World Lacrosse Championships VIII Everything Thread

[Sarzonia]

[OOC: If you are NOT one of the 15 nations listed in this thread, please DO NOT post. Thank you.]

The Incorporated States of Sarzonia cordially welcomes you to the eighth edition of the World Lacrosse Championships.

We hope your experience in this tournament is a memorable one and successful for all of the countries and teams participating.

With 15 nations competing in this tournament, we will have three groups of five teams each. The groups will be as follows:

Group A
Sarzonia
Jhung
Elemanu
Cassadaigua
Tarrentum

Group B
Delaclava
Cosumar
Silver Beach
Secristan
TGWTGLand

Group C
Qazox
The New Caribbean
Allamunnic States (The Fanboyists)
Teroi (Toiletdonia)
Churchma

NOTE: The links above are to each nation's roster.

MATCHDAY 1 (beginning Tuesday 13 July) - home teams listed first
1 v. 4
2 v. 3
5 BYE

MATCHDAY 2 (14 July)
2 v. 1
3 v. 5
4 BYE

MATCHDAY 3 (15 July)
5 v. 1
4 v. 2
3 BYE

MATCHDAY 4 (17 July)
1 v. 3
4 v. 5
2 BYE
(This Matchday was originally slated for 17 July, but since I didn't get home in time, I postponed it and Matchday 5 by a day.)

MATCHDAY 5 (18 July)
5 v. 2
3 v. 4
1 BYE

MATCHDAY 6 (20 July)
4 v. 1
3 v. 2
5 BYE

MATCHDAY 7 (21 July)
1 v. 2
5 v. 3
4 BYE

MATCHDAY 8 (22 July)
1 v. 5
2 v. 4
3 BYE

MATCHDAY 9 (23 July)
3 v. 1
5 v. 4
2 BYE

MATCHDAY 10 (24 July)
2 v. 5
4 v. 3
1 BYE

KNOCKOUT ROUND SCHEDULE

Tuesday 27 July
1 Elemanu (6-2) v. 8 Silver Beach (5-3), Portsmouth War Memorial Stadium (capacity 21,730)
2 Teroi (5-3) v. 7 Qazox (5-3), Wilmington Municipal Stadium (capacity 22,400)
3 Delaclava (5-3) v. 6 Allamunnic States (5-3), Portland Lacrosse Centre (capacity 20,910)
4 Jhung (6-2) v. Sarzonia (5-3), Franz Braddock Stadium, Woodstock (capacity 35,000)

Wednesday 28 July
Elemanu-Silver Beach winner v. Jhung-Sarzonia winner @ Franz Braddock Stadium
Teroi-Qazox winner v. Delaclava-Allamunnic States winner @ Portland Lacrosse Centre

Thursday 28 July
Semifinal losers @ Portland Lacrosse Centre

Friday 29 July
Semifinal winners @ Franz Braddock Stadium
Note: Match may move to Hendrix Stadium in Woodstock (capacity, 57,900) if Sarzonia is playing

As a reminder, each team will face the other teams in its group twice, once home, once away.

The group winners will automatically earn the top three seeds in eight-team knockout rounds, which begin 27 July with the quarterfinals. The five non-group winners with the best records will receive the other five berths in the knockout stages. If there is a tie among the teams, the tiebreaking procedures mentioned in my sign up bid apply.

Any teams that need an alternate home field is welcome to use the Portland Lacrosse Centre upon request. Sarzonia's home matches will be played at Franz Braddock Stadium in Woodstock, which seats 35,000. If a second nation requests alternate home accommodations, they can use Franz Braddock Stadium. The Stars would then play their home matches at Hendrix Stadium, which seats over 57,000.

As a reminder to all participants, any purely OOC posts should go in this thread. OOC notes above a IC post are fine in this thread.

With all that, best of luck to all teams!

[Sarzonia]

The roster for the two-time champion Stars is as follows:

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmode scoring events: N
RP injuries: Y (I'll determine severity)
Godmode injuries: N
Eject/Penalize players: Y
Godmode "other" events: N
Style: 0 (balanced between attack-minded and defensive)
Home grounds: Franz Braddock Stadium in Woodstock, capacity 35,000.
Please note: This team is renowned for its fair play. If you attack first, it will retaliate, but it will not initiate a fight.

OOC: I RP using real time in most of my RPs, so the players have only aged the few months it's been IRL since the last World Lacrosse Championships.

Coach: Harold Price (56). Named the inaugural coach of the Wilmington Sharks, he guided the team to playoff appearances in each of the league's three seasons, culminating in their 11-6 win over the Portland Thorns in the ILL championship game.
Defensive Coordinator: Rob Davies (43). Davies was named the Thorns head coach after five years as Joe Gibbs University's head coach. He brought a stifling defensive system from the college game that translated to the Thorns improving from the league's worst defence to the league's best.
Goaltenders Coach: Dave Peeters (46). Serves in the same role for the Thorns. He was the only coach on the Thorns staff retained by Davies after tapes showed the defence leaked like a sieve.

Roster: (No., Name, Team, Height, Weight. Starters in BOLD.)

Goalkeepers
18 Mark Tomscik, (Woodstock Wave), 5-foot-10, 165 pounds. Tomsick, 25, is entrenched as the starter after replacing the retired Craig Larrabie. He makes up for relative lack of height with strong reflexes.
30 Carly McKnight, (free agent), 5-foot-7, 125 pounds. Another short netminder, the 23-year-old McKnight beat out several more experienced goalies for the backup position to Tomscik. She plays angles well and can read shooters and studies their tendencies.

Defence
2 Dane Tarrabba (Wilmington Sharks) 5-foot-11, 157 pounds. Tarraba, 27, is one of the more tenacious defenders on the Sarzonia roster. He led the Sharks to a championship victory previously and led his team to the semifinals this time.
5 Paul Landry (Nicksia Nighthawks) 6-foot-2, 205 pounds. Landry's 25 years old and fast, but he's also very physical. He's often matched up against the opposing team's best attackman and often dispenses beatings.
8 Bill Harbour (Rypien Rough Riders) 5-10, 155 pounds. Alternate captain. Perhaps the best all-around athlete on the Slash, Harbour often gives up height to his opponents, but never gives up heart. He's 28 years old.
9 Clay Cantner (Portsmouth Pirates) 6-foot-1, 172 pounds. This 34-year-old relies on positioning and his size to keep attackmen from dominating the crease. He also serves as the emergency third-string goalie.
18 Claryssa Moreno (Portsmouth College), 5-foot-10, 177 pounds. Even though Portsmouth College has a women's team, she plays on the men's team owing to her skill set. The 20-year-old has abundant speed and physicality to excel, but she has relatively little experience.
12 Spencer Wallingford (Portland) 5-foot-8, 168 pounds. Considered a pest by many of his opponents, the 30-year-old can get under the skin of many a midfielder or attackman with his aggressive play.

Midfielders
6 Carter Whitlock (Wilmington) 6-foot-1, 170 pounds. Captain. Left-handed shot who has blazing speed and great endurance, this 28-year-old scored 27 goals, a league high for midfielders. He was named the team's captain after willing the Stars to two world championships.
10 Dwayne Dyer (Lexington Leopards) 5-foot-11, 177 pounds. A master of the faceoff, the 32-year-old Dyer can organise the offence like few other players in the league. He played for Price until a midseason trade brought him to Lexington.
11 Pat Wade (Portland) 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. Better known for his endurance and his defensive play, Wade, 26, can score on occasion.
13 Jesse Barkley (Woodstock) 6-foot, 185 pounds. This 28-year-old shows ability to play both ways for the Wave with great endurance and solid speed.
14 Howie Cooper (Nicksia) 5-foot-9, 150 pounds. Elusive and quick, but does not possess blinding speed. The 25-year-old shows an ability to play on either flank, but doesn't do as well at center midfield.
15 Jhanna Jameson (Somerset University), 5-foot-8, 135 pounds. Very nimble and able to evade hits, the 19-year-old Jameson usually is the controlling midfielder on her university women's team, but was sent to tryouts because her coach wanted her to gain some toughness.

Attackmen
16 Tim Cole (Portland), 6-foot-1, 180 pounds. Cole, 33, has a nose for the goal, scoring a league-leading 52 goals on the season. Depends on solid service and his size for positioning in front of opposing goalies.
17 Robbie Fernando (Lexington), 5-foot-11, 170 pounds. Fernando, 29, is arguably the best forward in the league at creating his own shot. Led the team in scoring with 27 goals in 10 games played. Missed the first four games due to appendicitis.
20 Nate Longley (Wilmington), 6-foot-175 pounds. Longley, 23, is a promising youngster who is more mature than his age suggests. He has the best stamina and speed combination of any player on the team, owing to his youth and a cross country background in secondary school.
22 Fred Williams (Nicksia), 6-foot-3, 162 pounds. Tall and gangly, Williams, 25, has been instructed by his coaching staff to put on muscle. He still has a knack for putting the ball in the net, scoring 20 goals in seven games.
23 Matt Cornwall (Woodstock), 5-foot-8, 142 pounds. Fast and elusive, Cornwall, 26, is a guy who can not only slip between defenders and score on unsuspecting goalies, he can also duck a vicious hit. He scored 39 goals to lead the Wave in scoring.
27 Ben Christian (Rypien), 6-foot-2, 175 pounds. Christian, 27, led the Rough Riders with 29 goals in 14 games, using a combination of size and strength to overpower smaller defenders and surprising speed to get away from those equally as large as he is.

[Churchma]

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmode scoring events: N
RP injuries: Y (I'll determine severity)
Godmode injuries: N
Eject/Penalize players: Y
Godmode "other" events: N
Style: +1
Home stadium: MK Stadium, which seats 16,500

Churchma National Lacrosse Team

Goalkeepers
*Oscar Edmonds #9 (6'0, 192, 27 years old)
Mike Stutz #32 (5'11, 198, 24 years old)

Defenders
*Eddie Moy #3 (6'3, 213, 22 years old)
*John Lohse #40 (5'10, 185, 26 years old)
*Cliff Martin #20 (6'0, 195, 25 years old)
Barry Tabb #22 (5'9, 188, 24 years old)
Don Shrowth #11 (5'10, 179, 28 years old)
Francisco Ballow #10 (6'0, 180, 25 years old)

Midfielders
*Mario Stadler #10 (6'2, 205, 24 years old)
*Carter Quinn #43 (5'11, 176, 29 years old)
*Troy Lavelle #5 (6'0, 198, 27 years old)
Ed Wainer #7 (5'11, 182, 22 years old)
Dan Moy #33 (6'3, 207, 22 years old)
Alex Muckle #2 (6'1, 191, 26 years old)

Attackers
*Robert Heald #29 (6'0, 175, 26 years old)
*Carl Becker #8 (5'11, 169, 24 years old)
*Ken Reece #15 (6'0, 180, 26 years old)
Will Jeffries #27 (5'10, 174, 28 years old)
Adam Lamkin #34 (6'2, 211, 25 years old)
Chris Dunson #44 (5'8, 163, 19 years old)

Churchma is most likely sending one of the youngest teams to compete (for the first time) in the WLC. Though they are very young, what this team lacks in experience, they make up with by playing fast and physical. This team features no one over the age of 30 and even a player that is considered "the prodigy" in the sport. Attacker Chris Dunson just turned 19 years old; look for him to contribute off the bench.

[Delaclava]

GT #97 Victor Hendrix
DF #4 Jordan Mason
DF #3 Mir Kuznetsov
DF #7 Alex Svuventson
MF #2 Ty Drejki
MF #14 Jason Music
MF #19 Brent Varellin
AT #13 Ryan Young
AT #10 Micah Johnson
AT #88 Steve Smyth

GT #90 Mario Morales
DF #16 Mike Diaz
DF #54 Ali Gbai
MF #5 Brad Wisniewski
MF #91 Joe O'Murdha
AT #66 Sam Rossi
AT #40 John Bianchi

[The Fanboyists]

Country: The Fanboyists (Allamunnic States) (USE THIS ONE FOR RPing!)
Team: Volunteers
Coach: Frank McDowell (Age: 36)
Style Modifier: +2 (Most Offensive)
Team Colors: Grey, Blue, Orange
Home Field: Federal Steel Field (Capacity: 142,000 people)

RP Permissions: Do you know what? If you're doing anything outside of the scorers, TG for approval first. There, that's out of the way.
RP Scorers: Yes, but keep in mind team's approach (I still know little of lax, so I still don't really know what that means for this)
GodMod Scores: Make it interesting, if you absolutely must do this. TG for approval first.
RP Injuries: Nothing beyond game-ending. I make the call beyond that. TG for permission first, preferably.
GodMod Injuries: Nothing beyond game-ending. TG for permission first.
GodMod "Other" Events: Only if you do something fun or awesome with it. Boring people will be shot.
Penalize/Eject Players: Yep. Make sure its for a charicteristic penalty, though. Usually roughness-related or somesuch.

Starters are italicized.

Goalkeepers

#2 - Hannah DeVine (5'4", 131lbs, Age: 23, Thomasburg West Ironmongers) - Hannah gave a good account of herself at the previous WLC, giving good enough goaltending to allow a largely-amateur team of Fanboyist semi-pro laxers to get to the finals unscathed until a final, last-second loss to sporting powerhouse Dancougar. Well, then she iced the cake by giving superb goal-tending to beat Newmanistan for a fourth time in a row for the World Championship Title.

#11 - Doug McDaniel (5'11", 241lbs, Age: 26, Carnegie City Boilermakers) - While McDaniel didn't particularly shine in the last outing, that's largely because he wasn't called on often. While not as clearly talented as DeVine, McDaniel is a very good student of the fundamentals, and is quite reliable. While not as well known, he's a handy goalie to have in a pinch, and he's more than capable of filling in for DeVine reliably.

Defenders

#22 - Joe Sturgis (6'2", 278lbs, Age: 24, Thomasburg West Ironmongers)(Team Captain) - Joe Sturgis continues to be the team's captain, although their situation has changed somewhat; they are no longer the huge underdogs they were in their first outing, as they aim to achieve one of the few things that has yet to be done: a second straight title, with a third straight finals appearance. Sturgis is quite aggressive, and looks out for his team-mates like an older brother, which means he may provoke fights (on or off the field, make of that what you will for RPing) if he thinks his team-mates are being roughed up, and is a little more prone to roughness-related penalties than the rest of the team.

#29 - Eric Zimmermann (6'4", 282lbs, Age: 25, Thomasburg West Ironmongers) - Zimmermann, much like Joe Sturgis, is a bit of a bruiser, and he loves separating attackers from the ball forcibly. Eric is also a bit of a joker, and is well-liked by the rest of the team. Because he's not particularly aggressive or wound up, other than enjoying a good, clean hit, he probably won't be penalized as much as the more tempramental Joe Sturgis.

#31 - Cally Tolliver (5'11", 152lbs, Age: 28, South Point Fleet) - Cally is a bit of an oddity; the most physical positions to play in Fanboyist sports, in spite of a lack of gender separation, tend to be mostly played by men. Cally is also a member of a fairly small ethnic minority in the Federation (non-caucasian, for starters), and seems to be releasing her pent up frustration at any difficulties that occasionally causes for her in life on the field. In other words, another very physical player.

#45 - Greg Sommers (5'10", 241lbs, Age: 25, Nashville Blues) - Greg is a reliable backup; he's good with the fundamentals, and has some amount of talent, but he has a certain amount of hesitation about simply clobbering people to the extent that Joe and Eric do. He's improved a good bit from previous years, though, and he's far more likely to rotate now.

#41 - John Willems (6'1", 238lbs, Age: 22, Carnegie City Boilermakers) - John is a little bit young, and is just out of college; his skills are still very much developing, and he is a very good player, but he's a little prone to fluctuations in his performance. Well, he was, but he's proven far more steady of late, and is rather likely to rotate.

Midfielders

#21 - Art Sturgis (6'2", 281lbs, Age: 23, Thomasburg West Ironmongers) - Art Sturgis, as one might guess, is the slightly younger brother of team captain Joe Sturgis; Art was one of the team's leading scorers in their last outing, and if his performance in the domestic (now fully professional) league is any indication, he's only gotten better in the interim period. Art plays much like his older brother, and he's a quite physical player in his own right, but he has a certain finesse that Joe lacks. Art is a down-to-earth guy, and is also rather well-liked.

#34 - Kathryn Strasbourg Daalhulm (5'11", 178lbs, Age: 23, Thomasburg West Ironmongers) - Most of the Fanboyist teams these days have one, and Kathryn Strasbourg fits the bill perfectly for the Volunteer's resident BWAS (Bitch-With-A-Stick); she's got a little bit of a temper, is a prolific scorer after leading the team in scores last time around, and has a lot of talent, much to the same extent (if not more) as her sister Caitlin has for protecting an ice hockey goal to catching passes, shooting, and doing whatever other responsibilities come her way. Kate Strasbourg is referred to as half of the Sturgis-Strasbourg Line, which is what the press in the Federation tend to refer to the scoring duo by. Also, she's recently married.

#12 - Zak Mueller (6'8", 298lbs, Age: 21, Northwatch State University) - Zak is the kid of the team, and his performance unfortunately tends to flag a little bit at times because of his relative inexeperience. However, when he's on his game (which is most of the time), he's an excellent position player, and the best man on the field to round off the Sturgis-Strasbourg scoring duo. He's still picking up some experience, but it's fair to assume he'll be a little more high-producing than last time.

#38 - Walter Marsh (6'1", 236lbs, Age: 28, Meuse Wheels) - Walt Marsh is very much a veteran of the league, especially in its (recent) semi-pro days. He's an experienced, reliable player lacking a little bit of Sturgis or Strasbourg's talent, but very skilled in his own right. Reliable backup. Marsh gave solid play for the Newmanistani team the Loudon Leopards in the interim season, only to return home to play for his hometown team when Newmanistan went into isolation.

#32 - Ryan O'Bannon (6'2", 245lbs, Age: 25, Mobilston Blazers) - O'Bannon is largely like Marsh, and he will likely rotate in the event of a need for quick adjustments. O'Bannon is a good all-around player who can be counted on to rotate in and out and keep things flowing well.


Attackers

#37 - Markus Backstrom (6'4", 261lbs, Age: 25, Skraelingia United Knights) - Markus Backstrom is a prolific attacker, who will likely account for many points for the Volunteers, especially with the departure of Isaak Sturgis to the professional leagues back home. Backstrom is a strong player, with a developed moral code, who will object to any sign of cheating, from any team, including his own.

#15 - John Dahlgren (6'1", 268lbs, Age: 24, Leif's Harbor Mariners) - Dahlgren is a good supporting attacker, who will not score quite as many goals as the midfield duo of Sturgis-Strasbourg, but he will account for many assists and set-ups for the scorers, and is proficient in moving the ball down the field quickly.

#28 - Joanna Sommers (5'8", 141lbs, Age: 21, Northwatch State University) - Sommers is a reliable and skilled player, who lacks some of the flash and awe-inspiring ability of some of her team-mates, and is still developing her skills, as she is not even out of college.

#17 - Erika Shoenburg (5'4", 137lbs, Age: 21, Federal University of Dreichium) - Shoenburg is much like Sommers, and is also developing her skills in college play. Shoenburg will likely rotate in and out with Sommers.

Overview:

The defending champions return to defend their title. Last time, in the 7th World Lacrosse Championship, the Volunteers managed a win over the now-absent Newmanistan in the finals, with the series ending (for the time being) at 4-0. They managed to leave the tournament with a single loss, to Qazox, who happen to be in their group once again. In the 6th Championships, they managed to go undefeated, losing only in the final seconds of the finals to the also-now-absent Dancougar. This means that the Volunteers are looking to win a second title (back to back) and the make it three finals visits in a row.

The Volunteers play the exact same way every Fanboyist team does: physically, rough-and-tough. They are quite likely to receive penalties for undue roughness and possibly stick-checking. Their situation has somewhat altered from their first time; rather than being major underdogs, the Volunteers are likely to be favorites to make the playoffs after they made the finals and won the championship in their last two outings, losing only at the last second to Dancougar in the final for their first loss and a loss with the starters pulled against Qazox. With much of that team returning, it's hard to blame anyone for having such high hopes for them; a larger venue in Thomasburg will now be their home field, and they will receive pay equal to any gridball player (granted, the pay for national team gridballers isn't particularly high, but still). The Volunteers will have to play hard to avoid letting down expectations.

Coach Frank McDowell has not done much to alter the team's approach since last time, seeing as the Volunteers didn't seem to have any particular weaknesses; their starts were occasionally a little slow, causing some worry, but otherwise they didn't have any particular weaknesses to address. This basically means that the team has focused on general improvement in the interim, and have a renewed interest in strength and endurance conditioning. Increased depth means that there may be more rotating occuring, though.

[The Fanboyists]

Suits are itchy, and stuffy, and hot, and sadly quite necessary. That was what Markus kept repeating to himself. Quite necessary. You want to look kempt and clean for Kate. This is sort of a big deal for her. He thought, willing himself to sit still, watching the joyous, yet solemn, ceremony taking place. Over the past two years, the team had become incredibly close, more than practically brothers and sisters. Actually, brothers and sisters in all but blood.

So he would keep still, and sit through the ceremony.

Up in front, Kathryn Strasbourg was looking radiant. She was always energetic and had a bubbly personality (off the field; she had an attitude on it) that fit well with her dirty-blond hair and brilliant blue eyes and athletic frame. The strapless cyan dress she wore complemented her frame well, lively yet modest, just like the woman wearing it. Kate was, after all, first and foremost, a team player. And the most prolific scorer on the Volunteers' roster. Behind her stood her stockier, equally athletic sister, Caitlin, in a similar dress that was pink instead.

Across from her was a man of similar, if slightly more overtly muscular build. He was a bit taller (Kate was 5'11", this guy was about 6'3"), and his musculature was a little more obvious, and his hair was closer to light brown than anything, and longish. His eyes were icy-blue instead of brilliantly blue. He was dressed in a rather conventional, but well-made suit. Behind him stood a towering man who filled a lot of space as well. He had brown hair and dark brown eyes, and was very solidly built.

Fans of international sports, and the Allamunnic international teams in particular, would have peed themselves if they had been in on this.

The taller man, for the record, was Maarkus Daalhulm. He was the starting quarterback for the Allamunnic national gridiron team. His best man was Leon Willems, one of the defensive tackles of the same.

In short, a well-known Allamunnic hockey goalie, the entire lacrosse team, and a goodly chunk of the gridiron roster, and the associated families of the two there.

If you hadn't guessed what was going on, you're almost incurably stupid.

The Catholic priest stood between the two, intoning vows to each. Both of them were quite happy to very quickly recite those vows.

As a few final words were said, the priest stated something else (Markus was in the back of the church; he couldn't hear particularly well), and the two pulled each other into their arms and kissed passionately.

After a moment or two, the three Sturgis brothers started whistling. Applause and cheering erupted.

After all, it's not every day you get to watch a team mate -- no, a sibling -- get married.

[Qazox]

STARTERS
David Orton GK
Eric Shaunessy L Def.
Adam Gregory C Def.
Xavier Jackson R Def.
Ryan Mattheiu L Mid.
John Chapman C Mid.
Wesley Hart R Mid.
Thoimas Potamek L Forw.
David Akinora C Forw.
Vance Kohler R Forw.

BENCH
Issac Ericcson GK
Nathan Cauldwell DEF (Suspended for Qazox' 3rd match)
Darryl Cappelli MID
Victor Linden FOR
Mike Staubing Utility

RP Permissions:
(Style: +2)
Do whatever you want, excpet for injuries and GODMODDING scoring events.

Home stadium: Estrella Motor Cars Field @ Grizzlies Park (Built 1974) (currently 1986 in Qazox...)

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Last time Out Qazox faced The Fanboyists in the group stage, and once again the two will meet. Along with The New Caribbean, Toiletdonia, and Churchma, the newest Lacrosse rivalry are in Group C. The good news is that Newmansitan and Dancougar, two lacrosse powers will not be competing this time, and Qazox could have a great chance to take home their first Lacrosse title.

[Toiletdonia]

Toi Sports
World Lacrosse VIII build up

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmode scoring events: Y
RP injuries: Y (No death or really bad ones.)
Godmode injuries: N
Eject/Penalize players: Y
Godmode "other" events: N
Style: +2.06
Home grounds: Our home ground is The Piêcher which has room for 45,000 fans.

Goalkeeper
Larzo Tamzer (21)
Sang Huisha (23)

Defenders

Huk Lio (29)
Taram Kar (25)
Jilo Mo (27)
Caher Penz (17)
Azer Tanko (19)

Midfield
Teru Las (24)
Yio Ferreta (27)
Sanz Arcugilo (20)
Waser Livinos (22)
Fayu Garzze (21)

Attack
Demos Larro (30)
Berun Mushal (22)
Ju Gu-Jak (29)
Zang Huite (20)
Ferz Kaligo (17)





"So I guess were back then?"

"Yes back at the world championships of Lacrosse. This should be a great chance for us."

"I don't know we don't exactly have an easy group."

"Well we have The Fanboyists who won the last edition so it won't be easy from them. Then we also have Qazox they aren't going to be the easiest of people to play either we have them first as well. Apart from that the group is mainly plain sailing. This time it is a smaller event as well. Churchma are the other challenge in the group but otherwise it won't be that hard. I think we can make it out of the group stage this time. The other groups are easier though."

"I know I'm not overly nervous but the first game won't be simples."

"Just hope we can win our first game but that won't exactly be easy Qazox will be up for a fight especially on home ground so I would be expecting it to be tight."

"I know all we can do is hope."

"I have a feeling we can win this you know."

"I know so many of the good team have left us that we could do something. I think we can get defiantly out of the group stage. But otherwise we really fate will decide how far we get. Plus I don't know if it goes into a semi or quarter final this time. Hopefully a quarter final. "

"That would be nice."

"Oh well turn off the light and lets sleep."

"Okay."

*Flick.*

"Turn it back on I gotta go pee!"

[Silver Beach]

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmode scoring events: N
RP injuries: Y
Godmode injuries: N
Eject/Penalize players: Y
Godmode "other" events: N
Style: +2.00
Home grounds: St.John's Castle, room for 15,000

Goalkeepers
Hank Shoebock (21)
Jonathan Rosenberger(23)

Defenders

Hank Lechler(29)
Travis Lautner(25)
Nathan Grobbel (27)
Chris Wilder(17)
Angel Williams (19)

Midfield
Teru Yankovich (24)
Nathaniel Ethanus (27)
Sarah O'Donnell (20)
Ethan Ijumba (22)
Matthew Miller(21)

Attack
Devin Vela (30)
Ben Hill (22)
Shin Choo (29)
Zachary Poss(20)
Travis Roberts(17)

[Churchma]

Churchma Lacrosse team draws experienced group
Churchma Sports Inc.

The lacrosse team will have eight games to prove to the rest of the world that they are worthy enough to make it to the playoffs. It might take all eight of those games before anyone on the international scene realizes who Churchma is.

Churchma drew a very experienced group for WLC 8. Starting off with The Fanboyists, who have been to the last two WLC championships. Qazox didn't have a very good sixth WLC, but just a few years ago (WLC 5) they made it to the semifinals; even though they haven't been very succesful in the past few years, you can look at this as a very experienced team that will give Churchma a great game. Toiletdonia also features a very young roster, but this team looks very well-coached and they will be ready to go when they matchup with our squad. The relatively unkown team in the group is The New Caribbean- at this point the coaching staff doesn't know much about these guys.

The all-star team won't have an easy start to begin the tournament- their first match is on July 14th when they host WLC 7 champions, The Fanboyists. The Fanboyists roster is full of well-known names; and some physical specimens as well. Although they have men and women on their team, the roster is still full of giants. The Fanboyists "Volunteers" have a style of play that will try and slow down the fast Churchma squad. The bruisers on the Volunteers roster want to make this game more of a gladiator match than anything else. They will try and slow the match down, and rough-and-tough it out.

Churchma WLC 8 Schedule
July 14- The Fanboyists
July 15- at Qazox
July 16- Toiletdonia
July 17- at The New Caribbean
July 21- at The Fanboyists
July 22- Qazox
July 23- at Toiletdonia
July 24- The New Caribbean

[Elemanu]

Elemanu Islanders

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmode scoring events: N
RP injuries: Y
Godmode injuries: N
Eject/Penalize players: Y
Godmode "other" events: N
Style: -1 (slightly defensive)

Home grounds: Amori Football Stadium (capacity ten thousand)
Please note: Lacrosse per se is not played in Elemanu, rather Hurling, so the players are a little tougher and have a tendency to shoot the ball over the net.

OOC: Elemanu is an island of only around a hundred thousand people

Uniform


Coach
Christian Modesto (50) Christian is one of the few Elemanu people to travel and live overseas, where he fell in love with lacrosse. He has attempted to convert the national hurling players to the sport, with some success. He is quite blustery (hardly modesto) and old fashioned in his ideas.

Goalkeepers
Guy Renwick (27) [Amori City Bears] Amori City's number one goalkeeper, he has been chosen just ahead of his Damasa rival as the preferred keeper for the Islanders.
Max Gasser (29) [Damasa Foxes] The rivalry between Guy and Max is strong, but he will have to be happy with being the second string keeper for Elemanu.

Defense
Clinton Brodersen (32) [Bears] Clinton is the biggest member of the team, at 6'7" and 120kg. He isn't the quickest player, but he's one that you want to avoid.
Nannie Quill (35) [Bears] Nannie is also a player you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley, as she is muscular and brutal. Always most likely to be sent off, but does enough damage in the mean time
Mathew Sumners (22) [Bears]
Kenya Smalling (21) [Bears]
Darryl Gerrity (28) [Foxes]
Dollie Klippel (26) [Foxes]

Midfielders
Penelope Orrick (19) [Foxes] Penelope is the quickest player on the field and has fantastic accuracy, both in shooting for a goal and in interception.
Erik Wimbish (24) (c) [Bears] Erik is a strong player and controls the players around him well, as long as rivalries don't show their head.
Esmeralda Barreiro (23) (vc) [Foxes] Esmeralda is a drama queen and a dirty player, but there is not mistaking her skill. She is not happy that she was chosen behind Erik for captain.
Allan Cubero (31) [Foxes]
Nelson Mayeda (25) [Foxes]
Clare Dease (33) [Bears]

Attack
Ted Buttram (36) [Bears] Ted is deadly accurate and is one of the two top scorers in the team, as well as the most experienced player on the field.
Darcy Oberlander (34) [Foxes] Ted's biggest rival, and the Islanders' other top scorer, he is menacing in attack.
Katy Drakes (20) [Bears]
Allan Rosengarten (27) [Foxes]
Althea Whitesel (26) [Bears]
Edwina Eadie (18) [Foxes]

[Sarzonia]

Harold Price knew the question would come.

After all, Sarzonia was hosting the World Lacrosse Championships for the second time in the last three tournaments. The previous time Sarzonia hosted, the Stars failed to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in the team's history.

That failure was underscored by the team's third place finish in the next tournament, hosted in Cassadaigua.

"Coach, any concerns about Sarzonia hosting the tournament?"

Brusquely, Price answered with a quick, "no."

Unlike the previous World Lacrosse Championship Sarzonia hosted, Qazox had a home field to call its own. Previously, Qazox played its "home" matches at the Portland Lacrosse Centre. Now it had Estrella Motor Cars Field at Grizzlies Park thanks to generosity on the part of the Sarzonian automobile manufacturer.

Quintessence of Dust were absent; they, too requested "home" matches in Sarzonia, meaning the Stars moved their own home matches to Hendrix Stadium.

There were more noticeable absences. Newmanistan wasn't here. The nation that previously was the most successful lacrosse nation decided to stop competing in international sporting events. Far more noticeable was the absence of Dancougar. And not just the lack of their sports teams. The nation itself was wiped out.

"We're going to miss having two of our biggest rivals," said midfielder and team captain Carter Whitlock. "But we've still got some of our rivals here." Secristan returns with coin jars a-shaking. Qazox is also here, as is Delaclava.

However, if there's one team the Stars are hoping to get a crack at, it's the upstarts from the Allamunnic States. That team made its debut in the tournament Sarzonia hosted and qualified for the final in its first go. They won the championship in their second attempt, knocking off a previously undefeated Stars team to do it.

"We definitely are motivated," said Whitlock. "They took what's rightfully ours."

[Secristan]

Those mildly familiar with us in the competitions that we have taken part in to date probably know that Secristan does not choose its team by talent, but instead awards positions to the highest bidders (meeting criteria, of course). In lacrosse, this is not the case. The players in which Secristan is sending to the World Lacrosse Championships are indeed the best, and most talented players in the country.

Modifier: +1.3

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmode scoring events: Y
RP injuries: Y in only saying they are hurt
Godmode injuries: N
Eject/Penalize players: Y
Godmode "other" events: N

Home Stadium: Monopoly Stadium in Amherst

Coach: Steve Cameron, 51, East Penthoria Marlins
– Cameron likes to emphasize speed in all components in of the game. On the national team, the attackers will be the quickest, but even the middies and defense run very well. So while the Millionaires will be explosive, they will be better defensively then you may think.

STARTING LINEUP:

GK: Patrick Kearney, 31, Bridgefield Warlords

LD: Adam Watanabe, 29, Amherst Tycoons

CD: Robert Petrie, 28, Amherst Tycoons

RD: Justin Lackey, 30, Sunderland Accountants

LM: Mark Mitchell, 21, Dayton Devils

CM: Scott Pierce, 26, Amherst Tycoons

RM: Aaron Proctor, 31, East Penthoria Marlins

LA: Corey Roth, 20, Allendale Accountants (ROOKIE)

CA: Scott Cushman, 35, Manchester Panthers (Team Captain; thinks he is God’s gift to the sport.)

RA: Heath Barton, 23, Lakeland Sea Wolves

BENCH
G- Mark Hurland, 28, East Penthoria Marlins
D- Eddie White, 29, Stockton Firebirds
D- Jacob Patten, 26, Dearborn Stockbrokers
M: Chris Whittington, 23, Dearborn Stockbrokers
M: Brian Powell, 25, Manchester Panthers
A: Dave Schantz, 24, Amherst Tycoons
A: Michael Stark, 32, Ocala Sun Devils

[Cosumar]

Cosumar National Lecrosse Team
Official Roster

- starter

Goalkeepers

-Jimmy Cardigan (29, Coroford Azure Tide)
Erik DuPont (20, Duversa Cougars)

Defenders

-dillon Finnigan (24, Stoneshore Lecrosse Club)
-Kameron McOlman (19, Kaldukosk Krushers)
-Thomas Koma (15, Na Brahmin High School)
Lee Merchant (32, Klyde Island Islanders)
Wayne Overchron (27, kaldukosk Krushers)

Midfielders

-Howard Jayson (26, crisalus Fief Monarchs)
-Milo Shaw (29, Olask Island Hokies)
-James Cooper (41, Centus Dragons)
Leonard Fisher (18, Cirdaw Aggies)
Umbrod kumpshyk (30, Overseas Territories Lecrosse Club)

Attackers

-Jakk Klyde (21, Ramusok Capital Lecrosse Club Eagles)
-Dennis Feldman (28, Samoht Fief Bucks)
Tracy Sheppard (20, Parougan Jaguars) *injured for two
weeks)
-Robert "Bob" Morris (Ramusok Capital Lecrosse Club Eagles)
Keenan Kurvat (18, Slivelle Academy Reptilians)

Full RP permissions

Coach: Duke McDougle
Asst. Coach: Don Nielman
Colors: dark blue, silver
Home stadium: Macintyre Bowl (capacity 43,000)

[Elemanu]

SPORTS

Foxes Reign Supreme

Damasa was still celebrating this week as the Foxes won the deciding match of the Blake Cup over the Amori City Bears at Amori Football Stadium. Ted Buttram finished with the fantastic results of 2-4 and a player of the series award as the Foxes held off a determined Bears side. The first half was a high scoring one with Damasa leading by one point into the break, 2-5 to 0-10. The Foxes looked like wrapping it up as they started the second half with a goal and two points, but Amori City climbed back to within one with five unanswered points. It was a dynamic last fifteen minutes as the Foxes held on to the lead and finish two point winners.

Hurlers Play Lacrosse

With no major internation Hurling competition, the national hurling side will be playing in the World Lacrosse Championships in the off-season. Christian Modesto, who was until recently the only Lacrosse player in Elemanu, will be coaching the "Islanders", as we will be known, for the tournament. The players will be heading off to Jhung next week for their first game, before heading back home to host a side from Tarrentum. The Islanders have been drawn in a group with two time World Champions Sarzonia and the experienced and tough Cassadaigua. When asked about our chances in the tournament, Modesto said "while we might not have the experience that some of the other countries do, we are hurlers, and tougher than the rest of them. We are strong, and they will find it hard to beat us."

The schedule for our matches is below:

Round   Team       Home/Away
 1      Jhung           Away
 2      Tarrentum       Home
 3      BYE
 4      Sarzonia        Away
 5      Cassadaigua     Home
 6      Jhung           Home
 7      Tarrentum       Away
 8      BYE
 9      Sarzonia        Home
10      Cassadaigua     Away

[Secristan]

CUSHMAN AND COMPANY READY

Scott Cushman declared that this team will be one of the best ever to represent Secristan in what just may be his final tournament. We thought it may be the case last time, but the ironman continues to be the greatest player in the country, and not showing any signs of age. Despite some reports that Cushman has done this with the assistance of performance-enhancing drugs as he enters his mid-30's, he is in great form. This year’s tournament is held in Sarzonia, the home of the nation once defeated by Secristan’s World Cup team 4-0 in a knockout stage of a World Cup. Cushman said he likes Sarzonia, “It’s not too bad of a place, unlike some dumps we might have to go too. It’s no Cassadaigua though, I enjoyed the hot babes being all over the place. Sarzonia knows their lacrosse though, so it’s a good place to be.” With powers like Dancougar and Newmanistan gone, Cushman says to primarily look out for two nations. “Sarzonia and The Fanboyists. The Fanboyist people are the defending champions so they have obvious skills, and the Stars on home turf should be tough especially considering the last time it was here they performed worse then their World Cup 50 team in the round of sixteen.” (OOC: The Fanboyists, I have read the bit about this being insult. Indeed, Cushman is intending to insult you!) Within the group stage, the biggest challenger would seem to be Delaclava, but Cosumar could pose a threat. The others, Silver Beach and AlphabetSoupLand, will be fodder for the Millionaires and Delaclavs to rack up a nice difference in the goal differential column.

[Cassadaigua]

Here is our roster for World Lacrosse Championships 8.

Starters in Green
Bench players in Red

Coach: Melanie Kaplan, Age: 46

Goalies:
Stacey Vandenburg, Age: 22
Jennifer Holtz, Age: 21

Defense:
Nicole Ellis, Age: 26
Amber Robinson, Age: 25
Julianne Powers, Age: 23
Brittany Redmond, Age: 24
Samantha O’Sullivan, Age: 19
Stephanie Jansen, Age: 18 (WLC Debut)


Midfielders:
Lauren Mineri, Age: 30
Ashley Norville, Age: 30 (Team Captain)
Megan Washburn, Age: 21
Pamela Alexander, Age: 24
Danielle Royce, Age: 29
Tara Quinlan, Age: 18 (WLC Debut)


Attack:
Kathleen Lawrence, Age: 24
Caitlin McAlpine, Age: 19 (first time starter)
Cassie Patterson, Age: 22
Hannah Levenson, Age: 28
Gabby Winchell, Age: 21
Kaitlyn Connelly, Age: 18 (WLC Debut)


Style Modifier: +1.6

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmode scoring events: Yes
RP injuries: No
Godmode injuries: No
Eject/Penalize players: Yes
Godmod "other" events: Yes, feel free to have fun just don’t kill anyone.

[Cassadaigua]

Ashley’s Space

Welcome everyone! I can’t just say good morning Cassadaigua anymore, because ever since our great nation has established ourselves in the international sporting scene, there have been a lot of international readers to our team blogs. I am sure that this is also true for lacrosse, especially after having hosted the event last year. It was a special time for all of us here, being able to play in the first event that the nation ever hosted. Many people left with a positive opinion of our efforts, so maybe that will be the start of bigger things. I know that there have been some rumblings across the country that there could be more things considered down the road. That remains to be seen, but all of us laxers are honored to have been the first. The Allamunnic States are the defending champions and will again be a force. That is truly a great team, and I know that Kathryn Strasbourg has a bit of a cult following in Cassadaigua. That’s fine too, and she is definitely a foreign player that people all across the world can look up too, unlike Scott Cushman.

One of the first things we have done as we prepare for this tournament is of course, to analyze the competition. As is usually the case, there are several nations we have never heard of before, or have not heard much about of them. Traditionally, the World Lacrosse Championships is a tournament where one of these nations ends up being very impressive and going on a strong run. In our group, the nations of Jhung and Elemanu are the nations we don’t really know anything about. Jhung has not released their roster, but Elemanu seems to be an ambitious nation, so we cannot afford to take them lightly. Also in our group is Tarrentum, a nation that will sneak up on everyone who did not play in the World Baseball Classic or the Keisler Cup. Those of us who did are well aware of what that nation is capable of. This might not be baseball, but I still expect them to do well. Of course, topping everything off is Sarzonia, the hosts. Certainly it will be tough to beat the Stars, who have won two championships on their home turf, but we can look back at WLC 6 to know that it can happen. Things start with Harold Price’s team and I’m sure that each of us will agree that it will provide a good initial test for both of us as we kick this off!

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News

The Tarrentum National Sports Committee released the nations National Lacrosse Team for the 8th installment of the World Lacrosse Championships. Inevitably, the lineup consists entirely of priviliged university students from the top echelon of Tarrentian education. Also inevitably, they are disliked by the majority of the populace.

Starters in Bold

Goalkeepers
Cesare Julius Treggi (22, Napole University)
Giuseppe Buccona (20, Imperial College Academy of the Privileged)

Defenders
Fireni Italiana (21, Palace University) Fireni is the second cousin of Supreme President Cesare Italiana
Collin McSquiggie (19, Napole University) Heir to the McSquiggie fast-food chain
Saix "Pysch" Frio (18, Yui University) Heir to the newspaper conglomerate Frio-Juttiga
Antonio Cabellaria (23, Imperial College Academy of the Privileged)
Hugh Brastona (19, Napole University)

Midfielders
Valerio Ottavio (21, Palace University) Ottavio is the son of Secretary of War Antonio Ottavio
Vax Hui (20, Yui University)
Nero Deralli Sarria Bencanto Karezza (18, Napole University) Heir to the Karezza banking empire
Salvatore Toretta (18, Imperial College Academy of the Privileged)
Salerio Galli (22, Napole University)
Lucas Morelli (21, Imperial College Academy of the Privileged)

Attackers
Matthias Bluchier (21, Napole University)
Marco Jarodo (20, Valley University)
Benito Gagglia (19, Imperial College Academy of the Privileged)
Truvant Flavius Berelli (18, Napole University)
Sarreto Xali (20, Yui University)
Zachariah Lippuno (22, Valley University)

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmode scoring events: N
RP injuries: Y (Severity of injury up to me though)
Godmode injuries: N
Eject/Penalize players: Y
Godmode "other" events: N
Style: +3 (moderate attacking)

Coach: Paulo Breggshoff IV

Colors: Blue and Orange
Home stadium: Krozile State Ballfield, Krozile, Tarrentum. The baseball stadium will be modified with the lacrosse field being placed in the outfield with additional seating in the infield for games played in Tarrentum. The capacity for baseball games of the KSB is 35,000 however, with the loss of upper deck seating and the inclusion of onfield seating, the capacity for WLC games will be 10,250 with 10 of the 35 luxury suites open to dignitaries and the like.

[Sarzonia]

Your first RP cutoff is NOW!

Scores up soon! (Tables beginning Matchday 2)

Group A
Sarzonia 13-14 Cassadaigua
Jhung 16-14 Elemanu

Group B
Delaclava 14-13 Secristan
Cosumar 11-16 Silver Beach

Group C
Qazox 20-11 Teroi
The New Caribbean 9-15 Allamunnic States (The Fanboyists)

[Qazox]

LacrosseToday.net

Game ID: 17802 (Qazox v. Toiletdonia @ Estrella Motor Cars Field @ Grizzlies Park; Fromburg, Qazox)

BOX SCORE:

Toiletdonia 3 4 2 2  11
Qazox       4 3 8 5  20

Sparked by 5 goals by Thoimas Potamek (7 goals total) in the 3rd quarter alone, Qazox broke open a 7-7 half-time tie with Toiletdonia on the way to a 20-11 victory, giving the Grizzlies the early Group C lead. The Grizzlies had goals from 6 players overall, 5 whom scored multiple goals. Toiletdonia was lead by 4 goals from Berun Mushal, and 3 goals from Ju Gu-Jak. But the Qazoxian offense was just too much to handle on this day. Next Qazox will face The New Caribbean who lost to the Allamunnic States, the new name of the The Fanboyists nation. Toiletdonia has the day off.

Qazoxian Scoring Summary:
Potamek- 7
Hart- 4
Akinora- 3
Kohler- 2
Linden- 2
Staubing

[Jhung]

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmode scoring events: N
RP injuries: Y (I'll determine severity)
Godmode injuries: N
Eject/Penalize players: Y
Godmode "other" events: N
Style: +1
Home stadium: Kim Jong-Un Arena, Holds 15,000 people

Jhung National Lacrosse Team
Star denotes starters
Goalkeepers
*Jong Jin-Iseul #1 6'3, 175lbs, 24 years old
Jin Myuug-Seuk #30 6'0, 170lbs, 20 years old

Defenders
*Kyung Hanuel-Seok #22 6'2, 190lbs, 27 years old
* Young Sang-Ji #19 6'1, 189lbs, 21 years old
*Sung Yong-Suk #11 6'2, 190lbs, 25 years old

Midfielders
*Iseul Yong-Ji # 49 5'11, 160lbs, 26 years old
*Cha Gong-Kuk # 67 6'2, 179lbs, 26 years old
* Lee Yong-Kim # 15 5'10, 157lbs, 22 years old


Attackers
*Hwan Haneul-Wook 5'9, 145lbs, 18 years old
*Dong Hyun-Kyung 6'6, 209lbs, 21 years old
*Dong Suk-Ji 6'0 185lbs, 21 years old

Jhung is a team that is attacked based mainly because, that is there only strength. Due to the lack of depth in midfield they seem to be the three fillers of the team, although the three attackers of Jhung are expected to put up great numbers goal-wise, especially 18 year old prodigy who recently finished high school, Hwan Hanuel-Wook aka The Nuclear Rocket for his speed. This will be Jhung's first year in the world lacrosse championships and is not expected to go far however it will be interesting to watch this unique team.

[Elemanu]

SPORTS

Oxen to Compete

The Blake Cup will be competed for by three teams starting next season, with the Kesser Oxen's entry confirmed by the Elemanu Hurling Association (EHA). The result will be a revamped competition, with each team competing against each other twice, home and away, with the two teams with the most wins playing in a best-of-three series for the Cup. Newly named Oxen coach Jamie McKitrick was quoted as saying "it's about time that hurling becomes a truly national sport, and one that can rival football."

Islanders Lose Close Match

The Elemanu national Lacrosse team, the "Islanders", travelled for their first international match to Jhung, as part of the group stage of the World Lacrosse Championship. For a hurling team that had only learnt the admittedly similar game less than a year ago, the Islanders put up a strong battle. In the first quarter, keeper Guy Renwick had his work cut out for him, with Jhung scoring seven goals to none in what was looking like a massacre. The second quarter saw defensewoman Nannie Quill get sent off twice for rough play, but attackman Ted Buttram managed to score two goals to Jhung's five. Going into the second half with a massive ten goal deficit didn't deter the Islanders though, with the players getting the hang of the sport, and outscoring Jhung four goals to three, with Buttram and Darcy Oberlander scoring two apiece. Finally, Elemanu gave the fans something to cheer about, as they chased down Jhung's score by scoring a massive eight unanswered goals, but a final minute goal to massive Jhung attacker Dong Hyun-Kyung saw the home team win by two.

Jhung           16-14         Elemanu
Haneul-Wook      9  8         Buttram
Hyun-Kyung       5  4      Oberlander
Suk-Ji           2  1          Drakes
                    1          Orrick

Elemanu's next opponent Tarrentum has had a bye, but the Islanders have the home ground advantage, before having a bye the following round.

Round   Team       Result
 1      Jhung           Loss (16-14)
 2      Tarrentum       Home
 3      BYE
 4      Sarzonia        Away
 5      Cassadaigua     Home
 6      Jhung           Home
 7      Tarrentum       Away
 8      BYE
 9      Sarzonia        Home
10      Cassadaigua     Away

[Toiletdonia]

The monks were sitting round the table. They were eating low fat peanuts from the mountain they were on top of. They were watching the Lacrosse. Well they were but now they were discussing it afterwards.

"How the hell did we lose that? Qazox were rubbish compared to us. We should have won it."

"We say that every year but were fooling no one."

"You know sometimes I think this god of ours are kinda not working. Everyday we pray and every time we lose."

"Not all the time!"

"Also you just said blasphemous words! Thou is a sinner!"

"Hey calm it. We can't really throw him out it's very cold outside!"

"Yeah we can. But he'll die."

"Oh well open a can of "Holy water."

One of the monks walked over to the fridge and got out a can of holy water (Lemonade and Pimms.) He put it down on the table and the monks got down on there knees and all drank some. They then made the sign of the religion on there head (A circle.)

"May the god be with us in the next game and may our score be larger than the other teams Awomen."

"Awomen" (ALL)

"Well then I hope that worked."

"Awomen to that."

"Okay who want a can of holy water?"

"Me."

[Sarzonia]

[OOC note: I'm going to have to drive to Dulles Airport to pick my folks up from their trip to Arizona, so Matchday 2 scores will come later than usual tonight.]

Time was winding down at Franz Braddock Stadium. The current hosts of the World Lacrosse Championships and the previous hosts were battling it out where the championship final would eventually be contested.

For both teams, the matchup was billed as an early test of their mettle. And thus far, the match was living up to its billing. Seemingly every time Carter Whitlock's Sarzonia would take a lead, Ashley Norville's Dagans would answer. Every time Cassie Patterson would give the visitors a lead, Tim Cole or another Sarzonian would equalise.

Finally, however, the match was level with less than a minute to go before sudden death overtime loomed. Harold Price paced the sidelines, thinking of potential overtime faceoff matchups as he struggled to keep his focus on the here and now.

Soon, he'd have something else to worry about. Norville forced Whitlock into a rare turnover, leading to Caitlin McAlpin firing a shot on Stars goaltender Mark Tomscik. He made the save, but the ball caromed out to Patterson, who fired a bouncer between Tomscik's legs. The goal came with just 11 seconds left and it served as the match winner as Cassadaigua defeated the Stars 14-13.

"Just disappointed," Price would say in his opening remarks. "There's not much more I can say. They showed their quality out there, that's for damn sure. We just ran into a team that wanted it more than we did on this day."

Sarzonia (0-1) would once again ignite the questions from its media about a possible curse when it hosted this event. The Stars started out with a victory in the previous tournament it hosted (WLC VI), but were 1-2, giving them the only previous losing record they'd ever had. Now, they'd dropped their opener for the first time in team history.

"We don't believe in curses," Whitlock said. "We've played most of our matches on our home grounds or away in previous tournaments and nothing like this has happened then. It's just a coincidence."

However, Tomscik offered a different opinion.

"We seem to expect to do better when we're the host nation than when we're not," he said. "I don't know if we have the same level of focus when we know we're going to have to spend our time in hotel rooms during the knockout phase."

That might give Price the idea to have his Stars stay in a hotel in Woodstock or Portland when the knockout stages arrive. However, Price was quick to correct the reporter.

"If we get that far," he said. "There's always the chance we won't." Of course, he didn't have to say that the last time -- and so far the only time -- the Stars failed to advance to the knockouts was WLC VI, when Sarzonia were the host country.

And now, the questions will continue to fly until or unless Sarzonia gets its act together, starting with its away match against Jhung.

"Perhaps not being under the microscope will be good for us," he said.