonton United                 10    3   2   5    12   15   −3    11
15  AS Vaud                         10    3   1   6    11   16   −5    10
16  Real Campo Grande               10    3   1   6    10   16   −6    10
17  Bohemians Metropolis            10    3   1   6    10   17   −7    10
18  Étoile Verte                    10    2   2   6     8   15   −7     8
19  CAP                             10    2   1   7     7   20  −13     7
20  Pumas Maldonado                 10    1   0   9     5   22  −17     3

Liga-2 Standings after Matchday 10:

Valladar Liga-2                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Defensores de Villafuerte       10    7   2   1    24   15   +9    23
 2  Hamanos Athletic Club           10    7   0   3    24   13  +11    21
 3  Adelaide Kickers                10    6   2   2    17   12   +5    20
 4  AS Montreux                     10    6   2   2    17   13   +4    20
 5  Real Pradera                    10    6   0   4    18   12   +6    18
 6  Atlético Nápoles                10    4   3   3    17   16   +1    15
 7  FC Columbus                     10    5   0   5    21   22   −1    15
 8  Hoxford Rovers                  10    4   2   4    16   13   +3    14
 9  Valencia FC                     10    4   2   4    12   16   −4    14
10  FC Fauxham                      10    3   4   3    14   17   −3    13
11  Danubio FC                      10    4   1   5    14   15   −1    13
12  Nord Energie FC                 10    3   3   4    14   16   −2    12
13  FC Townsville                   10    3   3   4    21   24   −3    12
14  Libertad                        10    2   5   3    18   19   −1    11
15  Patriotas FC                    10    2   5   3    14   15   −1    11
16  Stanford United                 10    2   4   4     4    7   −3    10
17  Bellavista Jets                 10    3   1   6    16   20   −4    10
18  FC Maritime Westporte           10    2   3   5    12   16   −4     9
19  AD Cerro                        10    1   4   5     6   13   −7     7
20  FC Sillimus                     10    0   6   4    11   16   −5     6

Liga-3 Standings after Matchday 10:

Valladar Liga-3                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Gatineau UC 98                  10    6   3   1    21   10  +11    21
 2  Bretford Royals                 10    5   5   0    18    9   +9    20
 3  EC Comercial                    10    6   2   2    17    9   +8    20
 4  Servette FC                     10    6   2   2    20   11   +9    20
 5  Villaznia AC                    10    6   2   2    23   15   +8    20
 6  Carloburgo Phoenix              10    6   2   2    18   11   +7    20
 7  Universitario de Maldonado      10    6   1   3    22   15   +7    19
 8  Alianza Antioquia               10    5   3   2    19   15   +4    18
 9  AS Mont-Blanc                   10    5   0   5    14   14    0    15
10  Sporting Florencia              10    4   3   3     7    8   −1    15
11  RC Corania                      10    4   2   4    15   16   −1    14
12  Eterna Celtic                   10    4   1   5    12   14   −2    13
13  Deportivo Aguablanca            10    3   4   3    11   14   −3    13
14  Northport Bears                 10    3   3   4    17   21   −4    12
15  Dynamo Metropolis               10    2   4   4    15   17   −2    10
16  Yumbo FC                        10    3   1   6    12   17   −5    10
17  AC Tallin                       10    2   0   8    10   22  −12     6
18  FC Westporte 984                10    1   3   6    13   20   −7     6
19  RC Belfort                      10    1   1   8     4   17  −13     4
20  SC Alcázares                    10    0   2   8    10   23  −13     2

by **Valladares** » Fri Mar 30, 2018 7:38 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-FIFTH SEASON (PART III OF V)

Copa de Campeones Quarterfinals First Leg (May 9)

The Copa de Campeones entered its decisive stage with the quarterfinals, and Fontvielle Impact travelled to Baskita to play Baskita FC, the Pasargan champions. And in a match that could have gone either way, with both teams having no less than 5 chances to score, Baskita were able to deal the first blow thanks to a goal in the 74th minute that allows them to arrive to Fontvielle with the advantage. The side coached by Daniel Bernard enjoyed some chances to at least return to Valladares with an away goal but luck was not on Impact's side on this day and they will have to turn things around at home in two weeks time.

Baskita FC (PAS) 1-0 Fontvielle Impact

Torneo Apertura Round 11 (May 12-13)

Nacional strenghtened their grip on first place after performing an exhibition of football against Bezieres at the City of Metropolis Stadium, beating Les Rouges by a 3-0 score to earn their eleventh win in a row in the Apertura and getting close to clinch the first tournament of the season and its associated Champions' Cup spot. Also, La Academia were greatly benefited by the outcome of the Derby de Fontvielle, where Fontvielle Impact suffered a harsh defeat at the hands of Olympique with striker Richard Armada scoring a brace against the defending champions and leaving them 9 points adrift, while Canalave Dragons were witness to Pumas' return to victory, with Rodrigo Barroso scoring the winning goal for the Cougar. Marinos recovered from the loss to Slateport Bulls in the Blue Derby and went up to third place with a victory over Étoile Verte in Bezieres, the Alligators and TFC also seem to have entered the ascending curve with the former defeating Pradera thanks to a hat-trick by striker Niko Komarov and the latter returning from Campo Grande with 3 points. In other matches, Ajax dealt another severe blow to Bohemians, with the Immigrants thrashing the Gallo at the Olympic Stadium, the Bulls got their second win in a row after beating CAP in Slateport, Edmonton won three important points against a possible rival in the relegation race (Vaud), and the Stars' crisis worsened with a loss to Junín in the Far East.

Slateport Bulls 1–0 CAP
Étoile Verte 1–2 Marinos Metropolis
Ajax Carloburgo 5–2 Bohemians Metropolis
Pumas Maldonado 1–0 Canalave Dragons
AS Vaud 1–2 Edmonton United
Olympique de Fontvielle 3–0 Fontvielle Impact
Deportivo Junín 1–0 Eterna Stars
Real Campo Grande 1–2 Tannenberg FC
Nacional 3–0 AS Bezieres
Metropolis Alligators 3–0 Pradera FC

UICA Group Stage Matchday 4 (May 15-16-17)

The start of the second half of group stage play in the UICA competitions saw two victories and a defeat for the Valladar clubs still in contention. In the Champions' Cup, Fontvielle Impact missed a great chance to secure qualification for the next round by losing to Lexington Victory at the Stade de la Frontière, returning the Gelderlish team to the fight instead, as they are now trailing l'Impact by a single point, with Revolutionaries third with 5 points and Avenida Leal still last, but now with 4 points. Meanwhile, Bezieres got even with Ulsa in Eura and revived in their Globe Cup group, going back to second place thanks to Laketown's loss to the new group leaders, Polaris. And in the SBCC, CAP became the first club to clinch qualification for the knockout rounds by beating Pinel in Los Chorros and reaching 10 points.

Fontvielle Impact 0-1 Lexington Victory (NGD)
CAP 2-0 Pinel (CPV)
Ulsa (EUR) 1-2 AS Bezieres

Torneo Apertura Round 12 (May 19-20)

Nacional's long winning streak was finally put to an end on this matchday as the Albos were defeated by Tannenberg at White Meadow Arena with Dragan Stavanger scoring a brace against the leaders, who saw how Fontvielle Impact managed to reduce the gap back to 6 points thanks to their narrow victory over Junín in Fontvielle. The Dragons also returned to winning ways after beating Vaud at Dragon Stadium and greatly capitalized Marinos' draw with Ajax in Metropolis to return to third place. Meanwhile, the Alligators handed Bezieres their fourth defeat in a row with a goal by striker Cristian Bogarín, result that helps the Titan go up to fifth place, whilst Bezieres went down to the bottom half of the table and the winds of crisis have started blowing in the Rouge camp. In other matches, Olympique de Fontvielle were prevented from assaulting fourth place by Edmonton, who beat them at Albert Field, Pradera and Bohemians sank CAP and Pumas further into the basement, the Stars and Real Campo Grande played to a draw that does not benefit either side, and Slateport Bulls beat Étoile Verte in a thriller at the Estadio de la Riviera.

CAP 0–3 Pradera FC
AS Bezieres 0–1 Metropolis Alligators
Tannenberg FC 3–2 Nacional
Eterna Stars 1–1 Real Campo Grande
Fontvielle Impact 2–1 Deportivo Junín
Edmonton United 2–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Canalave Dragons 2–1 AS Vaud
Bohemians Metropolis 1–0 Pumas Maldonado
Marinos Metropolis 2–2 Ajax Carloburgo
Slateport Bulls 4–3 Étoile Verte

Kings' Shield Third Round and Copa de Campeones Quarterfinals Second Leg (May 23-24)

The Kings' Shield returned with its Third Round, with the 64 winners of the previous round. Given that Fontvielle Impact postponed their match against sixth tier club FC Henriville in the Arauco state due to their participation in the Copa de Campeones, 31 matches were played on this week, with the "Big" Metropolis sides being involved in the most interesting games of the round. Marinos advanced to the next round, after defeating Liga-2 side Real Pradera at the Estadio Gobernador Villa with a goal by Aymeric Fortin in the second half, while Metropolis Alligators were pushed to the limit by Liga-3 outfit Universitario de Maldonado, who were only beaten after tying 1-1 in 120 minutes and then losing the penalty shootout to the Titan. AS Bezieres, Olympique de Fontvielle, Pradera FC, Slateport Bulls, Edmonton United, Ajax Carloburgo, and Bohemians Metropolis all were through to the next round after winning their matches without much drama, Real Campo Grande also needed a penalty shootout to get rid of Bellavista Jets and CAP beat Pumas on extra time in the only all-L1 match of the round. The biggest disappointments of the round were Deportivo Junín, Eterna Stars, and Étoile Verte, all of which crashed out of the competition after losing to lesser opposition.

Real Colón 1-0 Westporte Sailors FC

Real Junín FC 0-2 Puente Nacional FC

Real Pradera 0-1 Marinos Metropolis

Hamanos Athletic Club 1-0 RC Corania

Gatineau UC 98 1-2 Ajax Carloburgo

Alto Danubio FC 3-4 Hoxford Rovers

Pumas Maldonado 2-2 CAP (2-3 AET)

Universitario de Maldonado 1-1 Metropolis Alligators (1-1 AET, 2-3 PKs)

Swangard FC 2-2 Deportivo Municipal (3-4 AET)

Atlas SC 4-0 Olympique de Coulombes

Étoile Verte 0-1 Arma FC

Atlético Alpino 1-1 Adelaide City FC (1-1 AET, 0-3 PKs)

Santacruz FC 3-0 Yumbo FC

Nord Energie FC 1-0 Dynamo Metropolis

Bohemians Metropolis 2-1 Carloburgo Phoenix

Cerro Plateado FC 1-2 AS Bezieres

FC Maritime Westporte 2-0 FC Borderville

Pradera FC 2-0 Northport Bears

Real Trinidad 0-0 Racing Corinto FC (0-0 AET, 4-2 PKs)

Olympique de Fontvielle 3-0 Vitória Maldonado

FC Henriville x-x Fontvielle Impact - POSTPONED

Libertad 2-0 Eterna Stars

FC Sillimus 0-1 AC Talamonte

Neuchâtel-Sport 3-1 Sport Lierravus

Canalave Rangers 4-2 Adelaide Kickers

Patriotas FC 1-0 Alianza Antioquia

Bellavista Jets 0-0 Real Campo Grande (0-0 AET, 1-3 PKs)

Deportivo Junín 1-2 Atlético Caraure

EC Comercial 0-2 Slateport Bulls

Jamundí FC 0-2 Villaznia AC

SC Canalave Young Boys 0-0 8 de Octubre FC (0-1 AET)

Metropolis City FC 1-2 Edmonton United

Meanwhile, Fontvielle Impact hosted Baskita FC at the Stade de la Frontière looking to turn things around in the tie after the Pasargan win in the first leg. Even though Les Bleus had the best chances to break the deadlock and equalize the series, the Pasargan champions showed off their effectiveness once again and sentenced the series with a goal in the 53rd minute of the match, advancing to the semifinals of the CdC with a 2-0 aggregate win and closing l'Impact's involvement in the competition.

Fontvielle Impact 0-1 Baskita FC (PAS) (0-2 agg)

Torneo Apertura Round 13 (May 26-27)

Leaders Nacional were unable to get back on the victorious track after losing their long streak to TFC in Carloburgo last week, and were held to a 1-1 draw by Eterna Stars, for whom the draw isn't really a good business considering their situation in the table: 14th place with 14 points and just 3 points clear of the red zone, numbers that have started putting coach Anthony Clark to stagger. However, this stumble for Nacional was not capitalized by Fontvielle Impact, who don't seem to have bounced back from their Copa de Campeones elimination and were unable to cut the gap with La Academia after losing to Real Campo Grande in ugly fashion. Marinos and Metropolis Alligators were able to improve their positioning in the table with the Marineros now placing third after handing bottom-placed Pumas their 11th defeat in 13 games, and MA putting the handbrake on TFC with a convincing 3-1 win over the Citizens in Swangard. Meanwhile, another interesting match was played at Dragon Stadium between the Dragons and Olympique de Fontvielle, with the side coached by Damián Trolli returning home with a valuable booty as they shared the spoils with the hosts in an exciting match that ended 3-3. In other matches, Slateport Bulls' fourth straight victory (over Ajax) took them to the upper half of the table, Junín's big win over Edmonton moved the Granates up to eleventh place and further away from the danger zone, and Gareth Teixeira piled up more misery on Ronald Labbadia and Bezieres by scoring the winning goal for the Verdiblancos against Les Rouges, who have now chained 5 defeats in a row and no goals scored in as many games.

Étoile Verte 1–0 CAP
Ajax Carloburgo 1–2 Slateport Bulls
Pumas Maldonado 2–3 Marinos Metropolis
AS Vaud 1–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Olympique de Fontvielle 3–3 Canalave Dragons
Deportivo Junín 5–2 Edmonton United
Real Campo Grande 3–0 Fontvielle Impact
Nacional 1–1 Eterna Stars
Metropolis Alligators 3–1 Tannenberg FC
Pradera FC 1–0 AS Bezieres

UICA Group Stage Matchday 5 (May 29-30-31)

Fontvielle Impact managed to shake off from their latest two outings and secured qualification to the last 16 of this Champions' Cup edition with a dominating win over Revolutionaries in Eura, in which Wilfried Baume scored a brace and young striker Daniel Barbieri scored the last goal for the side coached by Daniel Bernard. Les Bleus were able to clinch qualification with one game to spare after Lexington Victory lost to Avenida Leal in Farfadillis. Meanwhile, in the Globe Cup, Bezieres got closer to clinch qualification to the Round of 32 after beating Polaris at home with a goal by Arley Barrios, which was undoubtedly an oasis in the desert for Les Rouges and coach Ronald Labbadia who are under heavy criticism from their fans due to the poor campaign in the league so far. And in the SBCC CAP, who are already qualified for the round of 16 of the SBCC, decided to field an alternate squad for the last group stage matches and were finally brought down by Nukon, who beat the Cuervos 2-1 in Los Chorros and sent the Liga-2 champions to second place of the group.

Revolutionaries (EUR) 0-3 Fontvielle Impact
CAP 1-2 Nukon (EUR)
AS Bezieres 1-0 Polaris (CEN)

Torneo Apertura Round 14 (June 2-3)

The start of June brought more bad news to Bezieres and Eterna Stars and their coaches, with both of them receiving ultimatums from the Boards of their clubs after Les Rouges lost once again, this time to CAP in Los Chorros, and the Stars were beaten by the Alligators in Eterna City. In what was touted as the match of the season so far, Fontvielle Impact welcomed leaders Nacional to the Stade de la Frontière, looking to open up the race for the Apertura title with a win whilst Los Albos made the short trip from Metropolis to Fontvielle with the idea to leave the Apertura all but sentenced. Eventually, l'Impact managed to give Nacional their second defeat of the season thanks to a goal by Carlos Conte and cut the gap with the leaders to 4 points. The Alligators (who beat the Stars, as aforementioned) and Marinos were also satisfied at the outcome of the match in Fontvielle, with the Marineros winning against Vaud and being now trailing their Barrio Obrero rivals by 5 points with 15 points still left. TFC are now fifth thanks to a magnificent show by Rafael Barrantes and Dragan Stavanger which allowed them to steamroll Pradera at White Meadow Arena, whilst the Dragons were further derailed from the Apertura race after losing to Junín at home and now finding themselves 9 points adrift, same as Olympique, who beat Bohemians in Metropolis and still dream of reducing the somewhat massive gap with La Academia.

CAP 2–1 AS Bezieres
Tannenberg FC 4–0 Pradera FC
Eterna Stars 2–3 Metropolis Alligators
Fontvielle Impact 1–0 Nacional
Edmonton United 1–0 Real Campo Grande
Canalave Dragons 1–3 Deportivo Junín
Bohemians Metropolis 1–2 Olympique de Fontvielle
Marinos Metropolis 2–0 AS Vaud
Slateport Bulls 1–1 Pumas Maldonado
Étoile Verte 1–1 Ajax Carloburgo

Kings' Shield Third Round Postponed Match (June 6)

With the Copa de Campeones no longer being a distraction for Fontvielle Impact, Les Bleus headed to Caraure to play FC Henriville to complete the third round of the Kings' Shield. Although most people were expecting the Valladar champions to crush the sixth tier hopefuls, the semi-pro club from the Caraure suburbs proved out to be a really hard nut crack for the Liga-1 side, even taking the lead in the scoreboard with a goal in the 40th minute. For the second half, however, Impact were able to turn things around on the field of the Estadio Olímpico de la UNV with goals by Carlos Conte and Marco Rouillard, thus ensuring their presence in the round of 32 of the cup competition.

FC Henriville 1-2 Fontvielle Impact

Torneo Apertura Round 15 (June 9-10)

With Nacional dropping more points, this time allowing Edmonton to steal a precious draw from the City of Metropolis Stadium, things at the summit have started to get interesting as most of their persecutors earned victories. The most important game of the round was the first Derby de Valladares of the season, to which both Metropolis Alligators and Fontvielle Impact arrived with the aim of beating their arch-rivals in order to increase the pressure on Nacional while also moving the other side further away from the top. And the winners at the National Stadium were the Impact, who greatly capitalized a counterattack finished by Wilfried Baume to claim the full prize against the Alligators and get only 2 points away from La Academia. Marinos were the other team who got within striking distance of Nacional, with a goal by Marcos Zelaya being enough for them to beat Olympique de Fontvielle at the Stade de l'Amitié. Canalave Dragons' aspirations were dealt another nearly lethal blow as they left the heights of Campo Grande on the losing end, and Junín and Slateport solidified their placement in the upper half of the table with wins over Bohemians and Vaud. As for Bezieres and the Stars, the former were able to keep Ronald Labbadia screwed to his post ahead of their crucial GC match in Taeshan after cutting the losing streak with a win over TFC and showing some improvement in their play, but the latter played another grim match against Pradera and whilst they were able to avoid defeat at the Estadio de la Montaña, the fate of Anthony Clark as Stars coach is hanging on a thin thread.

Ajax Carloburgo 1–1 CAP
Pumas Maldonado 2–1 Étoile Verte
AS Vaud 1–3 Slateport Bulls
Olympique de Fontvielle 0–1 Marinos Metropolis
Deportivo Junín 2–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Real Campo Grande 3–2 Canalave Dragons
Nacional 1–1 Edmonton United
Metropolis Alligators 0–1 Fontvielle Impact
Pradera FC 0–0 Eterna Stars
AS Bezieres 2–0 Tannenberg FC

UICA Group Stage Matchday 6 (June 12-13-14)

The group stage of UICA competitions is now over, with all three Valladar sides advancing to the knockout stages. Fontvielle Impact, who were through already, wasted their last chance to get a victory at home in the group stage by losing 5-2 to Avenida Leal, who will be joining Les Bleus in the next stage of the Champions' Cup, while in the SBCC, CAP had to settle for second place after being only able to draw Corizova United in Banija. But Bezieres' qualification in the Globe Cup was not secured yet, and Les Rouges visited Laketown Rangers knowing that defeat in Taeshan was the only result that could lead to their elimination. And the 9-time Valladar champions did their job by holding the Rangers to a scoreless draw, which combined with a thrashing of Ulsa by Polaris sent both Valladars and Cenians through after winning the tiebreakers for the triple draw in 10 points with which Group J ended. At the end of the day, 3 Valladar teams entered the groups, and all 3 of them still remain...

Fontvielle Impact 2-5 Avenida Leal (FFD)
Corizova United (BNJ) 1-1 CAP
Laketown Rangers (TAE) 0-0 AS Bezieres

Torneo Apertura Round 16 (June 16-17)

A narrow win for Marinos against Junín at the Estadio Zachary Fortin added to Nacional's draw in Canalave mean that the big advantage held by La Academia at the top of the table has all but evaporated as the Marineros are now just one point behind them. Besides Nacional and Marinos, the battle for the Apertura title is now down to Fontvielle Impact and Metropolis Alligators: Impact are now third, after being shocked by Pradera at their stadium, and MA bounced back from that defeat to Les Bleus with a hard-fought win in Edmonton which puts them back on track in the race for the Apertura, while Olympique, who after beating the Bulls are with 28 points with 3 games left, are now almost ruled out of chances to win the Apertura despite this result. Elsewhere, the "small" clubs are already preparing for the carnage called "relegation struggle" with Bohemians and Vaud beating direct rivals in the shape of Real Campo Grande and Étoile Verte, CAP missed the chance to move ahead of Les Verts with their tie against TFC, and the Stars finally decided to part ways with Anthony Clark after losing to Bezieres, who were in the same situation but have managed to settle in better with two victories in as many games and a qualification to the next stage of the Globe Cup.

CAP 0–0 Tannenberg FC
Eterna Stars 0–1 AS Bezieres
Fontvielle Impact 1–3 Pradera FC
Edmonton United 2–3 Metropolis Alligators
Canalave Dragons 2–2 Nacional
Bohemians Metropolis 2–0 Real Campo Grande
Marinos Metropolis 1–0 Deportivo Junín
Slateport Bulls 1–2 Olympique de Fontvielle
Étoile Verte 0–1 AS Vaud
Ajax Carloburgo 2–2 Pumas Maldonado

Kings' Shield Round of 32 Match (June 20)

Since Kings' Shield holders Bezieres are still alive in every cup competition they entered for this season, and also given that their participation in the Cup Winners' Cup is about to begin, Les Rouges decided to reschedule their Kings' Shield round of 32 tie against Hamanos Athletic Club. The Naranjas accepted to co-operate with Les Rouges (who played this match in white) and this match was brought forward for two weeks as a result. As for the game itself at Hamanos' Municipal Stadium, it turned out to be a dull affair, with the hosts trying to win the game just a bit more while Bezieres reminded everyone of their recent apathy and didn't do much for the win, playing a pale match just like the kits they donned on this evening. Eventually after 120 unbearable minutes of play, and an equally appalling penalty shootout, Hamanos became the first team to qualify for the round of 16 after midfielder Orlando Castilla scored the only penalty that went into the back of the net in the entire shootout, thus giving an appropriate punishment to Bezieres' lack of ambition throughout the match and putting the continuity of Ronald Labbadia as ASB gaffer in jeopardy.

Hamanos Athletic Club 0-0 AS Bezieres (0-0 AET, 1-0 PKs)

Torneo Apertura Round 17 (June 23-24)

With Nacional having forgotten how to win after collecting yet another draw in the derby against Bohemians, Marinos have become the new leaders of the Apertura thanks to their win in Campo Grande over Real, where Aymeric Fortin scored a brace to give the team coached by Cosumarite manager Sergio Vilar the win. Metropolis Alligators completed an all-Metropolis top 3 with their thumping of Canalave Dragons at Swangard, while Fontvielle Impact got their aspirations of winning the Apertura dented by arch-rivals Bezieres, who continued with their resurgence in the league by claiming victory in the Derby du Foix and now find themselves trailing the new leaders by 5 points, and in the other Bezieres-Fontvielle duel of the weekend, Olympique de Fontvielle beat Étoile Verte at the Stade de l'Amitié and picked up more useful points with the aggregate table now in their mind. Meanwhile in the lower zone of the table, CAP got three important points against a direct rival by beating Pumas, same as Vaud, who defeated Ajax, Bohemians and Real Campo Grande lost ground in the fight after failing to get wins this week, and Eterna Stars were reunited with victory after defeating TFC at White Meadow Arena in the debut of Fabien Torrente as Yellow coach.

Pumas Maldonado 0–1 CAP
AS Vaud 3–2 Ajax Carloburgo
Olympique de Fontvielle 4–3 Étoile Verte
Deportivo Junín 3–2 Slateport Bulls
Real Campo Grande 0–2 Marinos Metropolis
Nacional 0–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Metropolis Alligators 3–0 Canalave Dragons
Pradera FC 1–1 Edmonton United
AS Bezieres 2–0 Fontvielle Impact
Tannenberg FC 0–2 Eterna Stars

Torneo Apertura Round 18 (June 30-July 1)

With Marinos and Nacional in first and second place, respectively, the South Metropolis derby to be played in this weekend was expected to be the most crucial one in recent history, given that the Marineros had the big chance to win the Apertura on this round after their rivals were in the lead for most of the competition. And the match at Parque Rushmore was intense and hard-fought, with the Albo scratching one valuable point to leave the race wide open thanks to Nicolás Lucchetti's goal in the last minute. And the Alligators will also be with a shot of winning the Apertura next week thanks to this result as well as their narrow win over Bohemians in the North Metropolis derby, putting themselves level in points with Nacional and just one point adrift Marinos, putting virtually all of Metropolis at the edge of the seat next week. The draw between Marinos and Nacional also leaves Fontvielle Impact out of contention despite their win over TFC in Fontvielle, since the defending champions lost to Marinos in their match in this tournament. Meanwhile, clubs such as Deportivo Junín are focused on getting as many points as possible in preparation of the opening of the UICA race in the Clausura, with the Granates thrashing Étoile Verte at the Stade de Charmilliot, Ajax prevented Olympique de Fontvielle from moving further away from the lot of UICA hopefuls, and Bezieres got back into the upper half of the table by clobbering Edmonton at Albert Field. And in the relegation front, Real Campo Grande got an important win in Slateport against the Bulls, Pumas exited the basement after beating Vaud, and CAP kept the Stars close enough to the red zone with their draw in Los Chorros.

CAP 1–1 Eterna Stars
Fontvielle Impact 2–0 Tannenberg FC
Edmonton United 0–4 AS Bezieres
Canalave Dragons 0–0 Pradera FC
Bohemians Metropolis 0–1 Metropolis Alligators
Marinos Metropolis 1–1 Nacional
Slateport Bulls 2–3 Real Campo Grande
Étoile Verte 1–4 Deportivo Junín
Ajax Carloburgo 1–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Pumas Maldonado 3–0 AS Vaud

Kings' Shield Round of 32 and Cygnus Cup First Round First Leg (July 4-5)

The Kings' Shield's Round of 32 marks the start of the "proper" competition, as the awfully long list of competing teams at the start of the competition gets reduced to only 16 teams after this round, and the "Big" teams still in contention continue with their triumphant march: Fontvielle Impact and Marinos Metropolis totally demolished their lesser opposition, with Les Bleus thrashing sixth-tier club Adelaide City and the Marineros tearing Neuchâtel-Sport apart in a match that ended 6-0, while Metropolis Alligators had more trouble to get rid of Atlético Caraure but a goal by Cristian Bogarín in extra time allowed them to separate themselves from the team from the Arauco state. Olympique de Fontvielle, Slateport Bulls, and CAP were also able to make it to the top 16 by winning their respective ties, with Bohemians and Edmonton also joining them after beating fellow Liga-1 sides in this round: the Gallo beat Pradera with 2 goals in extra time, and the Monties eliminated Ajax on PKs. In contrast, Real Campo Grande were the last Liga-1 team that crashed out of the competition in this round after losing to Liga Nacional (fourth tier) side Canalave Rangers in a goalfest in Canalave. As a reminder, the remaining tie of the round between Hamanos Athletic Club and Bezieres was already played, with the Naranjas emerging out as victors and Les Rouges focusing on their new international challenge: the Cup Winners' Cup...

Libertad 0-0 Atlas SC (1-0 AET)

Patriotas FC 2-2 CAP (2-2 AET, 1-3 PKs)

Bohemians Metropolis 1-1 Pradera FC (3-1 AET)

Edmonton United 0-0 Ajax Carloburgo (1-1 AET, 2-0 PKs)

Arma FC 1-1 Villaznia AC (1-2 AET)

Real Colón 0-4 FC Maritime Westporte

Fontvielle Impact 4-1 Adelaide City FC

AC Talamonte 1-2 Real Trinidad

Nord Energie FC 0-1 Hoxford Rovers

Slateport Bulls 2-0 Deportivo Municipal

Santacruz FC 0-1 Olympique de Fontvielle

Canalave Rangers 5-3 Real Campo Grande

Atlético Caraure 2-2 Metropolis Alligators (2-3 AET)

Puente Nacional FC 1-1 8 de Octubre FC (1-1 AET, 2-3 PKs)

Marinos Metropolis 6-0 Neuchâtel-Sport

And the moment for Bezieres' debut in the Cup Winners' Cup has finally arrived, with Easthaven Centurion from Super-Llamaland entertaining Les Rouges at the Stade de Foix-Jules Picot. Les Rouges were able to take the lead in the series thanks to goals by Daniel Mendoza and Christian Núñez, however, with Easthaven Centurion having scored a goal, they will have to be extremely careful for the second leg in Super-Llamaland next week.

AS Bezieres 2-1 Easthaven Centurion (SLL)

Torneo Apertura Round 19 (July 7-8)

The non-decisive matches were played on Saturday, leaving Sunday as the big day for the ones involving the teams from Metropolis...

AS Vaud 3–1 CAP
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–0 Pumas Maldonado
Deportivo Junín 3–3 Ajax Carloburgo
Real Campo Grande 1–3 Étoile Verte
Pradera FC 0–1 Bohemians Metropolis
AS Bezieres 2–2 Canalave Dragons
Tannenberg FC 1–1 Edmonton United
Eterna Stars 0–0 Fontvielle Impact

And now on to the important things:

15:50 - Welcome everyone to the definition of the first Torneo Apertura of this new Liga-1 era, with the three traditional Metropolis powerhouses fighting to become winners and take the first step towards a new championship! And what a better way to decide this tournament than with a Derby Metropolitano between Metropolis Alligators and Marinos at the National Stadium in Swangard! The Marineros are currently leading their arch-rivals by a single point and will win the Apertura if they beat the Titan, although MA could be the ones celebrating should things go their way this afternoon...

15:52 - And let's not forget Nacional, who started the season at full speed winning their first 11 matches and then entered into a slump which is about to cost them a big part of a possible fourth title. However, with both of their rivals playing each other and having beaten MA at home and drawn Marinos on the road, they could win the Apertura just by beating Slateport Bulls and seeing Marinos draw or lose the Derby!

15:55 - The teams are entering the pitch at both Poblado and Swangard, and have lined up for the anthems. This is about to begin!

16:00 - And here we go! The matches in Metropolis have started!

16:10 - The hosts in both stadiums are exerting their pressure as expected and have started creating some chances. In Swangard, Marinos are withstanding the Alligators' onslaught while waiting for their chance to strike, and in eastern Metropolis Nacional have already had a chance in which the ball went wide and hit the crossbar in another one. Still 0-0 in both stadiums!

16:17 - GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! GOAL for Nacional! Los Albos have finally broke the deadlock against the Bulls thanks to a header by Mario Ovalle, who received a cross from the left wing from Phillippe Revault and sent it into the back of the net! Nacional 1, Slateport nil, La Academia are winning the Apertura right now!

16:18 - And with that goal, things at the top are as follows: Nacional 41 points, Marinos 40, Alligators 39!

16:21 - The news coming from Poblado have encouraged the Alligators to keep attacking even though Nacional's win does not benefit them at all, and Marinos to get out of their cave, and the Derby at Swangard is becoming more of a back-and-forth game. However, the side coached by Sergio Vilar is experiencing serious trouble at ball possession and their players have been unable to make more than three passes in succession as the rivals always recover it.

16:24 - PENALTY IN SWANGARD! Penalty to Metropolis Alligators: Brayan Borja is clumsily fouled inside Marinos' box by Jacques Perrin...who as the only man interferring in Borja's run to the goal has been SENT OFF! Marinos are now one player short! Meanwhile, Borja himself gets ready to take the kick...

16:25 - ...and it's a GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Metropolis Alligators! Brayan Borja finishes the job and puts the Green-Blues ahead! Alligators one, Marinos nil at Swangard, and the hope for MA is not dead yet!

16:26 - This goal by Metropolis Alligators now lifts MA to second place with the same points as Nacional, however, that win for the Albos in the Derby Añejo is the thing tipping the scales into their favor! Nacional 41 points, Alligators 41, Marinos 39.

16:32 - At the City of Metropolis Stadium, Slateport Bulls seem to have reacted after Nacional's goal and have started threatening the goal defended by Paulo Gaviria with some mid-range shots. Nevertheless, Nacional are having a quiet game and might extend the lead if they decide to speed up. And in Swangard, the absence of their captain Jacques Perrin seems to have resented Marinos' tactic functioning and the Alligators are totally dominating the game and getting closer to the second goal than Marinos to an equalizer!

16:41 - GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAL! GOAL for Slateport Bulls! Surprise at Barrio Poblado, as the visitors have found an unlikely equalizer from a counterattack, neatly finished by striker Lúcio! The team coached by Arthur Bogden are now tying Nacional, and giving first place to the Alligators!

16:42 - The stands at the National Stadium erupted with the news of Slateport's equalizer, as if MA had scored another goal! Now the picture has the Alligators on top with 41 points, Marinos next with 39 and +20 GD, and Nacional third with 39 and +14 GD!

16:47 - The first halves in both Poblado and Swangard are over: Nacional and the Bulls are tying 1-1 in the former, and in the latter the Alligators beat Marinos in the Derby Metropolitano by 1-0. As of right now, MA are winning the Apertura!

17:03 - The whistle has sounded in both stadiums, and the second halves are now underway!

17:09 - After watching the terrible first half played by his team, Sergio Vilar has decided to make some substitutions in Marinos: Aymeric Fortin, who went unnoticed in the first half, made way for fellow striker Lisandro Craviotto (to the loud protest of the Marinos fans on the South stand of the National Stadium), whilst midfielder Andrés Pareja, who had been pushed to the backline after Perrin's expulsion, was substituted by Hugo Morales. Let's see how this goes for the Marineros!

17:10 - Meanwhile, at the City of Metropolis Stadium, Jean Camacho is fully aware that the current score against the Bulls is not helpful to Nacional and decided to leave Felipe Pardo in the lockers, sending Darwin Pico to the field and hoping for him to communicate with playmaker Ronald Mickel who was being isolated by the marking of the Bulls' midfield.

17:17 - GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Metropolis Alligators! Cristian Bogarín scores the second goal in the Derby Metropolitano and strenghtens the Alligator grip on the Apertura's first place and the Champions' Cup berth! Alligators 2, Marinos 0 in Swangard!

17:18 - This goal further confirms the Alligators in first place, and the only thing that might prevent the Apertura from going to the Titan would be a goal from Nacional...or two from Marinos, but the latter thing seems too much to ask.

17:25 - With the passing of time, desperation takes hold of those present at the City of Metropolis Stadium. Nacional have had some chances to restore their advantage but Ovalle and Sebastián Carreño have looked imprecise and hurried. And coach Camacho has decided to send the young striker Nicolás Lucchetti to the field to try something different. Mario Ovalle, the scorer of Nacional's goal this afternoon leaves the field among the applause from 29,000 Nacional fans present in Poblado.

17:34 - After conceding the second goal, Marinos started trying to create some danger, although with more drive and pride than football, in order to keep things closer in the Derby. Vilar plays his last card with the entry of midfielder Fabio Bozzo, replacing fellow Cosumarite Tamer Yilmaz, who was totally overwhelmed by the booing from nearly 80,000 loud MA fans! At the same time, in the Alligators camp Brayan Borja leaves the field amid the applause from those same fans, being replaced by Marcelo Zamudio!

17:39 - GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! GOAL! GOAL for Marinos Metropolis! Lisandro Craviotto finally found a hole in MA's defense and brought Marinos one goal closer in the Derby! Metropolis Alligators 2, Marinos 1 at the National Stadium!

17:40 - And with this goal by Marinos, drama has started to grow in Swangard, and either one goal for Nacional against the Bulls or an equalizer for Marinos at their stadium will leave them empty-handed!

17:48 - GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL FOR NACIONAL! Nicolás Lucchetti becomes the hero for Nacional by scoring what could be the winning goal for La Academia in a counterattack that left the experienced Slateport goalie Gerardo Arias with no chance! Nacional two, Slateport one...and the Apertura is just 5 minutes away from being Albo!

17:49 - And things are once again as they were after MA's opener: La Academia in first with 41 points, the Alligators second with the same amount of points, and Marinos third with 39! The Derby Añejo is the thing separating both arch-rivals now and giving Nacional the Apertura championship!

17:52 - And it's full time in Swangard! Metropolis Alligators beat Marinos 2-1 in the first Derby Metropolitano of the season but it was not enough for the team coached by Luis Fuentes...who will nevertheless start the Clausura next week in a high level! Marinos, on the other hand, played a poor game on the pitch of the National Stadium and will have to bounce back quickly in order to start the Clausura on the right foot. There's no time for wailing in either side!

17:53 - And it's full time at the City of Metropolis Stadium! NACIONAL HAVE WON THE APERTURA TOURNAMENT! After that great start to the season with 11 wins in as many games, it looked like Nacional were going to cruise towards the Apertura championship but things started to get complicated until the extent that it was possible for them to let the Apertura escape. However, the win over Slateport Bulls and that goal by Lucchetti ensured that the Apertura had a happy ending for La Academia, who have taken a huge step towards their fourth title and will be looking to win the Clausura and avoid the procedures of an eventual Grand Final in order to light up the real celebrations at Barrio Obrero! Los Albos receive a trophy, some medals, and have become the first Valladar qualifiers to the next Champions' Cup but haven't won anything yet...

18:00 - The final scores were as follows:

Nacional 2–1 Slateport Bulls
Metropolis Alligators 2–1 Marinos Metropolis

Nacional won the Torneo Apertura and secured their place in the Grand Final of this Liga-1 season against the Torneo Clausura winner, as well as a berth into the next Champions' Cup. Should La Academia win the Clausura as well, the Grand Final shall not be played and they will automatically become the champions of this season.

Torneo Apertura Final Standings

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Nacional                        19   12   5   2    36   20  +16    41 CC
 2  Metropolis Alligators           19   13   2   4    34   15  +19    41
 3  Marinos Metropolis              19   12   3   4    33   15  +18    39
 4  Fontvielle Impact               19   12   1   6    26   18   +8    37
 5  Olympique de Fontvielle         19   10   4   5    33   22  +11    34
 6  Deportivo Junín                 19    9   3   7    35   28   +7    30
 7  AS Bezieres                     19    9   2   8    24   19   +5    29
 8  Canalave Dragons                19    7   7   5    37   32   +5    28
 9  Tannenberg FC                   19    8   4   7    29   28   +1    28
10  Ajax Carloburgo                 19    7   6   6    30   30    0    27
11  Pradera FC                      19    6   7   6    25   25    0    25
12  Slateport Bulls                 19    8   1  10    28   31   −3    25
13  Edmonton United                 19    6   5   8    24   31   −7    23
14  Bohemians Metropolis            19    6   3  10    19   28   −9    21
15  AS Vaud                         19    6   2  11    22   32  −10    20
16  Eterna Stars                    19    4   8   7    21   26   −5    20
17  Real Campo Grande               19    6   2  11    22   31   −9    20
18  CAP                             19    4   4  11    13   31  −18    16
19  Étoile Verte                    19    4   3  12    22   34  −12    15
20  Pumas Maldonado                 19    4   2  13    16   33  −17    14

Liga-2 Standings after Matchday 19

Valladar Liga-2                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Defensores de Villafuerte       19   11   5   3    37   22  +15    38
 2  Hamanos Athletic Club           19   12   2   5    31   19  +12    38
 3  AS Montreux                     19   10   4   5    33   24   +9    34
 4  Danubio FC                      19   10   3   6    29   24   +5    33
 5  Real Pradera                    19    9   5   5    30   22   +8    32
 6  FC Columbus                     19    9   3   7    40   39   +1    30
 7  Hoxford Rovers                  19    7   7   5    32   26   +6    28
 8  Adelaide Kickers                19    7   5   7    32   36   −4    26
 9  Atlético Nápoles                19    7   4   8    30   35   −5    25
10  Stanford United                 19    7   4   8    20   20    0    25
11  FC Fauxham                      19    6   7   6    25   26   −1    25
12  Bellavista Jets                 19    7   3   9    27   29   −2    24
13  Nord Energie FC                 19    6   5   8    28   32   −4    23
14  Valencia FC                     19    7   2  10    19   27   −8    23
15  Patriotas FC                    19    5   8   6    27   25   +2    23
16  FC Sillimus                     19    5   7   7    25   26   −1    22
17  Libertad                        19    4   8   7    26   30   −4    20
18  FC Townsville                   19    5   4  10    30   39   −9    19
19  FC Maritime Westporte           19    4   5  10    20   25   −5    17
20  AD Cerro                        19    4   5  10    21   36  −15    17

Liga-3 Standings after Matchday 19

Valladar Liga-3                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Gatineau UC 98                  19   12   5   2    38   21  +17    41
 2  Universitario de Maldonado      19   11   4   4    36   21  +15    37
 3  Bretford Royals                 19   10   5   4    30   19  +11    35
 4  Servette FC                     19    9   6   4    32   24   +8    33
 5  AS Mont-Blanc                   19    9   4   6    28   22   +6    31
 6  Villaznia AC                    19    8   6   5    34   25   +9    30
 7  EC Comercial                    19    8   6   5    29   23   +6    30
 8  Eterna Celtic                   19    9   2   8    26   27   −1    29
 9  Alianza Antioquia               19    7   8   4    32   28   +4    29
10  Carloburgo Phoenix              19    8   3   8    25   23   +2    27
11  Sporting Florencia              19    6   6   7    16   20   −4    24
12  RC Corania                      19    6   5   8    30   34   −4    23
13  AC Tallin                       19    7   2  10    20   26   −6    23
14  FC Westporte 984                19    6   5   8    33   33    0    23
15  Dynamo Metropolis               19    5   7   7    29   30   −1    22
16  Northport Bears                 19    5   6   8    26   34   −8    21
17  Yumbo FC                        19    6   3  10    25   33   −8    21
18  Deportivo Aguablanca            19    4   7   8    19   30  −11    19
19  SC Alcázares                    19    2   7  10    25   39  −14    13
20  RC Belfort                      19    1   5  13    13   34  −21     8

by **Valladares** » Sat Apr 14, 2018 7:06 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-FIFTH SEASON (PART IV OF V)

Cygnus Cup First Round First Leg (July 11)

Having beaten Easthaven Centurion last week in the first leg at the Stade de Foix, Bezieres found few trouble in getting rid of the Llamanean side and finished the job with a single goal by Arley Barrios, winning the tie 3-1 on aggregate and progressing to the last 16 of the Cup Winners' Cup.

Easthaven Centurion (SLL) 0-1 AS Bezieres (1-3 agg)

Torneo Clausura Round 1 (July 14-15)

The decisive second half of this season kicked off with Apertura winners Nacional premiering their condition with a narrow 1-0 win over Étoile Verte, who started the relegation race on the wrong foot and were pushed down to last place in the aggregate table after Pumas rescued a scoreless draw in Junín against the Granates. CAP, who are also engaged in that fight, also slipped with a defeat to Fontvielle Impact at home, whilst both Vaud and the Stars missed the chance to start moving away from the danger zone with the former losing to Olympique and being unable to extend their 4-point lead over the bottom three and the latter being held to a draw by Edmonton at home and staying just one point clear of Les Étudiants. Real Campo Grande were the only side able to capitalize on those results, with their win over Ajax lifting them out of 17th place. Elsewhere, the Alligators were surprised by the Bulls, who returned to Metropolis just one week after serving as witnesses to Nacional's triumph in the Apertura and beat the Titan with a brace by Lúcio, Marinos and TFC started the race for the Clausura title on the right foot with their wins over Pradera and the Dragons, and in the match that closed the Clausura's first chapter, Bezieres and Bohemians cancelled each other out with a 1-1 draw in the Foixien capital.

CAP 0–1 Fontvielle Impact
Eterna Stars 1–1 Edmonton United
Tannenberg FC 2–1 Canalave Dragons
AS Bezieres 1–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Pradera FC 1–2 Marinos Metropolis
Metropolis Alligators 1–2 Slateport Bulls
Nacional 1–0 Étoile Verte
Real Campo Grande 1–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Deportivo Junín 0–0 Pumas Maldonado
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–1 AS Vaud

Globe Cup Sixteenth-Finals First Leg (July 19)

And now it's time to begin the decisive knockout stages of the UICA competitions with the Globe Cup sixteenth-finals being the first to kick off, and Bezieres traveled to Port Christopher to take on Willox Street Pirates looking for a positive result to bring home for the second leg next week in Bezieres. Les Rouges were able to fulfill their mission by relying on a sturdy defense that endured all of the rival attacks and will have the chance to punch their ticket to the next round with a victory in front of their faithful at the Stade de Foix.

Willox Street Pirates (PCR) 0-0 AS Bezieres

Torneo Clausura Round 2 (July 21-22)

Nacional and both Fontvielle teams have now made it two wins in two outings in this Clausura with Los Albos beating Ajax in Carloburgo, Olympique putting another nail on CAP's coffin, and l'Impact beating Edmonton at Albert Field with a controversial penalty call, eventually turned into the winning goal for the visitors by Wilfried Baume. Right behind this trio, there are four teams tied in four points: Bohemians, who once again were too much for TFC to handle and beat the Citizens at the Estadio Luis Frattini, Junín, who kept Vaud anchored to the relegation playoff berth, Marinos, who were held to a scoreless draw by Bezieres' alternate squad, and Real Campo Grande, who shared the spoils with Pumas in the Derby Chiquitense in Maldonado. In other matches, Pradera got their first win by beating the Bulls at the Estadio de la Riviera, while Metropolis Alligators and Canalave Dragons also bounced back from their recent defeats and earned their first three points of the Clausura, with the former dealing another blow to Étoile Verte and the latter claiming victory in the E1 Derby with a goal by John Rose and keeping the Stars in serious trouble and dangerously closer to the red zone.

Olympique de Fontvielle 1–0 CAP
AS Vaud 0–2 Deportivo Junín
Pumas Maldonado 1–1 Real Campo Grande
Ajax Carloburgo 0–2 Nacional
Étoile Verte 0–1 Metropolis Alligators
Slateport Bulls 0–1 Pradera FC
Marinos Metropolis 0–0 AS Bezieres
Bohemians Metropolis 3–1 Tannenberg FC
Canalave Dragons 1–0 Eterna Stars
Edmonton United 0–1 Fontvielle Impact

CC and SBCC Eighth-Finals First Leg and Globe Cup Sixteenth-Finals Second Leg (July 24-25-26)

The knockout stages of the CC and SBCC also kicked off with a double Valladar-Audioslav showdown, with Fontvielle Impact welcoming AC Izotz Zubia at the Stade de la Frontière on Tuesday and CAP hosting Artiglieria in Los Chorros on Wednesday. And the first round of this battle had both Valladar teams emerging as winners, with Les Bleus and striker Carlos Conte staging a comeback in order to take the lead in the series against Zozi, while the Cuervos dealt the first blow against Artiglieria by beating them with goals by Roger Ospina and Edwin Brenner. The bad news came from Bezieres, as Les Rouges had the chance to keep advancing in the Globe Cup if they beat Willox Street Pirates at the Stade de Foix, however, the Valladar side was far below expectations and had to bid farewell to the competition in miserable fashion, losing 4-0 at home.

Fontvielle Impact 2-1 AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)
CAP 2-0 Artiglieria (AUD)
AS Bezieres 0-4 Willox Street Pirates (PCR) (0-4 agg)

Oh, and bye-bye to Ronald Labbadia as well!

Torneo Clausura Round 3 (July 28-29)

With yet another stellar performance from striker Wilfried Baume, Fontvielle Impact managed to defeat Canalave Dragons in a hard-fought match at the Stade de la Frontière, claiming their third win in a row and top spot in the Clausura table. It is to be noted that Les Bleus also capitalized the setbacks for Nacional and Olympique de Fontvielle, with the Apertura champions being held to a scoreless stalemate by Pumas at home and the latter biting the dust in the Far East against Junín with a goal by Eduardo Valencia. Meanwhile, it was far from a good weekend for both Marinos and Metropolis Alligators since none of the Metropolis big sides managed to beat their Carloburgo rivals: the Marineros were beaten by TFC in their visit to White Meadow Arena with a penalty scored by Rafael Barrantes, and Ajax stole a precious point from their showdown with the Titan in Swangard. In other matches, Pradera jumped to fourth place in the Clausura with a win over Étoile Verte who were further sunk in the relegation zone, CAP's hopes of avoiding relegation were reignited after beating Edmonton in Los Chorros, the Stars thumped Bohemians in the hope that this is the start of their escape from the drop, Real Campo Grande and Vaud hut each other with their draw, and Mario Ventura's caretaker tenure of Bezieres wasn't off to the best of starts as Les Rouges tied with the Bulls at home.

CAP 1–0 Edmonton United
Fontvielle Impact 3–2 Canalave Dragons
Eterna Stars 3–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Tannenberg FC 1–0 Marinos Metropolis
AS Bezieres 1–1 Slateport Bulls
Pradera FC 3–1 Étoile Verte
Metropolis Alligators 0–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Nacional 0–0 Pumas Maldonado
Real Campo Grande 3–3 AS Vaud
Deportivo Junín 1–0 Olympique de Fontvielle

Cygnus Cup Round of 16 First Leg (August 1)

Time for the first test of fire for Mario Ventura as Bezieres coach, with Les Rouges being visited by Olympic Nassau Bay from New Gelderland in the first leg of their Cygnus Cup round of 16 tie. Although the current Shield holders started the match on the right foot, even taking the lead in the scoreboard thanks to a goal by Daniel Mendoza in the 20th minute, the Gelderlish side was able to turn things around in the second half and took home a valuable 2-1 win, forcing the Valladar side to win by at least two goals in the second leg if they want to remain in contention.

AS Bezieres 1-2 Olympic Nassau Bay (NGD)

Torneo Clausura Round 4 (August 4-5)

With Junín piling up more misery on CAP with a 2-0 win over the Cuervos at the Arena Junín, and Bohemians getting in the way of Fontvielle Impact (as usual), the Clausura's top spot has changed hands with the Granates becoming the new leaders with 10 points and l'Impact staying anchored in 9 points due to their defeat in Metropolis. Olympique bounced back from last week's defeat in Junín and defeated Real Campo Grande in order to keep the pressure on Junín as well as keeping themselves closer to the UICA berths in the aggregate table. Meanwhile, the Alligators got a comforting win in Maldonado in order to jump to sixth place in the Clausura with 7 points and strenghten their bid for UICA football next season, leading Marinos (the first team outside the UICA zone) in the aggregate table by 5 points. Speaking of the Marineros, the 6-time champions kept losing ground in the UICA race by losing to the Stars at home (who are slowly moving away from the relegation zone while also getting dangerously close to the summit of the Clausura), and their neighbours and Apertura winners Nacional kept dropping more points by tying against Vaud. Elsewhere, the Bulls and Ajax put the handbrake on TFC and Pradera, respectively, Edmonton collected yet another defeat at the Dragons' Den, and the Derby de Bezieres ended with Bezieres getting their fourth straight draw, and Étoile Verte rescuing a point that doesn't really do them any favours.

Deportivo Junín 2–0 CAP
Olympique de Fontvielle 3–1 Real Campo Grande
AS Vaud 2–2 Nacional
Pumas Maldonado 1–3 Metropolis Alligators
Ajax Carloburgo 1–0 Pradera FC
Étoile Verte 0–0 AS Bezieres
Slateport Bulls 2–1 Tannenberg FC
Marinos Metropolis 1–2 Eterna Stars
Bohemians Metropolis 1–0 Fontvielle Impact
Canalave Dragons 2–1 Edmonton United

Kings' Shield Round of 16 and Cygnus Cup Round of 16 Second Leg (August 8-9)

The Kings' Shield is also entering its time for definitions, with 16 teams still in contention for a berth to the next Cup Winners' Cup, and there will be only 8 lucky ones advancing to the quarterfinals. And the biggest upset in this round was the elimination of Metropolis Alligators at the hands of Libertad, with the Alligators narrowly losing to the Liga-2 side in Lierravus. Fontvielle Impact were also put at the edge of the ledge by another underdog: sixth tier side Real Trinidad, which nevertheless was unable to push Les Bleus to a penatly shootout as the current Valladar champions clinched victory with a late goal by Daniel Barbieri in extra time. Meanwhile, Marinos forgot their current hardships in Liga-1 and advanced with a convincing win over Edmonton, same as Slateport Bulls who beat 8 de Octubre FC as expected. Olympique de Fontvielle and Bohemians completed the group of Liga-1 qualifiers by beating Canalave Rangers and Maritime Westporte, respectively, whilst CAP was unable to follow suit and were beaten by Liga-3 outfit Villaznia. And last but no least, the showdown between recently relegated from Liga-1 sides ended with Hoxford Rovers beating HAC on penalties and claiming the last spot in the quarterfinals of the cup competition.

Canalave Rangers 1-3 Olympique de Fontvielle

Fontvielle Impact 2-2 Real Trinidad (3-2 AET)

Hamanos Athletic Club 2-2 Hoxford Rovers (2-2 AET, 1-3 PKs)

Libertad 1-0 Metropolis Alligators

Bohemians Metropolis 1-0 FC Maritime Westporte

Slateport Bulls 2-0 8 de Octubre FC

Marinos Metropolis 3-0 Edmonton United

Villaznia AC 3-2 CAP

Meanwhile, Bezieres made the trip east to New Gelderland to try and revert the situation in their Cygnus Cup tie against Olympic Nassau Bay, who struck first against Les Rouges at the Stade de Foix. However, the Gelderlish side was once again too strong for Bezieres and the Valladar team were handed another 2-1 defeat which knocked the Kings' Shield holders out of contention for a fourth Cup Winners' Cup trophy.

Olympic Nassau Bay (NGD) 2-1 AS Bezieres (4-2 agg)

Torneo Clausura Round 5 (August 11-12)

With Junín and Real Campo Grande cancelling themselves out in the Chiquito state capital, Fontvielle Impact were able to return to the top of the Torneo Clausura by beating Marinos at the Stade de la Frontière with a goal by Alexandre in the second half. Nacional were also greatly benefited by that draw for the Granates and climbed up to second place by beating Olympique de Fontvielle in an exciting affair at the City of Metropolis Stadium, whilst a trio of teams reached 10 points and stayed close to the leaders: Eterna Stars, who hammered the Bulls in the SuperClásico, Metropolis Alligators, who defeated Vaud at home and kept Les Étudiants parked in 17th place of the aggregate table, and Bohemians, who were too much for Edmonton and returned from the Westlands with the full prize. With Marinos having lost three matches in a row now, the battle for the Globe Cup berth opens up: the 6-time Valladar champions are tied in points with Olympique (43) and Junín are now trailing them only by 2 points. Bezieres were able to shake themselves off from the disappointment that was the mid-week international elimination and beat Ajax at home in what was their first victory in the Clausura and first win for Mario Ventura as Rouge gaffer, and revived their hopes to clinch a UICA berth at the end of the season, whilst TFC kept losing more ground in that quest and allowed Étoile Verte to collect another draw. The remaining members of the "bottom three", CAP and Pumas drew their matches as well, results that don't help them at all. Fortunately for them, Vaud and Edmonton are losing and thus they're still close to Étudiants and Monties.

CAP 1–1 Canalave Dragons
Edmonton United 0–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Fontvielle Impact 1–0 Marinos Metropolis
Eterna Stars 3–0 Slateport Bulls
Tannenberg FC 1–1 Étoile Verte
AS Bezieres 3–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Pradera FC 0–0 Pumas Maldonado
Metropolis Alligators 1–0 AS Vaud
Nacional 4–2 Olympique de Fontvielle
Real Campo Grande 1–1 Deportivo Junín

SBCC Eighth-Finals Second Leg (August 15)

Time for definitions in the round of 16 of the Series B Champions' Cup, with CAP travelling to Audioslavia to face Artiglieria with a 2-goal cushion from the first leg played in Los Chorros. However, the Cuervos' original plan to uphold that advantage started crumbling after centreback Theo Bollaert was sent off early in the first half and that left a hole for the Audioslav team to strike the Liga-2 champions. CAP were eventually obliterated by Artiglieria, losing the tie 5-2 on aggregate, and now will have to direct all their efforts towards reaching salvation from the drop in Liga-1. Fontvielle Impact are now the sole Valladar representative in international competition...

Artiglieria (AUD) 5-0 CAP (5-2 agg)

Torneo Clausura Round 6 (August 18-19)

Fontvielle Impact continue as Clausura leaders after six matches and having beaten the Bulls in a goalfest at the Estadio de la Riviera where young strikers Wilfried Baume and Alexis Márquez were on fire, scoring a brace and a hat-trick, respectively. However, three Metropolitan sides are still exerting pressure on Impact for the Clausura top spot: Nacional, who after having won the Apertura want to win the Clausura in order to claim the championship outright and pushed Junín out of the fight for the top with a win over the Granates in the Far East, the Alligators, who needed a late goal by Niko Komarov to get rid of a tricky Olympique de Fontvielle side that is pushing for an international berth through the aggregate table, and Bohemians, who beat the Dragons at the Luis Frattini and moved up to fourth place in the Clausura. And to round up a perfect weekend for the Metropolitan sides, Marinos finally got rid of their losing streak by beating Edmonton with a goal by Aymeric Fortin, which was also useful to open up a 3-point gap with Olympique (and a 5-point one with Junín) in the fight for the last Globe Cup berth. Bezieres further confirmed their revival by bringing the full prize from Maldonado and burying Pumas in last place, TFC claimed victory in the Carloburgo Derby against Ajax in dramatic fashion with ate goals by Christian O'Brien and Nepharim striker Dragan Stavanger, and Vaud, CAP, and Étoile Verte are still willing to fight for their survival and earned morale-boosting victories. As a bonus, Vaud's win over Pradera lifts Les Étudiants out of the relegation play-off zone, putting Edmonton there instead.

Real Campo Grande 0–3 CAP
Deportivo Junín 0–1 Nacional
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–2 Metropolis Alligators
AS Vaud 1–0 Pradera FC
Pumas Maldonado 0–1 AS Bezieres
Ajax Carloburgo 1–2 Tannenberg FC
Étoile Verte 3–1 Eterna Stars
Slateport Bulls 3–4 Fontvielle Impact
Marinos Metropolis 1–0 Edmonton United
Bohemians Metropolis 1–0 Canalave Dragons

Champions' Cup Eighth-Finals Second Leg (August 21)

And Valladar involvement in UICA competitions is finally over for the season, now with Fontvielle Impact bowing out of the Champions' Cup. Like CAP the previous week, the Valladar champions landed in Audioslavia in the driver's seat for qualification to the quarterfinals after beating Izotz Zubia in Fontvielle. However, Zozi were too much for Impact to withstand and defeated Les Bleus by a 3-0 score, leaving things 4-2 on aggregate and putting an end to Impact's dream of a third Champions' Cup win. Daniel Bernard and his players will have to set their sights on the Clausura title and an eventual final against Nacional now.

AC Izotz Zubia (AUD) 3-0 Fontvielle Impact (4-2 agg)

Torneo Clausura Round 7 (August 25-26)

Metropolis Alligators are the new leaders of the Clausura (and the aggregate table, too), having greatly capitalized on arch-rivals Fontvielle Impact's puncture at home against Étoile Verte with a victory of their own against Junín at the National Stadium, snatching top spot on GD. Nacional were held to a draw by Real Campo Grande at the City of Metropolis Stadium and missed a big chance to assault first place, and La Academia now find themselves trailing the leaders by a single point. Meanwhile, Bezieres continued their meteoric ascent in both tables with a hard-fought win over a brave Vaud side that deserved to leave the Foixien capital with at least a draw, and Bohemians were brought back to reality by CAP, with the Cuervos thumping the Gallo in Los Chorros and finally exiting the relegation zone. The battle between Marinos and Olympique de Fontvielle for the last Globe Cup berth is getting hotter with Les Jaune-et-Bleu taking advantage of Marinos' scoreless draw in Canalave and cutting the gap with the Marineros back to a single point with their win in Pradera, whilst Bezieres joined the conversation with their 3 wins in a row and Junín seem to have stalled. And, in the relegation fight, we have, besides Pumas and Étoile Verte who have moved a step closer to Liga-2 with their draws against TFC and Impact, four teams separated by one point: Real Campo Grande (27), CAP (26), Vaud (25), and Edmonton (24). Speaking of the Monties, their crisis finally bottomed out after yet another defeat at the hands of Slateport Bulls at Albert Field which pushed the team into the direct relegation zone, prompting the Board to make the decision to part ways with coach Jason Vermes.

CAP 3–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Canalave Dragons 0–0 Marinos Metropolis
Edmonton United 0–1 Slateport Bulls
Fontvielle Impact 0–0 Étoile Verte
Eterna Stars 2–2 Ajax Carloburgo
Tannenberg FC 1–1 Pumas Maldonado
AS Bezieres 3–2 AS Vaud
Pradera FC 2–3 Olympique de Fontvielle
Metropolis Alligators 1–0 Deportivo Junín
Nacional 1–1 Real Campo Grande

Torneo Clausura Round 8 (September 1-2)

Metropolis Alligators strenghtened their grip on the Clausura's top spot after beating Real Campo Grande at the Estádio Estadual with a late goal by striker Brayan Borja, while also moving closer towards clinching qualification to UICA football next season. However, arch-rivals Nacional remain in hot pursuit of the Alligators (trailing them by one point) with a narrow win over a tough CAP side that is still involved in the relegation struggle. Meanwhile, Fontvielle Impact's aspirations to stay in the title contention were further dented by Ajax, who defeated the current champions at the Olympic Stadium and left them 3 points adrift the top, same as Bezieres who have entered the Clausura race for real after earning an important win against Olympique de Fontvielle at the Stade de l'Amitié, and at the same time put more pressure on Marinos and Olympique themselves in the battle for the last Globe Cup berth that is currently staged in the aggregate table. Speaking of Marinos, the side coached by Sergio Vilar was unable to take advantage of the aforementioned loss for Olympique as they were held to a scoreless draw by Bohemians at the Estadio Zachary Fortin and could just increase their gap by one point, while also seeing Bezieres getting within striking distance of them. Deportivo Junín and TFC were able to keep their hopes of fighting for the last GC spot alive thanks to their wins over Pradera and Vaud, respectively, and the relegation fight got more exciting with CAP, Vaud, and Real Campo Grande all losing their matches, Pumas getting close to safety places by beating the Stars, and Edmonton welcoming their new coach Anthony Clark with a much-needed win in a six-pointer against direct rivals Étoile Verte, leaving the Vert side in last place of the aggregate table and closer to a quick return to Liga-2.

Nacional 3–2 CAP
Real Campo Grande 0–1 Metropolis Alligators
Deportivo Junín 2–1 Pradera FC
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–3 AS Bezieres
AS Vaud 0–1 Tannenberg FC
Pumas Maldonado 1–0 Eterna Stars
Ajax Carloburgo 3–2 Fontvielle Impact
Étoile Verte 1–2 Edmonton United
Slateport Bulls 1–3 Canalave Dragons
Marinos Metropolis 0–0 Bohemians Metropolis

Torneo Clausura Round 9 (September 8-9)

Time for a new edition of the Derby Añejo, with Nacional entertaining Metropolis Alligators in Swangard, with nothing more and nothing less than the Clausura's top spot at stake! And despite the Albos took the lead in the scoreboard thanks to a goal by Phillippe Revault, the Alligators turned things around with a brace by striker Cristian Bogarín, which allowed them to widen the gap with the Apertura champions to four points. However, the second place in the Clausura is now held by Bezieres, who chained a fourth win in a row by beating Junín in a key match in the UICA race and giving the Granates a hard blow to their hopes in that front. TFC also emerged victorious from their six-pointer against direct rivals Olympique de Fontvielle and continue in the quest to snatch the last UICA berth off the hands of Marinos, who returned to winning ways in a thriller against CAP in Los Chorros. Meanwhile, Fontvielle Impact were unable to beat Pumas at home and kept moving away from the top spots of the Clausura while also compromising their comfortable position in the aggregate table. And in the relegation front, everything remained quiet as none of the six teams involved in this affair were able to win their matches this weekend.

CAP 3–4 Marinos Metropolis
Bohemians Metropolis 1–2 Slateport Bulls
Canalave Dragons 1–0 Étoile Verte
Edmonton United 0–1 Ajax Carloburgo
Fontvielle Impact 2–2 Pumas Maldonado
Eterna Stars 1–0 AS Vaud
Tannenberg FC 2–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
AS Bezieres 2–1 Deportivo Junín
Pradera FC 2–2 Real Campo Grande
Metropolis Alligators 2–1 Nacional

Kings' Shield Quarterfinals (September 12-13)

The Kings' Shield has now entered into its final stretch with 8 teams still remaining in contention for the Shield, but only 4 will remain after this round. The most attractive match of this round was by far the one between Marinos and Fontvielle Impact in Metropolis, which was dubbed by nearly everyone as an early final and had Les Bleus punching their ticket to the semifinals by beating the Marineros with a goal by striker Alexandre. In the other all-L1 match of the round, Slateport Bulls had no mercy with Olympique de Fontvielle, thrashing them by 5-0 at the Estadio de la Riviera. Bohemians became the third and last top tier team in the semifinals of this Shield edition after putting an end to Villaznia's cup campaign, and in the remaining tie of the round, Libertad thumped Hoxford Rovers in Lierravus to become the only non-L1 team in the penultimate round of the competition.

Libertad 3-0 Hoxford Rovers

Marinos Metropolis 0-1 Fontvielle Impact

Villaznia AC 2-3 Bohemians Metropolis

Slateport Bulls 5-0 Olympique de Fontvielle

Torneo Clausura Round 10 (September 15-16)

With this round we have completed 75% of the season, and Metropolis Alligators look determined to win the Clausura and force a championship final against Nacional despite being held to a draw by CAP, who are still in serious danger of relegation. However, La Academia and Fontvielle Impact took advantage of this setback for MA and got important wins which allowed those two sides to cut the gap with the Alligators: the former beat Pradera at the City of Metropolis Stadium, and the latter defeated Vaud in Gatineau. In the battle for the last Globe Cup berth, Marinos' boring draw with Slateport Bulls in the Blue Derby and Bezieres' first loss in the Clausura against Real Campo Grande in the Ilirian Derby were both greatly capitalized by Olympique de Fontvielle, who got within 3 points of Marinos after getting a convincing 3-0 win over the Stars, whilst Deportivo Junín and TFC cancelled each other out in Junín with a 2-2 draw which did nothing but seriously harm their chances. With Étoile Verte moving one step closer to the drop by losing to Bohemians at the Stade de Charmilliot and Real Campo Grande's vital win over Bezieres which allows the Verdolagas to move away from the danger zone, the fight to avoid relegation is now mostly cut to CAP, Edmonton, Pumas, and Vaud, with the Cuervos hoping to give more value to that point they stole from Swangard, Edmonton giving more life to Pumas by losing to the Cougar in Maldonado and re-entering the playoff zone as a result, and Les Étudiants sinking in the relegation zone.

Metropolis Alligators 1–1 CAP
Nacional 1–0 Pradera FC
Real Campo Grande 2–1 AS Bezieres
Deportivo Junín 2–2 Tannenberg FC
Olympique de Fontvielle 3–0 Eterna Stars
AS Vaud 0–1 Fontvielle Impact
Pumas Maldonado 4–2 Edmonton United
Ajax Carloburgo 0–0 Canalave Dragons
Étoile Verte 1–2 Bohemians Metropolis
Slateport Bulls 0–0 Marinos Metropolis

Standings after Torneo Clausura Matchday 10

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Metropolis Alligators           10    7   2   1    13    6   +7    23
 2  Nacional                        10    6   3   1    16    9   +7    21
 3  Fontvielle Impact               10    6   2   2    15   11   +4    20
 4  AS Bezieres                     10    5   4   1    15    8   +7    19
 5  Tannenberg FC                   10    5   3   2    14   12   +2    18
 6  Bohemians Metropolis            10    5   2   3    10   11   −1    17
 7  Deportivo Junín                 10    4   3   3    11    8   +3    15
 8  Canalave Dragons                10    4   3   3    11    9   +2    15
 9  Olympique de Fontvielle         10    5   0   5    17   16   +1    15
10  Eterna Stars                    10    4   2   4    13   12   +1    14
11  Slateport Bulls                 10    4   2   4    12   15   −3    14
12  Marinos Metropolis              10    3   4   3     8    8    0    13
13  Pumas Maldonado                 10    2   6   2    10   10    0    12
14  Ajax Carloburgo                 10    3   3   4     8   12   −4    12
15  CAP                             10    3   2   5    14   13   +1    11
16  Real Campo Grande               10    2   5   3    12   16   −4    11
17  Pradera FC                      10    2   2   6    10   13   −3     8
18  Étoile Verte                    10    1   3   6     7   12   −5     6
19  AS Vaud                         10    1   2   7     9   16   −7     5
20  Edmonton United                 10    1   1   8     6   14   −8     4

Liga-1 Aggregate Table after Torneo Clausura Matchday 10

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Metropolis Alligators           29   20   4   5    47   21  +26    64
 2  Nacional                        29   18   8   3    52   29  +23    62 CC
 3  Fontvielle Impact               29   18   3   8    41   29  +12    57
 4  Marinos Metropolis              29   15   7   7    41   23  +18    52
 5  Olympique de Fontvielle         29   15   4  10    50   38  +12    49
 6  AS Bezieres                     29   14   6   9    39   27  +12    48
 7  Tannenberg FC                   29   13   7   9    43   40   +3    46
 8  Deportivo Junín                 29   13   6  10    46   36  +10    45
 9  Canalave Dragons                29   11  10   8    48   41   +7    43
10  Slateport Bulls                 29   12   3  14    40   46   −6    39
11  Ajax Carloburgo                 29   10   9  10    38   42   −4    39
12  Bohemians Metropolis            29   11   5  13    29   39  −10    38
13  Eterna Stars                    29    8  10  11    34   38   −4    34
14  Pradera FC                      29    8   9  12    35   38   −3    33
15  Real Campo Grande               29    8   7  14    34   47  −13    31
16  CAP                             29    7   6  16    27   44  −17    27
17  Edmonton United                 29    7   6  16    30   45  −15    27
18  Pumas Maldonado                 29    6   8  15    26   43  −17    26
19  AS Vaud                         29    7   4  18    31   48  −17    25
20  Étoile Verte                    29    5   6  18    29   46  −17    21

Liga-2 Standings after Matchday 29

Valladar Liga-2                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Defensores de Villafuerte       29   18   6   5    55   31  +24    60
 2  Hamanos Athletic Club           29   16   3  10    49   42   +7    51
 3  Hoxford Rovers                  29   13  10   6    48   37  +11    49
 4  FC Columbus                     29   15   4  10    56   49   +7    49
 5  Adelaide Kickers                29   13   9   7    53   42  +11    48
 6  AS Montreux                     29   13   8   8    47   37  +10    47
 7  Real Pradera                    29   11   8  10    39   38   +1    41
 8  Nord Energie FC                 29   12   5  12    44   45   −1    41
 9  Valencia FC                     29   12   4  13    33   38   −5    40
10  Patriotas FC                    29    8  13   8    37   36   +1    37
11  Danubio FC                      29   10   7  12    34   38   −4    37
12  Atlético Nápoles                29   10   7  12    42   48   −6    37
13  FC Townsville                   29   10   6  13    48   57   −9    36
14  FC Maritime Westporte           29    9   8  12    29   30   −1    35
15  Libertad                        29    8  10  11    39   43   −4    34
16  Stanford United                 29    8   9  12    28   33   −5    33
17  FC Sillimus                     29    7  11  11    40   43   −3    32
18  FC Fauxham                      29    7  10  12    38   42   −4    31
19  AD Cerro                        29    7   8  14    39   58  −19    29
20  Bellavista Jets                 29    8   4  17    40   51  −11    28

Liga-3 Standings after Matchday 29

Valladar Liga-3                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Gatineau UC 98                  29   17   7   5    49   30  +19    58
 2  Bretford Royals                 29   16   6   7    44   28  +16    54
 3  Villaznia AC                    29   15   7   7    58   41  +17    52
 4  Universitario de Maldonado      29   15   6   8    53   36  +17    51
 5  Servette FC                     29   14   7   8    54   39  +15    49
 6  AS Mont-Blanc                   29   14   5  10    44   37   +7    47
 7  EC Comercial                    29   12   8   9    45   37   +8    44
 8  Carloburgo Phoenix              29   13   4  12    42   37   +5    43
 9  Eterna Celtic                   29   13   3  13    40   46   −6    42
10  Alianza Antioquia               29   10  10   9    42   44   −2    40
11  FC Westporte 984                29   10   7  12    50   55   −5    37
12  Northport Bears                 29   10   7  12    39   48   −9    37
13  Sporting Florencia              29    9   9  11    27   31   −4    36
14  Deportivo Aguablanca            29    9   9  11    36   46  −10    36
15  Yumbo FC                        29   10   3  16    42   53  −11    33
16  RC Corania                      29    9   6  14    45   51   −6    33
17  AC Tallin                       29    9   5  15    36   47  −11    32
18  SC Alcázares                    29    6  11  12    39   53  −14    29
19  Dynamo Metropolis               29    6   8  15    39   48   −9    26
20  RC Belfort                      29    6   6  17    27   44  −17    24

by **Valladares** » Tue Apr 17, 2018 6:44 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-FIFTH SEASON (PART V OF V)

Torneo Clausura Round 11 (September 22-23)

The final stretch of this Liga-1 season started with draws for both Metropolis Alligators and Nacional on the road: the Alligators were able to retain top spot despite the fact Brayan Borja's opener in their match against Pradera was cancelled by Iván Valenzuela's equalizer for the Verdiblancos, and the Albos and Bezieres missed a chance to assault the first place of the Clausura by sharing the spoils at the Stade de Foix. Fontvielle Impact made big profit of those results for their three rivals in the race for the Clausura championship and went up to second place after thrashing Olympique in the Derby de Fontvielle and moving their crosstown rivals further away from Globe Cup contention. Marinos, who are currently holding the last berth into the Globe Cup, were able to widen the gap with their main rivals in the UICA front with a clear 3-0 win over a hapless Étoile Verte who received another hard blow to their hopes of avoiding relegation, whilst TFC, Canalave Dragons, and Junín enjoyed contrasting fortunes in their quest to enter the conversation for a GC berth: Citizens and Dragons re-entered the fight by beating two teams pressed by relegation such as Real Campo Grande and Pumas, but the Granates' wagon was derailed with a loss to Eterna Stars that left the Eastern side 10 points adrift. And in the relegation affair, Edmonton's hopes to avoid the drop were re-ignited after the Monties won a vital match against fellow strugglers Vaud in the Westlands and moved out of the red and pink zones at the expense of Pumas and CAP, who kept dropping more points and this time drew with Slateport Bulls in a snoozefest in the Metropolis suburbs.

CAP 0–0 Slateport Bulls
Marinos Metropolis 3–0 Étoile Verte
Bohemians Metropolis 1–1 Ajax Carloburgo
Canalave Dragons 5–3 Pumas Maldonado
Edmonton United 4–2 AS Vaud
Fontvielle Impact 4–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Eterna Stars 3–2 Deportivo Junín
Tannenberg FC 3–2 Real Campo Grande
AS Bezieres 0–0 Nacional
Pradera FC 1–1 Metropolis Alligators

Torneo Clausura Round 12 (September 29-30)

Metropolis Alligators' defeat to Bezieres in Swangard was great news for champions Fontvielle Impact, who became the new Clausura leaders with a victory in Junín courtesy of a brace by Wilfried Baume. Nacional also capitalized on that loss for MA with a dominating win over TFC and returned to second place trailing l'Impact by just one point, while Alligators and Rouges are now third and fourth with 24 and 23 points, two and three points behind Les Bleus, respectively. In the UICA front, Marinos had a peaceful weekend despite being unable to defeat Ajax at the Olympic Stadium thanks to losses for Olympique and Tannenberg: Les Jaune-et-Bleu were shocked by Edmonton, who continued with their escape from the relegation zone with a brace by captain Delwyth Jonferth, and the aforementioned defeat for TFC in Metropolis. Speaking of the relegation race, Real Campo Grande took a big step towards securing safety by beating the Stars at home, while that result for Edmonton in Fontvielle combined with CAP's draw in Pradera allowed the Monties to open up a 4-point gap with the Cuervos. Pumas and Vaud beat Bohemians and Canalave Dragons and continue in the fight for survival, with the Foixien side denting the Dragons' UICA aspirations as a side effect, and Étoile Verte allowed the Bulls to destroy a 3-0 disadvantage to steal a point from the Stade de Charmilliot and leave Les Verts walking on thin ice.

Pradera FC 1–1 CAP
Metropolis Alligators 1–2 AS Bezieres
Nacional 3–0 Tannenberg FC
Real Campo Grande 2–1 Eterna Stars
Deportivo Junín 0–2 Fontvielle Impact
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–2 Edmonton United
AS Vaud 1–0 Canalave Dragons
Pumas Maldonado 2–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Ajax Carloburgo 0–0 Marinos Metropolis
Étoile Verte 3–3 Slateport Bulls

Torneo Clausura Round 13 (October 8)

The special Independence Day matchday, when there's non-stop Liga-1 action all day with kickoffs every hour between 10 AM and 8 PM opened action in Fontvielle with leaders Fontvielle Impact strenghtening their grip on first place by thumping Real Campo Grande at the Stade de la Frontière with goals by their three strikers: Alexandre, Carlos Conte, and Wilfried Baume, later helped by Pradera who defeated Bezieres at the Stade de Foix and left Les Rouges 5 points adrift the top of the Clausura, and unable to strip Marinos of fourth place in the aggregate table. After the two matches involving the Foixien giants, it was the turn for the four teams currently in relegation places with Pumas being the first one to play, visiting Marinos at noon at the Estadio Zachary Fortin. One hour later, on the other side of the Valladar capital, Vaud entertained Bohemians, while at 2 PM CAP and Étoile Verte faced each other in Los Chorros in a game both were forbidden from losing. Eventually, Marinos beat Pumas and moved further away from ASB in the UICA fight, the Gallo beat Vaud at the Frattini, and Cougars and Étudiants were unable to leave the relegation zone with their losses. At the same time, Étoile Verte earned a much-needed win that puts them back on track and at the same time prevents CAP from getting close to Edmonton. Later, Slateport Bulls and Ajax drew at the Estadio de la Riviera, a goal by Aide Mehdizade helped the Stars rescue a point at home against Nacional and dragged the Albos away from the Clausura summit, Canalave Dragons defeated Olympique at the Dragon's Den and left the UICA bid from the team coached by Damián Trolli hanging on a thread, TFC beat the Alligators in a thriller and left the 12-time champions trailing arch-rivals Impact by 5 points, and in the closing match of the round, Edmonton were unable to capitalize on the earlier results for their rivals in the relegation struggle and lost to Junín in the "Distance Derby".

Fontvielle Impact 3–0 Real Campo Grande
AS Bezieres 1–3 Pradera FC
Marinos Metropolis 2–1 Pumas Maldonado
Bohemians Metropolis 2–0 AS Vaud
CAP 1–2 Étoile Verte
Slateport Bulls 0–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Eterna Stars 1–1 Nacional
Canalave Dragons 2–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Tannenberg FC 3–2 Metropolis Alligators
Edmonton United 1–2 Deportivo Junín

Torneo Clausura Round 14 (October 13-14)

In the start of perhaps the most demanding stretch of the Clausura for Fontvielle Impact, with Les Bleus having to visit second-placed Nacional at the City of Metropolis Stadium, the Clausura leaders were able to snatch a point off their closest persecutor in a back-and-forth match that ended 2-2 and left the 3-point gap between both teams intact. However, this result turned out to be wonderful news for Metropolis Alligators, who only needed a goal by Cenian playmaker Charles Allegro to beat the Stars in Swangard and re-enter the fight for the Clausura title ahead of their clash against l'Impact next week, as well as Bezieres, who beat CAP and moved to fourth place and 4 points behind their arch-rivals. In the battle for UICA, Les Rouges were also benefited since Marinos suffered an unexpected setback in their visit to Gatineau to play Vaud, as well as Olympique, who beat Bohemians with a brace by Richard Armada and still hold a hope of reaching at least fifth place, while TFC lost the Derby of the West to Pradera and missed a great chance to get close to Marinos and the GC zone. Meanwhile, the draw between Real Campo Grande and Edmonton in the heights of Campo Grande as well as Vaud's shocking victory over Marinos and Pumas' dramatic win over the Bulls in Maldonado added more spice to the relegation race, with CAP and Étoile Verte unable to win their games and being left behind and closer to the drop.

AS Bezieres 3–2 CAP
Pradera FC 2–1 Tannenberg FC
Metropolis Alligators 1–0 Eterna Stars
Nacional 2–2 Fontvielle Impact
Real Campo Grande 0–0 Edmonton United
Deportivo Junín 2–2 Canalave Dragons
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–0 Bohemians Metropolis
AS Vaud 2–1 Marinos Metropolis
Pumas Maldonado 3–2 Slateport Bulls
Ajax Carloburgo 1–1 Étoile Verte

Kings' Shield Semifinals (October 17-18)

And this cup competition reaches its penultimate round with three Liga-1 sides (Impact, Slateport, and Bohemians) and one Liga-2 outfit (Libertad) as the final four battling for two berths to the final match in Swangard on November 25th. The first semifinal had the current Clausura leaders hosting their bogey team, while the other one had Slateport Bulls and Libertad duking it out for the remaining berth to the final.

With Fontvielle Impact having claimed only a single win against the Gallo in their four most recent meetings, the first semifinal was a great chance for Les Bleus to shake themselves off from that dominance for good, and it didn't go wasted at the end of the day as the current Valladar champions cruised to the Shield final with a 2-0 win thanks to goals by Wilfried Baume and Carlos Conte. Meanwhile, in the second semifinal, the Bulls continued with their demolishing run to the final and pulverized the team from Lierravus with an own-goal and a couple of braces by strikers Óscar Salazar and Alexis Márquez, thus scheduling a meeting with Fontvielle Impact in the final at the National Stadium in Swangard.

Fontvielle Impact 2-0 Bohemians Metropolis

Slateport Bulls 4-0 Libertad

Torneo Clausura Round 15 (October 20-21)

It is time for a new edition of the Derby de Valladares to take place with Fontvielle Impact leading the Clausura, qualified for the Kings' Shield final, and ready to host the Alligators, who come to the Stade de la Frontière in third place of the Clausura with 27 points and in need of a win to keep their chances of a 13th title still alive. Despite MA surprised Les Bleus with a goal by Niko Komarov after just 50 seconds of play, l'Impact were able to turn things around thanks to goals by Michael Jiménez and 18-year old striker Thibault Benezet, whose first professional goal sealed the win for the current Valladar champions and at the same time confirmed their qualification to UICA football for next season and seriously dented the Alligators' chances to win the Clausura. Meanwhile, Nacional beat Edmonton at Albert Field and are still fighting to win the Clausura and avoid a championship final, with Bezieres keeping their options intact in both tables (Clausura and aggregate) with an important win at White Meadow Arena over Tannenberg, and Marinos and Olympique de Fontvielle cancelled each other out in a crunch match for UICA contention at Parque Rushmore which harmed both teams and benefited Bezieres instead since Les Rouges are now trailing Marinos by 2 points. And the relegation race got even more intense with losses for Real Campo Grande and Edmonton, a draw for Vaud in Slateport, and wins for CAP and Étoile Verte which bring them back into the fight: the Cuervos narrowly beat Ajax in Los Chorros and the Verts won a six-pointer against direct rivals Pumas and still dream with salvation as they're now only 3 points adrift the relegation playoff spot, currently held by the Cougar.

CAP 1–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Étoile Verte 3–0 Pumas Maldonado
Slateport Bulls 1–1 AS Vaud
Marinos Metropolis 0–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Bohemians Metropolis 1–2 Deportivo Junín
Canalave Dragons 2–0 Real Campo Grande
Edmonton United 0–1 Nacional
Fontvielle Impact 2–1 Metropolis Alligators
Eterna Stars 1–0 Pradera FC
Tannenberg FC 0–2 AS Bezieres

Torneo Clausura Round 16 (October 27-28)

With three matches to go, the fight to win the Torneo Clausura gets more exciting as Nacional were able to take advantage of Fontvielle Impact's harsh and unexpected loss at the hands of Pradera at the Estadio de la Montaña in order to take the lead (albeit on goal difference) with a win of their own over the Dragons at home. That defeat for l'Impact was also welcomed by the Alligators, who after losing the Derby returned to the Clausura contention by a victory against Edmonton which also guarantees them UICA qualification, and Bezieres were unable to capitalize on the defeat of their arch-rivals and moved away from the title race by losing to Eterna Stars by the same score and at home in a match where Chromatik striker Aide Mehdizade was instrumental with a hat-trick. Meanwhile, the battle for the last Globe Cup berth is now reduced to three teams, with Marinos collecting yet another draw but giving the "kiss of death" to Junín's UICA aspirations, and Canalave Dragons and TFC losing their matches. Olympique de Fontvielle returned to winning ways by beating Shield finalists Slateport Bulls and kept their hopes of international competition alive, with Bezieres staying within striking distance of Marinos despite the large loss to the Stars that left them all but out of the Clausura race. And with the recent performances of Verdolagas and Monties, it was just matter of time to see some real movement in the relegation zone, since Edmonton's loss at the National Stadium puts the Westlanders back into the bottom three, with CAP moving up one spot due to their victory in Carloburgo over TFC. Pumas took one step towards damnation by failing to beat Ajax at home, and in yet another six-pointer, Vaud opened the gates of Hell to Étoile Verte with their win at the Stade Ominsports and put themselves on course towards safety in the process.

Tannenberg FC 0–2 CAP
AS Bezieres 1–4 Eterna Stars
Pradera FC 4–1 Fontvielle Impact
Metropolis Alligators 1–0 Edmonton United
Nacional 3–1 Canalave Dragons
Real Campo Grande 0–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Deportivo Junín 3–3 Marinos Metropolis
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–1 Slateport Bulls
AS Vaud 1–0 Étoile Verte
Pumas Maldonado 0–0 Ajax Carloburgo

Torneo Clausura Round 17 (November 3-4)

The battle for the Clausura title has entered its final stretch with Nacional on the lead with 34 points after snatching a point from Bohemians at the Estadio Luis Frattini, Impact and Bezieres in second and third place with 33 and 32 points, respectively, after Les Rouges beat Les Bleus in the last Derby du Foix of the season with a goal by Daniel Mendoza, and Metropolis Alligators going down to fourth with 31 points after failing to beat the Dragons in Canalave. Meanwhile, Marinos got closer to clinch the last UICA berth of the season after thrashing Real Campo Grande with goals by Aymeric Fortín, Tamer Yilmaz, Marcos Zelaya, and Lisandro Craviotto, with Bezieres trailing by 3 points, and Olympique de Fontvielle still with a slim chance of overtaking Marinos for fourth place after sealing Étoile Verte's fate with a 3-1 victory over Les Verts at the Stade de Charmilliot. With Étoile Verte now relegated, the battle in the lower zone is between five teams for two spots and a berth into the relegation playoff: Real Campo Grande (who lost in Metropolis), Pumas (who beat CAP in another match between direct rivals and moved up to the safety zone), Edmonton (who also moved up one spot despite drawing with Pradera at home), CAP (who are back into the relegation zone after that defeat to Pumas), and Vaud (who lost to Ajax in Carloburgo and also entered the danger zone). And to add more drama to the thing, there's just one point separating Real Campo Grande and Vaud, with Verdolagas and Cougars tied in 36 points, and Monties, Cuervos, and Étudiants tied in 35.

CAP 1–2 Pumas Maldonado
Ajax Carloburgo 2–1 AS Vaud
Étoile Verte 1–3 Olympique de Fontvielle
Slateport Bulls 1–1 Deportivo Junín
Marinos Metropolis 4–1 Real Campo Grande
Bohemians Metropolis 1–1 Nacional
Canalave Dragons 2–2 Metropolis Alligators
Edmonton United 1–1 Pradera FC
Fontvielle Impact 0–1 AS Bezieres
Eterna Stars 2–0 Tannenberg FC

Torneo Clausura Round 18 (November 10-11)

No-one would have expected to say this and especially not after the win in the Derby against MA, but Fontvielle Impact are now officially out of the title race with one match to spare after losing a crazy match to TFC at White Meadow Arena. Bezieres are also eliminated and will have to focus their efforts on kicking Marinos out of fourth place of the aggregate table after losing to Edmonton at home, which means that Nacional and the Alligators will once again fight for the Clausura championship after the former beat Marinos in Poblado and the latter beat Bohemians in a North Metropolis Derby turned into a goalfest with Brayan Borja scoring a hat-trick against his former team. Impact's defeat in Carloburgo also helps clear up the panorama regarding UICA qualificiation for next season: it means Metropolis Alligators will qualify for the Champions' Cup regardless of what happens on the last matchday, and Les Bleus will play the Globe Cup next season (either as cup winners or as best non-CC team in the aggregate table). Meanwhile, that loss for the Marineros in the derby against Nacional gives more life to Olympique de Fontvielle in the race for the last GC berth, with the side coached by Damián Trolli now being just 2 points behind Marinos with one match to play after beating Ajax at the Stade de l'Amitié. In the relegation struggle, Real Campo Grande, Pumas, and Edmonton all earned important wins that put these three teams on the verge of salvation: Real beat the Bulls, the Monties won in Bezieres against l'ASB as aforementioned, and the Cougar gave Vaud the final push towards the abyss with their win over them in Gatineau. As for CAP, the Cuervos were unable to break the deadlock against the Stars and are now at the edge of the ledge.

Eterna Stars 0–0 CAP
Tannenberg FC 4–3 Fontvielle Impact
AS Bezieres 0–1 Edmonton United
Pradera FC 4–3 Canalave Dragons
Metropolis Alligators 5–3 Bohemians Metropolis
Nacional 4–2 Marinos Metropolis
Real Campo Grande 3–1 Slateport Bulls
Deportivo Junín 1–0 Étoile Verte
Olympique de Fontvielle 3–0 Ajax Carloburgo
AS Vaud 0–2 Pumas Maldonado

Torneo Clausura Round 19 (November 17-18)

And welcome one and all to the matchday that might bring this exciting Liga-1 season to its end. With three teams already into UICA competition and already aware of which competition they will enter, as well as two out of the three relegated teams already decided, it is time to know which team will win the Clausura (and potentially the championship without a final) as well as the last Globe Cup entrant and the last team to be directly relegated and the one going on to play the relegation playoff against a Liga-2 outfit. And now, without any further ado, here we go with a brief preview of the 10 games to be played on this last matchday, most of them with something at stake:

CAP vs. AS Vaud - Vaud were relegated after losing to Pumas last week and will surely want to drag CAP along with them and Étoile Verte. The Cuervos will obviously want to avoid that fate and know that they have no choice but beat Les Étudiants and hope for losses for Edmonton and either Real Campo Grande or Pumas in order to reach salvation. A draw or a win for Vaud will send the Liga-2 champions back to the second tier.
Pumas Maldonado vs. Olympique de Fontvielle - Two teams with different needs will be facing each other at the Estádio do Maldonado. The Cougar needs to get at least one point in order to avoid direct relegation, and if either Edmonton or Real Campo Grande lose they will be safe from all danger, while l'OF arrived to Maldonado in fifth place in the aggregate table and will be looking to seal their return to the international stage. For that they'll need to win here and hope for Marinos to lose the Derby Metropolitano. If Damián Trolli and his players end up in fifth place, they must root for their crosstown rivals Fontvielle Impact in the Kings' Shield final next week in order to enter the Globe Cup.
Ajax Carloburgo vs. Deportivo Junín - With the Immigrants in the lower half of the table and already safe from relegation and the Granates trailing Marinos by 6 points and Olympique by 5, there's no much to watch here.
Étoile Verte vs. Real Campo Grande - Les Verts already know they will have to play in Liga-2 next season, while the Verdolagas can still be relegated if they lose in Bezieres and Edmonton, Pumas, and CAP all win. If they draw, they'll be safe from direct relegation, but they will need at least one team out of Pumas and Edmonton to draw or lose in order to avoid the relegation playoff.
Slateport Bulls vs. Nacional - With their minds mainly set on the Kings' Shield final next week, the Bulls will, once again, play the role of judges against a Nacional side that is looking to win the Clausura and claim their fourth domestic championship outright. Leading Metropolis Alligators by 3 points, La Academia will be the new Valladar champions with just a draw at the Estadio de la Riviera, regardless of what happens in the Derby Metropolitano. Should they lose in Slateport, they will have to wait for help from Marinos in order to celebrate.
Marinos Metropolis vs. Metropolis Alligators - This new Derby Metropolitano edition will be another high-voltage clash, with the visitors in need of a win and a defeat for Nacional in Slateport in order to force a final against the Albo side. The side coached by Sergio Vilar has its own needs since they still need to confirm their qualification for the next Globe Cup and for that they'll need to avoid defeat at home. The Marineros have the big chance to clinch GC qualification and at the same time, rain on the Alligators' parade once again like they've done several times in the past, even though that means handing the title to Nacional on a silver platter.
Bohemians Metropolis vs. Pradera FC - The Gallo and the Verdiblanco are both comfortably placed in mid-table and will bid farewell to the season at the Estadio Luis Frattini with nothing to decide.
Canalave Dragons vs. AS Bezieres - The Dragons gave up their chances to qualify for the Globe Cup some matches ago and will host the team coached by Mario Ventura, who were left out of title contention but managed to reach the last lap of the UICA race with chances to qualify. Having won their head-to-head series against Marinos, Les Rouges hope to get into the GC with a win in Canalave combined with a win for the Alligators in the Derby AND a draw or loss for Olympique in Maldonado. If they win and any of the other conditions is not fulfilled, their destiny will be in the hands of their arch-rivals Fontvielle Impact, who must beat Slateport Bulls in the Kings' Shield final in order for their league berth to go to the Foixien capital.
Edmonton United vs. Tannenberg FC - It's Judgement Day for Edmonton as well, with the Monties currently occupying the relegation playoff spot but in danger of joining Vaud and Étoile Verte as the directly relegated sides at the end of the season and hosting TFC at Albert Field on this last matchday. The equation that will grant survival for the Westlands' only representative (and champion) in Liga-1 is as follows: beat the Citizens and wait for any of Real Campo Grande or Pumas to draw or lose. A draw will also be enough to clinch safety as long as either of the aforementioned teams is defeated, given their positive H2H record against both Verdolagas and Pumas. If they lose, they will have to play the playoff at best, and if they lose and CAP wins, they'll be relegated to Liga-2.
Fontvielle Impact vs. Eterna Stars - A match with nothing to play for but the teams' honour: Impact are already safe into the next Globe Cup and focused on the Kings' Shield final, while the Stars' terrible Apertura campaign kept them away from UICA contention, and the good performance in the Clausura was not enough to bring them close to the title race.

And now, without any further ado, here we go with the final and decisive matchday in this Liga-1 season:

17:00 - Matchday 38 kicks off with the match in Maldonado between Pumas and Olympique de Fontvielle, followed by the Derby Metropolitano at the Estadio Zachary Fortin. The remaining matches kicked off soon after.

17:01 - 8 matches are being played on Sunday afternoon: the match between Bohemians and Pradera in Metropolis was moved to Saturday evening in order to have more police force available for the Derby between Marinos and the Alligators, and it ended with a win for Pradera by a 3-1 score. César Salgado, Gareth Teixeira, and Claudio Mancilla scored the goals for the Verdiblancos, while Mitchell Pastor scored the lone goal for the Gallo.

17:02 - The other match that was already played was the one between Ajax Carloburgo and Deportivo Junín, with the Granate claiming victory thanks to a goal by Chromatik player Willard Drea. And now, back to business with the Torneo Clausura finale!

17:05 - GOAL for Eterna Stars! Valentin Germain broke the deadlock against Impact's alternate squad after 5 minutes of play. The Stars are beating Fontvielle Impact, one-nil at the Stade de la Frontière!

17:08 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Étoile Verte! The relegation front starts moving as Raymond Bernardi puts Les Verts ahead against Real Campo Grande! Étoile Verte are beating the Verdolagas 1-0 at the Stade de Charmilliot, which is great news for Pumas and Edmonton!

17:09 - With that goal for Étoile Verte, here's how things currently stand at the relegation zone:

Pumas 40
Edmonton 39*
----------------
Real 39*
----------------
CAP 37
Vaud 36 REL
Étoile Verte 32 REL

* Head-to-head: Edmonton 1-0 Real; Real 0-0 Edmonton

With that goal in Bezieres, Edmonton are being saved on H2H, and Real Campo Grande would have to play the relegation playoff. To make things more distressing for them, a goal for CAP against Vaud will take them to the relegation zone, also on H2H!

17:10 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Real Campo Grande! The Verdolagas quickly equalize through Danilson, and things are just as they started! 1-1 at the Stade de Charmilliot!

17:13 - GOAL in Los Chorros! GOAL for Vaud! Les Étudiants take the lead against the Cuervos with a goal by Victor Balzan and the remaining teams in the relegation struggle can breathe more easily as Vaud are dragging the Liga-2 champions back to the second tier!

17:14 - Relegation zone after nearly 15 minutes of play and 3 goals:

Real 40
Pumas 40
----------------
Edmonton 39
----------------
Vaud 38 REL
CAP 36
Étoile Verte 30 REL

17:15 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Slateport Bulls! This goal by Lúcio opens up the gates of hope for Metropolis Alligators! Slateport Bulls 1, Nacional 0. And the Titan just needs to score a goal in order to assault the Clausura's top spot!

17:16 - Speaking of the Derby Metropolitano, it has been a back-and-forth match after 15 minutes, with both teams enjoying some good chances to score but also enjoying the quality of their respective goalies Franco Espinel and the Brenecian Aidan Hartigan. There's a reason why both Metropolis giants have the best defenses of the season, having only conceded 34 goals each until now...

17:21 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Bezieres! Les Rouges break the deadlock at Dragon Stadium thanks to Daniel Mendoza and put pressure to Marinos and Olympique in the fight for the last Globe Cup berth! 1-0 to Bezieres in Canalave!

17:22 - The UICA front starts moving as well:

Nacional 78 CC
Alligators 76 CC
Impact 70 GC
Marinos 65
----------------
Bezieres 64
----------------
Olympique 63

17:24 - PENALTY in Edmonton! The referee sees a handball by TFC centreback Daniel Lucerna and awards the hosts with a penalty kick! Great chance for the Monties, Cosumarite striker Delwyth Jonferth gets ready...

17:25 - and it's a GOAL! GOAL for Edmonton United! Jonferth brings the Westlanders closer to salvation as they take the lead against Tannenberg at Albert Field!

17:28 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Étoile Verte! Gustavo Forlán puts Les Verts ahead against Real Campo Grande once again, and with that goal in Edmonton, the Verdolagas are going back to the play-off spot!

17:29 - Relegation zone:

Edmonton 41
Pumas 40
----------------
Real 39
----------------
Vaud 38 REL
CAP 36
Étoile Verte 32 REL

17:31 - Time for a cooling break in all matches! Nacional will definitely appreciate this pause in order to reorganize, given that the Bulls were pressing for their second goal. Unlike the Alligators, for whom this cooling break cuts their momentum as they were getting closer to score the opener in a hard-fought Derby against Marinos.

17:32 - And here we go, back to action!

17:33 - And there's already a GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Eterna Stars! Aide Mehdizade scores the second goal for his team in Fontvielle! Fontvielle Impact are now 2-0 down in their farewell to the league season!

17:38 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Olympique de Fontvielle! Franco Vargas takes l'OF closer to a much wanted return to UICA competition for Les Jaune-et-Bleu! Olympique are now winning in Maldonado by 1-0!

17:39 That goal by Franco Vargas has effects on two fronts: first, it takes Olympique to a tie in points with Marinos, missing out on fourth place on H2H against the Marineros, and at the same time, plunges Pumas into the relegation playoff as they lose to Real Campo Grande...on H2H:

Aggregate table - UICA:

Nacional 78 CC
Alligators 76 CC
Impact 70 GC
Marinos 65*
----------------
Olympique 65*
----------------
Bezieres 64

* Head-to-head: Olympique 0-1 Marinos, Marinos 0-0 Olympique

Aggregate table - Relegation:

Edmonton 41
Real 39*
----------------
Pumas 39*
----------------
Vaud 38 REL
CAP 36
Étoile Verte 32 REL

* Head-to-head: Real 1-0 Pumas; Pumas 1-1 Real

17:43 - CROSSBAR! Cristian Bogarín's shot hits the woodwork and misses a great chance for the Alligators in the Derby against Marinos! The score at the Estadio Zachary Fortin is 0-0, but the question to answer is whether Marinos will manage to endure the remaining minutes of the first half!

17:46 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Nacional! Mario Ovalle equalizes for La Academia, who are getting closer to the Clausura championship and their fourth Liga-1 title! The score in Slateport as we approach the end of the first half is now 1-1!

17:49 - The first half of this decisive final matchday ends with the following scores: CAP 0-1 Vaud, Pumas 0-1 Olympique, Étoile Verte 2-1 RCG, Slateport 1-1 Nacional, Marinos 0-0 Alligators, Canalave 0-1 Bezieres, Edmonton 1-0 TFC, Impact 0-2 Stars. And here is how things stand with 45 minutes to go:

Clausura:

Nacional 38
----------------
Bezieres 35*
Alligators 35*
Impact 33

* Head-to-head: Alligators 1-2 Bezieres

Aggregate table - UICA:

Nacional 79 CC
Alligators 76 CC
Impact 70 GC
Marinos 65*
----------------
Olympique 65*
----------------
Bezieres 64

* Head-to-head: Olympique 0-1 Marinos, Marinos 0-0 Olympique

Aggregate table - Relegation:

Edmonton 41
Real 39*
----------------
Pumas 39*
----------------
Vaud 38 REL
CAP 36
Étoile Verte 32 REL

* Head-to-head: Real 1-0 Pumas; Pumas 1-1 Real

To sum it up, Nacional are currently winning the Clausura and the Liga-1 despite losing in Slateport, Marinos are qualifying to the Globe Cup with Olympique de Fontvielle on the waiting list, Pumas would be playing the relegation playoff once again, and CAP are joining Vaud and Étoile Verte in the list of relegated teams.

18:06 - The second halves in the eight matches of the day are now underway!

18:11 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Real Campo Grande! The Verdolagas are clinging on to life in the top tier with that goal by Pedro Martino, which is their equalizer against Étoile Verte. The match in Bezieres is now 2-2 and the Campograndenses are hitting the 40-point mark!

18:15 - And it seems that goal in Bezieres was a nice wake-up call for Pumas, who have already created at least two dangerous chances to score the equalizer against Olympique de Fontvielle in Maldonado. The Cougars are trying to find a goal that puts them back into the fight for salvation at all costs, whilst l'OF are waiting patiently for their chance to kill the match off.

18:19 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Slateport Bulls! Óscar Salazar puts the Bulls ahead against Nacional once again and restores hope for the Alligators, who still need to do their work! The score at the Estadio de la Riviera is now 2-1!

18:22 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Vaud! Robin Duhamel pushes CAP closer to the abyss with his goal for Les Étudiants, who are winning in Los Chorros by 2-0 and dragging the Cuervos to Liga-2 with them!

18:25 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Pumas! Rodrigo Barroso equalizes against Olympique in Maldonado and puts his team back on track in the race for survival, while at the same time leaves the team coached by Damián Trolli out of any possible Globe Cup berth, with Bezieres now going up to fifth place!

18:26 - And not too long after that goal, Pumas missed the chance to score their second one after Fabrício Bastos' shot went wide! Sighs of relief are heard in Fontvielle, Campo Grande, and Edmonton!

18:27 - And this is the situation in the UICA and relegation fronts after that goal for Pumas:

Aggregate table - UICA:

Nacional 78 CC
Alligators 76 CC
Impact 70 GC
Marinos 65
----------------
Bezieres 64
----------------
Olympique 63

Aggregate table - Relegation:

Edmonton 41
Real 40*
----------------
Pumas 40*
----------------
Vaud 38 REL
CAP 36
Étoile Verte 32 REL

* Head-to-head: Real 1-0 Pumas; Pumas 1-1 Real

18:32 - In Edmonton, midfielder Yamit Correa is about to replace Cosumarite striker Delwyth Jonferth. The 13,209 fans attending the match at Albert Field seem to be aware that this could be Jonferth's last game with the Monties and give her a thunderous applause upon her exit from the field. Edmonton are still leading TFC 1-0 with a goal by Jonferth herself.

18:33 - GOAL! GOAL for Fontvielle Impact! Thibault Benezet pulls Impact one closer with his second professional goal, and the score in Fontvielle is now 2-1, the Stars are still winning!

18:35 - With the score still nil-nil, tension is building up in the Derby Metropolitano. With the Alligators having dominated the actions for much of the first half, it seems that the roles have switched and Marinos are now the team that has been the closest to break the deadlock. However, the Titan has also enjoyed its couple of chances in the second half, and they've been very dangerous on the counterattack. A goal for them will extend the definition of the championship for one more week as long as Nacional are losing in Slateport!

18:37 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Eterna Stars! Peter Fagundes scores the third goal for the Stars in Fontvielle and they are now beating l'Impact by 3 goals to 1 at the Stade de la Frontière.

18:40 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Nacional! Nicolás Lucchetti might have scored the title-winning goal for La Academia as they equalize the match in Slateport once again. With 10 minutes to go, Bulls and Albos are tied and the Clausura championship is Albo, same as the Liga-1!

18:43 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL FOR MARINOS! Aymeric Fortin appears at the right moment to propel Marinos into the Globe Cup, and at the same time, bury the hopes still held by the Alligators!

18:44 - That goal for Marinos means really bad news for virtually every team fighting for something in the top of both the Clausura and the aggregate table (other than Nacional and Marinos themselves), as the team coached by Sergio Vilar are now running away with the last Globe Cup berth and also preventing the Alligators from getting any closer to Nacional in the Clausura:

Clausura:

Nacional 38
----------------
Bezieres 35
Alligators 34
Impact 33

Aggregate table - UICA:

Nacional 79 CC
Alligators 75 CC
Impact 70 GC
Marinos 67
----------------
Bezieres 64
----------------
Olympique 63

18:48 - GOAL for Vaud! And it's game over at Los Chorros with Les Étudiants giving the final blow to a soulless CAP side who are now certain to play in Liga-2 next season. The scorer of Vaud's third goal in the game was Mauricio Arias.

18:50 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Slateport Bulls! Mario Acosta restores the advantage for the Bulls in an electrifying match against a Nacional side who are few minutes away from their crowning as new champions! The match at the Estadio de la Riviera is now 3-2!

18:51 - Full time in Fontvielle: Fontvielle Impact 1, Eterna Stars 3. The Stars were too good for Impact's alternate squad and claimed victory in their last match of the season. The side coached by Daniel Bernard will now focus on the Kings' Shield final. And full time in Los Chorros as well: CAP are officially relegated with a loss to Vaud, who are also going down.

18:51 - PENALTY! Penalty to Real Campo Grande in Bezieres! Attention, fans of Pumas Maldonado, since this could be the goal that might leave their future decided! Cristian Victorino gets ready to take it...

18:52 - ...and it's a GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Real Campo Grande! Cristian Victorino's goal, which ensures Liga-1 survival for Real Campo Grande just before the last whistle, makes the 10,000 away fans that filled the Stade de Charmilliot erupt in happiness! The referee calls it a day and the Campograndense players and coaching staff hug each other at the centre of the field whilst the spectators applaud their players! As for Étoile Verte, Les Verts may have lost their last match in Liga-1 but they leave with their heads held high.

18:53 - Full time in Edmonton, Maldonado, and Canalave. Edmonton reached safety by beating TFC at Albert Field, while the 1-1 draw between Pumas and Olympique de Fontvielle turned out to be a bad deal for both: the Cougar will have to play the relegation play-off for the second season in a row, and the team coached by Damián Trolli bid farewell to their chance to return to a UICA competition. Bezieres' win over the Dragons allows Les Rouges to finish fifth in the aggregate table, however they are left in an uncomfotable situation since their qualification to the next Globe Cup will depend on what arch-rivals Fontvielle Impact can do at the Kings' Shield final.

18:54 - Full time in Metropolis and Slateport! Nacional are the new Valladar champions! 25 years after their last Liga-1 title, La Academia will be able to stamp a new star into their crest. Despite losing to the Bulls in Slateport, the Albos were crowned as Clausura champions after the Alligators lost the Derby to Marinos and were unable to force a championship final, and since Nacional also won the Apertura they automatically became the new Liga-1 champions. As for Marinos, they will be going to the Globe Cup, along with Fontvielle Impact and either Slateport Bulls or Bezieres. Meanwhile, the Nacional players are performing their victory lap at the field of the Estadio de la Riviera with the Clausura trophy, the Stargoal, and also the Apertura trophy, which was brought from Metropolis in case the championship was decided on this date, as it eventually happened. Congratulations to the new Liga-1 champions!

19:00 - The results after this decisive last matchday in Liga-1 were the following ones:

CAP 0–3 AS Vaud
Pumas Maldonado 1–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Ajax Carloburgo 0–1 Deportivo Junín
Étoile Verte 2–3 Real Campo Grande
Slateport Bulls 3–2 Nacional
Marinos Metropolis 1–0 Metropolis Alligators
Bohemians Metropolis 1–3 Pradera FC
Canalave Dragons 0–1 AS Bezieres
Edmonton United 1–0 Tannenberg FC
Fontvielle Impact 1–3 Eterna Stars

Kings' Shield Final (November 26)

And this is the final game of the season, the Kings' Shield Final, which will be played by two traditional Liga-1 sides: Slateport Bulls and Fontvielle Impact. Despite their history and tradition, both sides have had contrasting stories: Les Bleus having won virtually every tournament possible for a Valladar team and the Bulls' trophy showcase remains empty despite their standing as one of the strongest teams in the early Super League era, and whilst the team coached by Daniel Bernard are already safely into the Globe Cup and are only going for the Cygnus Cup berth, for Arthur Bogden and his team, this is a unique chance to finally win some silverware and bring international competition back to Slateport. 42,310 people were present for the final match of the season, which was played at its traditional venue: Alexander I National Stadium in Swangard, a week after the Liga-1 finale.

Despite the fact that reaching this stage of the competition is already a big triumph for the Bulls, Arthur Bogden and his team were confident they had what it takes to beat a team such as l'Impact in a final, belief that was reinforced by Slateport's most recent performances in the Shield and Liga-1, including a 5-0 to Olympique, 4-0 to Libertad, and last week's 3-2 victory over champions Nacional. Meanwhile, Daniel Bernard considered his team would have the upper hand since he chose to give his main stars a rest during the final league match against the Stars, unlike the Bulls. But unexpectedly to everyone, the Bulls started the match firing on all cylinders and looking to overwhelm Impact, which they did by going 2-0 ahead in just 15 minutes, thanks to strikers Lúcio and Óscar Salazar. Having received those hard blows early in the match, Les Bleus struggled to regroup themselves and tried to mount a timid reaction, however, players like Alexandre and Carlos Conte were nowhere to be seen, and Wilfried Baume was easily referenced by Slateport's defense. At the same time, the team coached by Arthur Bogden successfully exploited the speed of Edwin Navas and Valdir Sampaio through the wings, bringing constant havoc into Impact's defense. Daniel Bernard should have thanked the halftime whistle, since it would allow him to build some time and try to solve the chaos that was his team in the first half.

For the second half, Bernard's first action was replacing an unknown Alexandre with Ómar Chávez, hoping to organize the midfield and give some support to Conte and Baume who would stay up front, and 12 minutes later Carlos Conte left the field and William Hurst took his place looking to bring a fresh man to the offense. Even though Fontvielle Impact showed some improvement with those changes, it was not enough to harm Slateport, who tried to maintain the two-goal advantage for most of the second half. And the Bulls proved once again that they would hit hard if given the chance after a corner kick for l'Impact derived into a counterattack which was nicely finished by substitute striker Franco Pontoni in the 82nd minute, killing both Les Bleus and the match off. And so, the Bulls sparked unprecedented celebrations in their hometown by winning their first Kings' Shield and first piece of silverware ever and achieving qualification for the Globe Cup and Cygnus Cup, leaving Bezieres empty-handed in the process.

THE FORTY-FIFTH KINGS' SHIELD
@ Alexander I National Stadium, Swangard, District of Metropolis
Attendance: 42,310
Referee: Roberto Verdugo (Junín)

Slateport Bulls 3-0 Fontvielle Impact
(Lúcio 4', Salazar 15', Pontoni 82')

Slateport Bulls: Arias - Pereira, Collins, Martins, Calero - Navas, Infante (Balboa 65'), Sampaio - Salazar, Lúcio (Pontoni 76'), Márquez. Manager: Arthur Bogden
Fontvielle Impact: Gillet - Pedretti, Bianchi, Millar, McNair - Jiménez, Sykes-Lussac, Rouillard (Rochat 69') - Baume, Alexandre (Chávez 46'), Conte (Hurst 58'). Manager: Daniel Bernard

Slateport Bulls won their first Kings' Shield and qualified to both the Globe Cup and Cup Winners' Cup.

Liga-1 Torneo Clausura Final Standings:

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Nacional                        19   10   7   2    33   19  +14    37  CC
 2  AS Bezieres                     19   10   5   4    26   19   +7    35
 3  Metropolis Alligators           19   10   4   5    27   20   +7    34
 4  Fontvielle Impact               19   10   3   6    33   27   +6    33
 5  Eterna Stars                    19    9   4   6    28   20   +8    31
 6  Deportivo Junín                 19    8   6   5    25   21   +4    30
 7  Olympique de Fontvielle         19    9   2   8    30   27   +3    29
 8  Marinos Metropolis              19    7   7   5    24   19   +5    28
 9  Tannenberg FC                   19    8   3   8    25   31   −6    27
10  Pradera FC                      19    7   5   7    29   24   +5    26
11  Canalave Dragons                19    7   5   7    28   25   +3    26
12  Pumas Maldonado                 19    6   8   5    24   25   −1    26
13  Bohemians Metropolis            19    6   5   8    20   27   −7    23
14  Slateport Bulls                 19    5   7   7    24   30   −6    22
15  Real Campo Grande               19    5   7   7    23   32   −9    22
16  CAP                             19    5   5   9    22   24   −2    20
17  Ajax Carloburgo                 19    4   8   7    12   20   −8    20
18  Edmonton United                 19    5   3  11    16   22   −6    18
19  AS Vaud                         19    5   3  11    20   28   −8    18
20  Étoile Verte                    19    3   5  11    19   28   −9    14

Liga-1 Final Aggregate Table:

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Nacional                        38   22  12   4    69   39  +30    78  CH - CC
 2  Metropolis Alligators           38   23   6   9    61   35  +26    75  CC
 3  Fontvielle Impact               38   22   4  12    59   45  +14    70  GC
 4  Marinos Metropolis              38   19  10   9    57   34  +23    67  GC
 5  AS Bezieres                     38   19   7  12    50   38  +12    64
 6  Olympique de Fontvielle         38   19   6  13    63   49  +14    63
 7  Deportivo Junín                 38   17   9  12    60   49  +11    60
 8  Tannenberg FC                   38   16   7  15    54   59   −5    55
 9  Canalave Dragons                38   14  12  12    65   57   +8    54
10  Eterna Stars                    38   13  12  13    49   46   +3    51
11  Pradera FC                      38   13  12  13    54   49   +5    51
12  Slateport Bulls                 38   13   8  17    52   61   −9    47  GC/CWC
13  Ajax Carloburgo                 38   11  14  13    42   50   −8    47
14  Bohemians Metropolis            38   12   8  18    39   55  −16    44
15  Real Campo Grande               38   11   9  18    45   63  −18    42
16  Edmonton United                 38   11   8  19    40   53  −13    41
17  Pumas Maldonado                 38   10  10  18    40   58  −18    40  RPO
18  AS Vaud                         38   11   5  22    42   60  −18    38  REL
19  CAP                             38    9   9  20    35   55  −20    36  REL
20  Étoile Verte                    38    7   8  23    41   62  −21    29  REL


CHAMPIONS
Nacional (4th title)

Liga-2 Final Standings

Valladar Liga-2                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Defensores de Villafuerte       38   22  10   6    70   40  +30    76  CH - SBCC
 2  FC Columbus                     38   20   5  13    73   61  +12    65  P - SBCC
 3  Hamanos Athletic Club           38   19   6  13    58   52   +6    63  FPO
 4  Adelaide Kickers                38   17   9  12    67   55  +12    60  FPO
 5  Hoxford Rovers                  38   16  12  10    58   47  +11    60  FPO
 6  Valencia FC                     38   17   6  15    48   50   −2    57  FPO
 7  Patriotas FC                    38   14  14  10    58   51   +7    56
 8  AS Montreux                     38   15   8  15    57   52   +5    53
 9  Nord Energie FC                 38   15   8  15    55   55    0    53
10  Real Pradera                    38   14  10  14    49   51   −2    52
11  FC Maritime Westporte           38   13  12  13    43   41   +2    51
12  FC Townsville                   38   14   8  16    61   65   −4    50
13  Libertad                        38   12  12  14    52   57   −5    48
14  FC Sillimus                     38   12  11  15    49   53   −4    47
15  Stanford United                 38   12  10  16    39   47   −8    46
16  Danubio FC                      38   12   9  17    40   52  −12    45
17  Atlético Nápoles                38   12   8  18    50   62  −12    44  RPO
18  FC Fauxham                      38   11  10  17    51   57   −6    43  REL
19  Bellavista Jets                 38   12   5  21    52   61   −9    41  REL
20  AD Cerro                        38    9  11  18    50   71  −21    38  REL

Valladar Liga-2 Final Play-offs

Semi-Finals:

Valencia FC (6) 1-0 (3) Hamanos Athletic Club
Hamanos Athletic Club (3) 1-0 (6) Valencia FC (3-0 AET)
Agg: Hamanos Athletic Club 3-1 Valencia FC

Hoxford Rovers (5) 0-2 (4) Adelaide Kickers
Adelaide Kickers (4) 1-0 (5) Hoxford Rovers
Agg: Adelaide Kickers 3-0 Hoxford Rovers

Final:

Hamanos Athletic Club (3) 1-1 (4) Adelaide Kickers (1-1 AET, 5-3 PKs)

Liga-1/Liga-2 Promotion-Relegation Play-off: Pumas Maldonado vs. Adelaide Kickers

Adelaide Kickers 1-2 Pumas Maldonado
Pumas Maldonado 1-1 Adelaide Kickers (3-2 agg)

Pumas Maldonado once again survived the relegation play-off by defeating this season's Liga-2 surprise package in the shape of Adelaide Kickers, albeit in a more narrow affair, and as a result both teams will stay in their respective tiers for next season.

Liga-3 Final Standings

Valladar Liga-3                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Universitario de Maldonado      38   20   9   9    71   50  +21    69  CH - P
 2  Gatineau UC 98                  38   20   8  10    62   44  +18    68  P
 3  Bretford Royals                 38   20   8  10    49   34  +15    68  FPO
 4  Servette FC                     38   17  11  10    69   51  +18    62  FPO
 5  AS Mont-Blanc                   38   18   6  14    57   50   +7    60  FPO
 6  Villaznia AC                    38   17   9  12    65   54  +11    60  FPO
 7  Alianza Antioquia               38   15  12  11    55   53   +2    57
 8  EC Comercial                    38   15   9  14    57   51   +6    54
 9  Carloburgo Phoenix              38   16   6  16    53   51   +2    54
10  RC Corania                      38   15   7  16    68   66   +2    52
11  FC Westporte 984                38   14  10  14    64   66   −2    52
12  Northport Bears                 38   14   9  15    50   57   −7    51
13  Eterna Celtic                   38   14   5  19    54   66  −12    47
14  Deportivo Aguablanca            38   11  12  15    47   60  −13    45
15  AC Tallin                       38   12   9  17    53   60   −7    45
16  Sporting Florencia              38   11  11  16    36   43   −7    44
17  Yumbo FC                        38   12   8  18    55   67  −12    44
18  SC Alcázares                    38    9  15  14    51   67  −16    42  REL
19  RC Belfort                      38   10   8  20    37   52  −15    38  REL
20  Dynamo Metropolis               38    9  10  19    51   62  −11    37  REL

Valladar Liga-3 Final Play-offs

Semi-Finals:

Villaznia AC (6) 1-1 (3) Bretford Royals
Bretford Royals (3) 3-1 (6) Villaznia AC
Agg: Bretford Royals 4-2 Villaznia AC

AS Mont-Blanc (5) 2-1 (4) Servette FC
Servette FC (4) 2-0 (5) AS Mont-Blanc
Agg: Servette FC 3-2 AS Mont-Blanc

Final:

Bretford Royals (3) 2-2 (4) Servette FC (2-2 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Liga-2/Liga-3 Promotion-Relegation Play-off: Atlético Nápoles vs. Servette FC

Servette FC 1-1 Atlético Nápoles
Atlético Nápoles 0-0 Servette FC (1-1 agg; Atlético Nápoles win on away goals)

Thus, Atlético Nápoles will stay in Liga-2 for next season, while Servette FC will continue competing in Liga-3.

by **Valladares** » Wed Apr 18, 2018 6:16 pm

Torneo Federal de Reservas Final Standings

Torneo Federal de Reservas     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Ajax Academy                 38   21   7  10    71   53  +18    70  CH - YC
 2 Eterna Stars                 38   18   9  11    74   53  +21    63
 3 Canalave Dragons             38   18   8  12    68   58  +10    62
 4 Pumas Maldonado              38   18   8  12    54   44  +10    62
 5 Deportivo Junín              38   17  11  10    71   57  +14    62
 6 Guzmán-Cress Academy         38   16  14   8    65   49  +16    62
 7 Impact Academy               38   17  11  10    67   55  +12    62
 8 Metropolis Alligators        38   17   9  12    58   52   +6    60
 9 Étoile Verte                 38   17   9  12    59   48  +11    60
10 Pradera FC                   38   18   5  15    54   49   +5    59
11 Academia Marinos             38   15  13  10    58   49   +9    58
12 AS Vaud                      38   17   7  14    71   67   +4    58
13 Edmonton United              38   17   7  14    53   46   +7    58
14 ASB Academy                  38   15  10  13    51   44   +7    55
15 CAP                          38   14  10  14    57   58   -1    52
16 TFC Academy                  38   13   7  18    63   69   -6    46
17 Slateport Bulls              38   10   7  21    55   75  -20    37
18 Bohemians Metropolis         38    6   6  26    36   90  -54    24
19 Real Campo Grande            38    4   9  25    39   74  -35    21
20 Olympique de Fontvielle      38    3  11  24    33   67  -34    20

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-FIFTH SEASON: AWARDS

With the latest season of Valladar football having reached its end recently with Nacional claiming their fourth Liga-1 title, it's time to make a recognition and reward the best of the season. So the Liga Federal de Valladares, in association with the Circle of Journalists and Sportswriters of Valladares and the Association of Professional Footballers of Valladares, after seeing the success of the first edition of the Valladar Liga-1 Awards, now bring to you the second edition of the Valladar Liga-1 Awards:

SUMMARY OF THE SEASON:

Champions: Nacional (4th title)
Runners-up: Metropolis Alligators
Kings' Shield Winners: Slateport Bulls (1st title)
Torneo de Verano Winners: Olympique de Fontvielle (1st title)
Torneo Federal de Reservas Champions: Ajax Academy (1st title)
Relegated Teams: AS Vaud, CAP, Étoile Verte
Promoted Teams: Defensores de Villafuerte, FC Columbus, Hamanos Athletic Club

Top Scorers (Golden, Silver, and Bronze Boots):

1. Mario Ovalle (Nacional): 29 goals (Golden Boot)
2. Wilfried Baume (Fontvielle Impact): 27 goals (Silver Boot)
3. John Rose (Dunnes, Canalave Dragons): 25 goals (Bronze Boot)
4. Richard Armada (Mareibat, Olympique de Fontvielle): 24 goals
5. Brayan Borja (Metropolis Alligators): 23 goals
5. Aymeric Fortin (Marinos Metropolis): 23 goals

Best Goalkeeper (Golden Glove): The nominees for best goalkeeper of the season, in random order, are:

Aidan Hartigan (Brenecia, Metropolis Alligators)
Paulo Gaviria (Nacional)
Antoine Gillet (Fontvielle Impact)
Franco Espinel (Marinos Metropolis)
Pierre Dussan (AS Bezieres)

And the winner of the Golden Glove, with 37,88% of the voting is....Franco Espinel of Marinos Metropolis! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Defender: The nominees for best defender of the season, in random order, are:

Oswaldo Ledesma (RB, Marinos Metropolis)
Santiago Rueda (LB, Nacional)
Othello Murcutt (Brenecia, LB, Marinos Metropolis)
Martín Delgado (CB, Nacional)
Thiago Matheus (CB, Metropolis Alligators)

The winner, with 40,45% of the voting is...Martín Delgado of Nacional! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Midfielder: The nominees for best midfielder of the season, in random order, are:

Charles Allegro (Ceni, AM, Metropolis Alligators)
Leonardo Rojas (RM, AS Bezieres)
Tamer Yilmaz (Cosumar, LM, Marinos Metropolis)
Ronald Mickel (AM, Nacional)
Marco Rouillard (LM, Fontvielle Impact)

And the winner, with 39,68% of the voting is...Charles Allegro of Metropolis Alligators! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Forward: The nominees for best forward of the season, in random order, are:

Brayan Borja (Metropolis Alligators)
Mario Ovalle (Nacional)
John Rose (Dunnes, Canalave Dragons)
Wilfried Baume (Fontvielle Impact)
Richard Armada (Mareibat, Olympique de Fontvielle)

The winner, with 41,06% of the voting is...Mario Ovalle of Nacional! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Young Footballer: The nominees for best young footballer of the season, in random order, are:

Thibault Benezet (FW, 19, Fontvielle Impact)
Christian O'Brien (MF, 22, Tannenberg FC)
Darwin Pico (MF, 21, Nacional)
Nicolás Lucchetti (FW, 20, Nacional)
Ariel Balboa (MF, 21, Slateport Bulls)

The winner, with 52,15% of the voting is...Christian O'Brien of Tannenberg FC! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Manager: The nominees for best manager of the season, in random order, are:

Sergio Vilar (Cosumar, Marinos Metropolis)
Jean Camacho (Nacional)
Daniel Bernard (Fontvielle Impact)
Fabien Torrente (Eterna Stars)
Luis Fuentes (Metropolis Alligators)

The winner, with 55,48% of the voting is...Jean Camacho of Nacional! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Fanbase: The clubs nominated for the best fanbase of the season, in random order, are:

Marinos Metropolis
Fontvielle Impact
Olympique de Fontvielle
Metropolis Alligators
Tannenberg FC

The winner, with 37,56% of the voting is...Olympique de Fontvielle! Congratulations to the winners!

Revelation Player of the Season: The nominees to revelation player of the season, in random order, are:

Thibault Benezet (FW, Fontvielle Impact)
Lewis Holmes (FW, Ajax Carloburgo)
Fabio Betancourt (MF, Nacional)
Cristian Victorino (FW, Real Campo Grande)
John Rose (Dunnes, FW, Canalave Dragons)

The winner, with 39,37% of the voting is...John Rose of Canalave Dragons! Congratulations to the winner!

Valladar Liga-1 Golden Ball: And last but no least, it's time for the Golden Ball of the season. This is the award to the best player of the season, with the nominees being as follows:

Martín Delgado (DF, Nacional)
Franco Espinel (GK, Marinos Metropolis)
Charles Allegro (Ceni, MF, Metropolis Alligators)
John Rose (Dunnes, FW, Canalave Dragons)
Mario Ovalle (FW, Nacional)

The winner, with 45,01% of the voting is...Mario Ovalle of Nacional! Congratulations to the winner!

Team of the Season:

The Team of the Season, according to the ratings and evaluation by the Technical Commission of the Liga Federal de Valladares throughtout the season is as follows:

Bench:
Aidan Hartigan (Brenecia, GK, Metropolis Alligators)
Ramiro Revault (RB, Metropolis Alligators)
Santiago Rueda (LB, Nacional)
Christian O'Brien (CM, Tannenberg FC)
Tamer Yilmaz (Cosumar, LM, Marinos Metropolis)
John Rose (Dunnes, FW, Canalave Dragons)
Brayan Borja (FW, Metropolis Alligators)

Manager: Jean Camacho (Nacional)

INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATION:

Champions' Cup 71:
Nacional - Valladar Liga-1 champions
Metropolis Alligators - Valladar Liga-1 runners-up

Globe Cup 68:
Slateport Bulls - Kings' Shield winners
Fontvielle Impact - Valladar Liga-1 best team in the aggregate table not qualified for the CC
Marinos Metropolis - Valladar Liga-1 second best team in the aggregate table not qualified for the CC

Series B Champions' Cup 68:
Defensores de Villafuerte - Valladar Liga-2 champions
FC Columbus - Valladar Liga-2 runners-up
Hamanos Athletic Club - Valladar Liga-2 Final Play-Off winners

Cygnus Cup 46:
Slateport Bulls - Kings' Shield winners

Youth Cup 23:
Ajax Academy - Torneo Federal de Reservas champions

by **Valladares** » Thu Feb 07, 2019 8:39 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-SIXTH SEASON (PART I OF V)

The Liga Federal de Valladares welcomes one and all to the fifty-sixth season of Valladar domestic football, with Nacional coming into the new season as defending champions. This season, and much to the chagrin of the smaller clubs, we will be returning to long tournaments after much bickering, lobby and pressure from the bigger clubs, with every team playing each other twice (once at home and once away) and the team on top after 38 matches being crowned as champion, with the next four teams in the standings qualifying to international competition. Will Nacional be able to make the most of this turnaround by defending succesfully the title won last season? Will it be the time for another member of the "Big 6" to celebrate? Or will any of the smaller clubs take revenge of this defeat at the desks and steal the party? So, without further ado, here we have this season review!

Canalave Crown Match (February 24)

With the Torneo de Verano being on a hiatus for this season, the Canalave Crown returns to its rightful place as the curtain-raiser to the new season of Valladar football, with Liga-1 defending champions Nacional and Kings' Shield current holders Slateport Bulls playing their first domestic match of the season in front of 32,640 spectators who gathered at Canalave's Dragon Stadium to watch Albos and Bulls duking it out for the first title of the new season, in a rematch of the game that crowned the Metropolis side as Liga-1 champions at the end of the previous season.

THE THIRTY-THIRD SUPERCOPA VALLADAR: NACIONAL VS. SLATEPORT BULLS
@ Dragon Stadium, City of Canalave, Canalave
Attendance: 32,640
Referee: Roy Chennard (Foix)

Nacional 1-0 Slateport Bulls
(Carreño 74')

Nacional: Gaviria - Marrugo, Carrillo, Delgado, Rueda - Vélez (C), Pardo (Melo 86'), Revault - Mickel - Ovalle (Ponce 77'), Carreño. Manager: Jean Camacho
Slateport Bulls: Arias - Pereira, Collins, Martins, Calero - Navas, Infante (Balboa 71'), Sampaio - Salazar (Arenas 59'), Lúcio, Márquez (Pontoni 80'). Manager: Arthur Bogden

And now we return to your normal Liga-1 broadcast...

Round 1 (March 1-2-3)

The new Liga-1 season was officially opened on Friday 1st with débutants and Liga-2 champions Defensores de Villafuerte snatching a draw from the City of Metropolis Stadium in the Champions' Kickoff against defending Liga-1 champions Nacional, who saw how midfielder Darío Merlano cancelled out Sebastián Carreño's opener in the dying minutes of the match. On the other hand, Metropolis Alligators, Fontvielle Impact and AS Bezieres all were off to a good start of the season, with the Titan narrowly beating Hamanos Athletic Club in Swangard, Les Bleus defeating Ajax at the Stade de la Frontière, and Les Rouges winning in Edmonton against a host side who put up a good fight. Meanwhile, Slateport Bulls bounced back from their Canalave Crown defeat with a clear 3-1 victory against Bohemians Metropolis, in a match where striker Alexis Márquez scored a hat-trick, Canalave Dragons beat Deportivo Junín at home, Olympique de Fontvielle left Carloburgo with the full prize thanks to a goal by Mareibatian striker Richard Armada, Chiquito state rivals Real Campo Grande and Pumas shared the spoils in a thrilling match in Campo Grande, and the Stars rescued a point from Columbus. And in the match that closed this opening round, Pradera fought back to beat Marinos at the Estadio de la Montaña and leave the 6-time champions empty-handed in their league début.

Nacional 1–1 Defensores de Villafuerte
Tannenberg FC 0–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Edmonton United 2–3 AS Bezieres
Metropolis Alligators 1–0 Hamanos Athletic Club
Real Campo Grande 2–2 Pumas Maldonado
FC Columbus 1–1 Eterna Stars
Slateport Bulls 3–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Canalave Dragons 1–0 Deportivo Junín
Fontvielle Impact 2–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Pradera FC 2–1 Marinos Metropolis

Round 2 (March 9-10)

It's only the second matchday in this Liga-1 season and the big clashes are already there, starting with the Alligators entertaining Bezieres at the Stade de Foix in a match where neither side was able to separate from the other, ending in a 1-1 draw which at this point of the season is definitely not a bad deal for either. Meanwhile, the Bulls travelled to Eterna City to play the Stars in the first SuperClásico of the season, which unlike the Bezieres-MA game, was far below expectations as both teams played to a boring scoreless stalemate that keeps the Bulls in the upper half of the table and gives the hosts their second point in as many matches. After their defeat against Pradera in their début, Marinos had to return to Pradera in order to play Defensores, who will be playing their home matches at Estadio Gobernador Villa in Pradera until Villafuerte's Estadio Capitán Rincón can meet league regulations. And, just like they showed in the match against Nacional, the Auriverdes proved to be a hard nut to crack by forcing the Marineros to settle for a point while earning their second point in Liga-1. Elsewhere, Fontvielle Impact are now the only team who can boast of a perfect record, after an own goal and a brace from Alexandre gave them another win in Junín and also sunk the Granates into the basement with no points after two matches, Nacional once again stumbled at home with a draw against Tannenberg, Bohemians defeated the Dragons at the Frattini with a wonderful goal by Pierre Vasseur, Pradera drew with Ajax in Carloburgo, Edmonton shocked Olympique de Fontvielle at the Stade de l'Amitié to pick their first win of the season, and Columbus trounced Pumas in order to claim victory in the Derby of the Canyon and three points that serve them well in the dawn of the season.

Defensores de Villafuerte 2–2 Marinos Metropolis
Ajax Carloburgo 1–1 Pradera FC
Deportivo Junín 1–3 Fontvielle Impact
Bohemians Metropolis 1–0 Canalave Dragons
Eterna Stars 0–0 Slateport Bulls
Pumas Maldonado 0–3 FC Columbus
Hamanos Athletic Club 1–1 Real Campo Grande
AS Bezieres 1–1 Metropolis Alligators
Olympique de Fontvielle 0–1 Edmonton United
Nacional 1–1 Tannenberg FC

Kings' Shield First Round (March 12-13-14)

And now, it's time for Kings' Shield action to start with the First Round featuring 186 Valladar clubs: the 5 worst clubs in Liga-2 last season, plus all the clubs in Liga-3, Liga Nacional (4th tier), the Ligas Regionales (5th tier) and the twelve State Championships (6th tier), barring 3 clubs from Electrum competing under the blessing of the Valladar and Electrumite FAs, plus the Asociación Juninense de Fútbol (AJF).

FC Bluewich-Furness 0-0 Fermont OSC (0-0 AET, 5-4 PKs)

Westporte Sailors FC 2-0 Atlético Rozo

Gazélec Saint-Rémy 1-2 Atlético Nápoles

Danubio FC 1-0 FC Fauxham

Hamilton Steelers 1-1 Encinar SC (1-1 AET, 2-3 PKs)

San Luis FC 1-1 Adelaide City FC (2-1 AET)

Hoxford Athletic 2-0 Bellavista Jets

Birdwall City 1-0 Nacional (CG)

FC Endemien 0-4 Real Trinidad

RC Copacabana 1-1 Buitrera FC (2-1 AET)

Kingsley-Bedford FC 1-3 Western Suburbs FC

AS Lausanne 4-1 Almaguer FC

AS Mont-Blanc 1-0 Campinas FC

Isla Nueva FC 4-3 Unión Junín

Newcastle Town 0-1 Deportivo Cerrito

University of Canalave FC 1-1 Policía Nacional FC (1-1 AET, 3-0 PKs)

Jamundí FC 3-0 Chesham Town

8 de Octubre FC 1-2 Bridgeborough United

ACD Faro 2-1 Puracé FC

Port Authority FC 3-2 LDU Victoria

Arma FC 5-3 Corumbá EC

Metropolis City FC 3-1 Swangard FC

Deportivo Meléndez 1-1 Bretford Royals (1-1 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Atlético Caraure 1-1 AC Tallin (1-1 AET, 2-3 PKs)

Guararé FC 1-1 Potros de Slateport (1-2 AET)

Alto Danubio FC 0-1 Westporte City FC

Atlético Alpino 2-2 Abbotsford SC (2-3 AET)

Alejandría SC 1-2 Real Colón

Richmond City 1-0 FC Henriville

Curzón FC 0-2 EC Comercial

SC Alcázares 2-1 Port Arthur Warriors

Atlético Robles 1-1 Academia Puerto Soldado (2-1 AET)

FC 1093 Los Chorros 2-1 Blue-White Westporte

Deportivo Angostura 3-2 Sporting Florencia

FC Borderville 1-1 Sabaneta FC (1-1 AET, 1-4 PKs)

Tarragona FC 0-1 Mariscal Rondón

CR Palmas 0-1 OSC Canalave

Unión de Loja FC 3-0 Atlas SC

Aguablanca FC 0-1 Stade Foixien

Deportivo Aguablanca 2-2 Estudiantes de Colón (3-2 AET)

Vitória Maldonado 0-1 Universitario de Maldonado

Townsville Fury 2-2 FC Westporte 984 (3-2 AET)

Sion-Impact OSC 4-0 AS Laval-Avignon

Fauxham United 2-0 Excelsior Exeter

Northport Mariners 2-2 Kingsville Reds (2-2 AET, 1-2 PKs)

Borderville Rogues 1-0 Santacruz FC

FC Blacktown 2-1 Cardenales FC

Araguaná 0-2 Alianza Antioquia

Português 1-1 Mountain United (1-1 AET, 4-5 PKs)

AD Sillimus 0-0 CD Melgar (1-0 AET)

Cidade do Leste 2-1 Independiente Morón

AFC Trefford 1-0 Luton Town FC

FC Silverstone 0-0 Central Español (0-1 AET)

Racing Corinto FC 1-3 Tessano FC

Deportivo Municipal 1-0 Eterna Celtic

Leeward Tech FC 2-0 EC São Januário

AC Huez 2-0 Sporting Faro

Mineros de Talamonte 0-0 Estrella Roja (0-1 AET)

Deportivo Balboa 0-4 Gatineau UC 98

Hamilton Rockets 2-1 Carloburgo Star FC

Neuchâtel-Sport 0-0 Águilas de Tresquebradas (0-0 AET, 1-2 PKs)

CA Barbosa 0-1 FC Verder Metropolis

SC Tabatinga 0-2 Club Juventud

Port Arthur FC 3-4 Puente Nacional FC

FC Annecy 1-1 FC Broomfield (2-1 AET)

SC Canalave Young Boys 0-2 Real Guadír

Olympique de Coulombes 2-3 Toril Beavers

CA Lierravus 0-1 Deportivo Lomas

Estudiantes de Metrópolis 0-1 Operário FC

Real San Miguel 2-1 Columbus Cannons

Minault United 1-0 Adelaide Heart FC

Orlèans FC 2-0 Sillimus Islanders FC

RC Victoria 2-2 Sport Lierravus (3-3 AET, 0-3 PKs)

Rapid Metropolis 2-3 Atlético Poblado

RC Corania 3-1 Dynamo Metropolis

Cerro Plateado FC 2-0 Ferroviario

Trois-Rivières Athletic 0-1 Albany Lynx FC

CS Clermont 1-1 Northport Bears (1-1 AET, 4-1 PKs)

Servette FC 1-0 Campograndense

Club Petrolero 1-0 Arenápolis FC

Carolina Rangers 1-1 Playa Larga FC (1-1 AET, 3-0 PKs)

Remo 1-1 Victoria United (2-1 AET)

Atlético Caney 1-1 AD Cerro (1-1 AET, 3-1 PKs)

Alianza Bochalema 2-0 CSDA Junín

Standard Fontvielle 1-0 Yumbo FC

Saintsbury United 1-4 AC Talamonte

Cartago FC 2-0 Unión Ature

Salvador FC 2-2 Villaznia AC (2-2 AET, 3-4 PKs)

RC Belfort 2-0 Carloburgo Phoenix

SC Río Laguna 2-1 AC Valencia

Universitario de Junín 2-1 Real Junín FC

Llaneros de Barracas 0-1 Canalave Rangers

Gatineau Athletic Club 7-0 CS Ypres

Round 3 (March 16-17)

With Fontvielle Impact's victorious run being stopped by their usual bogey team Bohemians, who managed to get on the bus back to Metropolis with a valuable draw, four other teams were able to assault the summit: starting with Columbus, who are now the surprising new leaders on goal difference after thumping Hamanos at Estadio Parque Armenia. Pradera FC are now second, following a 4-1 thrashing of cellar-dwellers Junín (who have now lost all 3 matches this season) at the Estadio de la Montaña, whilst Metropolis Alligators and Slateport Bulls complete the list of leaders with the former's win over Olympique in Swangard and the latter doing the same with Pumas at home. Defending champions Nacional could finally celebrate their first win of the season, beating Edmonton in the Westlands, as well as the Stars, who earned a much-needed win in the E1 Derby against the Dragons, and TFC, who were the first team to make Defensores bite the dust (but not without a decent amount of sweat in between). Marinos were another team who also had to wait three matches for their liftoff, which came in the form of a narrow 2-1 win over Ajax, and last but no least, the first Ilirian Derby between Real Campo Grande and Bezieres ended up with Les Rouges snatching a point from the Chiquito highlands, which keeps them two points off the top.

Tannenberg FC 2–1 Defensores de Villafuerte
Edmonton United 0–2 Nacional
Metropolis Alligators 2–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Real Campo Grande 1–1 AS Bezieres
FC Columbus 4–1 Hamanos Athletic Club
Slateport Bulls 1–0 Pumas Maldonado
Canalave Dragons 1–2 Eterna Stars
Fontvielle Impact 1–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Pradera FC 4–1 Deportivo Junín
Marinos Metropolis 2–1 Ajax Carloburgo

Round 4 (March 23-24)

Unfortunately for Columbus and their fans, their leadership didn't last longer than a week, as their visit to Bezieres ended with striker Fabián Villafañe scoring the winning goal for Les Rouges and allowing them to leapfrog their rivals in the table. However, an electrifying 3-3 draw in Eterna City was enough for Fontvielle Impact to reclaim the top spot on goal difference, with Slateport Bulls and Metropolis Alligators left behind after losing their respective Derby meetings: the Bulls against HAC in the Lake Derby, and MA against Nacional at the City of Metropolis Stadium in another edition of the passionate Derby Añejo. The other leader before this round, Pradera, also missed a big chance to go top after suffering a big loss to Bohemians in Metropolis. In other matches, Real Campo Grande earned their first win of the campaign with a brace by Danilson doing the job for them against Olympique at the Stade de l'Amitié, TFC dropped two points at home against Edmonton, Defensores and Ajax cancelled each other out in an action-packed match in Pradera, the Dragons surrendered a 2-0 lead in Maldonado in order to end up tying with Pumas, and Marinos made it two wins in a row as goals by Marcos Zelaya and Aymeric Fortin doomed Junín to a fourth loss in a row and bottom place, triggering the alarms in the Far East.

Defensores de Villafuerte 3–3 Ajax Carloburgo
Deportivo Junín 1–2 Marinos Metropolis
Bohemians Metropolis 3–0 Pradera FC
Eterna Stars 3–3 Fontvielle Impact
Pumas Maldonado 2–2 Canalave Dragons
Hamanos Athletic Club 2–1 Slateport Bulls
AS Bezieres 1–0 FC Columbus
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–2 Real Campo Grande
Nacional 2–0 Metropolis Alligators
Tannenberg FC 1–1 Edmonton United

Round 5 (March 30-31)

With their victories on the road against Real Campo Grande and Slateport Bulls, coupled with Fontvielle Impact dropping points at home against Pumas, Nacional and Bezieres are now the new leaders after 5 games, however, both Metropolis Alligators and Marinos Metropolis, as well as FC Columbus also followed suit and remain in hot pursuit of Albos and Rouges, with the Alligators beating TFC in a hard fought match that featured a showdown of strikers between Brayan Borja and Nepharim Dragan Stavanger, each scoring a brace, while the Marineros defeated Bohemians in another narrow affair at the Estadio Zachary Fortin, and Columbus beat Olympique de Fontvielle at home. In other matches, the Stars went up to seventh place thanks to their win over Pradera in the Antioquia state capital, Edmonton thumped Defensores at Albert Field, the Dragons beat HAC in another thriller at Dragon Stadium, and Junín won their first match of the season in dominating fashion against the new cellar-dwellers, Ajax, at Carloburgo's Olympic Stadium.

Edmonton United 3–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Metropolis Alligators 3–2 Tannenberg FC
Real Campo Grande 0–2 Nacional
FC Columbus 3–2 Olympique de Fontvielle
Slateport Bulls 1–3 AS Bezieres
Canalave Dragons 4–3 Hamanos Athletic Club
Fontvielle Impact 1–1 Pumas Maldonado
Pradera FC 1–2 Eterna Stars
Marinos Metropolis 3–2 Bohemians Metropolis
Ajax Carloburgo 1–4 Deportivo Junín

Round 6 (April 6-7)

The Liga-1 welcomes April with an interesting match with top spot at stake, as surprise package Columbus entertains Nacional at the City of Metropolis Stadium, looking to assault the summit of the table at the expense of the current defending champions. However, both sides ended up cancelling each other out in a scoreless stalemate, which was greatly capitalized by Metropolis Alligators, who are the new leaders with 13 points following a 1-0 win in Edmonton against the Monties. Bezieres also missed the chance to become sole leaders, allowing Canalave Dragons to escape the Stade de Foix with a draw, same as Marinos, who wanted to stay close to the Alligators with a win in Eterna City, however, the side coached by Fabien Torrente had other plans in mind and beat the Marineros in order to put themselves within striking distance of the leaders, while Fontvielle Impact were held to a fourth draw in a row by Hamanos, with the Naranja goalkeeper, Carlos Rivero frustrating Impact's fearsome attacking trio nearly every time. And in the other matches of the weekend, Olympique de Fontvielle battled to get an important win against the Bulls at home, Real Campo Grande beat TFC at White Meadow Arena and left the Citizens reeling in 17th place, the sixth was the charm for Pumas who thumped Pradera in order to get their first win of the season, in Pradera Junín were unable to chain a second straight victory and instead had to witness Defensores' maiden win in the top flight, and Bohemians beat a poor Ajax at the Estadio Luis Frattini and left the Immigrants anchored to the cellar, with only 2 points and still winless.

Defensores de Villafuerte 2–0 Deportivo Junín
Bohemians Metropolis 2–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Eterna Stars 2–1 Marinos Metropolis
Pumas Maldonado 4–1 Pradera FC
Hamanos Athletic Club 0–0 Fontvielle Impact
AS Bezieres 1–1 Canalave Dragons
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–1 Slateport Bulls
Nacional 0–0 FC Columbus
Tannenberg FC 0–1 Real Campo Grande
Edmonton United 0–1 Metropolis Alligators

Round 7 (April 13-14)

The seventh matchday of Liga-1 football brought to us one of the most anticipated matches of Valladar football, with Bezieres travelling to Fontvielle to face arch-rivals Fontvielle Impact in a new edition of the Derby du Foix. This time, both Bleus and Rouges were looking for the win in order to get closer to the leaders, or even to assault top spot if some results went their way, and victory ended going to l'Impact, who snapped from their "tying hex" and obliterated their regional rivals mostly thanks to striker Wilfried Baume, who scored a hat-trick. Unfortunately for the victors, Defensores de Villafuerte proved to be no match for Metropolis Alligators, who didn't have much trouble showing the Liga-2 champs their rightful place with a convincing 3-0 win at the National Stadium, staying strong on top of the league. However, Columbus are still surprising all and sundry with their campaign so far that places them second, with TFC as their most recent victim. Meanwhile, the rematch of the Canalave Crown between Slateport Bulls and Nacional ended up with the Bulls rescuing a point against the defending Liga-1 champions thanks to a goal by Franco Pontoni, and Marinos bounced from the loss in Eterna City the previous week by crushing Pumas at home and climbing to fifth place in the process. Elsewhere, Edmonton managed to break into the top half of the league after beating Real Campo Grande on the road, Olympique de Fontvielle got a second straight win at Canalave Dragons' expense, Pradera narrowly beat HAC in the Clásico Antioqueño, Ajax celebrated their first win of the season in their match against the Stars, and Junín returned to the cellar following their failure to beat Bohemians at the Arena Junín.

Metropolis Alligators 3–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Real Campo Grande 1–2 Edmonton United
FC Columbus 2–0 Tannenberg FC
Slateport Bulls 1–1 Nacional
Canalave Dragons 1–2 Olympique de Fontvielle
Fontvielle Impact 5–1 AS Bezieres
Pradera FC 1–0 Hamanos Athletic Club
Marinos Metropolis 5–1 Pumas Maldonado
Ajax Carloburgo 3–1 Eterna Stars
Deportivo Junín 0–0 Bohemians Metropolis

Round 8 (April 20-21)

The status quo at the summit remained in place with victories for both Metropolis Alligators and Columbus in this weekend: the Alligators beat Real Campo Grande, and Columbus picked another important win against Edmonton in the Westlands. Fontvielle Impact remain in third place, trailing MA by 3 points, after beating Olympique in the Derby de Fontvielle at the Stade de l'Amitié, whilst Nacional, Marinos, the Stars, and Bezieres all failed to win and moved further away from the leading pack: the former three were pegged back by the Dragons, Hamanos, and Junín with scoreless stalemates, and the latter were handed their second defeat in a row by Pradera. Bohemians are taking advantage of this in order to sneak into the top spots, beating Defensores in Pradera, TFC beat Slateport Bulls at White Meadow Arena with their Audioslav striker Rafael Barrantes scoring the winning goal at the last moment, and Pumas won against Ajax what could have been a six-pointer considering the relegation struggle that is going to start after the season's halfway point.

Defensores de Villafuerte 1–2 Bohemians Metropolis
Eterna Stars 0–0 Deportivo Junín
Pumas Maldonado 3–2 Ajax Carloburgo
Hamanos Athletic Club 0–0 Marinos Metropolis
AS Bezieres 0–1 Pradera FC
Olympique de Fontvielle 0–1 Fontvielle Impact
Nacional 0–0 Canalave Dragons
Tannenberg FC 3–2 Slateport Bulls
Edmonton United 2–3 FC Columbus
Metropolis Alligators 1–0 Real Campo Grande

Kings' Shield Second Round (April 24-25)

In the second round of the Kings' Shield we see the remaining 35 teams from Liga-1 and Liga-2 entering the competition and joining the 93 first round winners, to make a field of 128 teams. And with the Liga-1 teams entering the competition, the second round already featured the first enticing all-L1 match with Tannenberg FC and Eterna Stars having to face each other for a berth to the next round, with the Stars prevailing thanks to a brace by striker Jean Hainault. Olympique de Fontvielle also crashed out of the Shield as soon as they entered it, losing to Liga Nacional side AC Talamonte. Unlike Citizens and Jaune-et-Bleus, Shield holders Slateport Bulls were able to advance to the next round, beating neighbors SC Río Laguna by a 2-1 score, as well as defending Liga-1 champions Nacional, who beat sixth-tier side Port Authority in comfortable fashion. The other two Metropolitan giants (Marinos and MA) advanced to the next round by beating their rivals by the same score, 2-0. The rest of Liga-1 teams were also able to win their ties, with teams such as Bezieres and Real Campo Grande blowing out their opponents, and others such as Deportivo Junín and Fontvielle Impact having more trouble, with Les Bleus being only able to beat Liga-2 side Danubio after extra time.

SC Río Laguna 1-2 Slateport Bulls

Port Authority FC 0-3 Nacional

EC Comercial 2-0 Real Colón

University of Canalave FC 0-1 FC Blacktown

Westporte Sailors FC 1-0 Isla Nueva FC

Cartago FC 2-2 Standard Fontvielle (3-2 AET)

Marinos Metropolis 2-0 Western Suburbs FC

Adelaide Kickers 0-1 AS Mont-Blanc

Albany Lynx FC 2-0 San Luis FC

Atlético Robles 1-1 Águilas de Tresquebradas (1-2 AET)

Orlèans FC 1-3 Deportivo Aguablanca

Sport Lierravus 1-5 Defensores de Villafuerte

ACD Faro 0-1 Club Juventud

Carolina Rangers 0-0 Borderville Rogues (0-0 AET, 3-4 PKs)

Danubio FC 1-1 Fontvielle Impact (1-2 AET)

Canalave Dragons 3-0 Deportivo Lomas

Unión de Loja FC 0-1 Stanford United

SC Alcázares 1-1 FC Annecy (2-1 AET)

Abbotsford SC 1-1 Birdwall City (1-1 AET, 3-4 PKs)

Leeward Tech FC 0-1 Hamanos Athletic Club

FC Townsville 2-1 Patriotas FC

Metropolis City FC 0-2 Ajax Carloburgo

RC Belfort 0-2 Libertad

AC Talamonte 1-0 Olympique de Fontvielle

Fauxham United 0-2 Cidade do Leste

Deportivo Cerrito 0-2 Metropolis Alligators

Edmonton United 3-0 AS Lausanne

AS Bezieres 5-0 Tessano FC

CS Clermont 3-1 Alianza Bochalema

Valencia FC 1-0 Universitario de Junín

Atlético Nápoles 0-2 Pradera FC

Jamundí FC 0-1 FC Columbus

Deportivo Municipal 0-1 Mountain United

Real Guadír 1-1 FC Verder Metropolis (1-2 AET)

Nord Energie FC 0-2 Stade Foixien

Bridgeborough United 1-4 Real Campo Grande

Deportivo Junín 1-0 Mariscal Rondón

Bohemians Metropolis 2-1 Real Pradera

Tannenberg FC 1-2 Eterna Stars

Atlético Poblado 1-0 Townsville Fury

Deportivo Meléndez 0-2 Deportivo Angostura

Encinar SC 1-2 Hoxford Athletic

Hamilton Rockets 2-4 RC Copacabana

Villaznia AC 2-0 AD Sillimus

Club Petrolero 0-1 OSC Canalave

AS Vaud 1-0 Westporte City FC

AFC Trefford 0-1 Cerro Plateado FC

Sion-Impact OSC 0-5 FC Maritime Westporte

Gatineau Athletic Club 0-2 FC 1093 Los Chorros

Alianza Antioquia 3-0 Real San Miguel

Hoxford Rovers 2-0 Servette FC

FC Bluewich-Furness 1-0 Potros de Slateport

Estrella Roja 2-0 Remo

AC Huez 1-1 Arma FC (1-1 AET, 1-0 PKs)

Étoile Verte 1-1 Real Trinidad (2-1 AET)

Sabaneta FC 0-2 FC Sillimus

Richmond City 1-2 Canalave Rangers

Minault United 1-1 AC Tallin (1-2 AET)

Puente Nacional FC 0-1 Gatineau UC 98

Pumas Maldonado 2-1 Atlético Caney

AS Montreux 2-3 RC Corania

Universitario de Maldonado 1-2 CAP

Operário FC 1-0 Central Español

Kingsville Reds 3-1 Toril Beavers

Round 9 (April 27-28)

The big day for Columbus finally arrived, with the league's surprise package being put to test by no more and no less than the leaders, Metropolis Alligators, who were visiting the former Valladar capital looking for a win that would help them extend the gap at the top. And eventually, the Alligators were able to beat Columbus and open up a 5-point gap at the top thanks to goals by Brayan Borja and Bojik striker Niko Komarov, leaving the newly-promoted side tied in points with Nacional and Bohemians, both of whom earned important wins against direct rivals in this round: Los Albos defeated Fontvielle Impact at the Stade de la Frontière, and the Gallo beat the Stars in Metropolis. However, Marinos were unable to capitalize on that defeat for l'Impact and were held to a draw by Bezieres at home, which left them in sixth place with 15 points, trailing their arch-rivals by 7 points. Elsewhere, Canalave Dragons piled up more misery on TFC after beating them at Dragon Stadium with a goal by Daniel Costa, Olympique de Fontvielle jumped up to tenth place following a win against Pradera on the road, Ajax pushed themselves out of the basement with a win over Hamanos at the Olympic Stadium, and Junín's crisis continues as the Granates once again dropped points at home, further fueling the displeasure of their fans.

Real Campo Grande 0–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
FC Columbus 1–2 Metropolis Alligators
Slateport Bulls 0–0 Edmonton United
Canalave Dragons 1–0 Tannenberg FC
Fontvielle Impact 1–2 Nacional
Pradera FC 0–2 Olympique de Fontvielle
Marinos Metropolis 1–1 AS Bezieres
Ajax Carloburgo 2–0 Hamanos Athletic Club
Deportivo Junín 0–0 Pumas Maldonado
Bohemians Metropolis 2–1 Eterna Stars

Round 10 (May 4-5)

The first quarter of this Liga-1 season ended with the Alligators as leaders despite allowing Slateport to leave the National Stadium with a point in their pocket, thanks to the 5-point cushion they had since the previous week's win in Columbus. However, that advantage was cut down to 3 points by Nacional, who beat Pradera in Poblado and got back into the fight for top spot. Marinos have also entered the conversation thanks to Cosumarite player Tamer Yilmaz and their win in Fontvielle over Olympique, with Bezieres also getting a second wind thanks to a dominating 4-0 win over Ajax, whilst Columbus suffered a second setback in a row, this time being thumped by Real Campo Grande in the Chiquito plateau. Bohemians and Impact completed the list of defeated contenders, as the Gallo lost to a Pumas side that is now knocking the doors of the upper half of the table, and Les Bleus allowed the battered Tannenberg to revive with a win over them. And in other matches, Edmonton and Canalave Dragons exchanged blow after blow in an exciting match that ended with both sides sharing the spoils, the Stars lost to Defensores, and Junín's 4-1 defeat in Hamanos was the straw that broke the camel for the Granate board, who decided to fire coach Victor Anigo immediately after the match. Needless to say, Anigo leaves the Juninese in last place and playing worse and worse...

Defensores de Villafuerte 2–1 Eterna Stars
Pumas Maldonado 2–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Hamanos Athletic Club 4–1 Deportivo Junín
AS Bezieres 4–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Olympique de Fontvielle 0–1 Marinos Metropolis
Nacional 3–0 Pradera FC
Tannenberg FC 4–2 Fontvielle Impact
Edmonton United 3–3 Canalave Dragons
Metropolis Alligators 0–0 Slateport Bulls
Real Campo Grande 3–0 FC Columbus

Standings after Matchday 10

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Metropolis Alligators           10    7   2   1    14    6   +8    23
 2  Nacional                        10    5   5   0    14    4  +10    20
 3  Marinos Metropolis              10    5   3   2    18   12   +6    18
 4  FC Columbus                     10    5   2   3    17   12   +5    17
 5  Bohemians Metropolis            10    5   2   3    15   11   +4    17
 6  Fontvielle Impact               10    4   4   2    19   13   +6    16
 7  AS Bezieres                     10    4   4   2    16   13   +3    16
 8  Eterna Stars                    10    3   4   3    13   14   −1    13
 9  Pumas Maldonado                 10    3   4   3    15   18   −3    13
10  Real Campo Grande               10    3   4   3    11   10   +1    13
11  Canalave Dragons                10    3   4   3    14   14    0    13
12  Pradera FC                      10    4   1   5    11   17   −6    13
13  Edmonton United                 10    3   3   4    14   14    0    12
14  Olympique de Fontvielle         10    4   0   6    10   12   −2    12
15  Tannenberg FC                   10    3   2   5    13   15   −2    11
16  Slateport Bulls                 10    2   4   4    10   12   −2    10
17  Defensores de Villafuerte       10    2   4   4    12   17   −5    10
18  Hamanos Athletic Club           10    2   3   5    11   15   −4     9
19  Ajax Carloburgo                 10    2   2   6    13   22   −9     8
20  Deportivo Junín                 10    1   3   6     8   17   −9     6

Liga-2 Standings after Matchday 10:

Valladar Liga-2                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Hoxford Rovers                  10    6   2   2    14    9   +5    20
 2  FC Maritime Westporte           10    6   2   2    18   14   +4    20
 3  Universitario de Maldonado      10    6   1   3    16   11   +5    19
 4  Valencia FC                     10    5   3   2    18   12   +6    18
 5  Stanford United                 10    6   0   4    24   20   +4    18
 6  AS Vaud                         10    5   2   3    22   16   +6    17
 7  Étoile Verte                    10    4   4   2    13   11   +2    16
 8  Gatineau UC 98                  10    4   3   3    19   16   +3    15
 9  Adelaide Kickers                10    4   3   3     8    7   +1    15
10  Bretford Royals                 10    4   3   3    13   14   −1    15
11  Nord Energie FC                 10    3   4   3    14   16   −2    13
12  Patriotas FC                    10    3   3   4    13   11   +2    12
13  FC Townsville                   10    3   3   4    10   12   −2    12
14  FC Sillimus                     10    3   2   5    14   18   −4    11
15  Atlético Nápoles                10    2   4   4    14   18   −4    10
16  CAP                             10    2   4   4     9   12   −3    10
17  AS Montreux                     10    1   6   3    16   18   −2     9
18  Danubio FC                      10    2   2   6    11   18   −7     8
19  Libertad                        10    1   4   5    17   23   −6     7
20  Real Pradera                    10    1   3   6     5   12   −7     6

Liga-3 Standings after Matchday 10:

Valladar Liga-3                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  FC Westporte 984                10    7   1   2    14    9   +5    22
 2  FC Fauxham                      10    6   2   2    17   12   +5    20
 3  Villaznia AC                    10    5   3   2    18   10   +8    18
 4  EC Comercial                    10    5   3   2    18   11   +7    18
 5  AD Cerro                        10    4   5   1    15    7   +8    17
 6  Sporting Florencia              10    5   2   3    15   12   +3    17
 7  AS Mont-Blanc                   10    4   3   3    20   20    0    15
 8  Yumbo FC                        10    4   3   3    12   12    0    15
 9  Servette FC                     10    3   5   2    21   17   +4    14
10  Deportivo Aguablanca            10    4   2   4    10    9   +1    14
11  Bellavista Jets                 10    4   2   4    15   16   −1    14
12  Alianza Antioquia               10    3   4   3    15   12   +3    13
13  Canalave Rangers                10    4   1   5    12   15   −3    13
14  Eterna Celtic                   10    3   3   4    16   20   −4    12
15  RC Corania                      10    3   2   5    12   13   −1    11
16  AC Tallin                       10    3   2   5    11   15   −4    11
17  Deportivo Angostura             10    2   4   4     9   13   −4    10
18  Corumbá EC                      10    3   0   7     6   16  −10     9
19  Carloburgo Phoenix              10    1   3   6    12   21   −9     6
20  Northport Bears                 10    1   2   7     8   16   −8     5

by **Valladares** » Fri Feb 08, 2019 5:37 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-SIXTH SEASON (PART II OF V)

Round 11 (May 11-12)

The Alligators returned to winning ways with a convincing 3-0 triumph over the Dragons in Canalave, and strenghtened their grip on top spot, however, Nacional also followed suit by hammering Marinos in the South Metropolis Derby at Estadio Zachary Fortin with goals by Mario Ovalle (x2), Ronald Mickel, and Nicolás Lucchetti, whilst Bohemians now complete Metropolis' 1-2-3 in the league after edging past HAC at home, thus taking advantage of Marinos' loss and Columbus' third defeat in a row. Speaking of the Canaries, it looks like their balloon has finally popped as they gave Defensores more life with their win at Estadio Parque Armenia, going down to sixth place in the table in the process. Meanwhile, striker Wilfried Baume was instrumental in Fontvielle Impact's 3-1 victory over Edmonton which lifted Les Bleus to fourth place, also leapfrogging both Marinos and Columbus, the Stars and Pradera also improved their placements with their respective wins at home over Pumas and TFC, substitute striker Mario Acosta helped the Bulls beat Real Campo Grande, Ajax prevented Olympique de Fontvielle from moving away from the bottom three, and Martin Boyle's first match in charge of Deportivo Junín ended with the Granates beating Bezieres and showing a better face.

FC Columbus 0–2 Defensores de Villafuerte
Slateport Bulls 1–0 Real Campo Grande
Canalave Dragons 0–3 Metropolis Alligators
Fontvielle Impact 3–1 Edmonton United
Pradera FC 2–1 Tannenberg FC
Marinos Metropolis 0–4 Nacional
Ajax Carloburgo 2–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Deportivo Junín 1–0 AS Bezieres
Bohemians Metropolis 2–0 Hamanos Athletic Club
Eterna Stars 3–1 Pumas Maldonado

Round 12 (May 18-19)

It's derby day in the Liga-1! The time for the first Derby de Valladares of the season has arrived, and Fontvielle Impact make the short trip north to play Metropolis Alligators, looking to prevent the Alligators from running away with top spot before halfway point. However, and despite being leading 2-0 at halftime with goals by Alexandre and Carlos Conte, l'Impact surrendered that lead in the second half and ended up losing 3-2, meaning they're now trailing the Alligators by 10 points. But defending champions Nacional are still keeping the pressure on the leaders, beating Ajax in Poblado to stay 3 points adrift in second place. With Bohemians being pegged back by Bezieres in the Foixien capital, both Alligators and Nacional have now managed to detach themselves from the rest of the league, although Marinos capitalized on the Gallo's draw with a victory against Tannenberg in Carloburgo, which also dragged the Citizens to the bottom three of the league, and Columbus were able to put an end to their losing run with a victory over the Bulls at home. Elsewhere, the Stars and Pradera consolidated their placement in the upper half of the table with important wins on the road against HAC and Edmonton, Junín's recovering under the helm of Martin Boyle seems to be for real this time as the Granate marched on to a second straight win by beating Olympique de Fontvielle, Real Campo Grande and the Dragons cancelled themselves out in a boring match in Campo Grande, and Defensores and Pumas treated the few people in attendance at Estadio Gobernador Villa to a seven-goal thriller and a third win in a row for the host side.

Defensores de Villafuerte 4–3 Pumas Maldonado
Hamanos Athletic Club 0–2 Eterna Stars
AS Bezieres 3–3 Bohemians Metropolis
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–4 Deportivo Junín
Nacional 2–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Tannenberg FC 1–2 Marinos Metropolis
Edmonton United 1–2 Pradera FC
Metropolis Alligators 3–2 Fontvielle Impact
Real Campo Grande 0–0 Canalave Dragons
FC Columbus 3–1 Slateport Bulls

Kings' Shield Third Round (May 22-23)

The Kings' Shield returned with its Third Round, with the 64 winners of the previous round playing for 32 berths into the next stage of the competition. The "Big" teams are still navigating this tricky competition without many frights, with Metropolis Alligators easily cruising through sixth-tier outfit Águilas de Tresquebradas, Marinos knocking Liga Regional side Stade Foixien out of the competition, Eterna Stars beating old acquaintance Étoile Verte in Bezieres, and AS Bezieres doing their job against Ilirian rivals Real Campo Grande. Deportivo Junín were able to move their improvement to the cup competition, thrashing Hoxford Athletic, whilst Shield holders Slateport Bulls, Nacional, and Fontvielle Impact had more trouble than the aforementioned sides to win their ties but they eventually did. The biggest shock in this round was the elimination of Canalave Dragons, whose fans are already used to embarrassing eliminations from the Kings' Shield and this time was not the exception, losing at home to little and unfancied Cartago FC, and both Columbus and Defensores de Villafuerte were also dumped out of the competition after losing their ties on penalties.

Operário FC 0-2 FC Maritime Westporte

FC Bluewich-Furness 1-0 Pumas Maldonado

Canalave Rangers 1-2 Hoxford Rovers

Gatineau UC 98 0-0 EC Comercial (1-0 AET)

SC Alcázares 1-1 CS Clermont (2-1 AET)

Atlético Poblado 1-3 FC Sillimus

AS Bezieres 2-0 Real Campo Grande

Defensores de Villafuerte 1-1 Borderville Rogues (1-1 AET, 0-3 PKs)

RC Copacabana 0-1 Pradera FC

Águilas de Tresquebradas 2-6 Metropolis Alligators

FC Blacktown 1-1 Alianza Antioquia (1-2 AET)

Marinos Metropolis 4-1 Stade Foixien

CAP 1-1 Fontvielle Impact (1-1 AET, 2-4 PKs)

Nacional 2-2 Kingsville Reds (3-2 AET)

FC Townsville 2-0 RC Corania

Albany Lynx FC 1-0 FC Verder Metropolis

Étoile Verte 1-2 Eterna Stars

AS Vaud 2-0 Mountain United

Bohemians Metropolis 2-0 Cidade do Leste

Canalave Dragons 1-2 Cartago FC

Deportivo Aguablanca 2-0 AS Mont-Blanc

FC Columbus 1-1 Club Juventud (1-1 AET, 0-3 PKs)

Birdwall City 0-2 AC Tallin

FC 1093 Los Chorros 2-1 Estrella Roja

Valencia FC 1-1 Stanford United (1-2 AET)

Slateport Bulls 1-0 Libertad

Villaznia AC 3-1 Westporte Sailors FC

AC Huez 0-3 Ajax Carloburgo

Cerro Plateado FC 2-1 OSC Canalave

Deportivo Junín 4-0 Hoxford Athletic

Hamanos Athletic Club 1-1 Edmonton United (1-1 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Deportivo Angostura 1-0 AC Talamonte

Round 13 (May 25-26)

A win in Pradera against the Verdiblancos coupled with Nacional rescuing a scoreless draw (and their unbeaten streak) in Junín was all the Alligators needed in order to extend their gap on top of the league to 5 points. Meanwhile, Marinos' 3-1 victory against Edmonton sends the Marineros to third place and gives them some encouragement ahead of next week's crucial Derby Metropolitano against the Alligators, with Bohemians making the top four of the league an all-Metropolis affair thanks to their dramatic win over Olympique de Fontvielle. Speaking of Fontvielle, l'Impact managed to bounce back from their Derby blues and defeated Real Campo Grande to get back on track despite still having a long way to reach the Alligators' mark. Columbus, the Stars, and Bezieres lost more ground in their fight to reach the top five as the Yellow-Greens were beaten in Canalave, and Stars and Rouges shared the spoils in Eterna City. In other matches, Slateport Bulls put the handbrake on Defensores with a win over the Liga-2 champions at the Estadio de la Riviera, Pumas and Hamanos played an ugly match in Maldonado that ended with both sides dropping points, and Tannenberg's crisis finally bottomed out with the 2-1 loss to Ajax in the Carloburgo Derby, which left the Citizens second-from-bottom and manager Leonard Gillet unemployed.

Slateport Bulls 1–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Canalave Dragons 2–0 FC Columbus
Fontvielle Impact 2–1 Real Campo Grande
Pradera FC 1–2 Metropolis Alligators
Marinos Metropolis 3–1 Edmonton United
Ajax Carloburgo 2–1 Tannenberg FC
Deportivo Junín 0–0 Nacional
Bohemians Metropolis 1–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Eterna Stars 2–2 AS Bezieres
Pumas Maldonado 0–0 Hamanos Athletic Club

Round 14 (June 1-2)

The start of June brings us clashes between the top four of the league, with all of them being Metropolis derbies there's one thing for sure: the capital is on fire! And we start this Derby roundup with Marinos' visit to Swangard to play arch-rivals and leaders Metropolis Alligators in a new edition of the Derby Metropolitano, with the Marineros looking for a win that would allow them to slow down the high-flying Alligators while also bringing themselves closer to the top. And the match completely lived up to the high expectations set on it, with both sides exchanging blow after blow in an electrifying 3-3 draw that keeps Marinos far from the top but prevents MA from moving further away. This was greatly capitalized by Nacional, who in the other Metropolis derby (which was a more cagey affair) beat Bohemians with a goal by Darwin Pico, and cut the gap with the leaders to just 3 points while also adding another match to their unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, none of Fontvielle Impact or Columbus was able to take advantage of these results for Marinos and Bohemians in order to climb up the table, as both teams cancelled each other out with their scoreless draw at Estadio Parque Armenia, nor did the Stars, who were only able to steal a single point from the Stade de l'Amitié against an Olympique side for whom the draw was nothing but a lousy deal. Elsewhere, Bezieres are now having trouble as their winless run has now extended to four games with a loss to Pumas at home which also has them stalled in mid-table, the Bulls thumped the Dragons and broke into the top half of the table, HAC beat Defensores and moved out of the basement, Edmonton and Ajax harmed each other with their draw at Albert Field, and Danny Flint's tenure as caretaker manager of Tannenberg started on the right foot with foreigners Dragan Stavanger and Rafael Barrantes celebrating goals that gave the Citizens the victory against Junín.

Defensores de Villafuerte 0–1 Hamanos Athletic Club
AS Bezieres 1–2 Pumas Maldonado
Olympique de Fontvielle 3–3 Eterna Stars
Nacional 1–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Tannenberg FC 2–1 Deportivo Junín
Edmonton United 2–2 Ajax Carloburgo
Metropolis Alligators 3–3 Marinos Metropolis
Real Campo Grande 3–2 Pradera FC
FC Columbus 0–0 Fontvielle Impact
Slateport Bulls 3–0 Canalave Dragons

Round 15 (June 8-9)

With Nacional's win in Eterna City and Metropolis Alligators being upset by Ajax in Carloburgo, La Academia have become the new leaders on account of their Derby Añejo win on MD4 and boasting an impressive defensive record with no losses after 15 games, 11 clean sheets (6 of those in a row) and just 4 goals conceded. Seven points adrift, we find Fontvielle Impact who have managed to seize third place thanks to a narrow win over Slateport Bulls and extra help from Real Campo Grande, with the Verdolagas stunning Marinos with a 2-1 win at their stadium. Bohemians were also unable to claim victory at home as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Danny Flint's reinvigorated TFC (who could have even won this match had Barrantes not missed a great chance to score at the last moment) and went down to fifth place with the same points as their neighbours. Meanwhile, Bezieres were finally able to snap out of their winless run with striker Christian Núñez leading them to a 3-2 triumph in Hamanos (who returned to the cellar with this result), Columbus stole a point from Pradera, Junín and Edmonton shared the spoils in an arrangement that does not help either side, and Olympique de Fontvielle left the basement by winning a six-pointer in Maldonado against Pumas.

Canalave Dragons 1–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Fontvielle Impact 1–0 Slateport Bulls
Pradera FC 1–1 FC Columbus
Marinos Metropolis 1–2 Real Campo Grande
Ajax Carloburgo 1–0 Metropolis Alligators
Deportivo Junín 1–1 Edmonton United
Bohemians Metropolis 2–2 Tannenberg FC
Eterna Stars 0–1 Nacional
Pumas Maldonado 1–3 Olympique de Fontvielle
Hamanos Athletic Club 2–3 AS Bezieres

Round 16 (June 15-16)

The top spot has changed its owner once again, with the Alligators taking advantage of another scoreless draw for Nacional (their seventh clean sheet in a row) in order to become sole leaders once again with a victory over Junín at the National Stadium. With both sides having a healthy advantage at the top, the attention of the remaining teams in the upper half of the table has focused to the third place, currently in possession of Marinos, who strenghtened their grip on it by beating Columbus on the road, moving Fontvielle Impact to fourth place after the latter's loss in Canalave. Bohemians wasted another chance to assault the last spot of the podium with their defeat in Edmonton that leaves them fifth, whilst Real Campo Grande, the Dragons, and Slateport Bulls are dangerously approaching them with their victories in this weekend. Elsewhere, Bezieres suffered defeat against Defensores, Olympique kept climbing the table with another win, this time against the HAC, and the Stars returned from Carloburgo empty-handed as the Citizens collected their second win and third unbeaten match since the departure of Leonard Gillet and the start of Danny Flint's caretaker tenure.

Defensores de Villafuerte 1–0 AS Bezieres
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–1 Hamanos Athletic Club
Nacional 0–0 Pumas Maldonado
Tannenberg FC 2–0 Eterna Stars
Edmonton United 2–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Metropolis Alligators 1–0 Deportivo Junín
Real Campo Grande 3–2 Ajax Carloburgo
FC Columbus 0–1 Marinos Metropolis
Slateport Bulls 2–1 Pradera FC
Canalave Dragons 2–1 Fontvielle Impact

Round 17 (June 22-23)

The battle between Metropolis Alligators and Nacional for the lead gets hotter as we approach halfway point, and with the Titan losing to North Metropolis rivals Bohemians and La Academia returning to winning ways in Hamanos, the defending champions have taken top spot once again. And looking right below, there's another interesting fight shaping up, the one for third place, with Marinos dropping points at home in the Blue Derby against the Bulls and both Impact and the Gallo making profit of it: Bohemians beating MA as aforementioned, and Impact steamrolling Defensores at the Stade de la Frontière. Columbus' win over Ajax also puts the Canaries back on track ahead of an unprecedented (for them) UICA race in the second half of the season, whilst Real Campo Grande and the Dragons were unable to get closer to that zone as they lost to Junín and Pradera, respectively. Just like Junín's, TFC's revival seems for real as the Citizens beat Pumas in Maldonado, and the same applies for Olympique de Fontvielle, who chained a third win in a row in Bezieres. On the other hand, the bad streak for Les Rouges continues, and they are getting dangerously closer to the red zone...

Fontvielle Impact 5–1 Defensores de Villafuerte
Pradera FC 1–0 Canalave Dragons
Marinos Metropolis 3–3 Slateport Bulls
Ajax Carloburgo 0–1 FC Columbus
Deportivo Junín 1–0 Real Campo Grande
Bohemians Metropolis 1–0 Metropolis Alligators
Eterna Stars 2–1 Edmonton United
Pumas Maldonado 3–4 Tannenberg FC
Hamanos Athletic Club 0–1 Nacional
AS Bezieres 1–3 Olympique de Fontvielle

Round 18 (June 29-30)

...and BOOM!

Nacional nil, Bezieres two. The team coached by Mario Ventura played their best game of the season just when they needed it the most and managed to come out afloat with a big win against the defending champions...and as for Nacional, La Academia may now bid farewell to their precious 17-match unbeaten streak, their equally-precious streak of 8 clean sheets in a row, and last but clearly not least...the league leadership. On the other hand, Metropolis Alligators (who needed a moment of brilliance from Cristian Bogarín to beat the Stars) are thanking one of their arch-rivals for putting the handbrake on the Albo squad and helping them reclaim top spot. Another big winners of this matchday were Fontvielle Impact, who edged past Pradera at home and saw both Marinos and Bohemians puncture with draws on the road in order to open up a gap with their contenders for third place, Slateport Bulls, who returned to sixth place after beating Ajax, and TFC, who are now seriously aiming at breaking into the upper half of the league thanks to their win against Hamanos. However, where there are winners there must be losers as well, and the big losers of this round (aside from Nacional) were Columbus (who were left anchored to seventh place after losing to Junín), Olympique de Fontvielle (who were brought back to reality by Defensores), and Edmonton and Pumas (both cancelling each other out with a draw that keeps them in the bottom four).

Defensores de Villafuerte 2–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Nacional 0–2 AS Bezieres
Tannenberg FC 4–2 Hamanos Athletic Club
Edmonton United 1–1 Pumas Maldonado
Metropolis Alligators 1–0 Eterna Stars
Real Campo Grande 1–1 Bohemians Metropolis
FC Columbus 0–1 Deportivo Junín
Slateport Bulls 2–1 Ajax Carloburgo
Canalave Dragons 0–0 Marinos Metropolis
Fontvielle Impact 2–1 Pradera FC

Kings' Shield Round of 32 (July 3-4)

The Kings' Shield's Round of 32 marks the start of the "proper" competition, as the awfully long list of competing teams at the start of the competition gets reduced to only 16 teams after this round, and the "Big" teams still in contention are starting to fall, with Marinos Metropolis' defeat to Liga-2 side FC Townsville at home being one of the biggest shocks at this stage of the competition. The title defense for Slateport Bulls has also come to an end, as the Bulls were beaten by the humble FC Bluewich-Furness from the League of Canalave (sixth tier), and Bezieres were knocked out by AS Vaud on penalties. On the other hand, Metropolis Alligators, Fontvielle Impact, Nacional, Deportivo Junín, and Eterna Stars punched their ticket to the Round of 16 with their victories, whilst in the only all-L1 showdown of the round, Bohemians faced Pradera in a thrilling match at the Estadio Luis Frattini that ended 4-3 to the Gallo, eliminating the Verdiblancos from contention.

Bohemians Metropolis 4-3 Pradera FC

Ajax Carloburgo 0-3 FC Maritime Westporte

Fontvielle Impact 2-0 FC 1093 Los Chorros

Nacional 1-0 SC Alcázares

AC Tallin 1-1 Alianza Antioquia (1-1 AET, 0-3 PKs)

Marinos Metropolis 1-2 FC Townsville

Borderville Rogues 0-0 Eterna Stars (0-1 AET)

Metropolis Alligators 3-0 Albany Lynx FC

FC Bluewich-Furness 2-1 Slateport Bulls

Villaznia AC 0-1 Deportivo Junín

Deportivo Angostura 0-2 Stanford United

AS Vaud 1-1 AS Bezieres (1-1 AET, 3-1 PKs)

Hoxford Rovers 0-1 Cerro Plateado FC

Club Juventud 0-1 FC Sillimus

Hamanos Athletic Club 2-0 Deportivo Aguablanca

Gatineau UC 98 0-0 Cartago FC (0-0 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Round 19 (July 6-7)

This Liga-1 season has reached its halfway point with a matchday plagued of draws, starting with Metropolis Alligators' one in Maldonado which allowed Nacional to snatch top spot on H2H (once again) with their win over Olympique de Fontvielle, putting Albos and Alligators in a two-horse race for the championship ahead of the second and decisive half of the season. The UICA race may have officially begun now, with Marinos beating direct rivals Fontvielle Impact at the Estadio Zachary Fortin and took third place for themselves, whilst Bohemians dropped points against Columbus and missed the chance to capitalize on the outcome of Marinos' match. The tie epidemic particularly affected the teams that are waiting for the UICA frontrunners to trip up, namely Slateport Bulls (3-3 in Junín), Canalave Dragons (1-1 draw with Ajax in Carloburgo), Real Campo Grande and the Stars (played each other), and TFC and Bezieres (also played each other), all of whom ended the first half of the season closely packed in mid-table and separated for a few points. As for the relegation struggle, it looks like six teams will be part of it: Olympique, Deportivo Junín (although these two could come off of it sooner than later if they continue with their good performances), Pumas, Ajax, Edmonton, and Hamanos. And with most of the matches between these two being scheduled for the final stretch of the season, there's drama assured until the final day...

Pradera FC 0–1 Defensores de Villafuerte
Marinos Metropolis 3–2 Fontvielle Impact
Ajax Carloburgo 1–1 Canalave Dragons
Deportivo Junín 3–3 Slateport Bulls
Bohemians Metropolis 2–2 FC Columbus
Eterna Stars 2–2 Real Campo Grande
Pumas Maldonado 1–1 Metropolis Alligators
Hamanos Athletic Club 2–1 Edmonton United
AS Bezieres 1–1 Tannenberg FC
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–3 Nacional

Standings after Matchday 19

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Nacional                        19   11   7   1    26    8  +18    40
 2  Metropolis Alligators           19   12   4   3    28   15  +13    40
 3  Marinos Metropolis              19    9   6   4    34   28   +6    33
 4  Fontvielle Impact               19    9   5   5    37   25  +12    32
 5  Bohemians Metropolis            19    8   6   5    28   22   +6    30
 6  Slateport Bulls                 19    7   6   6    26   24   +2    27
 7  FC Columbus                     19    7   5   7    24   22   +2    26
 8  Canalave Dragons                19    6   7   6    20   23   −3    25
 9  Real Campo Grande               19    6   7   6    23   22   +1    25
10  Tannenberg FC                   19    7   4   8    31   30   +1    25
11  Defensores de Villafuerte       19    7   4   8    23   29   −6    25
12  Eterna Stars                    19    6   7   6    27   27    0    25
13  AS Bezieres                     19    6   7   6    29   28   +1    25
14  Pradera FC                      19    7   2  10    22   30   −8    23
15  Olympique de Fontvielle         19    7   1  11    26   30   −4    22
16  Deportivo Junín                 19    5   6   8    20   26   −6    21
17  Pumas Maldonado                 19    4   8   7    27   35   −8    20
18  Ajax Carloburgo                 19    5   4  10    24   34  −10    19
19  Edmonton United                 19    4   6   9    25   31   −6    18
20  Hamanos Athletic Club           19    4   4  11    19   30  −11    16

Liga-2 Standings after Matchday 19

Valladar Liga-2                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  FC Maritime Westporte           19   10   4   5    32   30   +2    34
 2  Hoxford Rovers                  19   10   2   7    31   26   +5    32
 3  AS Vaud                         19    8   6   5    39   28  +11    30
 4  Universitario de Maldonado      19    9   3   7    27   27    0    30
 5  Adelaide Kickers                19    8   5   6    21   18   +3    29
 6  FC Sillimus                     19    8   5   6    33   31   +2    29
 7  AS Montreux                     19    7   7   5    27   25   +2    28
 8  Stanford United                 19    9   1   9    35   33   +2    28
 9  Valencia FC                     19    7   7   5    28   23   +5    28
10  Bretford Royals                 19    7   6   6    26   25   +1    27
11  Libertad                        19    7   6   6    33   34   −1    27
12  Gatineau UC 98                  19    7   6   6    31   28   +3    27
13  FC Townsville                   19    7   5   7    28   27   +1    26
14  Danubio FC                      19    6   5   8    29   36   −7    23
15  Étoile Verte                    19    6   5   8    20   22   −2    23
16  Real Pradera                    19    6   4   9    23   30   −7    22
17  CAP                             19    5   6   8    24   26   −2    21
18  Nord Energie FC                 19    5   6   8    22   26   −4    21
19  Patriotas FC                    19    5   5   9    24   25   −1    20
20  Atlético Nápoles                19    3   6  10    24   37  −13    15

Liga-3 Standings after Matchday 19

Valladar Liga-3                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  FC Fauxham                      19   10   5   4    38   28  +10    35
 2  Servette FC                     19    9   6   4    43   33  +10    33
 3  EC Comercial                    19    8   8   3    31   21  +10    32
 4  AS Mont-Blanc                   19    9   5   5    40   34   +6    32
 5  FC Westporte 984                19   10   2   7    31   24   +7    32
 6  Alianza Antioquia               19    8   6   5    31   23   +8    30
 7  Sporting Florencia              19    8   6   5    25   19   +6    30
 8  Deportivo Aguablanca            19    9   2   8    31   28   +3    29
 9  Canalave Rangers                19    8   4   7    34   32   +2    28
10  Northport Bears                 19    8   3   8    28   30   −2    27
11  Eterna Celtic                   19    7   6   6    22   24   −2    27
12  Bellavista Jets                 19    7   5   7    36   37   −1    26
13  Villaznia AC                    19    6   6   7    31   30   +1    24
14  Carloburgo Phoenix              19    7   3   9    32   33   −1    24
15  AD Cerro                        19    5   7   7    27   28   −1    22
16  AC Tallin                       19    6   3  10    21   33  −12    21
17  RC Corania                      19    5   4  10    18   23   −5    19
18  Corumbá EC                      19    6   1  12    18   32  −14    19
19  Yumbo FC                        19    4   6   9    25   37  −12    18
20  Deportivo Angostura             19    4   4  11    19   32  −13    16

by **Valladares** » Sat Feb 09, 2019 7:37 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-SIXTH SEASON (PART III OF V)

Round 20 (July 13-14)

The decisive second half of this season kicked off with both Nacional and Metropolis Alligators still unable to separate from each other after both teams collected draws on the road against Defensores and Hamanos, respectively. However, these results were good news for Marions, whose win over Pradera at the Estadio Zachary Fortin now has them 5 points adrift, and becoming a threat for both of their rivals. Fontvielle Impact were unable to follow suit, as they were held to a draw by an Ajax side who are in desperate need of points to avoid the drop, whilst Bohemians are now exerting pressure for the last Globe Cup berth following a win over the Bulls. The Stars, Bezieres, and Canalave all earned important wins in their race to give chase to the league's top five and add more spice to the UICA race, and the relegation race started with Olympique and Pumas taking advantage with their victories against TFC and Real Campo Grande. Pradera, with their loss to Marinos, are now just 3 points clear of the red zone, and Junín and Edmonton lost more ground in that battle, with the Granates entering the play-off zone after Pumas won their match and the Monties sinking in the relegation zone along with Ajax and Hamanos who avoided defeat but also failed to win.

Defensores de Villafuerte 0–0 Nacional
Olympique de Fontvielle 3–0 Tannenberg FC
AS Bezieres 3–2 Edmonton United
Hamanos Athletic Club 0–0 Metropolis Alligators
Pumas Maldonado 2–1 Real Campo Grande
Eterna Stars 3–1 FC Columbus
Bohemians Metropolis 5–3 Slateport Bulls
Deportivo Junín 0–2 Canalave Dragons
Ajax Carloburgo 0–0 Fontvielle Impact
Marinos Metropolis 1–0 Pradera FC

Round 21 (July 20-21)

A narrow win for the Alligators against Bezieres combined with Nacional's defeat to TFC in Carloburgo meant that MA have (once again) the upper hand in the battle for the championship, leaving La Academia behind in second place. And to make matters even worse for the defending champions, Marcos Zelaya's goal against Defensores de Villafuerte was enough to give Marinos another win and bring them within striking distance of Nacional. Fontvielle Impact have also managed to detach from their main rivals in the fight for the last berth to the Globe Cup, thanks to their 5-2 victory over Junín (who are still seriously threatened by relegation) and Bohemians' defeat to the Dragons in Canalave which still has the latter team dreaming with a return to UICA competition. The Stars, who are sixth, were also able to fuel their hopes with an important win in the SuperClásico against the Bulls in a special match for their striker Aide Mehdizade, who scored a goal against his former team. And going to the relegation struggle, we see Pumas slowly moving away from that fight by beating derby rivals Columbus, who are still stranded with 26 points and if things continue this way might be dragged into this stuff sooner than later. Hamanos lost in Campo Grande and remained anchored to the basement as they start fearing an eventual return to Liga-2, Edmonton and Olympique de Fontvielle shared the spoils at Albert Field, which is a bit more useful to the visitors' interests and a terrible deal for the hosts who are still unable to leave the red zone. And the same thing happened to Pradera and Ajax, with the Verdiblancos faring better despite dropping two points at home.

Marinos Metropolis 1–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Pradera FC 2–2 Ajax Carloburgo
Fontvielle Impact 5–2 Deportivo Junín
Canalave Dragons 2–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Slateport Bulls 1–2 Eterna Stars
FC Columbus 0–1 Pumas Maldonado
Real Campo Grande 2–0 Hamanos Athletic Club
Metropolis Alligators 1–0 AS Bezieres
Edmonton United 2–2 Olympique de Fontvielle
Tannenberg FC 1–0 Nacional

Round 22 (July 27-28)

With Metropolis Alligators beating Olympique de Fontvielle at the Stade de l'Amitié and Nacional putting another nail on Edmonton's coffin with their victory over the Monties in Poblado, the status quo in the fight for the championship between both sides remained in force as the Titan kept their 3-point cushion on the Albos with their Derby Añejo meeting next week looming large in the horizon. Needless to say, both teams (especially Nacional) were benefited by Marinos' failure to beat Ajax as the Marineros are now left trailing La Academia by 4 points, and MA by 7 points. However, the most interesting matches of the round were the ones played between UICA contenders, with Fontvielle Impact visiting the Estadio Luis Frattini in search of a win that would allow them to get closer to Marinos (and at the same time leave the Gallo behind in the race for the GC berths), whilst sixth-placed Eterna Stars and seventh-placed Canalave Dragons were set to play each other in the second and last E1 Derby of the season looking to improve their own chances at the expense of their arch-rivals. Eventually, Les Bleus were the big winners of the round: they beat Bohemians with a brace by Wilfried Baume and widened the gap with their bogey team to six points, and Stars and Dragons cancelled themselves out with a 1-1 draw at the Alain Tramontin Stadium that left both teams trailing l'Impact by 7 points. In the other derby being played in this round, Bezieres beat Real Campo Grande in the Ilirian Derby and returned to the top half of the table, whilst Nepharim striker Dragan Stavanger rained on Defensores' parade as the Auriverdes returned to Villafuerte's Estadio Municipal after the latter's remodeling and expansion works with a loss to TFC. And going down to the red zone, Columbus were able to put an end to their meteoric collapse (and at the same time get HAC closer to the drop) with a triumph in Hamanos, Pumas are now seven points clear thanks to another win, this time against the Bulls, and Junín won a six-pointer against Pradera, result with which now Granates and Verdiblancos are tied in points in the relegation play-off zone, with Pradera having the edge by just two goals.

Defensores de Villafuerte 0–2 Tannenberg FC
Nacional 2–1 Edmonton United
Olympique de Fontvielle 0–2 Metropolis Alligators
AS Bezieres 1–0 Real Campo Grande
Hamanos Athletic Club 0–1 FC Columbus
Pumas Maldonado 1–0 Slateport Bulls
Eterna Stars 1–1 Canalave Dragons
Bohemians Metropolis 0–2 Fontvielle Impact
Deportivo Junín 2–1 Pradera FC
Ajax Carloburgo 2–2 Marinos Metropolis

Round 23 (August 3-4)

And the time has come for the decisive match between Alligators and Albos! Nacional board the bus to Swangard not only looking to make the double over MA with two wins in their meetings this season, but also to seize top spot from them once again, whilst a victory for Metropolis Alligators would move the Titan 6 points clear on top and put them closer to their thirteenth star. However, both sides found themselves unable to harm the other one mostly thanks to inspired performances by Aidan Hartigan and Paulo Gaviria and ended up sharing the spoils at the National Stadium. The tie at the National Stadium was greatly capitalized by Marinos, who are now seriously dreaming with snatching the title from the hands of both of their crosstown rivals thanks to their win over a Junín side who put up a really hard fight considering their own problems with avoiding the drop. Meanwhile, Fontvielle Impact strenghtened their grip on fourth place while also denting the Stars' UICA aspirations by beating the Eternans at the Stade de la Frontière, Bohemians lost more ground in that race after being unable to beat Pradera, and the Dragons put an end to Pumas' winning streak in order to jump to fifth place (albeit trailing Impact by 7 points). In the relegation struggle, the hopes for Ajax and Edmonton were greatly increased with the setbacks for Pradera and Junín, and whilst the Immigrants were able to leave the red zone at the expense of the Verdiblancos thanks to their win over a Defensores side that is also getting involved in the fight, the Monties are now 3 points from safety thanks to their win over Tannenberg in the Westlands.

Ajax Carloburgo 3–2 Defensores de Villafuerte
Marinos Metropolis 1–0 Deportivo Junín
Pradera FC 0–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Fontvielle Impact 3–2 Eterna Stars
Canalave Dragons 3–2 Pumas Maldonado
Slateport Bulls 0–0 Hamanos Athletic Club
FC Columbus 2–3 AS Bezieres
Real Campo Grande 1–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Metropolis Alligators 0–0 Nacional
Edmonton United 2–0 Tannenberg FC

Kings' Shield Round of 16 (August 7-8)

The Kings' Shield is also entering its time for definitions, with 16 teams still in contention for a berth to the next Cup Winners' Cup, and there will be only 8 lucky ones advancing to the quarterfinals. The Round of 16 brought two high-voltage matches between Liga-1 clubs, with Metropolis Alligators facing Eterna Stars in Swangard and Nacional hosting Bohemians at the City of Metropolis Stadium. Eventually, the Stars and the Gallo were knocked out of contention with two defeats in Metropolis, and Alligators and Albos moved on to the next round. Fontvielle Impact will also be joining them, thanks to their win over Hamanos, whilst the only other remaining Liga-1 side at this stage (Junín) were defeated by Maritime Westporte, who are currently flying high in Liga-2 and have big odds to be promoted to Liga-1 (and possibly replace the Granates in the top tier...) next season. The other winners of this round were four former Liga-1 members: FC Sillimus, FC Townsville, Gatineau UC 98, and AS Vaud, all of them competing in Liga-2 this season.

Metropolis Alligators 3-1 Eterna Stars

Hamanos Athletic Club 1-3 Fontvielle Impact

FC Sillimus 2-0 FC Bluewich-Furness

Nacional 3-0 Bohemians Metropolis

FC Townsville 2-0 Alianza Antioquia

Deportivo Junín 0-1 FC Maritime Westporte

Gatineau UC 98 2-1 Stanford United

AS Vaud 0-0 Cerro Plateado FC (1-1 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Round 24 (August 10-11)

The head-to-head for the championship between Metropolis Alligators and Nacional rages on with both sides picking victories: the Titan beat TFC with a controversial goal scored by Niko Komarov and La Academia thumped Real Campo Grande at home to keep the pressure on their rivals. Meanwhile, Fontvielle Impact were finally able to assault third place, with their fourth win in a row added to Marinos' defeat in the derby against Bohemians at the Frattini, result that also put the Gallo back on track in the UICA race. That victory for Bohemians was also greatly appreciated by Bezieres, who can still dream with qualification to the Globe Cup after beating the Bulls, unlike the Dragons, who suffered an unexpected speed bump against cellar-dwellers and first candidates for relegation Hamanos and were unable to cut their gap with Marinos as a result. Speaking of relegation matters, Junín were finally able to get out of the red zone after beating Ajax in a crucial six-pointer at the Arena Junín, pushing the Immigrants back into compromising placements, and Pradera into the relegation zone as the Verdiblancos had to return from Eterna City empty-handed. At the same time, Defensores de Villafuerte were able to celebrate their first victory at their stadium, against an Edmonton side that keeps sinking in the bottom three and gives the Naranjas some hope to leave the basement.

Defensores de Villafuerte 2–1 Edmonton United
Tannenberg FC 0–1 Metropolis Alligators
Nacional 3–0 Real Campo Grande
Olympique de Fontvielle 4–1 FC Columbus
AS Bezieres 1–0 Slateport Bulls
Hamanos Athletic Club 1–0 Canalave Dragons
Pumas Maldonado 0–1 Fontvielle Impact
Eterna Stars 2–1 Pradera FC
Bohemians Metropolis 1–0 Marinos Metropolis
Deportivo Junín 1–0 Ajax Carloburgo

Round 25 (August 17-18)

With Metropolis Alligators being held to a draw by an Edmonton side that needs to pick points urgently, and Nacional taking part in Columbus' marvellous collapse by beating them at Parque Armenia, the championship is far from decided as both teams are now separated by just one point. And to make things even more interesting, Fontvielle Impact has now officially joined the race after pushing HAC a step closer to relegation with a narrow win over them in Fontvielle, which puts Les Bleus just four points away from the top. Meanwhile, and despite they can still enjoy a comfortable gap with the rest of their rivals for the last GC berth, Marinos are happily dropping points against them, this time the Stars being the ones leaving Parque Rushmore with a valuable 1-1 draw on their bag, a wasted chance by Bohemians, Canalave Dragons, and Bezieres since none of them could get a win that brought them closer to the Marineros: the Gallo drew with Ajax in Carloburgo, and Dragons and Rouges were unable to separate from each other in their showdown at the Dragon's Den. And looking at the lower half of the table, the race to avoid the drop this season might well become the most exciting one ever held in Super League/Liga-1 history, since there's only 4 points separating the 11th-placed team (Junín) from the 18th-placed team (Ajax). And six teams are now between those two, including ones that weren't expected to be involved in this hustle: besides Olympique and Pumas, we can now find Slateport, Columbus, and Defensores. Edmonton, despite snatching a point from the National Stadium are still far from salvation.

Deportivo Junín 2–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Ajax Carloburgo 1–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Marinos Metropolis 1–1 Eterna Stars
Pradera FC 1–0 Pumas Maldonado
Fontvielle Impact 1–0 Hamanos Athletic Club
Canalave Dragons 1–1 AS Bezieres
Slateport Bulls 1–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
FC Columbus 2–3 Nacional
Real Campo Grande 3–2 Tannenberg FC
Metropolis Alligators 1–1 Edmonton United

Round 26 (August 24-25)

Things at the top did not change in this matchday, with the Alligators paralyzing the small town of Villafuerte as well as their hosts with their victory over them, Nacional beating the Bulls with goals from Felipe Pardo and Mario Ovalle (x2), and Fontvielle Impact doing the double over Bezieres in another action-packed Derby du Foix. After their recent slacking, Marinos and their Zelaya-Fortin duo showed they are back to business with the latter scoring the winning goal in Maldonado in order to keep a healthy 6-point gap on Bohemians, who put an end to Junín's escape from the red zone. Things in the relegation struggle mostly remained unchanged, with Olympique, Columbus, Defensores, Junín, Pumas, Ajax, and the Bulls all losing their matches, and Hamanos and Pradera harming each other with a 3-3 draw in a tense Clásico Antioqueño. On the other hand, Edmonton's hope is not yet lost as the Monties earned three vital points at home against Real Campo Grande and moved up one spot in the table at the expense of the Immigrants.

Defensores de Villafuerte 1–2 Metropolis Alligators
Edmonton United 4–2 Real Campo Grande
Tannenberg FC 1–0 FC Columbus
Nacional 3–0 Slateport Bulls
Olympique de Fontvielle 0–1 Canalave Dragons
AS Bezieres 3–4 Fontvielle Impact
Hamanos Athletic Club 3–3 Pradera FC
Pumas Maldonado 0–1 Marinos Metropolis
Eterna Stars 1–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Bohemians Metropolis 2–0 Deportivo Junín

Round 27 (August 31-September 1)

Matchday 27 started with the rematch of the Derby de Fontvielle between Impact and Olympique, both with opposite goals: the former looking for a win to continue in hot pursuit of the leaders, and the latter in need of 3 points in order to improve their situation in the lower half of the table. Eventually, Les Bleus were pegged back by a brave Olympique side that was able to rescue a draw in the dying minutes of the game and gave both Metropolis Alligators and Nacional the chance to move further away from them, which they did by winning their matches in Campo Grande and Canalave, respectively. However, fourth-placed Marinos was unable to capitalize on this setback for Fontvielle Impact, as they were surprisingly defeated by cellar-dwellers Hamanos, who picked three important points at the Estadio Zachary Fortin in their quest to avoid the drop. Meanwhile, Bohemians' win over Defensores gave a boost to the Gallo's UICA aspirations and at the same time pushed the Auriverde into the danger zone. In other matches involving the teams fighting for their survival, Junín, the Bulls, and Pradera earned important wins that helped these sides move away from the bottom four, Ajax and Pumas played to a scoreless draw which benefited the visitors far more and sunk the hosts in the basement, and Columbus' implosion continued with a loss at the hands of Edmonton, for whom this victory in the Danubio canyon was what they needed to leave the relegation zone, leaving their rivals there instead.

Bohemians Metropolis 2–1 Defensores de Villafuerte
Deportivo Junín 1–0 Eterna Stars
Ajax Carloburgo 0–0 Pumas Maldonado
Marinos Metropolis 0–1 Hamanos Athletic Club
Pradera FC 2–1 AS Bezieres
Fontvielle Impact 1–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Canalave Dragons 1–3 Nacional
Slateport Bulls 1–0 Tannenberg FC
FC Columbus 2–4 Edmonton United
Real Campo Grande 3–4 Metropolis Alligators

Round 28 (September 7-8)

The Alligators have taken a big step towards their thirteenth Liga-1 championship after coming from behind to beat a demoralized Columbus, who were finding themselves fighting to get into the next Globe Cup not too long ago but have been quickly returned to their reality in the relegation zone. Also, Fontvielle Impact beating Nacional in the match between the second and third-placed teams of the league in Poblado was great news for the Titan since their gap on top has been increased to four points whilst Nacional now see themselves faced with a serious contender for the second and last Champions' Cup berth. Marinos, already comfortably placed fourth, seem to be already headed to the Globe Cup after beating Bezieres while also taking advantage of Bohemians' defeat in Eterna City in order to open a comfortable 6-point gap on the Gallo. Meanwhile, things in the lower half of the table seem to have calmed down a bit, with Deportivo Junín, Slateport Bulls, and Olympique de Fontvielle picking important wins against direct rivals in the relegation struggle and moving away from that fight for good: the Granates beat Pumas in Maldonado, the Bulls did the same with Edmonton on the road, and Les Jaune-et-Bleu narrowly defeated Pradera, leaving the Verdiblancos only 3 points clear of the red zone. And Ajax took advantage of those losses for Columbus and Pumas, as well as the draw between Defensores and Real Campo Grande to leave the relegation and play-off zones with a victory over Hamanos on the road, leaving the Naranjas at the edge of the ledge in the process.

Defensores de Villafuerte 1–1 Real Campo Grande
Metropolis Alligators 3–2 FC Columbus
Edmonton United 2–3 Slateport Bulls
Tannenberg FC 2–2 Canalave Dragons
Nacional 1–2 Fontvielle Impact
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–0 Pradera FC
AS Bezieres 0–1 Marinos Metropolis
Hamanos Athletic Club 2–3 Ajax Carloburgo
Pumas Maldonado 2–3 Deportivo Junín
Eterna Stars 2–1 Bohemians Metropolis

Kings' Shield Quarterfinals (September 11-12)

The Kings' Shield has now entered into its final stretch with 8 teams still remaining in contention for the Shield, but only 4 will remain after this round. The current top three of Liga-1 (MA, Nacional, and Impact) are all through to the semifinals, with La Academia beating a tough Gatineau side at the Stade Omnisports, Les Bleus thumping Townsville at home, and MA defeating Sillimus, who also proved to be a demanding rival for the current top tier leaders. And in the remaining match of the quarterfinals, Vaud ensured Liga-2 representation in the semifinals by beating fellow Liga-2 side Maritime Westporte at home on Thursday.

AS Vaud 2-1 FC Maritime Westporte

Gatineau UC 98 1-2 Nacional

Fontvielle Impact 4-1 FC Townsville

Metropolis Alligators 2-1 FC Sillimus

Round 29 (September 14-15)

With this round we have completed 75% of the season, and things at the top have tightened up once again, with the Alligators slipping in their visit to Slateport and both Nacional and Fontvielle Impact making profit of it with wins of their own: La Academia emerging victorious from their match against Pradera at the Estadio de la Montaña and Les Bleus beating TFC in a 7-goal thriller at the Stade de la Frontière, making the gap between the leaders and the third-placed shrink to just 3 points. Marinos are still clinging on the last Globe Cup berth by defeating Olympique de Fontvielle, although Bohemians are not willing to give up and kept the 6-point gap intact with a win over Pumas in Maldonado. Considering the way how the Kings' Shield is developing, with at least one team out of the top three already through to the final of the cup competition, teams should start paying attention to the fifth place and its possible extra GC berth, and the Stars have taken the lead in that newly-opened front by beating Defensores de Villafuerte, whilst the Dragons punctured at home against another relegation-threatened team in the shape of Edmonton. Speaking of the relegation hustle, the only teams that were able to claim wins before the start of the final stretch of the league were Ajax, who beat Bezieres at the Olympic Stadium and are now 3 points clear of the relegation zone, and Hamanos, who are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel after claiming yet another win (this time over Junín). None of Pradera, Defensores, Edmonton, Pumas, and Columbus can afford to keep dropping points, since a mistake at this point may end up costing a lot.

Eterna Stars 3–1 Defensores de Villafuerte
Bohemians Metropolis 1–0 Pumas Maldonado
Deportivo Junín 0–1 Hamanos Athletic Club
Ajax Carloburgo 1–0 AS Bezieres
Marinos Metropolis 4–2 Olympique de Fontvielle
Pradera FC 1–3 Nacional
Fontvielle Impact 4–3 Tannenberg FC
Canalave Dragons 0–0 Edmonton United
Slateport Bulls 2–1 Metropolis Alligators
FC Columbus 1–2 Real Campo Grande

Standings after Matchday 29

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Metropolis Alligators           29   18   7   4    43   24  +19    61
 2  Nacional                        29   17   9   3    44   16  +28    60
 3  Fontvielle Impact               29   17   7   5    60   37  +23    58
 4  Marinos Metropolis              29   15   8   6    46   35  +11    53
 5  Bohemians Metropolis            29   13   8   8    42   33   +9    47
 6  Eterna Stars                    29   12   9   8    44   38   +6    45
 7  Canalave Dragons                29   10  11   8    33   34   −1    41
 8  AS Bezieres                     29   10   8  11    42   42    0    38
 9  Slateport Bulls                 29   10   8  11    37   40   −3    38
10  Real Campo Grande               29   10   8  11    38   40   −2    38
11  Deportivo Junín                 29   10   6  13    31   40   −9    36
12  Tannenberg FC                   29   10   5  14    42   46   −4    35
13  Olympique de Fontvielle         29   10   4  15    40   43   −3    34
14  Ajax Carloburgo                 29    8   9  12    36   45   −9    33
15  Pradera FC                      29    9   5  15    33   45  −12    32
16  Defensores de Villafuerte       29    8   6  15    31   46  −15    30
17  Edmonton United                 29    7   9  13    44   48   −4    30
18  Pumas Maldonado                 29    7   9  13    35   46  −11    30
19  FC Columbus                     29    8   5  16    36   46  −10    29
20  Hamanos Athletic Club           29    7   7  15    27   40  −13    28

Liga-2 Standings after Matchday 29

Valladar Liga-2                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Hoxford Rovers                  29   16   3  10    50   42   +8    51
 2  Stanford United                 29   15   4  10    56   44  +12    49
 3  AS Vaud                         29   12  10   7    51   36  +15    46
 4  FC Maritime Westporte           29   13   7   9    44   46   −2    46
 5  Valencia FC                     29   12  10   7    42   35   +7    46
 6  Étoile Verte                    29   12   6  11    43   36   +7    42
 7  Gatineau UC 98                  29   11   9   9    48   46   +2    42
 8  FC Townsville                   29   11   8  10    41   37   +4    41
 9  Universitario de Maldonado      29   12   5  12    39   43   −4    41
10  Adelaide Kickers                29   11   7  11    36   35   +1    40
11  Real Pradera                    29   11   7  11    41   42   −1    40
12  FC Sillimus                     29   10   8  11    45   49   −4    38
13  CAP                             29   10   7  12    39   39    0    37
14  Bretford Royals                 29    9  10  10    37   39   −2    37
15  Patriotas FC                    29    9   9  11    38   36   +2    36
16  Libertad                        29    8  10  11    43   50   −7    34
17  Nord Energie FC                 29    8   9  12    35   35    0    33
18  Atlético Nápoles                29    8   8  13    35   50  −15    32
19  AS Montreux                     29    7  10  12    37   45   −8    31
20  Danubio FC                      29    7   9  13    33   48  −15    30

Liga-3 Standings after Matchday 29

Valladar Liga-3                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  AS Mont-Blanc                   29   16   8   5    52   38  +14    56
 2  Servette FC                     29   14   9   6    62   44  +18    51
 3  EC Comercial                    29   13  11   5    50   35  +15    50
 4  Bellavista Jets                 29   13   6  10    50   46   +4    45
 5  FC Fauxham                      29   13   6  10    51   41  +10    45
 6  Alianza Antioquia               29   11  10   8    45   34  +11    43
 7  Sporting Florencia              29   11   9   9    40   36   +4    42
 8  FC Westporte 984                29   13   2  14    42   41   +1    41
 9  Northport Bears                 29   11   7  11    43   44   −1    40
10  AD Cerro                        29   10   9  10    41   42   −1    39
11  Villaznia AC                    29   10   8  11    45   43   +2    38
12  Eterna Celtic                   29    9  11   9    39   42   −3    38
13  Deportivo Aguablanca            29   10   7  12    38   39   −1    37
14  RC Corania                      29   10   6  13    32   36   −4    36
15  Canalave Rangers                29    9   8  12    45   50   −5    35
16  AC Tallin                       29   10   5  14    31   44  −13    35
17  Carloburgo Phoenix              29    9   7  13    45   56  −11    34
18  Corumbá EC                      29   10   3  16    28   39  −11    33
19  Deportivo Angostura             29    7   8  14    29   44  −15    29
20  Yumbo FC                        29    6  10  13    36   50  −14    28

by **Valladares** » Sun Feb 10, 2019 2:32 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-SIXTH SEASON (PART IV OF V)

Round 30 (September 21-22)

The final stretch of this Liga-1 season started with a shock defeat for the Alligators at the hands of Canalave Dragons at Swangard, which was capitalized by Nacional who became the new leaders with their victory over Marinos in the second and last South Metropolis derby of the season. Unlike Nacional, third-placed Fontvielle Impact missed this big chance to enter the Champions' Cup zone by losing to Edmonton with a lone goal by Nicolás Arrú, which left them trailing La Academia by 5 points, and MA by 3. Meanwhile, with Marinos still safely placed in fourth, the fight for fifth place and a possible Globe Cup berth has become a 3-team affair: Eterna Stars, Bohemians Metropolis, and Canalave Dragons. The Stars have seized fifth place after dealing another blow to Pumas' hopes of survival in Maldonado, while also taking advantage of Bohemians' loss to Hamanos, who after being all but doomed some weeks ago, are now 2 points away from leaving the relegation zone. And the Dragons had their international aspirations reignited after the aforementioned win against the Titan. And going to the lower part of the table, we see Olympique de Fontvielle winning a key match against direct rivals Ajax with a goal by striker Richard Armada, Pradera dragging TFC into the relegation struggle with their win over the Citizens in the Western Valladares derby, and Defensores de Villafuerte beating Columbus in a crucial match for both that left the former with their hopes to avoid the drop intact and the latter in last place and eyeing closer their return to Liga-2.

Defensores de Villafuerte 1–0 FC Columbus
Real Campo Grande 3–3 Slateport Bulls
Metropolis Alligators 0–1 Canalave Dragons
Edmonton United 1–0 Fontvielle Impact
Tannenberg FC 0–1 Pradera FC
Nacional 3–2 Marinos Metropolis
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–0 Ajax Carloburgo
AS Bezieres 2–3 Deportivo Junín
Hamanos Athletic Club 1–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Pumas Maldonado 2–4 Eterna Stars

Round 31 (September 28-29)

Having suffered another speed bump against lesser opposition, this time courtesy of Ajax at Carloburgo's Olympic Stadium, Nacional were left crossing fingers for a Metropolis Alligators draw or defeat in the Derby de Valladares against Fontvielle Impact in order to stay on top of the league for at least one more week, which eventually happened as l'Impact beat their arch-rivals with a hat-trick by Wilfried Baume and took second place for themselves on H2H record, sending the Alligators to third place and out of the Champions' Cup, for now. The fight for the championship is getting more exciting and so is the UICA race, with Marinos allowing Tannenberg to take home the full prize, which was a perfect chance for the Stars to get really close to the last "sure" GC berth...if only they had defeated Hamanos at home! Bohemians are still missing their chances by giving away more points, and Bezieres were the next fortunate team to snatch points from the Estadio Luis Frattini with Les Rouges claiming victory against the Gallo, whilst the Dragons beat Real Campo Grande in order to keep themselves in contention for fifth place. Elsewhere, Olympique de Fontvielle ran riot against Deportivo Junín with l'OF tearing the Granates apart at the Arena Junín (although they are still safely away from the relegation battle to care), Pradera and Edmonton exchanged blows in an electrifying match at the Estadio de la Montaña that ended with the Monties taking home the win and leaving Pradera in serious trouble, Columbus were unable to get more than a draw from Slateport, and Pumas and Defensores took points off each other, to the delight of everyone else in the battle to avoid the drop.

Pumas Maldonado 0–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Eterna Stars 2–2 Hamanos Athletic Club
Bohemians Metropolis 2–3 AS Bezieres
Deportivo Junín 1–6 Olympique de Fontvielle
Ajax Carloburgo 1–0 Nacional
Marinos Metropolis 2–3 Tannenberg FC
Pradera FC 3–4 Edmonton United
Fontvielle Impact 3–1 Metropolis Alligators
Canalave Dragons 2–0 Real Campo Grande
Slateport Bulls 0–0 FC Columbus

Round 32 (October 8)

The special Independence Day matchday, when there's non-stop Liga-1 action all day with kickoffs every hour between 10 AM and 8 PM opened action in Fontvielle with Olympique de Fontvielle and Bohemians sharing the spoils at the Stade de l'Amitié and keeping the Gallo at bay in their quest to punch their first qualification to the Globe Cup. One hour later, it was time for the Stars to try and assault fourth place with a win in Bezieres, however Les Rouges didn't allow that to happen and defeated the Yellows in order to move to eighth place while also leaving their rivals anchored to fifth place and exposed to a win for Canalave Dragons later in the day. Now we move to Metropolis and Campo Grande, where the three championship hopefuls were playing their games. And with Nacional's scoreless draw with Junín, the Alligators being held to a draw by Pradera at the National Stadium, and Impact beating Real Campo Grande, there's now a tie at the summit between Albos and Bleus with 64 points each, with the Titan being 2 points behind the leaders. Canalave Dragons were the next team involved in UICA contention to play their match on the day, and fortunately for Eterna Stars' interests, the Dragons were beaten by a Columbus side that returns to life in their battle for survival. Unlike Columbus, neither Ajax and Defensores had a good Independence Day, as the former were treated to an impressive display of fireworks by Tannenberg and strikers Rafael Barrantes and Dragan Stavanger, who scored the five goals for the Citizens' victory in the Carloburgo Derby at White Meadow Arena, and the latter were unable to beat Slateport Bulls despite leading them in the scoreboard twice. Defensores' situation was particularly worsened by Hamanos' win against Pumas, which helped the Naranjas leapfrog the Auriverdes for the relegation play-off spot, and also sunk the Cougar in the basement. And in the match that closed this crazy day of football, Edmonton and Marinos cancelled themselves out with a boring 0-0 draw at Albert Field, result that doesn't really do any favors to either side.

Olympique de Fontvielle 1–1 Bohemians Metropolis
AS Bezieres 2–1 Eterna Stars
Nacional 0–0 Deportivo Junín
Metropolis Alligators 2–2 Pradera FC
Real Campo Grande 1–2 Fontvielle Impact
FC Columbus 1–0 Canalave Dragons
Tannenberg FC 5–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Defensores de Villafuerte 2–3 Slateport Bulls
Hamanos Athletic Club 2–0 Pumas Maldonado
Edmonton United 0–0 Marinos Metropolis

Round 33 (October 12-13)

The head-to-head between Nacional and Fontvielle Impact for the title continued as both sides collected wins on this matchday and are all but qualified for UICA competition for next season: La Academia beat crosstown rivals Bohemians at the Estadio Luis Frattini, and Impact left Columbus walking on thin ice with their triumph over the Canaries at home. However, Metropolis Alligators were unable to follow on the steps of their rivals, losing a crucial Derby Metropolitano to Marinos and being now 5 points adrift the top while Marinos took a big step towards their qualification to the Globe Cup. In other (related) news, the continued decline of Bohemians and the recent winning streak of Bezieres have made the "battle for fifth" mutate from a three-team affair to a four-team one with the Stars still being on the driver's seat thanks to their win over Olympique de Fontvielle at the Alain Tramontin Stadium, and Canalave Dragons exerting pressure on their arch-rivals following a win of their own against Slateport Bulls. In the relegation zone, with Defensores, Columbus, and Pumas all losing their matches and cimenting their standing as the bottom three that will get a direct ticket to Liga-2 for next season, eyes are now directed to 17th place and the team that will have to play those extra two matches to defend their Liga-1 status with five teams (Real Campo Grande, Pradera, Hamanos, Edmonton, and Ajax) separated by just two points. The Verdolagas have entered this thing thanks to their most recent streak of losses which includes their most recent one to Pradera, Hamanos' determination to reach salvation has helped them get another win in a six-pointer against Defensores, and Ajax and Edmonton were unable to separate from each other, leaving the Immigrants as the team that would go and play for their place in the top flight if the season ended here.

Hamanos Athletic Club 1–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Pumas Maldonado 0–1 AS Bezieres
Eterna Stars 3–2 Olympique de Fontvielle
Bohemians Metropolis 0–1 Nacional
Deportivo Junín 2–0 Tannenberg FC
Ajax Carloburgo 0–0 Edmonton United
Marinos Metropolis 2–1 Metropolis Alligators
Pradera FC 3–2 Real Campo Grande
Fontvielle Impact 2–1 FC Columbus
Canalave Dragons 1–0 Slateport Bulls

Kings' Shield Semifinals (October 16-17)

And this cup competition reaches its penultimate round with three Liga-1 sides (Impact, Nacional, and MA) and one Liga-2 outfit (Vaud) as the final four battling for two berths to the final match in Swangard on November 24th. The first semifinal had the Alligators facing the Étudiants, while the other one had the current top two of this Liga-1 season duking it out for the remaining berth to the final.

The first semifinal was definitely not what the Alligators had expected, as they found Vaud to be a really hard nut to crack that was even able to drag them to extra time and penalties. However, after 120 minutes in which the artillery displayed by the Titan was unable to harm the Liga-2 side, their strikers redeemed themselves in the penalty shootout, scoring four of their five attempts, whilst Aidan Hartigan was able to deflect the final kick for Vaud and ensured the Alligators' presence in the final. Meanwhile, the second semifinal was another cagey affair, with the difference that Fontvielle Impact were able to take the lead early in the match thanks to a goal by Alexandre and held on it until the end, not giving Nacional a single chance to react. And so, the two most decorated Valladar football clubs will be facing each other for yet another piece of silverware at the National Stadium in Swangard next month.

Metropolis Alligators 0-0 AS Vaud (0-0 AET, 4-3 PKs)

Fontvielle Impact 1-0 Nacional

Round 34 (October 19-20)

With 4 matches to go, Nacional have taken a decisive step towards their fifth title with their win over the Stars at Poblado and Fontvielle Impact's defeat at the hands of Slateport Bulls in Slateport, opening up a 3-point gap with Les Bleus while also knowing they've got a more comfortable fixture to close the season: relegation-threatened sides Pumas (A) and HAC (H), Globe Cup hopefuls Bezieres (A) and mid-table dwellers Olympique (H), whereas l'Impact have yet to host Canalave Dragons and Marinos (both fighting for spots into the next GC) and visit the Antioquia state twice in a row to play Defensores and Pradera (both of whom are fighting for their survival). Having gone down from first to third place in just two weeks hit hard on the Alligators' camp, but the Titan showed that they're still standing and willing to have a say on the the definition of the championship thanks to a victory over Ajax, who are still stranded in 17th place and whose margin of error is running out. With three of Valladares' five UICA qualifiers already known, and a fourth one (Marinos) really close to punch their ticket to the Globe Cup, attention now turns to the race for fifth place and the head-to-head between E1 rivals Canalave Dragons and Eterna Stars for that last berth to the Globe Cup courtesy of the Kings' Shield winner (remember, since MA and Impact are Kings' Shield finalists and both have qualified for UICA competition via league, whoever wins the cup will give the fifth-placed team at the end of the season an express pass to the Globe Cup). With the Stars' loss in Metropolis, Canalave Dragons have now leapfrogged them for fifth place with a win of their own in Villafuerte. And don't rule Bezieres out just yet, as Les Rouges now have a real chance of ending fifth with their thumping of HAC, who missed a big chance to move away from the bottom four, however, Bohemians, who looked really strong and seemed to be headed to a top five finish some few weeks ago, are slowly relinquishing their chances after losing to TFC in Carloburgo. And the relegation drama for eight teams continues, with Real Campo Grande, Pumas, and the aforementioned Ajax, HAC, and Defensores all losing their matches, Edmonton being unable to detach themselves from the danger after being held to a draw by a Junín side that is close to clinch salvation just as Slateport Bulls and Olympique (victors over Pumas), and Columbus are still in the relegation zone but very much alive after trouncing direct rivals Pradera in yet another six-pointer for survival.

Defensores de Villafuerte 0–2 Canalave Dragons
Slateport Bulls 2–1 Fontvielle Impact
FC Columbus 4–0 Pradera FC
Real Campo Grande 0–1 Marinos Metropolis
Metropolis Alligators 2–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Edmonton United 2–2 Deportivo Junín
Tannenberg FC 2–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Nacional 3–0 Eterna Stars
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–0 Pumas Maldonado
AS Bezieres 3–0 Hamanos Athletic Club

Round 35 (October 26-27)

Leaders Nacional and escorts Fontvielle Impact extended their head-to-head for the championship by getting 2-0 wins against Pumas and Canalave Dragons, respectively, and with the Alligators' defeat in Junín the Titan are all but out of title contention, as they're now trailing La Academia by 8 points with 9 still to play for. But the bad news for MA don't stop there, since Marinos are now just 2 points behind them in fourth place as they dented Columbus' survival hopes with a convincing 3-0 win over them at Estadio Zachary Fortin and mathematically sealed their qualification to UICA football. Meanwhile, with Canalave Dragons' defeat in Fontvielle, and the Stars' losing to TFC at home, Bezieres have managed to snatch fifth place from the Dragons' hands by beating Defensores at the Stade de Foix and leaving the Liga-2 champions on the brink of a quick return to their rightful place in the process. The chances of Bohemians were also given a much-needed boost with the Gallo's 4-1 win over Edmonton, and as a result the four sides involved in the UICA race are only separated by two points as of now. And in the relegation front, Pradera are now all but safe with their victory over the Bulls, but their fellow rivals are still reeling: Ajax left Real Campo Grande in serious trouble with a 4-0 win which allowed them leave the play-off spot but is still not enough for the Immigrants to clinch salvation, Hamanos fell to Olympique de Fontvielle at home and were left holding the play-off berth, with the Monties being just one point clear. And the defeats for the bottom three (Columbus, Defensores, and Pumas) left them closer to relegation, with the Cougar now having direct salvation nearly out of reach.

AS Bezieres 2–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Hamanos Athletic Club 2–4 Olympique de Fontvielle
Pumas Maldonado 0–2 Nacional
Eterna Stars 1–2 Tannenberg FC
Bohemians Metropolis 4–1 Edmonton United
Deportivo Junín 1–0 Metropolis Alligators
Ajax Carloburgo 4–0 Real Campo Grande
Marinos Metropolis 3–0 FC Columbus
Pradera FC 2–0 Slateport Bulls
Fontvielle Impact 2–0 Canalave Dragons

Round 36 (November 2-3)

Fontvielle Impact's unexpected 3-0 defeat in Villafuerte on this matchday might be the event that ultimately decides the championship for Nacional, with Los Albos now only needing a draw in their next match against Bezieres in order to win back-to-back domestic titles thanks to their narrow win over an Hamanos side that is fighting to avoid the drop. Meanwhile, that blow for Impact revived the hopes of a runner-up finish for the Alligators, as the Titan dashed Bohemians' UICA aspirations with a 3-0 win of their own at the National Stadium and cut the gap with Les Bleus to just two points. At the same time, Marinos' loss to the Bulls in the Blue Derby ensured their presence in the upcoming Globe Cup as they're now unable to catch up with l'Impact with two matches to go. With the Gallo bidding farewell to their chances of ending in fifth place, and the Stars having theirs dented with a loss in Edmonton, the race for fifth now seems all down to Bezieres and Canalave Dragons who claimed wins against Olympique and Pradera and the only thing separating them right now is goal difference. The relegation battle is also entering its decisive ending with Pumas becoming the first relegated team of the season after failing to defeat Tannenberg in Carloburgo, while Defensores reignited their hopes of escaping the drop with that shocking result against Daniel Bernard's side, HAC's loss to Nacional sent the Naranjas down to the red zone, and Columbus beat Ajax in dramatic fashion and put more pressure on the Immigrants, as well as on Edmonton, Pradera, and Real Campo Grande, all of whom are currently reaching salvation.

Defensores de Villafuerte 3–0 Fontvielle Impact
Canalave Dragons 2–0 Pradera FC
Slateport Bulls 1–0 Marinos Metropolis
FC Columbus 1–0 Ajax Carloburgo
Real Campo Grande 3–2 Deportivo Junín
Metropolis Alligators 3–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Edmonton United 1–0 Eterna Stars
Tannenberg FC 3–3 Pumas Maldonado
Nacional 2–1 Hamanos Athletic Club
Olympique de Fontvielle 0–2 AS Bezieres

Round 37 (November 9-10)

Nacional travelled to Bezieres knowing that a single point at the Stade de Foix was all they needed to round up a successful title defense, however, Les Rouges had their own plans and didn't allow La Academia to get any points at their stadium by beating them 2-0. Nevertheless, this setback didn't really matter as Fontvielle Impact were unable to break the deadlock in Pradera and were left trailing Nacional by 5 points with one match to go, thus ensuring a fifth championship for the Albo side and sparking celebrations in Metropolis' Barrio Obrero. Also, with Metropolis Alligators losing to Aide Mehdizade and Eterna Stars at the Alain Tramontin Stadium, the top four already know to which UICA competition they will be heading next season: Impact will join Nacional in the Champions' Cup as league runners-up, and both Metropolis Alligators and Marinos Metropolis qualified for the Globe Cup and will be fighting on the last matchday for the last spot of the podium of this season. The fight for the last Globe Cup berth will go down to the wire with Bezieres having a 3-point cushion on Canalave Dragons, after Les Rouges beat Nacional and the Dragons were defeated by Marinos in Metropolis. The 9-time champions will only need a draw with TFC in Carloburgo in order to claim that last international berth. However, the most important thing to be decided on the last matchday will be the relegation affair: with Pumas already set to play in Liga-2 next season, and Pradera reaching salvation with their draw, there are two relegation spots and a play-off one up for grabs, and six teams as candidates to fill them: Edmonton and Real Campo Grande have already avoided direct relegation thanks to the defeats for Columbus and HAC, but might still end up playing those extra two matches against a Liga-2 side. Ajax also suffered a dangerous setback with their loss in Slateport, and will continue in the line of fire for Canaries and Naranjas, who will be aiming to displace the Immigrants from that last berth to safety which they're holding now. And Defensores' loss in Fontvielle against Olympique left the Auriverdes with no other option but reaching the play-off spot, since automatic salvation is now out of reach for them with only one game left.

Olympique de Fontvielle 2–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
AS Bezieres 2–0 Nacional
Hamanos Athletic Club 0–2 Tannenberg FC
Pumas Maldonado 2–1 Edmonton United
Eterna Stars 3–0 Metropolis Alligators
Bohemians Metropolis 3–2 Real Campo Grande
Deportivo Junín 3–2 FC Columbus
Ajax Carloburgo 0–1 Slateport Bulls
Marinos Metropolis 3–2 Canalave Dragons
Pradera FC 0–0 Fontvielle Impact

Round 38 (November 16-17)

And welcome one and all to the matchday that will bring this exciting Liga-1 season to its end. With the top four of the league already known, now's the time to know who will be the last team to hop on the international qualification train as well as the unfortunate ones that will join Pumas in their trip to Liga-2 and the one going on to play the relegation playoff against a Liga-2 outfit. And now, without any further ado, here we go with a brief preview of the 10 games to be played on this last matchday, most of them with something at stake:

Defensores de Villafuerte vs. Pradera FC - The Verdiblancos are already safe from every relegation danger and will be judges of the Liga-2 champs in this Antioquian regional derby. Defensores already know the best they can hope for is a 17th place finish which will give them the chance to defend their place in the top tier against a Liga-2 rival, and for that they have to win while also hoping for losses for both Columbus and Hamanos. Any other result will be the end for them.
Fontvielle Impact vs. Marinos Metropolis - A big match with almost nothing at stake but the pride of both contenders. Impact will be claiming their silver medals at the end of the match, Marinos can only hope for a win and a defeat for the Alligators in order to kick them out of the podium.
Canalave Dragons vs. Ajax Carloburgo - The Dragons have still a shot at ending in fifth place, and they will host an Ajax side in desperate need of a win in order to be safe of every relegation danger. The Immigrants are in full control of their destiny, but might end up lamenting their fate at the end of the day if they don't win in Canalave, whilst the hosts have no other choice but to win and hope for TFC to get into Bezieres' path, hopefully scoring several goals past Les Rouges.
Slateport Bulls vs. Deportivo Junín - Another uninteresting match with both teams playing just to fulfill with the fixture. Needless to say, both Bulls and Granates saved their skins from the drop with several matches in hand.
FC Columbus vs. Bohemians Metropolis - With the Gallo now out of UICA contention, they travel to Columbus to play a side with no more chances left. The Canaries must win and hope for anyone out of Ajax, Edmonton, or Real Campo Grande to trip up in order to save themselves. Any other result, depending on what HAC and Defensores can do in their matches might end up relegating Columbus.
Real Campo Grande vs. Eterna Stars - The Stars also relinquished their chances of returning to the Globe Cup, and will be travelling to the Chiquito plateau to play a Verdolaga side still rushed with avoiding the relegation play-off. Out of the usual three options, Real Campo Grande can be happy with two of them: beating or tying with the Eternans, while a defeat will leave their fate in the hands of Ajax and Columbus, who should not win either in order for RCG to clinch safety.
Metropolis Alligators vs. Pumas Maldonado - The Alligators aren't winning the league this season, Pumas are already relegated. The best bet for Luis Fuentes at this point will be resting his best men for next week's Kings' Shield final rather than risking them in such an inconsequential match like this one.
Edmonton United vs. Hamanos Athletic Club - This is maybe the biggest match of the day as both sides are compromised with relegation affairs. The Monties may still fall into the relegation play-off if they lose, whilst it's make-or-break for the Naranjas at Albert Field as they have to win in the Westlands and hope for either Ajax or Columbus to lose in order to leave the relegation zone once and for all. Another different result will hand HAC a ticket back to the second tier.
Tannenberg FC vs. AS Bezieres - Bezieres are on the driver's seat for fifth place and the last Globe Cup berth, and will only need one point at White Meadow Arena in order to finish the job. But Tannenberg will definitely want to bid farewell to this poor campaign on a high and won't be willing to make things easy for Les Rouges...
Nacional vs. Olympique de Fontvielle - The champions will get to lift the Stargoal in front of their faithful as they play an Olympique side who also fulfilled their goal of reaching salvation several weeks in advance.

And now, without any further ado, here we go with the final and decisive matchday in this Liga-1 season:

16:55 - Matchday 38 kicked off with four matches being played on Saturday: Fontvielle Impact beat Marinos 3-1 at the Stade de la Frontière, Slateport Bulls lost at the hands of Deportivo Junín at the Estadio de la Riviera, Pumas bid farewell to the top tier with a scoreless draw against a Metropolis Alligators side that reserved its best players for next Sunday's Kings' Shield final against Fontvielle Impact, and Nacional put the icing on the cake to a superb title defense by beating Olympique de Fontvielle by a 3-0 score.

16:59 - Which means that the matches involving the teams in the UICA and relegation battles will be Sunday's highlight, so here we go with the continuation and outcome of this Liga-1 season. And we begin with the match between Columbus and Bohemians kicking off at Estadio Parque Armenia, with the rest of games being underway as well! Game on!

17:07 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Ajax! The Immigrants score the first goal of the day thanks to Lucas Bertin and get closer to salvation, while also helping Bezieres clinch the last Globe Cup berth! 1-0 to Ajax at Dragon Stadium!

17:08 - With that goal for Ajax, here's how things currently stand at the relegation zone:

Edmonton 43*
Ajax 43*
Real 43*
----------------
Columbus 40
----------------
Hamanos 39
Defensores 38
Pumas 36 REL

* Head-to-head: Edmonton 8 pts, Ajax 5 pts, Real 3 pts

With that goal in Canalave and the current draws in Edmonton and Campo Grande, there's nothing Columbus, HAC, and Defensores can do to revert their fate. Although a goal for HAC might make things interesting...

17:11 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Hamanos Athletic Club! Los Naranjas are ahead in Edmonton thanks to a goal by midfielder Daniel Cadena, and their hopes are still intact! Hamanos lead Edmonton by one goal to nil in the Westlands!

17:12 - The effects of Cadena's goal in Edmonton are as follows: Edmonton are left exposed to a goal by Columbus, who might send them to the relegation play-off, but at the same time HAC are the ones taking away the berth to the play-off and sending Columbus to the relegation zone...so the Canaries better get moving!

17:15 - Relegation zone after 15 minutes of play and 2 goals:

Ajax 43*
Real 43*
Edmonton 42
----------------
Hamanos 41
----------------
Columbus 40
Defensores 38
Pumas 36 REL

* Head-to-head: Real 3-2 Ajax, Ajax 4-0 Real

17:19 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Real Campo Grande! The Verdolagas take the lead against Eterna Stars through Danilson, and they're confirming their Liga-1 status for at least another season! Real Campo Grande one, Eterna Stars nil at the Estádio Estadual!

17:23 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL FOR AJAX! Just when the Dragons were on an all-out attack, the Immigrants pull together a flashing counterattack and scored the second goal of the match through Vincent Armstrong! Ajax are now winning 2-0 at Dragon Stadium and the hosts are bidding farewell to their Globe Cup chances!

17:25 - With the news coming from Canalave, and with Tannenberg lowering their intensity after being firing on all cylinders since the start of the match, Bezieres have relaxed a bit and have managed to level the game against the Citizens. However, there are no clear chances of scoring from either side at White Meadow Arena yet. Still 0-0 in Carloburgo!

17:31 - Time for a cooling break in all matches!

17:32 - And here we go, back to action!

17:36 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Edmonton! Paul Muscat equalizes for the Monties and sends Hamanos back to the relegation zone! The score at Albert Field is now 1-1.

17:37 - That goal by Edmonton is celebrated as a goal for Columbus, given that it takes the Canaries back to the play-off zone. The situation at Estadio Parque Armenia is as follows: Columbus have gained momentum after the cooling break and have already generated two clear chances to score since the restart of the game, whilst Bohemians are being affected by the heat of the Danubio canyon and have resorted to resist the home side's onslaught. The Gallo are wishing for the first half to end as soon as possible.

17:42 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Canalave Dragons! Dunnish striker John Rose puts the Dragons back into the game with a decisive goal before halftime! The second half at Dragon Stadium may be completely different as the Dragons have cut Ajax's lead to just one goal!

17:48 - The first half of this decisive final matchday ends with the following scores: Defensores 0-0 Pradera, Dragons 1-2 Ajax, Columbus 0-0 Bohemians, Real 1-0 Stars, Edmonton 1-1 Hamanos, and TFC 0-0 Bezieres. And here is how things stand with 45 minutes to go:

UICA:

Nacional 79 CC
Impact 74 CC
Alligators 69 GC
Marinos 66 GC
Bezieres 60
----------------
Canalave 56

Relegation:

Ajax 43*
Edmonton 43*
----------------
Columbus 40
----------------
Hamanos 39
Defensores 38
Pumas 36 REL

* Head-to-head: Edmonton 2-2 Ajax, Ajax 0-0 Edmonton

To sum it up, Bezieres are getting the point they are looking for in order to grab the last berth into the Globe Cup, and the same teams that started the day in the bottom four are the ones there: Columbus qualifying for the relegation play-off, while HAC and Defensores are joining Pumas as the relegated sides.

18:06 - The second halves in the eight matches of the day are now underway!

18:11 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Canalave Dragons! The Dragons' furious start to the second half is rewarded with the equalizer against Ajax, scored by Ronald Vieira! The match in Canalave is now 2-2 with 40 minutes to go, and there's to see how Ajax will react to this!

18:12 - The goal for the Dragons has effects on both of the important fronts of the day, so let's take a look at both extremes of the table:

UICA:

Nacional 79 CC
Impact 74 CC
Alligators 69 GC
Marinos 66 GC
Bezieres 60
----------------
Canalave 57

Relegation:

Edmonton 43
Ajax 41
----------------
Columbus 40
----------------
Hamanos 39
Defensores 38
Pumas 36 REL

Now, that goal conceded by Ajax sparks celebrations in three stadiums, and makes the Immigrants pray for none of Columbus or Hamanos to score, while also trying their luck with another counterattack. And if both teams score, Ajax will be in serious trouble!

18:15 - And it seems that goal in Canalave was a nice wake-up call for Defensores de Villafuerte, who have started to take the match to Pradera's field and have had a shot over the crossbar. Defensores had played the entire first half and the first 10 minutes of the second half as if they were already resigned to their fate, however those goals by Canalave Dragons as well as the support of the 10,000 fans who filled Villafuerte's Estadio Municipal seem to have convinced the Auriverdes there's still something to fight for.

18:19 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Eterna Stars! Valentin Germain equalized the match in Campo Grande and brought drama back to the Verdolaga players and fanbase! The match between Real Campo Grande and the Stars is now 1-1 and the home team are now three points away from the danger zone!

Edmonton 43*
Real 43*
Ajax 41
----------------
Columbus 40
----------------
Hamanos 39
Defensores 38
Pumas 36 REL

* Head-to-head: Real 1-2 Edmonton, Edmonton 4-2 Real

18:23 - PENALTY! A handball by Pradera rightback Camilo Ávila gives Defensores a great chance to score the opener in Villafuerte!

18:24 - And GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Defensores de Villafuerte! Substitute striker Darío Barreiro exchanges that penalty kick for a goal for the Auriverdes, who take the lead against their cross-state rivals! Defensores one, Pradera nil at the Estadio Municipal!

18:25 - This goal for Defensores does wonders in the relegation fight:

Edmonton 43*
Real 43*
Ajax 41
----------------
Defensores 40**
----------------
Columbus 40**
Hamanos 39
Pumas 36 REL

* Head-to-head: Real 1-2 Edmonton, Edmonton 4-2 Real
** Head-to-head: Columbus 0-2 Defensores, Defensores 1-0 Columbus

With that goal for Defensores, the Auriverdes manage to tie Columbus in points...and the last relegated team of the season is being defined by head-to-head as of now! A goal for Canalave Dragons against Ajax, and we will have a 3-way tie!

18:30 - And not too long after that goal, Canalave Dragons had a disallowed goal! Ajax fans are biting their nails as the host side looks to be closer to the third goal of the match than the Immigrants, who are already exhausted by the effort done during the first half in the sunny and humid City of Canalave.

18:34 - And there we have it! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Canalave Dragons! The Dragons have successfully turned the tide against an Ajax side that was unable to cling on to their 2-goal advantage and scored a goal which takes them closer to a return to the Globe Cup! The match in Canalave is now 3-2, Daniel Costa being the scorer this time!

18:35 - The Dragons now need seven goals from TFC (easy job, right?) in order to deprive Bezieres of their GC berth, while on the opposite side, Ajax have now entered a 3-way tie with Columbus and Defensores for the relegation placements...

UICA:

Nacional 79 CC
Impact 74 CC
Alligators 69 GC
Marinos 66 GC
Bezieres 60
----------------
Canalave 59

Relegation:

Edmonton 43*
Real 43*
Defensores 40**
----------------
Columbus 40**
----------------
Ajax 40**
Hamanos 39
Pumas 36 REL

* Head-to-head: Real 1-2 Edmonton, Edmonton 4-2 Real
** Head-to-head: Defensores 7 pts, Columbus 6 pts, Ajax 4 pts

...and guess what: Defensores are safe, Columbus are currently qualifying for the relegation play-off, and Ajax are being relegated, all of this on H2H!

18:39 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Edmonton United! The slim hopes still held by Hamanos to avoid the drop are being buried by this goal scored by Pierre Colorado, meaning that the Monties are bidding farewell to the season with a win while the HAC are going down! The score at Albert Field is now 2-1!

18:46 - GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Bohemians Metropolis! And just when Columbus were closer to the goal that would ensure safety for them, the Gallo hit the Canaries really hard with a goal that plunges them into the relegation zone once again, and with just 5 minutes remaining! Bohemians are returning home with a 1-0 win, courtesy of striker Mitchell Pastor.

18:48 - That goal for Bohemians was really bad news for both Columbus and Defensores, whilst at the same time was a much-needed lifejacket for Ajax as the Immigrants move ahead of Defensores and towards safety on H2H!

Ajax 40*
----------------
Defensores 40*
----------------
Columbus 39
Hamanos 38
Pumas 36 REL

* Head-to-head: Defensores 3-3 Ajax, Ajax 3-2 Defensores

18:50 - Full time in Campo Grande. Real Campo Grande and Eterna Stars tied 1-1, which was just enough for the Verdolagas to save themselves from the relegation play-off.

18:51 - Full time in Edmonton: Edmonton United defeated Hamanos Athletic Club by a 2-1 score, dooming the latter side to relegation.

18:52 - Full time in Canalave and Carloburgo. The Dragons defeated Ajax but it was not enough for them since the scoreless draw between TFC and Bezieres qualified Les Rouges for the Globe Cup. As for Ajax, they can breathe easy since Edmonton and Bohemians have done the job for them with their wins over Hamanos and Columbus.

18:53 - Full time in Villafuerte and Columbus! Defensores de Villafuerte pulled out a win over Pradera and took advantage of a defeat for Columbus in order to leapfrog them for the relegation play-off spot (although, ironically, it could have been much better for them had the Canaries not lost their match). For the latter, what looked to be an amazing season with the team being contending for UICA berths at halfway point, ended up with a cruel outcome as the team's complete implosion in the second half of the season was rounded up with relegation on the last matchday. Hopefully that will be a lesson for the future for the side tasked with keeping top-tier football in the former Valladar capital, mission that in the end was not accomplished.

19:00 - The results after this decisive last matchday in Liga-1 were the following ones:

Defensores de Villafuerte 1–0 Pradera FC
Fontvielle Impact 3–1 Marinos Metropolis
Canalave Dragons 3–2 Ajax Carloburgo
Slateport Bulls 0–1 Deportivo Junín
FC Columbus 0–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Real Campo Grande 1–1 Eterna Stars
Metropolis Alligators 0–0 Pumas Maldonado
Edmonton United 2–1 Hamanos Athletic Club
Tannenberg FC 0–0 AS Bezieres
Nacional 3–0 Olympique de Fontvielle

Kings' Shield Final (November 25)

And this is the final game of the season, the Kings' Shield Final, which will be played by the two most decorated teams in Valladar football: Fontvielle Impact and Metropolis Alligators. An official sellout of 90,117 people was recorded for the final match of the season, which was played at its traditional venue: Alexander I National Stadium in Swangard, a week after the Liga-1 finale and had the Alligators deciding a title at home even though they were officially the "away" side.

The match started with a rested Metropolis Alligators side (who were also feeling at home since a majority of the fans present at the stadium were theirs) firing on all cylinders against an Impact side that tried to stop their rivals with an ordered defense and some fast moves by their three men on front. With Fontvielle Impact enduring the MA onslaught during the first 15 minutes of the match, they were able to level the game and make it a back-and-forth affair with the two sides having their chances, however, the Alligators were the ones who dealt the first blow, through a combination of passes by Fausto Carrillo and Charles Allegro that ended up in the feet of Niko Komarov, who only had to kick it into the back of the net for the opener in the 27th minute. That goal did not deter l'Impact, who stuck to their style of play and were eventually rewarded with the equalizer courtesy of their star striker, Wilfried Baume, just before halftime. Time for coffee at Swangard and both teams were still unable to separate from each other.

The second half started with the same intensity of the first half, with both teams going for the second goal. This was the moment for goalkeepers Antoine Gillet and Aidan Hartigan to show off their skills with several saves per side, whilst both coaches decided to move their teams in order to find a way to break the deadlock. However, the entry of Riveros in Metropolis Alligators seemed to have had a greater effect than Daniel Barbieri's entry in l'Impact as the young striker assisted Charles Allegro for the second goal, which the Cenian scored in the 75th minute of play. With the Alligators being ahead once again, Les Bleus went on full offensive mode with Daniel Bernard ordering the entry of Éric Rochat and Thibault Benezet. Benezet would have the chance to send the match to extra time after finding himself against MA's Brenecian goalie, however Hartigan punched the ball away to the sideline to confirm the win for his team. And so, the Alligators were able to find some solace after losing the chance to win the league in the final stretch of the season, while also being awarded the chance to play the Cup Winners' Cup, which was the only incentive both Kings' Shield finalists were playing for since both were already qualified for UICA competition.

THE FORTY-SIXTH KINGS' SHIELD
@ Alexander I National Stadium, Swangard, District of Metropolis
Attendance: 90,117
Referee: Nicholas Pittori (Mountbatten)

Fontvielle Impact 1-2 Metropolis Alligators
(Baume 43'; Komarov 27', Allegro 75')

Fontvielle Impact: Gillet - Pedretti, Bianchi, Millar, McNair - Jiménez, Sykes-Lussac, Rouillard (Rochat 77') - Baume, Alexandre (Barbieri 62'), Conte (Benezet 86'). Manager: Daniel Bernard
Metropolis Alligators: Hartigan - Revault, Hoyos, Matheus, Ponce - Carrillo, Nielsen, Allegro - Komarov (Mendes 83'), Borja, Bogarín (Riveros 58'). Manager: Luis Fuentes

Metropolis Alligators won a record eighth Kings' Shield and qualified for the Cup Winners' Cup.

Liga-1 Final Standings:

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Nacional                        38   23  10   5    58   22  +36    79  CH - CC
 2  Fontvielle Impact               38   22   8   8    73   47  +26    74  CC
 3  Metropolis Alligators           38   20   9   9    52   36  +16    69  GC/CWC
 4  Marinos Metropolis              38   19   9  10    60   48  +12    66  GC
 5  AS Bezieres                     38   17   9  12    59   48  +11    60  GC
 6  Canalave Dragons                38   16  11  11    46   42   +4    59
 7  Bohemians Metropolis            38   16   9  13    54   47   +7    57
 8  Eterna Stars                    38   15  11  12    59   53   +6    56
 9  Deportivo Junín                 38   15   8  15    46   55   −9    53
10  Tannenberg FC                   38   15   7  16    59   56   +3    52
11  Slateport Bulls                 38   14  10  14    47   50   −3    52
12  Olympique de Fontvielle         38   15   5  18    57   55   +2    50
13  Edmonton United                 38   11  12  15    56   60   −4    45
14  Real Campo Grande               38   11  10  17    50   61  −11    43
15  Pradera FC                      38   12   7  19    44   60  −16    43
16  Ajax Carloburgo                 38   10  10  18    43   58  −15    40
17  Defensores de Villafuerte       38   11   7  20    38   56  −18    40  RPO
18  FC Columbus                     38   11   6  21    45   56  −11    39  REL
19  Hamanos Athletic Club           38   10   8  20    37   55  −18    38  REL
20  Pumas Maldonado                 38    8  12  18    42   60  −18    36  REL


CHAMPIONS
Nacional (5th title)

Liga-2 Final Standings

Valladar Liga-2                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Hoxford Rovers                  38   19   6  13    64   55   +9    63  CH - SBCC
 2  Stanford United                 38   19   6  13    71   59  +12    63  P - SBCC
 3  Valencia FC                     38   17  12   9    55   44  +11    63  FPO
 4  AS Vaud                         38   16  14   8    65   42  +23    62  FPO
 5  Gatineau UC 98                  38   16  11  11    66   60   +6    59  FPO
 6  Patriotas FC                    38   14  12  12    57   49   +8    54  FPO
 7  FC Sillimus                     38   15   8  15    59   64   −5    53
 8  Étoile Verte                    38   15   8  15    58   51   +7    53
 9  FC Maritime Westporte           38   15   8  15    52   59   −7    53
10  Real Pradera                    38   14  10  14    55   56   −1    52
11  FC Townsville                   38   14  10  14    49   48   +1    52
12  CAP                             38   13  11  14    55   50   +5    50
13  Bretford Royals                 38   12  13  13    52   55   −3    49
14  Universitario de Maldonado      38   13   9  16    53   63  −10    48
15  Nord Energie FC                 38   12  11  15    45   45    0    47
16  Atlético Nápoles                38   13   8  17    46   62  −16    47
17  Adelaide Kickers                38   12  10  16    44   49   −5    46  RPO
18  Libertad                        38   10  13  15    52   60   −8    43  REL
19  Danubio FC                      38   10  11  17    47   61  −14    41  REL
20  AS Montreux                     38    9  13  16    47   60  −13    40  REL

Valladar Liga-2 Final Play-offs

Semi-Finals:

Patriotas FC (6) 1-1 (3) Valencia FC
Valencia FC (3) 2-0 (6) Patriotas FC
Agg: Valencia FC 3-1 Patriotas FC

Gatineau UC 98 (5) 2-1 (4) AS Vaud
AS Vaud (4) 0-0 (5) Gatineau UC 98
Agg: AS Vaud 1-2 Gatineau UC 98

Final:

Valencia FC (3) 0-0 (5) Gatineau UC 98 (0-0 AET, 4-2 PKs)

Liga-1/Liga-2 Promotion-Relegation Play-off: Defensores de Villafuerte vs. Gatineau UC 98

Gatineau UC 98 2-1 Defensores de Villafuerte
Defensores de Villafuerte 1-0 Gatineau UC 98 (2-2 agg; Defensores de Villafuerte win on away goals)

Defensores de Villafuerte managed to survive their first relegation play-off by beating Gatineau UC 98 on away goals and as a result both teams will stay in their respective tiers for next season.

Liga-3 Final Standings

Valladar Liga-3                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  AS Mont-Blanc                   38   21   9   8    66   51  +15    72  CH - P
 2  Servette FC                     38   17  12   9    73   57  +16    63  P
 3  Bellavista Jets                 38   16  10  12    69   60   +9    58  FPO
 4  AD Cerro                        38   16   9  13    60   58   +2    57  FPO
 5  EC Comercial                    38   14  15   9    62   51  +11    57  FPO
 6  Alianza Antioquia               38   14  14  10    57   44  +13    56  FPO
 7  FC Fauxham                      38   16   8  14    64   56   +8    56
 8  Villaznia AC                    38   15  10  13    59   53   +6    55
 9  Northport Bears                 38   15  10  13    53   52   +1    55
10  Deportivo Aguablanca            38   15   9  14    52   47   +5    54
11  FC Westporte 984                38   17   3  18    59   55   +4    54
12  Eterna Celtic                   38   13  13  12    54   55   −1    52
13  Sporting Florencia              38   14   9  15    52   54   −2    51
14  Yumbo FC                        38   11  13  14    49   57   −8    46
15  Canalave Rangers                38   11  12  15    58   63   −5    45
16  AC Tallin                       38   13   6  19    41   58  −17    45
17  RC Corania                      38   12   8  18    43   52   −9    44
18  Carloburgo Phoenix              38   12   8  18    56   69  −13    44  REL
19  Corumbá EC                      38   13   4  21    38   51  −13    43  REL
20  Deportivo Angostura             38    9  10  19    40   62  −22    37  REL

Valladar Liga-3 Final Play-offs

Semi-Finals:

Alianza Antioquia (6) 0-1 (3) Bellavista Jets
Bellavista Jets (3) 4-2 (6) Alianza Antioquia
Agg: Bellavista Jets 5-2 Alianza Antioquia

EC Comercial (5) 1-1 (4) AD Cerro
AD Cerro (4) 3-0 (5) EC Comercial
Agg: AD Cerro 4-1 EC Comercial

Final:

Bellavista Jets (3) 1-2 (4) AD Cerro

Liga-2/Liga-3 Promotion-Relegation Play-off: Adelaide Kickers vs. Bellavista Jets

Bellavista Jets 2-1 Adelaide Kickers
Adelaide Kickers 0-0 Bellavista Jets(1-2 agg)

Thus, Bellavista Jets will return to Liga-2 after only one season, while Adelaide Kickers completed the list of teams relegated to Liga-3 for next season.

Torneo Federal de Reservas Final Standings

Torneo Federal de Reservas       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 ASB Academy                    38   22  10   6    71   44  +27    76  CH - YC
 2 Eterna Stars                   38   20  10   8    64   41  +23    70
 3 Guzmán-Cress Academy           38   19   9  10    80   64  +16    66
 4 Pumas Maldonado                38   19   8  11    66   48  +18    65
 5 Deportivo Junín                38   17  13   8    63   50  +13    64
 6 Impact Academy                 38   17   9  12    62   60   +2    60
 7 Pradera FC                     38   17   7  14    54   45   +9    58
 8 Ajax Academy                   38   17   6  15    60   58   +2    57
 9 Metropolis Alligators          38   14  12  12    66   59   +7    54
10 Defensores de Villafuerte      38   14  12  12    62   60   +2    54
11 Academia Marinos               38   15   9  14    52   53   −1    54
12 TFC Academy                    38   14   9  15    46   48   −2    51
13 Slateport Bulls                38   15   5  18    62   66   −4    50
14 Hamanos Athletic Club          38   13   9  16    48   43   +5    48
15 FC Columbus                    38   12  10  16    49   51   −2    46
16 Edmonton United                38   11  12  15    45   49   −4    45
17 Canalave Dragons               38   10  13  15    48   63  −15    43
18 Olympique de Fontvielle        38    9   6  23    39   80  −41    33
19 Real Campo Grande              38    7   7  24    45   74  −29    28
20 Bohemians Metropolis           38    6   8  24    37   63  −26    26

by **Valladares** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 5:46 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-SIXTH SEASON: AWARDS

With the latest season of Valladar football having reached its end recently with Nacional claiming their fifth Liga-1 title, it's time to make a recognition and reward the best of the season. So the Liga Federal de Valladares, in association with the Circle of Journalists and Sportswriters of Valladares and the Association of Professional Footballers of Valladares, now bring to you the third edition of the Valladar Liga-1 Awards:

SUMMARY OF THE SEASON:

Champions: Nacional (5th title)
Runners-up: Fontvielle Impact
Kings' Shield Winners: Metropolis Alligators (8th title)
Torneo Federal de Reservas Champions: ASB Academy (1st title)
Relegated Teams: FC Columbus, Hamanos Athletic Club, Pumas Maldonado
Promoted Teams: Hoxford Rovers, Stanford United, Valencia FC

Top Scorers (Golden, Silver, and Bronze Boots):

1. Wilfried Baume (Fontvielle Impact): 30 goals (Golden Boot)
2. Aymeric Fortin (Marinos Metropolis): 28 goals (Silver Boot)
3. Alexandre (Fontvielle Impact): 27 goals (Bronze Boot)
4. Christian Núñez (AS Bezieres): 25 goals
5. Brayan Borja (Metropolis Alligators): 24 goals

Best Goalkeeper (Golden Glove): The nominees for best goalkeeper of the season, in random order, are:

Neville McKinley (Royal Kingdom of Quebec, Canalave Dragons)
Aidan Hartigan (Brenecia, Metropolis Alligators)
Gabriel Ríos (Bohemians Metropolis)
Antoine Gillet (Fontvielle Impact)
Paulo Gaviria (Nacional)

And the winner of the Golden Glove, with 61,85% of the voting is....Paulo Gaviria of Nacional! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Defender: The nominees for best defender of the season, in random order, are:

Martín Delgado (CB, Nacional)
Ramiro Revault (RB, Metropolis Alligators)
Santiago Rueda (LB, Nacional)
Thiago Matheus (CB, Metropolis Alligators)
Jaír Marrugo (RB, Nacional)

The winner, with 38,94% of the voting is...Martín Delgado of Nacional! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Midfielder: The nominees for best midfielder of the season, in random order, are:

Jonathan Vélez (CM, Nacional)
Felipe Pardo (CM, Nacional)
Tamer Yilmaz (Cosumar, LM, Marinos Metropolis)
Ronald Mickel (AM, Nacional)
Marco Rouillard (LM, Fontvielle Impact)

And the winner, with 40,06% of the voting is...Felipe Pardo of Nacional! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Forward: The nominees for best forward of the season, in random order, are:

Alexandre (Fontvielle Impact)
Wilfried Baume (Fontvielle Impact)
Christian Núñez (AS Bezieres)
Brayan Borja (Metropolis Alligators)
Aymeric Fortin (Marinos Metropolis)

The winner, with 44,75% of the voting is...Wilfried Baume of Fontvielle Impact! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Young Footballer: The nominees for best young footballer of the season, in random order, are:

Nicolás Lucchetti (FW, 21, Nacional)
Thibault Benezet (FW, 20, Fontvielle Impact)
Daniel Brown (DF, 22, Bohemians Metropolis)
Daniel Lachlant (MF, 21, Ajax Carloburgo)
Danilo Riveros (FW, 21, Metropolis Alligators)

The winner, with 37,56% of the voting is...Nicolás Luchetti of Nacional! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Manager: The nominees for best manager of the season, in random order, are:

Jean Camacho (Nacional)
Bruno Mouche (Canalave Dragons)
Martin Boyle (Deportivo Junín)
Daniel Bernard (Fontvielle Impact)
Gilbert Favre (Bohemians Metropolis)

The winner, with 63,66% of the voting is...Jean Camacho of Nacional! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Fanbase: The clubs nominated for the best fanbase of the season, in random order, are:

Fontvielle Impact
AS Bezieres
Canalave Dragons
Metropolis Alligators
Eterna Stars

The winner, with 37,10% of the voting is...Canalave Dragons! Congratulations to the winners!

Revelation Player of the Season: The nominees to revelation player of the season, in random order, are:

Daniel Lachlant (MF, Ajax Carloburgo)
Lucas Bertin (FW, Ajax Carloburgo)
Pablo Marín (MF, AS Bezieres)
Mitchell Pastor (FW, Bohemians Metropolis)
Bruno Melo (MF, Nacional)

The winner, with 34,50% of the voting is...Mitchell Pastor of Bohemians Metropolis! Congratulations to the winner!

Valladar Liga-1 Golden Ball: And last but no least, it's time for the Golden Ball of the season. This is the award to the best player of the season, with the nominees being as follows:

Martín Delgado (DF, Nacional)
Aidan Hartigan (Brenecia, GK, Metropolis Alligators)
Paulo Gaviria (GK, Nacional)
Wilfried Baume (FW, Fontvielle Impact)
Felipe Pardo (MF, Nacional)

The winner, with 41,74% of the voting is...Wilfried Baume of Fontvielle Impact! Congratulations to the winner!

Team of the Season:

The Team of the Season, according to the ratings and evaluation by the Technical Commission of the Liga Federal de Valladares throughtout the season is as follows:

Bench:
Aidan Hartigan (Brenecia, GK, Metropolis Alligators)
Ramiro Revault (RB, Metropolis Alligators)
Carlos Sánchez (CB, Canalave Dragons)
Tamer Yilmaz (Cosumar, LM, Marinos Metropolis)
Charles Allegro (Ceni, AM, Metropolis Alligators)
Alexandre (FW, Fontvielle Impact)
Aymeric Fortin (FW, Marinos Metropolis)

Manager: Jean Camacho (Nacional)

INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATION:

Champions' Cup 73:
Nacional - Valladar Liga-1 champions
Fontvielle Impact - Valladar Liga-1 runners-up

Globe Cup 70:
Metropolis Alligators - Kings' Shield winners and Valladar Liga-1 third place
Marinos Metropolis - Valladar Liga-1 fourth place
AS Bezieres - Valladar Liga-1 fifth place

Series B Champions' Cup 70:
Hoxford Rovers - Valladar Liga-2 champions
Stanford United - Valladar Liga-2 runners-up
Valencia FC - Valladar Liga-2 Final Play-Off winners

Cygnus Cup 48:
Metropolis Alligators - Kings' Shield winners

Youth Cup 25:
ASB Academy - Torneo Federal de Reservas champions

by **Valladares** » Tue Apr 23, 2019 6:40 pm

LIGA FEDERAL DE VALLADARES
PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-SEVENTH SEASON - PREVIEW: PART I

The Liga Federal de Valladares welcomes one and all to the fifty-seventh season of Valladar domestic football, with Nacional coming into the new season as defending champions, old acquaintances Hoxford Rovers and Valencia FC returning to the top flight, and yet another team playing the Liga-1 for the very first time in the form of Stanford United. And you might wonder what could we expect from this season, right? Maybe a three-peat for Nacional? Or perhaps the tie at the top of the Roll of Honour between Fontvielle Impact and Metropolis Alligators being broken? Bezieres, TFC or Eterna Stars returning from obscurity? Or will we have a surprise this time? So, without further ado, here we have this preview for you to start answering those questions!

(Key: Best three players in bold, foreigners in italics)

Ajax Carloburgo:

Full Name: Football Club Ajax Carloburgo
Nicknames: The Immigrants, The Red-Whites
Stadium: Olympic Stadium, Carloburgo, Mountbatten (Cap. 38,755)
Kit Sponsor: ECOMM (Software development)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 16th - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 19,114
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Houghton - Campbell, Gardner, Andrews (C), Farfán - Fowler, Portilla, Lachlant, Bell - Holmes, Gallagher
Moves Out: Vincent Armstrong (FW, 27, VLD) to Valencia FC, Claudio Muriel (CM, 28, VLD) to Valencia FC, Dennis León (CM, 23, VLD) to Defensores de Villafuerte
Moves In: Mark Pellicer (CM, 21, VLD) from Carloburgo Phoenix, Alexander Hurst (CM, 20, VLD) promoted from Ajax Academy, Robin Murray (FW, 17, VLD) promoted from Ajax Academy
Commentary: This previous season was pretty poor for Ajax's expectations, with the Immigrants narrowly avoiding relegation on the last day of the season and failing to make much of an impact in the Kings' Shield after bowing out in the round of 32 with a harsh defeat to Maritime Westporte at home. And the start of this upcoming season has not been kind to them as they have lost three important players to direct rivals in the relegation race: midfielder Claudio Muriel and forward Vincent Armstrong have joined Valencia FC, while midfielder Dennis León moved to Defensores de Villafuerte, making the club look at their Academy for suitable replacements for them. Despite those setbacks, the team's backbone has been kept, and the Immigrant fans will be hoping that midfielder Mateo Portilla and NT revelation Daniel Lachlant, along with reliable goalie Lucas Houghton and striker Zachary Gallagher will be able to lift Ajax to the top half of the table and if they're lucky enough, become an outsider in the UICA race. They just hope to have less headaches with relegation this season...
The Pundit's Prediction: The Immigrants will be once again battling hard to avoid the drop, but they will eventually succeed. 16th.

AS Bezieres:

Full Name: Association Sportive de Bezieres
Nicknames: Les Rouges (The Reds), Les Démons (The Devils), L'ASB (The ASB), Les Aigles (The Eagles)
Stadium: Stade de Foix-Jules Picot, Bezieres, Foix (Cap. 63,170)
Kit Sponsors: Hydro-Foix (Electric utilites), Triangle Électronique (Home appliances)
Honours (25): 9 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 10, 11, 13, 16, 27, 36, 40, 42, 47), 7 Kings' Shields (KS 5, 9, 15, 19, 39, 41, 44), 5 Supercopas (SCV 5, 7, 18, 25, 29), 1 Torneo de Verano (Season 54), 3 Cup Winners' Cups (CWC 15, 16, 17)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 5th - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 45,409
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Dussan - Mayard, Donato, dos Santos (C), Woods - Rojas, de Préville, Lessard - Barrios - Mendoza, Núñez
Moves Out: Richard Gervais (FW, 26, VLD) to Hoxford Rovers, Uhlon Loft (LB, 35, MRN) to Maal Dæmons (MRN)
Moves In: Cai Woods (LB, 25, ETN) from Birdingstone United (ETN), Lucas Magnin (FW, 21, VLD) promoted from ASB Academy
Commentary: It's been a long while since Bezieres last won the Liga-1, but considering the tumultous campaigns Les Rouges have had to go through in recent times, fifth place and qualification for the Globe Cup last season can be considered a success for the 9-time champions. For this season, the club's Board decided to rejuvenate their aging squad and brought Ethanian leftback Cai Woods in the hopes that he will be just as good as the departing Uhlon Loft, who returned to Mriin at the end of last season. The other new arrival is 21-year old forward Lucas Magnin, who was given the chance to promote to the senior team after winning the Golden Boot with the Academy team at the Torneo de Reservas. The rest of the team, meanwhile, is the same one with the incombustible defender and captain Charles dos Santos leading the team from the back, and the trio of playmaker Arley Barrios and strikers Daniel Mendoza and Christian Núñez, who will be hoping to keep the goals flowing for the team. The pressure for titles will always be there, and now what Mario Ventura and his team have got to do is going at least another step up and try to mount a challenge for a title they have not won for nearly 10 years.
The Pundit's Prediction: Les Rouges will be in the Globe Cup hunt, no doubt about that. It remains to be seen whether they manage to earn that international berth by their own merits or through some extra help from elsewhere. 5th.

Bohemians Metropolis:

Full Name: Bohemians Metropolis Football Club
Nicknames: Gallo (Rooster), Los Albiverdes (The White-Greens)
Stadium: Estadio Luis Frattini, Metropolis, District of Metropolis (Cap. 18,500)
Kit Sponsor: Heritage (Insurance)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 7th - Kings' Shield: Round of 16
Average Attendance: 13,803
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Ríos (C) - Dueñas, Hammond, Almeida, Howell - Navas, Moyes, Bastos - Correa - Vargas, Vasseur
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: It seems the sky is the limit for Bohemians, given that the Gallo have managed to improve their position in the league every season and now they are coming off their highest finish ever in Liga-1: seventh place, with the team even battling to sneak into UICA competition albeit unsuccessfully in the end. The team's meteoric rise and consolidation can be attributed to gaffer Gilbert Favre, who excels at optimizing resources in every team he's been in charge of, and in his long tenure at Barrio Jardín he has successfully turned them from being a hopeless and limited yo-yo team into a dangerous dark horse for UICA qualification. However, the Gallo's main asset for this season is its squad, boasting a mature and consolidated backbone led by goalkeeper and team captain Gabriel Ríos, midfielder Álvaro Bastos, and strikers Franco Vargas and Pierre Vasseur, as well as the rest of their starters, who have been playing together for some time and know each other very well. For this season, the fourth team from the City of Metropolis will be looking to make a final push for a berth into UICA competitions, and they're well prepared to achieve that goal.
The Pundit's Prediction: Bohemians have already become a frequent resident in mid-table, and will be certainly hoping to exchange their momentum of recent seasons for a maiden appearance in UICA competition. Their main challenge will be finding a way to keep their gas until the final day of the season. 9th.

Canalave Dragons:

Full Name: Canalave Dragons Football Club
Nicknames: The Dragons
Stadium: Dragon Stadium, City of Canalave, Canalave (Cap. 50,987)
Kit Sponsors: Mercantil Bank (Financial services), Canalave Port Authority (Port operation)
Honours (5): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 19), 3 Kings' Shields (KS 12, 14, 23), 1 Supercopa (SCV 11)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 6th - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 39,855
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): McKinley - Moreira, Sánchez (C), Belfry, Cummings - Lambert, Silva, Morel, Vieira - Rose, Costa
Moves Out: Joseph Thomas (GK, 28, VLD) to Hoxford Rovers
Moves In: Michael Fraser (GK, 19, VLD) promoted from Canalave Dragons U-19
Commentary: Despite suffering yet another humiliating elimination in the early rounds of the Kings' Shield and missing out on UICA competition by just one point in the previous season, the balance was positive in general terms for the Dragons: the team became more consolidated and as a result, displayed a more solid idea of play, and most importantly, their fans seem to have reconciled with the team as the average attendance at the Dragon's Den rose by over 10,000 people, meaning that economic-wise they will be in a more comfortable situation for the moment. However, and this will always be some extra pressure for them, the Dragons still owe a debt to their fans: titles and international exposure. And for that, they will need to find a way to make their striker duo of John Rose and Daniel Costa shine again, given that out of the teams that ended in the top 8 of the league last season they were the team that scored the least goals, with just 46 celebrations. If they want to aim higher, they will have to greatly increase that number...
The Pundit's Prediction: The Dragons will have two goals this season: One, become a contender for UICA, and two, avoiding yet another embarrassing exit from the domestic cup competition. Given that the UICA race is always a brutal affair, and that their fans will always welcome a victory in the Kings' Shield (especially considering the team's recent history in that competition), they could set their aim at the domestic cup and not just one international berth, but two. 8th.

Defensores de Villafuerte:

Full Name: Club Deportivo Defensores de Villafuerte
Nicknames: Los Auriverdes (The Yellow-Greens)
Stadium: Estadio Municipal Capitán Rincón, Villafuerte, Antioquia (Cap. 13,000)
Kit Sponsor: Ladrillera Manzur (Brickworks)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 17th, Relegation/promotion play-off: Winners - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 6,303
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Suárez (C) - Carrillo, Reyes, Rivera, Gilabert - Machado, Orejuela, León - Rivera - Céspedes, Barreiro
Moves Out: None
Moves In: Dennis León (CM, 23, VLD) from Ajax Carloburgo
Commentary: The first season in the top flight for the Auriverdes was a huge success, despite having to play and win the relegation playoff in order to ensure their survival in Liga-1. Defensores made themselves known in Liga-1 for being a really hard nut to crack for some of the "Big" teams, snatching points off teams such as champions Nacional and Marinos, as well as playing some nice football. This young yet brave team will be commanded by midfielder Ángel Machado, who is responsible for their balance between offense and defense, and striker Darío Barreiro, who in the previous season scored some vital goals for the Auriverdes coming from the bench and was given the chance to be part of the starting eleven for this season by gaffer Martín Vásquez. In addition to them, Dennis León will be coming from Ajax in order to give the team a much-needed help through the left wing. By keeping the style that got them afloat in the previous season, Defensores will be looking to extend their stay in the top tier for a longer time and become an established team in Liga-1. As their Board states, the goal is stability before silverware.
The Pundit's Prediction: Defensores will be fighting to save their skins from relegation once again, however, comparing them to potential rivals in that race such as Valencia, it seems they will go one step down this season. 18th.

Deportivo Junín:

Full Name: Club Deportivo Junín
Nicknames: Los Granates (The Maroons), Los Orientales (The Easterners)
Stadium: Arena Junín, Ciudad de Junín (Cap. 43,394)
Kit Sponsors: Ortel (Telecommunications), Alcaldía de Junín (Local government), Atmochem (Petrochemicals)
Honours (3): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 49), 1 Kings' Shield (KS 43), 1 Rushmori Copa de Campeones (CdC 37)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 9th - Kings' Shield: Round of 16
Average Attendance: 21,064
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Fernández (C) - Castrillón, Marín, Rojas, Molina - Pasquel, Otero, Padilla, Rouillard - Navarro - Valencia
Moves Out: Jim Stokes (CAM, 33, EUR) as free agent, Willard Drea (AM, 33, CMT) as free agent, Álvaro Fresquet (LB, 38, VLD) retired
Moves In: Marco Rouillard (LM, 26, VLD) from Fontvielle Impact, Andy Navarro (FW, 30, VLD) from Revolutionaries (EUR), Darío Montoya (LB, 23, VLD) back from loan at Danubio FC
Commentary: Last season was traumatic for the Juninese, with a slow start with dismal results that ended up costing the Víctor Anigo-Jean Pierre de Roux duo their job as coach/assistant in the Far East. With Anigo and de Roux gone, the club's Board entrusted Martin Boyle the mission to move them away from the bottom and into the upper half of the table, and although the comeback staged by the team in the second half of the season was not enough to bring them closer to the UICA race, the Granate ended up showing a much better image. Decided not to be wandering in the lower reaches of the table again, and with important departures in the form of foreigners Jim Stokes, Willard Drea, and flagship player Álvaro Fresquet who retired at the end of the season, Deportivo Junín made an important economic effort in the most recent transfer window by bringing left winger Marco Rouillard from Fontvielle Impact, and repatriating striker Andy Navarro, who will be coming back from Eura after two years. With these important reinforcements, the Juninese are hoping to get back into the UICA conversation, and perhaps mount a title challenge.
The Pundit's Prediction: After last season's scare, the Granates will be out for blood and their main goal will be returning to a UICA competition. They will have stiff competition but will also have the weapons to be fighting there until the end. 6th.

Edmonton United:

Full Name: Edmonton United Football Club
Nicknames: The Monties, The Blue-Blacks
Stadium: Albert Field, Edmonton, Westlands (Cap. 20,000)
Kit Sponsor: Ferroni (Food processing)
Honours (6): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 29), 4 Kings' Shields (KS 8, 26, 28, 33), 1 Supercopa (SCV 14)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 13th - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 13,293
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Herner - Machado, Lama, Bélanger, Salazar - Miller, Ramírez (C), Allister, Turnbull - Arrú, Pfeiffer
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Long gone are those times in which Edmonton United were major players in the league and fought every championship inch by inch with both Fontvielle Impact and Metropolis Alligators. The Monties are already aware of such a painful reality and have had to settle for mid-table stability while flirting with relegation nearly every season, all of this as they keep waiting for a new litter of outstanding players to emerge from their youth ranks. For this upcoming season, the team coached by Anthony Clark will keep its usual structure with veteran goalie Mauro Herner and team captain David Ramírez leading the team from the back, and 25-year old striker Nicolás Arrú being their biggest offensive threat, aided by fellow striker Kevin Pfeiffer who impressed fans and pundits during the last stretch of the previous season. The Monties will once again be trusting their homegrown talent with the task to save them from the drop and if possible, taking them close to the upper half of the table. Silverware talk can still wait...
The Pundit's Prediction: Unlike previous seasons, in which a final push was just enough for the Monties to avoid relegation with several matches to spare, they will suffer a lot in this season to get rid of the relegation ghost. And they might have to pay an extra toll in order to clinch safety. 17th, relegation play-off winners.

Eterna Stars:

Full Name: Eterna Stars Football Club
Nicknames: The Stars, The Yellows
Stadium: Alain Tramontin Stadium, Eterna City, Eterna (Cap. 60,207)
Kit Sponsor: Hipinito (Soft drinks)
Honours (5): 2 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 2, 20), 2 Kings' Shields (KS 1, 22), 1 Supercopa (SCV 28)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 8th - Kings' Shield: Round of 16
Average Attendance: 45,968
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Cross - Serrate, Mackarin, Holmes, Waldo (C) - Sierra, Castillo, Rengifo - Fagundes, Lindpere, Germain
Moves Out: Aide Mehdizade (FW, 29, CMT) as free agent, Dylan Pettirossi (LM, 23, VLD) to Valencia FC
Moves In: James Ruddy (LM, 23, VLD) back from loan at FC Maritime Westporte, Caleb Bentley (FW, 19, VLD) promoted from Stars Academy
Commentary: Last season, the Stars were contending for the last berth to the Globe Cup berth, however, they soon ran out of gas and were forced to relinquish their chances to return to the international stage, having to settle for an 8th place finish. And in a decision that nobody in Eterna City really understood, Chromatik striker Aide Mehdizade (who had been the team's flagship player in the most recent seasons) was released in the offseason, making the team's squad depth issue even more complex ahead of the coming challenges. Having let their main offensive threat go and choosing to resort to their youth players rather than searching for a suitable foreign replacement for him, the Stars will have a tough mission to stay in contention for UICA football this season. However, if Valentin Germain along with Joe Lindpere (who has finally been given his much awaited chance at the starting XI) can pick up the role played by his former Chromatik partner, the Stars might pose a serious challenge.
The Pundit's Prediction: Now that they have let their main offensive threat go, the Stars are going to struggle to replace him. And with teams such as Bezieres, Junín, and TFC getting stronger for this upcoming season, things are looking pretty uphill for the Yellows before the ball even rolls. 10th.

Fontvielle Impact:

Full Name: Impact de Fontvielle Football Club
Nicknames: Les Bleus (The Blues), L'Impact (The Impact), Hexachampion
Stadium: Stade de la Frontière, Fontvielle, Foix (Cap. 41,378)
Kit Sponsors: Tamount (Food processing), MasterAuto.vd (Car rental)
Honours (29): 12 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 5, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 41, 54), 3 Kings' Shields (KS 2, 18, 35), 8 Supercopas (SCV 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 19, 23, 32), 2 UICA Champions' Cups (CC 37, 40), 1 UICA Globe Cup (GC 53), 1 UICA Super Cup (SC 37), 2 Cup Winners' Cups (CWC 18, 35)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 2nd - Kings' Shield: Runners-up
Average Attendance: 37,391
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Gillet (C) - Pedretti, Bianchi, Millar, McNair - Jiménez, Sykes-Lussac, Champetier - Barbieri, Alexandre, Benezet
Moves Out: Wilfried Baume (FW, 25, VLD) to AC Izotz Zubia (AUD), Marco Rouillard (LM, 26, VLD) to Deportivo Junín, Gustavo Aristizábal (CB, 31, VLD) to Valencia FC
Moves In: Patrice Champetier (LM, 22, KSK) from Castors d'Outineau (KSK), Adrien Marchand (CB, 24, VLD) back from loan at AS Vaud, Robin Pelletier (FW, 18, VLD) promoted from Impact Academy
Commentary: Les Bleus were so close yet so far from doing the domestic league-cup double, but were beaten at those goals by Nacional (who retained the Liga-1 crown) and arch-rivals Metropolis Alligators (who lifted an eighth Kings' Shield in the process). And to make things look bleaker ahead of the new season, two important pieces in Daniel Bernard's scaffolding have left for pastures new: first it was top striker Wilfried Baume who after winning yet another Golden Boot signed with Audioslav powerhouses Zozi, and then reliable winger Marco Rouillard went to the Far East to join Deportivo Junín. However, the Tamount family quickly moved for replacements and managed to land a promising, young LM in Kelssekian player Patrice Champetier, and in the front line, Daniel Barbieri will have the chance to prove his skills along with Alexandre (who has now become the leader up front) and Thibault Benezet (who has already taken the step from promise to reality). Despite this might be a weakened Impact when compared to previous seasons, everyone in the Bleu camp is confident they can challenge the three Metropolis sides for the title in order to break the tie with the Alligators at the Roll of Honour, and also make a deep run in international competition.
The Pundit's Prediction: The departure of Wilfried Baume is definitely a hard blow to Les Bleus for this season, however, they will be still able to mount a decent challenge for the title while trying to reassemble themselves. 3rd.

Hoxford Rovers:

Full Name: Hoxford Rovers Football Club
Nicknames: The Rovers, The Greens
Stadium: Westlands Stadium, Hoxford, Adelaide (Cap. 17,000)
Kit Sponsor: Loftus (Telecommunications)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-2: 1st (Champions) - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 9,039
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Thomas - Dean, Baxter, Silas (C), Webb - Lennon, Castro, Rizzo - Bodhert - Portizzo, Gervais
Moves Out: None
Moves In: Joseph Thomas (GK, 28, VLD) from Canalave Dragons, Richard Gervais (FW, 26, VLD) from AS Bezieres
Commentary: One of Valladares' perennial yo-yo teams is back to the top flight in the form of Hoxford Rovers, who won the Liga-2 after prevailing in a heated four-horse race which also involved fellow promoted sides Stanford United and Valencia FC, as well as AS Vaud who missed out on their chance to return after losing in the play-offs. The Rovers are aware that the level of competition in Liga-1 is another different thing, and therefore decided to strenghten their team with the arrivals of goalkeeper Joseph Thomas and striker Richard Gervais, who saw in the Westlanders the chances they were denied at Canalave Dragons and AS Bezieres, respectively. However, the team coached by Jason Vermes also keeps most of the elements that allowed them to return to the top tier, with striker Omar Portizzo and midfielder Christian Castro being the main leading figures. Hoxford are coming back to the top flight (where they believe they belong) and will definitely try their best to avoid a quick return to the second tier.
The Pundit's Prediction: The Rovers will be coming into the season as defending Liga-2 champions, which might imply they should be a stronger team than fellow promoted sides Stanford and Valencia, and should also be just as strong as other sides involved in the relegation struggle such as Defensores or Ajax. However, they have always had trouble adapting to life in Liga-1, and this season is not likely to be an exception. 19th.

by **Valladares** » Mon May 06, 2019 9:23 pm

LIGA FEDERAL DE VALLADARES
PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-SEVENTH SEASON - PREVIEW: PART II

Marinos Metropolis:

Full Name: Club Deportivo Marinos de Metrópolis
Nicknames: Los Marineros (The Mariners), Los Celestes (The Sky Blues), El Cuarto Grande (The Fourth Big Team)
Stadium: Estadio Zachary Fortin, Metropolis, District of Metropolis (Cap. 50,304)
Kit Sponsor: TelFax (Telecommunications)
Honours (20): 6 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 4, 44, 45, 46, 52, 53), 5 Kings' Shields (KS 6, 25, 31, 36, 38), 3 Supercopas (SCV 26, 29, 31), 2 UICA Champions' Cups (CC 60, 61), 1 UICA Globe Cup (GC 37), 2 Cup Winners' Cups (CWC 38, 39), 1 Rushmori Copa de Campeones (CdC 33)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 4th - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 43,291
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Dernis - Zarama, Rivas, Ariza, Murcutt - Cáceres (C), Pareja, García, Yilmaz - Zelaya, Fortin
Moves Out: Franco Espinel (GK, 38, VLD) retired, Oswaldo Ledesma (RB, 36, VLD) retired, Jacques Perrin (CB, 37, VLD) retired
Moves In: Patricio Lanza (RB, 23, VLD) promoted from Marinos Metropolis Reserves, Alexis Aquino (CB, 22, VLD) promoted from Marinos Metropolis Reserves, Leandro Marchesín (GK, 20, VLD) promoted from Marinos Metropolis Reserves
Commentary: Since Paulo Oliveira's departure from Marinos, the Marineros have not been the same team that dominated Valladares and the multiverse and have let both of their crosstown rivals as well as Fontvielle Impact leapfrog them in the title race for some seasons now. And, to add to Marinos' downfall, their squad for the upcoming season will have three major losses since goalkeeper Franco Espinel and defenders Oswaldo Ledesma and Jacques Perrin retired at the end of the last season, leaving midfielder Juan Cáceres in charge of the team captaincy. Despite still having one of the strongest offenses in the Valladar league, featuring Quebecois striker Marcos Zelaya as well as Zachary Fortin's heir Aymeric, Marinos (and of course gaffer Sergio Vilar) will be under heavy pressure this season as the fans have already got used to celebrate silverware and the team has not been able to deliver that pleasure to them since Oliveira left. Time for Vilar is running out, as well as the fans' patience.
The Pundit's Prediction: It's true that Marinos still boast a formidable arsenal up front, however, the simultaneous retirement of three of their most important players at the back has forced them to rebuild their defense, and that will leave them at a disadvantage against their rivals for the championship. 4th.

Metropolis Alligators:

Full Name: Metropolis Alligators Football Club
Nicknames: The Alligators, The Green-Blues, The Titan, MA
Stadium: Alexander I National Stadium, Swangard, District of Metropolis (Cap. 95,021)
Kit Sponsor: TelFax (Telecommunications)
Honours (31): 12 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 1, 3, 14, 15, 18, 31, 32, 33, 34, 39, 43, 50), 9 Kings' Shields (KS 3, 4, 11, 20, 30, 32, 40, 44, 45), 7 Supercopas (SCV 8, 9, 10, 12, 17, 20, 21), 1 UICA Globe Cup (GC 29), 1 UICA Super Cup (SC 29), 1 Cup Winners' Cup (CWC 30)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 3rd - Kings' Shield: Winners
Average Attendance: 66,758
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Hartigan - Revault, Hoyos (C), Matheus, Ponce - Carrillo, Nielsen, Allegro - Bergander, Borja, Bogarín
Moves Out: Niko Komarov (FW, 25, BJK) as free agent
Moves In: Matthias Bergander (FW, 26, NPH) from AFC Treason (NPH)
Commentary: A successful defense of the Kings' Shield last season was not enough for the ever-demanding Alligators, who were once again forced to sit at the lowest rung of the Liga-1 podium behind Nacional and Fontvielle Impact and once again had to enter the Globe Cup. Fortunately for Luis Fuentes' interests, the team was not dismantled by transfers or retirements of players, with the only offseason issue being the dismissal of Bojik player Niko Komarov due to disciplinary matters, and the Board moved fast enough to bring a suitable replacement for Komarov with Nepharim striker Matthias Bergander joining the Titan starting from this season. The Alligators have already consolidated a backbone with Brenecian goalie Aidan Hartigan, centrebacks Darío Hoyos and Thiago Matheus, playmaker Charles Allegro, and striker Brayan Borja, and their fans are hoping they can finally give them that elusive thirteenth title this season (and if possible, international silverware will also be welcomed). They are already fed up of third places and minor cup titles.
The Pundit's Prediction: The chances for Metropolis Alligators have greatly increased with Fontvielle Impact and Marinos losing important elements in their respective squads, while MA were able to keep most of their squad intact and only made some minor tweaks. They will be the biggest threat to Nacional's recent domination. 2nd.

Nacional:

Full Name: Club Nacional de Fútbol
Nicknames: La Academia (The Academy), Los Albos (The Whites)
Stadium: City of Metropolis Stadium, Metropolis, District of Metropolis (Cap. 47,826)
Kit Sponsor: GoPlay (Streaming)
Honours (10): 5 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 7, 12, 30, 55, 56), 3 Kings' Shields (KS 13, 21, 42), 2 Supercopas (SCV 24, 33)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 1st (Champions) - Kings' Shield: Semifinals
Average Attendance: 27,595
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Gaviria - Marrugo, Carrillo, Delgado, Rueda - Vélez (C), Pardo, Revault - Mickel - Ovalle, Carreño
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Nacional are, at this moment, the top team in Valladares. And this is shown by La Academia dominating the league for the most recent two seasons and boasting their strongest squad in ages (although not as young as their policies usually go). The incumbent Valladar champions have cimented their current success in seven players who made the Team of the Season last time: a strong backline led by NT starting goalie Paulo Gaviria and defenders Jaír Marrugo, Martín Delgado, and Santiago Rueda. Midfielders Felipe Pardo and Jonathan Vélez offer some balance in the middle of the field, whilst playmaker Ronald Mickel pulls the strings in the front and provides a big helping hand to the duo of strikers. And even though Nacional's offensive production decreased a bit after Andy Navarro left, 21-year old Nicolás Lucchetti has emerged as a pleasant revelation and will be out for more chances in the starting eleven this season. With an already consolidated team, an ever-growing influx of new talent from the Guzmán-Cress Academy, and a coach that has seemingly found his place in the world at Barrio Obrero in the form of Jean Camacho, La Academia are hoping that their current domination will extend for several seasons to come.
The Pundit's Prediction: Nacional are now enjoying of a mature group of players who have turned Barrio Obrero into the happiest neighborhood in Metropolis. And with most of the other title challengers being hit hard by departures, it seems the title race this time will be down to Albos and Alligators, with the former having a slight advantage. 1st, champions.

Olympique de Fontvielle:

Full Name: Club Sportif Olympique de Fontvielle
Nicknames: Les Jaune-et-Bleus (The Yellow-Blues), L'OF (The OF)
Stadium: Stade de l'Amitié, Fontvielle, Foix (Cap. 29,185)
Kit Sponsor: Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Valladares (Rail transport)
Honours (8): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 35), 5 Kings' Shields (KS 7, 16, 24, 34, 37), 2 Supercopas (SCV 13, 22)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 12th - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 14,086
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Lechantre - Bourdain, Zapata, Corchia, Pavard - Spiro, Morel, Malicki (C) - Verne, Vargas, Armada
Moves Out: Elias Gudbranson (CM, 29, QUE) as free agent
Moves In: Bertrand de Bedout (GK, 20, VLD) from Olympique de Fontvielle U-19, Felix Gisbert (CM, 19, VLD) from Olympique de Fontvielle U-19
Commentary: It seems the season before the last one was nothing but a mirage for Olympique de Fontvielle, who were unable to build on their sixth place in Damian Trolli's first season in charge and returned to their usual up-and-downs in order to find themselves closer to the relegation struggle than the UICA race. However, the Trolli project has been given unconditional support from the Board, which has decided to wait as long as necessary as they are optimistic it will deliver results sooner than later. Returning to footballing matters, Les-Jaune-et-Bleu have decided to refresh their roster making way for centre-mid Ryan Morel, who will be replacing Elias Gudbranson in the starting lineup, while also promoting a couple of young prospects to the senior squad. Mareibatian striker Richard Armada, who has been the team's most important player during the Trolli era, will once again be the player to watch in this team, along with team captain Gaëtan Malicki, who has earned some important experience with the Valladar NT in the most recent World Cup campaign. Olympique and their fans will be hoping this time for a repeat of Trolli's maiden campaign, although a deep run at the Kings' Shield will also be welcomed by the fans.
The Pundit's Prediction: Olympique's goal for this season will be staying as far away from the relegation zone as possible, while also trying to charge for a UICA berth. If l'OF manage to snatch many points in the first half of the season, they should be fine ahead of the final stretch. 13th.

Pradera FC:

Full Name: Pradera Fútbol Club
Nicknames: Los Verdiblancos (The Green-Whites)
Stadium: Estadio de la Montaña, Pradera, Antioquia (Cap. 43,174)
Kit Sponsor: MasterAuto.vd (Car rental)
Honours (2): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 37), 1 Supercopa (SCV 15)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 15th - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 22,434
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Orozco (C) - Vargas, Calderón, Estacio, Vélez - Rodríguez, Molina, Morales, C. Salgado - Teixeira, M. Salgado
Moves Out: Camilo Ávila (RB, 31, VLD) to Valencia FC
Moves In: Duván Salas (RB, 24, VLD) back from loan at Real Pradera
Commentary: It seems Pradera have already got used to flirt with relegation every season, with the Verdiblancos only being able to secure salvation from the drop in the penultimate match of the most recent campaign, while also failing to advance to crucial instances in the Kings' Shield. With the team's average age rising to 27.2 years old for this season, and pressure on long-time gaffer Frédéric Galletti speedily growing due to the lack of results and the slow regression that has come up as a result of it, the Verdiblancos are forced to mount a challenge for a top 10 finish in this season and a deep run in the Kings' Shield, which might even give them access to an international competition. And what about the workforce? Well, except for defender Camilo Ávila who joined returning state rivals Valencia FC in a controversial move in the offseason and rightback Duván Salas who is coming back after his year-long loan some blocks away at Real Pradera, the players are still the same, led by veteran goalie Andrés Orozco, Nepharim striker Gareth Teixeira, and the Salgado brothers César and Mauricio. Whilst these players are one year older now, they are certainly more experienced and able to lift Pradera back into the fight for important stuff. They just need to get their act together for once.
The Pundit's Prediction: Although Pradera will be on the receiving end of more than a scare in the fight against the drop, the Verdiblancos have the most experienced squad out of the teams involved in that tussle and will be able to reach safety without much trouble. 14th.

Real Campo Grande:

Full Name: Esporte Clube Real Campo Grande
Nicknames: Os Verdolagas (The Purslanes), Real (Royal)
Stadium: Estádio Estadual Armando Bozzelli, Campo Grande, Chiquito (Cap. 58,259)
Kit Sponsor: Hipinito (Soft drinks)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 14th - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 24,205
Starting Lineup (4-3-2-1): Gonçalves - Ademir, Mota, Alves (C), Andrade - Marulanda, Méndez, Corgnet - Martino, Zamorano - Danilson
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Like Pradera, Real had to wait until the end of the season (to be more exact, the last day) to confirm their presence in this new Liga-1 season and it seems they have already accepted their fate as a mid-table team. With Antonio Araújo at the helm, the Verdolagas have become an unpredictable team: they can play really well and give the Big teams a scare on a good day, but at the same time, they can offer a terrible performance and lose miserably in the following match. And precisely, that irregularity has constantly taken them into the relegation contention, with the team eventually being able to escape in the final stretch of the season by chaining a winning streak and led by their best player, striker Danilson with crucial goals. For this upcoming season, there are several missions for Real Campo Grande to accomplish: one, to become a more consistent team and try to charge for a top 10 finish at the end of the season (and that includes potentiating the players in the squad so the team does not become Danilson-dependent as usual). Two, to use Campo Grande’s altitude of 2800 masl to their advantage and turn their stadium into an unassailable fortress where visitors do not win matches so often, and three, to develop a more attractive style of play that lures fans back to the Estádio Estadual, which is becoming too big for the team and of course, less intimidating for the rivals...
The Pundit's Prediction: Despite their recent up and downs, Real Campo Grande have stabilized and become a common fixture in mid-table and that's not expected to change any time soon, neither for better nor for worse. Certainly this time they are expected to have less issues with relegation contention. 12th.

Slateport Bulls:

Full Name: Slateport Bulls Football Club
Nicknames: The Bulls
Stadium: Estadio de la Riviera, Slateport, Eterna (Cap. 40,110)
Kit Sponsor: OilCo (Petroleum industry)
Honours (1): 1 Kings' Shield (KS 45)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 11th - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 19,542
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Arias (C) - Pereira, Collins, Martins, Calero - Navas, Infante, Sampaio - Salazar, Lúcio, Márquez
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Under Arthur Bogden’s guidance, the Bulls have managed to hit several milestones: they have moved away from the red zone, consolidated a team, and won their very first piece of silverware in the form of a Kings’ Shield two seasons ago. And they’re coming off an 11th place finish in the previous season, which although might not seem much to their fans, for the club’s staff is definitely a mission accomplished. And the good news continued in the offseason, as the Bulls reached a deal with Tannenberg FC for the transfer of striker Óscar Salazar, who arrived to the Estadio de la Riviera on a 2-season loan and in that spell has become an important player in the squad. With the team having already reached mid-table stability, the mission for the Bulls in this upcoming season will be attempting to crack into the top 10 of the league, and if possible, getting involved in the UICA race. It will be tough but at the same time will be an interesting test for this mature team.
The Pundit's Prediction: The Bulls have managed to pull themselves out of the relegation fight and will be definitely pushing for a top 10 finish. 11th.

Stanford United:

Full Name: Stanford United Football Club
Nicknames: The Checkered, The Reds
Stadium: Parken Road Stadium, Carloburgo, Mountbatten (Cap. 13,500)
Kit Sponsor: Autocredit (Microfinance)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-2: 2nd (Promoted) - Kings' Shield: Round of 16
Average Attendance: 5,494
Starting Lineup (5-3-2): Clarke (C) - Levy, Farrell, Lawrence, Oliver, Garner - Noble, Guzmán, Campbell - Bennett, Marshall
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Hailing from the Carloburgo suburb of Stanford, Stanford United will fill in the "newcomer" role played by Defensores de Villafuerte in the previous season. The team with the exotic red-white checkered outfits finally managed to earn their much-wanted promotion to the top tier after taking home the second and last direct spot awarded by Liga-2 against more experienced outfits such as Valencia FC and AS Vaud and only missing out on the division’s title against the Rovers on H2H. Stanford’s ambitions are, understandably for a first-timer, not too high as they will be just hoping to grab as many points as possible and if that allows them to avoid the drop, then it will be okay for them. The Reds will be presenting in their lineup a 5-player defense (another proof of how exotic this team is, since most Valladar teams are usually offense-minded) and will also be boasting Liga-2’s most recent Golden Boot winner in the form of striker Cody Bennett, who was instrumental to Stanford’s promotion by contributing 33 out of 71 goals in the previous campaign. The Checkered will definitely be there to enjoy the experience, and perhaps to try and make some of the Big teams trip up against them.
The Pundit's Prediction: For a club the size of Stanford, reaching the top tier and playing in it is a meritorious achievement and an experience their players, staff, Board, and of course the fans will enjoy and never forget. Regrettably for them, that experience will be short-lived. 20th.

Tannenberg FC:

Full Name: Tannenberg Football Club
Nicknames: The Citizens, TFC, The Black-Whites, The Knights
Stadium: White Meadow Arena, Carloburgo, Mountbatten (Cap. 69,780)
Kit Sponsor: Dashka Motors (Automobile manufacturer)
Honours (8): 5 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 6, 17, 38, 48, 51), 2 Kings' Shields (KS 10, 17), 1 Supercopa (SCV 16)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 10th - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 51,804
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Becker (C) - Gillet, Lucerna, Martínez, Vargas - Moyes, Mariner, Barreto, O'Brien - Figueiredo, Foschini
Moves Out: Dragan Stavanger (FW, 30, NPH) to Coret Hawks (NPH), Rafael Barrantes (FW, 30, AUD) as free agent
Moves In: Paulo Figueiredo (FW, 24, DRP) from Sporting CD (DRP), Freddy Román (FW, 18, VLD) from Tannenberg FC U-21
Commentary: Last season was hard for the Citizens, who after losing much ground in the first half decided to axe the coach at the time, Leonard Gillet, and hand over the team to his assistant Danny Flint. With Flint as caretaker, the team’s fortunes and performance improved greatly but the poor campaign at the start of the season took its toll and TFC were unable to finish higher than 10th place. Because of this, the Board decided to appoint Flint on a permanent basis for this season, allowing him to execute his much-announced plan of refreshing the squad, especially up front: foreign strikers Dragan Stavanger and Rafael Barrantes had to part ways with TFC despite being two of the team’s best players in previous campaigns, being replaced by Paulo Figueiredo, who will become the first player from Dreamplanet to ever play in Valladares, and homegrown talent Mateo Foschini who will finally get his chance in the starting eleven. TFC will be hoping that those new pieces mesh quickly into the team in order to be challenging for a UICA berth. As caretaker, Danny Flint showed to be a capable manager and now that he has been backed by the Board, the fans are hoping he can take the team back to where they belong.
The Pundit's Prediction: Tannenberg have set their goals in a fourth or fifth place finish and a possible return to the Globe Cup. However, and in order to become a strong contender in that fight, they must be more consistent in their performance and avoid their usual slumps. 7th.

Valencia FC:

Full Name: Valencia Fútbol Club
Nicknames: Púrpura (Purple)
Stadium: Estadio Tricentenario, Valencia, Antioquia (Cap. 30,244)
Kit Sponsor: LíneaBus (Transportation)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-2: 3rd, Final Playoffs: Winners - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 21,696
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Araúz - Ávila, Aristizábal (C), Caballero, García - Martelli, Muriel, Pettirossi, Riveros - Coimbra, Armstrong
Moves Out: None
Moves In: Vincent Armstrong (FW, 27, VLD) from Ajax Carloburgo, Gustavo Aristizábal (CB, 31, VLD) from Fontvielle Impact, Dylan Pettirossi (LM, 25, VLD) from Eterna Stars, Claudio Muriel (CM, 28, VLD) from Ajax Carloburgo, Camilo Ávila (RB, 31, VLD) from Pradera FC
Commentary: Valencia are back to the top tier after defeating Gatineau UC 98 in the final of the Liga-2 playoffs at Swangard in a nail-bitting affair that had to go to a penalty shootout after neither side was able to beat the other in 120 minutes. Determined not to suffer the same fate as their previous appearances in Liga-1, the Púrpuras moved themselves in the market in order to land four important reinforcements. With defenders Camilo Ávila (coming from Pradera), Gustavo Aristizábal (from Impact), midfielders Dylan Pettirossi (arriving from Eterna Stars), Claudio Muriel and striker Vincent Armstrong (the latter two from Ajax), Valencia are hoping to get that extra talent they need in order to do a decent campaign in the top flight. However, we should not forget mentioning goalie Danilo Araúz and striker Fabio Coimbra, both of them being the most outstanding players in Valencia’s Liga-2 campaign the previous season. The Púrpuras are clearly not coming to Liga-1 for a walk or to be pushovers, and will be eager to show everyone in the league that they actually mean business and will not be easily relegated.
The Pundit's Prediction: Valencia are definitely not staying in Liga-1 for just one season. Out of the three promoted sides, the Púrpura have managed to assemble the strongest squad and should get rid of their troubles with relegation fairly quickly. 15th.

Valladar Liga-2 Clubs and Prediction:
(Clubs ordered according to predicted position)

Pumas Maldonado (Maldonado, Chiquito)

FC Columbus (Columbus, Mountbatten)

AS Vaud (Gatineau, Foix)

Hamanos Athletic Club (Hamanos, Antioquia)

Gatineau UC 98 (Gatineau, Foix)

CAP (Los Chorros, Mountbatten)

Étoile Verte (Bezieres, Foix)

Patriotas FC (Columbus, Mountbatten)

FC Sillimus (City-state of Sillimus)

Real Pradera (Pradera, Antioquia)

FC Maritime Westporte (Westporte, Canalave)

FC Townsville (Townsville, Westlands)

Bretford Royals (Bretford, Westlands)

Bellavista Jets (Metropolis, District of Metropolis)

Servette FC (Servette, District of Metropolis)

Atlético Nápoles (Metropolis, District of Metropolis)

Universitario de Maldonado (Maldonado, Chiquito)

AD Cerro (Cerro, District of Metropolis)

Nord Energie FC (Toril, Eterna)

AS Mont-Blanc (Mont-Blanc, Eterna)

Valladar Liga-3 Clubs and Prediction:
(Clubs ordered according to predicted position)

AS Montreux (Montreux, Foix)

EC Comercial (Campo Grande, Chiquito)

Adelaide Kickers (Adelaide, Westlands)

Libertad (Lierravus, Alto Danubio)

Alianza Antioquia (Pradera, Antioquia)

Danubio FC (Metropolis, District of Metropolis)

Villaznia AC (Villaznia, Eterna)

RC Belfort (Gatineau, Foix)

Northport Bears (Northport, Westlands)

FC Fauxham (Fauxham, Eterna)

Sporting Florencia (Florencia, Antioquia)

Eterna Celtic (Eterna City, Eterna)

RC Corania (Corania, Antioquia)

FC Westporte 984 (Westporte, Canalave)

Deportivo Aguablanca (Aguablanca, Mountbatten)

Dynamo Metropolis (Metropolis, District of Metropolis)

Canalave Rangers (City of Canalave, Canalave)

Yumbo FC (Yumbo, Mountbatten)

AC Tallin (Carloburgo, Mountbatten)

AS Lausanne (Lausanne, Foix)

by **Valladares** » Fri Mar 06, 2020 7:27 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-SEVENTH SEASON (REVIEW)

Canalave Crown Match

THE THIRTY-FOURTH SUPERCOPA VALLADAR: NACIONAL VS. METROPOLIS ALLIGATORS
@ Dragon Stadium, City of Canalave, Canalave
Attendance: 39,081
Referee: Bruno Araújo (Chiquito)

Nacional 2-3 Metropolis Alligators
(Mickel 14', Ponce 89'; Bergander 27', Bogarín 48', Borja 50')

Nacional: Gaviria - Marrugo, Carrillo, Delgado, Rueda - Vélez (C), Pardo (Pico 83'), Revault - Mickel (Ponce 78') - Ovalle (Lucchetti 54'), Carreño. Manager: Jean Camacho
Metropolis Alligators: Hartigan - Revault, Hoyos (C), Matheus (Palmieri 74'), Ponce - Carrillo, Nielsen, Allegro (Zamudio 64') - Bergander, Borja (Riveros 82'), Bogarín. Manager: Luis Fuentes

Liga-1 Season Review

And one day...the Liga-1 trophy returned to Bezieres! AS Bezieres broke a 10-year drought in solid fashion in order to hit the double digit in the list of Liga-1 champions, and prevented Nacional's dominance over the rest of the league to be extended for one more season! With a campaign of 22 wins, eight draws, and the same amount of defeats and led up front by striker Daniel Mendoza, who scored 25 goals on his way to the league's Bronze Boot, Les Rouges remained strong throughout the season, placing themselves in the leading pack early on and running away with the top spot for themselves after the seventh round, when a defeat for until then joint leaders Marinos left Bezieres as sole leaders, where they would remain. Their championship was confirmed with two matches to spare, with a scoreless draw with the Dragons at home combined with a loss for Metropolis Alligators in Hoxford which left the Alligators trailing by 7 points in second place. However, it was not the Alligators who ended as runners-up but Nacional, who despite having a tough start of the season which quickly derailed them off the fight for a third title in a row, ended up prevailing in a grueling race for the silver medals and the second and last Champions' League berth, which turned relevant as soon as it became clear that Bezieres were headed for the crown.

But Nacional and Metropolis Alligators were not alone in that race...because it also included the perennial title contender Fontvielle Impact as well as a couple of old acquaintances in the form of Deportivo Junín and Canalave Dragons, all of them having to endure slow starts to the season in order to climb all the way up to the league's podium. In the end, Los Albos' deadly attack (commanded by Silver Boot Sebastián Carreño and fellow striker Mario Ovalle) won them the full prize in crucial matches such as the win in one of the Metropolis derbies against Bohemians and the victory in Stanford (which doomed the latter side to relegation), which helped them edge their rivals in the final sprint for the silver medals of the season. Out of the five sides involved in this battle, the Alligators and Junín were the ones the closest to threaten Bezieres in the title race, however, the former chose to prioritize their defense of the Kings' Shield (which would eventually come into fruition), accepting third place in Liga-1 in exchange, and the latter gave too many points away in the final stretch, with losses to the Bulls in Junín and Olympique in Fontvielle which moved the Granates away from that fight for good and forced them to settle for fourth place and a return to international competition. Not a bad outcome after all for Martin Boyle's side, which was heavily boosted in the off-season with the arrivals of Andy Navarro from Eura and Marco Rouillard from Fontvielle Impact.

Speaking of l'Impact, Les Bleus were certainly hit hard by the departure of their big gun Wilfried Baume, as it showed when his replacements in the form of Daniel Barbieri and Thibault Benezet botched too many chances early in the season, which costed the Impact some defeats at home at the hands of the Bulls and Junín. However, the team commanded by Daniel Bernard didn't take too long to get back on track, with the team reaching halfway point in fourth place and with a streak of four straight victories. But their momentum ended with a heartbreaking loss to the Alligators in the Derby de Valladares which allowed their rivals to take second place and pushed them down to seventh, and although they recovered some ground in the final stretch of the league, it was not enough for them for a higher placement than fifth, which rewarded them with the last Challengers' Cup berth thanks to the Alligators winning the Shield, nevertheless. For the Dragons, this season was a new beginning, with the team coached by Bruno Mouche fighting for the international berths until the last day thanks to an in-form striker in the form of Daniel Costa, but that encouraging new beginning had a nightmare ending with the Dragons missing out on the chance of a return to the multiversal scene of club football with a defeat to arch-rivals Eterna Stars on the last matchday of the season, dooming them to sixth place, while Marinos Metropolis were unable to keep up the good form displayed at the start of the season and despite boasting the season's Golden Boot in Aymeric Fortin, their late reaction was just not enough for them to claim something higher than seventh place. The top 10 of the season is rounded up by Slateport Bulls, who found some fun in raining on the parades of IFCF contenders such as Junín and Impact, Eterna Stars and Tannenberg FC, whose irregularity and intermittency in performance throughtout the season denied them a higher placement...or at least the chance to give the top five a run for their money.

In the middle of the pack, we find Valencia FC, who not only did they save their skins from the relegation fire with an outstanding campaign but also gave Valladares their second (and possibly last) Series B Champions' Cup championship. The Púrpura's success this season lies mostly in the backbone built with new arrivals Gustavo Aristizábal, Dylan Pettirossi, Claudio Muriel, and Vincent Armstrong as well as goalie Danilo Araúz and striker Fabio Coimbra, who were already part of the team that earned promotion. Armstrong's and Coimbra's goals helped the Antioquian side get important wins against giants such as Marinos, TFC, and the Alligators in Valencia, which ended up proving instrumental in Valencia's survival (and international success, too). Pradera FC, Olympique de Fontvielle, and Bohemians Metropolis are next on the list. For the Verdiblancos and Jaunes-et-Bleus, this was a relatively calm campaign when compared to the turmoil of recent seasons, which have found both sides fighting against the drop more than fighting for the podium and international berths, while the Gallo had sort of a return to reality after getting used to compete in the top half of the table.

Meanwhile, this season had one of the closest and most fiercely fought relegation struggles of recent times, with Real Campo Grande, Defensores de Villafuerte, Ajax Carloburgo, Westlands arch-rivals Edmonton United and Hoxford Rovers, and newcomers Stanford United battling to avoid the drop until the end. Stanford, however, were the first to fall, owing to a loss to Nacional at their borrowed home Parken Road Stadium which left them with no chances of survival with three games still to play. The rest of teams pushed the definition of the remaining relegated sides down to the last day, with one match stealing the show: the Derby of the Westlands between the Rovers and Edmonton, with the former reaching the final matchday with a one-point cushion over the Monties. At the same time, Ajax were playing their own derby against TFC at White Meadow Arena, Real Campo Grande entertained the Bulls, and Defensores hosted the already doomed Stanford. And while Verdolagas and Auriverdes were able to avoid the drop with hard-fought wins in their matches, Ajax and the two Westlands sides found themselves in a complicated scenario: two of them would be going down, the other one would still be in danger but with an extra life. And Edmonton won the most crucial Derby of the Westlands yet, securing their presence in the Purgatory called "relegation play-off", giving the Rovers an express ticket to Liga-2 in the process, and also making Ajax's win against TFC useless since the Immigrants lost the H2H tiebreaker to Edmonton and became the third relegated side of the season, thus putting an end to yet another spell of mixed fortunes in the top tier of Valladar football.

Liga-1 Final Standings:

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  AS Bezieres                     38   22   8   8    63   42  +21    74  CH - CL
 2  Nacional                        38   19  11   8    69   44  +25    68  CL
 3  Metropolis Alligators           38   20   7  11    63   42  +21    67  ChC/CWC
 4  Deportivo Junín                 38   19   9  10    67   43  +24    66  ChC
 5  Fontvielle Impact               38   18  11   9    64   52  +12    65  ChC
 6  Canalave Dragons                38   18   9  11    64   54  +10    63
 7  Marinos Metropolis              38   17  12   9    69   45  +24    63
 8  Slateport Bulls                 38   14  14  10    53   48   +5    56
 9  Eterna Stars                    38   15   9  14    57   62   −5    54
10  Tannenberg FC                   38   15   9  14    56   53   +3    54
11  Valencia FC                     38   14  10  14    50   56   −6    52
12  Pradera FC                      38   11  15  12    50   49   +1    48
13  Olympique de Fontvielle         38   10  13  15    40   48   −8    43
14  Bohemians Metropolis            38   10  12  16    51   68  −17    42
15  Real Campo Grande               38   12   6  20    49   62  −13    42
16  Defensores de Villafuerte       38   11   7  20    45   65  −20    40
17  Edmonton United                 38   10   8  20    46   65  −19    38  RPO
18  Ajax Carloburgo                 38    9  11  18    45   59  −14    38  REL
19  Hoxford Rovers                  38    9   9  20    51   72  −21    36  REL
20  Stanford United                 38    7  10  21    43   66  −23    31  REL


CHAMPIONS
AS Bezieres (10th title)

The Forty-Seventh King's Shield:

AS Laval-Avignon 0-3 Atlético Nápoles

CR Palmas 1-1 SC Río Laguna (2-1 AET)

CS Ypres 1-2 RC Corania

Fauxham United 0-0 Hamilton Rockets (0-0 AET, 2-0 PKs)

Policía Nacional FC 0-1 AS Mont-Blanc

Mariscal Rondón 0-1 Adelaide Kickers

Tessano FC 1-1 CA Lierravus (1-1 AET, 1-0 PKs)

AC Huez 2-3 FC Broomfield

Borderville Rogues 0-0 EC Comercial (0-0 AET, 2-1 PKs)

Dynamo Metropolis 2-1 OSC Canalave

Carloburgo Phoenix 5-1 Tarragona FC

Olympique de Coulombes 2-0 FC Endemien

Abbotsford SC 1-3 AFC Trefford

Orlèans FC 1-2 RC Victoria

Standard Fontvielle 0-0 Luton Town FC (0-1 AET)

Vitória Maldonado 2-0 Adelaide Heart FC

Club Juventud 2-0 Eterna Celtic

Villaznia AC 0-1 Westporte City FC

FC Bluewich-Furness 2-1 Real Junín FC

Atlético Rozo 0-1 Gazélec Saint-Rémy

Guararé FC 1-2 FC 1093 Los Chorros

Unión Ature 4-3 Chesham Town

Campinas FC 1-2 Canalave Rangers

CA Barbosa 3-2 Aguablanca FC

Unión de Loja FC 0-0 Swangard FC (1-1 AET, 2-3 PKs)

Santacruz FC 3-2 Alejandría SC

Sporting Florencia 1-1 Saintsbury United (1-2 AET)

Leeward Tech FC 3-0 Deportivo Cerrito

Real San Miguel 2-2 Carolina Rangers (2-2 AET, 2-4 PKs)

RC Belfort 3-0 Estudiantes de Colón

Deportivo Balboa 2-2 Estrella Roja (2-3 AET)

FC Borderville 1-1 Curzón FC (1-1 AET, 3-1 PKs)

Deportivo Angostura 2-0 SC Canalave Young Boys

Bridgeborough United 4-0 Central Español

AC Valencia 0-2 AC Talamonte

LDU Victoria 0-2 8 de Octubre FC

Mountain United 2-1 Buitrera FC

Minault United 1-0 Excelsior Exeter

Alto Danubio FC 1-0 FC Annecy

Nacional (CG) 1-0 Fermont OSC

Puracé FC 0-0 Cartago FC (0-1 AET)

Albany Lynx FC 0-2 Port Arthur FC

Real Guadír 1-2 Port Arthur Warriors

University of Canalave FC 0-1 Yumbo FC

Puente Nacional FC 2-0 Racing Corinto FC

Salvador FC 1-1 Atlético Caney (2-1 AET)

Águilas de Tresquebradas 2-2 Townsville Fury (3-2 AET)

Almaguer FC 1-2 ACD Faro

Gatineau Athletic Club 1-1 Western Suburbs FC (1-1 AET, 3-2 PKs)

RC Copacabana 3-1 EC São Januário

CSDA Junín 1-1 Llaneros de Barracas (1-1 AET, 1-0 PKs)

Columbus Cannons 2-2 FC Fauxham (2-3 AET)

Jamundí FC 2-2 Westporte Sailors FC (2-2 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Kingsley-Bedford FC 0-5 Servette FC

Newcastle Town 2-1 Sabaneta FC

Potros de Slateport 1-1 AC Tallin (1-1 AET, 4-3 PKs)

Northport Mariners 2-0 Atlético Alpino

Hamilton Steelers 1-1 Blue-White Westporte (1-1 AET, 0-2 PKs)

Sion-Impact OSC 1-2 Danubio FC

Trois-Rivières Athletic 1-1 Metropolis City FC (1-2 AET)

Mineros de Talamonte 0-0 Universitario de Junín (0-3 AET)

AS Montreux 2-1 CS Clermont

Rapid Metropolis 1-3 Stade Foixien

Club Petrolero 1-2 Atlas SC

Alianza Bochalema 2-4 Kingsville Reds

Neuchâtel-Sport 1-2 Deportivo Municipal

Academia Puerto Soldado 1-1 Victoria United (2-2 AET, 2-3 PKs)

Deportivo Lomas 1-0 FC Silverstone

Araguaná 2-1 Atlético Caraure

Unión Junín 2-1 FC Henriville

Toril Beavers 1-1 Alianza Antioquia (1-1 AET, 0-3 PKs)

FC Westporte 984 2-2 Independiente Morón (2-3 AET)

Real Colón 3-1 Richmond City

Cidade do Leste 0-0 Cerro Plateado FC (0-0 AET, 1-2 PKs)

Atlético Robles 2-0 SC Alcázares

Port Authority FC 0-1 Sporting Faro

Arenápolis FC 0-1 Deportivo Meléndez

Estudiantes de Metrópolis 0-2 Sport Lierravus

SC Tabatinga 2-0 Português

Carloburgo Star FC 1-2 Operário FC

San Luis FC 2-4 Northport Bears

Ferroviario 0-2 Deportivo Aguablanca

Cardenales FC 0-2 Adelaide City FC

AD Sillimus 2-4 AS Lausanne

CD Melgar 6-0 Sillimus Islanders FC

Encinar SC 0-1 Birdwall City

Atlético Poblado 1-1 Playa Larga FC (2-1 AET)

Remo 1-2 Arma FC

Bellavista Jets 3-3 Hoxford Athletic (3-3 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Real Trinidad 2-2 AD Cerro (2-3 AET)

Isla Nueva FC 1-1 Corumbá EC (1-2 AET)

Libertad 2-0 FC Blacktown

Campograndense 2-1 FC Verder Metropolis

AS Lausanne 2-0 AS Mont-Blanc

CA Barbosa 1-1 SC Tabatinga (1-2 AET)

Luton Town FC 2-0 Carolina Rangers

FC Townsville 0-2 Nacional

Sporting Faro 3-0 Deportivo Meléndez

Marinos Metropolis 2-1 Stanford United

Fontvielle Impact 0-0 Mountain United (2-1 AET)

Real Colón 0-2 Defensores de Villafuerte

Newcastle Town 0-0 Hamanos Athletic Club (1-2 AET)

Unión Junín 0-2 Carloburgo Phoenix

FC Sillimus 2-2 Pradera FC (3-2 AET)

Dynamo Metropolis 2-0 Northport Mariners

Bohemians Metropolis 1-1 Canalave Rangers (1-1 AET, 0-3 PKs)

Águilas de Tresquebradas 0-3 AS Bezieres

AS Vaud 1-2 Puente Nacional FC

Potros de Slateport 0-2 Tannenberg FC

Olympique de Coulombes 0-3 Westporte City FC

Club Juventud 1-2 AC Talamonte

ACD Faro 0-3 Patriotas FC

Canalave Dragons 1-1 Deportivo Junín (2-1 AET)

Victoria United 0-2 Alto Danubio FC

Minault United 1-0 Swangard FC

Salvador FC 0-2 Deportivo Aguablanca

Eterna Stars 1-3 Deportivo Angostura

Olympique de Fontvielle 1-1 CR Palmas (3-2 AET)

AS Montreux 3-1 CSDA Junín

Tessano FC 3-0 Deportivo Municipal

Sport Lierravus 2-2 Edmonton United (3-5 AET)

AD Cerro 2-0 Nacional (CG)

Unión Ature 1-1 AFC Trefford (1-2 AET)

Gatineau UC 98 2-1 Yumbo FC

Real Pradera 1-0 Fauxham United

Arma FC 0-0 Bridgeborough United (0-0 AET, 4-2 PKs)

Campograndense 0-4 FC Fauxham

Danubio FC 1-2 Real Campo Grande

Estrella Roja 2-1 Port Arthur FC

Étoile Verte 2-0 Universitario de Junín

FC 1093 Los Chorros 2-2 Independiente Morón (2-2 AET, 3-1 PKs)

Metropolis Alligators 2-1 FC Borderville

Leeward Tech FC 0-1 Atlético Nápoles

Servette FC 0-2 Atlético Poblado

Vitória Maldonado 1-3 Ajax Carloburgo

Santacruz FC 1-0 Bellavista Jets

Atlético Robles 1-1 Alianza Antioquia (2-1 AET)

Pumas Maldonado 2-2 RC Copacabana (2-2 AET, 2-3 PKs)

RC Belfort 1-2 Atlas SC

Cartago FC 3-2 Hoxford Rovers

Adelaide City FC 1-0 CAP

Universitario de Maldonado 2-2 CD Melgar (2-2 AET, 1-3 PKs)

Nord Energie FC 7-0 FC Broomfield

Metropolis City FC 0-1 Corumbá EC

Blue-White Westporte 1-2 RC Corania

Kingsville Reds 1-1 FC Bluewich-Furness (1-1 AET, 3-2 PKs)

FC Maritime Westporte 2-2 Libertad (2-3 AET)

Cerro Plateado FC 2-3 Slateport Bulls

FC Columbus 1-1 Gatineau Athletic Club (2-1 AET)

Northport Bears 1-1 Valencia FC (1-2 AET)

Bretford Royals 1-0 RC Victoria

Araguaná 0-1 Port Arthur Warriors

Saintsbury United 0-1 Stade Foixien

Gazélec Saint-Rémy 0-3 Jamundí FC

Birdwall City 0-2 Operário FC

Borderville Rogues 0-1 8 de Octubre FC

Adelaide Kickers 3-0 Deportivo Lomas

Port Arthur Warriors 1-1 Luton Town FC (1-3 AET)

Cartago FC 1-1 CD Melgar (1-1 AET, 2-1 PKs)

Atlético Nápoles 2-0 Deportivo Aguablanca

Gatineau UC 98 0-0 Defensores de Villafuerte (1-0 AET)

Canalave Rangers 2-2 Real Campo Grande (2-6 AET)

Kingsville Reds 2-1 Dynamo Metropolis

Valencia FC 1-0 Fontvielle Impact

FC Columbus 0-2 FC Sillimus

Real Pradera 1-3 Tannenberg FC

Bretford Royals 1-0 SC Tabatinga

Minault United 0-1 Carloburgo Phoenix

FC Fauxham 1-0 AS Lausanne

Étoile Verte 1-2 Stade Foixien

AS Montreux 1-0 RC Copacabana

Marinos Metropolis 4-1 Nacional

Atlético Robles 1-0 Westporte City FC

AD Cerro 3-0 Libertad

Puente Nacional FC 1-1 Slateport Bulls (1-2 AET)

Canalave Dragons 1-0 Operário FC

Atlético Poblado 1-2 Edmonton United

Estrella Roja 1-0 8 de Octubre FC

Ajax Carloburgo 2-0 Adelaide Kickers

Sporting Faro 0-3 Jamundí FC

Hamanos Athletic Club 3-0 Alto Danubio FC

AC Talamonte 0-0 Tessano FC (1-0 AET)

Santacruz FC 0-2 AS Bezieres

Deportivo Angostura 1-1 Patriotas FC (1-1 AET, 3-0 PKs)

Arma FC 0-6 Olympique de Fontvielle

Nord Energie FC 3-0 Corumbá EC

Adelaide City FC 2-2 Metropolis Alligators (2-3 AET)

AFC Trefford 0-0 FC 1093 Los Chorros (1-0 AET)

Atlas SC 0-1 RC Corania

RC Corania 2-2 Edmonton United (3-2 AET)

Olympique de Fontvielle 2-3 Deportivo Angostura

Bretford Royals 1-0 Jamundí FC

FC Sillimus 2-2 Gatineau UC 98 (3-2 AET)

Ajax Carloburgo 3-1 Luton Town FC

Atlético Nápoles 1-1 Estrella Roja (2-2 AET, 2-1 PKs)

Metropolis Alligators 4-0 AS Montreux

Valencia FC 0-1 Slateport Bulls

Carloburgo Phoenix 2-1 Atlético Robles

AS Bezieres 0-0 Hamanos Athletic Club (0-1 AET)

Canalave Dragons 1-2 Marinos Metropolis

AFC Trefford 2-0 Cartago FC

Stade Foixien 1-1 FC Fauxham (1-2 AET)

Nord Energie FC 0-2 AC Talamonte

Tannenberg FC 2-0 AD Cerro

Real Campo Grande 2-0 Kingsville Reds

AC Talamonte 0-1 Deportivo Angostura

Real Campo Grande 1-1 Carloburgo Phoenix (1-1 AET, 0-2 PKs)

Atlético Nápoles 1-1 Hamanos Athletic Club (1-1 AET, 3-1 PKs)

FC Fauxham 2-1 Ajax Carloburgo

Metropolis Alligators 5-2 Marinos Metropolis

Bretford Royals 0-2 AFC Trefford

RC Corania 0-2 Tannenberg FC

Slateport Bulls 0-1 FC Sillimus

FC Sillimus 2-0 Deportivo Angostura

FC Fauxham 1-1 AFC Trefford (1-1 AET, 2-3 PKs)

Tannenberg FC 1-0 Carloburgo Phoenix

Atlético Nápoles 1-3 Metropolis Alligators

AFC Trefford 0-1 Tannenberg FC

Metropolis Alligators 2-1 FC Sillimus

THE FORTY-SEVENTH KINGS' SHIELD FINAL
@ Alexander I National Stadium, Swangard, District of Metropolis
Attendance: 77,494
Referee: Andrés Cabezas (Arauco)

Tannenberg FC 1-2 Metropolis Alligators
(Figueiredo 47'; Bogarín 42', Nielsen 63')

Tannenberg FC: Becker (C) - Gillet, Lucerna, Martínez, Vargas - Moyes, Mariner, Barreto (Pearce 62'), O'Brien (Doherty 85') - Figueiredo, Foschini (Weller 75'). Manager: Danny Flint
Metropolis Alligators: Hartigan - Revault, Hoyos (C), Matheus, Ponce - Carrillo, Nielsen, Allegro (Mendes 76') - Bergander (Servín 85'), Borja, Bogarín (Riveros 67'). Manager: Luis Fuentes

Congratulations to Metropolis Alligators, who have won yet another Kings' Shield (their ninth overall) and qualified for both the Challengers' Cup and the Cup Winners' Cup!

Liga-2 Final Standings:

Valladar Liga-2                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Nord Energie FC                 38   17  12   9    71   51  +20    63  CH - LBCT
 2  FC Columbus                     38   19   5  14    64   56   +8    62  P - LBCT
 3  FC Maritime Westporte           38   16  13   9    57   46  +11    61  FPO
 4  Pumas Maldonado                 38   16  11  11    53   50   +3    59  FPO
 5  AD Cerro                        38   15  12  11    60   62   −2    57  FPO
 6  CAP                             38   15  12  11    50   50    0    57  FPO
 7  FC Townsville                   38   17   4  17    54   52   +2    55
 8  Universitario de Maldonado      38   15  10  13    57   52   +5    55
 9  Hamanos Athletic Club           38   16   6  16    63   59   +4    54
10  Étoile Verte                    38   15   9  14    54   57   −3    54
11  Servette FC                     38   14  10  14    49   53   −4    52
12  AS Mont-Blanc                   38   14   9  15    65   61   +4    51
13  Atlético Nápoles                38   14   8  16    53   52   +1    50
14  Bretford Royals                 38   13  11  14    40   49   −9    50
15  Real Pradera                    38   13   9  16    59   59    0    48
16  Bellavista Jets                 38   13   8  17    57   57    0    47
17  AS Vaud                         38   12  11  15    56   58   −2    47  RPO
18  FC Sillimus                     38   13   7  18    51   59   −8    46  REL
19  Gatineau UC 98                  38   12   9  17    63   63    0    45  REL
20  Patriotas FC                    38   10   6  22    47   77  −30    36  REL

Valladar Liga-2 Final Play-offs

Semi-finals:

CAP (6) 2-0 (3) FC Maritime Westporte
FC Maritime Westporte (3) 3-1 (6) CAP
Agg: FC Maritime Westporte 3-3 CAP (CAP advances on away goals)

AD Cerro (5) 4-1 (4) Pumas Maldonado
Pumas Maldonado (4) 1-1 (5) AD Cerro
Agg: Pumas Maldonado 2-5 AD Cerro

Final (@ Alexander I National Stadium, Swangard):

AD Cerro (5) 1-0 (6) CAP

Liga-1/Liga-2 Promotion-Relegation Play-off: Edmonton United vs. CAP

CAP 2-2 Edmonton United
Edmonton United 2-0 CAP (4-2 agg)

Edmonton United managed to avert catastrophe for the Westlands and successfully defended their right to stay in Liga-1 by winning four out of six points against CAP in the relegation play-off. A hard-fought 2-2 draw in Los Chorros in the first leg and a solid 2-0 win at Albert Field three days later were enough for the Monties to keep the Westlands represented in the highest tier of the Valladar football league pyramid for at least one more season.

Liga-3 Final Standings

Valladar Liga-3                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  FC Fauxham                      38   20  10   8    62   39  +23    70  CH - P
 2  AS Montreux                     38   19   8  11    56   43  +13    65  P
 3  Dynamo Metropolis               38   17   8  13    57   49   +8    59  FPO
 4  EC Comercial                    38   16  11  11    63   57   +6    59  FPO
 5  Canalave Rangers                38   16  11  11    69   60   +9    59  FPO
 6  Deportivo Aguablanca            38   16   9  13    64   59   +5    57  FPO
 7  Adelaide Kickers                38   15  11  12    61   56   +5    56
 8  Libertad                        38   15  11  12    66   58   +8    56
 9  Villaznia AC                    38   14  10  14    67   61   +6    52
10  FC Westporte 984                38   14  10  14    66   61   +5    52
11  RC Corania                      38   10  18  10    58   61   −3    48
12  Northport Bears                 38   13   9  16    55   59   −4    48
13  Danubio FC                      38   11  14  13    62   63   −1    47
14  AC Tallin                       38   11  14  13    61   66   −5    47
15  AS Lausanne                     38   12  10  16    58   63   −5    46
16  Yumbo FC                        38   12  10  16    52   62  −10    46
17  RC Belfort                      38   10  15  13    47   64  −17    45
18  Alianza Antioquia               38   12   8  18    50   58   −8    44  REL
19  Sporting Florencia              38    9  12  17    53   71  −18    39  REL
20  Eterna Celtic                   38    8  11  19    39   56  −17    35  REL

Valladar Liga-3 Final Play-offs

Semi-Finals:

Deportivo Aguablanca (6) 1-0 (3) Dynamo Metropolis
Dynamo Metropolis (3) 3-1 (6) Deportivo Aguablanca
Agg: Dynamo Metropolis 3-2 Deportivo Aguablanca

Canalave Rangers (5) 2-0 (4) EC Comercial
EC Comercial (4) 2-1 (5) Canalave Rangers
Agg: EC Comercial 2-3 Canalave Rangers

Final (@ Alexander I National Stadium):

Dynamo Metropolis (3) 1-1 (5) Canalave Rangers (1-1 AET, 2-4 PKs)

Liga-2/Liga-3 Promotion-Relegation Play-Off: AS Vaud vs. Dynamo Metropolis

Dynamo Metropolis 2-0 AS Vaud
AS Vaud 1-3 Dynamo Metropolis (1-5 agg)

Thus, Dynamo Metropolis celebrate their return to Liga-2 for next season while at the same time Vaud will be following their crosstown rivals Gatineau into Liga-3 next time.

Torneo Federal de Reservas Final Standings:

Torneo Federal de Reservas       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 ASB Academy                    38   23   9   6    71   35  +36    78  CH - RSC
 2 Deportivo Junín                38   24   6   8    73   46  +27    78
 3 Guzmán-Cress Academy           38   22   9   7    62   38  +24    75
 4 Eterna Stars                   38   21   7  10    59   40  +19    70
 5 Metropolis Alligators          38   17  12   9    71   53  +18    63
 6 Impact Academy                 38   18   9  11    66   48  +18    63
 7 Academia Marinos               38   17   8  13    52   45   +7    59
 8 TFC Academy                    38   18   5  15    63   53  +10    59
 9 Hoxford Rovers                 38   14  11  13    61   54   +7    53
10 Slateport Bulls                38   14  11  13    58   55   +3    53
11 Ajax Academy                   38   15   7  16    44   52   −8    52
12 Pradera FC                     38   13  10  15    60   68   −8    49
13 Defensores de Villafuerte      38   13   8  17    58   65   −7    47
14 Stanford United                38   13   6  19    54   69  −15    45
15 Canalave Dragons               38   12   7  19    52   63  −11    43
16 Edmonton United                38   12   7  19    55   66  −11    43
17 Valencia FC                    38   12   6  20    53   68  −15    42
18 Olympique de Fontvielle        38    8   7  23    44   73  −29    31
19 Real Campo Grande              38    7   8  23    42   75  −33    29
20 Bohemians Metropolis           38    7   7  24    42   74  −32    28

SUMMARY OF THE SEASON:

Champions: AS Bezieres (10th title)
Runners-up: Nacional
Kings' Shield Winners: Metropolis Alligators (9th title)
Torneo Federal de Reservas Champions: ASB Academy (2nd title)
Relegated Teams: Ajax Carloburgo, Hoxford Rovers, Stanford United
Promoted Teams: Nord Energie FC, FC Columbus, AD Cerro

Top Scorers:

1. Aymeric Fortin (Marinos Metropolis): 28 goals (Golden Boot)
2. Sebastián Carreño (Nacional): 26 goals (Silver Boot)
3. Daniel Mendoza (AS Bezieres): 25 goals (Bronze Boot)
4. Andy Navarro (Deportivo Junín): 24 goals
5. Marcos Zelaya (Royal Kingdom of Quebec, Marinos Metropolis): 23 goals

INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATION:

IFCF Champions' League 1:
AS Bezieres - Valladar Liga-1 champions
Nacional - Valladar Liga-1 runners-up

IFCF Challengers' Cup 1:
Metropolis Alligators - Kings' Shield winners and Valladar Liga-1 third-placed team
Deportivo Junín - Valladar Liga-1 fourth-placed team
Fontvielle Impact - Valladar Liga-1 fifth-placed team

IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy 1:
Nord Energie FC - Valladar Liga-2 champions
FC Columbus - Valladar Liga-2 runners-up
AD Cerro - Valladar Liga-2 final play-off winners

Cup Winners' Cup 49:
Metropolis Alligators - Kings' Shield winners

IFCF Rising Stars Cup 1:
ASB Academy - Torneo Federal de Reservas champions

by **Valladares** » Wed Mar 18, 2020 2:45 pm

LIGA FEDERAL DE VALLADARES
PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-EIGHTH SEASON - PREVIEW: PART I

The Liga Federal de Valladares welcomes one and all to the fifty-eighth season of Valladar domestic football, with AS Bezieres coming into the new season as defending champions, and old acquaintances returning to the top flight starting with everyone's favourite (lolno) yo-yo team FC Columbus, AD Cerro, who are back to increase the quota of Metropolis teams in Liga-1 to five, and a blast from the past in the form of Liga-2 champions Nord Energie FC (boom!), who will be replacing Ajax Carloburgo, Hoxford Rovers, and Stanford United, all of them relegated at the end of the last season. And you might wonder what could we expect from this season, right? Maybe the consolidation of Bezieres' reign after a long drought? Nacional bouncing back for more glory? Traditional teams such as the other Metropolis big sides or Fontvielle Impact coming back with a vengeance? TFC, Eterna Stars, Junín or the Dragons returning from obscurity? Or will we have a surprise this time? So, without further ado, here we have this preview for you to start answering those questions!

(Key: Best three players in bold, foreigners in italics)

AD Cerro:

Full Name: Asociación Deportiva Cerro
Nicknames: Los Celestes (The Sky Blues), Capo del Sur (Boss of the South), Perro (Dog)
Stadium: Estadio Municipal Marcus Trent, Cerro, District of Metropolis (Cap. 15,000)
Kit Sponsor: BICV (Financial services), Alcaldía Local de Cerro (Local government)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-2: 5th, Final play-offs: Winners - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 10,347
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Descombes - Sainz, Foster, Benítez, Montes - Munro, Godoy, Fernández - Beltrán - Scotti (C), Ferreira
Moves Out: None
Moves In: Pablo Scotti (FW, 34, VLD) from Hapilopper City Soldiers (HAP), Jacob Descombes (GK, 22, CMT) from Felswyr State University (CMT), Jason Beltrán (AM, 31, VLD) from Revolutionaries (EUR), Juan David Montes (LB, 28, VLD) from Marinos Metropolis
Commentary: The District of Metropolis rejoiced at the end of the Liga-2 play-offs, as Cerro's dramatic victory in the final against CAP ensured the national capital would have its five "traditional" teams in the top flight. However, things for the Celestes had not been so rosy not too long ago...three seasons back in time, Cerro bottomed out with a dismal campaign in Liga-2 that earned them relegation to Liga-3, a level where the team had never been before. The financial situation was dire, and players were unpaid and lining up with lawsuits against the club. However, the local government of Cerro stood up and entered to help the team and this much-needed injection of cash brought new life to the team, which lifted themselves up two tiers in as many seasons. For their return to the top tier, and wishing to stay with us for more than a season, Cerro have reinforced themselves with two high caliber players such as veteran striker and Cerro native Pablo Scotti and playmaker Jason Beltrán, who are both being repatriated into the Valladar league. Also, Chromatik goalie Jacob Descombes has landed in the Metropolis suburbs for his very first international experience. Coach and former Celeste player Marcelo Castellón might not be imbued with experience and domestic and international success as Scotti and Beltrán might be, but he has led the team in both of its successful promotions, and is trusted by the club's leadership. The Celestes have come a long way to get back to where they (think they) belong, and won't be willing to go down without a fight.
Key Rivalries: Nacional (Clásico del Sur - MDs 1 & 20), Marinos Metropolis (Derby Celeste - MDs 11 & 30)
The Pundit's Prediction: Cerro are back in the top flight, and will be willing to follow Valencia's example last season and avoid relegation by all means. They will have their up and downs, and will suffer a lot, but with their new arrivals they should have enough weapons to prevail. 17th, relegation play-off winners.

AS Bezieres:

Full Name: Association Sportive de Bezieres
Nicknames: Les Rouges (The Reds), Les Démons (The Devils), L'ASB (The ASB), Les Aigles (The Eagles)
Stadium: Stade de Foix-Jules Picot, Bezieres, Foix (Cap. 63,170)
Kit Sponsors: Hydro-Foix (Electric utilites), Triangle Électronique (Home appliances)
Honours (26): 10 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 10, 11, 13, 16, 27, 36, 40, 42, 47, 57), 7 Kings' Shields (KS 5, 9, 15, 19, 39, 41, 44), 5 Supercopas (SCV 5, 7, 18, 25, 29), 1 Torneo de Verano (Season 54), 3 Cup Winners' Cups (CWC 15, 16, 17)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 1st (Champions) - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 55,177
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Dussan - Mayard, Donato, dos Santos (C), Woods - Rojas, de Préville, Lessard - Barrios - Mendoza, Núñez
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Les Rouges are coming into this season as the incumbent champions, celebrating a fully deserved title won after they dominated the previous season from start to end, and will be out for more. This time, the Valladar champions opted not to splash cash around in the most recent transfer window and instead, resorted to keep their roster intact although their cherished captain Charles dos Santos announced this will be his last season as active player. This decision was also made considering Bezieres is a mature side which has managed to consolidate a stable roster with a strong backbone led by goalkeeper Pierre Dussan and the aforementioned dos Santos in the back, and a strong trio up front with playmaker Arley Barrios and strikers Daniel Mendoza (Bronze Boot in the previous season) and Christian Núñez. And let's not forget their coach, Mario Ventura, who started up as an interim coach three seasons ago but showed enough skills to be confirmed as permanent manager and has grown up just as much as his players. Les Rouges broke up a 10-season title drought last time, but now their mission will be emulating that legend team that won their first two titles 45 years ago and cut the gap with their arch-rivals Fontvielle Impact and Metropolis Alligators at the top of the Roll of Honour. Not an easy mission, but one this team has already proven to be able to accomplish.
Key Rivalries: Fontvielle Impact (Derby du Foix - MDs 11 & 30), Real Campo Grande (Illirian Derby - MDs 13 & 32), Metropolis Alligators (MDs 15 & 34)
The Pundit's Prediction: As defending champions, Les Rouges will be obviously emerging with extra pressure to win another title. With the same team as last time, which already has a chemistry to work with, odds for a repeat are high. Champions.

Bohemians Metropolis:

Full Name: Bohemians Metropolis Football Club
Nicknames: Gallo (Rooster), Los Albiverdes (The White-Greens)
Stadium: Estadio Andrew Chosroes, Metropolis, District of Metropolis (Cap. 23,000)
Kit Sponsor: Heritage (Insurance)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 14th - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 12,752
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Ríos (C) - Dueñas, Hammond, Almeida, Howell - Navas, Moyes, Bastos - Correa - Vargas, Vasseur
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Last time, the Gallo suffered sort of a rude awakening back to reality after a seventh place finish was followed up with a fourteenth place in the most recent season. While Bohemians are another team with a stabilized roster, without many changes and keeping their most reliable players in place such as goalie Gabriel Ríos, midfielder Álvaro Bastos, and striker Franco Vargas, the general feeling was that the team fell short and lacked squad depth to give gaffer Glibert Favre more options to keep the pace in the UICA race, leaving the fight quickly. And this time Bohemians will be moving out of home, with the old Estadio Luis Frattini being set for demolition and a new stadium being built in its place, forcing the Gallo to approach their long-time neighborhood rivals Atlético Nápoles and Danubio FC to groundshare their brand-new Estadio Andrew Chosroes with both sides for at least the next two seasons. The mission for Bohemians this season will be reorganizing themselves in every area, and while Gilbert Favre's abilities to turn underdogs with reduced resources into decent contenders are already well known, it remains to be seen whether the Albiverde manages to turn its temporary home into a fortress to the same extent as the old Frattini was.
Key Rivalries: Metropolis Alligators (North Metropolis derby - MDs 19 & 38), Nacional (Duelo Abuelo - MDs 2 & 21)
The Pundit's Prediction: Bohemians' ambitions to turn into a real ICFC contender suffered a setback with their poor campaign in the previous season. However, that will encourage the Gallo to return to their old ways and be that same cumbersome rival already used to give lots of trouble to the Big sides. 10th.

Canalave Dragons:

Full Name: Canalave Dragons Football Club
Nicknames: The Dragons
Stadium: Dragon Stadium, City of Canalave, Canalave (Cap. 50,987)
Kit Sponsors: Mercantil Bank (Financial services), Canalave Port Authority (Port operation)
Honours (5): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 19), 3 Kings' Shields (KS 12, 14, 23), 1 Supercopa (SCV 11)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 6th - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 37,449
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): McKinley - Moreira, Phillips, Belfry (C), Cummings - Lambert, Silva, Morel, Vieira - Willis, Costa
Moves Out: Kerem Korkut (CB, 29, NPH) to Leichhardt (NPH), John Rose (FW, 30, DUN) to Iwakiri Ultrasonic (HIN), Carlos Sánchez (CB, 38, VLD) retired
Moves In: Danny Barrichelli (CB, 19, VLD) promoted from Canalave Dragons U-19, Roberto Romano (FW, 20, VLD) promoted from Canalave Dragons U-19
Commentary: Once again, the Dragons are coming into a new season after narrowly missing out on a berth for international football, being just two points away from a Challengers' Cup berth after a close fight with stronger teams on paper such as Fontvielle Impact, Deportivo Junín, or Marinos Metropolis. While two sixth-place finishes in a row might not be really that bad, for the Dragons they're getting tiresome, especially as the team has shown to be a decent contender for 3/4s of the league and then runs out of gas for the decisive final stretch. For this upcoming season, the team has been hit hard by departures, especially with captain Carlos Sánchez retiring in the off-season, and striker John Rose being released after the Board and the player failed to reach an agreement to extend his contract with the team. With Sánchez, Korkut, and Rose all gone, responsibility for leading the defense (and the team) will rest with Cosumarite Hemnes Belfry, who has become a fan favourite during his years of service at the club, and striker Chris Willis will get to the starting XI with the mission to help Daniel Costa up front. While the club's Board is satisfied with the work performed by Bruno Mouche as coach in the most recent two seasons, the Dragons' gaffer has been warned that this must be the season for the team to return to the international arena. A third heartbreak in a row will be too much for the Dragons...
Key Rivalries: Eterna Stars (E1 Derby - MDs 6 & 25), Slateport Bulls (MDs 16 & 35)
The Pundit's Prediction: International qualification has been so close yet so far for the Dragons in the two most recent seasons, and now with a weakened squad and their rivals getting stronger, the mission seems quite more complex to accomplish. 7th.

Defensores de Villafuerte:

Full Name: Club Deportivo Defensores de Villafuerte
Nicknames: Los Auriverdes (The Yellow-Greens)
Stadium: Estadio Municipal Capitán Rincón, Villafuerte, Antioquia (Cap. 13,000)
Kit Sponsor: Ladrillera Manzur (Brickworks), Autocredit (Microfinance)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 16th - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 8,556
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Suárez (C) - Carrillo, Reyes, Rivera, Gilabert - Machado, Orejuela, León - Rivera - Céspedes, Barreiro
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Defensores enter into their third season in the top flight by following on the footsteps of teams such as Bohemians: consolidating themselves as a nuisance for the Big teams by stealing as many points as possible from them, and hitting their fellow underdogs hard in the head. That formula did wonders for the Gallo in their bid to establish themselves in Liga-1, and it's been playing out just as well for the Auriverdes. Defensores have become known for being a balanced team in both defensive and offensive modes, something midfielder Ángel Machado can be credited for as he is equally reliable in both stages of play. While the line of four formed by defenders Francisco Carrillo, Facundo Reyes, Anderson Rivera, and Ramón Gilabert has proven to be a tough wall to break past, goalkeeper Mario Suárez has been slowly building a reputation as one of the league's best goalies. And up front, strikers Brahian Céspedes and Darío Barreiro are good at scoring crucial goals for the team when needed the most. After having successfully avoided the drop for two seasons, the goal for the Auriverdes in this upcoming season is to stay close to the top 10 of the league. Should Martín Vásquez and his team manage to do it, an ICFC berth might be within reach sooner than expected.
Key Rivalries: Pradera FC (MDs 14 & 33)
The Pundit's Prediction: For two seasons, Defensores have defied all predictions and odds by escaping relegation. Certainly they have proven they're not in the top tier just to sightsee, but it will take some more time for them to be considered as a consolidated top-flight outfit. 15th.

Deportivo Junín:

Full Name: Club Deportivo Junín
Nicknames: Los Granates (The Maroons), Los Orientales (The Easterners)
Stadium: Arena Junín, Ciudad de Junín (Cap. 43,394)
Kit Sponsors: Ortel (Telecommunications), Alcaldía de Junín (Local government), Atmochem (Petrochemicals)
Honours (3): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 49), 1 Kings' Shield (KS 43), 1 Rushmori Copa de Campeones (CdC 37)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 4th - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 25,766
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Fernández (C) - Castrillón, Marín, Rojas, Molina - Pasquel, Otero, Padilla, Rouillard - Navarro - Valencia
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: It seems Junín are back to their old ways, with the Granates fighting in the upper half of the table all the season and ending up in a worthy fourth place which rewarded them with a return to international competition. Under the direction of Martin Boyle, the Far Eastern side have turned into a solid team, boasting one of the best defensive records of the league in the previous season with only 43 goals conceded, and the arrivals of Marco Rouillard and Andy Navarro gave the Juninese the offensive depth they were lacking recently, ending up as the league's third-best attack with 67 goals scored. With these achievements last season, and having kept their squad intact in the off-season, the Granates may dream with at least staying within the league's top four, or even better, reaching a higher placement in this upcoming season. The question is whether they will be able to outclass one of Nacional, MA, or defending champions Bezieres for a spot in the podium in late-November...
Key Rivalries: Marinos Metropolis (MDs 4 & 23), Edmonton United (MDs 10 & 29)
The Pundit's Prediction: Deportivo Junín are definitely a team to consider in the ICFC race, along the likes of Fontvielle Impact, Marinos, and Canalave Dragons. With that battle expected to be as closely fought as it usually is, the Juninese will have to be careful to avoid committing too many mistakes...6th.

Edmonton United:

Full Name: Edmonton United Football Club
Nicknames: The Monties, The Blue-Blacks
Stadium: Albert Field, Edmonton, Westlands (Cap. 20,000)
Kit Sponsor: Ferroni (Food processing)
Honours (6): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 29), 4 Kings' Shields (KS 8, 26, 28, 33), 1 Supercopa (SCV 14)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 17th, Relegation/promotion play-off: Winners - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 12,005
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Herner - Machado, Lama, Bélanger, Salazar - Miller, Ramírez (C), Allister, Turnbull - Arrú, Pfeiffer
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: A season mostly filled with mediocrity was what Edmonton got last time. With the rope around their necks for practically the entire season, the only moments of joy the Monties could enjoy came both at the end: relegating their Westlands neighbors and arch-rivals Hoxford Rovers with a win over them on the last day of the season, and then salvaging their Liga-1 status by beating CAP over two legs. It seems the one-time Valladar champions have already resigned themselves to their fate, as they will be trusting the very same squad that got them close to the drop last time around to make a 180-degree turn and do a miracle that gets them out of the relegation fight, with striker Nicolás Arrú as their scoring hope. While Edmonton's Board is still committed to make way for new talents and rely on their youth setup for reinforcements if necessary, the fans are getting bored of the team's mediocrity and as a result, the once intimidating and unassailable Albert Field is looking emptier as time passes.
Key Rivalries: Deportivo Junín (MDs 10 & 29)
The Pundit's Prediction: The Monties have already got used to drive the relegation ghost away every season. However, they should still be able to snatch enough points off their direct rivals (i.e. the newly promoted sides plus Real Campo Grande and Defensores) in order to reach safety. A good Shield run might also be within reach for them. 16th.

Eterna Stars:

Full Name: Eterna Stars Football Club
Nicknames: The Stars, The Yellows
Stadium: Alain Tramontin Stadium, Eterna City, Eterna (Cap. 60,207)
Kit Sponsor: Hipinito (Soft drinks)
Honours (5): 2 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 2, 20), 2 Kings' Shields (KS 1, 22), 1 Supercopa (SCV 28)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 9th - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 47,105
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Cross - Serrate, Mackarin, Holmes, Waldo (C) - Sierra, Castillo, Rengifo - Fagundes, Lindpere, Germain
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: While the season for the yellow-clad team was not really awful, it did open up on a bleak note with a poor start in the league as well as their elimination in their first (and last) Kings' Shield match of the season against unfancied fourth-tier side Deportivo Angostura, and at home. However, the team were eventually able to overcome this early disappointment in a competition they had declared to be a prime objective and improved their league form in order to stabilize themselves in the middle of the pack. For this season, the team coached by former Bezieres coach (and Mario Ventura's mentor?) Fabien Torrente will not be presenting anything else than a consolidated squad, with the offensive trio of Peter Fagundes, Joe Lindpere, and Valentin Germain hoping to have improved their chemistry from their first season playing together. Veteran goalkeeper Alan Cross is also expected to get back to the form that allowed him to even make it to the Valladar national team and prevent the team from conceding as many goals as they did the previous season (62). The Stars are aware the lack of balance between offense and defense is what keeps them away from fighting for the top spots, but they will be out to show they've learned from their previous mistakes and will be more than willing to give the top dogs a scare. Their main sights will be set on the Kings' Shield, though...
Key Rivalries: Canalave Dragons (E1 Derby - MDs 6 & 25), Slateport Bulls (Eternan Superclásico - MDs 9 & 28), Fontvielle Impact (MDs 10 & 29)
The Pundit's Prediction: The Stars have got enough quality in their squad to place themselves comfortably closing the league's top 10, as they've done in the most recent seasons. However, if they somehow manage to overcome their constant up-and-downs, they might become an outside contender for IFCF berths. Watch out for them! 8th.

FC Columbus:

Full Name: Football Club of Columbus
Nicknames: The Yellow-Greens, The Canaries
Stadium: Estadio Parque Armenia, Columbus, Mountbatten (Cap. 35,250)
Kit Sponsor: AlfaCredit Bank (Financial services)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-2: 2nd (Promoted) - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 14,113
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Campaña - Montoya, Méndez, Ariza, Rosales (C) - Rosa, Lachlant, Osorio, Barrantes - Portizzo, Crowley
Moves Out: None
Moves In: Omar Portizzo (FW, 25, VLD) from Hoxford Rovers, Mauricio Rosa (RM, 24, VLD) from Stanford United, Daniel Lachlant (CM, 23, VLD) from Ajax Carloburgo
Commentary: Columbus are back in Liga-1 thanks to their runners-up finish in Liga-2 the previous season, where they, along with eventual champions Nord Energie and FC Maritime Westporte (who would not survive the first round of play-offs) were in a heated three-horse race for the two direct promotion berths. The Canaries have returned to Liga-1 with the mission to throw off that "yo-yo team" reputation they've earned throughout time, and in order to achieve that goal they decided to recruit two talented young players to strenghten their midfield in the form of Mauricio Rosa and Daniel Lachlant, while also bringing striker Omar Portizzo, who was Hoxford Rovers' top scorer the previous season, to increase their offensive volume. Meanwhile, at the helm of the Yellow-Greens in their return to the top tier we will have an old friend, with former Fontvielle Impact and AD Cerro gaffer Frank Boern staying in the colonial capital of Valladares after earning promotion with the team the previous season. Columbus are determined to stay in the top tier for longer than just one season, and the Board have moved their strings in order to ensure this goal will be fulifilled.
Key Rivalries: Tannenberg FC (MDs 13 & 32)
The Pundit's Prediction: Let's be honest, Columbus are too good for Liga-2 standards but still too weak for Liga-1 ones. Perhaps they might give everyone a shock, however, a priori they look as the weakest team to take part in the top tier this season. 20th.

Fontvielle Impact:

Full Name: Impact de Fontvielle Football Club
Nicknames: Les Bleus (The Blues), L'Impact (The Impact), Hexachampion
Stadium: Stade de la Frontière, Fontvielle, Foix (Cap. 41,378)
Kit Sponsors: Tamount (Food processing), MasterAuto.vd (Car rental)
Honours (29): 12 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 5, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 41, 54), 3 Kings' Shields (KS 2, 18, 35), 8 Supercopas (SCV 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 19, 23, 32), 2 UICA Champions' Cups (CC 37, 40), 1 UICA Globe Cup (GC 53), 1 UICA Super Cup (SC 37), 2 Cup Winners' Cups (CWC 18, 35)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 5th - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 36,859
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Gillet (C) - Pedretti, Bianchi, Vera, McNair - Jiménez, Sykes-Lussac, Padilla - Barbieri, Alexandre, Benezet
Moves Out: George Millar (CB, 36, VLD) retired
Moves In: Mateo Padilla (LM, 31, VLD) from Starling (NPH), Rudolph Marchesin (CB, 20, VLD) promoted from Impact Academy
Commentary: A fifth place in the previous season after a closely fought battle with the three Metropolis big sides, Deportivo Junín, and Canalave Dragons was felt at the Fontvielle Impact camp as very little reward for so much effort, especially considering the fact that Les Bleus were quite close to miss out on international qualification but were saved from such a tragedy by (ironically) arch-rivals Metropolis Alligators, who won the Kings' Shield and yielded one of their Challengers' Cup berths to l'Impact as a result. For this upcoming season, the team will present changes in the defense and midfield, since centreback George Millar retired at the end of the previous season, and some Kelssekian left winger abandoned the team mid-season without any reasonable explanation. Seeing this, the Tamount family quickly reacted and brought midfielder Mateo Padilla back from a productive spell in Nephara to help provide the Barbieri-Alexandre-Benezet trio with chances to score, while also giving coach Daniel Bernard their support to continue in charge of the team for at least one more season. As usual, there are not many choices for l'Impact, and the thirteenth title that would allow them to break the tie with the Alligators in the Roll of Honour is not a goal...but an obligation.
Key Rivalries: AS Bezieres (Derby du Foix - MDs 11 & 30), Olympique de Fontvielle (Derby de Fontvielle - MDs 13 & 32), Metropolis Alligators (Derby de Valladares - MDs 6 & 25)
The Pundit's Prediction: Fontvielle Impact will always be a candidate for the title, but they will have to make sure not to repeat what happened at the start of the previous season with the "deadly front trio" costing valuable points to the team by missing lots of chances. Even so, the odds are they will be mostly involved in the battle for a Challengers' Cup berth, as happened last time. 5th.

by **Valladares** » Sat Mar 21, 2020 2:19 pm

LIGA FEDERAL DE VALLADARES
PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-EIGHTH SEASON - PREVIEW: PART II

Marinos Metropolis:

Full Name: Club Deportivo Marinos de Metrópolis
Nicknames: Los Marineros (The Mariners), Los Celestes (The Sky Blues), El Cuarto Grande (The Fourth Big Team)
Stadium: Estadio Zachary Fortin, Metropolis, District of Metropolis (Cap. 50,304)
Kit Sponsor: TelFax (Telecommunications)
Honours (20): 6 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 4, 44, 45, 46, 52, 53), 5 Kings' Shields (KS 6, 25, 31, 36, 38), 3 Supercopas (SCV 26, 29, 31), 2 UICA Champions' Cups (CC 60, 61), 1 UICA Globe Cup (GC 37), 2 Cup Winners' Cups (CWC 38, 39), 1 Rushmori Copa de Campeones (CdC 33)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 7th - Kings' Shield: Round of 16
Average Attendance: 44,076
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Portsman - Zarama, Rivas, Ariza, Karaji - Cáceres (C), Pareja, García, Yilmaz - Zelaya, Fortin
Moves Out: Othello Murcutt (LB, 35, BRE) to Pearlham SC (XAN), Pierre Dernis (GK, 29, VLD) to Nord Energie FC, Juan David Montes (LB, 28, VLD) to AD Cerro, Sergio Vilar (Manager, Cosumar) sacked.
Moves In: Markus Portsman (GK, 28, XAN) from Dustern Easterners (XAN), Cristiano Karaji (LB, 21, SAJ) from Stormers FC (SAJ), Pablo Núñez (LB, 19, VLD) promoted from Marinos Metropolis Reserves, Angelo Gelinas (Manager, QUE)
Commentary: A seventh place finish in Liga-1 and a painful elimination from the Kings' Shield in the round of 16 at the hands of Metropolis Alligators were the straw that broke the camel in the already strained relationship between Cosumarite manager Sergio Vilar and the club's Board, and with the most recent season ending in utter failure for the Marineros, Vilar was finally sacked from the team. The Board moved fast to find a replacement in former Quebecois player Angelo Gelinas, who will try to capitalize on the previous good history of Quebecois personnel in Marinos, and looked at faraway places such as Xanneria and Sajnur to replace key players who left at the end of the season such as Brenecian leftback Othello Murcutt and goalkeeper Pierre Dernis. Xannerian goalie Markus Portsman and Sajnurian young leftback Cristiano Karaji will have the mission to restore consistency to Marinos' defensive line, whilst the offense will still be led by experienced Cosumarite winger Tamer Yilmaz, and the dynamic duo of Marcos Zelaya and Aymeric Fortin, who are constantly leading the Liga-1 scoring tallies with the latter being the current Golden Boot holder. With a new coach, a couple of new players who seem reliable, and a threatening front line as usual, Marinos are ready to return to their rightful place in the league.
Key Rivalries: Metropolis Alligators (Derby Metropolitano - MDs 3 & 22), Nacional (South Metropolis derby - MDs 5 & 24), Slateport Bulls (Blue Derby - MDs 17 & 36), Deportivo Junín (MDs 4 & 23)
The Pundit's Prediction: Marinos were the team that reinforced themselves the most, as the first step of their quest to return to the spotlight. They will be good enough to contend for the crown until the end, but they might run out of gas at the end. 3rd.

Metropolis Alligators:

Full Name: Metropolis Alligators Football Club
Nicknames: The Alligators, The Green-Blues, The Titan, MA
Stadium: Alexander I National Stadium, Swangard, District of Metropolis (Cap. 95,021)
Kit Sponsor: TelFax (Telecommunications)
Honours (32): 12 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 1, 3, 14, 15, 18, 31, 32, 33, 34, 39, 43, 50), 9 Kings' Shields (KS 3, 4, 11, 20, 30, 32, 40, 46, 47), 8 Supercopas (SCV 8, 9, 10, 12, 17, 20, 21, 34), 1 UICA Globe Cup (GC 29), 1 UICA Super Cup (SC 29), 1 Cup Winners' Cup (CWC 30)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 3rd - Kings' Shield: Winners
Average Attendance: 68,443
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Hartigan - Revault, Hoyos (C), Matheus, Ponce - Carrillo, Nielsen, Allegro - Patton, Borja, Bogarín
Moves Out: Matthias Bergander (FW, 27, NPH) to South Laithland (NPH)
Moves In: Izzat Patton (FW, 23, NPH) from Springfield United (DAR)
Commentary: The Titan is getting used to third place mediocrity with another set of bronze medals being handed to them, and that's something their fans are not really enjoying. While winning yet another Kings' Shield guaranteed a new winning lap for the Alligators, everyone at their Livingstone headquarters considers it is not enough. With the exit of Nepharim striker Matthias Bergander being countered by the arrival of Eastfielder young striker Izzat Patton, the Alligators made sure to keep their squad as intact as possible ahead of the new season, while also trying out a new offensive proposal with Patton. The team's backbone stands still, led by reliable Brenecian goalie Aidan Hartigan, defenders Darío Hoyos and Thiago Matheus, midfielder Fausto Carrillo, Cenian playmaker Charles Allegro and striker Brayan Borja. The Titan has its thirteenth Liga-1 title as primary goal for this season, and will be hoping the newcomer will quickly copy Luis Fuentes' idea and start producing as many goals as his fellow strikers Borja and Cristian Bogarín to propel them to the championship.
Key Rivalries: Marinos Metropolis (Derby Metropolitano - MDs 3 & 22), Nacional (Derby Añejo - MDs 12 & 31), Fontvielle Impact (Derby de Valladares - MDs 6 & 25), Bohemians Metropolis (North Metropolis derby - MDs 19 & 38), Tannenberg FC (MDs 16 & 35), Eterna Stars (MDs 14 & 33), AS Bezieres (MDs 15 & 34)
The Pundit's Prediction: The 12 Liga-1 championships the Alligators have won force them to cope with the same pressure as Fontvielle Impact has: winning the league, not matter how. However, this time they should focus on at least winning another set of bronze medals, unless Bezieres, Nacional, and Marinos somehow botch it. 4th.

Nacional:

Full Name: Club Nacional de Fútbol
Nicknames: La Academia (The Academy), Los Albos (The Whites)
Stadium: City of Metropolis Stadium, Metropolis, District of Metropolis (Cap. 47,826)
Kit Sponsor: GoPlay (Streaming)
Honours (10): 5 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 7, 12, 30, 55, 56), 3 Kings' Shields (KS 13, 21, 42), 2 Supercopas (SCV 24, 33)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 2nd - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 30,770
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Gaviria (C) - Marrugo, Carrillo, Hossiner, Rueda - Hudson, Pardo, Revault - Mickel - Ovalle, Carreño
Moves Out: Martín Delgado (CB, 30, VLD) to FC Endeavour (APX), Jonathan Vélez (RM, 37, VLD) retired.
Moves In: Daniel Martín (CB, 20, VLD) promoted from Guzmán-Cress Academy, Andrés Abrigo (RM, 19, VLD) promoted from Guzmán-Cress Academy
Commentary: Nacional's dreams of an unprecedented triple championship were crushed by a dominant Bezieres side that forced them to settle with second place in the league, while in the Shield they crashed out with a defeat to old foes Marinos in the third round of the competition. However, Jean Camacho and his squad are still strongly backed in Barrio Obrero and the Board trust them to bounce back with a new title for La Academia. In the mean time, Nacional are still enjoying of relative success in the transfer window, this time securing the entrance of 12 million NSD for the transfer of another of their most valuable players, in the shape of defender Martín Delgado who headed to Apox's FC Endeavour in the offseason, while also seeing more talented and promising players emerge from the Guzmán-Cress Academy as centreback Daniel Martín and midfielder Andrés Abrigo will be promoted to the senior squad for this season. The team will continue with goalie Paulo Gaviria as new team captain, replacing the retired Jonathan Vélez, Ronald Mickel as the "man of ideas" up front, and two goal-thirsty strikers: Mario Ovalle and Sebastián Carreño. Nacional are in constant renovation, with new players being promoted into the squad and others leaving every season, however, Jean Camacho has already shown to be able to reassemble this team fast enough to place them as a main title contender...and La Academia have already got used to winning and won't want to deviate from that path.
Key Rivalries: Metropolis Alligators (Derby Añejo - MDs 12 & 31), Marinos Metropolis (South Metropolis derby - MDs 5 & 24), AD Cerro (Clásico del Sur - MDs 1 & 20), Bohemians Metropolis (Duelo Abuelo - MDs 2 & 21)
The Pundit's Prediction: Nacional are another team to include in the title race. Solid, with some of the best players in the league, and with a coach who already knows how victory tastes, they should be battling the defending champions, the re-armed Marinos, the Alligators and l'Impact for another crown until the end. 2nd.

Nord Energie FC:

Full Name: Nord Energie Football Club
Nicknames: The Electric Boys, The Red-Yellows, Pride of the North
Stadium: Municipal Stadium, Toril, Eterna (Cap. 15,000)
Kit Sponsor: EnergyValladares (Public utilities)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-2: 1st (Champions, promoted) - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 12,574
Starting Lineup (5-3-2): Dernis - King, Pearson, Henderson (C), Valeri, González - Villa, Hayes, Gilardón - Gervais, Gallagher
Moves Out: None
Moves In: Pierre Dernis (GK, 29, VLD) from Marinos Metropolis, Richard Gervais (FW, 27, VLD) from Hoxford Rovers, Zachary Gallagher (FW, 22, VLD) from Ajax Carloburgo
Commentary: An old friend is back to Liga-1 after winning a hard-fought Liga-2 championship last season, we are talking about Nord Energie FC, who are returning to the top flight after quite some time. Nord Energie hail from Toril, a city of 67,000 inhabitants nested in a former valley (now a reservoir) northeast of Eterna City and was founded as a football team for the workers who built Carrillo dam (the second largest hydroelectric dam in Valladares) on the Eterna river. This young team coached by Gustavo Franco, who has also had a previous experience in Liga-1 as gaffer of Étoile Verte, bases its strategy on a sturdy defense led by tall centrebacks such as captain Bruno Henderson, who is 1.94 m (6' 4'') and Abel Valeri, who is 1.90 m (6' 3'') which is now being strenghtened by the arrival of goalie Pierre Dernis from the capital, who had some decent showings with Marinos the previous season. Meanwhile, Nord Energie's offensive plan, which will be counters for the most part, is in charge of 24-year-old playmaker Sergio Gilardón, who gets to his first season in the top tier after winning Liga-2's Best Player award and will be the one feeding the newly-arrived strikers Zachary Gallagher and Richard Gervais, who were recruited by Nord Energie after being relegated the previous season despite having decent individual campaigns. The Electric Boys are aware their goal for this season will be avoiding relegation at all costs, however, Valencia's outstanding campaign in their return to Liga-1 last season gives them a chance to dream with a loftier goal.
Key Rivalries: Eterna Stars (MDs 18 & 37)
The Pundit's Prediction: Nord Energie's fate will be battling to avoid the drop, like most recently promoted sides have to do. Their survival is likely to depend not only on their own effort, but also on how teams such as Edmonton, Defensores or Real Campo Grande do, which makes the challenge more difficult for them. 19th.

Olympique de Fontvielle:

Full Name: Club Sportif Olympique de Fontvielle
Nicknames: Les Jaune-et-Bleus (The Yellow-Blues), L'OF (The OF)
Stadium: Stade de l'Amitié, Fontvielle, Foix (Cap. 29,185)
Kit Sponsor: Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Valladares (Rail transport)
Honours (8): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 35), 5 Kings' Shields (KS 7, 16, 24, 34, 37), 2 Supercopas (SCV 13, 22)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 13th - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 12,823
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Lechantre - Bourdain, Zapata, Corchia, Pavard - Spiro, Morel, Malicki (C) - Verne, Vargas, Armada
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Olympique are coming off another inconsequential season that saw the team drifting in mid-table for the entire season, safe from the relegation tussle but also away from the fight for international berths. Under the guidance of coach Damian Trolli, Les Jaune-et-Bleus have been able to consolidate a backbone with goalkeeper Alex Lechantre, NT midfielder Gaëtan Malicki, and Mareibatian striker Richard Armada, who has been the team's top scorer in the most recent seasons, however, the team is still unable to find consistency in their performances. Therefore, and with no moves in or out in the offseason, the mission for l'OF in this upcoming season will be finding that consistency they have lacked in order to try and break into the upper half of the league's table. Trolli and everyone at Olympique is aware that aiming for an international berth is a long shot, however, if they manage to pull out a good performance in at least the Kings' Shield, they could dream with bringing those nights of international football back to the historic Stade de l'Amitié.
Key Rivalries: Fontvielle Impact (Derby de Fontvielle - MDs 13 & 32)
The Pundit's Prediction: Olympique have already consolidated themselves in the middle of the pack and should be looking to stay there. But they should be careful with losing too many points to the teams fighting in the relegation affair, who will be pushing behind to drag Olympique into that fight. And if they fancy a return to UICA...erm IFCF competition, the Kings' Shield could be a fast path for them. 13th.

Pradera FC:

Full Name: Pradera Fútbol Club
Nicknames: Los Verdiblancos (The Green-Whites)
Stadium: Estadio de la Montaña, Pradera, Antioquia (Cap. 43,174)
Kit Sponsor: MasterAuto.vd (Car rental)
Honours (2): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 37), 1 Supercopa (SCV 15)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 12th - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 22,859
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Soto - Vargas, Calderón, Estacio, Vélez - Rodríguez, Molina, Morales, C. Salgado (C) - Izquierdo, M. Salgado
Moves Out: Gareth Teixeira (FW, 32, NPH) to Mohtra Megoni (HIN), Andrés Orozco (GK, 38, VLD) retired
Moves In: Mario Frías (GK, 19, VLD) promoted from Pradera FC Academy, Armando Marmolejo (FW, 18, VLD) promoted from Pradera FC Academy
Commentary: Last season brought Pradera some much-needed respite, as the Verdiblancos, who had been spending so many seasons trying to avoid relegation, this time were able to drift in the middle of the table without worrying too much about that hazard which helped them to end the season in twelfth place, a relatively comfortable finish for their performances as of late. However, the team was heavily hit in the offseason with the departure of their two main players, namely goalkeeper Andrés Orozco, who retired after 20 uninterrupted years of service donning the green and white shirt, and Nepharim striker Gareth Teixeira, who left the team after the club's Board announced it would not be offering him a contract extension at the end of last season. And their replacements will be coming from the bench, with Jorge Iván Soto finally getting his chance to defend the Verdiblancos' goal, and young striker Alexander Izquierdo taking the place left vacant by Teixeira up front. Considering this, the Pradera average fan will not be hoping for much this season, and a escape from relegation will be mission accomplished for them, as it has become common in recent times.
Key Rivalries: Valencia FC (Clásico Antioqueño - MDs 4 & 23), Tannenberg FC (Western Valladares derby - MDs 7 & 26)
The Pundit's Prediction: Pradera will be coming into this new season more weakened than usual, for the aforementioned reasons. However, with most of the squad still staying, they should remain good enough to be safe from any relegation threats. 14th.

Real Campo Grande:

Full Name: Esporte Clube Real Campo Grande
Nicknames: Os Verdolagas (The Purslanes), Real (Royal)
Stadium: Estádio Estadual Armando Bozzelli, Campo Grande, Chiquito (Cap. 58,259)
Kit Sponsor: Hipinito (Soft drinks)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 15th - Kings' Shield: Round of 16
Average Attendance: 22,002
Starting Lineup (4-3-2-1): Gonçalves - Ademir, Mota, Alves (C), Andrade - Marulanda, Méndez, Corgnet - Martino, Zamorano - Danilson
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary:
Unlike the previous two sides we reviewed, we cannot say Real Campo Grande were able to watch the relegation struggle while comfortably sitting on a couch, instead the Verdolagas had to wait until the very final day of the season to save their skins from the eternal fire of the second tier with a victory over Slateport Bulls that helped them to finish in 15th place. Nevertheless, the team coached by Antonio Araújo was able to pull out a decent campaign in the Kings' Shield, making their way until the round of 16, where they lost on penalties to fourth-tier side Carloburgo Phoenix. Despite that, hopes are not really high in the Chiquito highlands, with the Board resorting to keep the same squad as last season in light of the financial situation which is starting to exert pressure on them as a result of the poor on-field performance, the dwindling attendances to matches, and of course, the terrible spending spree on below average players (though Zachary Fortin would later prove that wrong at Marinos Metropolis) with which they announced their arrival to Campo Grande, which means the side will have to set their goal at avoiding relegation once again. Reliable striker Danilson, with his crucial goals in the last stretch of each campaign, and goalie Camilo Gonçalves will be the players expected to lead another escape from relegation for Real. Their mostly disenchanted fans are not expecting anything more than that, nor even a miracle that somehow lifts them near the upper half of the table.
Key Rivalries: AS Bezieres (Illirian Derby - MDs 13 & 32)
The Pundit's Prediction: Real Campo Grande haven't really shown many signs of improvement as of late. And, with everything in the Garden City going wrong so far, it looks like this time they might not be avoiding that bullet...18th.

Slateport Bulls:

Full Name: Slateport Bulls Football Club
Nicknames: The Bulls
Stadium: Estadio de la Riviera, Slateport, Eterna (Cap. 40,110)
Kit Sponsor: OilCo (Petroleum industry)
Honours (1): 1 Kings' Shield (KS 45)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 8th - Kings' Shield: Round of 16
Average Attendance: 23,595
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Arias (C) - Pereira, Collins, Martins, Calero - Navas, Infante, Sampaio - Salazar, Lúcio, Márquez
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: Slateport Bulls are coming off another decent campaign, with the team finishing eighth in Liga-1 as well as reaching the last 16 in the Kings' Shield, performances that give the Board, staff, players and of course the fans lots of hope ahead of the upcoming season. Under Arthur Bogden's management, the Bulls have turned into a consolidated and consistent team, which tries to base its strategy on a balanced defense and an efficient attack which tries to make the most out of its chances in every match, however few they are. The Bulls have one of Valladares' best goalkeepers in team captain Gerardo Arias, who leads the team's defense along with centreback Felipe Martins, while the balance in midfield is in charge of right-mid Felipe Navas and former Marinos Metropolis striker Lúcio is the leading man in attack, along with fellow strikers Óscar Salazar and Alexis Márquez, who are both clinical finishers and usually excel at counters. It looks like Slateport Bulls have finally emerged out of the cloud of mediocrity that had been surrounding them for a while, and will be aiming at posing a threat to the Big teams (including arch-rivals Eterna Stars and Marinos) in the fight for IFCF berths. Last season they proved they are fully capable of finishing in the top half of the table, the task for this season is confirming such improvement with a return to international fields.
Key Rivalries: Eterna Stars (Eternan Superclásico - MDs 9 & 28), Marinos Metropolis (Blue Derby - MDs 17 & 36)
The Pundit's Prediction: The Bulls will be in the hunt for a spot in the upper half of the table, and could as well try to be an outsider contender for IFCF berths, once more. The outcome of their season will largely depend on how they do against their arch-rivals Eterna Stars, as well as TFC, who will be the other sides pushing for a top 10 finish. 11th.

Tannenberg FC:

Full Name: Tannenberg Football Club
Nicknames: The Citizens, TFC, The Black-Whites, The Knights
Stadium: White Meadow Arena, Carloburgo, Mountbatten (Cap. 69,780)
Kit Sponsor: Dashka Motors (Automobile manufacturer)
Honours (8): 5 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 6, 17, 38, 48, 51), 2 Kings' Shields (KS 10, 17), 1 Supercopa (SCV 16)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 10th - Kings' Shield: Runners-up
Average Attendance: 52,068
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Becker (C) - Gillet, Lucerna, Martínez, Vargas - Moyes, Mariner, Barreto, Pearce - Figueiredo, Foschini
Moves Out: Christian O'Brien (LM, 24, VLD) to Tanrısal (PAS)
Moves In: Fabio Cardetti (LM, 19, VLD) from Tannenberg FC U-21
Commentary: The first full season for Tannenberg with Danny Flint as permanent manager ended up on a good note for TFC, with the team finishing in a decent tenth place in Liga-1 while also standing up to Metropolis Alligators in the Kings' Shield final at Swangard, with players such as midfielder Nick Mariner and Dreamplanetian striker Paulo Figueiredo consolidating themselves as fan favourites. For this upcoming season, the Citizens suffered a hard blow with the departure of one of the best players they've had in a while as Christian O'Brien left for Pasarga in the off-season, leaving fellow winger Dean Pearce with the mission to become a suitable replacement for him and keep feeding Figueiredo and revelation striker Mateo Foschini with goals. Tannenberg will be focusing on consolidating themselves in the upper half of the table, although last season showed the five-time Liga-1 winners might win some silverware and get back to international football if they pay attention to the domestic cup competition.
Key Rivalries: Pradera FC (Western Valladares derby - MDs 7 & 26), Metropolis Alligators (MDs 16 & 35), Eterna Stars (MDs 1 & 20)
The Pundit's Prediction: Despite their up and downs, Tannenberg are a decent team that should comfortably finish in the top 10 of the league, while also giving some fight on the IFCF front. They could also try and declare the Kings' Shield as their main priority this season, seeing how well they fared in the previous one. 9th.

Valencia FC:

Full Name: Valencia Fútbol Club
Nicknames: Púrpura (Purple)
Stadium: Estadio Tricentenario, Valencia, Antioquia (Cap. 30,244)
Kit Sponsor: LíneaBus (Transportation)
Honours (1): 1 Series B Champions' Cup (SBCC 70)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 11th - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 22,440
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Araúz - Ávila, Aristizábal (C), Caballero, García - Martelli, Muriel, Pettirossi, Riveros - Coimbra, Armstrong
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Commentary: The recently concluded season was a dream come true for the Púrpura and their fans, with the side coached by Federico Rassmussen passing all its goals with outstanding grades: eleventh place in the domestic league, quickly moving away from every relegation danger, their first piece of silverware won in the form of a Series B Champions' Cup, a run to the last 32 of the Kings' Shield, and all of that achieved while playing some delightful football as several pundits considered the Valencians played much better than many teams in the title or IFCF contention. While one of the secrets behind Valencia's success were the key victories against top rivals such as both Metropolis giants and TFC, the Púrpura were also able to build, in just one season, a strong backbone with new arrivals Gustavo Aristizábal, Dylan Pettirossi, Claudio Muriel, and Vincent Armstrong, to which goalie Danilo Araúz and striker Fabio Coimbra, surviving players from the Valencia side that earned promotion easily adapted. After last season's spectacular run, excitement abounds in Valencia, with the purple-clad side willing to show they won't be going down for a long time and are ready to keep raining on the big sides' parade while also trying to stage a charge for the big prizes.
Key Rivalries: Pradera FC (Clásico Antioqueño - MDs 4 & 23)
The Pundit's Prediction: Valencia's campaign last time was a pleasant surprise for everyone, as they survived relegation with enough merit and surprisingly earned some international success as well. Their challenge now is getting rid of the relegation ghost for good while also consolidating themselves in the middle of the pack. 12th.

Valladar Liga-2 Clubs and Prediction:
(Clubs ordered according to predicted position)

Ajax Carloburgo (Carloburgo, Mountbatten)

Pumas Maldonado (Maldonado, Chiquito)

FC Maritime Westporte (Westporte, Canalave)

Hamanos Athletic Club (Hamanos, Antioquia)

Hoxford Rovers (Hoxford, Westlands)

Stanford United (Stanford, Mountbatten)

CAP (Los Chorros, Mountbatten)

Étoile Verte (Bezieres, Foix)

Universitario de Maldonado (Maldonado, Chiquito)

FC Townsville (Townsville, Westlands)

Bretford Royals (Bretford, Westlands)

AS Montreux (Montreux, Foix)

Servette FC (Servette, District of Metropolis)

AS Mont-Blanc (Mont-Blanc, Eterna)

Atlético Nápoles (Metropolis, District of Metropolis)

Real Pradera (Pradera, Antioquia)

Bellavista Jets (Metropolis, District of Metropolis)

FC Fauxham (Fauxham, Eterna)

Canalave Rangers (City of Canalave, Canalave)

Dynamo Metropolis (Metropolis, District of Metropolis)

Valladar Liga-3 Clubs and Prediction:
(Clubs ordered according to predicted position)

AS Vaud (Gatineau, Foix)

FC Sillimus (City-state of Sillimus)

Gatineau UC 98 (Gatineau, Foix)

EC Comercial (Campo Grande, Chiquito)

Patriotas FC (Columbus, Mountbatten)

Adelaide Kickers (Adelaide, Westlands)

Villaznia AC (Villaznia, Eterna)

Libertad (Lierravus, Alto Danubio)

RC Corania (Corania, Antioquia)

Northport Bears (Northport, Westlands)

AS Lausanne (Lausanne, Foix)

FC Westporte 984 (Westporte, Canalave)

Danubio FC (Metropolis, District of Metropolis)

RC Belfort (Gatineau, Foix)

Carloburgo Phoenix (Carloburgo, Mountbatten)

Minault United (Minault, Mountbatten)

AC Tallin (Carloburgo, Mountbatten)

Yumbo FC (Yumbo, Mountbatten)

Deportivo Aguablanca (Aguablanca, Mountbatten)

Corumbá EC (Corumbá, Chiquito)

by **Valladares** » Sun Mar 22, 2020 11:42 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-EIGHTH SEASON (PART I OF V)

Canalave Crown Match (February 29)

A new season of Valladar football officially kicked off with the Canalave Crown match, with Liga-1 defending champions AS Bezieres and Kings' Shield current holders Metropolis Alligators presenting themselves in front of 43,285 spectators who gathered at Canalave's Dragon Stadium to watch the decision for the first title of the season. As it was expected, the match was not very good, with both teams still in pre-season mood and trying to recover their chemistry and style of play after the Liga-1's 3-month offseason. Whilst Bezieres had their usual starting XI from last season, Eastfielder striker Izzat Patton made his début in the Alligators and was able to make a good impression even though he didn't have many opportunities in front of goal. It was then predicted that the match and the Crown would go to the most efficient team, which ended up being Les Rouges who made the best out of a play in the 20th minute, with midfielders Gilbert Lessard and Arley Barrios associating themselves to assist Christian Núñez, who then eluded both of MA's centrebacks in order to neatly place the ball past Aidan Hartigan and into the back of the net to put the incumbent Valladar champions ahead in the scoreboard. The Alligators tried to bounce back for the remainder of the match, charging through the wings with the aforementioned Patton as well as Christian Bogarín (and later Felipe Camargo) through the left but lacked clarity in the final third. And so, Bezieres (who at some point looked threatening with a couple of counters) clinged on to victory and a new piece of silverware until the end of the match.

THE THIRTY-FIFTH SUPERCOPA VALLADAR: AS BEZIERES VS. METROPOLIS ALLIGATORS
@ Dragon Stadium, City of Canalave, Canalave
Attendance: 43,285
Referee: Nicholas Pittori (Mountbatten)

AS Bezieres 1-0 Metropolis Alligators
(Núñez 20')

AS Bezieres: Dussan - Mayard, Donato, dos Santos (C), Woods - Rojas, de Préville, Lessard (André Luiz 69') - Barrios - Mendoza, Núñez (Magnin 83'). Manager: Mario Ventura
Metropolis Alligators: Hartigan - Revault, Hoyos (C), Matheus, Ponce - Carrillo, Nielsen (Zamudio 50'), Allegro (Trussel 66') - Patton, Borja, Bogarín (Camargo 77'). Manager: Luis Fuentes

And now we return to your normal Liga-1 broadcast...

Round 1 (March 7-8-9)

The new Liga-1 season was officially opened on Friday 7th with defending Valladar champions Bezieres being entertained by their Liga-2 counterparts Nord Energie FC in another edition of the Champions' Kick-off. However, the Electric Boys proved to be a really hard nut to crack for Les Rouges and were able to cancel Daniel Mendoza's early opener with a goal by former Bezieres striker Richard Gervais which allowed the visitors to return home with a valuable point from the Foixien capital in their return to the top flight. On Saturday, five matches were played, with Canalave Dragons kicking off the season with fireworks and roasting Edmonton United at Dragon Stadium with a merciless 5-1 thumping that had striker Daniel Costa take the ball home with a poker. Meanwhile, the Gelinas era in Marinos was off to a good start with the Marineros earning a solid 3-1 victory over Real Campo Grande in Metropolis, Fontvielle Impact were able to steal a point from Slateport thanks to a late goal scored by Alexandre, Defensores and Columbus cancelled themselves out with a scoreless stalemate in Villafuerte, and Pradera beat the Alligators in an exciting, back-and-forth match that ended 3-2, with both sides praised for their effort at the end of the match at the Estadio de la Montaña. And the next day, another high-stakes match was played in Carloburgo between TFC and the Stars, with the latter taking home victory thanks to a brace by bench striker Jean Hainault, Olympique beat Valencia at the Stade de l'Amitié, and Bohemians said goodbye to their beloved Estadio Luis Frattini (which is being closed and demolished to make way for a new stadium) with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Junín.

However, the most anticipated clash of the round was the return of the Clásico del Sur to the top tier, with Nacional travelling a couple of kilometres south to face old foes Cerro on Sunday. Tension was building up in the days prior to the match with both sets of fans badmouthing and taunting each other, which continued onto the stands of Estadio Marcus Trent with Nacional's fans trying to scrub their team's recent superiority with a tifo as well as drowning out the chants of support by the Cerro fans by hissing and taking advantage of the similarity of the words "Cerro" and "perro" (dog) by singing the latter one at them. However, the hosts did not allow themselves to be intimidated by that and laid the match to rest early in the second half with goals by Jason Beltrán and striker Pablo Scotti. La Academia were able to cut the disadvantage back to one goal thanks to Marcelo Ponce, however, by the time Ponce's goal came it was too late for Jean Camacho's side to equalize and thus the Celeste won in the return of southern Metropolis' most heated rivalry to the top tier.

AS Bezieres 1–1 Nord Energie FC
Tannenberg FC 1–2 Eterna Stars
Olympique de Fontvielle 3–1 Valencia FC
AD Cerro 2–1 Nacional
Bohemians Metropolis 3–3 Deportivo Junín
Pradera FC 3–2 Metropolis Alligators
Canalave Dragons 5–1 Edmonton United
Marinos Metropolis 3–1 Real Campo Grande
Defensores de Villafuerte 0–0 FC Columbus
Slateport Bulls 1–1 Fontvielle Impact

Round 2 (March 14-15)

After the first two rounds of league action, Marinos and Eterna Stars are the only teams who can still boast a perfect start to the season, with the former beating a combative Edmonton side that showed a lot of improvement from their dreadful début in Canalave and the latter edging past Olympique de Fontvielle at the Alain Tramontin Stadium with a late own-goal by centreback Vincent Corchia. After holding the defending champions to a draw in their début, Nord Energie returned home to face the other Foixien giant as Fontvielle Impact arrived in Toril in search of their first win of the season. However, the side coached by Gustavo Franco were the ones celebrating their first victory at the end of the day thanks to Sergio Gilardón's goal right before the halftime whistle. Both Junín and Defensores were also able to follow up their draws on opening day with wins this weekend, with the Granates beating Pradera in the Far East and the Auriverdes coming back twice to win in Campo Grande against Real. Three big sides were also able to bounce back from their defeats the previous week: Metropolis Alligators beat the Dragons in Swangard with Eastfielder striker Izzat Patton scoring his first goal with the Titan, Mateo Foschini and TFC made sure to give the defending champions another disappointment with the Citizens leaving the Stade de Foix with the full prize, while Nacional left their defeat in the Clásico behind by outclassing Bohemians in the first Duelo Abuelo of the season. And in the remaining matches of the round, Columbus and the Bulls exchanged blows for a 3-3 draw that left both sides with a couple of points after 2 matches, and Cerro's sturdy defense held Valencia to a stalemate in the Antioquian city.

Nord Energie FC 1–0 Fontvielle Impact
FC Columbus 3–3 Slateport Bulls
Real Campo Grande 2–3 Defensores de Villafuerte
Edmonton United 2–3 Marinos Metropolis
Metropolis Alligators 2–0 Canalave Dragons
Deportivo Junín 3–1 Pradera FC
Nacional 4–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Valencia FC 0–0 AD Cerro
Eterna Stars 1–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
AS Bezieres 0–1 Tannenberg FC

Kings' Shield First Round (March 17-18-19)

And now, it's time for Kings' Shield action to start with the First Round featuring 186 Valladar clubs: the 5 worst clubs in Liga-2 last season, plus all the clubs in Liga-3, Liga Nacional (4th tier), the Ligas Regionales (5th tier) and the twelve State Championships (6th tier), barring 3 clubs from Electrum competing under the blessing of the Valladar and Electrumite FAs, plus the Asociación Juninense de Fútbol (AJF).

CA Lierravus 1-0 Salvador FC

Gatineau Athletic Club 2-1 Leeward Tech FC

Dynamo Metropolis 1-0 Mountain United

Arenápolis FC 0-0 Kingsville Reds (2-1 AET)

Campograndense 0-3 LDU Victoria

Alto Danubio FC 0-1 Real Colón

Potros de Slateport 1-1 Stade Foixien (2-2 AET, 2-3 PKs)

Real San Miguel 2-1 Club Petrolero

Estudiantes de Colón 2-1 Corumbá EC

Blue-White Westporte 4-0 Santacruz FC

Gatineau UC 98 2-2 Western Suburbs FC (2-2 AET, 1-2 PKs)

CS Ypres 2-1 Playa Larga FC

Operário FC 1-1 AD Sillimus (2-1 AET)

Deportivo Balboa 0-3 FC Sillimus

Fauxham United 2-2 Trois-Rivières Athletic (2-2 AET, 0-2 PKs)

Bridgeborough United 1-2 AS Vaud

Newcastle Town 0-0 Português (0-1 AET)

Mariscal Rondón 0-1 Cartago FC

Hamilton Rockets 3-0 CA Barbosa

Libertad 1-1 Abbotsford SC (1-1 AET, 3-4 PKs)

8 de Octubre FC 3-0 Academia Puerto Soldado

Mineros de Talamonte 1-1 Olympique de Coulombes (1-1 AET, 3-4 PKs)

CSDA Junín 0-1 Cardenales FC

AS Montreux 0-2 AC Tallin

SC Tabatinga 1-0 Sport Lierravus

Atlético Alpino 0-1 Townsville Fury

CR Palmas 1-2 Tarragona FC

Arma FC 0-2 AFC Trefford

FC Silverstone 0-1 Port Authority FC

RC Belfort 1-1 Atlético Caney (1-1 AET, 1-0 PKs)

Sillimus Islanders FC 1-1 Encinar SC (2-2 AET, 2-1 PKs)

Águilas de Tresquebradas 0-1 Sporting Faro

SC Río Laguna 1-0 Puente Nacional FC

Hamilton Steelers 1-4 Borderville Rogues

Unión de Loja FC 1-0 Real Guadír

Isla Nueva FC 0-1 San Luis FC

Policía Nacional FC 0-0 Orlèans FC (1-0 AET)

Deportivo Lomas 0-1 FC Blacktown

Metropolis City FC 2-0 FC Bluewich-Furness

Gazélec Saint-Rémy 1-1 FC Endemien (1-2 AET)

Excelsior Exeter 0-0 Canalave Rangers (0-0 AET, 2-0 PKs)

Fermont OSC 0-1 Columbus Cannons

Club Juventud 1-4 Atlético Caraure

Jamundí FC 3-0 Araguaná

Deportivo Aguablanca 0-1 Sporting Florencia

Cerro Plateado FC 1-2 Danubio FC

AS Lausanne 3-1 Yumbo FC

RC Copacabana 0-1 Campinas FC

AC Talamonte 1-0 Eterna Celtic

FC Verder Metropolis 1-1 Toril Beavers (2-1 AET)

Luton Town FC 1-0 Alianza Bochalema

Real Trinidad 1-1 Cidade do Leste (1-1 AET, 4-5 PKs)

RC Corania 1-2 Westporte City FC

Bellavista Jets 1-0 FC Westporte 984

Carloburgo Star FC 1-3 Estrella Roja

AC Valencia 1-0 Hoxford Athletic

Almaguer FC 0-0 Patriotas FC (0-3 AET)

Llaneros de Barracas 1-1 Estudiantes de Metrópolis (1-1 AET, 0-2 PKs)

FC Broomfield 2-1 FC 1093 Los Chorros

Guararé FC 2-0 Chesham Town

Richmond City 5-0 Alejandría SC

Aguablanca FC 1-0 Saintsbury United

Universitario de Junín 1-0 Ferroviario

Adelaide Heart FC 0-1 Port Arthur Warriors

Albany Lynx FC 0-1 Central Español

Deportivo Angostura 3-0 Kingsley-Bedford FC

ACD Faro 0-0 FC Fauxham (1-0 AET)

FC Annecy 0-2 Standard Fontvielle

Remo 0-0 Birdwall City (1-0 AET)

University of Canalave FC 1-2 Tessano FC

Atlético Rozo 2-0 SC Canalave Young Boys

FC Borderville 0-0 CD Melgar (0-1 AET)

OSC Canalave 1-1 Alianza Antioquia (1-1 AET, 1-3 PKs)

Minault United 2-0 Unión Junín

Atlético Robles 1-2 Northport Bears

Deportivo Meléndez 1-2 Atlas SC

Unión Ature 1-1 Swangard FC (2-1 AET)

Adelaide City FC 2-1 Adelaide Kickers

Puracé FC 1-0 Atlético Poblado

Sabaneta FC 2-1 Carolina Rangers

Deportivo Cerrito 1-1 Sion-Impact OSC (1-1 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Victoria United 0-1 SC Alcázares

Northport Mariners 0-1 Villaznia AC

Westporte Sailors FC 3-1 Deportivo Municipal

Neuchâtel-Sport 3-3 FC Henriville (4-3 AET)

Rapid Metropolis 2-0 Nacional (CG)

AC Huez 2-1 EC São Januário

Vitória Maldonado 2-5 Port Arthur FC

EC Comercial 0-2 Buitrera FC

CS Clermont 0-2 RC Victoria

Carloburgo Phoenix 3-1 AS Laval-Avignon

Racing Corinto FC 1-0 Independiente Morón

Curzón FC 1-1 Real Junín FC (2-1 AET)

Round 3 (March 21-22)

Matchday 3 brought to us the first Derby Metropolitano of the season, with Metropolis Alligators visiting until-then leaders Marinos at Estadio Zachary Fortin. Even though the team coached by Angelo Gelinas went ahead with Marcos Zelaya scoring after 30 minutes of play, the Marineros were unable to walk to their third straight victory of the season as their arch-rivals completely turned things around in the second half, first by equalizing thanks to Brayan Borja in the 47th minute and later hitting Marinos twice in the counterattack with Izzat Patton and substitute striker Danilo Riveros securing victory for the Alligators at Parque Rushmore. But the Stars, who entered this round as joint leaders along with Marinos, were able to capitalize on their defeat and became sole leaders after beating Cerro with goals by Peter Fagundes and Valentin Germain. Martín Boyle's Junín were another team able to pull out a big result on the road, beating the Dragons at Dragon Stadium to jump up to second place, so did Columbus, who in a shocking outcome at the Stade de la Frontière handed Fontvielle Impact their second defeat in a row courtesy of a goal by Omar Portizzo, scored from the penalty mark. Not too far from there, defending champions Bezieres were able to win their first match of the season, beating Olympique de Fontvielle at the Stade de l'Amitié by a 3-1 score, while Edmonton were also able to enjoy their maiden win of the campaign at the expense of Defensores in Villafuerte. In other matches, Nacional stumbled in Pradera with a loss to the Verdiblancos, Nord Energie are still a nuisance for the big sides, this time stealing a draw from TFC in Carloburgo, Bohemians' début at their temporary home Chosroes Stadium ended with the Gallo and Valencia cancelling each other out with a draw, and a brace by Alexis Márquez helped Slateport Bulls win their first match at home against Real Campo Grande, leaving the Verdolagas as the only team still with no points after three matches.

Tannenberg FC 0–0 Nord Energie FC
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–3 AS Bezieres
AD Cerro 1–2 Eterna Stars
Bohemians Metropolis 1–1 Valencia FC
Pradera FC 2–1 Nacional
Canalave Dragons 0–1 Deportivo Junín
Marinos Metropolis 1–3 Metropolis Alligators
Defensores de Villafuerte 1–3 Edmonton United
Slateport Bulls 2–0 Real Campo Grande
Fontvielle Impact 0–1 FC Columbus

Round 4 (March 28-29)

Eterna Stars are looking unstoppable in this start of season, winning four out of four games and now adding Bohemians to their list of victims with a dominating 3-0 win over the Gallo in Eterna City. And following the Stars, we find both Metropolis giants in second and third place with 9 points each, the Alligators jumped up to second place by beating Defensores at Swangard with goals by Brayan Borja, while Aymeric Fortin helped Marinos beat Junín in the Far East. There are some teams that have been showing steady improvement during the last two games, such as Slateport Bulls and defending champions Bezieres. The Bulls earned a hard-fought win in Edmonton which, added to last week's victory over Real Campo Grande, lifted them to fourth place of the league with 8 points, and Les Rouges passed a tough test against Cerro with a lone goal by Arley Barrios separating both sides and giving the current champions their second win in a row. Elsewhere, Fontvielle Impact were finally able to win a match by stomping cellar-dwellers Real Campo Grande in the Chiquito state capital with goals by their deadly trio of strikers, Nacional beat the Dragons at the City of Metropolis Stadium, regaining the ground lost with their defeat in Pradera, Olympique de Fontvielle were five minutes away from taking a point from their match against TFC at White Meadow Arena, until Dreamplanetian striker Paulo Figueiredo appeared to win the match for the Citizens with his goal, Nord Energie and Columbus kept their unbeaten streaks with their draw in Toril, and the Clásico Antioqueño between Valencia and Pradera ended with no winner, as goals for Fabio Coimbra and Alexander Izquierdo made sure Púrpuras and Verdiblancos shared the spoils at Estadio Tricentenario.

Nord Energie FC 1–1 FC Columbus
Real Campo Grande 0–3 Fontvielle Impact
Edmonton United 0–1 Slateport Bulls
Metropolis Alligators 2–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Deportivo Junín 0–1 Marinos Metropolis
Nacional 4–1 Canalave Dragons
Valencia FC 1–1 Pradera FC
Eterna Stars 3–0 Bohemians Metropolis
AS Bezieres 1–0 AD Cerro
Tannenberg FC 1–0 Olympique de Fontvielle

Round 5 (April 4-5)

The start of April brought the Stars' winning streak to an end, with the team from Eterna City only being able to salvage a draw against Pradera with a goal by Joe Lindpere in injury time. And although that result still allowed the Stars to rest at the top of the table for at least one more week, both Metropolis Alligators and Marinos Metropolis were able to close the gap to just one point, with the former beating the Bulls in Slateport and putting an end to their unbeaten streak, and the latter winning the South Metropolis derby against Nacional with a second-half goal by Cosumarite Tamer Yilmaz. The recovery of defending champions Bezieres continued with Les Rouges beating Bohemians in a thrilling match at Chosroes Stadium which was only decided with a goal by Fabián Villafañe in its dying seconds, while Nord Energie kept surprising all and sundry by placing in fifth place of the league, still without losing, as they visited Fontvielle and defeated Olympique. The situation for the other, more famous Fontvielle side is not much better, with l'Impact reeling in 15th place with only 5 points in as many matches after crashing over and over against the impervious defensive wall mounted by Edmonton, thus dropping two points at home. In other matches, the Dragons finally reacted after 3 losses in a row and beat Valencia in Canalave in order to lower the growing pressure on gaffer Bruno Mouche, Junín's long trip to Villafuerte ended with the host side capitalizing on a gross defensive mistake by Pablo Rojas and keeping the points at home with a goal by striker Adrián Curbelo, Tannenberg lost to Cerro in the Metropolis suburbs, and Real Campo Grande were finally able to get a positive result, with the Verdolagas holding Columbus to a draw to earn a much-needed morale-boosting point.

Olympique de Fontvielle 1–2 Nord Energie FC
AD Cerro 3–2 Tannenberg FC
Bohemians Metropolis 3–4 AS Bezieres
Pradera FC 1–1 Eterna Stars
Canalave Dragons 3–2 Valencia FC
Marinos Metropolis 1–0 Nacional
Defensores de Villafuerte 1–0 Deportivo Junín
Slateport Bulls 0–1 Metropolis Alligators
Fontvielle Impact 0–0 Edmonton United
FC Columbus 1–1 Real Campo Grande

Round 6 (April 11-12)

And now it's time for the first chapter of two of the most awaited matches by fans of Valladar football every season, the first one we're talking about is the passionate Derby de Valladares, with a desperate Fontvielle Impact side visiting Metropolis Alligators, who are aiming to assault the top with a victory plus a negative result for the Stars. However, the side coached by Daniel Bernard showed its hierarchy at the most necessary moment and hit the Alligators twice with strikers Thibault Benezet and Daniel Barbieri putting Les Blues 2-0 ahead in the first 20 minutes of the match. The Alligators pulled one back with Freddy Servín in the second half, however l'Impact were able to endure the Titan's onslaught to claim a key victory in Swangard which lifts them to the upper half of the table. The other big rivalry played this weekend was the E1 Derby, which also presented a similar background with a Canalave Dragons in need of points travelling to Eterna City to play arch-rivals and league leaders Eterna Stars. Although the Dragons were able to put up some fight with striker Chris Willis scoring a brace and jeopardizing the Stars' leadership, the team managed by Fabien Torrente proved to be the better side by claiming a tight 3-2 win with Valentin Germain, Bryan Castillo, and Peter Fagundes scoring to keep the Stars on top.

Meanwhile, the escalades of both Marinos and Bezieres suffered a speed bump with both sides dropping points: the Marineros were beaten in Valencia, and the defending champions were held to a draw by Pradera at home. Nord Energie also missed a great chance to consolidate themselves in the top five of the league after tying with Real Campo Grande, who are slowly improving their league performance, while Deportivo Junín and Slateport traded blows in an exciting match at the Arena Junín that ended with the Granates celebrating their third victory of the campaign as well as their 10 points and Arthur Bogden's Bulls ruing their second defeat in a row. In other matches, Columbus are following on Nord Energie's footsteps and entered the league's top five (at the expense of, precisely Nord Energie) by beating Edmonton at Albert Field, Nacional were left frustrated by Defensores de Villafuerte, who snatched a point from the City of Metropolis Stadium, Damián Trolli will be relieved for at least one more week as Olympique de Fontvielle earned their second win of the campaign against Cerro, and Bohemians left it late to upset TFC in Carloburgo and claim their maiden victory with a goal by Pierre Vasseur in the 89th minute of the match.

Nord Energie FC 1–1 Real Campo Grande
Edmonton United 0–1 FC Columbus
Metropolis Alligators 1–2 Fontvielle Impact
Deportivo Junín 4–3 Slateport Bulls
Nacional 3–3 Defensores de Villafuerte
Valencia FC 2–0 Marinos Metropolis
Eterna Stars 3–2 Canalave Dragons
AS Bezieres 1–1 Pradera FC
Tannenberg FC 0–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Olympique de Fontvielle 3–2 AD Cerro

Round 7 (April 18-19)

And the time for Eterna Stars to lose a match finally came, and it did with a visit to Estadio Zachary Fortin in Metropolis to play Marinos, who only needed a goal by Lisandro Craviotto to put the handbrake on the leaders and also get right behind them in second place (Stars 16 pts, Marinos 15 pts). On the other hand, Metropolis Alligators were unable to capitalize on this and were held by Columbus, who are now the only unbeaten team left in the league after Nord Energie suffered their first defeat of the campaign in Cerro, allowing the Celestes to crack into the top half of the table. Defending champions Bezieres kept stumbling, this time narrowly losing to the Dragons, who are slowly getting back in track after three straight losses, while their arch-rivals Fontvielle Impact are still unable to win a match at home after losing to Junín, with which they also lost the gained ground with the victory in the Derby the previous week. The team that was able to chain a second win in a row was Bohemians, who finally won a match at their temporary home with Olympique on the losing end, Nacional and TFC were also able to grab important victories, with the Albo side edging past the Bulls in Slateport with a late goal by Joaquín Materón, and the Citizens beating Pradera in an action-packed Western Valladares derby at the Estadio de la Montaña. And, in the remaining matches of the round, Valencia beat fellow Antioquian rivals Defensores in Villafuerte, and Real Campo Grande and Edmonton harmed each other with their scoreless draw in Campo Grande which keeps the two sides as the league's bottom two.

AD Cerro 2–1 Nord Energie FC
Bohemians Metropolis 2–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Pradera FC 1–3 Tannenberg FC
Canalave Dragons 3–2 AS Bezieres
Marinos Metropolis 1–0 Eterna Stars
Defensores de Villafuerte 0–1 Valencia FC
Slateport Bulls 0–1 Nacional
Fontvielle Impact 1–2 Deportivo Junín
FC Columbus 1–1 Metropolis Alligators
Real Campo Grande 0–0 Edmonton United

Round 8 (April 25-26)

The eight round of Liga-1 football started with a massive upset at Swangard, as Real Campo Grande came and ran riot against the Alligators at their home in order to claim their very first win of the campaign, prevent the Titan from getting any closer to the summit of the table, and of course, leave the basement...with the new cellar-dwellers being Edmonton, who lost to Nord Energie in controversial fashion with the Monties having two goals disallowed by alleged offsides. It wasn't a good day for the Stars either, who were unable to decipher the tricky challenge presented to them by Defensores de Villafuerte, with the Auriverdes taking the points home thanks to a goal scored by Brahian Céspedes and dooming the Stars to a second loss in a row. This result would help Marinos, who are now the new leaders on head-to-head (thanks to that win over the Stars the previous week) despite tying with Bezieres at the Stade de Foix, as well as Junín (to some extent) who stayed close to the top of the table despite dropping points to Columbus, who are still the last unbeaten side in Liga-1. The streak of draws continued throughout the weekend, with Valencia and Slateport Bulls sharing the spoils at Estadio Tricentenario, the Dragons coming back from a 2-0 deficit in order to steal a point from White Meadow Arena with goals by Daniel Costa, and Nacional and Fontvielle Impact cancelling each other out in a match that raised a lot of expectations throughout the week but ended up being a dull affair. And in the remaining matches of the round, Olympique de Fontvielle defeated a Pradera side that is starting to enter the crisis zone, while Bohemians confirmed their reaction by beating Cerro in the Metropolis suburbs with a lone goal by Mitchell Pastor.

Nord Energie FC 1–0 Edmonton United
Metropolis Alligators 1–4 Real Campo Grande
Deportivo Junín 1–1 FC Columbus
Nacional 0–0 Fontvielle Impact
Valencia FC 2–2 Slateport Bulls
Eterna Stars 0–1 Defensores de Villafuerte
AS Bezieres 0–0 Marinos Metropolis
Tannenberg FC 2–2 Canalave Dragons
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–1 Pradera FC
AD Cerro 0–1 Bohemians Metropolis

Kings' Shield Second Round (April 28-29-30)

In the second round of the Kings' Shield we see the remaining 35 teams from Liga-1 and Liga-2 entering the competition and joining the 93 first round winners, to make a field of 128 teams. And with the Liga-1 teams entering the competition, the second round already featured the first enticing all-L1 match with Tannenberg FC and Eterna Stars having to face each other for a berth to the next round, and while the Stars won the last time they played each other early in the season, this was the moment for TFC to get even with them and dumped the Eternan side out of the competition with an unquestionable 3-0 victory. Angelo Gelinas' Marinos was also through to the next round, utterly destroying second tier side Bretford Royals in Metropolis, as well as Nacional, who beat sixth tier outfit Cardenales FC in Valencia without much trouble, the Alligators (who defeated Deportivo Angostura), Slateport Bulls, Junín, and Real Campo Grande. The two Foixien giants also advanced to the third round, but not without sweating a lot, with Fontvielle Impact narrowly beating Columbus Cannons, and Bezieres being dragged to extra time by minnows Sporting Faro. Defensores, Edmonton, Valencia, and Nord Energie were the other Liga-1 sides to make it to the next round, however, the Stars were not alone in the zone of eliminated top-tier teams, because there were other fellow Liga-1 sides who were eliminated after only playing one game: Columbus (who were beaten by the National Police team), Pradera (defeated by Liga-3 side Lausanne), Cerro (losing a hard-fought match against Ajax), Olympique (lost at the hands of Villaznia AC) and last but no least Canalave Dragons, beaten by Atlético Nápoles in Metropolis.

Deportivo Cerrito 2-2 RC Victoria (2-3 AET)

Townsville Fury 1-2 SC Río Laguna

Sporting Faro 1-1 AS Bezieres (1-2 AET)

Real Campo Grande 2-0 CAP

FC Maritime Westporte 0-1 SC Alcázares

Danubio FC 5-1 Blue-White Westporte

Port Authority FC 1-0 ACD Faro

8 de Octubre FC 2-0 Português

Cartago FC 3-2 Unión Ature

Hamilton Rockets 1-3 Stanford United

Stade Foixien 3-1 CS Ypres

Jamundí FC 0-2 FC Townsville

Northport Bears 1-1 Buitrera FC (1-1 AET, 1-3 PKs)

AS Mont-Blanc 3-1 Richmond City

Arenápolis FC 2-0 Universitario de Junín

AC Talamonte 1-4 CD Melgar

Nord Energie FC 1-0 Westporte Sailors FC

Puracé FC 0-1 Pumas Maldonado

Estudiantes de Colón 2-2 Trois-Rivières Athletic (2-2 AET, 4-1 PKs)

Policía Nacional FC 2-1 FC Columbus

Western Suburbs FC 4-0 Excelsior Exeter

Hoxford Rovers 3-0 Dynamo Metropolis

Remo 1-2 Atlas SC

Villaznia AC 2-0 Olympique de Fontvielle

Estrella Roja 0-1 Minault United

Aguablanca FC 0-0 Bohemians Metropolis (0-1 AET)

Real San Miguel 1-4 Universitario de Maldonado

Atlético Caraure 1-1 AFC Trefford (2-1 AET)

Adelaide City FC 1-0 Cidade do Leste

Ajax Carloburgo 1-0 AD Cerro

Cardenales FC 0-3 Nacional

FC Broomfield 0-1 Bellavista Jets

Fontvielle Impact 1-0 Columbus Cannons

Metropolis Alligators 3-1 Deportivo Angostura

AS Lausanne 2-1 Pradera FC

CA Lierravus 0-1 San Luis FC

Deportivo Junín 3-2 Curzón FC

Standard Fontvielle 3-0 Guararé FC

Westporte City FC 0-1 Sabaneta FC

Neuchâtel-Sport 0-1 Central Español

RC Belfort 1-1 Unión de Loja FC (2-1 AET)

AS Vaud 0-1 Patriotas FC

Operário FC 5-1 Racing Corinto FC

Edmonton United 1-0 Carloburgo Phoenix

SC Tabatinga 1-0 AC Huez

Atlético Nápoles 2-1 Canalave Dragons

Atlético Rozo 5-0 Tessano FC

FC Endemien 0-2 Alianza Antioquia

FC Verder Metropolis 2-0 FC Blacktown

Olympique de Coulombes 0-0 Sillimus Islanders FC (0-0 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Estudiantes de Metrópolis 0-2 Slateport Bulls

Port Arthur Warriors 1-2 Valencia FC

Tarragona FC 2-3 Hamanos Athletic Club

Luton Town FC 0-0 Gatineau Athletic Club (2-1 AET)

Étoile Verte 3-0 Servette FC

Borderville Rogues 1-1 Metropolis City FC (1-1 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Marinos Metropolis 5-1 Bretford Royals

Real Pradera 2-2 Sporting Florencia (3-2 AET)

AC Tallin 1-2 Defensores de Villafuerte

FC Sillimus 1-1 Rapid Metropolis (1-1 AET, 1-2 PKs)

AC Valencia 0-1 Abbotsford SC

Real Colón 2-0 LDU Victoria

Port Arthur FC 2-2 Campinas FC (2-3 AET)

Tannenberg FC 3-0 Eterna Stars

Round 9 (May 2-3)

Time for the Stars to get over the blues of their elimination from the Kings' Shield...and what a better way than doing it in a new edition of the Eternan Superclásico against Slateport Bulls, who are also in need of a positive result that gets them back into top 10 contention. However, the best team on the pitch of the Estadio de la Riviera were the visitors, who returned to winning ways against their old foes with Valentin Germain negating Lúcio's first half opener and becoming the MVP with his brace. News coming from Metropolis were much better for the team coached by Fabien Torrente, with Marinos being held to a draw by Tannenberg and now trailing the Stars by 2 points. Deportivo Junín were the other big winners of the round, beating Real Campo Grande with goals by Andy Navarro and Andrés Morelo to claim third place, as well as defending champions Bezieres seizing fourth place with a victory over Defensores in Villafuerte, and surprise package Columbus, who unexpectedly extended their unbeaten streak to nine games after defeating Nacional at home. On the other hand, Metropolis Alligators kept losing more ground in the league by losing to cellar-dwellers, with a goal by Kevin Pfeiffer being enough for Edmonton to beat the Titan and move themselves away from the basement. Elsewhere, Fontvielle Impact and Canalave Dragons returned to winning ways with the former beating Valencia and the latter edging past Olympique de Fontvielle, both of which are slowly getting into troubled waters. Bohemians have now made it four wins in a row, with Nord Energie leaving Chosroes Stadium and Metropolis with a 1-0 defeat in the bag, and a nearly perfect performance by Chromatik goalie Jacob Descombes was not enough for Cerro to avoid defeat in Pradera.

Bohemians Metropolis 1–0 Nord Energie FC
Pradera FC 1–0 AD Cerro
Canalave Dragons 1–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Marinos Metropolis 1–1 Tannenberg FC
Defensores de Villafuerte 1–3 AS Bezieres
Slateport Bulls 1–2 Eterna Stars
Fontvielle Impact 2–1 Valencia FC
FC Columbus 3–2 Nacional
Real Campo Grande 0–2 Deportivo Junín
Edmonton United 1–0 Metropolis Alligators

Round 10 (May 9-10)

The first quarter of this Liga-1 season ended with Eterna Stars in the lead despite tying at home against a modest Fontvielle Impact side for whom the 1-1 draw was too much of a prize. With an Impact side playing worse every time and sitting in an uncomfortable 13th place, Daniel Bernard is already starting to feel the guillotine down his neck, however, the Tamount family have decided to give him a couple of matches more to straighten the team's path before making decisions. With Marinos failing to beat Olympique in Fontvielle and thus also failing to assault top spot, Bezieres seized second place on goal difference thanks to a victory over Slateport Bulls at home, while Junín's attempt to reach the summit also failed miserably, as the Granates let victory slip off their hands in incredible fashion and allowed Edmonton to beat them in a new edition of the "distance derby" with a couple of goals in the final 5 minutes of the match. Meanwhile, the Alligators bounced back from their recent losing streak with a tight 3-2 victory against a tough Nord Energie side in northern Valladares, which gets the Titan back into the league's top five. Pradera, Nacional, and Defensores all earned important wins that allowed the three sides to enter the top 10, with the Verdiblancos bringing Bohemians' recent victorious streak to an end, the Albos sinking Real Campo Grande in bottom place, and the Auriverdes making TFC blush with their victory over them at White Meadow Arena. In Cerro, Pablo Scotti scored the goal that allowed the Celeste side beat the Dragons, bringing them close to the upper half of the table, and in Valencia, the last unbeaten team of the season finally met defeat, with the Púrpuras thumping Columbus in an unforgettable match for striker Vincent Armstrong, who scored the first hat-trick of his career to move Valencia away from the bottom four.

Nord Energie FC 2–3 Metropolis Alligators
Deportivo Junín 3–4 Edmonton United
Nacional 2–1 Real Campo Grande
Valencia FC 4–1 FC Columbus
Eterna Stars 1–1 Fontvielle Impact
AS Bezieres 2–0 Slateport Bulls
Tannenberg FC 0–1 Defensores de Villafuerte
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–2 Marinos Metropolis
AD Cerro 1–0 Canalave Dragons
Bohemians Metropolis 0–1 Pradera FC

Standings after Matchday 10

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Eterna Stars                    10    6   2   2    15    9   +6    20
 2  AS Bezieres                     10    5   3   2    17   11   +6    18
 3  Marinos Metropolis              10    5   3   2    13   11   +2    18
 4  Deportivo Junín                 10    5   2   3    19   15   +4    17
 5  Metropolis Alligators           10    5   1   4    16   14   +2    16
 6  FC Columbus                     10    3   6   1    13   13    0    15
 7  Pradera FC                      10    4   3   3    13   14   −1    15
 8  Nacional                        10    4   2   4    18   14   +4    14
 9  Defensores de Villafuerte       10    4   2   4    11   14   −3    14
10  Bohemians Metropolis            10    4   2   4    13   17   −4    14
11  AD Cerro                        10    4   1   5    11   12   −1    13
12  Nord Energie FC                 10    3   4   3    10   10    0    13
13  Fontvielle Impact               10    3   4   3    10    8   +2    13
14  Canalave Dragons                10    4   1   5    17   18   −1    13
15  Valencia FC                     10    3   4   3    15   13   +2    13
16  Tannenberg FC                   10    3   3   4    11   11    0    12
17  Edmonton United                 10    3   2   5    11   15   −4    11
18  Olympique de Fontvielle         10    3   1   6    13   16   −3    10
19  Slateport Bulls                 10    2   3   5    13   16   −3     9
20  Real Campo Grande               10    1   3   6    10   18   −8     6

Liga-2 Standings after Matchday 10:

Valladar Liga-2                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Hamanos Athletic Club           10    8   0   2    21   14   +7    24
 2  Ajax Carloburgo                 10    6   2   2    18    6  +12    20
 3  FC Townsville                   10    6   1   3    18   12   +6    19
 4  Hoxford Rovers                  10    5   3   2    17   10   +7    18
 5  FC Maritime Westporte           10    6   0   4    17   14   +3    18
 6  Servette FC                     10    5   2   3    14   12   +2    17
 7  Dynamo Metropolis               10    5   1   4    12   12    0    16
 8  Étoile Verte                    10    5   1   4    16   14   +2    16
 9  Bellavista Jets                 10    4   2   4    14   18   −4    14
10  Atlético Nápoles                10    4   2   4    15   16   −1    14
11  Bretford Royals                 10    4   1   5    15   15    0    13
12  AS Montreux                     10    3   4   3    18   16   +2    13
13  Real Pradera                    10    3   3   4    17   15   +2    12
14  Pumas Maldonado                 10    3   3   4    12   18   −6    12
15  Universitario de Maldonado      10    3   2   5    12   15   −3    11
16  Stanford United                 10    3   2   5    13   16   −3    11
17  FC Fauxham                      10    2   4   4    12   17   −5    10
18  CAP                             10    2   3   5    11   17   −6     9
19  AS Mont-Blanc                   10    2   1   7    14   21   −7     7
20  Canalave Rangers                10    1   3   6    12   20   −8     6

Liga-3 Standings after Matchday 10:

Valladar Liga-3                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  AS Vaud                         10    6   3   1    20   13   +7    21
 2  FC Westporte 984                10    6   3   1    17   11   +6    21
 3  Gatineau UC 98                  10    6   2   2    16    7   +9    20
 4  AC Tallin                       10    6   1   3    25   19   +6    19
 5  Minault United                  10    5   3   2    17   13   +4    18
 6  Adelaide Kickers                10    4   4   2    16   13   +3    16
 7  Libertad                        10    4   3   3    16   12   +4    15
 8  Patriotas FC                    10    4   3   3    10    7   +3    15
 9  Villaznia AC                    10    5   0   5    17   17    0    15
10  FC Sillimus                     10    4   2   4    16   14   +2    14
11  Carloburgo Phoenix              10    4   2   4    11   13   −2    14
12  Deportivo Aguablanca            10    4   1   5    15   17   −2    13
13  Danubio FC                      10    4   1   5    16   19   −3    13
14  AS Lausanne                     10    3   3   4    12   15   −3    12
15  Northport Bears                 10    4   0   6     9   10   −1    12
16  RC Corania                      10    3   1   6    14   17   −3    10
17  Corumbá EC                      10    3   1   6     7   11   −4    10
18  EC Comercial                    10    2   3   5     9   11   −2     9
19  RC Belfort                      10    2   3   5     7   14   −7     9
20  Yumbo FC                        10    1   1   8     9   26  −17     4

by **Valladares** » Mon Mar 23, 2020 9:02 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-EIGHTH SEASON (PART II OF V)

Round 11 (May 16-17)

The second part of this Liga-1 season kicks off with a new edition of the Derby du Foix stealing the spotlight, with a Fontvielle Impact side in troubled waters looking to get their campaign back on track in front of their fans against their arch-rivals Bezieres, who are in a more relaxed situation and arrived at the Stade de la Frontière in search of a win that allows them to seize top spot. However, same as happened in their previous big clash against the Alligators, l'Impact earned a huge win courtesy of a goal by Mateo Padilla, thus moving up to a much comfortable eighth place and giving gaffer Daniel Bernard a much-needed helping hand. With the Stars also missing the chance to run away with top spot after losing in Columbus, Marinos have turned into the new leaders following their victory over a tricky Cerro side, in which Chromatik goalie Jacob Descamps once again had an outstanding performance despite the defeat. Meanwhile in Swangard, the Alligators and Junín split ball possession, dominance over the other side in each half, as well as the spoils, result that slightly favors Martin Boyle's side and prevents the Alligators from getting any closer to the summit. Two out of the three Antioquian sides earned important wins on this matchday, with Pradera now in fifth place owing to their victory over Nord Energie, whose current losing streak has them quickly approaching the bottom four, Valencia getting another big result by thumping cellar-dwellers Real Campo Grande in Campo Grande. On the other hand, Defensores were unable to defend their fortress against Olympique's few offensive attempts, with the side coached by Damián Trolli claiming an important victory thanks to the goal by Mareibatian striker Richard Armada early in the second half. In other matches, Daniel Costa's brace helped the Dragons beat a Bohemians side that was doing a perfect defensive job in Canalave until centreback Henry Hammond was sent off in the 50th minute, and both Edmonton and Slateport once again dropped points at home and were unable to leave the bottom three: the Monties rescued a point against Nacional at Albert Field in dramatic fashion with a late goal by Nicolás Arrú cancelling Mario Ovalle's opener for the Albo side, and the Bulls' non-aggression pact with TFC did nothing but hurt the chances of both sides to start moving away from the red zone.

Pradera FC 2–1 Nord Energie FC
Canalave Dragons 2–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Marinos Metropolis 1–0 AD Cerro
Defensores de Villafuerte 0–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Slateport Bulls 0–0 Tannenberg FC
Fontvielle Impact 1–0 AS Bezieres
FC Columbus 2–0 Eterna Stars
Real Campo Grande 0–3 Valencia FC
Edmonton United 1–1 Nacional
Metropolis Alligators 2–2 Deportivo Junín

Round 12 (May 23-24)

Things at the top of the table have become quite interesting, with Marinos, Eterna Stars, and defending champions Bezieres now involved in a triple tie for first place after the Marineros lost their other Metropolis derby against Bohemians, the Yellows dropped two points with their tie at home with Real Campo Grande, and Les Rouges defeated Columbus with a brace by Daniel Mendoza. However, the side coached by Angelo Gelinas can claim to be leaders thanks to the 4 points they earned against their two rivals, while Bezieres' scoreless draw with Marinos on MD2 gives them the edge over the Stars for second place. And it seems the lion named Fontvielle Impact finally woke up, with Les Bleus jumping up to fourth place with another victory against a big side, the victims being TFC this time, whose lack of wins now has Danny Flint walking on thin ice as the Citizens are further anchored to the bottom four. Valencia's tight 3-2 win over Edmonton sank the Monties further into the red zone while also propelling the Púrpura to fifth place, with the same points as l'Impact and only two away from the leaders, and so are Pradera, despite being held to a scoreless draw by the Dragons in the Antioquia state capital. Elsewhere, Deportivo Junín punctured in Toril against Nord Energie, who were able to breathe some fresh air with their win over the Granates, strikers Pablo Scotti and Sebastián Ferreira saved Cerro from defeat against Defensores at home and helped the Celeste move ahead of the Auriverdes, direct rivals in what is shaping up to be the relegation struggle, the Bulls were beaten in a six-pointer to escape the bottom zone once again, this time by Olympique, and the first Derby Añejo of the season was played in Poblado and won by Nacional with a goal by Sebastián Carreño, sending the Alligators to tenth place and their fans into panic mode.

Nord Energie FC 2–1 Deportivo Junín
Nacional 1–0 Metropolis Alligators
Valencia FC 3–2 Edmonton United
Eterna Stars 2–2 Real Campo Grande
AS Bezieres 1–0 FC Columbus
Tannenberg FC 0–2 Fontvielle Impact
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–0 Slateport Bulls
AD Cerro 2–1 Defensores de Villafuerte
Bohemians Metropolis 1–0 Marinos Metropolis
Pradera FC 0–0 Canalave Dragons

Kings' Shield Third Round (May 27-28)

The Kings' Shield returned with its Third Round, with the 64 winners of the previous round playing for 32 berths into the next stage of the competition. However, the defending Shield holders won't be one of those teams advancing, since Real Campo Grande once again got in the Alligators' way and dumped them out of the competition with a goal by reserve team striker Caio Bissoli in the second half of their match in Campo Grande. Liga-1 defending champions Bezieres were also knocked out, albeit in a more embarrassing way, losing to sixth-tier side Luton Town FC by a 2-1 score, while Defensores de Villafuerte lost to another sixth tier minnow, División 1 Distrital team Central Español, on penalties. Unlike those three teams, the remaining Liga-1 sides were through to the next round, with Edmonton, Junín, Bohemians and Marinos doing it in with relative comfort, while others such as Tannenberg and Fontvielle Impact faced minor rivals who nevertheless did actually put up some decent fight against them, and others such as the Bulls and Valencia had to play 120 minutes of football in order to get rid of their lesser opposition. Nord Energie were only able to kick the National Police team out on penalties, and Nacional narrowly beat Ajax in Carloburgo to stay in contention.

Villaznia AC 3-0 Bellavista Jets

Western Suburbs FC 2-0 Arenápolis FC

Borderville Rogues 0-3 Edmonton United

RC Belfort 0-2 Bohemians Metropolis

Rapid Metropolis 0-2 Atlas SC

Hoxford Rovers 1-0 AS Lausanne

Ajax Carloburgo 1-2 Nacional

Real Colón 1-2 Patriotas FC

Étoile Verte 1-2 Universitario de Maldonado

Estudiantes de Colón 0-3 Deportivo Junín

Slateport Bulls 0-0 Real Pradera (1-0 AET)

Sabaneta FC 2-3 Tannenberg FC

Stade Foixien 1-0 SC Alcázares

Stanford United 1-0 Hamanos Athletic Club

Central Español 1-1 Defensores de Villafuerte (1-1 AET, 4-1 PKs)

Nord Energie FC 1-1 Policía Nacional FC (2-2 AET, 3-2 PKs)

AS Mont-Blanc 0-0 8 de Octubre FC (1-0 AET)

SC Río Laguna 4-0 Port Authority FC

FC Townsville 1-3 CD Melgar

Luton Town FC 2-1 AS Bezieres

FC Verder Metropolis 2-1 SC Tabatinga

Atlético Caraure 0-0 Cartago FC (0-0 AET, 3-0 PKs)

Minault United 1-1 Valencia FC (1-2 AET)

Campinas FC 3-0 Adelaide City FC

Standard Fontvielle 1-2 Operário FC

Atlético Nápoles 1-2 Alianza Antioquia

Olympique de Coulombes 1-2 Fontvielle Impact

Buitrera FC 1-0 RC Victoria

Atlético Rozo 1-1 San Luis FC (1-2 AET)

Danubio FC 0-2 Marinos Metropolis

Abbotsford SC 0-2 Pumas Maldonado

Real Campo Grande 1-0 Metropolis Alligators

Round 13 (May 30-31)

The battle for top spot between Marinos and the Stars continued in this round, with both teams landing big wins to stay at the summit: the side coached by Angelo Gelinas thumped Pradera at Estadio Zachary Fortin, with Aymeric Fortin scoring a hat-trick for the Marineros in that match, while Fabien Torrente's team utterly destroyed Edmonton in the Westlands, with striker Valentin Germain leading the way for the Stars with a hat-trick of his own. Meanwhile, Bezieres travelled to Campo Grande to face the reeling Real side in the season's first Illirian Derby, however, the match was nothing but a snoozefest as the Verdolagas held a frustrated Rouge side to a scoreless draw which moves the defending champion away from the leaders, but doesn't help the host side exit the cellar. Fontvielle Impact's winning streak is now increased to three matches, after beating crosstown rivals Olympique in a heated Derby de Fontvielle that had two players per side sent off, and of course, several alleged poor calls by the refereeing staff. Nacional climbed up to fifth place with their narrow victory in Junín, while the Alligators bounced back from their early elimination from the Kings' Shield by beating Valencia and going up to sixth place, a result that does wonders to relieve the pressure on gaffer Luis Fuentes. Elsewhere, a late goal by substitute striker Andreas Weller was enough for TFC to claim a much-needed victory against Columbus at Estadio Parque Armenia, Defensores beat Bohemians in order to move 5 points clear of 18th-placed Edmonton, and the Bulls bit the dust once again with Cerro beating them at the Estadio de la Riviera, making their situation even more compromising.

Canalave Dragons 1–1 Nord Energie FC
Marinos Metropolis 4–1 Pradera FC
Defensores de Villafuerte 2–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Slateport Bulls 1–2 AD Cerro
Fontvielle Impact 2–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
FC Columbus 0–1 Tannenberg FC
Real Campo Grande 0–0 AS Bezieres
Edmonton United 1–5 Eterna Stars
Metropolis Alligators 2–0 Valencia FC
Deportivo Junín 1–2 Nacional

Round 14 (June 6-7)

The start of June has both Metropolis giants heading north for two risky visits, with leaders Marinos looking to strenghten their grip on first place with a win over the Dragons in Canalave while the Alligators were looking to derail the Stars' bid for top spot while also bringing themselves closer to that fight. Eventually both E1 rivals prevailed in hard-fought matches, the Dragons negated Marcos Zelaya's opener for Marinos with a brace by Chris Willis, while the Stars moved back to first place thanks to this defeat for the Marineros and of course, to their victory over the Alligators with Peter Fagundes' goal in the 77th minute being the thing that separated both sides at Alain Tramontin Stadium. The Stars are now escorted by both Foixien powerhouses, with striker Thibault Benezet scoring twice to help Fontvielle Impact win in Cerro, and Bezieres proving to be too strong for Edmonton with Les Rouges winning 2-0 at home. Both Pradera and Junín returned to winning ways this week, the Verdiblancos relying on the Salagado brothers, César and Mauricio to beat fellow Antioquian side Defensores at home with a goal by the latter, and Junín winning in Valencia with a goal by Andy Navarro. Elsewhere, Nacional's plan to steal three points from Toril was thwarted as the Electric Boys found a late equalizer through Richard Gervais, Slateport played arguably their best match of the season so far at Chosroes Stadium but the final score did no justice for them as they had to settle for a draw with Bohemians, Olympique and Columbus cancelled themselves out with a dull scoreless draw at the Stade de l'Amitié, and TFC's recovery continued with a goalfest, with the Citizens hammering Real Campo Grande in a 9-goal thriller at White Meadow Arena and sinking the Verdolagas further into last place.

Nord Energie FC 1–1 Nacional
Valencia FC 0–1 Deportivo Junín
Eterna Stars 1–0 Metropolis Alligators
AS Bezieres 2–0 Edmonton United
Tannenberg FC 6–3 Real Campo Grande
Olympique de Fontvielle 0–0 FC Columbus
AD Cerro 0–2 Fontvielle Impact
Bohemians Metropolis 3–3 Slateport Bulls
Pradera FC 1–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Canalave Dragons 2–1 Marinos Metropolis

Round 15 (June 13-14)

With a dominating 3-0 win in Junín against the Granate side, Eterna Stars are still topping the league, while also becoming the first team to have hit the 30-point mark this season. However, Fontvielle Impact are still closely behind, keeping the pressure on the Stars thanks to a narrow 1-0 win against a Bohemians side that seemingly always enjoys making things difficult for Les Bleus. Their arch-rivals Bezieres were unable to follow suit, though, as they were beaten by the Alligators in Swangard with a lone goal by Cenian player Charles Allegro. The league's top five is closed with Marinos and Pradera, with the former having to watch how Nord Energie continues to wreak havoc against the big teams as the Eternan side managed to escape unscathed from Estadio Zachary Fortin, and the latter sentencing Arthur Bogden's fate as Slateport gaffer with their win at the Estadio de la Riviera. Meanwhile, Nacional were shocked by a pragmatic Valencia side that only needed to hit at the right times to emerge victorious from Barrio Poblado, the Dragons came from behind to steal a valuable point from Villafuerte, Columbus and Cerro shared the spoils in the former Valladar capital, and Olympique de Fontvielle left Real Campo Grande coach Antonio Araújo on the tightrope as the Verdolagas crashed to yet another defeat on home soil.

Marinos Metropolis 0–0 Nord Energie FC
Defensores de Villafuerte 2–2 Canalave Dragons
Slateport Bulls 0–2 Pradera FC
Fontvielle Impact 1–0 Bohemians Metropolis
FC Columbus 1–1 AD Cerro
Real Campo Grande 0–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Edmonton United 1–2 Tannenberg FC
Metropolis Alligators 1–0 AS Bezieres
Deportivo Junín 0–3 Eterna Stars
Nacional 1–2 Valencia FC

Round 16 (June 20-21)

With leaders Eterna Stars and escorts Fontvielle Impact both drawing their matches against Nacional and Pradera, there wasn't much movement at the top of the table, however, Marinos got closer to Yellows and Blues with their 2-0 victory over Defensores in Metropolis. Thanks to the goals by Marcos Zelaya and Lisandro Craviotto, the Marineros are now in third place, 3 points adrift the leaders and just one behind the second-placed team. Bezieres missed a big chance to stay in the chasing pack as they allowed Junín to leave the Stade de Foix with a 1-1 draw and now find themselves trailing the leaders by 5 points, while TFC's spectacular comeback has taken the Citizens up to sixth place, with the Alligators turned into the latest victims of this streak thanks to a goal by Mateo Foschini. In other matches, Nord Energie and Valencia exchanged blows and shared the spoils in a hard-fought match played in Toril, Landon Allister was the hero for Edmonton as the Monties got a revitalizing victory in Fontvielle against Olympique, Bohemians were too strong for Columbus, Peter Holmes' caretaker tenure of Slateport Bulls started on the left foot with the Bulls being beaten in Canalave, and Estadio Marcus Trent in Cerro became the last stop for Antonio Araújo's viacrucis as Real Campo Grande coach, with the gaffer being dismissed following the tenth defeat of the season for the Verdolagas.

Nord Energie FC 2–2 Valencia FC
Eterna Stars 0–0 Nacional
AS Bezieres 1–1 Deportivo Junín
Tannenberg FC 1–0 Metropolis Alligators
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–2 Edmonton United
AD Cerro 2–1 Real Campo Grande
Bohemians Metropolis 2–1 FC Columbus
Pradera FC 1–1 Fontvielle Impact
Canalave Dragons 2–1 Slateport Bulls
Marinos Metropolis 2–0 Defensores de Villafuerte

Round 17 (June 27-28)

As we are slowly approaching halfway point in this Liga-1 season, things are starting to heat up and once again we have a tie at the top of the table, with Eterna Stars' failure to win in Valencia coupled with a win for Fontvielle Impact against the Dragons at home putting both Stars and Bleus level on 32 points and only separated by goal difference (+12 for the Eternans, +10 for the Foixien side). In third place we now have Marinos, who fought back to earn a point against the reeling Bulls in the Blue Derby and also capitalized on Bezieres' defeat to Nacional in Metropolis to leapfrog them for the position. Tannenberg are currently the hottest team in the league, making it five wins in a row after beating Junín in the Far East, result which places the Citizens in fourth place and also takes the Granates to troubled waters. Meanwhile, Pradera lost in Columbus and were left grounded with 26 points, unable to get closer to the leaders, and Metropolis Alligators remained in the fight to get closer to the leading pack with a win against Olympique in Swangard which allowed them to reach 26 points, same as the Verdiblancos and both Nacional and Bezieres. In other matches, Nord Energie beat Defensores in a great day for strikers Zachary Gallagher and Richard Gervais, Cerro snatched a point from their visit to the Westlands and left Anthony Clark on the verge of becoming the third dismissed coach of the season, and the début of Arthur Bogden as Real Campo Grande gaffer ended with the Verdolagas being held to a draw by Bohemians at home, but showing a much better attitude than before.

Defensores de Villafuerte 2–3 Nord Energie FC
Slateport Bulls 1–1 Marinos Metropolis
Fontvielle Impact 3–2 Canalave Dragons
FC Columbus 2–0 Pradera FC
Real Campo Grande 1–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Edmonton United 2–2 AD Cerro
Metropolis Alligators 2–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Deportivo Junín 2–4 Tannenberg FC
Nacional 3–2 AS Bezieres
Valencia FC 0–0 Eterna Stars

Round 18 (July 4-5)

The title race is now officially turned on, with a triple tie at the summit and another team breathing down the necks of the top 3. Let's see: Eterna Stars and Fontvielle Impact entered Round 18 as joint leaders with 32 points, the Stars got on the bus and made the short 90-minute trip from Eterna City to Toril to face the tricky Nord Energie FC, while l'Impact also had a short road trip for their big clash against Marinos, who were on hot pursuit of the leaders. The weekend passed and the Yellows lost to the Red-Yellows with a goal by Sergio Gilardón, and the Marineros, with Aymeric Fortin in command, dismantled Fontvielle Impact at Estadio Zachary Fortin with a rough 4-0 thrashing and returned to first place on head-to-head. However, the trio of leaders are now dangerously threatened by Tannenberg, with the Citizens extending their winning streak to six games after getting rid of Nacional in Carloburgo with Paulo Figueiredo scoring a brace to take TFC only one point away from the summit. Meanwhile, the Alligators returned to the top five with a victory over a brave Cerro side, with Canalave Dragons beating Columbus at the Dragons' Den and jumping up to sixth place, while also cutting their gap with the leaders down to four points. Defending champions Bezieres are still unable to get out of their slump and kept dropping more points at home, with Valencia holding Les Rouges to a scoreless stalemate and sending them down to seventh place. In other matches, Olympique and Junín cancelled each other out with a 1-1 draw which doesn't really do any good to either side, the same situation happened with the match played at Chosroes Stadium between the Gallo and the Monties, the Bulls lost in Villafuerte without showing any signs of improvement, and former Slateport coach Arthur Bogden celebrated his first victory with Real Campo Grande as the Verdolagas beat Pradera at the Estadio de la Montaña and now have the same points as the Bulls.

Nord Energie FC 1–0 Eterna Stars
AS Bezieres 0–0 Valencia FC
Tannenberg FC 3–1 Nacional
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–1 Deportivo Junín
AD Cerro 0–1 Metropolis Alligators
Bohemians Metropolis 1–1 Edmonton United
Pradera FC 0–2 Real Campo Grande
Canalave Dragons 3–1 FC Columbus
Marinos Metropolis 4–0 Fontvielle Impact
Defensores de Villafuerte 1–0 Slateport Bulls

Kings' Shield Round of 32 (July 8-9)

The Kings' Shield's Round of 32 marks the start of the "proper" competition, as the awfully long list of competing teams at the start of the competition gets reduced to only 16 teams after this round, and starting from this round all matches will be held at neutral venues all over the country, which is an interesting yet a risky financial move to be made by the VFA (and the reaction from the lower tier clubs is still to be seen). Anyways, back to footballing action, the round of 32 became a minefield for the Liga-1 sides with only four of them making it to the last 16: Marinos, who beat fourth-tier side Campinas in Maldonado by a lone goal by striker Alfredo Navarro, Junín, who advanced with a victory over Buitrera FC in Lierravus, and Nacional and Fontvielle Impact, who defeated fellow Liga-1 sides Slateport Bulls and Edmonton (both of them already troubled with relegation matters). The list of top tier casualties is completed with Bohemians, who were beaten by Alianza Antioquia from the fourth tier, Valencia, Nord Energie, and Real Campo Grande, all of whom lost on penalties to minnows San Luis, Western Suburbs, and Liga-3 team Villaznia. And last but no least, Tannenberg's spectacular victorious streak was shockingly brought to an end as the Citizens crashed out of the competition with a loss against Central Español, who are the perennial Wooden Spoon in Metropolis' sixth tier league.

Stade Foixien 3-4 Stanford United @ Estadio Parque Armenia, Columbus, Mountbatten

CD Melgar 0-2 AS Mont-Blanc @ Valladar Royal Air Force Stadium, Villena, District of Metropolis

Deportivo Junín 2-0 Buitrera FC @ Estadio 8 de Octubre, Lierravus, Alto Danubio

Universitario de Maldonado 2-0 SC Río Laguna @ Estadio de la Riviera, Slateport, Eterna

Edmonton United 1-2 Fontvielle Impact @ Westlands Stadium, Hoxford, Westlands

Nord Energie FC 1-1 Western Suburbs FC (1-1 AET, 0-3 PKs) @ Estádio Menor, Campo Grande, Chiquito

San Luis FC 1-1 Valencia FC (1-1 AET, 4-1 PKs) @ Municipal Stadium, Hamanos, Antioquia

Campinas FC 0-1 Marinos Metropolis @ Estádio do Maldonado, Maldonado, Chiquito

Patriotas FC 0-3 FC Verder Metropolis @ Parken Road Stadium, Carloburgo, Mountbatten

Bohemians Metropolis 0-1 Alianza Antioquia @ Stade de l'Amitié, Fontvielle, Foix

Operário FC 3-0 Atlético Caraure @ Estadio Tricentenario, Valencia, Antioquia

Nacional 1-0 Slateport Bulls @ Estadio Olímpico de la UNV, Caraure, Arauco

Villaznia AC 1-1 Real Campo Grande (1-1 AET, 4-3 PKs) @ Riverside Stadium, Westporte, Canalave

Atlas SC 2-0 Pumas Maldonado @ Andrew Chosroes Stadium, Metropolis, District of Metropolis

Central Español 1-0 Tannenberg FC @ Estadio de la Montaña, Pradera, Antioquia

Hoxford Rovers 2-1 Luton Town FC @ Stade Municipal, Coulombes, Westlands

Round 19 (July 11-12)

This Liga-1 season has reached its halfway point with a matchday plagued of scoreless draws, starting with Marinos being unable to defeat Columbus and Fontvielle Impact dropping points at home against a Defensores side that will have to start collecting points (and of course wins) soon if they want to avoid a return to Liga-2. With TFC also victim to the "no-goals show" as their winning streak was cut off for good in the league by Valencia's defensive endurance, the Stars will be heading into the second half of the season as leaders, following their victory over Bezieres at the Alain Tramontin Stadium courtesy of a goal by Valentin Germain. The other winners of the weekend were the Alligators, who have now officially joined the fun of the title race by beating Bohemians in the North Metropolis derby at Swangard, Olympique de Fontvielle, who kept Nacional out of the upper half of the table, and the Bulls, who beat Nord Energie in Victor Anigo's début as manager. Junín and Cerro also shared the spoils, but did score goals in their match: veterans Andy Navarro and Pablo Scotti saved the match from becoming another boring snoozefest. And with Real Campo Grande and Edmonton also failing to score or concede a goal in their matches against the Dragons and Pradera, the relegation race kicks off with those two teams as well as the Bulls somewhat lagging behind the rest, with Defensores being the closest side 4 points adrift. Avoiding relegation this season will be a really tough mission for Verdolagas, Bulls, and Monties, especially for the latter, who have decided to part ways with coach Anthony Clark and make a coup of rudder before it's too late...

Slateport Bulls 4–3 Nord Energie FC
Fontvielle Impact 0–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
FC Columbus 0–0 Marinos Metropolis
Real Campo Grande 0–0 Canalave Dragons
Edmonton United 0–0 Pradera FC
Metropolis Alligators 2–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Deportivo Junín 1–1 AD Cerro
Nacional 1–2 Olympique de Fontvielle
Valencia FC 0–0 Tannenberg FC
Eterna Stars 1–0 AS Bezieres

Standings after Matchday 19

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Eterna Stars                    19   10   5   4    27   15  +12    35
 2  Marinos Metropolis              19    9   6   4    26   16  +10    33
 3  Fontvielle Impact               19    9   6   4    22   16   +6    33
 4  Tannenberg FC                   19    9   5   5    28   20   +8    32
 5  Metropolis Alligators           19   10   2   7    26   19   +7    32
 6  Canalave Dragons                19    8   5   6    31   27   +4    29
 7  AS Bezieres                     19    7   6   6    23   18   +5    27
 8  Pradera FC                      19    7   6   6    20   24   −4    27
 9  Valencia FC                     19    6   8   5    25   21   +4    26
10  Nord Energie FC                 19    6   8   5    24   23   +1    26
11  Nacional                        19    7   5   7    29   26   +3    26
12  AD Cerro                        19    7   4   8    21   23   −2    25
13  Deportivo Junín                 19    6   6   7    29   31   −2    24
14  FC Columbus                     19    5   9   5    20   21   −1    24
15  Olympique de Fontvielle         19    7   3   9    21   24   −3    24
16  Bohemians Metropolis            19    6   5   8    21   30   −9    23
17  Defensores de Villafuerte       19    6   4   9    19   25   −6    22
18  Edmonton United                 19    4   6   9    21   32  −11    18
19  Slateport Bulls                 19    3   6  10    23   31   −8    15
20  Real Campo Grande               19    2   7  10    19   33  −14    13

Liga-2 Standings after Matchday 19

Valladar Liga-2                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Hamanos Athletic Club           19   12   2   5    37   26  +11    38
 2  FC Maritime Westporte           19   12   2   5    39   28  +11    38
 3  FC Townsville                   19   11   3   5    38   25  +13    36
 4  Universitario de Maldonado      19   11   2   6    28   20   +8    35
 5  Ajax Carloburgo                 19   10   3   6    31   19  +12    33
 6  Étoile Verte                    19    9   3   7    30   28   +2    30
 7  Hoxford Rovers                  19    8   6   5    25   19   +6    30
 8  Servette FC                     19    8   5   6    35   37   −2    29
 9  Dynamo Metropolis               19    7   5   7    24   24    0    26
10  Stanford United                 19    7   4   8    27   28   −1    25
11  Bellavista Jets                 19    7   3   9    27   37  −10    24
12  FC Fauxham                      19    6   6   7    30   31   −1    24
13  AS Mont-Blanc                   19    7   3   9    32   34   −2    24
14  AS Montreux                     19    6   5   8    28   30   −2    23
15  Real Pradera                    19    5   6   8    30   31   −1    21
16  Bretford Royals                 19    5   5   9    27   32   −5    20
17  Atlético Nápoles                19    4   8   7    25   31   −6    20
18  Canalave Rangers                19    5   4  10    25   32   −7    19
19  Pumas Maldonado                 19    4   6   9    26   40  −14    18
20  CAP                             19    4   3  12    23   35  −12    15

Liga-3 Standings after Matchday 19

Valladar Liga-3                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Minault United                  19   11   4   4    35   21  +14    37
 2  AS Vaud                         19    9   8   2    31   21  +10    35
 3  FC Westporte 984                19    9   7   3    26   21   +5    34
 4  Gatineau UC 98                  19    8   7   4    27   21   +6    31
 5  Patriotas FC                    19    9   4   6    19   13   +6    31
 6  EC Comercial                    19    8   6   5    25   18   +7    30
 7  Adelaide Kickers                19    8   6   5    25   22   +3    30
 8  FC Sillimus                     19    9   2   8    36   29   +7    29
 9  RC Belfort                      19    8   3   8    24   25   −1    27
10  AC Tallin                       19    7   5   7    37   34   +3    26
11  Libertad                        19    6   7   6    24   23   +1    25
12  Northport Bears                 19    7   3   9    20   24   −4    24
13  Danubio FC                      19    7   3   9    28   33   −5    24
14  Villaznia AC                    19    6   4   9    28   31   −3    22
15  Carloburgo Phoenix              19    6   4   9    22   29   −7    22
16  AS Lausanne                     19    6   4   9    23   32   −9    22
17  Corumbá EC                      19    5   5   9    18   24   −6    20
18  Yumbo FC                        19    5   4  10    25   36  −11    19
19  RC Corania                      19    5   4  10    24   29   −5    19
20  Deportivo Aguablanca            19    4   4  11    21   32  −11    16

by **Valladares** » Wed Mar 25, 2020 7:48 pm

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-EIGHTH SEASON (PART III OF V)

Round 20 (July 18-19)

The decisive second half of this season kicked off with a big match for the title aspirations of Eterna Stars and Tannenberg FC, with Danny Flint's side visiting the leaders at Alain Tramontin Stadium and hoping to give them chase with a victory. However, and despite Mateo Foschini's early opener, the Stars came from behind to beat TFC and ensure their stay at the summit for at least one more week, while also denting the Citizens' title aspirations. Fontvielle Impact also suffered an unwanted speed bump in this round, with the Bulls bravely fighting back to steal a point from the Stade de la Frontière, which might not be enough for them in their quest to avoid relegation, but satisfies Victor Anigo's side for the time being. But unlike Citizens and Bleus, both of Metropolis' big teams took advantage of their opportunities to continue exerting pressure on the leaders and moved into the top 3 of the league with their victories: the Marineros dealt another blow to cellar-dwellers Real Campo Grande with their 3-1 win over the Verdolagas, while the Alligators beat Pradera in Swangard with a brace by Izzat Patton. Canalave Dragons also benefited greatly from Tannenberg's defeat in Eterna City and have cracked into the top five of the league with a victory in a thrilling match against an Edmonton side in desperate need of points to avoid the drop who were also having the début of Leonard Gillet as coach. Defending champions Bezieres started their charge towards the IFCF qualification zone by beating Nord Energie in Toril, and so did Nacional, who in the rematch of the Clásico del Sur were able to get even with Cerro with a 4-3 victory in Poblado, and Junín, who entered the top 10 of the league with a 3-1 win at home over Bohemians, piling up on the Gallo's misery in the process. Richard Armada helped Olympique escape with a point from Valencia, and Columbus and Defensores cancelled each other out with a 1-1 tie which nevertheless helps the Auriverde move out of the play-off spot, sending Bohemians there instead.

Nord Energie FC 0–2 AS Bezieres
Eterna Stars 3–1 Tannenberg FC
Valencia FC 2–2 Olympique de Fontvielle
Nacional 4–3 AD Cerro
Deportivo Junín 3–1 Bohemians Metropolis
Metropolis Alligators 2–1 Pradera FC
Edmonton United 3–5 Canalave Dragons
Real Campo Grande 1–3 Marinos Metropolis
FC Columbus 1–1 Defensores de Villafuerte
Fontvielle Impact 3–3 Slateport Bulls

Round 21 (July 25-26)

The Stars remain strong in first place following a victory in Fontvielle against Olympique with a brace by Peter Fagundes, and thanks to Marinos' unexpected scoreless draw with Edmonton at home, they have now opened up a 3-point gap on the second-placed team. The Alligators capitalized on that setback for their crosstown rivals and went up to second place by winning a tough match in Canalave against the Dragons, whilst Fontvielle Impact got their title aspirations back on track with a hard-fought win over a tricky Nord Energie side which refused to go down without a fight. In the IFCF front, with the Dragons being dragged away from the title race with that loss to the Titan, TFC and Bezieres made sure to reduce the other side's chances to get closer to an international berth with their stalemate at White Meadow Arena, with Junín getting closer to this group as the Granates stomped Pradera on the road. Meanwhile, the relegation race now has three teams lagging behind and other nine sides threatened by the relegation play-off. With Edmonton losing more ground in that fight despite their good result in Metropolis, and Real Campo Grande in freefall after collecting yet another loss (this time against Defensores, who are slowly moving away from the danger zone), the Bulls earned a vital win at home against Columbus, who are starting to feel the pressure to avoid the drop after a good start to the season. Defensores's victory, coupled with Bohemians beating Nacional at Chosroes Stadium in the rematch of the Duelo Abuelo, and Olympique's defeat, means it is the turn for Les Jaune-et-Bleus to suffer in 17th place, with Columbus also being compromised on account of being level in points with Olympique at this moment. And last but no least, Cerro and Valencia were unable to separate from each other and remain involved in the relegation struggle.

Fontvielle Impact 2–1 Nord Energie FC
Slateport Bulls 1–0 FC Columbus
Defensores de Villafuerte 1–0 Real Campo Grande
Marinos Metropolis 0–0 Edmonton United
Canalave Dragons 1–2 Metropolis Alligators
Pradera FC 0–3 Deportivo Junín
Bohemians Metropolis 3–1 Nacional
AD Cerro 0–0 Valencia FC
Olympique de Fontvielle 0–2 Eterna Stars
Tannenberg FC 0–0 AS Bezieres

Round 22 (August 1-2)

The start of August brings us another edition of the ever-passionate Derby Metropolitano, crucial to the destinies of both Alligators and Marinos as both sides will be clashing in Swangard hoping to get a win that allows them to stay in hot pursuit of leaders Eterna Stars. And after 96 minutes of a hard-fought match where strikers Cristian Bogarín and Aymeric Fortin stood out, it was the Titan the one emerging victorious and keeping the pressure on the Stars, who beat Cerro at home in order to stay at the top, while the Marineros ended up being 7 points adrift. And Fontvielle Impact, while trailing the Stars by 4 points, were able to show that they're still alive in the title race by beating Columbus in the former Valladar capital, climbing up to third place with 40 points in the process. The battle for international berths is on fire, with five teams being separated by just two points, starting with defending champions Bezieres, who reached fifth place with 34 points following their narrow win over Olympique de Fontvielle, Junín beating the Dragons in a six-pointer in the Far East, Nacional obliterating Pradera at the City of Metropolis Stadium, and TFC giving away more points, this time by losing to Nord Energie in Toril with a brace by former hangman Zachary Gallagher, who scored a brace to down the Citizens. In the relegation struggle, Leonard Gillet could celebrate his first victory as Edmonton coach with the Monties giving their faint chances of survival a big boost with a clear 2-0 win over Defensores at Albert Field and putting themselves 3 points closer to safety, mostly thanks to both Olympique and Columbus being left stagnant with their losses to both Foixien giants. Meanwhile, another huge six-pointer for relegation purposes was played in Campo Grande, with Slateport Bulls entertaining cellar-dwellers Real Campo Grande and both sides in urgent need of a victory to give themselves some hope to escape the red zone. However, neither Verdolagas nor Bulls were able to separate from each other and instead left their chances of survival seriously harmed with a 1-1 draw which keeps the Bulls 5 points away from both Olympique and Columbus, and Real 11 points adrift.

Nord Energie FC 2–0 Tannenberg FC
AS Bezieres 1–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Eterna Stars 3–1 AD Cerro
Valencia FC 0–3 Bohemians Metropolis
Nacional 5–1 Pradera FC
Deportivo Junín 2–1 Canalave Dragons
Metropolis Alligators 4–2 Marinos Metropolis
Edmonton United 2–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Real Campo Grande 1–1 Slateport Bulls
FC Columbus 1–3 Fontvielle Impact

Round 23 (August 8-9)

What an opportune moment for the Stars to lose a match! The side coached by Fabien Torrente made the trip south to Metropolis looking to collect three more points in their quest to add a third star to the Yellow crest, and the mission didn't seem too complex since a reeling Bohemians side were in front as rivals. However, the Eternan side finally found their match at the pitch of Chosroes Stadium and were beaten by a clinical Gallo side led by striker Franco Vargas. And to make things look worse for the Stars, the Alligators thanked that huge helping hand sent by their fellow northern Metropolis rivals by beating Defensores in Villafuerte and matching the Stars' point tally. However, the yellow-clad team are still leaders thanks to that 1-0 win in their first meeting in Eterna City. Fontvielle Impact were unable to join the fun, but were good enough to push Real Campo Grande one step closer to the abyss despite having to see the Verdolagas scrap through with a 1-1 draw, while Marinos stomped Junín at Estadio Zachary Fortin and gave their title chances an extra life, also keeping the Granate side at bay in the fight for IFCF qualification. Speaking of which, the IFCF front mostly remained at a standstill this weekend since Bezieres were unable to beat Cerro and goalie Jacob Descombes, the Dragons and Nacional cancelled each other out with a scoreless draw, and TFC gave Olympique de Fontvielle a fighting chance in their own struggle after allowing them to win their match. And going down to the other important zone of the table, the Bulls had to prepare for another huge six-pointer in their quest for survival as the equally needy Edmonton were in town in search of points to reach their own salvation. However, the second half goals by Martín Arenas and Paul Muscat ensured that no-one would win and both sides would still be in serious trouble in the bottom three (with Edmonton closer to the end of the tunnel). And with Olympique beating Tannenberg, and Columbus sharing the spoils with Nord Energie, Defensores became the big victims of the day as their loss at home sent them back to the relegation play-off spot.

FC Columbus 1–1 Nord Energie FC
Fontvielle Impact 1–1 Real Campo Grande
Slateport Bulls 1–1 Edmonton United
Defensores de Villafuerte 2–3 Metropolis Alligators
Marinos Metropolis 3–0 Deportivo Junín
Canalave Dragons 0–0 Nacional
Pradera FC 3–1 Valencia FC
Bohemians Metropolis 2–1 Eterna Stars
AD Cerro 0–0 AS Bezieres
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–1 Tannenberg FC

Kings' Shield Round of 16 (August 12-13)

The Kings' Shield is also entering its time for definitions, with 16 teams still in contention for a berth to the next Cup Winners' Cup, and there will be only 8 lucky ones advancing to the quarterfinals. The Round of 16 had both Marinos and Nacional advancing to the quarter-finals, with the former ending Central Español's cinderella run with a convincing 3-0 win and the latter demolishing fourth tier side Alianza Antioquia in Slateport. Junín were also able to follow suit, beating Metropolis state championship outfit Verder comfortably in Montreux, however, heavyweights Fontvielle Impact had to bid farewell to the competition after narrowly losing to Stanford United (remember them?) in a hard-fought match played in Metropolis' western suburb of Vincent. The other four ties of the round saw fourth tier minnows Atlas beating Liga-2 powerhouse Hoxford Rovers in an horrendous penalty shoot-out that saw only one goal scored in ten attempts, Liga-3 side Villaznia going through with a win over Universitario de Maldonado, AS Mont-Blanc turned into the only other remaining trump card for Liga-2 after seeing Operário off, and Antioquia state league outfit San Luis beating fourth-tier side Western Suburbs to become the lowest ranked team remaining in the cup.

Marinos Metropolis 3-0 Central Español @ Estadio Municipal, Los Chorros, Mountbatten

Hoxford Rovers 1-1 Atlas SC (1-1 AET, 0-1 PKs) @ Moss Tower Stadium, Sillimus

Stanford United 3-2 Fontvielle Impact @ Vincent Stadium, Vincent, Mountbatten

Western Suburbs FC 0-2 San Luis FC @ Estadio Paulino de Araciba, Cidade do Leste, Chiquito

Operário FC 1-2 AS Mont-Blanc @ Stade Omnisports Gatineau, Gatineau, Foix

Villaznia AC 1-0 Universitario de Maldonado @ Arena do Jacaré, Corumbá, Chiquito

FC Verder Metropolis 0-2 Deportivo Junín @ Stade Micoud, Montreux, Foix

Alianza Antioquia 0-5 Nacional @ Estadio de la Riviera, Slateport, Eterna

Round 24 (August 15-16)

The head-to-head for the championship between Eterna Stars and Metropolis Alligators rages on with both sides picking victories this weekend: the Stars beat Pradera at home with a brace by Joe Lindpere and the Alligators put another nail on Slateport's cross with Brayan Borja giving them the win in their match at Swangard. Third-placed Fontvielle Impact are still on the prowl by thumping Edmonton and preventing the Monties from moving out of the relegation zone, whilst Marinos were beaten by Nacional in the Derby and were left trailing the top two by 7 points, once again. That outcome in the Parque Rushmore vs. Obrero showdown did nothing but tighten the fight for IFCF berths, with Bezieres, Junín, the Dragons, Tannenberg, and Nacional themselves all winning their matches and getting closer to the Marineros. Meanwhile, with both Edmonton and Slateport losing, and Cerro being dragged into the relegation conversation with their loss in Carloburgo, Defensores missed a valuable chance to escape from the relegation play-off berth after being unable to get any points from the Far East. Olympique de Fontvielle and Valencia are not quite safe yet, and especially not now that they lost to Nord Energie and Canalave Dragons, respectively, meaning that both sides are still just 2 points clear of Defensores and Columbus, with the latter helping bottom-placed Real Campo Grande return to life with the Verdolagas earning a much-needed victory over the Yellow-Greens at home, thus cutting the gap with both sides to 8 points.

Nord Energie FC 2–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Tannenberg FC 1–0 AD Cerro
AS Bezieres 2–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Eterna Stars 2–0 Pradera FC
Valencia FC 0–1 Canalave Dragons
Nacional 2–0 Marinos Metropolis
Deportivo Junín 1–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Metropolis Alligators 1–0 Slateport Bulls
Edmonton United 0–3 Fontvielle Impact
Real Campo Grande 3–1 FC Columbus

Round 25 (August 22-23)

The head-to-head for the title between Eterna Stars and Metropolis Alligators has reached a key matchday with both sides playing against their biggest arch-rivals: the Stars will take the E1 highway and head west to Canalave to face the Dragons, whilst the Alligators will have an even more dangerous showdown awaiting for them, as they will be entertaining third-placed Fontvielle Impact in the last Derby de Valladares of the season in Fontvielle. And with the Stars being held to a scoreless draw by the Dragons, who are involved in the fight to get a berth for the Challengers' Cup at the end of the season, l'Impact got fully into the top race by doing the double over the Alligators and beating them with goals by Thibault Benezet and Alexis Ardouin, which helped them cut the gap with the Stars to just one point while also levelling their reptilian rivals in points. In the IFCF front, Marinos are still dangerously giving points away, this time losing to Valencia at Estadio Zachary Fortin which was greatly capitalized by Junín and Nacional to get closer to fourth place and the last Challengers' Cup berth: La Academia are now fifth, owing to their victory in Villafuerte over Defensores, while Martin Boyle's side jumped to sixth place thanks to a dominating win over the Bulls in Slateport coupled with a defeat for Bezieres in Pradera. Tannenberg were the only side to fail to get any advantage out of those results for Marineros, Rouges and Dragons, having their chances of international qualification dented with their loss to Bohemians at Chosroes Stadium. And the relegation battle had an important event to feature: Edmonton's victory in Columbus which has strong collateral effects: not only does it help the Monties escape both the relegation and play-off zones, but drags both their rivals this week as well as Defensores into those uncomfortable positions, and also brings the guillotine closer to Cerro and Olympique de Fontvielle, both of whom did nothing to move away from the fire of relegation and closer to salvation with their 2-2 draw at Estadio Marcus Trent. Slateport sunk themselves further into that hell with the aforementioned loss to Junín, and Real Campo Grande kept dropping more vital points at home and still see salvation as a long shot.

Real Campo Grande 1–1 Nord Energie FC
FC Columbus 0–2 Edmonton United
Fontvielle Impact 2–1 Metropolis Alligators
Slateport Bulls 0–3 Deportivo Junín
Defensores de Villafuerte 0–2 Nacional
Marinos Metropolis 1–2 Valencia FC
Canalave Dragons 0–0 Eterna Stars
Pradera FC 3–2 AS Bezieres
Bohemians Metropolis 2–1 Tannenberg FC
AD Cerro 2–2 Olympique de Fontvielle

Round 26 (August 29-30)

Things at the top of the table haven't changed much, with Eterna Stars still leading and dealing a possibly lethal blow to Marinos' title bid with their win over the Marineros in Eterna City, and Daniel Bernard's Fontvielle Impact still breathing down the Stars' neck after beating Junín. However, the Alligators were unable to follow suit with a tricky Columbus side frustrating them to no end and taking home what could be an important point in their own struggle for survival. The IFCF race is still quite tight, with that defeat for Marinos being coupled with a win for Bezieres against direct rivals Canalave Dragons, which allowed Les Rouges to assault fourth place. Nacional and Tannenberg were also greatly benefited by the score in Eterna City, with the Albo side drawing with Slateport and the Citizens keeping themselves close to the defending champions after beating Pradera in a 7-goal thriller in Carloburgo. Meanwhile in the relegation zone, Columbus, Defensores, and Edmonton are still unable to detach from each other, as all three sides drew their games: to Columbus' draw in Swangard we must add Defensores' tie in Valencia, whilst the Monties were held by Real Campo Grande to a scoreless stalemate which harms both sides, although the Verdolagas are undoubtedly the most damaged team. The Bulls missed a chance to get closer to safety with their draw in Metropolis, Olympique and Bohemians shared the spoils with the Jaune-et-Bleu side still in danger, while Liga-2 champions Nord Energie took a huge step towards salvation by beating Cerro and keeping the Celeste close to the red zone.

Nord Energie FC 4–2 AD Cerro
Olympique de Fontvielle 3–3 Bohemians Metropolis
Tannenberg FC 4–3 Pradera FC
AS Bezieres 1–0 Canalave Dragons
Eterna Stars 1–0 Marinos Metropolis
Valencia FC 1–1 Defensores de Villafuerte
Nacional 1–1 Slateport Bulls
Deportivo Junín 1–2 Fontvielle Impact
Metropolis Alligators 0–0 FC Columbus
Edmonton United 0–0 Real Campo Grande

Round 27 (September 5-6)

At this moment in time, there's nothing the typical Metropolis Alligators fan might hate more than...*drumroll*...Real Campo Grande! Yep, the team that right now has got foot and a half into Liga-2 for next season totally dominated the first meeting between those sides in Swangard, then kicked the Titan out of the Kings' Shield, and now has beaten them in Campo Grande once again, denting the Alligators' title chances while also keeping their ventilator connected and clinging on to dear life in the top tier. Meanwhile, the Stars are marching on to a long-awaited championship with Valentin Germain being the hero in Villafuerte and took advantage of Fontvielle Impact's draw with Nacional in order to open up a 3-point gap at the lead. In the IFCF race, a goal by young striker Lucas Magnin was all Bezieres needed to win a crucial six-pointer against Marinos in Metropolis and leave the Marineros 4 points adrift in the battle for fourth place and the last Challengers' Cup berth. The other big match in this race was played in Canalave, with the Dragons and Tannenberg both in need of a victory in order to continue in contention. After 7 goals and plenty of action, the Canalese side beat the Citizens and got their international aspirations back on track, whilst another team joined the fight with Nord Energie hitting the 40-point mark after their win in Edmonton. Meanwhile in the relegation struggle, Real Campo Grande's win combined with a draw for the Bulls in Valencia put both sides level in points for bottom place, with Columbus gaining a slight edge over both Defensores and Edmonton thanks to their draw with Junín at home as well as defeats for the latter two sides. And Olympique and Cerro are still unable to move away from the danger, with the team coached by Damián Trolli losing more ground with their most recent defeat in Pradera, and the Celestes being held to a draw by Bohemians.

Edmonton United 0–1 Nord Energie FC
Real Campo Grande 2–0 Metropolis Alligators
FC Columbus 1–1 Deportivo Junín
Fontvielle Impact 1–1 Nacional
Slateport Bulls 1–1 Valencia FC
Defensores de Villafuerte 1–2 Eterna Stars
Marinos Metropolis 0–1 AS Bezieres
Canalave Dragons 4–3 Tannenberg FC
Pradera FC 2–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Bohemians Metropolis 1–1 AD Cerro

Round 28 (September 12-13)

The second and last Superclásico of the season brought two teams with opposite campaigns: the Stars were leading the league, with a 3-point cushion on escorts Fontvielle Impact, and headed for the championship. On the other hand, the Bulls were at the edge of the ledge and had their morale seriously undermined by their most recent results. However, in an unexpected twist and guided by striker Lúcio, the side coached by Victor Anigo were able to beat the Stars in Eterna City and bring themselves closer to salvation, forcing the Stars to wait for a setback for Fontvielle Impact in their visit to Valencia...which did not happen as Les Bleus beat the Púrpura and became joint leaders once again. The Alligators were also able to cut the gap with the leaders and kept their title chances intact after beating Edmonton in Swangard with Brayan Borja scoring twice and Izzat Patton sealing the win against the Monties. The battle between Bezieres, Nacional, Marinos, Junín, and Nord Energie for the last Challengers' Cup berth is getting hotter and hotter, with Bezieres dropping points at home against Defensores, and wins for Albos, Marineros, Granates, and Yellow-Reds which brought these four sides within striking distance of Les Rouges. On the other hand, Canalave Dragons and Tannenberg are slowly falling behind, with the former being unable to beat Olympique at the Stade de l'Amitié and the latter having their chances dented by Marinos. In the relegation race, the point earned by Defensores in Bezieres was good enough for the Auriverdes to leapfrog both Columbus (who were trounced by Nacional in Poblado) and Edmonton and get out of the risk zone, with the Monties falling into the relegation zone and the team coached by Frank Boern going to the relegation play-off. Real Campo Grande missed another chance to cut the gap with those three teams after losing in Junín, and both Olympique and Cerro kept tying and continue playing with fire as a result.

Nord Energie FC 1–0 Bohemians Metropolis
AD Cerro 0–0 Pradera FC
Olympique de Fontvielle 1–1 Canalave Dragons
Tannenberg FC 1–3 Marinos Metropolis
AS Bezieres 2–2 Defensores de Villafuerte
Eterna Stars 1–2 Slateport Bulls
Valencia FC 1–3 Fontvielle Impact
Nacional 4–0 FC Columbus
Deportivo Junín 1–0 Real Campo Grande
Metropolis Alligators 3–1 Edmonton United

Kings' Shield Quarter-Finals (September 16-17)

The Kings' Shield has now entered into its final stretch with 8 teams still remaining in contention for the Shield, but only 4 will remain after this round. The three Liga-1 sides still in contention (Junín, Nacional, and Marinos) are all through to the semi-finals, with the Granates eliminating Stanford United on penalties in Pradera, La Academia beating a brave Atlas side with a brace by young player Nicolás Lucchetti, and the team coached by Angelo Gelinas knocking out a combative Villaznia side thanks to a goal by Aymeric Fortin. And in the remaining quarter-final tie, San Luis' dream run came to an end after the Antioquian side was beaten by Eternan outfit AS Mont-Blanc.

Stanford United 1-1 Deportivo Junín (1-1 AET, 1-3 PKs) @ Estadio Gobernador Villa, Pradera, Antioquia

Atlas SC 1-2 Nacional @ Estadio Parque Armenia, Columbus, Mountbatten

San Luis FC 0-1 AS Mont-Blanc @ Stade de Charmilliot, Bezieres, Foix

Villaznia AC 0-1 Marinos Metropolis @ Dragon Stadium, City of Canalave, Canalave

Round 29 (September 19-20)

With this round we have completed 75% of the season, and what a great match we have to close this third part: the showdown that might decide the league, with the Stars travelling to Fontvielle to play l'Impact with top spot at stake. However, both sides are unable to separate from each other, with Valentin Germain and Jean Hainault cancelling both of Daniel Barbieri's goals, meaning the Stars left the Stade de la Frontière with a point in the bag as well as first place (due to H2H away goals). For the Alligators, this draw was perfect news and they made sure to capitalize on it to reduce the gap with Yellows and Bleus to just one point by beating Nord Energie and cutting the Electric Boys' momentum in the IFCF race. Speaking of which, the fight for fourth place is looking like it will be going down to the wire, with Bezieres, Nacional, and Junín all losing to relegation-threatened rivals this week, the Dragons failing to capitalize on those setbacks for their direct rivals and dropping points against another team involved in the relegation fight (Cerro), and both Tannenberg and Pradera joining the fight after beating Defensores and Bohemians, respectively. As for the relegation struggle, Olympique's victory against Marinos comes at the right time for Damián Trolli's team since it helps them move 5 points clear of hell, while wins for Edmonton and the Bulls coupled with Defensores' loss and a draw for Columbus against Valencia have pushed both yellow-green-clad sides into the relegation zone, lifted the Bulls to the relegation play-off and sent Edmonton into temporary safety while also keeping Cerro threatened. With the previously hopeless Edmonton, Slateport, and Real Campo Grande having returned back to life in 10 matches (some may argue it's mostly thanks to Columbus and Defensores messing themselves up), this affair which already seemed sentenced, is now really up for grabs and might be the big thing to decide on the last matchday of this Liga-1 season...

Metropolis Alligators 2–0 Nord Energie FC
Edmonton United 1–0 Deportivo Junín
Real Campo Grande 1–0 Nacional
FC Columbus 0–0 Valencia FC
Fontvielle Impact 2–2 Eterna Stars
Slateport Bulls 3–1 AS Bezieres
Defensores de Villafuerte 1–2 Tannenberg FC
Marinos Metropolis 0–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Canalave Dragons 1–1 AD Cerro
Pradera FC 2–1 Bohemians Metropolis

Standings after Matchday 29

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Eterna Stars                    29   16   7   6    44   24  +20    55
 2  Fontvielle Impact               29   15  10   4    44   28  +16    55
 3  Metropolis Alligators           29   17   3   9    44   30  +14    54
 4  AS Bezieres                     29   12   9   8    35   26   +9    45
 5  Nacional                        29   12   8   9    49   36  +13    44
 6  Marinos Metropolis              29   12   7  10    38   29   +9    43
 7  Nord Energie FC                 29   11  10   8    37   33   +4    43
 8  Deportivo Junín                 29   12   7  10    44   40   +4    43
 9  Canalave Dragons                29   11   9   9    45   40   +5    42
10  Tannenberg FC                   29   12   6  11    42   40   +2    42
11  Pradera FC                      29   11   7  11    35   45  −10    40
12  Bohemians Metropolis            29   10   7  12    37   45   −8    37
13  Olympique de Fontvielle         29    9   7  13    33   40   −7    34
14  Valencia FC                     29    7  13   9    33   36   −3    34
15  AD Cerro                        29    7  10  12    31   39   −8    31
16  Edmonton United                 29    7   9  13    31   45  −14    30
17  Slateport Bulls                 29    6  11  12    36   44   −8    29
18  FC Columbus                     29    5  14  10    25   37  −12    29
19  Defensores de Villafuerte       29    7   7  15    28   41  −13    28
20  Real Campo Grande               29    5  11  13    29   42  −13    26

Liga-2 Standings after Matchday 29

Valladar Liga-2                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Hamanos Athletic Club           29   16   6   7    51   37  +14    54
 2  Universitario de Maldonado      29   17   2  10    48   32  +16    53
 3  FC Maritime Westporte           29   17   2  10    62   49  +13    53
 4  Étoile Verte                    29   15   4  10    48   40   +8    49
 5  Hoxford Rovers                  29   13   9   7    41   27  +14    48
 6  FC Townsville                   29   14   5  10    52   47   +5    47
 7  Servette FC                     29   13   7   9    55   55    0    46
 8  Ajax Carloburgo                 29   12   5  12    46   36  +10    41
 9  AS Mont-Blanc                   29   11   6  12    40   41   −1    39
10  Bretford Royals                 29   10   8  11    46   48   −2    38
11  FC Fauxham                      29   10   8  11    48   52   −4    38
12  Atlético Nápoles                29    9  10  10    49   47   +2    37
13  Dynamo Metropolis               29    9   9  11    38   38    0    36
14  Canalave Rangers                29   10   6  13    44   52   −8    36
15  CAP                             29   10   5  14    36   44   −8    35
16  Real Pradera                    29    8   9  12    43   48   −5    33
17  Stanford United                 29    9   5  15    35   44   −9    32
18  AS Montreux                     29    8   7  14    42   52  −10    31
19  Pumas Maldonado                 29    7  10  12    44   57  −13    31
20  Bellavista Jets                 29    8   5  16    41   63  −22    29

Liga-3 Standings after Matchday 29

Valladar Liga-3                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  AS Vaud                         29   15  10   4    48   32  +16    55
 2  Minault United                  29   16   6   7    51   35  +16    54
 3  Gatineau UC 98                  29   13   9   7    45   37   +8    48
 4  FC Westporte 984                29   13   8   8    38   33   +5    47
 5  Adelaide Kickers                29   13   8   8    46   39   +7    47
 6  EC Comercial                    29   12   7  10    46   38   +8    43
 7  Patriotas FC                    29   12   6  11    33   30   +3    42
 8  Carloburgo Phoenix              29   11   7  11    38   41   −3    40
 9  Northport Bears                 29   12   4  13    40   39   +1    40
10  Libertad                        29   11   7  11    43   43    0    40
11  AC Tallin                       29   10   9  10    51   49   +2    39
12  Corumbá EC                      29   10   9  10    36   35   +1    39
13  RC Belfort                      29   11   5  13    40   43   −3    38
14  FC Sillimus                     29   10   7  12    48   47   +1    37
15  Villaznia AC                    29   10   6  13    35   40   −5    36
16  RC Corania                      29   10   5  14    46   48   −2    35
17  AS Lausanne                     29    9   7  13    42   52  −10    34
18  Yumbo FC                        29    9   6  14    41   54  −13    33
19  Danubio FC                      29    9   4  16    38   53  −15    31
20  Deportivo Aguablanca            29    6   6  17    32   49  −17    24

by **Valladares** » Fri Mar 27, 2020 12:18 am

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-EIGHTH SEASON (PART IV OF V)

Round 30 (September 26-27)

The final stretch of this Liga-1 season has already started, and the 3-horse race for the title remained heated with Eterna Stars, Fontvielle Impact, and Metropolis Alligators all earning wins this weekend: the Stars beat Columbus with a goal by Valentin Germain and kept the Yellow-Greens in the relegation zone, l'Impact won the last Derby du Foix of the season and dented Bezieres' international aspirations, and the Alligators came from behind to defeat another IFCF hopeful in the form of Junín. With Rouges and Granates both losing their matches, as well as Marinos being defeated in Cerro thanks to a goal by former Marinero Pablo Scotti, Tannenberg took fourth place as well as the lead in the race for the last Challengers' Cup berth with a hard-fought win against the relegation-threatened Bulls at White Meadow Arena. Nord Energie's and Canalave's IFCF bids got somewhat derailed with the northern sides both dropping points: the former tying with Pradera at home, and the latter rescuing a point from Metropolis against Bohemians. Nacional also had the chance to snatch fourth place with a win against Edmonton at home, however, the side coached by Jean Camacho botched it as the Monties cruised to victory at the City of Metropolis Stadium with goals by Jimmy Turnbull and Kevin Pfeiffer and opened a 4-point lead on Slateport and Columbus in the relegation front. Speaking of which, just like Columbus, Defensores de Villafuerte were left stuck in the relegation zone with a loss in a six-pointer against Olympique de Fontvielle, who are now 8 points clear of 17th placed Slateport and got closer to the goal of reaching salvation. Meanwhile in Valencia, the Púrpura side and Real Campo Grande played to a scoreless stalemate, which seems to benefit the Verdolagas more than Valencia as it brought them within striking distance of Bulls, Yellow-Greens, and Auriverdes and gives more fuel to their hopes of avoiding the drop.

Nord Energie FC 2–2 Pradera FC
Bohemians Metropolis 1–1 Canalave Dragons
AD Cerro 1–0 Marinos Metropolis
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–1 Defensores de Villafuerte
Tannenberg FC 3–2 Slateport Bulls
AS Bezieres 1–2 Fontvielle Impact
Eterna Stars[/b] 1–0 FC Columbus
Valencia FC 0–0 Real Campo Grande
Nacional 0–2 Edmonton United
Deportivo Junín 1–3 Metropolis Alligators

Round 31 (October 3-4)

With seven matches left in this Liga-1 season, the top spot has changed hands one more time. In Campo Grande, the Stars suffered a defeat that might cost them the championship against a Real Campo Grande side with a renewed fighting spark, which was greatly capitalized by both Fontvielle Impact and Metropolis Alligators, with Les Bleus becoming sole leaders after denting TFC's IFCF aspirations with a brace by Alexandre, and the Alligators moving into second place following their victory in the rematch of the Derby Añejo against Nacional, thus sending the Yellow side down to third place. Bezieres took a big step towards the Challengers' Cup by beating Columbus at Estadio Parque Armenia, while also watching Junín and Nord Energie taking points off each other, Marinos being held to a draw by Bohemians at home, and the Dragons losing to Pradera, all of those scores hugely benefiting Les Rouges as they open up a 3-point lead on Nord Energie and TFC. Meanwhile, the relegation struggle is getting more exciting, especially with Real Campo Grande's big win over the Stars helping them move out of the cellar and Slateport beating Olympique at the Estadio de la Riviera, results which combined with Edmonton's loss to Valencia in the Westlands, have these sides separated by just 3 points with the Monties being the ones saving their skins from the fire. Columbus sank further into the basement with their defeat, while Defensores are now rock-bottom after losing at home to Cerro while also seeing the Verdolagas win their match.

Deportivo Junín 2–2 Nord Energie FC
Metropolis Alligators 1–0 Nacional
Edmonton United 0–2 Valencia FC
Real Campo Grande 3–2 Eterna Stars
FC Columbus 0–2 AS Bezieres
Fontvielle Impact 2–0 Tannenberg FC
Slateport Bulls 3–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Defensores de Villafuerte 1–2 AD Cerro
Marinos Metropolis 0–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Canalave Dragons 1–3 Pradera FC

Round 32 (October 8)

The special Independence Day matchday, when there's non-stop Liga-1 action all day with kickoffs every hour between 10 AM and 8 PM opened action in Fontvielle with the last Derby de Fontvielle of the season between Olympique and Impact at the Stade de l'Amitié, with the latter strenghtening their grip on top spot and taking a big step towards a new championship by beating a brave crosstown rival which isn't safe from relegation yet. Meanwhile, a big match for the relegation race was played in Cerro an hour later, with the hosts getting closer to salvation with a clear victory over the Bulls, who missed a great chance to escape from the red zone. There was another derby played on this day at noon, the Illirian Derby between Bezieres and Real Campo Grande at Bezieres' Stade de Foix, which ended with both sides sharing the spoils and the Verdolaga side still unable to leave the relegation zone. Two matches were played in Metropolis, with Nacional beating Junín with a brace by Mario Ovalle in a make-or-die showdown for IFCF contention and Bohemians pushing Defensores closer to the drop after beating them at Chosroes Stadium. Nord Energie and Canalave Dragons also played for the defending champions with their draw in Toril which might have been a lethal blow to the Dragons' chances of international qualification, and the Stars kept losing more ground in the title race with a defeat at home against a revitalized Edmonton side that managed to open up a 4-point cushion on the Bulls with their win at Alain Tramontin Stadium. The Alligators were also unable to keep the pressure on Fontvielle Impact and suffered a painful last-minute defeat in Valencia which leaves them trailing Les Bleus by 4 points now. Another 7-goal match was played at White Meadow Arena, with Tannenberg beating Columbus by a 4-3 score in order to get back on track in the IFCF race while also putting another nail on Columbus' cross in the process, and this action-packed day of football was closed in Pradera, with the Zelaya-Fortin society propelling Marinos to victory in a six-pointer against the Verdiblancos and keeping them in hot pursuit of Bezieres for the last Challengers' Cup berth, and also denting Pradera's own aspirations.

Olympique de Fontvielle 2–3 Fontvielle Impact
AD Cerro 2–0 Slateport Bulls
AS Bezieres 1–1 Real Campo Grande
Nacional 2–0 Deportivo Junín
Bohemians Metropolis 5–3 Defensores de Villafuerte
Nord Energie FC 2–2 Canalave Dragons
Eterna Stars 2–3 Edmonton United
Valencia FC 4–3 Metropolis Alligators
Tannenberg FC 4–3 FC Columbus
Pradera FC 0–2 Marinos Metropolis

Round 33 (October 10-11)

Fontvielle Impact are marching towards their thirteenth title and have also secured their presence in IFCF competition the next season with a 4-0 trouncing of Cerro at the Stade de la Frontière, with all their front three players plus Mateo Padilla scoring. And to further glee for l'Impact, their two rivals in the title contention, Metropolis Alligators and Eterna Stars, cancelled each other out at Swangard with a 1-1 draw which does nothing other than pushing both sides away from the title: the Alligators are now 6 points adrift and the Stars 8 points behind. The race for fourth place rages on with Nacional capitalizing Bezieres' 1-1 draw against Edmonton in Albert Field with a 2-0 win over direct rivals Nord Energie which puts La Academia tied in points for fourth with Les Rouges but ahead on H2H. Tannenberg missed a great chance to return to fourth place by losing in Campo Grande, while the Dragons and Junín returned to the fight after the former earned a big win in Metropolis against Marinos and the latter beat Valencia in dramatic fashion with a late goal by Andy Navarro. As for the relegation struggle, Frank Boern's Columbus got closer to confirm a swift return to Liga-2 with their failure to beat the equally struggling Olympique de Fontvielle, while Defensores keep fighting for their survival after beating Pradera in Villafuerte. And Victor Anigo's Bulls are also willing to fight until the end to avoid both direct relegation and the play-off, beating the Gallo in Slateport and cutting the gap with Edmonton to just 2 points.

Nacional 2–0 Nord Energie FC
Deportivo Junín 1–0 Valencia FC
Metropolis Alligators 1–1 Eterna Stars
Edmonton United 1–1 AS Bezieres
Real Campo Grande 2–1 Tannenberg FC
FC Columbus 0–0 Olympique de Fontvielle
Fontvielle Impact 4–0 AD Cerro
Slateport Bulls 2–0 Bohemians Metropolis
Defensores de Villafuerte 2–1 Pradera FC
Marinos Metropolis 2–4 Canalave Dragons

Kings' Shield Semi-finals (October 14-15)

And this cup competition reaches its penultimate round with three Liga-1 sides (Marinos, Nacional, and Junín) and one Liga-2 outfit (Mont-Blanc) as the final four battling for two berths to the final match in Swangard on November 29th. The first semi-final had the White-Blacks facing the Granates, while the other one had the flagship teams of south Metropolis duking it out for the remaining berth to the final.

The first semi-final was a tougher match than the side coached by Martin Boyle could have expected, since a priori underdogs Mont-Blanc surprised everyone with their high pressure in midfield and the mobility of their wingers, who were constantly a trouble for Federico Castrillón and Camilo Molina. Despite this, Junín were able to hit first thanks to Eduardo Valencia, who scored the opener for the Granates just before the halftime whistle at Carloburgo's Olympic Stadium. However, the Eternan side was able to equalize in the start of the second half courtesy of playmaker Robert Rennie and also created some good chances to take the lead, which were not materialized thanks to the intervention of Junín goalie Darío Fernández. Eventually, the eastern side would prove to be the strongest side and scored the winning goal thanks to substitute striker Andrés Morelo, thus clinching their ticket to the final against either of Metropolis' Hispanic giants. Speaking of which, the second semi-final in Eterna City was a much tighter issue, with few chances to score created by either Albos or Marineros and a couple of strong defenses. Both sides were unable to separate from each other until the 80th minute, when Marinos were finally able to take full advantage of a defensive blink for Nacional and scored through Lisandro Craviotto. Although this goal made Nacional go firing on all cylinders for the equalizer, the side from Parque Rushmore was able to hold on their small advantage to secure a meeting with Junín in the final.

AS Mont-Blanc 1-2 Deportivo Junín @ Olympic Stadium, Carloburgo, Mountbatten

Nacional 0-1 Marinos Metropolis @ Alain Tramontin Stadium, Eterna City, Eterna

Round 34 (October 17-18)

With 4 matches to go, the status quo at the top of the table remained in place as the three sides with chances to win the Liga-1 at this point all drew their matches. Bohemians once again became a big nuisance for Fontvielle Impact and prevented the leaders from claiming a win on the pitch of Chosroes Stadium that would have put them quite close to their thirteenth league crown, however, neither the Alligators nor the Stars capitalized on this to cut the gap with Les Bleus, with the former tying in Bezieres and the latter being held to a draw by Shield finalists Junín. With that aforementioned draw for Les Rouges, Nacional have taken the lead in the fight for the last IFCF berth with a victory in Valencia, whilst Canalave Dragons kept their hopes alive thanks to striker Daniel Costa, who scored the winning goal for the Dragons against relegation-threatened Defensores. Both Nord Energie and Marinos torpedoed their chances of IFCF qualification with their scoreless stalemate in Toril, while TFC were held by Edmonton to a draw in a goalfest at White Meadow Arena. The race to avoid relegation is also reaching its climax, with Cerro dealing a hard blow to Columbus' chances of survival and leaving them buried in the basement with their victory over the Yellow-Greens at Estadio Marcus Trent, Slateport Bulls suffering another setback with their defeat in Pradera, and Real Campo Grande botching another chance to escape the relegation zone after letting direct rivals Olympique rescue a draw at home.

Nord Energie FC 0–0 Marinos Metropolis
Canalave Dragons 1–0 Defensores de Villafuerte
Pradera FC 2–1 Slateport Bulls
Bohemians Metropolis 0–0 Fontvielle Impact
AD Cerro 4–3 FC Columbus
Olympique de Fontvielle 2–2 Real Campo Grande
Tannenberg FC 4–4 Edmonton United
AS Bezieres 1–1 Metropolis Alligators
Eterna Stars 1–1 Deportivo Junín
Valencia FC 2–3 Nacional

Round 35 (October 31 - November 1)

With their defeat at the hands of Nacional at the City of Metropolis Stadium, the dream of that elusive third championship for Fabien Torrente's Eterna Stars has officially come to an end, leaving the two traditional Valladar powerhouses as the only teams still in contention for the Stargoal. Fontvielle Impact are still on top thanks to their 4-0 thrashing of Pradera at the Stade de la Frontière which helps them reach 71 points, and will clinch the title if they win in Canalave the next week. However, the Alligators remained in contention after a tight win over TFC and will have to win their remaining three games while also hoping for l'Impact to collect only a draw in their last three. Nacional's win over the Stars, coupled with Junín's 4-3 victory over Bezieres, means that La Academia have taken a big step towards IFCF qualification, having now opened a 5-point gap on both Granates and Rouges, while Canalave Dragons, Marinos, and Tannenberg are all but out of contention following their negative results in this round, and Nord Energie are already out thanks to their large defeat at the hands of Valencia. The relegation fight had some movement as well, with both Slateport Bulls and Real Campo Grande capitalizing on Edmonton's defeat to Olympique de Fontvielle to tie the Monties on points and push them from safety zone to the relegation one with wins for both sides. The Bulls dented Canalave's IFCF bid by beating them at home, and the Verdolagas prevented Cerro from celebrating safety from relegation on this round. On the other hand, Marinos and Bohemians opened the gates of hell for both Defensores and Columbus and the panorama for those two sides is quite difficult, now finding themselves trailing their 3 rivals by 6 and 8 points, respectively, and waiting for a miracle to avoid the drop this season.

Valencia FC 4–0 Nord Energie FC
Nacional 2–0 Eterna Stars
Deportivo Junín 4–3 AS Bezieres
Metropolis Alligators 3–2 Tannenberg FC
Edmonton United 0–1 Olympique de Fontvielle
Real Campo Grande 1–0 AD Cerro
FC Columbus 2–3 Bohemians Metropolis
Fontvielle Impact 4–0 Pradera FC
Slateport Bulls 3–1 Canalave Dragons
Defensores de Villafuerte 0–0 Marinos Metropolis

Round 36 (November 7-8)

At the end of the day, that goal by Izzat Patton that helped Metropolis Alligators beat Olympique in Fontvielle was futile to keep the Alligators' title chances intact, since at the same time Fontvielle Impact beat Canalave Dragons at Dragon Stadium with a brace by Thibault Benezet and clinched their lucky 13th league title with two matches in hand, a 6-point gap and the H2H tiebreaker favoring them. Although the Alligators are pretty close to claim the silver medals of this season, the Stars still have an outside chance to snatch second place (and the second Champions League berth) off them thanks to their win over Valencia, which also helped the side coached by Fabien Torrente clinch IFCF qualification. The race for fourth place and the last Challengers' Cup berth is now officially reduced to just three teams: Nacional, Bezieres, and Junín, with the Albo side on the verge of ending this fight for good as they held Les Rouges to a scoreless draw in Bezieres and now have a 5-point cushion on both of their rivals, while Junín's hopes of qualifying for the Challengers' Cup through the league were dealt a blow with their draw with TFC in Carloburgo. In the lower half of the table, with Columbus being thumped by Pradera and Defensores failing to beat Nord Energie, we now know the first teams that will be going down to the second tier for the next season, since both Edmonton and Real Campo Grande are now out of reach for the two yellow-green clad sides. Meanwhile, the Bulls' inability to beat Marinos in the final Blue Derby of the season has put Victor Anigo's side at a disadvantage against both Real Campo Grande and Edmonton for the final sprint, trailing both sides by two points. Verdolagas and Monties fueled their hopes to continue in the top tier by beating Bohemians and Cerro, respectively, while the Celeste side, along with Olympique and Valencia, are still far from being really relieved.

Nord Energie FC 2–2 Defensores de Villafuerte
Marinos Metropolis 0–0 Slateport Bulls
Canalave Dragons 1–2 Fontvielle Impact
Pradera FC 3–0 FC Columbus
Bohemians Metropolis 1–3 Real Campo Grande
AD Cerro 1–2 Edmonton United
Olympique de Fontvielle 0–1 Metropolis Alligators
Tannenberg FC 1–1 Deportivo Junín
AS Bezieres 0–0 Nacional
Eterna Stars 2–0 Valencia FC

Round 37 (November 14-15)

A 3-1 victory over Marinos was the icing in the cake to top Fontvielle Impact's glorious last home match of the season, in which the new Valladar champions received their 13th Stargoal and performed the victory lap in front of a packed and exultant Stade de la Frontière. However, there are still some unfinished businesses, such as the remaining international berths with Metropolis Alligators and Eterna Stars still vying for the last Champions' League berth. The Alligators had the chance to settle this matter once and for all but were held to a draw by an enormous Jacob Descombes, who saved Cerro from defeat and helped them steal a useful point from Swangard, which allowed the Stars to keep a chance to edge the Titan for second place after they beat Nord Energie in Eterna City. With Deportivo Junín and Marinos already set to decide one Challengers' Cup berth at the Kings' Shield final, Nacional and Bezieres are now the only two sides still in contention for the remaining ChC berth. La Academia also missed a valuable chance to clinch it with a loss to TFC in front of their faithful, giving Les Rouges a final chance to snatch fourth place off Nacional's hands on the last matchday after their victory in Valencia. With Colombus and Defensores already relegated, the relegation struggle will come down to the wire with six teams still battling to avoid the drop: Olympique's victory in Junín brought Les Jaune-et-Bleus closer to salvation, but they'll need at least one more point on the last matchday, Valencia's and Cerro's failures to win left both Púrpuras and Celestes walking on thin ice, while Slateport Bulls, Real Campo Grande, and Edmonton United will reach the last matchday tied at 42 points, and trailing both Valencia and Cerro by only 2, and Olympique by 3 points, which means...there could be a six-way tie for the remaining relegation berths at the end of the last matchday! Tasty, tasty!

Eterna Stars 4–2 Nord Energie FC
Valencia FC 2–4 AS Bezieres
Nacional 0–1 Tannenberg FC
Deportivo Junín 3–4 Olympique de Fontvielle
Metropolis Alligators 0–0 AD Cerro
Edmonton United 3–3 Bohemians Metropolis
Real Campo Grande 0–0 Pradera FC
FC Columbus 0–0 Canalave Dragons
Fontvielle Impact 3–1 Marinos Metropolis
Slateport Bulls 2–1 Defensores de Villafuerte

Round 38 (November 21-22)

And welcome one and all to the matchday that will bring this exciting Liga-1 season to its end. With the champions already known, now's the time to know how the remaining international berths will end up being distributed, especially who will be the last team to hop on the international qualification train, as well as the unfortunate one that will join Defensores de Villafuerte and FC Columbus in their trip to Liga-2 and the one going on to play the relegation playoff against a Liga-2 outfit. And now, without any further ado, here we go with a brief preview of the 10 games to be played on this last matchday, most of them with something at stake:

Nord Energie FC vs. Slateport Bulls - The Electric Boys are already sure to end the season in the safety of mid-table, but the side coached by Victor Anigo will arrive to Toril looking to scare the relegation ghost away for good. Despite totally owning the H2H tiebreaker against both Real Campo Grande and Edmonton United, the Bulls know that victory in this match is the most useful outcome for them. A draw or a defeat are potentially harmful for the Bulls and might send them down the abyss should both of their rivals manage to better their result against Nord Energie.
Defensores de Villafuerte vs. Fontvielle Impact - The newly crowned champions will be witness to Defensores' farewell from the top flight with nothing at stake other than the contenders' pride.
Marinos Metropolis vs. FC Columbus - The other relegated outfit will travel to Metropolis to bid farewell to the season and Liga-1 against a Marinos team that has nothing left to fight for in the league and is expected to send a B-squad for this match, considering next week's final vs. Junín.
Canalave Dragons vs. Real Campo Grande - The Dragons will be judges to a Verdolaga side with no more chances left. The team coached by former Slateport coach Arthur Bogden must win and hope for at least one team out of Valencia, Cerro, and the Bulls to lose in order to at least qualify for the relegation play-off. Real Campo Grande have missed several chances to get out of the red zone in the final stretch of the season, and now they have no margin of error as a result. It's do-or-die at the Dragon's Den for the visitors.
Pradera FC vs. Edmonton United - Edmonton will also have to fight for their survival in hostile territory, visiting the Estadio de la Montaña to face Pradera. The Monties will start the day in the relegation zone, and besides beating the Verdiblancos they will need extra help from Nord Energie and the Dragons in their matches against their direct rivals in order to save themselves. A draw will leave them in serious trouble unless both Slateport and Real Campo Grande lose, and a defeat will likely relegate them to Liga-2. There's no tomorrow for the Monties either.
Bohemians Metropolis vs. Metropolis Alligators - The Alligators will make their first visit to Chosroes Stadium hoping to earn the point they need in order to join champions Fontvielle Impact in the Champions' League. A loss against their fellow North Metropolis rivals will leave the Titan exposed to a win for the Stars and a third place finish with qualification for the Challengers' Cup instead.
AD Cerro vs. Deportivo Junín - The side coached by Marcelo Castellón is threatened by relegation after losing so many points in the final stretch of the season, and will be looking to beat an alternate Junín side in order to fulfill their goal of staying in Liga-1 for at least one more season. A draw or a defeat against the Granate will put Cerro in serious risk of being leapfrogged by any of Slateport, Real Campo Grande, or Edmonton, and might send them back down if all three sides win. Therefore, Cerro have no choice but to win. On the other hand, the Juninese have their minds set on another match to be played not too far away from there.
Olympique de Fontvielle vs. Nacional - The Stade de l'Amitié will open its doors to receive two teams with opposite goals. The hosts still need one single point to avoid every risk of relegation, while Nacional will need that point to clinch their berth to the Challengers' Cup and possibly leave Bezieres out of it on H2H. They might just agree to a tie in this match since it does benefit the both of them...
Tannenberg FC vs. Valencia FC - The Púrpura are not saved yet and will be required to do the difficult task of winning at White Meadow Arena in order to reach safety. They're prettty much in the same situation as Cerro: the win will save them, and a draw or a defeat will force them to wait for outside help. The Citizens on the other hand are sure to finish in the top 10 of the league and will want to reach a higher placement at the end of the season.
AS Bezieres vs. Eterna Stars - Both sides will be fighting to get to an international competition: the Challengers' Cup in Bezieres' case, the Champions' League in the Stars' case and are forced to win in order to fulfill their respective goals. However, neither of them depend solely on their own effort and will also require Nacional (the home side) or Metropolis Alligators (the visitors) to lose their matches in order to qualify. The Stars will access the Challengers' Cup at worst, Bezieres will be left empty-handed if they don't win.

And now, without any further ado, here we go with the final and decisive matchday in this Liga-1 season:

16:55 - Matchday 38 kicked off with two matches being played on Saturday: champions Fontvielle Impact defeated Defensores in Villafuerte by a 2-1 score, and Marinos' alternate squad was too good for Columbus, beating them 3-0 at Estadio Zachary Fortin. Meanwhile, the remaining 16 teams are entering the pitches for their final games. Time for the anthems, greetings, and pre-match photos!

17:00 - The eight remaining matches, involving the teams in the IFCF and relegation battles, will then be Sunday's highlight, so here we go with the continuation and outcome of this Liga-1 season. And we begin with the match between Tannenberg and Valencia kicking off at White Meadow Arena, with the rest of games being underway as well! Game on!

17:04 - PRA 0-1 EDM. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Edmonton! The Westlanders score the first goal of the day thanks to Nicolás Arrú and cling on to life! Edmonton are now in the lead in Pradera, 1-0 the score!

17:05 - With that goal for the Monties, here's how things currently stand at the relegation zone:

Olympique 46
Valencia 45*
Edmonton 45*
Cerro 45*
----------------
Slateport 43**
----------------
Real 43**
Defensores 33 REL
Columbus 31 REL

* Head-to-head: Valencia 8 pts, Edmonton 4 pts, Cerro 3 pts.
** Head-to-head: Slateport 2-0 Real, Real 1-1 Slateport.

With that goal in Pradera, Edmonton are heading towards safety, while the rest of teams need to get moving quickly if they want to avoid the fate of Defensores and Columbus...

17:10 - PRA 1-1 EDM. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Pradera! Mauricio Salgado quickly equalizes for Frédéric Galletti's side against Edmonton, and things are just like they started: Slateport safe, Real Campo Grande in play-offs, and the Monties relegated!

17:11 - BOH 0-1 MA. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Metropolis Alligators! Cristian Bogarín puts the Alligators ahead against Bohemians and 79 minutes closer to the Champions' League! At Chosroes Stadium, MA lead 1-0 after 11 minutes!

17:13 - OF 1-0 NAC. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Olympique de Fontvielle! Striker Jeffrey Verne heads home a cross from Matthew Spiro and scores the opener for Les Jaune-et-Bleu at the Stade de l'Amitié! Nacional are losing in Fontvielle and hoping that Bezieres don't score!

17:14 - CAN 0-1 RCG. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Real Campo Grande! Mathieu Corgnet surprises everyone at Dragon Stadium with a mid-range shot and puts the Verdolagas ahead in the scoreboard, and best of all safe! Real Campo Grande are now winning in Canalave 1-0!

17:15 - Relegation zone after 15 minutes of play and 4 goals:

Valencia 45*
Cerro 45*
Real 45*
----------------
Slateport 43**
----------------
Edmonton 43**
Defensores 33 REL
Columbus 31 REL

* Head-to-head: Valencia 6 pts, Cerro 5 pts, Real 4 pts.
** Head-to-head: Slateport 1-1 Edmonton, Edmonton 0-1 Slateport.

Olympique's win against Nacional has Damián Trolli's team out of this issue. Should the Bulls and Edmonton score goals next, this fight is going to turn into a real clusterfuck!

17:17 - NE 0-0 SLB. In Toril we're having a pretty rough game right now between Nord Energie and the Bulls! The team coached by Victor Anigo are trying to score by all means possible, however, the host team's defense has excelled at spreading kicks and fouls all over the field in their attempts to keep the visitors at bay! After 15 minutes, two players have already been booked in Gustavo Franco's team! Besides, the rain falling right now in northern Valladares has affected the field and isn't helping either side to display their best football. Still nil-nil at the Municipal Stadium!

17:19 - TFC 1-0 VAL. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Tannenberg! A goal by Nick Mariner for the Citizens before the 20th-minute mark adds more spice to the relegation hotpot as the Púrpura are now losing in Carloburgo to TFC and are praying for help from Pradera, Canalave or Toril!

17:22 - ADC 1-0 DJU. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL FOR CERRO! After a poor defensive decision made by Éder Bustos, Pablo Scotti capitalizes on the mistake and scores for the Celeste against the Granate (who are wearing white in this match considering the animadversion of Cerro fans towards claret)! The team from the south of the District of Metropolis are reaching salvation with this goal!

17:24 - ASB 1-0 ETS. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL FOR BEZIERES! Les Rouges take the lead against the Stars courtesy of a goal by Daniel Mendoza, and are also taking home the last Challengers' Cup berth owing to Nacional's defeat in Fontvielle!

17:29 - PRA 1-2 EDM. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL FOR EDMONTON! Kevin Pfeiffer finishes a masterful counterattack just when the Verdiblancos were firing on all cylinders against the goal defended by Mauro Herner! The Monties have taken the lead once again, and left the relegation zone!

17:31 - Time for a cooling break in all matches, and we're going to use this break to check the current situation in the relegation struggle!

Cerro 47
Real 45*
Edmonton 45*
----------------
Valencia 44
----------------
Slateport 43
Defensores 33 REL
Columbus 31 REL

* Overall goal difference: Real −7, Edmonton −12.

With the current scores, Cerro, Real Campo Grande and Edmonton are all safe, and Valencia and Slateport are the biggest victims of the day: the Púrpura will have to play the relegation play-off if things end this way, while the Bulls are being relegated!

17:32 - And here we go, back to action!

17:34 - BOH 0-2 MA. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for the Alligators! The Alligators increase their lead over the Gallo at Chosroes Stadium and further strenghten their grip on the last Champions' League berth, thanks to Brayan Borja!

17:37 - CAN 1-1 RCG. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for the Dragons! Good news for everyone in the relegation race other than Real Campo Grande! Chris Willis equalizes for the Canalese side at Dragon Stadium, and the team coached by Arthur Bogden are back into the red zone, Slateport move into the relegation play-off, and Valencia are still safe!

17:38 - NE 0-0 SLB. That goal by Canalave Dragons is celebrated by, ironically one of the Dragons' biggest rivals, the Bulls, whose fans flocked en masse to Toril's small stadium and have already lost half of their nails due to the offensive unproductiveness of their team. The match in Toril is still unattractive, the rain has not subsided yet, and the visitors have felt the pressure exerted by the scores of the matches involving their rivals. Coach Victor Anigo will have to find a way to turn the match around, and will have to do it quickly!

17:41 - OF 2-0 NAC. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Olympique de Fontvielle! L'OF increased their advantage over Nacional to two goals thanks to Mareibatian striker Richard Armada! Olympique are winning 2-0, and Bezieres are winning as well!

17:43 - ASB 2-0 ETS. Speaking of Les Rouges...GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Bezieres! Christian Núñez doubles the lead for Bezieres against the Stars! Les Rouges are now winning 2-0 and confirming their presence in the next Challengers' Cup, as well as the Stars, who see their hopes of leapfrogging the Alligators for second place shattered by this score!

17:48 - The first half of this decisive final matchday ends with the following scores: Nord Energie 0-0 Slateport, Canalave 1-1 Real, Pradera 1-2 Edmonton, Bohemians 0-2 Alligators, Cerro 1-0 Junín, Olympique 2-0 Nacional, Tannenberg 1-0 Valencia, Bezieres 2-0 Stars. And here is how things stand with 45 minutes to go:

IFCF:

Impact 80 CHAMPIONS - CL
Alligators 72 CL
Stars 66 ChC
Bezieres 58 ChC
----------------
Nacional 57

Relegation:

Cerro 47
Edmonton 45
Valencia 44
----------------
Slateport 43*
----------------
Real 43*
Defensores 33
Columbus 31

* Head-to-head: Slateport 2-0 Real, Real 1-1 Slateport.

To sum it up, the Alligators are confirming themselves as season runners-up and joining the champions in the Champions' League, Bezieres are kicking Nacional out of international competition, and in the relegation zone, Edmonton are saving themselves from the drop with their win, and draws for both Slateport and Real Campo Grande mean that the former are qualifying for the play-off and the latter are going down.

18:06 - The second halves in the eight matches of the day are now underway!

18:10 - PRA 1-3 EDM. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL FOR EDMONTON! In Pradera, Jimmy Turnbull puts the Monties closer to salvation as they are now beating the Verdiblancos 3-1!

18:13 - PRA 2-3 EDM. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Pradera! And the Verdiblancos just needed three minutes to strike back, with Alexander Izquierdo restoring the gap between both teams back to just one goal! However, that's still not enough to kill the Monties' joy!

18:15 - NE 0-0 SLB. A handball by Felipe Martins causes the referee to award a PENALTY to Nord Energie! The Bulls were already in trouble since the second half kicked off, with the hosts taking the game to their half of the field and cornering them...and now they have this call against them! Richard Gervais will be in charge of the kick. Gervais shots AND IT'S A...

18:17 - NE 1-0 SLB. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL FOR NORD ENERGIE! Richard Gervais puts the Electric Boys in the lead and gets the Bulls closer to the abyss! The previously boisterous and hopeful Slateport fans are now looking silent and dejected as they see their team getting relegated with this defeat!

Cerro 47
Edmonton 45
Valencia 44
----------------
Real 43
----------------
Slateport 42
Defensores 33 REL
Columbus 31 REL

18:21 - BOH 1-2 MA. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Bohemians Metropolis! The Gallo pull one back through substitute striker Mitchell Pastor, however, the Alligators are still winning the North Metropolis derby and confirming their qualification for the Champions' League!

18:23 - TFC 2-0 VAL. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Tannenberg! Paulo Figueiredo scores the second goal for the Citizens against Valencia at White Meadow Arena! The host side are rounding up a decent campaign in a respectable sixth place, while the visitors are now cheering on the Dragons and Nord Energie to be safe from relegation!

18:24 - CAN 2-1 RCG. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Canalave Dragons! The Dragons are now on the lead at Dragon Stadium thanks to a goal by Ronald Vieira, and put Arthur Bogden's Real Campo Grande in serious trouble!

18:25 - This goal in Canalave is also wildly celebrated in Slateport and by Slateport fans in Toril, as it moves the relegation scenario and lifts the Bulls out of the bottom three:

Cerro 47
Edmonton 45
Valencia 44
----------------
Slateport 42*
----------------
Real 42*
Defensores 33 REL
Columbus 31 REL

* Head-to-head: Slateport 2-0 Real, Real 1-1 Slateport.

18:28 - OF 2-1 NAC. GOAL for Nacional in Fontvielle! Fabio Betancourt scores for La Academia, who will now be looking for that equalizer that sends them back into the Challengers' Cup!

18:30 - ADC 1-1 DJU. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Deportivo Junín! Striker Gabriel Riveros suprises Cerro with a quick counterattack to equalize for the Granate! The match at Estadio Marcus Trent is now tied, but Cerro are still safe from relegation.

18:32 - BOH 1-3 MA. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Metropolis Alligators! The Alligators now have this derby all but wrapped up with Marcelo Zamudio entering the pitch to score the third goal for the Titan against the Gallo! The Alligators fans at Chosroes Stadium are satisfied with the performance of their team, 3-1 the score to MA!

18:34 - ASB 3-0 ETS. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Bezieres! Daniel Mendoza scores again for Les Rouges, confirming their victory over a Stars side that looks worn out and tired! Bezieres are hoping for Olympique to keep holding Nacional back like they're doing it at the moment at the Stade de l'Amitié!

18:35 - TFC 2-1 VAL. GOAL for Valencia in Carloburgo! A fully deserved goal for the Púrpura, who have controlled the match for some minutes and finally managed to pull one back thanks to Fabio Coimbra! Valencia are back into the game and still safe thanks to those defeats for Real Campo Grande and Slateport!

18:37 - OF 2-2 NAC. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL FOR NACIONAL! The furious reaction by La Academia in the second half has finally paid off with a goal by Nicolás Lucchetti! And it's really BAD news for Bezieres since the Albo side are getting the point they need to leapfrog them for the last Challengers' Cup berth on H2H!

18:38 - And this is how things currently stand at the top:

Impact 80 CHAMPIONS - CL
Alligators 72 CL
Stars 66 ChC
Nacional 58* ChC
----------------
Bezieres 58*

* Head-to-head: Nacional 3-2 Bezieres, Bezieres 0-0 Nacional.

18:40 - CAN 3-1 RCG. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Canalave Dragons! And just when Real Campo Grande seemed to be closer to the equalizer, the Dragons kill the match off in a quick counter finished by Aaron Oliveira! The team coached by Arthur Bogden are losing 3-1 at Dragon Stadium and just a few minutes away from relegation!

18:43 - BOH 2-3 MA. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Bohemians! Orlando Perozo cuts the disadvantage back to one for the Gallo, and the Alligators are now winning 3-2 at Atlético Nápoles' stadium.

18:44 - OF 3-2 NAC. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Olympique de Fontvielle! Les Jaune-et-Bleu confirm their Liga-1 status for next season with a spectacular volley by Aldo Gonckalev, and kick Nacional out of international football in the process! Olympique 3, Nacional 2 at the Stade de l'Amitié, and Bezieres are qualifying for the Challengers' Cup with this score!

18:47 - PRA 3-3 EDM. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL for Pradera! And this could be a decisive moment for the relegation fight, with Jonathan Fernández equalizing against Edmonton! The match in Pradera is now tied 3-3 with 5 minutes to go!

18:48 - While that goal conceded by Edmonton was not enough to send them back to either the play-off or the relegation zone, the Monties might be in serious trouble with little time to react if Slateport manage to equalize in Toril...or, if they concede again (which Real Campo Grande is hoping for at this moment):

Cerro 45
Valencia 44
Edmonton 43
----------------
Slateport 42*
----------------
Real 42*
Defensores 33 REL
Columbus 31 REL

* Head-to-head: Slateport 2-0 Real, Real 1-1 Slateport.

18:51 - ASB 3-1 ETS. GOAL for Eterna Stars! Striker Adrián Santa scores for the Stars in injury time, however, it's a little too late for them already to try and rescue something out of this match at the Stade de Foix!

18:52 - BOH 2-3 MA. Full time in Metropolis. Metropolis Alligators won the North Metropolis derby against Bohemians and finished as season runners-up, clinching their berth to the Champions' League in the process.

18:53 - Full time in Cerro and Carloburgo. Cerro and Valencia reached safety from relegation despite failing to win their matches: the Celeste shared the spoils with Junín's alternate squad, while the Púrpura lost to Tannenberg, who finished the season in a decent sixth place. Meanwhile a fight breaks out in the Pradera-Edmonton match, causing the game to be temporarily delayed.

18:54 - Full time in Bezieres and Fontvielle. Bezieres did what they needed to do and beat the Stars at home, and at the same time, Nacional's loss to Olympique in Fontvielle helped Les Rouges finish in fourth place and claim the last Challengers' Cup berth, leapfrogging the Albo side. The match between Pradera and Edmonton resumes, with both teams down to 8 players, and a dangerous setpiece awarded to the Verdiblancos.

18:55 - Full time in Toril and Canalave! Losses for both Slateport Bulls and Real Campo Grande force both sides to wait for the outcome of the Pradera-Edmonton match. The Verdolaga side already know they won't be able to avoid the relegation play-off, but the Bulls can still be saved from every relegation danger if Pradera scores.

18:56 - PRA 4-3 EDM. GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL FOR PRADERA! Striker Iván Valenzuela completed Pradera's comeback by regaining possession of the ball after a failed setpiece for his team and fired a powerful shot at the upper left corner of the goal defended by Herner, who was unable to deflect it! Pradera won it at the last second, and all the Edmonton players collapse in the field, some of them in tears, because they know they've become the third team relegated to Liga-2! The opposite is happening in Toril, where the tears are of happiness with the Slateport Bulls players and staff engulfing in an emotional group hug in the middle of the pitch! At the same time, in Canalave, the Real Campo Grande faithful are thanking their players for their effort as they slowly withdraw from the pitch of Dragon Stadium, knowing there's one last battle waiting for them. What a heartbreaking end for the Monties, who once knew what it felt being Valladar champions and multiversal runners-up, but now are tasting the bitter gulp of relegation!

19:00 - The results after this decisive last matchday in Liga-1 were the following ones:

Nord Energie FC 1–0 Slateport Bulls
Defensores de Villafuerte 1–2 Fontvielle Impact
Marinos Metropolis 3–0 FC Columbus
Canalave Dragons 3–1 Real Campo Grande
Pradera FC 4–3 Edmonton United
Bohemians Metropolis 2–3 Metropolis Alligators
AD Cerro 1–1 Deportivo Junín
Olympique de Fontvielle 3–2 Nacional
Tannenberg FC 2–1 Valencia FC
AS Bezieres 3–1 Eterna Stars

Kings' Shield Final (November 29)

And this is the final game of the season, the Kings' Shield Final, which will be played by two teams with outstanding recent performances: Marinos Metropolis and Deportivo Junín. 82,303 people (most of those being Marinos fans) were present to watch the final match of the season, which was played at its traditional venue: Alexander I National Stadium in Swangard, a week after the Liga-1 finale and with a berth to both the Challengers' Cup and the Cup Winners' Cup at stake.

With both Angelo Gelinas and Martin Boyle having elected to rest their main players for this match, considering neither team had something to fight for on the last Liga-1 day, both sides offered the fans an entertaining and back-and-forth game with Marinos being the most dominating and aggressive team on the pitch, taking advantage of the huge partisan support present at the National Stadium. The Granates, however, had their own weapons to hurt their rivals, with a couple of sharp forwards in Andy Navarro and Eduardo Valencia, and a winger with high mobility such as Marco Rouillard. Eventually, the pression exerted by Marinos would pay off with the Marineros scoring the opener in the 33rd minute, born from a combination by Sajnurian leftback Cristiano Karaji and Cosumarite winger Tamer Yilmaz, who assisted Aymeric Fortin to put their team ahead on the scoreboard. However, the joy for the Marineros would not last long, with Andy Navarro equalizing for the Eastern side four minutes later. The Juninese would have a chance to put themselves ahead on the scoreboard before halftime, however, Xannerian goalie Markus Portsman was able to deflect Valencia's shot with ease.

The second half started with the same intensity of the first half, with both teams going for the second goal. However, in the 55th minute, Angelo Gelinas would make a substitution that would change the fate of the match, sending the young playmaker Fabio Bozzo to replace Jorge García. Bozzo's mission was providing more support to Marcos Zelaya and Aymeric Fortin, and later to Lisandro Craviotto, and the young player amply fulfilled the task. Marinos' offensive volume increased greatly and that, coupled with Junín's physical wear, helped them corner the Granate side. Seeing this, Martin Boyle also ordered some changes, trying to refresh the midfield with the entry of Leonardo Escalante and Danilo Ballesteros, but those moves didn't seem to work. On the other hand, Bozzo would help Marinos confirm their victory by providing assists in both of their goals in the second half. The Marineros only needed five minutes to sentence the match, with Zelaya scoring in the 72nd minute and Craviotto reporting himself with Marinos' third and final goal in the 77th minute. After that, Junín tried to keep the game close and score a goal that would put them back into the game, but Marinos held on to victory until the final whistle, winning the first trophy in the Gelinas era and making up for a season that seemed to be very good, but ultimately ended with a poor outcome.

THE FORTY-EIGHTH KINGS' SHIELD
@ Alexander I National Stadium, Swangard, District of Metropolis
Attendance: 82,303
Referee: Jorge Cabal (Alto Danubio)

Marinos Metropolis 3-1 Deportivo Junín
(Fortin 33', Zelaya 72', Craviotto 77'; Navarro 37')

Marinos Metropolis: Portsman - Zarama, Rivas (Aquino 84'), Ariza, Karaji - Cáceres (C), Santini, García (Bozzo 55'), Yilmaz - Zelaya, Fortin (Craviotto 69'). Manager: Angelo Gelinas
Deportivo Junín: Fernández (C) - Castrillón, Marín, Rojas, Molina - Pasquel, Otero (Ballesteros 66'), Padilla (Escalante 66'), Rouillard - Navarro, Valencia (Romero 81'). Manager: Martin Boyle

Marinos Metropolis won their sixth Kings' Shield and qualified for both the IFCF Challengers' Cup and the Cup Winners' Cup.

Liga-1 Final Standings:

Valladar Liga-1                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Fontvielle Impact               38   23  11   4    66   34  +32    80  CH - CL
 2  Metropolis Alligators           38   22   6  10    60   41  +19    72  CL
 3  Eterna Stars                    38   19   9  10    58   39  +19    66  ChC
 4  AS Bezieres                     38   15  13  10    51   38  +13    58  ChC
 5  Nacional                        38   16   9  13    60   45  +15    57
 6  Tannenberg FC                   38   16   8  14    60   58   +2    56
 7  Pradera FC                      38   15   9  14    50   60  −10    54
 8  Canalave Dragons                38   14  12  12    59   54   +5    54
 9  Marinos Metropolis              38   14  11  13    46   37   +9    53  ChC/CWC
10  Deportivo Junín                 38   14  11  13    58   57   +1    53
11  Nord Energie FC                 38   12  15  11    48   51   −3    51
12  Olympique de Fontvielle         38   13   9  16    48   55   −7    48
13  Bohemians Metropolis            38   12  11  15    52   62  −10    47
14  AD Cerro                        38   11  12  15    42   51   −9    45
15  Valencia FC                     38   10  14  14    48   51   −3    44
16  Slateport Bulls                 38   10  12  16    49   55   −6    42
17  Real Campo Grande               38    9  15  14    42   52  −10    42  RPO
18  Edmonton United                 38   10  12  16    49   63  −14    42  REL
19  Defensores de Villafuerte       38    8   9  21    39   58  −19    33  REL
20  FC Columbus                     38    5  16  17    33   57  −24    31  REL

CHAMPIONS
Fontvielle Impact (13th title)

Liga-2 Final Standings

Valladar Liga-2                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  Universitario de Maldonado      38   20   6  12    62   44  +18    66  CH - LBCT
 2  FC Maritime Westporte           38   21   3  14    75   59  +16    66  P - LBCT
 3  Servette FC                     38   18  10  10    75   66   +9    64  FPO
 4  FC Townsville                   38   19   6  13    67   60   +7    63  FPO
 5  Hamanos Athletic Club           38   18   7  13    62   53   +9    61  FPO
 6  Étoile Verte                    38   18   6  14    56   53   +3    60  FPO
 7  Ajax Carloburgo                 38   16   7  15    57   43  +14    55  FPO
 8  Hoxford Rovers                  38   14  11  13    55   50   +5    53  FPO
 9  AS Mont-Blanc                   38   14  10  14    58   56   +2    52  FPO
10  Canalave Rangers                38   14   9  15    69   75   −6    51  FPO
11  Stanford United                 38   15   6  17    48   50   −2    51
12  FC Fauxham                      38   14   9  15    69   74   −5    51
13  Atlético Nápoles                38   13  11  14    60   58   +2    50
14  Pumas Maldonado                 38   12  13  13    62   68   −6    49
15  Real Pradera                    38   12  12  14    60   62   −2    48
16  AS Montreux                     38   12  11  15    58   65   −7    47
17  CAP                             38   13   7  18    48   56   −8    46  RPO
18  Dynamo Metropolis               38   10  15  13    47   49   −2    45  REL
19  Bretford Royals                 38   11  10  17    55   63   −8    43  REL
20  Bellavista Jets                 38    8   7  23    50   89  −39    31  REL

Valladar Liga-2 Final Play-offs

Quarter-Finals:
The first listed team is at home in the first listed score.

(10)              Canalave Rangers    0-3    Servette FC               (3)   0-1   0-2
(9)                  AS Mont-Blanc    1-5    FC Townsville             (4)   1-2   0-3
(8)                 Hoxford Rovers    4-2    Hamanos Athletic Club     (5)   2-1   2-1
(7)                Ajax Carloburgo  a 1-1    Étoile Verte              (6)   0-0   1-1

Semi-Finals:

(7)                Ajax Carloburgo    3-4    Servette FC               (3)   2-1   1-3
(8)                 Hoxford Rovers    3-0    FC Townsville             (4)   1-0   2-0

Final:
Played at Alexander I National Stadium, Swangard, District of Metropolis.

(3)               Servette FC    2-0    Hoxford Rovers               (8)

Liga-1/Liga-2 Promotion-Relegation Play-off: Real Campo Grande vs. Hoxford Rovers

Hoxford Rovers 2-0 Real Campo Grande
Real Campo Grande 0-0 Hoxford Rovers (0-2 agg)

With two superb performances, Hoxford Rovers clinched the last berth into the next Liga-1 season and doomed Real Campo Grande to a vacation in Liga-2 despite the Verdolagas' late heroics to avoid direct relegation this season.

by **Valladares** » Fri Mar 27, 2020 2:32 pm

Liga-3 Final Standings

Valladar Liga-3                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1  AS Vaud                         38   19  11   8    67   53  +14    68  CH - P
 2  FC Westporte 984                38   19   9  10    51   40  +11    66  P
 3  Adelaide Kickers                38   18  11   9    70   55  +15    65  FPO
 4  Minault United                  38   19   7  12    58   45  +13    64  FPO
 5  Gatineau UC 98                  38   17  11  10    59   52   +7    62  FPO
 6  Patriotas FC                    38   16  10  12    55   46   +9    58  FPO
 7  EC Comercial                    38   16   8  14    58   50   +8    56  FPO
 8  Corumbá EC                      38   15  10  13    62   56   +6    55  FPO
 9  Northport Bears                 38   17   4  17    48   48    0    55  FPO
10  FC Sillimus                     38   15   9  14    70   61   +9    54  FPO
11  Danubio FC                      38   16   4  18    50   59   −9    52
12  AC Tallin                       38   12  14  12    64   63   +1    50
13  Villaznia AC                    38   14   7  17    50   53   −3    49
14  Carloburgo Phoenix              38   14   7  17    51   53   −2    49
15  AS Lausanne                     38   12  10  16    54   63   −9    46
16  Libertad                        38   12   8  18    49   59  −10    44
17  Yumbo FC                        38   12   8  18    51   70  −19    44
18  RC Corania                      38   12   7  19    56   62   −6    43  REL
19  RC Belfort                      38   12   6  20    55   69  −14    42  REL
20  Deportivo Aguablanca            38    8   9  21    45   66  −21    33  REL

Valladar Liga-3 Final Play-offs

Quarter-Finals:

(10)                   FC Sillimus  p 2-2    Adelaide Kickers          (3)   1-1   1-1  (4-2 pen)
(9)                Northport Bears    1-4    Minault United            (4)   0-2   1-2
(8)                     Corumbá EC    0-1    Gatineau UC 98            (5)   0-0   0-1
(7)                   EC Comercial    3-1    Patriotas FC              (6)   3-0   0-1

Semi-Finals:

(10)                   FC Sillimus    4-3    EC Comercial              (7)   3-2   1-1
(5)                 Gatineau UC 98    2-1    Minault United            (4)   1-1   1-0

Final:
Played at Alexander I National Stadium, Swangard, District of Metropolis.

(5)               Gatineau UC 98    1-3    FC Sillimus               (10)

Liga-2/Liga-3 Promotion-Relegation Play-off: CAP vs. Gatineau UC 98

Gatineau UC 98 1-1 CAP
CAP 2-0 Gatineau UC 98 (3-1 agg)

CAP beat Gatineau UC 98 over two legs and will stay in Liga-2 for one more season.

Torneo Federal de Reservas Final Standings

Torneo Federal de Reservas       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Guzmán-Cress Academy           38   21   7  10    63   48  +15    70  CH - RSC
 2 ASB Academy                    38   19  11   8    59   43  +16    68
 3 Defensores de Villafuerte      38   21   5  12    65   50  +15    68
 4 Deportivo Junín                38   21   4  13    69   55  +14    67
 5 Eterna Stars                   38   20   6  12    56   47   +9    66
 6 AD Cerro                       38   21   3  14    76   56  +20    66
 7 Nord Energie FC                38   17   8  13    64   56   +8    59
 8 FC Columbus                    38   16   9  13    54   50   +4    57
 9 Slateport Bulls                38   15  10  13    61   56   +5    55
10 Pradera FC                     38   16   7  15    55   55    0    55
11 Impact Academy                 38   16   7  15    54   46   +8    55
12 Academia Marinos               38   13  13  12    52   49   +3    52
13 TFC Academy                    38   14   7  17    60   61   −1    49
14 Valencia FC                    38   15   4  19    52   63  −11    49
15 Metropolis Alligators          38   11  14  13    60   60    0    47
16 Edmonton United                38   12   9  17    52   57   −5    45
17 Canalave Dragons               38    9  13  16    39   42   −3    40
18 Olympique de Fontvielle        38   10   6  22    39   66  −27    36
19 Real Campo Grande              38    7   9  22    41   75  −34    30
20 Bohemians Metropolis           38    6   8  24    40   76  −36    26

PRESENTED BY

FIFTY-EIGHTH SEASON: AWARDS

With the latest season of Valladar football having reached its end recently with Fontvielle Impact claiming their thirteenth Liga-1 title, it's time to make a recognition and reward the best of the season. So the Liga Federal de Valladares, in association with the Circle of Journalists and Sportswriters of Valladares and the Association of Professional Footballers of Valladares, now bring to you the fourth edition of the Valladar Liga-1 Awards:

SUMMARY OF THE SEASON:

Champions: Fontvielle Impact (13th title)
Runners-up: Metropolis Alligators
Kings' Shield Winners: Marinos Metropolis (6th title)
Torneo Federal de Reservas Champions: Guzmán-Cress Academy (2nd title)
Relegated Teams: Real Campo Grande, Edmonton United, Defensores de Villafuerte, FC Columbus
Promoted Teams: Universitario de Maldonado, FC Maritime Westporte, Servette FC, Hoxford Rovers

Top Scorers (Golden, Silver, and Bronze Boots):

1. Alexandre (Fontvielle Impact): 29 goals (Golden Boot)
2. Thibault Benezet (Fontvielle Impact): 27 goals (Silver Boot)
3. Andy Navarro (Deportivo Junín): 25 goals (Bronze Boot)
4. Izzat Patton (Eastfield Lodge, Metropolis Alligators): 24 goals
5. Valentin Germain (Eterna Stars): 23 goals

Best Goalkeeper (Golden Glove): The nominees for best goalkeeper of the season, in random order, are:

Markus Portsman (Xanneria, Marinos Metropolis)
Antoine Gillet (Fontvielle Impact)
Aidan Hartigan (Brenecia, Metropolis Alligators)
Alan Cross (Eterna Stars)
Pierre Dussan (AS Bezieres)

And the winner of the Golden Glove, with 46,05% of the voting is....Antoine Gillet of Fontvielle Impact! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Defender: The nominees for best defender of the season, in random order, are:

Enzo Bianchi (Osarius, CB, Fontvielle Impact)
Cristiano Karaji (Sajnur, LB, Marinos Metropolis)
Waldo (LB, Eterna Stars)
Frédéric Pedretti (RB, Fontvielle Impact)
Thiago Matheus (CB, Metropolis Alligators)

The winner, with 41,23% of the voting is...Enzo Bianchi of Fontvielle Impact! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Midfielder: The nominees for best midfielder of the season, in random order, are:

Arley Barrios (AM, AS Bezieres)
Mateo Padilla (LM, Fontvielle Impact)
Charles Allegro (Ceni, AM, Metropolis Alligators)
Bryan Castillo (CM, Eterna Stars)
Nick Mariner (CM, Tannenberg FC)

And the winner, with 47,99% of the voting is...Mateo Padilla of Fontvielle Impact! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Forward: The nominees for best forward of the season, in random order, are:

Izzat Patton (Eastfield Lodge, Metropolis Alligators)
Valentin Germain (Eterna Stars)
Paulo Figueiredo (Dreamplanet, Tannenberg FC)
Thibault Benezet (Fontvielle Impact)
Alexandre (Fontvielle Impact)

The winner, with 45,88% of the voting is...Thibault Benezet of Fontvielle Impact! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Young Footballer: The nominees for best young (U-23) footballer of the season, in random order, are:

Fabio Bozzo (MF, 22, Marinos Metropolis)
Zachary Gallagher (FW, 22, Nord Energie FC)
Kevin Martins (MF, 21, Fontvielle Impact)
Lucas Magnin (FW, 22, AS Bezieres)
Marcelo Zamudio (MF, 21, Metropolis Alligators)

The winner, with 40,54% of the voting is...Zachary Gallagher of Nord Energie FC! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Manager: The nominees for best manager of the season, in random order, are:

Gustavo Franco (Nord Energie FC)
Victor Anigo (Slateport Bulls)
Fabien Torrente (Eterna Stars)
Daniel Bernard (Fontvielle Impact)
Marcelo Castellón (AD Cerro)

The winner, with 57,94% of the voting is...Daniel Bernard of Fontvielle Impact! Congratulations to the winner!

Best Fanbase: The clubs nominated for the best fanbase of the season, in random order, are:

AD Cerro
Metropolis Alligators
Eterna Stars
Fontvielle Impact
Nord Energie FC

The winner, with 49,30% of the voting is...Eterna Stars! Congratulations to the winners!

Revelation Player of the Season: The nominees to revelation player of the season, in random order, are:

Chris Willis (FW, Canalave Dragons)
Kevin Martins (AM, Fontvielle Impact)
Jacob Descombes (Chromatika, GK, AD Cerro)
Fabio Bozzo (AM, Marinos Metropolis)
Abel Valeri (LB, Nord Energie FC)

The winner, with 50,58% of the voting is...Jacob Descombes of AD Cerro! Congratulations to the winner!

Valladar Liga-1 Golden Ball: And last but no least, it's time for the Golden Ball of the season. This is the award to the best player of the season, with the nominees being as follows:

Alexandre (FW, Fontvielle Impact)
Enzo Bianchi (DF, Fontvielle Impact)
Antoine Gillet (GK, Fontvielle Impact)
Thibault Benezet (FW, Fontvielle Impact)
Mateo Padilla (MF, Fontvielle Impact)

The winner, with 53,88% of the voting is...Thibault Benezet of Fontvielle Impact! Congratulations to the winner!

Team of the Season:

The Team of the Season, according to the ratings and evaluation by the Technical Commission of the Liga Federal de Valladares throughtout the season is as follows:

Bench:
Markus Portsman (Xanneria, GK, Marinos Metropolis)
Andrés Donato (CB, AS Bezieres)
Waldo (LB, Eterna Stars)
Nick Mariner (CM, Tannenberg FC)
Arley Barrios (AM, AS Bezieres)
Andy Navarro (FW, Deportivo Junín)
Valentin Germain (FW, Eterna Stars)

Manager: Daniel Bernard (Fontvielle Impact)

INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATION:

IFCF Champions' League 2:
Fontvielle Impact - Valladar Liga-1 champions
Metropolis Alligators - Valladar Liga-1 runners-up

IFCF Challengers' Cup 2:
Marinos Metropolis - Kings' Shield winners
Eterna Stars - Valladar Liga-1 third place
AS Bezieres - Valladar Liga-1 fourth place

IFCF Liga B Champions' Trophy 2:
Universitario de Maldonado - Valladar Liga-2 champions
FC Maritime Westporte - Valladar Liga-2 runners-up
Servette FC - Valladar Liga-2 final play-off winners

IFCF Cup Winners' Cup 49:
Marinos Metropolis - Kings' Shield winners

IFCF Rising Stars Cup 2:
Guzmán-Cress Academy - Torneo Federal de Reservas champions

by **Valladares** » Thu Apr 30, 2020 5:27 pm

LIGA FEDERAL DE VALLADARES
FIFTY-NINTH SEASON - PREVIEW: PART I

The Liga Federal de Valladares welcomes one and all to the fifty-ninth season of Valladar domestic football, with Fontvielle Impact coming into the new season as defending champions, and an interesting mix of newcomers led by Liga-2 champions and self-proclaimed biggest university club of Valladares Universitario de Maldonado, debutants FC Maritime Westporte and Servette FC, and old acquaintances (and yo-yo team) Hoxford Rovers who will be replacing one-time champions Edmonton United, young guns Defensores de Villafuerte and FC Columbus, and traditional side Real Campo Grande, all of them relegated at the end of the last season. And you might wonder what could we expect from this season, right? Maybe the start of another period of Fontvielle Impact domination? Any of Metropolis Alligators, Bezieres, Marinos, or Nacional bouncing back to deny them back-to-back titles? The Stars finally breaking their championship jinx which is two seasons away from reaching 40 years? Or will we have a surprise this time? So, without further ado, here we have this preview for you to start answering those questions!

(Key: Best three players in bold, foreigners in italics)

AD Cerro:

Chairman: Rodrigo Conde
Director of Football: Joaquín Vallejo
Manager: Marcelo Castellón
Assistant Manager: Gonzalo Franco

Goalkeepers: #1 - Jacob Descombes (CMT), #12 - Gregory Irwing, #23 - Matías Vera
Defenders: #2 - Cristian Sainz, #3 - Andrew Foster, #4 - Eduardo Benítez, #5 - Juan David Montes, #13 - Pedro Márquez, #14 - Iván Maldonado, #15 - Daniel Gallardo, #16 - Carlos Orozco, #24 - Mauricio Arboleda
Midfielders: #6 - David Munro, #7 - Darío Godoy, #8 - Adrián Fernández, #9 - Jason Beltrán, #17 - Guillermo Morales, #18 - Gustavo Acosta, #19 - Ariel Lusardi, #20 - Alejandro Belmonte, #25 - Brahian García
Forwards: #10 - Pablo Scotti, #11 - Sebastián Ferreira, #21 - Alexis Daza, #22 - Thiago Pizzutti

Full Name: Asociación Deportiva de Cerro
Nicknames: Los Celestes (The Sky Blues), Capo del Sur (Boss of the South)
Location: Cerro, District of Metropolis
Stadium: Estadio Municipal Marcus Trent (Cap. 15,000)
Kit Sponsor: BICV (Financial services), Alcaldía Local de Cerro (Local government)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 14th - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 11,030
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Descombes - Sainz, Foster, Benítez, Montes - Munro, Godoy, Fernández - Beltrán - Scotti (C), Ferreira
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Background: Known as the "Boss of the South", Cerro is one of the most iconic clubs from the southern suburbs of Metropolis (if not the most), as well as the first "suburb club" to compete in the top tier, back in the third Super League season. They hail from the namesake town located just south of the City of Metropolis, the federal capital of Valladares, which is one of six forming the District of Metropolis along with the capital and the suburbs of Ciudad Piar, Swangard, Villena, and Servette, which surround the City to its west and south and are separated from it by the Francisco de Baraguez beltway. The club itself was founded in 1940, and gained membership into both the ADF and VFA a couple of years later. During its stay in the District of Metropolis league, the Celeste usually struggled and never came really close to threaten the domination of Bohemians, Nacional, and later both Marinos and Metropolis Alligators, although they were able to build ebullient rivalries with fellow neighbors Servette FC (with whom they will be reunited again this season), and Nacional (especially after the Albo side started calling Cerro home and groundsharing with the Celeste for a while before they returned to the capital). Their history in the professional era is full of up and downs: having enjoyed early success in the Super League era that saw them constantly placing close to international berths, after their relegation in season 15 Cerro combined brief returns to the top flight with seasons filled with mediocrity in second division which bottomed out with relegation to Liga-3. The Celeste however bounced back quickly and that momentum was enough for them to return to Liga-1 the last season.
Previous Season: Cerro did it! The Celestes were able to save themselves from a swift return to Liga-2 last season thanks to a campaign that kept them in the middle of the pack for most of the season, and although the team relented a bit in the last stretch (causing them to get to the last day with the rope around their neck) the goal was eventually met. Pablo Scotti fulfilled all expectations placed on him and became a leader for his hometown's club, being responsible for scoring 20 out of Cerro's 42 goals, while Chromatik striker Jason Descombes was a pleasing surprise with some superb performances against the league's top guns, which were enough to earn him the Revelation Player of the Season award. Unlike the arrivals frenzy of last time, this offseason for Cerro was pretty quiet with gaffer Marcelo Castellón choosing to consolidate the squad that achieved the objective of permanence in the top flight rather than going into the expense of re-assemble a new squad.
Strategy: The times when an ultra-defensive Cerro would appear to try and frustrate their rivals on the offense are all but gone! Coach Castellón has elected to take a more daring and challenging approach and now has the Capo del Sur playing with a flexible 4-3-1-2 formation which has four players at the back: Sainz, Foster, Benítez, and Montes, and a solid line of 3 central midfielders (Munro, Godoy and Fernández) who are expected to prevent the rival from seizing control of the ball in the middle, with Munro and Fernández trying to break through the wings. However, the key player in this scheme is playmaker Jason Beltrán, who as the responsible for pulling the strings on attack will be expected to move around the pitch looking for the perfect place to break through, being the vital link supplying strikers Pablo Scotti and Sebastián Ferreira. Cerro will always try to play hand-to-hand with their rivals, although they don't rule out using a more defensive strategy if the need arises.
Supporters and Rivalries: With the Cerro municipality being born of the tanneries established around the namesake creek in the 1900s and growing to township around them, the city has earned a famous blue-collar identity which is reflected in its football club. AD Cerro boasts an important share of popular support in their hometown as well as around other zones of southern Greater Metropolis, and their fans are known for being passionate and very loyal to their team, which is considered as one of the town's main sources of pride. Cerro has two important rivalries, the best known of which being the Clásico del Sur against Nacional, however, their traditional rival has always been Servette FC, from the neighboring town of Servette. With Servette's promotion to Liga-1 for this season, this will be the first time the Cer-vette will be played in the top flight, and of course the Cerro fans will be eagerly waiting for the chance to settle scores with their old neighbor and foe at the highest stage of Valladar football.
The Pundit's Prediction: The Celeste did a good job the previous season and with their current roster they should be expected to avoid the drop for one more season at least. 14th.

AS Bezieres:

Chairwoman: Catherine de Saint-Lorent
Director of Football: Jean-Pierre Aulas
Manager: Mario Ventura
Assistant Manager: Alex Guimaraes

Goalkeepers: #1 - Pierre Dussan, #12 - Danny Richardson, #23 - Jean-Luc Piccard
Defenders: #2 - Paul Mayard, #3 - Andrés Donato, #4 - Olivier Jacquet, #5 - Cai Woods (ETN), #13 - Jonás Romero, #14 - John Vasseur, #15 - Ulrich Demirel, #16 - Jason Fletcher, #24 - Vincent Gagnon
Midfielders: #6 - Leonardo Rojas, #7 - Grégory de Préville, #8 - Gilbert Lessard, #9 - Arley Barrios, #17 - Hubert Desjardins, #18 - André Luiz, #19 - Antoine Billy, #25 - Pablo Marín
Forwards: #10 - Daniel Mendoza, #11 - Christian Núñez, #20 - Fabián Villafañe, #21 - Alain Chamoun, #22 - Lucas Magnin

Full Name: Association Sportive de Bezieres
Nicknames: Les Rouges (The Reds), Les Démons (The Devils), L'ASB (The ASB), Les Aigles (The Eagles)
Location: Bezieres, Foix
Stadium: Stade de Foix-Jules Picot (Cap. 63,170)
Kit Sponsors: Hydro-Foix (Electric utilites), Triangle Électronique (Home appliances)
Honours (26): 10 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 10, 11, 13, 16, 27, 36, 40, 42, 47, 57), 7 Kings' Shields (KS 5, 9, 15, 19, 39, 41, 44), 6 Supercopas (SCV 5, 7, 18, 25, 29, 35), 1 Torneo de Verano (Season 54), 3 Cup Winners' Cups (CWC 15, 16, 17)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 4th - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 56,059
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Dussan - Mayard, Donato (C), Jacquet, Woods - Rojas, de Préville, Lessard - Barrios - Mendoza, Núñez
Moves Out: Charles dos Santos (CB, 37, VLD) retired
Moves In: Ulrich Demirel (CB, 19, VLD) promoted from ASB Academy
Background: AS Bezieres hail from the capital city of the Foix state, a city of 2 million inhabitants located on the shores of the mighty Rivière de Foix, 50 kilometres east of the federal capital. Les Rouges were established in 1956 with the merger of three clubs from Bezieres: Olympique Bezierien, Foix SC, and Stade Foixien (who withdrew from the merged team five years later), and inherited the membership of Olympique into both the AFF and VFA, entering the Foix state championship in 1957. Once there, Les Rouges (as well as Fontvielle Impact some decades later) became a threat to the domination previously displayed by Étoile Verte and set a record of 14 state championships won in a row between 1960 and 1973. Given their success in the state championships, Bezieres were invited by the VFA to play in the Valladar Super League, where the balance started tipping against them and saw the team floating in mid-table for the first three seasons. However, with local entrepreneur Rémy de Saint-Lorent buying the team ahead of the fifth Super League season, Bezieres' fortunes began to improve and soon enough trophies arrived again to the Foixien state capital. With Mr. Saint-Lorent stepping back to give the reins of the club to his daugher Catherine, Les Rouges are now the third winningest team in Liga-1 with 10 championships to their name, and are constantly placed among the frontrunners at the start of every season.
Previous Season: A slump in the second quarter of the season and a mediocre campaign in the Champions' League groups were enough to place the side coached by Mario Ventura far from their goals last season. Les Rouges were eventually on the verge of missing IFCF football this season, however, a victory against the Stars and a defeat for Nacional in Fontvielle on the last day of the season ensured Challenger's Cup qualification for both Rouges and Stars and left Nacional empty-handed, thus sparing the Rouge fans from further disappointment. Although there were not many moves in and out of Bezieres this time, the team will have a noticeable absence: iconic centreback Charles dos Santos, who retired at the end of the previous season. To counter this, Olivier Jacquet will be given a chance in the starting XI along with new team captain Andrés Donato, while 19-year-old Ulrich Demirel was promoted from the Academy. Perhaps Bezieres should have taken advantage of this offseason to refresh their squad, considering the fact that most of the usual starters are just two or three seasons away from following on dos Santos' footsteps...
Strategy: As expected from a "Big" team, Bezieres' strategy is pretty much offensive-minded, with coach Mario Ventura nominally having a 4-3-1-2 formation which in actual practice turns into a 4-3-3 since playmaker Arley Barrios likes to go up and join strikers Daniel Mendoza and Christian Núñez in front. With a group of reliable and experienced players both in the defense as well as in the midfield, Ventura tries to present two strong lines with the mission to shield goalkeeper Pierre Dussan from rival attacks as well as exert supremacy in midfield. Les Rouges like to control ball possession and try to base their game on this premise, slowly wearing down rivals by putting them to chase the ball, but also have other lethal weapons such as setpieces and mid-range shots to use against sturdy defenses.
Supporters and Rivalries: Bezieres and their predecessor clubs were born from the bourgeois high and middle classes of Bezierien society, in direct contrast to the popular and worker origins of crosstown rivals Étoile Verte, however, with Les Rouges' success and Les Verts' consequent decline, the fanbase for the former has enlarged to include supporters from all classes of society, completely dwarfing Étoile Verte's one. L'ASB also enjoy significant popularity in the most of the Foix state, except in Fontvielle, where both Impact and Olympique lead fan preferences. Precisely matches against Fontvielle Impact, dubbed as the Derby du Foix, are the most expected ones in the Foix state (and also rate highly in the rest of Valladares), with the Impact-ASB rivalry being another chapter in the rivalry among the state's two biggest cities, exacerbated by the nation-wide success of both sides. Real Campo Grande (with whom they contest the Illirian Derby as representatives of the two main cities in the historic Iliria region) are Bezieres' other biggest rival, although their relegation last season means that the Illirian Derby won't be contested in the top flight this time, while another rivalry with Metropolis Alligators is growing.
The Pundit's Prediction: Despite they are now without their iconic captain and idol, Les Rouges still have an experienced backbone more than capable to keep them in the fight for an IFCF berth. The question is whether they will be able to push for a new title...5th.

Bohemians Metropolis:

Chairman: Patricio Ameli
Director of Football: Steve Latrobe
Manager: Gilbert Favre
Assistant Manager: Maurice Houiller

Goalkeepers: #1 - Luis Alfonso Cuadrado, #12 - Zachary Bradley, #23 - Marlon Chacón
Defenders: #2 - Daniel Brown, #3 - Henry Hammond, #4 - Reinaldo Almeida, #5 - Lewis Howell, #13 - Michael Lloyd, #14 - Evan Barret, #15 - Jhorman Angulo, #16 - Lucien Ménez, #24 - Rudy Iriarte
Midfielders: #6 - Manuel Girardot, #7 - Cecil Moyes, #8 - Álvaro Bastos, #9 - Felipe Correa, #17 - Enzo Cardona, #18 - Mario Corredor, #19 - Víctor Ossa, #20 - Diego Fuentes, #25 - Orlando Perozo
Forwards: #10 - Franco Vargas, #11 - Alfred Valdivia, #21 - Mitchell Pastor, #22 - Daniel Reed

Full Name: Bohemians Metropolis Football Club
Nicknames: Gallo (Rooster), Los Albiverdes (The White-Greens)
Location: Metropolis, District of Metropolis
Stadium: Estadio Andrew Chosroes (Cap. 23,000)
Kit Sponsor: Heritage (Insurance)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 13th - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 10,432
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Cuadrado - Brown, Hammond, Almeida (C), Howell - Girardot, Moyes, Bastos - Correa - Vargas, Valdivia
Moves Out: Pierre Vasseur (FW, 27, VLD) loaned to Burnaby SC (KSK), Gabriel Ríos (GK, 39, VLD) retired, Sergio Dueñas (RB, 36, VLD) retired, Edwin Navas (RM, 36, VLD) retired
Moves In: Alfred Valdivia (FW, 30, VLD) from Brigham (EUR), Michael Lloyd (RB, 21, VLD) promoted from Academy, Enzo Cardona (RM, 20, VLD) promoted from Academy, Marlon Chacón (GK, 19, VLD) promoted from Academy
Background: Founded in 1921, Bohemians Metropolis emerged from Jardín, one of the most wealthy and well-off neighborhoods of northern Metropolis, and soon entered into a rivalry with Royal University of Metropolis SC (hailing from nearby Livingstone and the historical predecessor to Metropolis Alligators) as well as Atlético Nápoles and Danubio FC, all of them born under the same social conditions and background as the Gallo. The four clubs, along with Nacional and some others from Metropolis and surroundings were founding members of the Asociación Distrital de Fútbol (ADF), Metropolis' football association, in 1924, and were the main frontrunners during the league's first years. With RUM SC disbanded in 1934, Bohemians saw in Nacional their main threat for league supremacy with both sides splitting the championships among themselves for nearly 15 years. However, with the return of RUM as Metropolis Alligators, and the emergence of Marinos Metropolis in the 60s, the Gallo started their long decline that saw them joining the third tier when football became professional in Valladares and the state leagues were replaced by nationwide leagues. It took Bohemians 33 years after that to reach the top tier again, but that experience had to wait 10 more years to be repeated, with the team moving up and down between the top two tiers for several years after that. Eventually, the Gallo would manage to establish itself as a top tier fixture after the 50th Liga-1 season and is now hoping to, one day, wake its fans up by crowing in celebration of either an international qualification or a title.
Previous Season: Last season Bohemians were able to redirect a poor campaign that was going overboard at halfway point and in the second half of the season they got the points they needed in order to end up comfortably safe from relegation. And unlike Cerro and Bezieres, this offseason the Bohemians headquarters saw a lot of contractual movements and players entering meetings with the Board. The truth is that the Gallo had to see three of its best players (goalie Ríos, right-back Dueñas, and right-mid Navas) putting an end to their playing careers, while striker Pierre Vasseur was sent on a loan to Kelssek in order to land Alfred Valdivia, former Bezieres striker who is returning to the country after a bittersweet experience in Eura. However, Valdivia's arrival was Bohemians' only big move in the transfer window given that the Board opted to fill their remaining vacancies with home-raised players. While Valdivia is expected to give Bohemians the offensive depth and firepower they've lacked as of late, Gilbert Favre will have an interesting challenge this season: trying to reassemble a defense that lost its main three bulwarks for this season. In the meantime, the new Arena Bohemians is emerging over the rubble of the old Estadio Frattini and Bohemians will have to keep calling Chosroes Stadium home at least for this season.
Strategy: Under the tenure of Gilbert Favre, Bohemians have preferred a 4-3-1-2 system, heavily relying on the mobility of Álvaro Bastos (and now Manuel Girardot) through the wings, and the ability of Felipe Correa to assist the two strikers up front: Franco Vargas and Alfred Valdivia. In defense, the centreback pair of Hammond and team captain Almeida is expected to block most attempts at aerial play, assisted if possible by Cecil Moyes, while both Girardot and Bastos are expected to do swift retreats whenever the team loses ball possession in order to support Daniel Brown and Lewis Howell through the wings. The Gallo try to be a monolithic bloc when attacking or defending, but this tends to backfire and turn into a double-edged sword as the team could be either left seriously exposed to a counterattack or not fast enough to stage one if given the chance.
Supporters and Rivalries: The main source of support for Bohemians is their native neighborhood of Jardín, but the recent success of Alligators, Marinos, and Nacional has seriously undermined the Gallo's footing among the neighborhood's young population, leaving their fanbase to be mostly made up of the veteran and elderly inhabitants, who despite all of the team's struggles in recent times are still following the Gallo and hoping to see them lift a trophy before they die. Bohemians' main rivalries nowadays are the ones with the other fellow Metropolis sides, although the strongest ones on geographical and historical grounds are those with Metropolis Alligators (North Metropolis derby, mostly felt on Bohemians' side though) and Nacional (Duelo Abuelo). Atlético Nápoles and Danubio FC are still fierce rivals for the Gallo, although nowadays they find themselves in different tiers and sharing the same home stadium.
The Pundit's Prediction: Considering all the movement on the Gallo's front during the offseason, odds are that this will be mostly a rebuilding season for Bohemians. 13th.

Canalave Dragons:

Chairman: Efraín Guzmán
Director of Football: Frank Leclerc
Manager: Jean Camacho
Assistant Managers: Robert Villeneuve

Goalkeepers: #1 - Neville McKinley (QUE), #12 - Luke Valenzuela, #23 - Michael Fraser
Defenders: #2 - Gustavo Moreira, #3 - Hatu Raglan (SAJ), #4 - Anthony Phillips, #5 - Peter Cummings, #13 - Celso Ruth, #14 - Jorge Riascos, #15 - Danny Barrichelli, #16 - Wilson Dreyfus
Midfielders: #6 - Frank Lambert, #7 - Daniel Silva, #8 - Pablo Morel, #9 - Ronald Vieira, #17 - Johan Clemente, #18 - Eric Allen, #19 - Guilherme Gomes, #20 - Lewis Button, #24 - Wilson Schmidt
Forwards: #10 - Chris Willis, #11 - Adrian Borges, #21 - Roberto Romano, #22 - Christian Fuentes, #25 - Aaron Oliveira

Full Name: Canalave Dragons Football Club
Nicknames: The Dragons
Location: City of Canalave, Canalave
Stadium: Dragon Stadium (Cap. 50,987)
Kit Sponsors: Mercantil Bank (Financial services), Canalave Port Authority (Port operation)
Honours (5): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 19), 3 Kings' Shields (KS 12, 14, 23), 1 Supercopa (SCV 11)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 8th - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 35,058
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): McKinley - Moreira, Raglan, Phillips, Cummings - Lambert (C), Silva, Morel, Vieira - Willis, Borges
Moves Out: Hemnes Belfry (CB, 36, COS) retired
Moves In: Hatu Raglan (CB, 22, SAJ) from Ciarkhan City
Background: Canalave Dragons are the top football club from Canalave, a port city located at the confluence of the Danubio and Eterna rivers in northwestern Valladares, facing Sillimus island, and best known for the canals that cross much of the city. The Dragons were established in 1939 as a multisports club which ultimately ended up scrapping all sports other than football, and joined the Eterna Football Association in 1940. In their early years as EFA member, the club was able to stand up to the might of Eterna Stars and Slateport Bulls, who were already consolidated as the state's top clubs, however, with the creation of the Canalave state from the Eterna state in 1947 all of the Canalave- and Westporte-based EFA affiliates were expelled from the association, leading them to create the Canalave Football Association (CFA) and the League of Canalave as the state's football league, in which the Dragons were absolute dominators. Having rejected an invitation to join the Super League in its first edition on financial grounds, the team had to wait five seasons to make their appearance at the nationwide top tier, where they consolidated themselves as the flagship team of the Canalave state with one championship won in season 19, and several appearances in international competition.
Previous Season: A terrible third quarter of the season last time doomed Canalave Dragons to miss IFCF competition for one more season, with the team finishing in eighth place with 54 points, 4 points adrift from Bezieres who were the last Challengers' Cup qualifier last season. This outcome brought as collateral effect the dismissal of gaffer Bruno Mouche, who was given enough time to meet the Board's expectations of becoming a regular international qualifier and was unable to show positive results, as well as the retirement of Cosumarite centreback and idol Hemnes Belfry, who was a fan-favourite of the ever-demanding Dragon fanbase for a long time. But whenever people are leaving, there's always new people arriving, starting with new coach Jean Camacho who is arriving to the Port City hoping to emulate the same achievements he obtained during his long tenure of Nacional, while Sajnurian defender Hatu Raglan will be charged with the task to make the fans forget the retired Belfry in swift fashion. With those moves, the Board are hoping this time is finally the charm for the Dragons and the team can make a triumphant return to IFCF competition.
Strategy: While this is going to be the first season for Camacho in command of the Dragons, the Canalese side is used to play with a balanced 4-4-2 formation, with a line of four defenders, two central midfielders responsible for destroying the rival's creative game, two side midfielders capable of starting attacks through the wings, and two skilled strikers able to catch rival defenses off-guard and keep the rival goalkeeper busy with shots and chances to score. The Dragons love to exert pressure on the rival and tend to resort to physical game if they find themselves unable to subdue the rival with possession, and they also try to get the most out of Canalave's scorching heat and humidity to wear rivals down. It is also to be noted that this tactical system is not entirely unknown to Camacho, since in his Nacional era he tended to use four midfielders whenever Ronald Mickel was unavailable. It is to be seen whether Camacho will stick to the team's usual tactics or will instead try to introduce a playmaker into the scheme as he used to do in his previous team.
Supporters and Rivalries: Although Canalave is a city with over 10 football clubs, several of them backed by entire neighborhoods, the most popular, successful and best backed one by far are the Dragons, who are extremely popular in both of the constituent cities of the state as well as in Sillimus island and nearby towns in the Eterna state. Canalave Dragons fans are extremely loyal to their team (despite their attendance numbers don't look like it) and are best known among the fanbases of other teams for being unruly, rowdy and quarrelsome. Their incidents with the fans of arch-rivals Eterna Stars (with whom they contest the E1 Derby, one of the hottest matches of the Valladar league) are widely known and remembered by fans all over the country, generally being commonplace every time both sides play each other in Eterna City, Canalave, or along the E1 motorway which gives name to their rivalry. The Dragons also have a heated rivalry with Slateport Bulls (the other top side from the Eterna state, which was also partly responsible for the expulsion of Canalese sides from the EFA back in the day), and another more toned down one with crosstown rivals Canalave Rangers. They will add another rival to their list starting from this season, with the arrival of Maritime Westporte to the top flight.
The Pundit's Prediction: This will be a useful season for Jean Camacho to know his new team. If the Board grant him just as much patience as they granted former gaffer Mouche, Camacho will be able to deliver some really good results in the mid-term. Both Olympique de Fontvielle and Nacional can attest to that. 7th.

Deportivo Junín:

Chairman: Alejandro Caldera
Director of Football: Ramiro Wuppert
Manager: Martin Boyle
Assistant Manager: Benjamin Boutron

Goalkeepers: #1 - Darío Fernández, #12 - Juan José Campo, #23 - Tomás Ciro
Defenders: #2 - Federico Castrillón, #3 - Francisco Marín, #4 - Pablo Rojas, #5 - Camilo Molina, #13 - Elkin González, #14 - Éder Bustos, #15 - Carlos Chávez, #16 - Darío Montoya
Midfielders: #6 - Luis Ángel Pasquel, #7 - Fabio Otero, #8 - Armando Padilla, #9 - Marco Rouillard, #17 - Santiago Cabello, #18 - Ómar Rincón, #19 - Leonardo Escalante, #20 - Sergio Caballero, #24 - Danilo Ballesteros
Forwards: #10 - Andy Navarro, #11 - Eduardo Valencia, #21 - Rodrigo Romero, #22 - Andrés Morelo, #25 - Gabriel Riveros

Full Name: Club Deportivo Junín
Nicknames: Los Granates (The Maroons), Los Orientales (The Easterners)
Location: Ciudad de Junín
Stadium: Arena Junín (Cap. 43,394)
Kit Sponsors: Ortel (Telecommunications), Alcaldía de Junín (Local government), Atmochem (Petrochemicals)
Honours (3): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 49), 1 Kings' Shield (KS 43), 1 Rushmori Copa de Campeones (CdC 37)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 10th - Kings' Shield: Runners-up
Average Attendance: 26,195
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Fernández (C) - Castrillón, Marín, Rojas, Molina - Pasquel, Otero, Padilla, Rouillard - Navarro - Valencia
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Background: Deportivo Junín is the first and only club representing the city of Junín in the three tiers of the Liga Federal. And their appearance in the league is just as controversial as the entire history of that faraway Valladar outpost in the shores of the Endemien Ocean, as they were founded from the ashes of traditional team Chiquito FC, who were relegated to Liga-2 at the end of season 32 and decided to merge with arch-rivals Caimanes SC to create Real Campo Grande. Therefore, the license held by Chiquito was up for grabs and ended up bought by a consortium from Junín who took the chance to place the city into the map of Valladar football (immediately in the second tier), which was not so warmly-welcomed by the AJF members who were (and still are) all floundering in the obscurity of the lower tiers and eventually had to concede to the pressure from the VFA and allow the team's affiliation into the state FA. Despite those turbulent origins, the Granate have proven to be a decent side with the team having their maiden experience in Liga-1 in season 39 and never looking back at the lower tiers ever since, and they were even able to reach the pinnacle of Valladar football with their championship 10 years later along with a quarter-final finish in the subsequent Champions' Cup and a title in the Rushmori Copa de Campeones. In a very short time, Junín have become a force to be reckoned with, and will be undoubtedly hoping to become a regular fixture in the league's podium in the short or mid-term.
Previous Season: Leaving aside the run to the Kings' Shield final where they ultimately capitulated to Marinos, Junín had a season to forget last time around in which the Granates were only able to claim a tenth place finish. Despite this, as well as the fact that the squad is growing older and there might be some retirements at the end of this season, gaffer Martin Boyle (backed by the club's Board) made the controversial decision to leave the team untouched for this season. While the fans might be annoyed at the lack of squad refreshment, the club's executives and staff are still fully supportive of the talent of veterans such as striker Andy Navarro, midfielder Marco Rouillard, and goalie and team captain Darío Fernández, placing their hopes of a return to IFCF competition on them.
Strategy: Deportivo Junín play with a 4-4-2 formation, trying to cover the entire width of the field with two lines of four players in order to make things harder for rival players. Central midfielder Fabio Otero is mostly responsible for shielding the defense and stopping rival playmakers, while fellow CM Armando Padilla tends to move up the field to fill in the playmaker role, although he easily retreats back when needed in order to form the front line of four and provide defensive support. Most of the time Junín will attempt attacking through the left wing, with Marco Rouillard constantly moving up to feed the front two of Navarro and Valencia with crosses. However, Martin Boyle's side has a key defensive weakness: crosses, corner kicks, and every kind of aerial plays tend to be painful headaches for the defenders.
Supporters and Rivalries: With the city of Junín located thousands of kilometres away from the Valladar mainland, Deportivo Junín's fanbase is heavily concentrated in Junín itself and with the team being the only side from the city in the top tier of the footballing pyramid as well as their recent league success, its numbers have skyrocketed including fans from every social origin. The military status of the city usually becomes a troubling matter for the team since they aren't usually allowed to play international competition at their home stadium on the grounds of the bans on foreigners entering the city constantly enacted by the Royal Government, which have forced the team to host its international games in Lierravus (which along with Fontvielle is the closest mainland city to Junín, 2,500 km away) or Metropolis. The city's isolation from the mainland and the fact that they haven't been able to play the other Juninese sides at competitive level have prevented the consolidation of a special rivalry for the Granate side, although matches against Marinos Metropolis tend to draw great expectation in Junín given the Marineros' popularity in the city as well as their own Juninese origins.
The Pundit's Prediction: Deportivo Junín are definitely a team to consider for purposes of contention for IFCF berths, and their fate in that race will depend on them getting positive results against the likes of Canalave Dragons (under reconstruction), Marinos (who beat them in the Shield last time), Eterna Stars (who shocked everyone with a third place finish last season) and TFC. 8th.

Eterna Stars:

Chairman: Maurice Dufrasne
Director of Football: Joseph Lennon
Manager: Fabien Torrente
Assistant Manager: Daniel Stevenson

Goalkeepers: #1 - Alan Cross, #12 - Francis Jaramillo, #23 - Michael Crawford
Defenders: #2 - Ramón Serrate, #3 - Freddy Mackarin, #4 - Byron Holmes, #5 - Waldo, #13 - Harald Hunt, #14 - David Saunders, #15 - Thomas Miller, #16 - Jacobo Benavides
Midfielders: #6 - Benjamín Sierra, #7 - Patrick Arnold, #8 - Ignacio Rengifo, #17 - Paul Ulloa, #18 - Warren Brattan, #19 - James Ruddy, #24 - William Alonso
Forwards: #9 - Peter Fagundes, #10 - Joe Lindpere, #11 - Jean Hainault, #20 - Charles Russell, #21 - Adrián Santa, #22 - Caleb Bentley, #25 - Andrew Rennick

Full Name: Eterna Stars Football Club
Nicknames: The Stars, The Yellows
Location: Eterna City, Eterna
Stadium: Alain Tramontin Stadium (Cap. 60,207)
Kit Sponsor: Hipinito (Soft drinks)
Honours (5): 2 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 2, 20), 2 Kings' Shields (KS 1, 22), 1 Supercopa (SCV 28)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 3rd - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 54,986
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Cross - Serrate, Mackarin, Holmes, Waldo (C) - Sierra, Arnold, Rengifo - Fagundes, Lindpere, Hainault
Moves Out: Bryan Castillo (CM, 29, VLD) to Hondo FC (VAL), Valentin Germain (FW, 26, VLD) to Crisisbless (NPH), Charles Myers (GK, 32, VLD) to FC Maritime Westporte
Moves In: Michael Crawford (GK, 21, VLD) promoted from Academy, William Alonso (CM, 20, VLD) promoted from Academy, Andrew Rennick (FW, 19, VLD) promoted from Academy
Background: Eterna Stars are the most popular football team in Eterna City, which is the third largest city of Valladares, located to the north of the nation. The Yellows are one of the oldest clubs in Valladares as well as the oldest one in its state, being established in 1929 and being a founding member of the Eterna Football Association (EFA) three years later. Along with Slateport Bulls, hailing from the namesake city, the Stars became the footballing powerhouses of the state by winning a total of 22 Eternan championships, which earned them an invite to the first Super League season where they would be given the chance to play against clubs from all over Valladares, including the capital Metropolis as well as "second city" Carloburgo. Expected to become one of the league's "Big 3", along with Metropolis Alligators and Tannenberg FC, the Stars met some success in the first Super League seasons, claiming the title in season 2 and becoming the first Valladar team to reach the group stage of an international competition by doing so at the following Globe Cup. However, after their second and last title in season 20, the team's performance started to decline with the Stars placing in the lower half of the table for 10 seasons in a row, which eventually ended with the team earning the dishonorable achievement of becoming the first "Big" team relegated from the top tier at the end of season 37, which will be left as a stain in the Stars' rich history. The team bounced back quickly with a return after just one season, and nowadays they are trying to get back to their success of yesteryear and break their championship drought which has now extended to 38 seasons, just two seasons away to match the 40-season record still held by Marinos.
Previous Season: Last season was the best for the Stars in a while with the team fueling the fans' illusions for an elusive third title for most of the season, although it had an early failure as the Yellow side was once again left out of the Kings' Shield as soon as they entered the competition. This didn't stop the side coached by Fabien Torrente, though, as the Stars dominated the first half of the season and found themselves in command of the league until the 30th round, when some unfavorable results left them out of the championship race while Fontvielle Impact marched on to their 13th title. Nevertheless, Fabien Torrente and his squad managed to claim the lowest step of the league's podium, which allowed them to reach the Challengers' Cup for this season. This good campaign by the Stars last season clearly helped make some team figures visible, with midfielder Bryan Castillo and top scorer Valentin Germain leaving the team to pursue new challenges abroad, and forcing the Board to look at the Academy for replacements. On the other hand, substitute goalie Charles Myers was fed up of being overshadowed by NT goalie Alan Cross and also decided to leave for newly promoted side Maritime Westporte, leading to another promotion from the team's youth ranks. With two of the team's main players leaving and no new reinforcements from outside being recruited, the Stars have been weakened ahead of this new season, but Fabien Torrente will have the mission to keep the team as competitive as they were last time in order to finally destroy the "curse" laid on the Eternan side.
Strategy: Under Fabien Torrente's tenure the Stars have had to get used to the offensive 4-3-3 formation liked by the Bezierien gaffer, with four defenders (two of them being tall centrebacks tasked to thwart any chances of aerial play by rivals), three midfielders with Benjamín Sierra and Ignacio Rengifo playing through the winds and going back-and-forth on the pitch while Patrick Arnold will be playing the role of specialist defensive midfielder, and three forwards with Peter Fagundes and Jean Hainault retreating a bit to play as wingers, leaving Joe Lindpere as central striker. However, this does not mean Fagundes and Hainault won't try their luck at scoring goals...if given a chance to break through rival defenses they will not hesistate to shoot on goal. The Stars prefer to rely on passing over speed, and will be constantly aiming at Lindpere's head with crosses.
Supporters and Rivalries: As the flagship team of Eterna City as well as the Eterna state, the Stars enjoy great popularity in northern Valladares and among people of Eternan origin all over Valladares. Although their supporters have been at times uneasy and distraught over the lack of recent on-field success of the team, they are still proud of being Stars fans and always find pleasure in locking horns with the fans of Metropolis Alligators and Tannenberg FC, who are regarded by Stars' fans as two of their biggest rivals even though both Alligators and Citizens have already opened up a massive gap in titles with them. However, historically the biggest rivalries for the Stars have been the ones with Canalave Dragons from nearby Canalave (known as the E1 Derby) and the Superclásico against Slateport Bulls, both of which being considered by the Police as "high-risk matches" with clashes between both sets of fans being common. Other minor rivalries include the one against crosstown rivals Eterna Celtic, which has faded in time due to the massive gulf of quality (and tiers) between Stars and Leprechauns, with the latter navigating between the third and fourth tiers of the pyramid, and a more modern one against Fontvielle Impact, which was born at the end of the first Super League season after Fontvielle Impact beat the Stars on the last day and qualified for the Globe Cup at their expense. This one is, however, a one-sided affair on the Stars' part.
The Pundit's Prediction: The departure of Valentin Germain has deprived the Stars of their main offensive threat for this season, however, they should still be good enough to fight for an IFCF berth. 6th.

FC Maritime Westporte:

Chairman: Norman Clark
Director of Football: Alexander Pereira
Manager: Juan Andrés Verzeri
Assistant Manager: Manuel Rius

Goalkeepers: #1 - Charles Myers, #12 - Pedro Campana, #23 - Martín Albino
Defenders: #2 - Arthur Francis, #3 - Diego Wilson, #4 - Aaron Wallace, #5 - Dennis Sinclair, #13 - Christian Praet, #14 - Johnny Barnes, #15 - Ricardo Amaury, #16 - Melvin Jones, #24 - Nathan Reid
Midfielders: #6 - Mathieu Corgnet, #7 - Daniel Bennett, #8 - Arnold Sturridge, #9 - Gavin Ramsdale, #17 - Joseph Haller, #18 - Declan Rose, #19 - Robert Wilshere, #20 - Brendan Pereira, #25 - Anderson de Felipe
Forwards: #10 - Jordan Winter, #11 - Cristian Victorino, #21 - Robin Cardoso, #22 - Damian Bowen

Full Name: Football Club Maritime Westporte
Nicknames: The Seahorses
Location: Westporte, Canalave
Stadium: Riverside Stadium (Cap. 23,000)
Kit Sponsor: CNC (Courier)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-2: 2nd (Promoted) - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 17,303
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Myers (C) - Francis, Wilson, Wallace, Sinclair - Corgnet, Bennett, Sturridge, Ramsdale - Winter, Victorino
Moves Out: None
Moves In: Mathieu Corgnet (DM, 30, VLD) from Real Campo Grande, Charles Myers (GK, 32, VLD) from Eterna Stars, Cristian Victorino (FW, 27, VLD) from Real Campo Grande
Background: Maritime hails from Westporte, a city located 20 kilometres north of Canalave which serves as an alternate port to the latter given its closeness to the rivermouth of the Danubio river, and also houses Valladares' main oil refinery and petrochemical industries. Westporte, which is also known for being the oldest settlement in what today is Valladares, is the other constituent city of the State of Canalave along with Canalave itself. On the other hand Maritime is a fairly recent club, founded in 1963 as a breakaway club from Blue-White Westporte, which until then was the biggest club in town. However, while Blue-White has got used to capsize in their attempts to go higher than the fifth tier of the football pyramid, and were eventually superseeded by both Maritime and Liga-3 side 984 Westporte, the Seahorses themselves have become a successful team making it all the way from the regional league to the LFV setup in just four years, and then jumping to Liga-2 where they became a regular fixture for some time until the dream of promotion to the top tier and bringing Liga-1 football to Valladares' second most important port came true last season with a runner-up finish, narrowly missing out on the Liga-2 title against Universitario de Maldonado. Thanks to Maritime, the Liga-1 map has extended to include Westporte and the mission for the Seahorses this season will be making sure their city isn't quickly erased from that map...
Previous Season: Maritime are coming off their best campaign ever in professional football, with the team finally being able to clinch promotion after falling at the last hurdle several times. Losing the Liga-2 championship to Universitario on goal difference didn't really matter to Westporters at all, the team is in the top tier anyways. And Maritime are clearly not coming to Liga-1 to sightsee, or to give the likes of Impact, Alligators, Nacional, Bezieres, etc. the chance to visit their city...of course not! Maritime are coming to the top tier to stay, and in order to achieve that goal they have recruited three players with specific Liga-1 experience in their CVs in the shape of goalkeeper Charles Myers, who is coming from nearby Eterna City, and defensive mid Mathieu Corgnet and striker Cristian Victorino, both joining from Real Campo Grande. With those new faces, the Seahorses are looking forward to snatch at least 43 points this season in order to avoid a swift return to the second tier.
Strategy: Maritime coach Juan Andrés Verzeri, with experience in Valladar youth NTs, usually plays under a 4-4-2 diamond system with a rigid line of four defenders, a defensive midfielder in charge of doing the dirty job of destroying the opponent's offensive advances (even using physical strenght if needed), two central midfielders (Bennett and Sturridge) who should be able to give support to the defensive mid (that being Corgnet in this case) and try to start offensive plays, a playmaker (Ramsdale) in charge of linking those two midfielders with the strikers while also trying to create some chances to score, and two fast and skillful strikers expected to be speedy enough to overwhelm rival defenses and sharp enough to turn chances into goals. Verzeri is an advocate of the tiki-taka style of successive passing and always tries to have his teams offering a show to spectators, which will definitely be a big problem against more direct-minded teams...such as the "Big" teams, of course.
Supporters and Rivalries: Westporters are generally known for being fickle and leaning towards supporting winning teams, which is why teams such as Eterna Stars and later Canalave Dragons became highly popular in the city during the amateur era. However, Maritime's recent performances have started to change that trend, with more young people choosing to support their hometown's team. As a result of the team's meteoric ascension through the different levels of the league pyramid, their fanbase is growing by leaps and bounds, and the boisterous fans who have decided to follow the Seahorses have started giving some much-needed life to Riverside Stadium with their chants, smoke, and fireworks. Maritime's historical rival has been Blue-White Westporte, from which they secceded as an independent club, although they haven't met each other in an official competition for a long while. However, a local derby with fellow Canalese outfit Canalave Dragons will be awaiting for them this season, and it could become a real rivalry sooner than expected by both fanbases.
The Pundit's Prediction: Considering previous seasons, the relegation struggle has been harder than the fight for the championship or UICA/IFCF berths. The Seahorses will have to show their mettle to confirm their Liga-1 membership and emerge alive from such a carnage. 18th.

by **Valladares** » Mon May 04, 2020 9:25 pm

LIGA FEDERAL DE VALLADARES
FIFTY-NINTH SEASON - PREVIEW: PART II

Fontvielle Impact:

Chairman: Antoine Tamount
Director of Football: Alain Tamount
Manager: Daniel Bernard
Assistant Manager: Yoan Gignac

Goalkeepers: #1 - Lucien Chamoun, #12 - Steven Piatti, #23 - Dominic Choinière
Defenders: #2 - Frédéric Pedretti, #3 - Enzo Bianchi (OSR), #4 - James Vera, #5 - Eugene McNair (QUE), #13 - Sébastien Fadutz, #14 - Adrien Marchand, #15 - Rudolph Marchesin, #16 - Geoffrey Démont
Midfielders: #6 - Michael Jiménez, #7 - Benoît Sykes-Lussac, #8 - Mateo Padilla, #17 - Jean-Charles Poulain, #18 - Omar Chávez, #19 - Éric Rochat, #24 - Kevin Martins
Forwards: #9 - Daniel Barbieri, #10 - Ernest Dillmont, #11 - Thibault Benezet, #20 - Alexis Ardouin, #21 - William Hurst, #22 - Robin Pelletier, #25 - Patrick Grenier

Full Name: Impact de Fontvielle Football Club
Nicknames: Les Bleus (The Blues), L'Impact (The Impact), Hexachampion
Location: Fontvielle, Foix
Stadium: Stade de la Frontière (Cap. 41,378)
Kit Sponsors: Tamount (Food processing), MasterAuto.vd (Car rental)
Honours (30): 13 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 5, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 41, 54, 58), 3 Kings' Shields (KS 2, 18, 35), 8 Supercopas (SCV 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 19, 23, 32), 2 UICA Champions' Cups (CC 37, 40), 1 UICA Globe Cup (GC 53), 1 UICA Super Cup (SC 37), 2 Cup Winners' Cups (CWC 18, 35)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 1st (Champions) - Kings' Shield: Round of 16
Average Attendance: 38,443
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Chamoun - Pedretti (C), Bianchi, Vera, McNair - Jiménez, Sykes-Lussac, Padilla - Barbieri, Dillmont, Benezet
Moves Out: Antoine Gillet (GK, 39, VLD) retired, Alexandre (FW, 29, VLD) to Tout-Puissant Outremont (DCA), Armando Cabrera (GK, 33, VLD) to Servette FC
Moves In: Steven Piatti (GK, 21, VLD) promoted from Sion-Impact OSC, Dominic Choinière (GK, 19, VLD) promoted from Sion-Impact OSC, Patrick Grenier (FW, 19, VLD) promoted from Sion-Impact FC
Background: When the Valladar Super League was founded, no-one really expected that its flagship and most successful club after nearly 60 years would be a works team coming from a middle-sized, industrial town located 30 kilometres south of Metropolis. That blue-clad outfit named "Fontvielle Impact" that made both the nation and the entire multiverse tremble in fear at its sole mention during some point in time was born in 1962 out of the Tamount factory, the leading dairy company in Valladares, as an alternative for the leisure of the workers of its Fontvielle plant, who would find some fun in kicking a ball on the Sundays after six long eight- or nine-hour workdays. The team, initially made up of factory workers, proved to be a success and the Tamount family was convinced to submit an application to join the Foix football association and enter the state championship, which was accepted by the AFF. Eventually, Tamount FC, which was soon renamed to its current name in order to increase their appeal to the inhabitants of Fontvielle, became a frequent challenger for AS Bezieres and the two teams dominated the Foixien state league in the years prior to the creation of the Super League. Once there, Les Bleus surprised everyone with a fifth place finish in the first season and qualification for their first international competition, the Globe Cup, ahead of pre-tournament favorites Eterna Stars. Impact would only have to wait five seasons to celebrate its first title, in a season that ended up being cancelled by the VFA due to a controversy with the referee union, and won two more titles before the tenth season. However, the team that left the strongest impront on Valladar football was the Hexachampion, the team that won six domestic titles in a row between seasons 21 and 26, two Champions' Cups, and one UICA Super Cup. Although l'Impact entered into a slump after their tenth domestic championship won in season 28, which had their fans waiting 13 seasons for another title, the team has been able to remain as a regular contender in Liga-1, winning the title twice more after that (including last season) and looking forward to relive those glorious times when Fontvielle Impact and the Valladar football league were at the top of the footballing multiverse.
Previous Season: Despite a slow start that saw them sitting in 13th place after 10 matches, the team managed by Daniel Bernard managed to clinch what looked to be an unlikely championship after remaining unbeaten during the entire second half of the season. A scoreless draw with Defensores de Villafuerte on MD19 was the starting line for an unbeaten streak that extended for 20 matches and gave Les Bleus the chance to sit on top of the league's Roll of Honour with their thirteenth title. However, it seems that lucky number 13 has begun to wreak havoc at the Impact camp during the offseason since the team had its two bids for foreign goalkeepers turned down and was unable to replace the retiring captain Antoine Gillet. On the other hand, substitute GK Armando Cabrera decided to accept a more leading role at recently promoted Servette FC, while team's and league's topscorer Alexandre was lured by the ever-ending money and fame of Donnacona's Tout-Puissant Outremont. Considering the utter failure that was the search for a goalkeeper in the transfer window, coach Daniel Bernard decided to turn up to reserve team Sion-Impact and promoted two goalkeepers and a striker, while also giving the until-now third goalie Lucien Chamoun the chance to be the starter GK for the Valladar champions. Les Bleus are another team heading into the new season with some massive absences, but that doesn't mean winning back-to-back titles won't be a priority for the Tamounts...
Strategy: The incumbent Valladar champions are known for playing with a 4-3-3 formation, looking to move the ball and have a presence across the entire width of the field in order to stretch rival defenses and open up holes for the strikers to break through. In defense, Osarian centreback Enzo Bianchi is the player in charge of leading and coordinating his teammates, while fellow CB James Vera will usually go up during a favourable corner kick to lurk for a well-placed header. In the midfield and despite their ages, Mickäel Jiménez (35) and Mateo Padilla (32) are expected to move fast through the wings, with the support of Benoît Sykes-Lussac who also has the duty to lend a hand to the four defenders in case the team is under attack. In attack, Daniel Barbieri and Thibault Benezet possess enough skill and speed to shred rival defenses to pieces and will be alert to any advances from Jiménez or Padilla in order to turn them into goals.
Supporters and Rivalries: Given Fontvielle Impact's blue-collar origins, the bulk of their fanbase used to be people with links to the Tamount family or factory, which eventually enlarged to include fans from all over Fontvielle and nearby areas during the team's stay in the state championship as well as the early Super League seasons. The Hexachampionnat was a pivotal event for the growth of Impact's fanbase and was the thing that triggered its expansion outside of the borders of the Foix state. Nowadays, thanks to the success achieved by the team in both the domestic and international spheres, Fontvielle Impact can count with massive support in the Foix state as well as in most of the Valladar mainland, with the team being highly popular in cities such as Metropolis, Lierravus, Los Chorros, Arma, Campo Grande, Maldonado, Columbus, and Carloburgo. L'Impact has three main rivals, and matches against any of them are much-awaited and usually hit high TV rating numbers: AS Bezieres (with whom they contest the Derby du Foix), crosstown rivals Olympique de Fontvielle (whom they face in the city's derby) and Metropolis Alligators, who have become Impact's main rivals for league supremacy in what has become the Derby de Valladares.
The Pundit's Prediction: The loss of two important pieces in Impact's tactical structure such as Gillet and Alexandre, as well as their failure to replace them accordingly will cost them the chance to win back-to-back titles. Lucien Chamoun is young and all that, but...3rd.

Hoxford Rovers:

Chairman: Robert Breydel
Director of Football: Andrew Wallace
Manager: Jason Vermes
Assistant Manager: Éric Vasseur

Goalkeepers: #1 - Joseph Thomas, #12 - Tristan Patterson, #23 - Aaron Moore
Defenders: #2 - Samuel Dean, #3 - Tyler Baxter, #4 - Pedro Silas, #5 - Andrew Webb, #13 - Christopher Palmer, #14 - Dylan Drake, #15 - Robert Clark, #16 - William Manning
Midfielders: #6 - Marcelo Lennon, #7 - Christian Castro, #8 - Nicolás Rizzo, #9 - Mario Bodhert, #17 - Damien Merritt, #18 - Dominic Trujillo, #19 - Brendan Delacruz, #24 - Michael Howard
Forwards: #10 - Jerry Weiss, #11 - Omar Portizzo, #20 - Joseph Stark, #21 - Jonathan Green, #22 - Jasper Cervantes, #25 - Erick Westwood

Full Name: Hoxford Rovers Football Club
Nicknames: The Rovers, The Greens
Location: Hoxford, Westlands
Stadium: Westlands Stadium (Cap. 17,000)
Kit Sponsor: Loftus (Telecommunications)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-2: 8th, Final play-offs: Runners-up (promoted through promotion/relegation play-off) - Kings' Shield: Round of 16
Average Attendance: 8,505
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Thomas - Dean, Baxter, Silas (C), Webb - Lennon, Castro, Rizzo - Bodhert - Weiss, Portizzo
Moves Out: None
Moves In: Omar Portizzo (FW, 26, VLD) from FC Columbus, Erick Westwood (FW, 19, VLD) promoted from Academy
Background: Headquartered in the Hoxford suburb of Adelaide, which is the second biggest city of the Westlands state after the capital, Edmonton, the Rovers have been one of the state's leading teams although to a lesser scale than their regional neighbors and arch-rivals Edmonton United. The green-clad side was created in 1945, when both Hoxford and Adelaide were still small towns not yet conurbated, by soldiers from the Hoxford Rovers regiment returning home after victory in the Southern Rushmore War as a way to keep their bonds after the war. The football team was warmly welcomed by the town's inhabitants and became a founder of the Westlands Football Association in 1952, entering the state championship the following year. While the Rovers were a successful team during their stay in the Westlands state league, navigating the lower tiers of the professional pyramid took them a lot more, until their maiden top flight appearance in season 16, at the end of which they would return to the second tier. Hoxford would return to the Super League in season 23, and while their arch-rivals Edmonton reached the pinnacle of Valladar football they were busy consolidating their presence in the top flight between seasons 23 and 32 (winning the relegation play-off twice) when they went back down, and since then they have turned into one of Valladares' best known yo-yo teams along with FC Columbus, constantly oscillating between Liga-1 and Liga-2. The Rovers will be once again back in the top tier looking to stay for more than one season and thus be able to get that "yo-yo team" nickname off their shoulders and in the long term, replace Edmonton as the top team of the Westlands state.
Previous Season: The Rovers spent the entire Liga-2 season in the upper half of the table, and had a strong chance to earn direct promotion until they lost to eventual league champions Universitario in Maldonado on MD 31, which was the pivotal event for the team to lose steam and end up in eighth place, qualifying for the final play-offs given their expansion to eight sides. This did not discourage the team managed by Jason Vermes, though, as they were pretty dominant in their ties against Hamanos and fellow Westlanders Townsville, but a loss in the final against Servette forced them to decide their fate in an extra play-off against Real Campo Grande, which they won and as a result they're now in Liga-1. For this upcoming season most of the roster that earned promotion will stay, although the biggest news for the Westlands side is the return of prodigal son Omar Portizzo after a one-season internship at FC Columbus and a subsequent failed attempt to move abroad. The Rovers will be hoping this return will help their offensive firepower increase and propel them away from the relegation zone.
Strategy: Jason Vermes is another advocate of the 4-3-1-2 formation, which has a strong line of three defensive midfielders as main feature. The Rovers try to limit the rival's share of ball possession in the middle of the field by having the trio of Marcelo Lennon, Christian Castro, and Nicolás Rizzo exert high pressure on the creative players of opposing teams, and then hand the ball quickly to playmaker Mario Bodhert, who will be expected to connect with strikers Portizzo and Jerry Weiss in order to finish plays in front of the rival goal. Unlike other teams using this formation, Bodhert will also be expected to retreat in order to form a solid line of four players and help the three defensive midfielders in case they're struggling to stop the opposing team's players. Because of this, the Rovers are best known for being a team that profits on counters rather than elaborate play, although they can be expected to deliver some nasty surprises occasionally.
Supporters and Rivalries: Hoxford Rovers have their fanbase mostly concentrated in Hoxford, Adelaide, and nearby zones. They aren't exactly known for being loyal to the team given that the Rovers are already used to play at a half-packed Westlands Stadium, but they do care about the team and support them enthusiastically. The main rivals for the Rovers are Edmonton United, from the Westlands state capital, against whom they play the top footballing rivalry of the Westlands state, the Derby of the Westlands. However, with the Monties' relegation from the top flight last season, the Derby isn't going to be played this year which is a shame since the Rovers have been waiting to avenge that defeat in the last Derby that relegated them to Liga-2 two seasons ago...
The Pundit's Prediction: The Rovers will be fighting to avoid the drop, as usual. The question is whether they will be relegated, as usual? 19th.

Marinos Metropolis:

Chairman: Pedro Arias
Director of Football: Harrison Villar
Manager: Angelo Gélinas (QUE)
Assistant Manager: Mykhailo Tsehelsky (QUE)

Goalkeepers: #1 - Markus Portsman (XAN), #12 - Adrián Jaramillo, #23 - Leandro Marchesín
Defenders: #2 - Jason Zarama, #3 - Enrique Rivas, #4 - Sebastián Ariza, #5 - Cristiano Karaji (SAJ), #13 - Patricio Lanza, #14 - Alexis Aquino, #15 - Hugo Morales, #16 - Pablo Núñez
Midfielders: #6 - Juan Carlos Bedoya, #7 - Andrés Pareja, #8 - Jorge García, #9 - Michael Rubio, #17 - Dante Barbosa, #18 - Jack Santini, #19 - Fernando Peters, #20 - Fabio Bozzo, #24 - Aldo Pereira
Forwards: #10 - Marcos Zelaya (QUE), #11 - Aymeric Fortin, #21 - Lisandro Craviotto, #22 - Tomás Calvo, #25 - Alfredo Navarro

Full Name: Club Deportivo Marinos de Metrópolis
Nicknames: Los Marineros (The Mariners), Los Celestes (The Sky Blues), El Cuarto Grande (The Fourth Big Team)
Location: Metropolis, District of Metropolis
Stadium: Estadio Zachary Fortin (Cap. 50,304)
Kit Sponsor: TelFax (Telecommunications)
Honours (21): 6 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 4, 44, 45, 46, 52, 53), 6 Kings' Shields (KS 6, 25, 31, 36, 38, 48), 3 Supercopas (SCV 26, 29, 31), 2 UICA Champions' Cups (CC 60, 61), 1 UICA Globe Cup (GC 37), 2 Cup Winners' Cups (CWC 38, 39), 1 Rushmori Copa de Campeones (CdC 33)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 9th - Kings' Shield: Winners
Average Attendance: 45,029
Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Portsman - Zarama, Rivas, Ariza, Karaji - Bedoya, Pareja, García (C), Rubio - Zelaya, Fortin
Moves Out: Tamer Yilmaz (LM, 37, COS) retired, Juan Cáceres (RM, 36, VLD) retired
Moves In: Dante Barbosa (RM, 20, VLD) promoted from Marinos Metropolis Reserves, Aldo Pereira (LM, 19, VLD) promoted from Marinos Metropolis Reserves
Background: Founded in 1960 in the Metropolis borough of Parque Rushmore as an amalgamation of several smaller clubs (including Alianza Oriente F.C., a club established by Juninese workers in Metropolis and whose representatives ended up choosing the name of the merged club) who saw in the merger their only chance to be actually competitive in the Metropolis state league, Marinos Metropolis quickly became the main football club in the Spanish-speaking southern half of the City of Metropolis, superseeding the historic southern powerhouse Nacional from nearby Barrio Obrero, which at the time was starting a slow decline. The Marineros were the first team able to break Metropolis Alligators' domination of the Metropolis league, with their 1965 championship, and went on to beat the Alligators to the championship five more times before the creation of the Super League. In the professional era, and with arch-rivals MA along with Tannenberg FC and Eterna Stars being expected to be the league's "Big 3", Marinos self-nominated themselves for the "title" of "fourth big team" of the league, which sparked the creation of a rivalry with Slateport Bulls, who had outstanding early league campaigns and also felt they deserved that honour. However, the Marineros would beat the Bulls to that on becoming the first non-Big 3 team to claim the league championship in the fourth Super League season, but that would be the start of a historical drought that saw Marinos unable to win the league for 40 years. That poor streak, broken in season 44 by a team led by talismanic Quebecois footballer Zachary Fortin, was the start of a golden era for the Marineros, which saw them winning back-to-back Liga-1 championships as well as Champions' Cup titles (the first of those CC wins being in Swangard) and Cup Winners' Cups, which further confirmed Marinos' standing as one of the "Big 5" of Valladares, and of course gave them a crucial edge on their rivalry with the Alligators...
Previous Season: Marinos are coming from sort of a bittersweet season for their standards. Having been left out of the title race pretty early, the team managed by Quebecois Angelo Gélinas had no choice but to try their luck in the Kings' Shield to see if they could rescue something out of the season, which they managed to do by beating Junín in the final. Certainly the previous season was a learning experience for gaffer Gélinas, who will have to cope with the retirement of two important pieces of the team's structure: long-time captain Juan Cáceres and Cosumarite LM Tamer Yilmaz. Fortunately, to the Marineros' interests, this paves the way for the entry of Michael Rubio into the starting 11, replacing Yilmaz as left winger. Coming from the bench, in previous seasons Rubio has shown some flashes of quality which promise to be really useful for Marinos in this season, in which they hope to have more than just six stars over their crest. Time for rehearsals and preparation has run out already for Gélinas, now it's time to work on a new title for Marinos.
Strategy: Marinos play with a simple 4-4-2 system, with four defenders, two of them highly skilled at preventing aerial play, and two others ready to stop anything coming through the wings. In the midfield, Andrés Pareja and Juan García play as defensive midfielders, marking rivals and undoing their offensive work, while Juan Carlos Bedoya and Michael Rubio act as wingers, creating offensive play for the team. Up front, Marcos Zelaya and Aymeric Fortin are trained to use their skill to trespass rival defenses, and while Zelaya might retreat some metres in order to act as a playmaker, mainly when elaboration turns hard to make through the wings, Fortin is the one always taking the role of pure striker, constantly bombing the rival goalkeeper with shots. Although Marinos tend to base their game on possession most times, they are also capable of switching their strategy to doing fast transitions if the rival is slow enough to surprise with it or focuses too much on defense.
Supporters and Rivalries: Traditionally, Marinos have attracted sympathies from Metropolis' Spanish-speaking middle and lower classes, which are mainly located in the southwestern zone of the city, in contrast to other teams of Hispanic origin such as Nacional, Atlético Nápoles or Danubio FC, which have thrived among the higher classes. However, Marinos' fanbase has grown all over Valladares given the team's recent success in both the domestic and international arenas, with groups of fans in the main cities of the country. The Marineros are also quite popular in Junín, given that their origins are somewhat linked to the city as aforementioned and they had the chance to thrive among the Juninese population before the appearance of Deportivo Junín. On the rivalries field, the Derby Metropolitano against Metropolis Alligators nowadays represents the historic struggle between northern and southern Metropolis, the former being Anglophone and richer than the latter, mostly Hispanic and more popular. At the same time, Marinos have always had a heated derby with the other main representative from southern Metropolis, Nacional, with both representing neighboring boroughs (Parque Rushmore and Obrero, respectively) and sharing a similar social background. Meanwhile, Slateport Bulls and Deportivo Junín have become modern rivals: the Blue Derby against the former emerged during the first Super League season as both sides fought for prominence in the newly-formed league, while the latter has been slowly undermining Marinos' fanbase and popularity in Junín.
The Pundit's Prediction: Marinos should be good enough to fight for an IFCF berth, and if they manage to get positive results against the defending champions, as well as both of their crosstown rivals, they could also be considered as serious title contenders. 4th.

Metropolis Alligators:

Chairman: Olivier Bonilla
Director of Football: Elías Parra-León
Manager: Luis Fuentes
Assistant Manager: Jefferson Ospina

Goalkeepers: #1 - Aidan Hartigan (BRE), #12 - Oswaldo Martínez, #23 - Fernando Sánchez
Defenders: #2 - Ramiro Revault, #3 - Darío Hoyos, #4 - Thiago Matheus, #5 - Juan Paulo Ponce, #13 - Renato Petrel, #14 - Junior Palmieri, #15 - Louis Guerrero, #16 - Ronald Drake
Midfielders: #6 - Fausto Carrillo, #7 - Arnold Nielsen, #8 - Charles Allegro (CEN), #17 - Lucas Bonilla, #18 - Marvin Mendes, #19 - Alfred Trussel, #24 - Marcelo Zamudio
Forwards: #9 - Izzat Patton (EFL), #10 - Brayan Borja, #11 - Cristian Bogarín, #20 - Gonzalo Limas, #21 - Felipe Camargo, #22 - Danilo Riveros, #25 - Freddy Servín

Full Name: Metropolis Alligators Football Club
Nicknames: The Alligators, The Green-Blues, The Titan, MA
Location: Metropolis, District of Metropolis
Stadium: Alexander I National Stadium, Swangard, District of Metropolis (Cap. 95,021)
Kit Sponsor: TelFax (Telecommunications)
Honours (32): 12 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 1, 3, 14, 15, 18, 31, 32, 33, 34, 39, 43, 50), 9 Kings' Shields (KS 3, 4, 11, 20, 30, 32, 40, 46, 47), 8 Supercopas (SCV 8, 9, 10, 12, 17, 20, 21, 34), 1 UICA Globe Cup (GC 29), 1 UICA Super Cup (SC 29), 1 Cup Winners' Cup (CWC 30)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 2nd - Kings' Shield: Third round
Average Attendance: 66,102
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Hartigan - Revault, Hoyos (C), Matheus, Ponce - Carrillo, Nielsen, Allegro - Patton, Borja, Bogarín
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Background: Widely known as the "glamour" team of Valladar football, at some point boasting stars such as Polarian striker Timo Skye as well as lesser known ones such as fellow Cotdelapomais and Guayabalense strikers Per-Olivier Johannson-Bakvis and Teitur Vaarisiemi, Metropolis Alligators have remained as one of Valladares' flagship players despite a turbulent beggining. The Alligators can trace their origins to the sporting club of the Royal University of Metropolis, which was the first football club established in the country, in 1918. Along with fellow Metropolis clubs Nacional, Bohemians, Atlético Nápoles and Danubio FC, they became founders of the Asociación Distrital de Fútbol in 1924 and competed in the first editions of the Metropolis league championship, however, RUM SC would get disbanded 10 years later due to internal quarrels among university directives and students regarding the sports played within the club. The Metropolis Alligators that exists today was founded in 1956 by the Limas brothers, RUM graduates who were given permission to claim the history, colours, and titles of the former club by the university's directives, entering the Metropolis state championship the following season. Eventually, and with the slow decline of former powerhouses Nacional and Bohemians, MA would become the District's leading team along with Marinos Metropolis, a trend that would carry over into the professional era with both sides becoming the first Metropolis representatives in the Valladar Super League. Widely favoured to win the first season, the Titan lived up to expectations in the early Super League era and became Valladar champions twice in the first five seasons, however, they had to wait almost 10 more years to celebrate another championship. The team had to watch how Fontvielle Impact became the most dominant team of the 20's decade, but they were able to hit back with the team earning the four-peat (the closest anyone has been to emulate Impact's Hexachampionnat) between seasons 31 and 34. The Alligators were also the first team to win 10 domestic leagues, and won the special 50th league season to reach 12 domestic titles. Despite the fact the Alligators went to become arguably one of Valladares' most dominating teams after Fontvielle Impact and became the first Valladar side to win an international competition by bringing both the Globe Cup and Super Cup home, the team has been for the most part unable to express their might on the international stage, which is a debt they hope to pay off as soon as possible in order to regain their rightful spot.
Previous Season: Last time, the Titan were a hard-working side that managed to keep the battle for the title close until the final stretch of the season, however, their inability to chain a long winning streak was the key aspect that marked the difference between them and eventual champions Fontvielle Impact, forcing them to settle with a runner-up finish which wasn't entirely bad at all since it allowed them to return to the Champions' League this season. The arrival of Eastfielder striker Izzat Patton was also one of the few good things left by the season, as Patton reciprocated the trust on him with 24 goals in the season. However, in what could be considered a controversial decision, coach Luis Fuentes triggered upon himself the wrath of the social networks covering the Alligators environment by announcing he would not be adding new elements to the team and would be sticking with the same players from last season, further enlarging the gap between manager and fans ahead of this season and straining the relationship between an idol and them. The good thing (if it can be called that way) is that the team went up a step on the podium, so perhaps they might be able to tie Impact on the Roll of Honor once again...
Strategy: Metropolis Alligators are known for an all-offensive style, which is shown by their usual 4-3-3 formation with four defenders, three midfielders covering the width of the field and placed well ahead, and three speedy strikers up front. This is a team with a defined backbone, led by reliable Brenecian goalie Aidan Hartigan, defenders Darío Hoyos and Thiago Matheus, wingers Fausto Carrillo and Charles Allegro, and striker Brayan Borja. The Titan will attempt to start matches firing on all cylinders, with high pressing and intensity from the midfielders and direct game through the wings in order to build up an early advantage. With Izzat Patton, Cristian Bogarín, and Brayan Borja MA have plenty of resources to hurt rival teams, and these players know how to use them efficiently.
Supporters and Rivalries: Like their forefathers RUM SC, the core of Metropolis Alligators' fanbase has been mostly integrated by the Anglophone middle and high classes of northern Metropolis, as well as the inhabitants of the Livingstone borough, the historical cradle of both sides. However, as the team's success was piling up in both the amateur and professional eras, the popularity of the team extended beyond the well-off members of society and beyond Metropolis as well. Nowadays, it is said that there's no populated settlement in Valladares without an Alligators fan living in it. Metropolis Alligators has two main crosstown rivals: Marinos Metropolis, who represent the middle and lower class Spanish-speaking areas of southern Metropolis and whom they face in the Derby Metropolitano, and Nacional, against whom they play the Derby Añejo and were the team's main rival in the amateur era. Meanwhile, there are growing and less intense rivalries with Fontvielle Impact, AS Bezieres, Tannenberg FC, and Eterna Stars. While the matches against TFC and the Stars are equivalent to confrontations between the three main cities in the country, and the one against Bezieres is known for being a competitive rivalry where both sides respect each other, the Alligators-Impact matches (now dubbed as Derby de Valladares) face the two winningest sides in Liga-1 against each other and have become increasingly heated on both sides of the rivalry. Bohemians Metropolis, also hailing from northern Metropolis, could also be considered a minor rival.
The Pundit's Prediction: This could be THE season for the Alligators. A chance to win the league like the one offered by a consolidated squad like theirs and some weakened rivals won't be appearing every day. 1st, champions.

Nacional:

Chairman: Claudio Garini
Director of Football: Peter Capwell
Manager: Arthur Bogden
Assistant Manager: Peter Holmes

Goalkeepers: #1 - Paulo Gaviria, #12 - Francisco Castrillón, #23 - Alfredo Guerra
Defenders: #2 - Jaír Marrugo, #3 - Carlos Carrillo, #4 - Nicholas Hossiner, #5 - Santiago Rueda, #13 - Alejandro Acosta, #14 - Daniel Martín, #15 - Jeffrey Waldman, #16 - Antoine Montes
Midfielders: #6 - Charles Hudson, #7 - Darwin Pico, #8 - Phillippe Revault, #9 - Fabio Betancourt, #17 - Andrés Abrigo, #18 - Bruno Melo, #19 - Joaquín Materón, #20 - Cristian Benítez, #24 - Agustín Mallone
Forwards: #10 - Mario Ovalle, #11 - Sebastián Carreño, #21 - Ernesto Vega, #22 - Nicolás Lucchetti, #25 - Marcelo Ponce

Full Name: Club Nacional de Fútbol
Nicknames: La Academia (The Academy), Los Albos (The Whites)
Location: Metropolis, District of Metropolis
Stadium: City of Metropolis Stadium (Cap. 47,826)
Kit Sponsor: Autocredit (Microfinance)
Honours (10): 5 Valladar Liga-1 titles (Seasons 7, 12, 30, 55, 56), 3 Kings' Shields (KS 13, 21, 42), 2 Supercopas (SCV 24, 33)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 5th - Kings' Shield: Semi-finals
Average Attendance: 31,402
Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Gaviria (C) - Marrugo, Carrillo, Hossiner, Rueda - Hudson, Pico, Revault - Betancourt - Ovalle, Carreño
Moves Out: Ronald Mickel (AM, 29, VLD) to Kitara Athletic Association (BNJ), Felipe Pardo (CM, 35, VLD) to Servette FC
Moves In: Cristian Benítez (AM, 19, VLD) promoted from Guzmán-Cress Academy, Agustín Mallone (CM, 19, VLD) promoted from Guzmán-Cress Academy
Background: Founded in 1918 during a meeting of students of the Colegio Nacional Hispánico, Metropolis' most prestigious Hispanic school, Nacional are one of the most traditional football clubs in Valladares as well as the oldest football club in the nation to not have stopped its operations (the oldest, if counted RUM's history, would be Metropolis Alligators, however the RUM club was dissolved in 1928...). Known as La Academia on account of the prestige earned by the Guzmán-Cress Academy (their youth setup) by the quantity and quality of the players it promotes every year, Nacional were one of the strongest teams in the early years of the Metropolis state league, along with RUM SC/Metropolis Alligators, and Bohemians Metropolis. This period of success lasted until the mid-60s, when the Albo side entered a period of decline and were slowly replaced in the league limelight by upstarts Marinos Metropolis, also based in southern Metropolis. In addition to that, the club entered into a complicated financial situation that forced them to move to the nearby town of Cerro as they couldn't afford to pay the rent of their stadium in Metropolis and also prevented them from taking part in the first Super League season, signing up for the third tier instead. However, the club's fortunes changed as the team was backed by some wealthy members, and reached the Super League in five seasons, rising from its ashes like a phoenix. And they didn't take too long to leave their mark on the first tier, winning the league in seasons 6, 12, and 30 and becoming a regular contender for international qualification. However, they would take their greatest leap in quality when gaffer Jean Camacho took over, winning back-to-back titles in seasons 55 and 56 while also qualifying for UICA/IFCF competition five times in a row. With five Liga-1 titles to their name and a seemingly endless school for new players, Nacional have already claimed a much-deserved place among the "big" teams of Valladares and there's no doubt they will only be aiming at higher goals from now on.
Last Season: Disappointment was all around the environment at Barrio Obrero after the outcome of last season, with Nacional missing out on an international berth after losing to Olympique de Fontvielle on the last day despite having been in the battle for IFCF berths during the whole season. This was also the trigger for long-time manager Jean Camacho to put an end to his successful tenure of La Academia, stating this was "the end of a cycle", however, Camacho's departure was not the only blow suffered by Nacional in the off-season, with playmaker and NTer Ronald Mickel also leaving for Banija (though that might be more of a loan should the Banijans fail to meet their end of the deal at the end of the season) and experienced midfielder Felipe Pardo joining newly promoted side Servette. With those losses in mind, the Board didn't waste time to find a suitable replacement for Camacho and hired Sillimese manager Arthur Bogden, who despite getting relegated with Real Campo Grande still holds a high reputation on account of his previous achievements in FC Sillimus and Slateport Bulls, while also promoting a couple of new talents from the Guzmán-Cress Academy: playmaker Cristian Benítez and centre-mid Agustín Mallone, both champions with the GCA in the Reserves tournament. For a team that got used to winning, a setback like last season's one hit really hard, and there's no doubt they will be willing to come back with a vengeance this time...
Strategy: Under Jean Camacho, La Academia played with a 4-3-1-2 formation featuring a top-class goalie like NTer Paulo Gaviria between the posts backed by a sturdy line of four defenders, three central midfielders, a playmaker, and two strikers, with the three midfielders and playmaker Ronald Mickel being the main responsible ones for generation of play, and the wings being sometimes used by defenders Jair Marrugo and Santiago Rueda to start attacks through them. However, Arthur Bogden might have some other plans in mind to lessen the excessive dependence on the centre of the field and increase usage of the wings for attacks by separating Charles Hudson and Philippe Revault and taking them closer to the wings, while whether Fabio Betancourt (now replacing Mickel as attacking mid) will be moved upwards to join the two forwards or will be left as a link between the midfield and the strikers is yet to be seen.
Key Rivalries: Hailing from one of Metropolis' most traditional middle-class boroughs (Obrero), historically Nacional have had their fanbase heavily concentrated there as well as in nearby sectors with a similar social background such as Fundadores, Colonia, La Reserva, and Poblado, although the emergence of Marinos in the late 60s in nearby Parque Rushmore has led to the latter side encroaching on those historical Albo strongholds thus giving birth to the South Metropolis Derby between both sides, which has soared in popularity as of late due to the recent success of both. Nacional also contest two history-heavy rivalries: the Derby Añejo against Metropolis Alligators, the leading representative of northern Metropolis, and the Derby Abuelo against Bohemians Metropolis, while the Clásico del Sur against AD Cerro emerged as a modern rivalry as both sides found themselves groundsharing Cerro's home stadium for some time.
The Pundit's Prediction: Nacional were another team weakened ahead of the new season, with the departures of key players such as Ronald Mickel and Felipe Pardo. However, with defending champions Fontvielle Impact also heavily weakened, there might be a chance for them to mount a title challenge. 2nd.

Nord Energie FC:

Chairman: Rudy Callens
Director of Football: George Turnbull
Manager: Gustavo Franco
Assistant Manager: Adrien Lévesque

Goalkeepers: #1 - Pierre Dernis, #12 - Harrison Palmer, #23 - Brody Hawkins
Defenders: #2 - Alexander King, #3 - Walter Pearson, #4 - Bruno Henderson, #5 - Abel Valeri, #6 - Lorenzo González, #13 - Brian Phillips, #14 - Jonathan Taylor, #15 - Emanuel Larín, #16 - Andrew Capmany, #17 - Christopher Fraser
Midfielders: #7 - Héctor Villa, #8 - William Hayes, #9 - Sergio Gilardón, #18 - Michael Grant, #19 - Maxwell Burton, #20 - Marcelo Cañete, #21 - Matthew Atkinson, #24 - Vincent Chapman
Forwards: #10 - Richard Gervais, #11 - Zachary Gallagher, #22 - Esteban Dávalos, #25 - Román Barrios

Full Name: Nord Energie Football Club
Nicknames: The Electric Boys, The Red-Yellows, Pride of the North
Location: Toril, Eterna
Stadium: Municipal Stadium (Cap. 15,000)
Kit Sponsor: EnergyValladares (Public utilities)
Honours (0): None
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 11th - Kings' Shield: Round of 32
Average Attendance: 11,769
Starting Lineup (5-3-2): Dernis - King, Pearson, Henderson (C), Valeri, González - Villa, Hayes, Gilardón - Gervais, Gallagher
Moves Out: None
Moves In: None
Background: Nord Energie FC hails from Toril, a city of 67,000 inhabitants nested in a former valley (now a reservoir) northeast of Eterna City and was founded by Valladares' public utility company EnergyValladares as a football team for the workers who built Carrillo dam (the second largest hydroelectric dam in Valladares) on the Eterna river back in 1960. Similarly to what happened to Fontvielle Impact in their early years, the club's growing popularity among the inhabitants of Toril led to EnergyValladares applying for membership into the Eterna Football Association (EFA) after a couple of years, entering the state championship which they won twice: in 1967 and 1971. However, after two wins, the northern side entered into a slump that caused them to be put in the Valladar B-League at the start of professional football, where they would wait four years until their appearance in the Super League in season 5. From season 5 to season 21, the Electric Boys were consolidated in mid-table, never close from the top half of the table, but never too pressed by relegation, until a 18th place in the latter season caused them to return to the second tier. From that moment onwards, Nord Energie had a dozen more appearances in the top flight, but neither of those lasted more than two seasons, until their Liga-2 title in season 57 became the start of their current spell in Liga-1.
Last Season: Last season, Nord Energie surprised all and sundry by finishing in a meritorious 11th place, far away from the relegation zone where most pundits tipped them to be (even marking them as candidates for relegation) and even being able to mount a challenge for a Challengers' Cup berth at some point in the season. The side coached by Gustavo Franco proved to be a very hard nut to crack for most of their rivals, and with a flawless and orderly defensive tactic as well as an efficient attack led by newly-arrived strikers Richard Gervais and Zachary Gallagher, they were able to snatch vital points that moved them away from the relegation race even before it officially kicked off. In that vein, and hoping to consolidate the squad as well as their Liga-1 status, the Electric Boys made no notable moves in or out and will keep the same squad as last season. Nord Energie want to follow on Valencia's footsteps and for this upcoming season they will be aiming for more mid-table stability, with a bid for an IFCF berth now looming as a mid-term goal to fill Torilian hearts with hope.
Strategy: Arguably the most defensive side in the Valladar Liga-1, Nord Energie usually play with a 5-3-2 formation and base their strategy on a sturdy defense led by tall centrebacks such as captain Bruno Henderson, who is 1.94 m (6' 4'') tall and Abel Valeri, who is 1.90 m (6' 3'') tall, both of whom have the mission to nullify all crosses and shots to the box by rivals. Meanwhile, Nord Energie's offensive plan, which will be counters for the most part, is in charge of 24-year-old left winger Sergio Gilardón, who will be the one constantly feeding strikers Zachary Gallagher and Richard Gervais through his wing, either by crosses or by assists.
Supporters and Rivalries: Being founded as a works team for the labourers brought by EnergyValladares from all over Valladares to build the Carrillo dam who would eventually settle in Toril after works were completed, Nord Energie's first fanbase was drawn from those workers who socially-wise had few in common...until the team united them. And given the team's location in the secluded north of both the Eterna state and Valladares, Nord Energie have also thrived as the main professional club in the zone, being strongly backed by residents in Toril and other nearby towns. And also partly because of this, the Electric Boys are seriously lacking any major rivalries. FC Fauxham from Fauxham, a town midway between Eterna City and Campo Grande, has been Nord Energie's traditional rival, but nowadays they are drifting between the second and third tier so matches against them are a rarity. On the other hand, Eterna Stars are the team that is geographically closest to them, but with the Stars there's more of a friendship than a proper rivalry.
The Pundit's Prediction: While Nord Energie might have had loads of luck at avoiding relegation nearly unscathed last time around, this time odds are that they will have to struggle more to achieve their goal. 16th.

Olympique de Fontvielle:

Chairman: François Lemerre
Director of Football: Frank Rozenthal
Manager: Damián Trolli
Assistant Manager: Javier Ferreira

Goalkeepers: #1 - Alex Lechantre, #12 - René Regnier, #23 - Bertrand de Bedout
Defenders: #2 - Grégory Bourdain, #3 - Sergio Zapata, #4 - Vincent Corchia, #5 - Frédéric Pavard, #13 - André Gardier, #14 - Iván Perea, #15 - Lenny Román, #16 - Éric Griezmann
Midfielders: #6 - Matthew Spiro, #7 - Ryan Morel, #8 - Gaëtan Malicki, #17 - Dante Cyprien, #18 - Quentin Turpin, #19 - Jérémy Richelieu, #20 - Corentin Kremer, #24 - Félix Gisbert
Forwards: #9 - Jeffrey Verne, #10 - Éder, #11 - Richard Armada (MBT), #21 - Aldo Gonckalev, #22 - Fábio Souza, #25 - Adrien Cardinale

Full Name: Club Sportif Olympique de Fontvielle
Nicknames: Les Jaune-et-Bleus (The Yellow-Blues), L'OF (The OF)
Location: Fontvielle, Foix
Stadium: Stade de l'Amitié (Cap. 29,185)
Kit Sponsor: Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Valladares (Rail transport)
Honours (8): 1 Valladar Liga-1 title (Season 35), 5 Kings' Shields (KS 7, 16, 24, 34, 37), 2 Supercopas (SCV 13, 22)
Last Season: Valladar Liga-1: 12th - Kings' Shield: Second round
Average Attendance: 12,495
Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Lechantre - Bourdain, Zapata, Corchia, Pavard - Spiro, Morel, Malicki (C) - Verne, Éder, Armada
Moves Out: Daniel Bencomo (RM, 29, VLD) to Servette FC
Moves In: Dante Cyprien (RM, 19, VLD) promoted from Academy, Adrien Cardinale (FW, 20, VLD)
Background: Better known as Fontvielle Impact's older yet far less successful sibling, Olympique de Fontvielle was the leading football team in Fontvielle for some years until the emergence of Fontvielle Impact. Les Jaune-et-Bleus were founded at a friends meeting at the famous Café de la Place in downtown Fontvielle in 1952 and became the first club from the town to join the AFF later that year. However, the team was rarely able to contend with the Bezieren sides and later Impact, and for the most part found themselves comfortably sitting in mid-table. However, a fourth place in the Foixien state league behind ASB, Impact, and RC Belfort from Gatineau on the season prior to the start of the Super League, as well as some clubs rejecting their invites earned Olympique an invite to the top flight, in which they failed to avoid relegation in the first season. Olympique would reappear with force after the fifth Super League season, and didn't take too long to consolidate themselves in the top tier, becoming a usual title contender as well. Olympique's consistent performances would earn them their much-desired prize in season 35, with the team led by Jean Camacho becoming Valladar champions for the first and only time after beating Metropolis Alligators in a heated race for the championship. However, this title was pretty much the end of Olympique's glorious era, as Les Jaune-et-Bleus have declined to mid-table mediocrity and haven't been able to take part in the title/IFCF race again, and as a result have had to resort to wait for another streak of good luck to hit them someday...
Last Season: Another season has come and gone and Olympique are still that team not bad enough to be heavily threatened with relegation but still not good enough to crack into the top half of the table or pose a threat to the usual international berth contenders. Although the team coached by Damian Trolli did find themselves in trouble with relegation at halfway point, they were able to collect a decent amount of points during the second half of the season which eventually helped them claim 12th place in the league. As for the Kings' Shield front and Olympique's early second round elimination, the average Olympique fan has become already used to the team's recent woes so it wasn't much of a deal. For this season, and with backup midfielder Daniel Bencomo leaving for better chances at newly-promoted side Servette, Trolli has decided to look at the team's youth setup to reinvigorate the team with new blood and as a result midfielder Dante Cyprien and striker Adrien Cardinale were promoted to the first team. Granted, Cyprien and Cardinale are not the kind of players Olympique fans would ask for in order to try and snatch an international berth at the end of the season, but they could be an interesting bet in the mid-term, and you've got to consider the fact that most of Trolli's decisions at the helm of l'OF have been made with the sights on the future.
Strategy: Damian Trolli's tactical proposal for Olympique de Fontvielle stems from a 4-3-3 formation with 4 defenders, 3 midfielders trying to congest midfield to make things difficult for opposing strikers and playmakers, and 3 strikers, the central one of which regressing to perform the role of a playmaker if needed (mostly in case crosses prove to be useless). Les Jaune-et-Bleus like to go on the offense, and have been able to consolidate a backbone with goalkeeper Alex Lechantre, NT midfielder Gaëtan Malicki, and Mareibatian striker Richard Armada, who has been the team's top scorer in the most recent seasons. Needless to say, the Malicki-Armada pair has been responsible for most of the team's offensive production for quite some time, which means that Olympique will get into big trouble to generate football should this couple get neutralized by the rivals.
Supporters and Rivalries: Unlike Fontvielle Impact, who have been traditionally considered the city's blue-collar team, Olympique de Fontvielle arose from the upper classes of society, and consequently its fanbase is strongly ingrained among Fontvielle's well-off population in spite of the team's relative lack of success. The Derby de Fontvielle between both sides is therefore the clash between the traditional blue- and white-collar teams in the city, as well as the most successful team against its less successful sibling. Although the Derby has lost quite some spice due to Olympique's continuous decline as well as Impact opening up a bigger gulf in number of titles between both sides, the match is still extremely popular in the city and among Olympique's fans as it offers them a big chance to be ahead of their arch-nemesis...at least for one day.
The Pundit's Prediction: This will be another season of mediocrity for Olympique. And if they don't pay enough attention, they could be in serious trouble with relegation at the end of the season...15th.

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