Audioslavia Domestic Football Newswire

by **Audioslavia** » Tue Aug 09, 2016 2:19 pm

The National League is the title of Audioslavia's first professional domestic football league.

For most of Audioslavian football history, domestic football was played on a regional, amateur or semi-professional basis, with most top Audioslavian players plying their trade overseas.

Professionalism came to Audioslavia's shores in time for UICA season 51, in the guise of a multi-associational league called the LigAnaia, which ran for 14 seasons and incorporated teams from all over the north east of Atlantian Oceania.

Originally, The National League was composed of three tiers, named Division One, Division Two and Division Three. The top two tiers were composed of ten teams each, while there are twenty teams in the lowest tier.

As of the start of season eight, the leagues have been arranged slightly differently. The top division, called 'The National League', or occasionally 'National One' or 'N1', expanded from 10 to 15 teams, with the second tier, National Two, expanding from 10 to 20. Both leagues run concurrently over 38 matchdays, meaning not every team plays every matchday in the top flight. Each team plays 28 matches over 38 matchdays.

The third flight of Audioslavian football is the Repechage 41, often called R41. Each team plays each other once, with 20 home games and 20 away games throughout the season.

The winners of Division One are crowned Champions of Audioslavia. All UICA places will be decided on league position.

The bottom two sides in the top tier are automatically relegated. The teams in twelfth and thirteenth position enter the Playoffs. In the second tier, the top two sides are automatically promoted, with the third and fourth teams entering the Playoffs. The four teams in the Playoffs play each other in a single round robin, with the top two teams of the four-team league going into the National League and the bottom two going into the National Two.

Seasons are played out over two years and are composed of four quarters. The first quarter runs from September until December, the second from February to May, the third from September to December and the fourth from February to May. Due to fluid timey-wimey, these two years in Audioslavian time often last about the same amount of time as one year in other countries. Audioslavian players age two years per season, most foreigners usually age just one year per season.

Trophy History

|--------------------------LigAnaia Era----------------------------------------------------------------|
|---Season---|----Champions-----|--------Cup--------|---International---Honours------------------------|
|--LA--UICA--|--of-Audioslavia--|------Winners------|--------------------------------------------------|
   1	51	AC Izotz Zubia				
   2	52	1830 Cathair
   3	53	1830 Cathair*	  Oljestaden IF
   4	54	1830 Cathair
   5	55	AC Izotz Zubia	  AC Izotz Zubia
   6	56	1830 Cathair	  KT Itzalovalle
   7	57	1830 Cathair*	  AC Izotz Zubia
   8	58	1830 Cathair
   9	59	AC Izotz Zubia*				1830 Cathair (CC), Tenth Star Hasiera (SBCC), 1830 Cathair (Supercup)
  10	60	1830 Cathair*
  11	61	1830 Cathair	  1830 Cathair		1830 Cathair (Cygnus Cup)
  12	62	AC Izotz Zubia*
  13	63	AC Izotz Zubia				AC Izotz Zubia (CC), KT Koroatuz (SBCC)
  14	64	1830 Cathair*

Teams with an asterisk did not win the league in that LigAnaia season, but were the highest-finishing Audioslavian side in the LigAnaia.

|----------------------National League Era----------------------------------------------------------------|
|---Season---|------Champions------|--------Cup--------|---International---Honours------------------------|
|-TNL--UICA--|----of-Audioslavia---|------Winners------|--------------------------------------------------|
   1    65      AC Izotz Zubia       Eletti Valligiani	
   2    66      KT Moreazerua        Oljestaden IF        AC Izotz Zubia (AOCL)
   3    67      1830 Cathair         Shamrock Cathair
   4    68      Cazadores Cathair    Oljestaden IF        1830 Cathair (AOCL)
   5    69      AC Izotz Zubia       KT Ferramendiak       
   6    70      AC Izotz Zubia       KT Moreazerua        Shamrock Cathair (VCI)
   7    71      Shamrock Cathair     Cazadores Cathair
   8    72      AC Izotz Zubia       AS Marcadia          AC Izotz Zubia (AOCL)
   9    73      1830 Cathair         AC Izotz Zubia

by **Audioslavia** » Tue Aug 09, 2016 2:23 pm

by **Audioslavia** » Sat Aug 13, 2016 3:00 pm

Matchday 1
The National League: Division One
KT Itzalovalle 1–0 KT Moreazerua
Cazadores Cathair 2–1 Oljestaden IF
AC Izotz Zubia 0–0 KT Koroatuz
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–1 KT Ferramendiak
1830 Cathair 2–1 Silexhera FC

The first matchday of the national league season kicks off at exactly 3pm Audioslavian time on the third Saturday in August. 1830 Cathair, the reigning 'champions' by virtue of having been the best performing Audioslavian team in the final LigAnaia season, go out to make a statement of intent against Silexhera, but look a little shaky in a win in which Batmacumba is relied upon to keep the Silexherans at bay in the final minutes as Cathair hold out to win 2-1. Nestor Martinez is the only player really in form for the capital club, scoring one and creating another for Nzuzi Kidiaba to slot home.

Cathair's chief tital rivals are, of course, AC Izotz Zubia, despite the Tzierran side's torrid season last year. Zozi struggled to fifth place last season, and don't look any better here as they are held to a drab 0-0 draw with Koroatuz.

Elsewhere, newly promoted Oljestaden find little joy on their comeback as Cazadores take the win, while title hopefuls Itzi defeat Mozi in one of the many south-eastern derbies that are due to take place this season. Tout-Puissant, sporting their garish new kit, defeat Feri at home in the weekend's 'other' game.

Matchday 2
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 3–2 Silexhera FC
KT Ferramendiak 0–0 1830 Cathair
KT Koroatuz 3–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Oljestaden IF 2–2 AC Izotz Zubia
KT Itzalovalle 2–1 Cazadores Cathair

It's another horrible result for Zozi, losing a two-goal lead away to Oljestaden. The fans, furious with the side's form last season, are apoplectic even at this early stage. "Frankie Goes Tomorrow" is the tune the chant at the end of the game, referencing manager Frantzisko Intxausti.

It's not all glum-rags and paddies at Izotzazubia, though, as Cathair drop points away to Feri, while Aurrekoetxea is on hand to smash two goals past Cazadores Cathair for the visitors' first defeat of the season.

Over in Moreazerua, Robbie Guerricaechevarria is on hand to net two goals for the home side as they defeat Silexhera by three goals to two.

Matchday 3
The National League: Division One
Cazadores Cathair 2–0 KT Moreazerua
AC Izotz Zubia 0–0 KT Itzalovalle
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 3–4 Oljestaden IF
1830 Cathair 0–1 KT Koroatuz
Silexhera FC 3–2 KT Ferramendiak

A goal-less draw in Izotzazubia further raises the ire of the Zozi fans, though once again their bloodthirst is quite tempered by a sense of lingering schadenfreude from having watched chief title rivals 1830 Cathair lose at home to newly promoted KT Koroatuz in the first real upset of the season.

Elsewhere, Silexhera get their first win of the season through goals from the West-Sunrisian contingent of Cavenhaque, Moranguinha and Negresco dos Anjos as they overcome Feri at home.

Matchday 4
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 3–0 KT Ferramendiak
KT Koroatuz 6–4 Silexhera FC
Oljestaden IF 1–1 1830 Cathair
KT Itzalovalle 3–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Cazadores Cathair 3–0 AC Izotz Zubia

If you'd said at the start of the season that the two powerhouses of Audioslavian football, Zozi and Cathair, would have taken precisely one win between them after four games, you'd quite frankly have been laughed out of the pub, but Cathair's failure to beat Oljestaden - Zelaya's wonderous 48th minute strike cancelled out by Navarro lo Squadro's 51st minute flick - and Zozi's embarassing three-nothing loss to an in-form Cazadores side who don't look back after Mendiolgaray, Cathar and Gabbard's first-half goals, means that that exactly is the case. It's the 'other' Cathair team who go top aat this early stage in the season.

Of the rest, Mozi (three-nothing winners over Feri thanks to Rico Leone, Inigo Boogard and Renzo Padrione) and Itzi (the same, but over Tout-Puissant, and with the goals coming from Serge Vandervelde, Bischop and Aurrekoetxea) perhaps look best positioned to challenge the established order for the Champions Cup places.

Matchday 5
The National League: Division One
AC Izotz Zubia 2–0 KT Moreazerua
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–4 Cazadores Cathair
1830 Cathair 1–0 KT Itzalovalle
Silexhera FC 2–6 Oljestaden IF
KT Ferramendiak 1–0 KT Koroatuz

Mozi have been in fine form, but they choose the wrong moment to take on regional rivals Zozi who, at their under-fire manager's behest, finally take their first win of the season to placate the Zozite fans a little. Nevertheless, there are still growing calls for Intxausti's head, and despite his team's failings Intxausti is refusing to either resign or even acknowledge that he has, over the previous eighteen months, failed in his duty to maintain AC Izotz Zubia as one of the premier teams in Audioslavia. Laborious Hawk, returning following successful surgery on a niggling ankle problem, isn't in the best form, but still manages to get his name on the scoresheet with the second goal.

Cathair take their first win since matchday one with a very hard-earned victory over KT Itzalovalle, with Zelaya on target for the home side.

Oljestaden and Silexhera share eight goals between them, though rather unevenly, with Oljestaden taking six to the city-state's two, while there's no change at the top as Cazadores defeat TPH away from home, with Izmao and Reigns both on target either side of Mendiolgaray's first and final goals.

Matchday 6
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 0–0 KT Koroatuz
Oljestaden IF 0–1 KT Ferramendiak
KT Itzalovalle 2–0 Silexhera FC
Cazadores Cathair 2–2 1830 Cathair
AC Izotz Zubia 3–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera

Zozi win again on matchday six, with Hawk again in with a goal despite not seeming 100% fit. Itzi and Feri both take victories, with Aurrekoetxea twice on target for the former and Azucena Llorente scoring the latter's only goal.

The big game comes on Sunday, with the Cathair Derby between 1830 and Cazadores. For once, it's Caza who are top of the league, with Cathair in mid-table, and while some see this as an opportunity for the 'other' capital club to truly turn the tables, Romelio Ceballos forces a draw in the dying moments after Sandro and Corsi had put Caza in the lead.

Matchday 7
The National League: Division One
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 0–0 KT Moreazerua
1830 Cathair 2–2 AC Izotz Zubia
Silexhera FC 2–3 Cazadores Cathair
KT Ferramendiak 3–4 KT Itzalovalle
KT Koroatuz 5–3 Oljestaden IF

It's Caza and Itzi at the top of the league going into matchday seven, rather than the chief rivals of each club, and both extend their leads with victories over Feri and Silexhera.

On Sunday it's the long-awaited Derby of Audioslavia - the first of four this season - and the two-all draw (Hawk and Auðbjörnsson for Zozi, va Drake and substitute van Nifterick for Cathair) does neither side any favours in the title race.

Matchday 8
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 1–0 Oljestaden IF
KT Itzalovalle 1–0 KT Koroatuz
Cazadores Cathair 4–0 KT Ferramendiak
AC Izotz Zubia 1–0 Silexhera FC
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–5 1830 Cathair

Both big guns take victory on matchday eight, Cathair with a five-one victory over Tout-Puissant Hasiera that sees Zelaya net four before Sroel Cavan puts the icing on the cake, but neither can catch the top two just yet, as Caza stuff Feri and Itzi eke out a one-nothing victory over county rivals KT Koroatuz, with Aurrekoetxea again on the scoresheet for the home side.

Matchday 9
The National League: Division One
1830 Cathair 1–0 KT Moreazerua
Silexhera FC 0–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Ferramendiak 2–1 AC Izotz Zubia
KT Koroatuz 0–2 Cazadores Cathair
Oljestaden IF 3–0 KT Itzalovalle

There are two upsets on matchday nine, as struggling Feri overcome AC Izotz Zubia to further pile the pressure on Frankie Intxausti, while Oljestaden's first half blitz (Zé Guto, lo Squadro and Tesourinha all on target) knocks opponents KT Itzalovalle from the top spot.
The National League:    Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Cazadores Cathair                    9    7   1   1    23    9  +14    22
 2 KT Itzalovalle                       9    6   1   2    13    8   +5    19
 3 1830 Cathair                         9    4   4   1    14    8   +6    16
 4 KT Koroatuz                          9    4   2   3    15   11   +4    14
 5 AC Izotz Zubia                       9    3   4   2    11   10   +1    13
 6 Oljestaden IF                        9    3   2   4    20   17   +3    11
 7 KT Moreazerua                        9    3   2   4     7    8   -1    11
 8 KT Ferramendiak                      9    3   1   5    10   17   -7    10
 9 Tout-Puissant Hasiera                9    1   2   6     9   23  -14     5
10 Silexhera FC                         9    1   1   7    14   25  -11     4
With a quarter of the season gone, it's Cazadores Cathair with a massively improbable lead at the top, three points clear of Itzi, six clear of Cathair and a massive nine ahead of Zozi. Zozi's poor form - a continuation from last season's shocking effort - has put a timebomb under the seat of Frantzisko Intxausti. He is informed, by the board, that he will lose his job unless Zozi's fortunes turn completely by the middle of the season.

by **Audioslavia** » Sun Aug 14, 2016 9:54 am

Matchday 10
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 3–0 KT Itzalovalle
Oljestaden IF 3–3 Cazadores Cathair
KT Koroatuz 0–1 AC Izotz Zubia
KT Ferramendiak 1–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Silexhera FC 0–4 1830 Cathair

Zozi are tense and more than a little formulaic as they fail to take the game to Kozi on Saturday morning's derby, and it's left to Laborious Hawk to rescue Intxausti's job, for another week at least, with an eighty-first minute volley.

Cazadores, three points clear on Saturday morning, see their lead at the top increased to four despite failure to overcome Oljestaden in an entertaining 3-3 draw, thanks to second-placed Itzi's capitulation in the weekend's second Herraduran derby, with Padrione grabbing a brace either side of Guerricaechevarria's thirty yard thunderbolt. Itzi's defeat opens the door for Cathair to move into second place, on goal difference, thanks to a four-nothing spanking of Silexhera in which Jaime del Olmo grabs a hat-trick of assists for va Drake, Zelaya and Awuah respectively, before Ceballos's injury-time strike.

Matchday 11
The National League: Division One
Silexhera FC 2–4 KT Moreazerua
1830 Cathair 1–2 KT Ferramendiak
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 5–3 KT Koroatuz
AC Izotz Zubia 4–1 Oljestaden IF
Cazadores Cathair 1–0 KT Itzalovalle

It's Zozi's turn to hit Oljestaden for four on matchday eleven, although Tesourinha does grab a consolation goal for the Oilers. Mozi hit four against relegation fodder too, winning four-two away to Silexhera, while TPH go one better with a five-three victory over Koroatuz in an important bottom-of-the-table clash, with Louis O'Brien thrice on target for the Francophones.

At the top, Cazadores' lead at the top of the table goes from four points to seven on a massive day for the 'other' capital club as they defeat third-placed Itzalovalle by a goal to nil, with Yong Mendiolagaray the solitary goalscorer. Caza's subsequent seven-point lead is expected to be reduced back to four on Sunday afternoon, with 1830 Cathair playing out a supposed home-banker against lowly Ferramendiak, but the title favourites are undone by a scintillating performance by Azucena Llorente, who terrorizes Fokke-Rommedahl on the wings to deliver two assists, with Malagueta and Bolonzubi scoring the goals. Zelaya's 85th minute strike creates a tense finish, but Feri hold on for a famous victory.

Have they just handed Cazadores an unlikely initiative in the title race?

Matchday 12
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 3–1 Cazadores Cathair
KT Itzalovalle 1–2 AC Izotz Zubia
Oljestaden IF 2–4 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Koroatuz 2–1 1830 Cathair
KT Ferramendiak 1–0 Silexhera FC

Saturday afternoon is a fine time to be a Cazadores fan. Second-placed 1830 Cathair play lowly Kozi for the chance to reduce the gap in the title race to just four points, but for the second week in a row the heavyweights are beaten by two goals to one, Sukuda and Mateezo the goalscorers for Kozi, va Drake for Cathair. Cazadores, playing on Saturday evening away to an in-form Mozi, can go ten points clear, if only for a day...

Caza utterly blow their chance. A tense and niggly first half gives way to a second half in which both Rook Cathar and Anderson Sandro are sent off (for headbutting the *same* member of the crowd, no less) and Mozi sweep home to a three-one win.

There's a new team in second place on Sunday, and to the surprise of most Zozi fans it is their own team, bouncing back from a torrid first few games to leap into second place in the league. Hawk, again, in involved in both goals as they overcome Itzalovalle, who drop to fourth.

Matchday 13
The National League: Division One
KT Ferramendiak 2–0 KT Moreazerua
Silexhera FC 0–0 KT Koroatuz
1830 Cathair 6–3 Oljestaden IF
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 0–1 KT Itzalovalle
AC Izotz Zubia 1–0 Cazadores Cathair

With Itzi winning and Cathair smashing Oljestaden by six goals to three (6-0 up at half-time, to say Cathair took their foot off the gas is rather an understatement) Sunday's battle between Caza and Zozi becomes incredibly important if either wants to stamp their authority on the season. The game, low-scoring but not without it's exciting moments, is won in the second half by Hawk's outrageous thirty-yard lob of Serge Rollins in the Cazadores goal, as the capital club see their lead cut to just a point.

Matchday 14
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 1–1 AC Izotz Zubia
Cazadores Cathair 2–3 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Itzalovalle 1–1 1830 Cathair
Oljestaden IF 1–0 Silexhera FC
KT Koroatuz 1–0 KT Ferramendiak

Cazadores lose again on matchday fourteen as their title push comes to a shuddering halt before even the halfway point of the season, although neither Zozi (held one-all in a Herraduran derby thanks to Mariezkurrena sublime ability to find a bouncing ball at the edge of the penalty area and kick it very hard indeed) nor Cathair or Itzalovalle (who cancel each other out in an entertaining encounter in Ferramendiak) can truly take advantage.

Matchday 15
The National League: Division One
KT Koroatuz 0–1 KT Moreazerua
KT Ferramendiak 3–0 Oljestaden IF
Silexhera FC 0–0 KT Itzalovalle
1830 Cathair 3–2 Cazadores Cathair
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–1 AC Izotz Zubia

It's a heartbreaking Cathair derby on matchday fifteen as Cazadores twice lead, only for va Drake and Zelaya to strike late on to whip the three points from under their noses and straight back to Grand Forum. This, then, is the time to pounce for both Zozi and Itzi, but the latter can't even muster a goal against a Silexhera side happy to earn just their sixth point of the season, and the former are defeated comfortably by Tout-Puissant Hasiera, and are looking less and less like title contenders with every passing week.

One side that continue to impress are Ferramendiak. In eighth place after nine games, Feri have lost only once - the previous week's drab performance against Kozi, and are in fine fettle as they smash three past a very sorry looking Oljestaden side. Azucena Llorente is, once again, calling the shots at Feri, though it's Gorriaran and Sorrisos who grab the goals.

Matchday 16
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 3–2 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
AC Izotz Zubia 1–2 1830 Cathair
Cazadores Cathair 0–0 Silexhera FC
KT Itzalovalle 1–2 KT Ferramendiak
Oljestaden IF 2–2 KT Koroatuz

The Iron Derby between Itzi, the 'big' team in the middle of a slump, and Feri, the 'wee' team in the middle of a fine run, goes to form, with Feri grabbing a much deserved win via Azucena Llorente's lovely finish on seventy-five minutes.

It is, of course, the second most important derby of the day, as Zozi and Cathair play out the Derby of Audioslavia in Izotzazubia. Hawk, who has been looked upon for Zozi's form for much of the season, is given a hard time of it by compatriot Faeron Soldarian, who largely keeps the elf at bay while Ceballos and del Olmo go about getting the goals that give the capital club the points in this second Audioslavia Derby of the season.

Matchday 17
The National League: Division One
Oljestaden IF 2–2 KT Moreazerua
KT Koroatuz 3–2 KT Itzalovalle
KT Ferramendiak 2–0 Cazadores Cathair
Silexhera FC 0–1 AC Izotz Zubia
1830 Cathair 0–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera

Feri are not going to quit any time soon. The side wrestle third place away from Cazadores by virtue of a two-nothing win in which Margarida Benita is the difference, netting both goals.

Zozi, affected by last week's loss, are adamant in their demand for all three points, beating Silexhera by an Apexarena goal to nil.

Cathair, the supposed title favourites, go about proving that anything can happen in The National League by losing to struggle Tout-Puissant Hasiera at home.

Itzi, seemingly desperate to vacate their position as outsiders for the title, are drab and pretty uninspired as they lose to Koroatuz.

Matchday 18
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 2–1 1830 Cathair
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–0 Silexhera FC
AC Izotz Zubia 2–1 KT Ferramendiak
Cazadores Cathair 2–1 KT Koroatuz
KT Itzalovalle 3–3 Oljestaden IF
The National League:    Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                      18    9   5   4    25   18   +7    32
 2 KT Moreazerua                       18    9   4   5    26   19   +7    31
 3 KT Ferramendiak                     18   10   1   7    24   22   +2    31
 4 Cazadores Cathair                   18    9   3   6    34   25   +9    30
 5 1830 Cathair                        18    8   5   5    33   22  +11    29
 6 KT Koroatuz                         18    7   4   7    27   25   +2    25
 7 KT Itzalovalle                      18    7   4   7    22   23   -1    25
 8 Tout-Puissant Hasiera               18    7   2   9    27   36   -9    23
 9 Oljestaden IF                       18    4   6   8    37   44   -7    18
10 Silexhera FC                        18    1   4  13    16   37  -21     7
After such an awful start to the season, Frantzisko Intxausti's job is looking as safe as it's been in a long time, as his side go top with a hard-earned top-of-the-table clash against Ferramendiak, who fail to win for only the second time in ten games.

Cazadores, in terrible form since the day the went seven-clear at the top, still find themselves a win away from the top of the table, and are relieved more than anything to take victory at home to Koroatuz.

1830 Cathair have long been favourites for the title, but their chance to go joint-top of the league is scuppered by a Moreazerua side that has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons. Guerricaechevarria and Padrione are calling the shots for the men in purple, both get on the scoresheet in their victory over Cathair to move their side into second place - a dizzying height for a side who used to struggle in the second tier.

At the bottom, Itzi's form has bottomed out as they sit seventh, level on points with Koroatuz, with Tout-Puissant Hasiera putting space between themselves and ninth-placed Oljestaden with victory over Silexhera, the league's bottom club, and by a massive distance. Silexhera have still only one win to their name - matchday three's victory over Ferramendiak. Bookies have stopped taking bets on their being relegated.

by **Audioslavia** » Sun Aug 14, 2016 12:49 pm

Matchday 19
The National League: Division One
KT Itzalovalle 3–2 KT Moreazerua
Cazadores Cathair 4–3 Oljestaden IF
AC Izotz Zubia 0–1 KT Koroatuz
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 0–1 KT Ferramendiak
1830 Cathair 3–1 Silexhera FC

Cathair versus Silexhera goes about as well as anyone from the southern state could hope, as the men in green are beaten by only two goals. Cazadores continue to find their feet, although they are given plenty to worry about as lowly Oljestaden twice lead in their 4-3 win over the northerners. Feri also continue their fine run, but there's no joy for Moreazerua who pass up the chance to go top of the league by failing to beat the out-of-form Itzalovalle, with Mauro Sondergaard grabbing a hat-trick after a run of ten weeks without a single goal.

The big upset, however, happens in Izotzazubia, as the league leaders make a horrible mess of keeping Kozi at bay, losing an early goal and failing to muster much more than a couple of shots on target despite having near 70% possession over the ninety minutes.

Matchday 20
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 1–1 Silexhera FC
KT Ferramendiak 0–1 1830 Cathair
KT Koroatuz 1–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Oljestaden IF 4–5 AC Izotz Zubia
KT Itzalovalle 4–2 Cazadores Cathair

Oljestaden continue their winless run, but it isn't through lack of trying as they go into a 4-2 lead late on against Zozi, but utterly capitulate over the final ten minutes as Hawk, Apexarena and substitute Kukkiia rescue all three points, and save the board from having another look at the managers chairs.

Feri find themselves up against Cathair in a top-of-the-table clash, but fail to turn form into goals as the capital club eke out a narrow victory - Ceballos the scorer for the team in blue and white stripes.

Cathair and Itzi both winning piles the pressure on Cazadores Cathair and KT Moreazerua, but neither look in any state to continue their title push in either of Sunday's games, with Caza well beaten by Itzi who are looking much better now Sondergaard and Aurrekoetxea have found form, and Mozi bitterly disappointing in failure to beat a very weak Silexhera side.

Matchday 21
The National League: Division One
Cazadores Cathair 0–3 KT Moreazerua
AC Izotz Zubia 1–2 KT Itzalovalle
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 5–3 Oljestaden IF
1830 Cathair 1–1 KT Koroatuz
Silexhera FC 0–0 KT Ferramendiak

Oljestaden just cannot stop scoring. Or conceding. The Oilers lose five-three to Tout-Puissant Hasiera to widen the gap between the struggling teams.

At the top, there are very few sides who seem capable of stringing wins together. Feri are awful in failing to beat Silexheraa away, while Caza are again swatted aside, this time by Moreazerua who don't look anything like an away side as they power home to a three-nothing win through Devlin, Boogard and Padrione. Cathair, at home to Kozi, can only manage a draw in a tepid match, while Zozi are toppled by a resurgent Itzi in the most entertaining Herraduran derby of the season so far, with three red cards, five bookings and three magnificent goals, the final one coming from substitute Aaron Aiza who belts a thirty-five yard strike past Acquafresca (on after Terrazas's red card for pushing former team-mate Aurrekoetxea after the striker had only narrowly missed taking his head off after the two scrambled for a loose ball).

Matchday 22
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 6–2 KT Ferramendiak
KT Koroatuz 1–0 Silexhera FC
Oljestaden IF 2–2 1830 Cathair
KT Itzalovalle 2–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Cazadores Cathair 1–4 AC Izotz Zubia

Matchday twenty-two rolls around and Cazadores are again well beaten, this time by AC Izotz Zubia who continue to blow hot and cold.

Oljestaden's game is yet again a goalfest, only this time with the added bonus of it actually getting the Oilers a point, and against 1830 Cathair no less, who leave the field to boos from the away supporters who are frustrated with the side not kicking on in this league that really is there to be won.

Mozi, expected to struggle against Ferramendiak, instead hammer six goals past their very out-of-sorts visitors. Itzi, supposedly out of the running for the main UICA spots, string together their fourth win in a row. They really are the only team showing championship-winning form, and they are catching the top teams.

Matchday 23
The National League: Division One
AC Izotz Zubia 2–1 KT Moreazerua
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–1 Cazadores Cathair
1830 Cathair 1–0 KT Itzalovalle
Silexhera FC 1–3 Oljestaden IF
KT Ferramendiak 1–0 KT Koroatuz

There are two big games at the top of the league on matchday twenty-three. First, AC Izotz Zubia overcome local rivals KT Moreazerua through goals from Fabio Mancini and Patrick Courtois, before Renzo Padrione grabs a consoloation goal in the final minutes.

The other big game sees 1830 Cathair take on in-form KT Itzalovalle, and though Itzi have the better of the possession statistics and force more shots on goal, it's a late strike from Superintendent van Nifterick that gets Cathair all three points.

Matchday 24
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 1–1 KT Koroatuz
Oljestaden IF 2–3 KT Ferramendiak
KT Itzalovalle 3–1 Silexhera FC
Cazadores Cathair 1–0 1830 Cathair
AC Izotz Zubia 2–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
The National League:    Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                      24   13   5   6    39   27  +12    44
 2 KT Ferramendiak                     24   13   2   9    31   31    0    41
 3 1830 Cathair                        24   11   7   6    41   27  +14    40
 4 KT Itzalovalle                      24   12   4   8    36   31   +5    40
 5 KT Moreazerua                       24   11   6   7    40   28  +12    39
 6 KT Koroatuz                         24   10   6   8    32   28   +4    36
 7 Cazadores Cathair                   24   11   3  10    43   41   +2    36
 8 Tout-Puissant Hasiera               24    9   2  13    35   46  -11    29
 9 Oljestaden IF                       24    5   7  12    54   64  -10    22
10 Silexhera FC                        24    1   6  17    20   48  -28     9
Let's just get this out of the way: Silexhera are going down. The side have been badly overmatched in the top flight. The only question that remains is which side will be automatically relegated alongside them? Oljestaden are favourites right now, with just five wins from twenty-four games, but Tout-Puissant Hasiera are not out of the sautee pan just yet, despite the seven point gap between them and the northerners.

Cazadores Cathair's awful run of five losses in five games ends on matchday twenty-four with a cathartic win over local rivals 1830, with Anderson Sandro grabbing the only goal of an occasionally violent game. Cazadores, however, remain in seventh place. For a team who lead after twelve games and harboured ambitions of a place in the Champions Cup, to be occupying one of the two relegation playoff spots (the teams in seventh and eighth place come the end of the season will play one another, with the winner staying up and the loser having to play a game against the playoff winners in division two) after twenty-four games is frustrating, to say the least.

Caza are, to be fair, only four points away from third place in an incredibly competitive league. In front of them is a parade of Herraduran clubs broken only by 1830 Cathair. Kozi and Mozi are having fine seasons by their standards, while Itzi are beginning to push their way up the league.

The surprise package are Ferramendiak, who have defied expectations thus far to occupy second spot, three points behind AC Izotz Zubia who are, finally, making a big push for the league title.

Matchday 25
The National League: Division One
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–2 KT Moreazerua
1830 Cathair 1–0 AC Izotz Zubia
Silexhera FC 1–1 Cazadores Cathair
KT Ferramendiak 1–0 KT Itzalovalle
KT Koroatuz 2–0 Oljestaden IF

"NOT SO FAST" scream 1830 Cathair, as the capital club bounce back from last week's derby defeat to squeeze past Zozi on matchday twenty-five, closing the gap between themselves and the top spot to just one solitary point. Cathair remain third, however, due to the cracking finish to the Iron Derby, decided by Azucena Llorente's far-post finish to move Ferramendiak into joint-first position. Not bad for a side with only +1 goal difference.

Matchday 26
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 1–1 Oljestaden IF
KT Itzalovalle 3–0 KT Koroatuz
Cazadores Cathair 3–0 KT Ferramendiak
AC Izotz Zubia 3–1 Silexhera FC
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–1 1830 Cathair

The 'top of the league' chants among the Ferramendiak supporters don't last too long in El Ruedo, as Cazadores arrest a long run of poor form with a 3-0 win over a Feri side who really don't look comfortable when expectations rise. Zozi pull away again at the top with a predictable win over Silexhera, but Cathair lose ground in dropping two points away to Hasiera.

Having been slain by their city rivals the previous week, Itzi bounce back to thrash Herraduran rivals Koroatuz and reduce the gap back down to just a point between the Ferramendiak clubs.

Matchday 27
The National League: Division One
1830 Cathair 0–0 KT Moreazerua
Silexhera FC 0–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Ferramendiak 1–2 AC Izotz Zubia
KT Koroatuz 2–0 Cazadores Cathair
Oljestaden IF 1–2 KT Itzalovalle
The National League:    Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                      27   15   5   7    44   30  +14    50
 2 KT Itzalovalle                      27   14   4   9    41   33   +8    46
 3 1830 Cathair                        27   12   9   6    43   28  +15    45
 4 KT Ferramendiak                     27   14   2  11    33   36   -3    44
 5 KT Moreazerua                       27   11   9   7    43   31  +12    42
 6 KT Koroatuz                         27   12   6   9    36   31   +5    42
 7 Cazadores Cathair                   27   12   4  11    47   44   +3    40
 8 Tout-Puissant Hasiera               27    9   5  13    38   49  -11    32
 9 Oljestaden IF                       27    5   8  14    56   69  -13    23
10 Silexhera FC                        27    1   8  18    22   52  -30    11
With just a quarter of the season to go, there's still a very Herraduran look to the top of the table, with five of the top six hailing from the mountainous south-eastern region. AC Izotz Zubia remain first following their victory over one of their many local rivals Ferramendiak, and improve their lead at the top to four points over Itzalovalle, who move into second following an Aurrekoetxea-inspired win over struggling Oljestaden IF. Cathair, the only non-Herraduran side in the top six, drop points again, this time via a disappointing nil-all draw to fifth-placed Moreazerua, who have Feri above them and Kozi below.

Cazadores, defeated by Kozi on matchday twenty-seven, are just about in touch with the top six and are desperate to find form, while the gap between TPH and Oljestaden has increased to nine points. The Oilers need something of a miracle to avoid relegation straight back down to the second tier, but nothing like as outrageous a miracle as Silexhera need. The south-western club are now twenty-one points away from safety with only twenty-seven left to play for.

by **Audioslavia** » Sun Aug 14, 2016 1:35 pm

Matchday 28
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 2–1 KT Itzalovalle
Oljestaden IF 3–3 Cazadores Cathair
KT Koroatuz 3–2 AC Izotz Zubia
KT Ferramendiak 4–4 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Silexhera FC 0–2 1830 Cathair

Do any of these teams want to win the league? Zozi, five points clear on Saturday morning, see their lead cut to just two as they are defeated by KT Koroatuz despite being two Hawk goals to the good at half-time, as Potter-Belzaguy, Sukuda and Etxebarria score to complete an unlikely fightback. Cathair are now in second following victory over surely-relegated-now-right Silexhera, who are now twenty-two points away from safety with twenty-four left to play for. Itzi, desperate to press their title hopes, are defeated by Moreazerua, who move into third place.

Matchday 29
The National League: Division One
Silexhera FC 3–2 KT Moreazerua
1830 Cathair 1–0 KT Ferramendiak
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–0 KT Koroatuz
AC Izotz Zubia 6–1 Oljestaden IF
Cazadores Cathair 0–1 KT Itzalovalle

Silexhera stun Mozi on matchday twenty-nine, scoring through Alm, dos Anjos and Cavanhaque to win out three-two, but Tout-Puissant Hasiera poop the party by beating Kozi to formally relegate the southerners.

At the top, AC Izotz Zubia fire six goals past Oljestaden, who are all but relegated themselves, but Itzi and Cathair keep up the pace with hard-earned one-nothing wins over Cazadores and Feri respectively.

Matchday 30
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 2–0 Cazadores Cathair
KT Itzalovalle 2–0 AC Izotz Zubia
Oljestaden IF 3–4 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Koroatuz 0–0 1830 Cathair
KT Ferramendiak 4–3 Silexhera FC
The National League:    Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                      30   16   5   9    52   36  +16    53
 2 1830 Cathair                        30   14  10   6    46   28  +18    52
 3 KT Itzalovalle                      30   16   4  10    45   35  +10    52
 4 KT Moreazerua                       30   13   9   8    49   35  +14    48
 5 KT Ferramendiak                     30   15   3  12    41   44   -3    48
 6 KT Koroatuz                         30   13   7  10    39   35   +4    46
 7 Cazadores Cathair                   30   12   5  13    50   50    0    41
 8 Tout-Puissant Hasiera               30   11   6  13    48   56   -8    39
 9 Oljestaden IF                       30    5   9  16    63   82  -19    24
10 Silexhera FC                        30    2   8  20    28   60  -32    14
This league really is coming down to the wire.

Cathair's failure to overcome Koroatuz on Saturday makes for a grandstand top-of-the-table clash between Itzi and Zozi on Sunday afternoon, and though Zozi have the better of the first half, Kevin Wazockry's second-half header and Temporuin's last-minute strike forces the win for the Ferramendiak club, and only one solitary point now seperates first from third.

Below, the Globe Cup places are all but sorted with Cazadores now five points adrift with only six games to go.

Matchday 31
The National League: Division One
KT Ferramendiak 0–1 KT Moreazerua
Silexhera FC 1–0 KT Koroatuz
1830 Cathair 4–4 Oljestaden IF
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–1 KT Itzalovalle
AC Izotz Zubia 3–2 Cazadores Cathair

The thirty-first Saturday of the season sees Zozi win out 3-2 over Cazadores Cathair to stay in first place, while Itzalovalle are beaten by Hasiera to put the brakes on their title train for now.

Cathair go into Sunday's encounter with Oljestaden desperate for a win to maintain their title ambitions. va Drake, Cavan and Zelaya give them a handsome three-nothing lead at half-time, but Oljestaden, now mathematically relegated, refuse to lie down out of pride if nothing else. Tomas Kristofics nets a captain's goal early in the second half, before Roddy Fraser gets his sixth goal in four games with a finish into the roof of the net from eight yards. Cathair, who had confidence bordering on arrogance before the break, begin to make errors, but are seemingly saved Oljestaden keeper Zebjan Istanjovich allows a long-range effort from Rodolfo Zelaya to bounce under his body and into the net. That really should be that, but a Zé Guto free kick brings the score back to 4-3 before Fraser pops up at the far post to volley in the equaliser in the 89th minute. Oljestaden's destiny isn't changed a bit, but Cathair see an opportunity slip through their fingers.

It isn't even the biggest upset of the weekend, mind. Silexhera 1-0 KT Koroatuz happens. Surely that has to be their final win of the season?

Matchday 32
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 2–1 AC Izotz Zubia
Cazadores Cathair 1–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Itzalovalle 1–1 1830 Cathair
Oljestaden IF 0–2 Silexhera FC
KT Koroatuz 1–0 KT Ferramendiak
The National League:    Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                      32   17   5  10    56   40  +16    56
 2 1830 Cathair                        32   14  12   6    51   33  +18    54
 3 KT Moreazerua                       32   15   9   8    52   36  +16    54
 4 KT Itzalovalle                      32   16   5  11    47   38   +9    53
 5 KT Koroatuz                         32   14   7  11    40   36   +4    49
 6 KT Ferramendiak                     32   15   3  14    41   46   -5    48
 7 Cazadores Cathair                   32   13   5  14    53   53    0    44
 8 Tout-Puissant Hasiera               32   12   6  14    50   58   -8    42
 9 Oljestaden IF                       32    5  10  17    67   88  -21    25
10 Silexhera FC                        32    4   8  20    31   60  -29    20
Silexhera put together a string of two victories for the first time in the season - taking their total win tally up to four - and all of a sudden the southerners are only five points behind ninth place and Oljestaden, the team they so handily defeated on Saturday afternoon.

At the top, KT Itzalovalle versus 1830 Cathair is the weekend's marquee tie. The atmosphere at the Antzerkia stadium is electric, with both sides vying for the title, and Mauro Sondergaard's fourteenth-minute goal threatens to blow the roof off. Cathair, though, have been here and done this time and time again over the years, and are more than up to the task of quietening the crowd through slow possession-based build-up play and, before half-time, levelling through Krytenian winger Marco Angelo.

1-1 the result stays, to the advantage of neither team, with Zozi gifted the opportunity of opening up a five point gap at the top with four games to go. They grab the opportunity with both hands, before dropping it at their feet and watching it fall down a drain. Sterling Rose gets the go-ahead-goal against Moreazerua in the first half, and then duly gets himself sent off for a high challenge on Guerricaechevarria. Mozi come into the game, score through Concepcion-Legorburu and Padrione, and win to not only reduce Zozi's lead at the top of the table to just two points, but to put themselves into joint-second.

Three points seperate the top four. It's the closest National League title race in history.

Matchday 33
The National League: Division One
KT Koroatuz 0–1 KT Moreazerua
KT Ferramendiak 1–2 Oljestaden IF
Silexhera FC 1–2 KT Itzalovalle
1830 Cathair 2–1 Cazadores Cathair
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 4–4 AC Izotz Zubia
Three games to go
 1 1830 Cathair                        33   15  12   6    53   34  +19    57
 2 KT Moreazerua                       33   16   9   8    53   36  +17    57
 3 AC Izotz Zubia                      33   17   6  10    60   44  +16    57
 4 KT Itzalovalle                      33   17   5  11    49   39  +10    56
Cathair victorious in the Capital Derby, Itzi winners over relegated Silexhera, Mozi with a last gasp win over Koroatuz, but Zozi are held in a ridiculous game against Tout-Puissant Hasiera, who 'do an Oljestaden' and refuse to lie down despite being three goals down at half time. One point seperates first from fourth.

Matchday 34
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 3–2 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
AC Izotz Zubia 1–0 1830 Cathair
Cazadores Cathair 2–3 Silexhera FC
KT Itzalovalle 1–1 KT Ferramendiak
Oljestaden IF 2–2 KT Koroatuz
The National League:    Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 KT Moreazerua                       34   17   9   8    56   38  +18    60
 2 AC Izotz Zubia                      34   18   6  10    61   44  +17    60
 3 1830 Cathair                        34   15  12   7    53   35  +18    57
 4 KT Itzalovalle                      34   17   6  11    50   40  +10    57
 5 KT Koroatuz                         34   14   8  12    42   39   +3    50
 6 KT Ferramendiak                     34   15   4  15    43   49   -6    49
 7 Cazadores Cathair                   34   13   5  16    56   58   -2    44
 8 Tout-Puissant Hasiera               34   12   7  15    56   65   -9    43
 9 Oljestaden IF                       34    6  11  17    71   91  -20    29
10 Silexhera FC                        34    5   8  21    35   64  -29    23
It's the biggest Derby of Audioslavia in recent memory. Zozi vs Cathair, Herradura versus the Capital, Hawk vs va Drake, Intxausti vs Lidgley, 3x LigAnaia champions vs 5x LigAnaia champions, Captain Courtois versus Rodolfo's Reigns. It's a garbage match by all accounts, with both sides making countless mistakes, but these types of matches are very rarely technical masterpieces. Gael Marquez comes close to taking the lead for Cathair with a towering header, Batmacumba keeps the visitors alive with a superb stop from Magellan, Hawk is largely kept at bay by Soldarian yet again, but Zozi take the spoils with a last-ditch goal, as a parried Nuremberg save is swept into the roof of the net by... by... is... is that... Orson Faulkner?

Zozi fans celebrate a goal that they believe will put them at the top of the table, but they don't reckon on Moreazerua overcoming Tout-Puissant Hasiera in the Ibarretako Estadioa. The title may well be coming to Herradura, but it's Moreazerua at the top of the table with two matches left to play. Mozi winning the league? That would be the biggest upset of them all, surely? Perhaps even more so than the fact that matchday thirty-four sees Silexhera win again.

Matchday thirty-four is also the last Iron City Derby, and it's one that ends in frustration for Itzi as they fail to get the win they need to stay in touch with the top two. The gap between themselves and the league title is now three points, with six to play for.

Matchday 35
The National League: Division One
Oljestaden IF 2–1 KT Moreazerua
KT Koroatuz 4–2 KT Itzalovalle
KT Ferramendiak 3–3 Cazadores Cathair
Silexhera FC 2–3 AC Izotz Zubia
1830 Cathair 0–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
The National League:    Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                      35   19   6  10    64   46  +18    63
 2 KT Moreazerua                       35   17   9   9    57   40  +17    60
 3 1830 Cathair                        35   15  12   8    53   36  +17    57
 4 KT Itzalovalle                      35   17   6  12    52   44   +8    57
 5 KT Koroatuz                         35   15   8  12    46   41   +5    53
 6 KT Ferramendiak                     35   15   5  15    46   52   -6    50
 7 Tout-Puissant Hasiera               35   13   7  15    57   65   -8    46
 8 Cazadores Cathair                   35   13   6  16    59   61   -2    45
 9 Oljestaden IF                       35    7  11  17    73   92  -19    32
10 Silexhera FC                        35    5   8  22    37   67  -30    23
Silexhera's ambitions of finishing ninth are ended by AC Izotz Zubia, who score three times in the first half and weather the Silexherans' fightback to win out three-two and put a marker down for the other teams in the top four.

The other teams in the top four all spectacularly fail to reach it.

1830 Cathair 0-1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera is the result that extinguishes Cathair's title ambitions for another year. Cathair, it has to be said, are woeful throughout the ninety minutes, and Tout-Puissant deservedly move into a respectable seventh-place - still in the relegation playoffs, but above Cazadores Cathair who have been a massive disappointment ever since their early season loss of bottle while leading the league.

Moreazerua's defeat to relegated Oljestaden leaves the men in purple needing snookers in their final game to retain their chances of winning the league, but Itzalovalle's drab 4-2 defeat to Koroatuz means that Mozi are, barring a horrific spanking in their final game, guaranteed Champions Cup football next season.

Going into the final game, Zozi know they need only draw to guarantee a league title. They could even win the league in defeat, if Moreazerua fail to get all three points in their home encounter with 1830 Cathair. Cathair themselves are fighting for the final Champions Cup place, and need to match or better Itzalovalle's result if they are to dine at UICA football's top table next season.

With a game to go, everything else is secure. Kozi and Feri will play in the Globe Cup next season. Oljestaden and Silexhera are relegated, while TPH and Caza are guaranteed to play a relegation playoff against one another after the season's end.

Matchday 36
The National League: Division One
KT Moreazerua 1–1 1830 Cathair
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–1 Silexhera FC
AC Izotz Zubia 1–0 KT Ferramendiak
Cazadores Cathair 4–1 KT Koroatuz
KT Itzalovalle 3–1 Oljestaden IF

There is no point on Sunday where Zozi's league title doesn't look secure. Laborious Hawk scores early to give them the lead over a KT Ferramendiak side that have very little to play for, and Feri look like they have half an eye on their sun-loungers already. Cathair versus Mozi looks less like a match that could decide the title with every passing minute, especially as Cathair score on the stroke of half-time to put thsmelves into second place in the as-it-stands table.

All Cathair need to do is equal or better Itzalovalle's score, and with Itzi 3-0 up at half time over relegated Oljestaden, their job is clear, to the players as well as to the supporters.

Which is why things get a bit panicky in the sixtieth minute, as Renzo Padrione equalizes.

All of a sudden, 1830 Cathair, Audioslavia's richest and most decorated team, aren't even going to finish in the UICA Champions Cup places. The Elders stage a fightback, desperately throwing players forward, but it's to no avail. The full-time whistle blows to condemn the five-time LigAnaia Champions to a season of Globe Cup football.

Moreazerua, five points adrift of a title they never really believed they could win, but into the CC next season, are ecstatic as are Itzalovalle who win out three-one. Mozi and Itzi will be playing in the world's premier club tournament next season for the first time in their histories.

by **Audioslavia** » Sun Aug 14, 2016 1:59 pm

Promotion/Relegation
PLAYOFFS

The league season's final super Saturday isn't the last weekend of the season for some clubs. Those fortunate/unfortunate enough to find themselves in a promotion/relegation playoff are in action while other teams are on their holidays.

First up comes the Tertiary Playoffs, a tournament for those who finished between third and sixth in the third division, with the winner earning promotion to the second tier. A two-legged semi-final pits Ceilerden Harp against DDM Dunas Secas and Project +90 Kjelstad against Laranjauzia, with both matches going to form in Wednesday's first leg - with Harp victorious and P+90 comfortable winners - before draws in Saturday afternoon's second leg sets up a Harp/P+90 final the following week.

The Sunday after the Division Three playoff semi-final second-leg is the Primary Playoff semi-final, first leg. In these playoffs, the teams finishing in seventh and eighth place in Division One are pitted against one another in a one-legged encounter at a neutral stadium, with the loser having to go on to play the winner of a one-legged encounter between the third and fourth teams in Division Two. Lunchtime's D1 encounter between TPH and Cazadores ends with Tout-Puissant Hasiera taking the narrowest of victories, with Kolbruk Keinensson scoring the only goal of the game in what could be his final match for the club.

D2's semi-final, held in the 1927 Arena at 3pm that day, is a more open affair, and through the match is locked at 1-1 at half-time, Freddy Sainz and Eric Bonilla score vital second-half goals to take the victory for AS Marcadia.

The following Saturday sees Ceilerden Harp play Project +90 Kjelstad in the Tertiary Playoff, with the winner guaranteed promotion to the second tier. Harp have the better squad on paper, but go into the game looking tense in comparison to P90's youthful exuberance and can't bring themselves back from 3-2 down as P+90 rejoin the second tier for the first time in five seasons or so.

Sunday's encounter is the big 'million dollar match' between Cazadores Cathair, who had been hoping for at least a Champions Cup place a few months previously, and AS Marcadia, who a year or two ago were still semi-professional.

Cazadores have the better of the first half, going ahead via Rook Cathar before their lead is doubled by Anderson Sandro, who scores an impressive diving header despite the fact that he appeared to have been trying to do an overhead kick at the time.

Veteran Legalite striker Appius Freilino responds with a header just after half-time, and though Cazadores extend the gap back to two goals quickly after, subtitute winger Tobiasso Bagnato slides home a cross and makes another for Rich di Vita to force extra-time.

Cazadores have the edge in fitness, but are constantly frustrated despite waves of attacks before Bagnato scores again to put Marcadia 4-3 up in extra time. Cazadores go for a response, find one in the form of a Vilfredo Corsi strike, but Franklin Montano stuns the capital club with a last minute header past Rollins to ensure it will be Marcadia, and not Cazadores, who will be playing in the top flight next season.

Primary Playoffs Semi-finals
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1-0 Cazadores Cathair
(Burdina Jauregia, Ferramendiak)

AS Marcadia 3-1 Burdoc Ridge
(1927 Arena, Kjeligsted)

Primary Playoff Final
Cazadores Cathair 3-3 AS Marcadia (4-5 AET)
(Arena Kirola, Cathair)

AS MARCADIA ARE PROMOTED
CAZADORES CATHAIR ARE RELEGATED

Teriary playoff semi-finals
Ceilerden Harp 1-0 DDM Dunas Secas
DDM Dunas Secas 1-1 Ceilerden Harp

Project +90 Kjelstad 3-1 KT Laranjauzia
KT Laranjauzia 0-0 Project +90 Kjelstad

Tertiary Playoff final
Ceilerden Harp 2-3 Project +90 Kjelstad
(Arena Kirola, Cathair)

PROJECT +90 KJELSTAD ARE PROMOTED

The Kirola Cup is Audioslavia's domestic cup competition, organized in the absence of the COCANEFA Cup. The tournament is the spiritual successor to the Audioslavian National Cup held between the fourth and sixth LigAnaia seasons, and won twice by AC Izotz Zubia and once by KT Itzalovalle. After a short qualifying round, the teams are drawn at random into thirty-two one-legged ties, with the winners progressing and the losers bowing out. All matches are played at the home stadium of the first listed teams, except the semis and finals, which are played at neutral stadiums.

Kirola Cup: Qualifying Round
Calcio Lecho 1-0 Clockwork FC
The Iron Brewery 2-0 Valderantia United
Maccabi Hasiera 2-4 2130 Calolziolungho
Viking Halehavn 1-0 KT Kanpoldelko
2130 Calolziolungho 2–1 Project +90 Kjelstad
KT Laranjauzia 5–0 CdF Celtade
Sparta Zijweg 0–1 Lemmitania State FC
Ceilerden Harp 2–2 Eorkzhr Blaydes (2–2 AET) (1–2 pen.)

The Kirola Cup: First Round
Valens AV 1–0 KT Ferramendiak
Oljestaden IF 4–2 The Oran
Isle of Kjeligsted FC 1–0 KT Moreazerua
Silexhera FC 3–0 The Iron Brewery
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 3–2 Cazadores Cathair
AC Izotz Zubia 1–2 1830 Cathair
Excelsior Zijweg 2–0 DDM Dunas Secas
Reina Del Sud 0–2 Sobrevolante
KT Koroatuz 1–0 AS Marcadia
SC Laivanrakentajas 0–2 Ceilerden Rovers
Burdoc Ridge 5–1 Viking Halehavn
Calcio Lecho 0–2 KT Itzalovalle
Eorkzhr Owls 3–4 Eletti Valligiani
Shamrock Cathair 3–1 Tenth Star Hasiera
Lemmitania State 1-0 Eorkzhr Blaydes
2130 Calolziolungho 0-1 KT Laranjauzia

The Kirola Cup: Second Round
Shamrock Cathair 4–4 KT Laranjauzia (7–4 AET)
Isle of Kjeligsted FC 2–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Itzalovalle 1–0 Burdoc Ridge
Silexhera FC 5–2 Sobrevolante
Excelsior Zijweg 0–4 Valens AV
1830 Cathair 3–1 Ceilerden Rovers
Eletti Valligiani 5–2 Lemmitania State FC
Oljestaden IF 2-0 KT Koroatuz

The Kirola Cup: Quarter Finals
Shamrock Cathair 0–2 Eletti Valligiani
Oljestaden IF 2–2 1830 Cathair (3–2 AET)
Isle of Kjeligsted FC 2–0 Valens AV
KT Itzalovalle 1–0 Silexhera FC

The Kirola Cup: Semi Finals
Isle of Kjeligsted FC 0-2 KT Itzalovalle
(Hygolje Arena, Oljestaden)

Eletti Valligiani 5–3 Oljestaden IF
(Burdina Jauregia, Ferramendiak)

The Kirola Cup: Final
KT Itzalovalle 0–0 Eletti Valligiani (1–1 AET) (2–3 pen.)
(Arena Kirola, Cathair)

There are upsets galore in the national cup, with Mozi and Feri beaten in the first round, Cathair losing to Oljestaden in the quarter-finals and lower-league teams reaching both semi-finals.

The final, between an Itzi side in the middle of the best ever season and an Eletti Valligiani team only in the first stages of professionaldom, should be a foregone conclusion, but the Gialloneri keep their top-tier opponents at bay, find an unlikely equaliser at the end of the second half of extra-time and win out 3-2 on penalties to cap off a splendid season for the men in the east.

Next year, E.V. will play SBCC, Cygnus Cup and top-flight football. The fans are already counting the days until the new season.

by **Audioslavia** » Wed Dec 14, 2016 1:52 pm

Season Two

by **Audioslavia** » Wed Dec 14, 2016 2:15 pm

Matchday 1
The National League Division One
KT Koroatuz 0–1 KT Moreazerua
Eletti Valligiani 1–0 KT Ferramendiak
KT Itzalovalle 0–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Shamrock Cathair 4–3 AS Marcadia
1830 Cathair 1–1 AC Izotz Zubia

The second season of the National League opens with the biggest match on the calendar, as 6-time Audioslavian champions AC Izotz Zubia travel to 9-time champions 1830 Cathair for the Derby of Audioslavia. Zozi, the defending champions, have the better of a tight game and look to be snatching all three points until substitute Nzuzi Kidiaba drills a low shot into the far corner to rescue a point for Cathair. Manager Wilf Lidgley, as legendary a figure as they come at Cathair, has suffered criticism since the end of last season, and that dissipates in the aftermath of this game.

Matchday 2
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 3–0 AC Izotz Zubia
AS Marcadia 1–2 1830 Cathair
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 0–3 Shamrock Cathair
KT Ferramendiak 0–1 KT Itzalovalle
KT Koroatuz 0–1 Eletti Valligiani

The south-east of Audioslavia has always been a footballing hotbed, but nonetheless the top flight of Audioslavia still hosts its first members from the south-eastern region of Lombia this season, with AS Marcadia and Eletti Valligiani taking a seat a the top table for the very first time. Eletti, dubbed the Giallobianchi by some, Evie by others and The Valleymen by those unable to speak Italic, were shock winners of the Audioslavian cup last year, in a season in which they also attained promotion at a canter. Evie are expected to do well, and two one-nothing victories in their opening two games appear to prove that.

Matchday 3
The National League Division One
Eletti Valligiani 1–0 KT Moreazerua
KT Itzalovalle 0–0 KT Koroatuz
Shamrock Cathair 0–0 KT Ferramendiak
1830 Cathair 2–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
AC Izotz Zubia 3–4 AS Marcadia

The other Lombian team is AS Marcadia, poor relations of the Giallobianchi in terms of historical strength and earning power, yet still a proud club in its own right. Il Blueceleste (or Gli Marchetti - 'The Marked' - a slightly racist take on the city's high population of darker-skinned Audioslavians) are defeated in their opening two games, but a shock 4-3 away win over champions AC Izotz Zubia, who themselves are still without a win so far, shows their hand to their opposition this season. Despite a largely domestic and unheralded squad, ASM are going to be no pushovers this season.

Matchday 4
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 3–3 AS Marcadia
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–0 AC Izotz Zubia
KT Ferramendiak 3–3 1830 Cathair
KT Koroatuz 0–1 Shamrock Cathair
Eletti Valligiani 1–0 KT Itzalovalle

It has been an absolute shocker for Ari Mendea in his first four games in charge of the reigning champions AC Izotz Zubia. Previous incumbent Frantzko Intxausti, had been a much-maligned figure despite bringing the two league championships in the space of four seasons, but the ire of the fans for him was nothing compared to that which they showed Mendea after his third defeat in four games, leaving the champs rock bottom of the National League.

Matchday 5
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 1–0 KT Moreazerua
Shamrock Cathair 1–3 Eletti Valligiani
1830 Cathair 2–1 KT Koroatuz
AC Izotz Zubia 2–0 KT Ferramendiak
AS Marcadia 1–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera

There are a plethora of clubs from the Tzierra/Herradura region of Audioslavia. Any and all of the Audioslavian outfits with a K.T. preceding their name are from the region, as are AC Izotz Zubia, who owe their Associzione Calcio name to Lombian settlers. Zozi, strugglers in the early going, win out in a hard-fought Tzierran derby against KT Ferramendiak. Feri represent one half of the Tzierran capital city of Ferramendiak, with former two-time Audioslavian Cup winners KT Itzalovalle their city rivals. Itzi, for many years very much the third best Audioslavian side behind heavyweights AC Izotz Zubia and 1830 Cathair, win out in another Tzierran derby against KT Moreazerua, a side famed for their instantly recogniseable purple shirts with red trim. Mozi, from the city of Moreazerua, have been something of a yo-yo club throughout their history, which made last season's second place finish all the more remarkable. Form so far, however, has been patchy.

Matchday 6
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 0–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Ferramendiak 0–1 AS Marcadia
KT Koroatuz 0–1 AC Izotz Zubia
Eletti Valligiani 1–2 1830 Cathair
KT Itzalovalle 0–1 Shamrock Cathair

Rounding out the league's Tzierran contingent are KT Koroatuz, from the city of the same name. Kori's fifth-place finish last season is by far the most impressive in their history, though the side look unlikely to repeat that this season on current form, with no wins from their first six games.

Matchday 7
The National League Division One
Shamrock Cathair 2–1 KT Moreazerua
1830 Cathair 1–0 KT Itzalovalle
AC Izotz Zubia 2–0 Eletti Valligiani
AS Marcadia 4–2 KT Koroatuz
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–1 KT Ferramendiak

Cathair's Shamrock football club have been little more than a footnote in Audioslavian football over the past twelve seasons. A founder member of the LigAnaia, Shamrock were relegated out in their third season of LigAnaia football and never made it back to the big time. Last season's promotion season, which saw the side secure automatic promotion from Division 2 on the final day, put the side back in the top flight for the first time in living memory for most fans, and the side have set about proving their mettle, winning five of their first seven games to temporarily top the league.

Matchday 8
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 0–0 KT Ferramendiak
KT Koroatuz 0–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Eletti Valligiani 1–1 AS Marcadia
KT Itzalovalle 0–1 AC Izotz Zubia
Shamrock Cathair 2–2 1830 Cathair

Eight of the league's ten clubs hail from the densely populated south-eastern corner of Audioslavia. Zozi and the KT teams hail from Tzierra, the Giallobianchi[i] and [i]Blueceleste hail from Lombia, while the southern-most tip of the country, the sunny Bas de la Sierre region, is represented by francophone culture-club Tout-Puissant Hasiera, resplendent in blue shirts inspired a little by Mondrian and very much by sycophantic middle-class back-patting. TPH, along with TSH (Tenth Star Hasiera, the region's immigrant team) are yo-yo clubs, with TPH barely escaping relegation last season and TSH fighting for promotion back to the top tier. A point for Les Puissants against KT Koroatuz forms part of a modest opening salvo for the southern side, who are 3-2-3 after eight games.

Matchday 9
The National League Division One
1830 Cathair 0–0 KT Moreazerua
AC Izotz Zubia 2–0 Shamrock Cathair
AS Marcadia 0–0 KT Itzalovalle
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 3–2 Eletti Valligiani
KT Ferramendiak 1–1 KT Koroatuz
The National League Division One     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 1830 Cathair                        9    5   4   0    15   10   +5    19
 2 Shamrock Cathair                    9    5   2   2    14   11   +3    17
 3 AC Izotz Zubia                      9    5   1   3    12   10   +2    16
 4 Eletti Valligiani                   9    5   1   3    11    9   +2    16
 5 AS Marcadia                         9    4   3   2    18   15   +3    15
 6 Tout-Puissant Hasiera               9    4   2   3     9    9    0    14
 7 KT Moreazerua                       9    2   4   3     8    7   +1    10
 8 KT Itzalovalle                      9    2   2   5     2    5   -3     8
 9 KT Ferramendiak                     9    0   4   5     5   11   -6     4
10 KT Koroatuz                         9    0   3   6     4   11   -7     3
A quarter of the way through the season, the presence of eight-time Audioslavian champions 1830 Cathair at the top of the table is absolutely no surprise, though Shamrock Cathair's second position is a huge shock. Cathair could well have gone top with victory on Matchday nine, but were overpowered away to AC Izotz Zubia who, after a godawful opening four games, have won five on the bounce to go third at this stage. The Giallobianchi and Blueceleste lie fourth and fifth in what has so far been a successful first season of top flight football, while TPH and the KT gang are struggling so far, with Feri and Kozi yet to register wins thus far.

Matchday 10
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 0–1 KT Koroatuz
KT Ferramendiak 2–2 Eletti Valligiani
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 0–1 KT Itzalovalle
AS Marcadia 5–1 Shamrock Cathair
AC Izotz Zubia 2–2 1830 Cathair

Shamrock's resurgence is given a swift kick in the pallone by AS Marcadia, who thump the western-Cathair club by five goals to one to leapfrog E.V., who could only draw away to struggling Ferramendiak.

On Sunday, the second of four Derby of Audioslavias is, once again, drawn, this time with four goals being shared rather than two, as all stays the same at the top of the table.

Matchday 11
The National League Division One
AC Izotz Zubia 0–1 KT Moreazerua
1830 Cathair 1–2 AS Marcadia
Shamrock Cathair 1–2 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Itzalovalle 1–1 KT Ferramendiak
Eletti Valligiani 0–0 KT Koroatuz

Five wins and five draws is a somewhat inauspicious unbeaten streak, and it comes to an end on Matchday eleven as AS Marcadia do the Cathair-double in beating powerhouses 1830 Cathair on their own turf. Defeat for Zozi in a Tzierran derby versus Mozi means Gli Marchetti go second in the table.

Matchday 12
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 4–2 Eletti Valligiani
KT Koroatuz 0–0 KT Itzalovalle
KT Ferramendiak 0–1 Shamrock Cathair
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–2 1830 Cathair
AS Marcadia 2–2 AC Izotz Zubia

Eletti Valligiani, tipped by many to trouble the Champions Cup places this season, fail to find victory for the third game in a row as they are overturned 4-2 by KT Moreazerua, who score through two goals a piece from Guerricaechevarria and Anderson Sandro. Sandro is a strange sight for a number of reasons, and not just his odd hair and habit of tucking the right leg of his shorts into his right sock while playing - an attempt at fashion that has unsurprisingly yet to catch on in the world. Sandro, annoyed with not being awarded the number 10 shirt on his arrival (that honour goes to former Feri winger and rare female Audioslavian footballer Azucena Llorente), Sandro is wearing 01 this season.

Marcadia, defeated only twice thus far, pull out an escape from two goals down at home to Zozi by Zini and Frellino.

Matchday 13
The National League Division One
AS Marcadia 3–1 KT Moreazerua
AC Izotz Zubia 1–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
1830 Cathair 5–3 KT Ferramendiak
Shamrock Cathair 1–0 KT Koroatuz
KT Itzalovalle 1–2 Eletti Valligiani

Neither Cathair nor Zozi have been at their imperious best this season, and both knuckle down to handy wins on Matchday thirteen, though neither can quite catch Marcadia at the top, who thoroughly outplay a disappointing KT Moreazerua. Regional rivals Eletti Valligiani arrest a run of poor form with a hard-earned away victory against KT Itzalovalle, with legendary Cosumarite forward Anders Engstrom the scorer of both goals.

Matchday 14
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 0–1 KT Itzalovalle
Eletti Valligiani 1–2 Shamrock Cathair
KT Koroatuz 1–1 1830 Cathair
KT Ferramendiak 1–2 AC Izotz Zubia
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–2 AS Marcadia

Marcadia are having an amazing start to the season, and a 2-1 away win over TPH cements their place at the top of the table after fourteen games, with Cathair dropping two points away to Koroatuz. Zozi, not exactly setting the world alight thus far, still manage to grab a win over a game Tout-Puissant Hasiera in the southern city via two Laborious Hawk goals to one.

Matchday 15
The National League Division One
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–0 KT Moreazerua
AS Marcadia 0–2 KT Ferramendiak
AC Izotz Zubia 2–1 KT Koroatuz
1830 Cathair 0–1 Eletti Valligiani
Shamrock Cathair 1–2 KT Itzalovalle

A horrific performance by AS Marcadia on Matchday fifteen in losing to KT Ferramendiak, who pick up their first win of the season against the top-placed side in the league, gifts Cathair the chance to retake the lead in the championship, but Sunday's kickoff sees the title favourites beaten by Anders Engstrom's 43rd minute strike for the visitors. Elsewhere, Zozi are edging their way back into the title race as Hawk turns provider this week, setting up Mancini and Apexarena for goals in their 2-1 win over KT Koroatuz.

Matchday 16
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 0–0 Shamrock Cathair
KT Itzalovalle 1–2 1830 Cathair
Eletti Valligiani 4–2 AC Izotz Zubia
KT Koroatuz 0–2 AS Marcadia
KT Ferramendiak 1–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera

The Valleymen, spoilers against title hopefuls Cathair the previous week, are on hand to slap down the challenge of another Audioslavian heavyweight as Engstrom, Reta, Corsi and Giuffrida each score against Zozi, who fail to hold the 1-0 and 2-1 leads that Laborious Hawk had given them early in the second half.

Marcadia and Cathair, both beaten the previous week, win important away games to maintain their lead at the top of the table.

Matchday 17
The National League Division One
KT Ferramendiak 1–1 KT Moreazerua
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–2 KT Koroatuz
AS Marcadia 2–3 Eletti Valligiani
AC Izotz Zubia 0–2 KT Itzalovalle
1830 Cathair 1–0 Shamrock Cathair

It's derby day for the top two, as Sunday's two games see Valligiani vs Marcadia and Cathair vs Cathair. Cathair - 1830 to be exact - are victorious in the lunchtime clash and go top by two points before Marcadia's chance to reply against Eletti Valligiani. Unfortunately for Gli Marchetti, it's to be a sobering afternoon as they twice blow leads against their local rivals to lose out by three goals to two and lose their grip on the top of the league.

Matchday 18
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 4–3 1830 Cathair
Shamrock Cathair 2–3 AC Izotz Zubia
KT Itzalovalle 0–0 AS Marcadia
Eletti Valligiani 0–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Koroatuz 1–1 KT Ferramendiak
The National League Division One     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 1830 Cathair                       18    9   6   3    32   25   +7    33
 2 AS Marcadia                        18    9   5   4    36   26  +10    32
 3 Eletti Valligiani                  18    9   4   5    26   22   +4    31
 4 AC Izotz Zubia                     18    9   3   6    26   25   +1    30
 5 Shamrock Cathair                   18    8   3   7    23   25   -2    27
 6 KT Itzalovalle                     18    6   5   7    11   11    0    23
 7 Tout-Puissant Hasiera              18    6   4   8    16   19   -3    22
 8 KT Moreazerua                      18    5   6   7    19   19    0    21
 9 KT Koroatuz                        18    2   7   9    10   19   -9    13
10 KT Ferramendiak                    18    1   9   8    17   25   -8    12
It's officially crisis time for Feri, who sit rock bottom on only one win in eighteen attempts. The side, to their credit have drawn half of their games, and its for that reason that they can say their only a point from 9th placed Koroatuz, even if they are currently nine points from the relative safety of eighth place. Moreazerua, who last season finished and threatened to kick on with another strong season, are in terrible form, lying in eight place in the relegation playoff places, a point behind Tout-Puissant Hasiera in seventh.

Itzi are only two points better, but do sit in the Globe Cup places along with Shamrock Cathair, who were the first ever Audioslavian side to play in UICA football, and AC Izotz Zubia. Zozi, on 30 points, are only three away from the top in a tight summit of the league in which only two points seperate third from first. Cathair top the league, as they tend to do in Audioslavian football, but the fact that newly-promoted top-flight debutants Marcadia and Valligiani are second and third respectively is a shock.

by **Audioslavia** » Wed Dec 14, 2016 3:00 pm

Matchday 19
The National League Division One
KT Koroatuz 2–3 KT Moreazerua
Eletti Valligiani 2–4 KT Ferramendiak
KT Itzalovalle 0–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Shamrock Cathair 2–1 AS Marcadia
1830 Cathair 4–3 AC Izotz Zubia

Marcadia's luck seems to be up as they stumble to defeat at Shamrock, yet the men in sky blue remain in second place thanks to local rivals Eletti Valligiani's poor capitulations at home to KT Ferramendiak, who pick up only their second win of the season.

Sunday sees the league's third Derby of Audioslavia, and it's a humdinger of an encounter that sees reigning champions Zozi 2-1 up at half time, with a Hawk volley and a Courtois header finding the net either side of Soldarian's long-range effort for the home side. Zozi come out stronger after the break, but two lightning-fast counter-attacks in three minutes result in goals for Jamie del Olmo and Espy va Drake as Cathair take the lead. Zozi press, Hawk manages to level the score with his second of the game - a beautiful control-turn-volley from the corner of the area - but Cathair take the spoils in the 87th minute thanks to a rare goal from Ulrika Kinlasson. Cathair, five-time LigAnaia champs, now have a cushion at the top of four whole points.

Matchday 20
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 2–1 AC Izotz Zubia
AS Marcadia 1–2 1830 Cathair
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–0 Shamrock Cathair
KT Ferramendiak 0–1 KT Itzalovalle
KT Koroatuz 2–1 Eletti Valligiani

There are more disasters for those clubs in the top four not named 1830 Cathair, as Evie fall to another defeat to Tzierran opposition before AC Izotz Zubia lose out to derby rivals KT Moreazerua. Cathair, playing away at AS Marcadia, steal all three points from their rivals to increase their lead at the top of the table.

Matchday 21
The National League Division One
Eletti Valligiani 3–4 KT Moreazerua
KT Itzalovalle 0–1 KT Koroatuz
Shamrock Cathair 1–2 KT Ferramendiak
1830 Cathair 3–4 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
AC Izotz Zubia 3–2 AS Marcadia

Zozi fans are frustrated with their side's form, but it's Marcadia who are truly in freefall and the Tzierran club can't help but take a 3-0 lead at half-time against the Blueceleste, who do manage a late fightback to give the score a more respectable feel. Feri grab win number three for the season with an away victory at Shamrock, while Mozi win again away to Eletti Valligiani. Mozi, strugglers in the early going, are really starting to find their form. Guerricachevarria, Llorente, Mariezkurrena, Hriedarsson and Lisco have become a formidable central five, and prove as much by each taking turns to set up Padrione with four goals in their win.

Cathair, playing on Sunday, are expected to walk all over TPH, but despite taking the lead twice are matched at every turn by the struggling south-easterners, who score twice through Albert and O'Brien in the dying moments to steal all three points from under the Catharans noses.

Matchday 22
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 2–1 AS Marcadia
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–3 AC Izotz Zubia
KT Ferramendiak 2–1 1830 Cathair
KT Koroatuz 2–3 Shamrock Cathair
Eletti Valligiani 0–1 KT Itzalovalle

AS Marcadia crash to another defeat on gameday twenty-two, as Mozi continue their fine run of form via goals from Llorente and Sandro, the latter returning from an injury obtained on a revolving dancefloor at a local nightclub. Evie also lose, while 1830 Cathair are shocked again as a trip to struggling Ferramendiak ends in disaster, with the home side scraping the win. It's just as well for Cathair that their rivals aren't faring much better, though Zozi do manage to do as Cathair couldn't the week previous and maintain a lead against Tout-Puissant Hasiera.

Matchday 23
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 0–0 KT Moreazerua
Shamrock Cathair 2–2 Eletti Valligiani
1830 Cathair 1–0 KT Koroatuz
AC Izotz Zubia 2–3 KT Ferramendiak
AS Marcadia 0–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera

KT Itzalovalle have been dire all season, and compound their status as the league's least exciting club with a drab nil-all draw against Moreazerua. Itzi, outsiders for the title on gameday one, are stuck in seventh place having win and lost eight games and scored a measly 13 goals in 23 matches, though in their defence they have conceded only twelve and are the only team in the bottom half with a positive goal-difference ratio.

There are only two wins this weekend, but both are massively important in the title race, as second-placed AC Izotz Zubia become the next in the short line of teams to somehow lose to KT Ferramendiak, who finally seem to have remembered how to play football over the past few weeks. Cathair, victorious over Koroatuz by a single goal, increase their lead at the top of the table to six points.
The National League Division One     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 1830 Cathair                       23   12   6   5    43   35   +8    42
 2 AC Izotz Zubia                     23   11   3   9    38   38    0    36
 3 KT Moreazerua                      23    9   7   7    30   26   +4    34
 4 Shamrock Cathair                   23   10   4   9    31   33   -2    34
 5 AS Marcadia                        23    9   6   8    41   35   +6    33
 6 Eletti Valligiani                  23    9   5   9    34   35   -1    32
 7 KT Itzalovalle                     23    8   7   8    13   12   +1    31
 8 Tout-Puissant Hasiera              23    8   6   9    23   25   -2    30
 9 KT Ferramendiak                    23    5   9   9    28   32   -4    24
10 KT Koroatuz                        23    4   7  12    17   27  -10    19

Matchday 24
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 4–2 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Ferramendiak 3–3 AS Marcadia
KT Koroatuz 1–0 AC Izotz Zubia
Eletti Valligiani 0–3 1830 Cathair
KT Itzalovalle 0–0 Shamrock Cathair

Cathair win, Zozi lose, and that gap between the two heavyweights is now up to nine points with only twelve games left to play. Mozi go third, defeating Tout-Puissant Hasiera, while Feri pick up another point by sharing six goals against AS Marcadia who, despite the weekend's goalscoring feat, have looked out of sorts for months now.

Itzalovalle draw 0-0. No surprise there.

Matchday 25
The National League Division One
Shamrock Cathair 0–1 KT Moreazerua
1830 Cathair 1–0 KT Itzalovalle
AC Izotz Zubia 1–3 Eletti Valligiani
AS Marcadia 3–2 KT Koroatuz
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–2 KT Ferramendiak

Itzalovalle fail to score again, this time in a losing effort against 1830 Cathair, while AC Izotz Zubia again suffer defeat, with Eletti Valligiani scunnering them 3-1 on their own patch. Twelve points behind their fierce rivals, things are getting tense on the terraces, and calls for the manager's head ring out throughout the day's dismal play.

Meanwhile, Moreazerua quietly add to their run of ten games without defeat by adding win number seven to that list, overcoming Shamrock Cathair away from home by virtue of an Anderson Sandro thirty-yarder.

Matchday 26
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 2–0 KT Ferramendiak
KT Koroatuz 0–2 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Eletti Valligiani 2–1 AS Marcadia
KT Itzalovalle 0–1 AC Izotz Zubia
Shamrock Cathair 0–0 1830 Cathair

There's four derbies across the five games on gameday twenty-six, with Eletti Valligiani defeating an idealess Marcadia in Saturday's early kick-off before two evening games result in Mozi gaining another notch on their unbeaten run and Cathair being largely repelled by capital rivals Shamrock.

In Sunday's kickoff, AC Izotz Zubia overcome a typically drab KT Itzalovalle by virtue of a Laborious Hawk finish as Zozi arrest their horrible run of fortune.

Matchday 27
The National League Division One
1830 Cathair 2–1 KT Moreazerua
AC Izotz Zubia 3–1 Shamrock Cathair
AS Marcadia 0–0 KT Itzalovalle
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 0–1 Eletti Valligiani
KT Ferramendiak 1–4 KT Koroatuz
The National League Division One     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 1830 Cathair                       27   15   7   5    49   36  +13    52
 2 KT Moreazerua                      27   12   7   8    38   30   +8    43
 3 AC Izotz Zubia                     27   13   3  11    43   43    0    42
 4 Eletti Valligiani                  27   12   5  10    40   40    0    41
 5 AS Marcadia                        27   10   8   9    48   42   +6    38
 6 Shamrock Cathair                   27   10   6  11    32   37   -5    36
 7 Tout-Puissant Hasiera              27    9   7  11    29   32   -3    34
 8 KT Itzalovalle                     27    8   9  10    13   14   -1    33
 9 KT Ferramendiak                    27    5  11  11    34   43   -9    26
10 KT Koroatuz                        27    6   7  14    24   33   -9    25
Three quarters of the way through the season, now, and with 1830 Cathair's victory over Moreazerua, ending the visitors' unbeaten run, the league now appears to be Cathair's to lose. The side hole a nine-point lead at the top and enjoy a significant cushion in terms of goal difference. The capital club are putting last season's terrible fourth-place finish behind them.

Mozi, in second, are just a point ahead of Zozi, who beat Shamrock handily on Sunday, with Eletti Valligiani and AS Marcadia still making a game of it in fourth and fifth, albiet with the latter dropping away slightly, especially after a listless performance in drawing zero-zero with KT Itzalovalle. Itzi have the best defensive record in the league, but have scored just two goals in their previous nine games and have slumped to eighth in the table, albiet with a comfortable gap between themselves and the automatic relegation places.

Feri, on 26 points, and Kozi on 25, are completely odds on to make the journey down to division two come the end of the season.

by **Audioslavia** » Sat Dec 17, 2016 6:51 pm

Matchday 28
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 2–2 KT Koroatuz
KT Ferramendiak 2–5 Eletti Valligiani
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 0–1 KT Itzalovalle
AS Marcadia 2–3 Shamrock Cathair
AC Izotz Zubia 2–4 1830 Cathair

Mozi are desperate to keep pace with leaders Cathair, but can only draw at home with bottom-feeders Koroatuz, who twice lead before equalisers from Guerricachevarria and Sandro, for former from a far-post header, the latter from a diving header from twenty-five yards.

Today also marks the final Derby of Audioslavia of the season, with third-placed Zozi hosting top-of-the-table Cathair. Zozi take the lead and, for large parts of the first half, look to be the better team, but Cathair hit back before half-time with two goals, add another two in the second half, and only a wonderous over-head volley from Hawk on 87 minutes spare the home side's blushes. 1830 Cathair have an eleven-point lead at the top with only eight games to go.

Matchday 29
The National League Division One
AC Izotz Zubia 2–1 KT Moreazerua
1830 Cathair 2–3 AS Marcadia
Shamrock Cathair 1–2 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Itzalovalle 1–0 KT Ferramendiak
Eletti Valligiani 2–2 KT Koroatuz

Whoever said winning a league was easy? There are some big old matches on gameday twenty-nine, but none come bigger than Cathair's home defeat to a resurgent AS Marcadia as their lead falls slightly. Mozi can't take advantage, losing to AC Izotz Zubia who leapfrog them into second place. It is, so Zozi's fans argue, the beginning of the fightback.

Elsewhere, Itzalovalle are on an insane, kamikaze scoring streak, netting twice in a whole two games. The two one-nothing wins ease their relegation worries somewhat, especially with neitehr Kozi nor Feri managing a win over the weekend.

Matchday 30
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 2–2 Eletti Valligiani
KT Koroatuz 0–1 KT Itzalovalle
KT Ferramendiak 0–0 Shamrock Cathair
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–1 1830 Cathair
AS Marcadia 1–2 AC Izotz Zubia
The National League Division One     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 1830 Cathair                       30   16   8   6    56   42  +14    56
 2 AC Izotz Zubia                     30   15   3  12    49   49    0    48
 3 Eletti Valligiani                  30   13   7  10    49   46   +3    46
 4 KT Moreazerua                      30   12   9   9    43   36   +7    45
 5 KT Itzalovalle                     30   11   9  10    16   14   +2    42
 6 AS Marcadia                        30   11   8  11    54   49   +5    41
 7 Shamrock Cathair                   30   11   7  12    36   41   -5    40
 8 Tout-Puissant Hasiera              30   10   8  12    32   35   -3    38
 9 KT Koroatuz                        30    6   9  15    28   38  -10    27
10 KT Ferramendiak                    30    5  12  13    36   49  -13    27
Cathair are stuttering, having to fight back from a goal down to steal a solitary point from an away encounter with Tout-Puissant Hasiera. Zozi cut the gap down to 'just' the eight points with an important victory over AS Marcadia, while Mozi stumble again, drawing with Eletti Valligiani as the two remain as they were in fourth and third respectively.

Itzi, now with three goals and three wins over the three games, are actually up to fifth place as the middle of the pack remains tight. Even unfashionable Shamrock Cathair and fashionable-yet-untalented Tout-Puissant Hasiera are only eight points behind the third Champions Cup place as the season enters the home stretch.

Matchday 31
The National League Division One
AS Marcadia 0–1 KT Moreazerua
AC Izotz Zubia 0–4 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
1830 Cathair 2–1 KT Ferramendiak
Shamrock Cathair 1–4 KT Koroatuz
KT Itzalovalle 2–0 Eletti Valligiani

...and what if Tout-Puissant Hasiera *could* mount a Champions Cup tilt? The side travel to AC Izotz Zubia with the manager making mutterings of being content with a point, but come away as four-nil winners in arguably the biggest shock of the weekend. That is, if you don't count the fact that Itzalovalle scored two goals in one game to continue their improving form in the final stretch.

At the top, meanwhile Cathair overcome Feri in a close game while city rivals Shamrock are scunnered on their own patch, 4-1 by lowly Koroatuz. Mozi, desperate for points if they are to maintain their tilt at the championship, score late against AS Marcadia to remain alive in the title race.

Matchday 32
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 0–0 KT Itzalovalle
Eletti Valligiani 4–0 Shamrock Cathair
KT Koroatuz 2–0 1830 Cathair
KT Ferramendiak 0–1 AC Izotz Zubia
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–3 AS Marcadia
The National League Division One     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 1830 Cathair                       32   17   8   7    58   45  +13    59
 2 AC Izotz Zubia                     32   16   3  13    50   53   -3    51
 3 KT Moreazerua                      32   13  10   9    44   36   +8    49
 4 Eletti Valligiani                  32   14   7  11    53   48   +5    49
 5 KT Itzalovalle                     32   12  10  10    18   14   +4    46
 6 AS Marcadia                        32   12   8  12    57   52   +5    44
 7 Tout-Puissant Hasiera              32   11   8  13    38   38    0    41
 8 Shamrock Cathair                   32   11   7  14    37   49  -12    40
 9 KT Koroatuz                        32    8   9  15    34   39   -5    33
10 KT Ferramendiak                    32    5  12  15    37   52  -15    27
Zozi bounce back from the previous week's humiliation to overcome Ferramendiak in a nervy away encounter and reduce their defecit back to eight points, as 1830 Cathair contrive to lose two-nothing to struggling Kozi, who are actually only seven points from the relative safety of eighth place.

With thirteen points between themselves and eighth, with only twelve left to play for, KT Ferramendiak are the season's first team to be mathematicaly relegated. A dismal performance from a team who made the Globe Cup last year.

Itzalovalle are back to their old ways, again frustrating Moreazerua in a 0-0 draw that does neither side any favours.

With twelve points left to play for, KT Moreazerua are ten points adrift of leaders 1830 Cathair. Also ten points adrift are Eletti Valligiani. Zozi are 'only' eight behind.

Matchday 33
The National League Division One
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 0–1 KT Moreazerua
AS Marcadia 0–1 KT Ferramendiak
AC Izotz Zubia 0–1 KT Koroatuz
1830 Cathair 3–3 Eletti Valligiani
Shamrock Cathair 0–1 KT Itzalovalle

With twenty minutes to go, 1830 Cathair are cruising to a three-nothing victory over title rivals Eletti Valligiani. They are standing on the precipice, about to be eleven points clear of their closest title rivals with only nine left to play for.

They don't reckon on Anders Engstrom.

The Cosumarite legend had been missing games left, right and centre thanks to the sort of niggling injuries that tend to plague older players, yet when he plays for Eletti, he tends to play well. Engstrom comes off the bench and immediately sets up Giuffrida for a goal, before volleying home one of his own. With five minutes still to go and Cathair desperately trying to hang on, knowing that they'll win the league today if only they can avoid conceding, Engstrom wins a penalty after taking a wayward elbow to the face as he rises to meet a cross. A quick delay in the game gives the physio a chance to tape up a small cut on his cheekbone, before Engstrom strokes home an equalizer that draws a bellow of groans from the home side. There would be no trophy ceremony today.

Elsewhere, AC Izotz Zubia capitulate in the worst fahion, losing to rivals KT Koroatuz to all but end their title hopes, to a mass of boos and jeers from the home crowd. Manager Ari Mendea quietly announces his resignation in the hours following the game. The champions' title defence is all but over, nine points adrift with nine to play for and a 16-goal swing needed in terms of goal difference. Zozi, somehow, have contrived to amass a goal difference in the negative figures despite being in third place.

So who can mathematically take the title from Cathair? Technically, by grabbing a one-nothing win over TPH, Moreazerua's hopes of becoming the first side outwith Zozi and Cathair to win the league are not dead. Yet.

Matchday 34
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 2–0 Shamrock Cathair
KT Itzalovalle 3–3 1830 Cathair
Eletti Valligiani 3–4 AC Izotz Zubia
KT Koroatuz 1–3 AS Marcadia
KT Ferramendiak 1–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
The National League Division One     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 1830 Cathair                       34   17  10   7    64   51  +13    61
 2 KT Moreazerua                      34   15  10   9    47   36  +11    55
 3 AC Izotz Zubia                     34   17   3  14    54   57   -3    54
 4 KT Itzalovalle                     34   13  11  10    22   17   +5    50
 5 Eletti Valligiani                  34   14   8  12    59   55   +4    50
 6 AS Marcadia                        34   13   8  13    60   54   +6    47
 7 Tout-Puissant Hasiera              34   11   9  14    39   40   -1    42
 8 Shamrock Cathair                   34   11   7  16    37   52  -15    40
 9 KT Koroatuz                        34    9   9  16    36   42   -6    36
10 KT Ferramendiak                    34    6  13  15    39   53  -14    31
Oh Itzi. Oh beautiful little Itzi. What a time to score three goals in a game for the first time all season.

For the second time in two weeks, 1830 Cathair have a three-goal lead on the sixty minute mark. They are, as things stand at four o'clock, league champions. And then. And then Mauro Sondergaard, on the field at the same time as talismanic striker Jose-Luis Aurrekoetxea for the first time all season, sets up his team-mate with a well-played pass to let J-LA through for 3-1, before nodding in himself on seventy-five minutes to send Catharan sphincters into overdrive. 'Not again' they all seem to mouthe, as Cathair retreat further and further into their own area. But yes. Yes again. Apoxian defender Kevin Wazockry rises highest in the box for an Itzi corner and nods the ball down into the bottom corner for three-all. Itzi have scored three goals in one game for the first time this season. Cathair fans boo the final whistle.

Still, though, they could still be champions come the end of the weekend? Surely their local rivals, Shamrock, facing an embarassing slide into the relegation places should Koroatuz keep up their winning ways, could help them out against title rivals Moreazerua? No such luck. The purple-clad Mozi round off a two-nothing win to decrease the gap at the top to six points, with six points left to play for. Cathair have a slightly better goal difference, but that will count for naught if they lose both their next games on the bounce and Mozi can win both of theirs.

Fans and neutrals look on to the final gameday of the season, and see that it pits Mozi against Cathair.

Surely we couldn't be going into a final-day title decider? Surely Cathair could grab at least a point in their next game? Surely they couldn't spectacularly drop the ball against their local rivals Shamrock? And in their own stadium no less?

Matchday 35
The National League Division One
KT Ferramendiak 0–2 KT Moreazerua
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 0–2 KT Koroatuz
AS Marcadia 3–4 Eletti Valligiani
AC Izotz Zubia 1–0 KT Itzalovalle
1830 Cathair 3–4 Shamrock Cathair
The National League Division One     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 1830 Cathair                       35   17  10   8    67   55  +12    61
 2 KT Moreazerua                      35   16  10   9    49   36  +13    58
 3 AC Izotz Zubia                     35   18   3  14    55   57   -2    57
 4 Eletti Valligiani                  35   15   8  12    63   58   +5    53
 5 KT Itzalovalle                     35   13  11  11    22   18   +4    50
 6 AS Marcadia                        35   13   8  14    63   58   +5    47
 7 Shamrock Cathair                   35   12   7  16    41   55  -14    43
 8 Tout-Puissant Hasiera              35   11   9  15    39   42   -3    42
 9 KT Koroatuz                        35   10   9  16    38   42   -4    39
10 KT Ferramendiak                    35    6  13  16    39   55  -16    31
Zozi beat Itzi in one derby, Giallobianchi beat Blueceleste in another, but it's nothing compared to the two big games on Sunday, as relegated Ferramendiak play host to title-chasers Moreazerua, who overcome their condemned foes thanks to goals from Llorente and Padrione.

The ball is firmly in Cathair's court. All they need to do is get a point against Shamrock Cathair.

Sixty minutes gone. Cathair three, Shamrock nil. That's it. Surely. Their traditional rivals, beaten soundly, without any hope of getting three goals and, hey, even if they could, that still wouldn't be enough to stop the celebration.

Royal Halliday, the former 1830 striker, scores. 3-1. In all your life you've never seen such a dramatic reation to what would be a consolation goal in any other season. The stadium, finally, falls deathly silent when, on eighty minutes, Carby-Barba makes it three-two with a deflected shot.

Surely... surely not?

Cathair fans are silent, quietly tugging at their hair, as Shamrock Cathair press on. There's almost a sense of inevitability about Ronaldo Seocco's eighty-eighth minute header to level the scores at 3-3.

Still, though. Only two minutes of injury time. All Cathair need to do is hold and they're champions.

For the third week in a row, the helicopter approaching the Arena Kirola and Grand Forum, Cathair, has to make an about-turn and head back to the FFA building. Rodolfo Wiggers, a 36 year-old Legalite defender who had never previously, before this season, played in a top flight, chests down a cross and scuffs a shot through a crowd of players for 4-3 in the 92nd minute of play.

The title is going down to the wire. The final game of the season. Cathair, on 61 points, travel to Moreazerua, on 58 points, knowing that they need to avoid defeat to remain champions.

Matchday 36
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 1–0 1830 Cathair
Shamrock Cathair 0–1 AC Izotz Zubia
KT Itzalovalle 3–1 AS Marcadia
Eletti Valligiani 3–4 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Koroatuz 4–2 KT Ferramendiak

Scenes. Total scenes. Bedlam in Moreazerua. Azucena Llorente's cute flick on five minutes for 1-0 sets the tone for the game. Mozi a goal to the good, atop the table, inching closer every second to becoming the first side outwith Cathair and Zozi to become Audioslavian league champions.

For eighty-five minutes, Cathair attack. They bash on the Mozi door like bailiffs in a squat. Time after time, though, they are repelled. Pablo Llorente saves from va Drake, pushes a Zelaya shot round the post and twice blocks with his legs in one-on-one situations. Marquez blazes a volley over the bar, Soldarian misses from sixteen yards. Purple-shirted bodies hurtle around the box scrambling to intercept passes and charge down attempts at goal, and all the while the storylines are tied up elsewhere in the league. Zozi win to finish on sixty points, one behind their big rivals, while Kozi, despite beating Feri handily, are helpless in avoiding relegation as Tout-Puissant Hasiera score and score against Eletti Valligiani to avoid automatic relegation. Itzi, having remembered how to score goals, thrash Marcadia 3-1 to finish a respectable fourth, and all the while Cathair just cannot muster a goal.

Goalkeeper Batmacumba starts coming forward for corners on eighty minutes, and there are five of them to be had in a row, all of which getting scrambled clear and pumped back into the box. In an iconic moment, a second ball is pumped into the box only for Batmacumba to be ruled offside, surely the first instance of a goalkeeper being offside in the opposition's half in world football?

Eighty-eight minutes. Eighty-nine minutes. Ninety minutes. Six minutes of stoppage time signalled. The news gives Cathair a boost at a vital time. Azucena Llorente holds up six fingers on two hands, shouting encouragement at her team. [i}Just six more minutes[/i].

Just five.

Just four.

Espy va Drake gets the ball on the edge of the area, turns, runs into a challenge, yet successfully lays the ball off for compatriot Faeron Soldarian to strike. The ball skids under the outstretched hand of Pablo Llorente and ricochets agonizingly off the inside of the post, rolling eventually out of danger.

Three minutes to go, WE CAN DO THIS comes a roar from Dieter Konoval, after blocking an attempted cross for Cathair's thirty-first corner of the game. He rallies the troops again, before heading clear himself and sprinting full-pelt at the Catharn who controls it, forcing the Cathair player to turn and play the ball back to Batmacumba, who's waiting on the edge of the centre circle. Batmacumba doesn't even look up, he just pings a high ball towards the area. Bennik Hreidarsson is there. He's always there. He powers a header out of danger. Soldarian heads the ball out to the flank. Angelo whips in a cross first-time. It's low, and hit hard, but Vann Dallara blocks and sweeps the ball away for a throw-in.

"TWO MINUTES" yells the keeper, as Angelo throws short, receives the return, and pumps the ball into the box again. This time it's Anderson Sandro, playing as a makeshift defender, who rises first and... and... and chests the ball down in his own penalty area?!. The capacity crowd scream and beg him to just blooter it into row Z, but the striker calmly turns, sees two Catharans bearing down on him, and tries to shimmy past both of them. Faeron Soldarian wrestles him from the ball to screams of terror from the home fans, but the referee blows his whistle. Foul.

"ONE MINUTE LEFT, AND CAN SOMEONE PLEASE SHOOT ANDERSON SANDRO IN THE F****G HEAD" comes a shout from the bench. Former national manager Alexander Kirk is on his feet. There are clumps of grass in each hand where he's been wrenching them from the turf, and his face is a quite brilliant shade of octarine.

The ball makes its way back to the edge of the Moreazerua area yet again. va Drake tries to work his magic, del Olmo, Zelaya and Ceballos play a quick one-two-three on the edge of the box, but every time there are just enough purple shirts to get in the way. Finally, a blocked shot falls to Anderson Sandro on the edge of his own area. Three players sprint towards him.

Sandro looks up at the crowd, smiles, winks at his mum, and procedes to try to boot the ball into row Z at the crowd's behest, only deciding, because he's Anderson Sandro, that he can do so via his own crossbar. In a moment that causes massive anxiety attacks all across the region, he digs the ball out of his feet and launches a cracker of a shot past a terrified Pablo Llorente, who in all of his 38 years had never had to deal with this amount of crazy. The ball cannons off the top of the bar to a caterwauling of screams from all areas of the crowd.

It does, to Sandro's credit, end up in row Z.

'Whoops' the striker seems to mouth, before being bundled to the ground by his own goalkeeper, who has a manic look in his eye.

Cathair desperately try to set up a quick corner, while the goalkeeper is too busy screaming in his striker's face from a nanometre away, but it's all too late. The referee puts everyone out of, or introduces them to, their misery, and blows for full time.

Players on both sides collapse. Pablo Llorente, still mounted atop an apologetic Anderson Sandro, looks around, still with a crazy look in his eye, yet seems to be calmed by the hysterically happy reactions across the crowd. He's bundled to the ground himself by Azucena Llorente, Bennik Hreidarsson and Dieter Konoval.

They've only gone and done it.

The Audioslavian champions are... are... [b]KT Moreazerua?!

by **Audioslavia** » Sat Dec 17, 2016 7:19 pm

Tertiary Playoffs
Ceilerden Rovers 1-0 SC Laivanrakentajas
KT Laranjauzia 2-1 Viking Halehavn

Viking Halehavn 1-1 KT Laranjauzia
SC Laivanrakentajas 3-0 Ceilerden Rovers

SC Laivanrakentajas 1-2 KT Laranjauzia
(Burdina Jauregia, Ferrmanendiak)

KT LARANJAUZIA ARE PROMOTED

Laivanrakentajas, relegated last season into the third tier, were favourites for promotion back to the second division, having missed out on automatic promotion by a solitary point, but didn't reckon on a game Laranjauzia in the final, who bounced back with two second half goals to earn a berth in the second tier for the first time in their history.

Primary Playoffs

Tenth Star Hasiera 2-0 Excelsior Zijweg
(Burdina Jauregia, Ferramendiak)

Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1-4 Shamrock Cathair
(1927 Stadium, Kjelstad)

The Primary Playoffs pit the teams finishing 7th and 8th in the top flight against one another, with the loser having to play the winner of a one-off game between the 3rd and 4th teams in Division 2. Tout-Puissant Hasiera, only two points away from a spot in the Globe Cup after 36 games, go into their game with Shamrock Cathair with home advantage and full of confidence. They take the lead early, but allow an equalizer early in the second half and, between the 80th and 90th minutes, are counter-attacked to death by Shamrock, who take advantage of their increasingly desperate attacks in clinical fashion, sending TPH into the relegation playoff final.

The second division final pits Tenth Star Hasiera against Excelsior Zijweg. Once again, it's a Hasiera team who are the favourites, but this time the southerners get the job done, winning out through Sheldon Miranda's 52nd minute goal.

The playoff final, then, is the biggest of Hasiera derbies.

Primary Playoff Final

Tout-Puissant Hasiera 0-1 Tenth Star Hasiera
(Arena Kirola, Cathair)

TENTH STAR HASIERA ARE PROMOTED
TOUT-PUISSANT HASIERA ARE RELEGATED

Hasiera has never seen both its clubs in the top flight at the same time. The two often pass each other like ships in the night between divisions. So too was it the case this time, only now with the added drama of a one-off match at Kirola Arena for the right to play in Division 1 next season.

A tense, scrappy encounter, punctuated with fouls and bookings, yields only a solitary goal - a penalty - in the sixty-first minute, scored by Miranda once again. Tout-Puissant would come back, piling on the pressure in the dying moments, but Tenth Star would hang on for a rare derby victory over the cross-town rivals.

TPH, two points away from the Globe Cup places at the end of the season, are relegated.

Kirola Cup: Round One
Ceilerden Harp 1–0 2130 Calolziolungho
Calcio Sicurezza Elfi 0–0 Silexhera FC (0–1 AET)
1830 Cathair 1–0 Iron Brewery
United Cathair FC 1–1 KT Itzalovalle (1–1 AET) (4–5 pen.)
KT Ferramendiak 3–2 Reina Del Sud
Deportivo de Puerta Cruz 0–1 Viking Halehavn
KT Kanpoldelko 6–0 Orquídeas
Fundición 0–0 Sparta Zijweg (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.)
União Tortuguita 1–1 Osarese Marcadia (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Shamrock Cathair 1–1 DDM Dunas Secas (2–1 AET)
Calcio Lecho 0–0 SC Laivanrakentajas (2–1 AET)
Excelsior Zijweg 1–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera (1–1 AET) (4–5 pen.)
KT Ferratzaileak 2–1 CF Herradores
CF Cruceros 0–5 CdF Celtade
Burdoc Ridge 3–0 Arrows
AC Izotz Zubia 1–1 Sporting Clube Tartaruga (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Santa Margarida 0–1 KT Moreazerua
The Oran 3–4 Oljestaden IF
Glasgar Royals 0–1 AS Marcadia
Pontoun 1–2 Crossport Mariners
Vidrieros 1–3 Maccabi Hasiera
Clockwork FC 2–2 Ceilerden Rovers (2–2 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Glasgar Rebels 1–5 Tenth Star Hasiera
Viking Hryggur 0–2 Eletti Valligiani
Eork Blaydes 2–2 Valderantia United (3–2 AET)
Cazadores Cathair 0–2 KT Koroatuz
Eork Owls 0–4 Isle of Kjeligsted FC
PLFC 1–1 Crossport Dynamo (1–1 AET) (5–4 pen.)
Sobrevolante 1–1 KT Laranjauzia (2–1 AET)
Lemmitania State FC 3–3 Project +90 Kjelstad (3–3 AET) (5–4 pen.)
Steelworks 0–0 Necromarinai (0-4 AET)
Ross Railway 0–3 Valens AV

Kirola Cup: Round Two
Clockwork FC 1–2 Ceilerden Harp
AS Marcadia 1–0 Crossport Mariners
1830 Cathair 3–0 Shamrock Cathair
Burdoc Ridge 2–0 KT Kanpoldelko
Sobrevolante 1–2 Lemmitania State FC
KT Ferramendiak 3–0 Tenth Star Hasiera
Necromarinai 0–1 AC Izotz Zubia
CdF Celtade 0–1 KT Moreazerua
PLFC 0–1 Viking Halehavn
KT Koroatuz 5–3 Silexhera FC
Oljestaden IF 3–0 Fundición
União Tortuguita 0–1 KT Ferratzaileak
Calcio Lecho 1–0 Maccabi Hasiera
Isle of Kjeligsted FC 1–0 Valens AV
Eletti Valligiani 3–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Itzalovalle 3–0 Eork Blaydes

Kirola Cup: Round Three
KT Ferratzaileak 2–3 KT Moreazerua
Oljestaden IF 2–1 KT Ferramendiak
Burdoc Ridge 1–1 Isle of Kjeligsted FC (1–2 AET)
Ceilerden Harp 0–2 1830 Cathair
Lemmitania State FC 1–2 KT Itzalovalle
Viking Halehavn 0–2 Eletti Valligiani
AC Izotz Zubia 1–0 AS Marcadia
Calcio Lecho 0–3 KT Koroatuz

Kirola Cup: Quarter Finals
Oljestaden IF 1–1 1830 Cathair (2–1 AET)
Isle of Kjeligsted FC 1–1 KT Moreazerua (2–2 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Eletti Valligiani 5–0 KT Koroatuz
KT Itzalovalle 1–3 AC Izotz Zubia

Kirola Cup: Semi Finals
Eletti Valligiani 2–3 AC Izotz Zubia
Oljestaden IF 2–1 KT Moreazerua

[box]Kirola Cup: Final
AC Izotz Zubia 2–2 Oljestaden IF (2–2 AET) (4-5 pen.)

Oljestaden IF, inaugural winners of the very first CopAnaia, are crowned unlikely cup winners again despite a very ordinary league season. They become the second division two team in as many seasons to take victory in the tournament, after Eletti Valligiani's triumph the previous season.

Their path to the final is impressive: In victories over Cathair, Mozi and Zozi, they beat all three of Audioslavia's national champions of the professional era.

In underdog news, minnows Ferratzaileak and Lecho somehow reach the third round of the competition,

by **Audioslavia** » Fri Apr 28, 2017 3:56 pm

1830 Cathair
(Cathair, Central)

1. Francis McPherson (29, G , AUD)
2. Edrigu Verhagen (23, D RC, AUD)
3. Romain Capelle (27, D L, VLD)
4. Ulrika Kinlasson (33, D/M C, APX)
5. Ryan Gordon (23, D C, AUD)
6. Gael Marquez (30, D C, AUD)
7. Hazel van Robben (27, M/F RLC, QUE)
8. Faeron Soldarian (644, DM C, VAL)
9. Rodolfo Zelaya (34, F RLC, SJG)
10. Espy va Drake (765, M/F RLC, VAL)
11. Romelio Ceballos (29, F C, PAS)
12. Nzuzi Kidiaba (24, M R, SEM)
13. Batmacumba (34, G , DAI)
14. Ainsley Gibson (23, D L, AFT)
15. Torquil Robie (19, DM/M C, AUD)
16. Alpha Gandhi (27, F C, APX)
17. Marc Buchanan (22, M L, AUD)
18. Nestor Martinez (26, AM/F C, SJG)
19. Eri Raaijmakers (18, F C, AUD)
20. Odis Panico (19, F C, AUD)
21. Dymon Cole (27, M L, SEM)
23. Ward Santibanez (25, D RL, AUD)
Manager. Wilfred Lidgley (40, APX)

Likely First XI:
Batmacumba - Verhagen, Capelle, Gordon, Marquez - Soldarian, va Drake, van Robben - Ceballos, Gandhi, Zelaya

Hailing from the well-to-do Grand Forum sector of Cathair, the fashionable capital club 1830 Cathair have a rich history, being one of the first football clubs in all of Audioslavia. Their modern incarnation, however, has seen them portrayed somewhat as spoiled rich kids, throwing money at some of the league’s smaller clubs in order to hoover up local talent. Cathair’s local rivals are either Shamrock or Cazadores Cathair, depending on which is in the top flight, but most fans consider their chief rivals to be either cross-country rivals AC Izotz Zubia, or former Syndicatian capital club FC Fligsive.

Cathair were five-time LigAnaia Champions in the multi-associational era and have a star above their badge from winning the UICA Champions Cup. They are the most decorated side in Audioslavian football.

In the pre-season transfer window, Cathair brought in two international stars in Alpha Gandhi and Hazel van Robben to replenish their collection of overpaid wonderkids.

AC Izotz Zubia
(Izotzazubia , Herradura)

1. Abraham Terrazas (32, G , SJG)
2. Txordin Uzain (23, D R, AUD)
3. Javi Esqueda (19, D RL, AUD)
4. Sterling Rose (32, DM C, EUR)
5. Morlaithan Aldamiel (714, D C, VAL)
7. Gregory Besoitagoena (30, M R, AUD)
8. Tar Hunor (23, M C, PAS)
9. Ingþór Auðbjörnsson (23, F C, PAS)
10. Fabio Mancini (30, M C, OSR)
11. Claudio Romano (19, F C, PAS)
13. Acquafresca (36, G , DAI)
14. Laborious Hawk (905, AM C, VAL)
15. Florencio OrtizdeGinea (32, D CR, AUD)
16. Ilatxi Altzibararechuluago (17, D C, AUD)
17. Lairelaerion Tinuviel (708, F C, VAL)
18. Tanya Bottlegreen (33, M RL, NPH)
20. Antton San Angelo (28, M C, AUD)
22. Shack Placid (20, M C, AUD)
23. Thornley Stray (17, D L, AUD)
24. Esteban Bentzen (24, M/F RL, AUD)
27. Manolo Hernandez Jr. (17, M R, AUD)
29. Robert Smith (23, D C, AUD)
Player Managers: Orson Faulkner (37, D RC, BRE) / Patrick Courtois (36, D C, VLD)

Likely First XI:
Acquafresca - Esqueda, Aldamiel, Altzibararechulago - Besoitagoena, Rose, Mancini, Hawk, Bottlegreen - Romano, Auðbjörnsson

Football in Audioslavia has two main hotbeds - Cathair in the centre and the mountainous Herradura region to the south-east, and if 1830 are the kings of Cathair, there’s no doubt which team have claimed the title of ‘King of the Mountains’ in recent years. Zozi, usually resplendent in their trademark grey and pink hoops, were the very first team to be crowned LigAnaia Champions and were also the inaugural winners of The National League. 1830 Cathair are the club’s biggest rivals - the two sides play out the Derby of Audioslavia a few times per season, but Zozites differ on who their local rivals are. There are a slew of local clubs to choose from. KT Ferrmendiak, KT Moreazerua and KT Itzalovalle are the biggest teams from the region, but its only latter who have been closest to Zozi in recent years.

Despite Cathair's higher silverware count, Zozi are the team that has the bigger international following, partly due to the memorable club colours, but mainly due to a mesmerising and aesthetically pleasing possession-based game dubbed tzakku-tzakka. Zozi used their trademark style to march towards the UICA Champions Cup in season 63, becoming the second Audioslavian club to win the competition.

The new season sees Orson Faulkner and Patrick Courtois - club legend and longtime club captain respectively - take the reigns as player managers of the club. Their first action was to bring in Claudio Romano to accompany compatriot Ingþór Auðbjörnsson in attack.

AS Marcadia
(Marcadia, Padia)

1. Jeremy Sedillo (28, G , AUD)
2. Otto Giovannucci (21, D RC, AUD)
3. Armando Van Boetzelaer (31, D/M LC, AUD)
4. Mauro Bianchi (37, D/M CR, AUD)
5. Franklin Montano (29, D C, AUD)
7. Eric Bonilla (31, M R, AUD)
8. Fausto Vigorito (26, AM LC, AUD)
9. Francesco Zini (25, F C, AUD)
11. Freddy Sainz (28, M RL, AUD)
12. Shawn Calvillo (30, F C, AUD)
13. Brice Vidro (28, M RC, AUD)
14. Silas Melena (29, M L, AUD)
16. Hiro Fangio (18, M C, AUD)
17. Rich Di Vita (21, F C, AUD)
18. Xaviar Corvo (25, D C, AUD)
19. Tobiasso Bagnato (21, AM RL, AUD)
21. Adonis Pizarro (21, AM RC, AUD)
Mng. Claudio Redondo (51, D C, AUD)

Likely First XI:
Sedillo, Giovanucci, Van Boetzelaer, Bianchi, Montano - Bonilla, Corvo, Bagnato, Vigorito, Sainz - Zini

When the Football Federation of Audioslavia decided, twenty years ago, to join the new LigAnaia, most teams jumped at the opportunity to play football against the very best in the world. AS Marcadia were one of the others. Playing their football in the local leagues on the east side of Audioslavia, Marcadia commanded a large following even while the majority of fans had their eyes fixated on the LigAnaia, and the side, along with local rivals Eletti Valligiani, stormed to the top flight of the National League quickly after it was formed.

Last season was their first in professional football. This season is their first in the top flight.

Burdoc Ridge
(Ceilerden, Central)

1. Javier MacLachlan (32, G , AUD)
2. Ryan Wivell (34, D R, AUD)
3. Nathan Lang (27, D LC, AUD)
4. Dennis Weir (26, DM C, AUD)
5. Emmanuel Awuah (25, D C, SEM)
6. Kestryl Morejon (22, D C, AUD)
7. Jean Buchanan-McIntyre (19, M R, AUD)
8. Raadi Bowden (19, AM/F C, EFL)
9. Ira Lesley (26, F C, AUD)
10. Del Curtis (25, F C, AUD)
12. William Carr (20, DM C, AUD)
13. Hubert Rank (30, M/F C, AUD)
14. Israel Murga (20, AM RC, AUD)
15. Carghan Rolan (26, D LC, AUD)
17. Archie Hofstede (24, D RC, AUD)
20. Adam Logan (19, AM L, AUD)
21. Erik Bird (25, M L, AUD)
23. Carghan Vale (18, F C, AUD)
24. Jude Tomas (22, M/F RL, AUD)
25. Allan Craig (33, D RC, AUD)
Mng. Coalan Bray (46, F C, AUD)

MacLachlan - Hofstede, Lang, Awuah, Morejon - Buchanan-McIntyre, Bowden, Rolan, Logan - Lesley, Curtis

Burdoc Ridge were, at one point, going to be one of the original six Audioslavian entrants into the LigAnaia, but found themselves usurped by KT Moreazerua at the last minute. Decades in the lower reaches of the league followed before last season's promotion. Manager Coalan Bray, a LigAnaia veteran, has a tough task on his hands making this team competitive.

Burdoc Ridge play at the Jaffacake Stadium in Ceilerden, and have as such become the adopted team of the man the stadium was named after.

Cazadores Cathair
(Cathair, Central)

1. Craig Bordon (34, G , AUD)
2. Adalberto Zufiaurre (25, D/M R, AUD)
3. Solvir Ulvestad (34, D L, AUD)
4. Yancy Andersen (19, M C, AUD)
5. Jouard Caceres (36, D C, AUD)
6. Vergan Peña (21, D C, AUD)
7. Andrea Arguelles (23, M RC, AUD)
8. Julio Sokolov (23, F C, AUD)
9. Yong Mendiolagaray (30, F C, AUD)
10. Rafael Barrantes (21, F C, AUD)
11. Ivan Pangallo (19, AM L, AUD)
12. Marvin DiezdeTuesta (34, G , AUD)
14. Matthew Ingold (26, D L, SCH)
15. Imanol Corallo (21, M RC, AUD)
16. Bryton Menheniot (17, DM C, APX)
17. Francisco Elizalde (20, M LC, AUD)
18. Verghan Seghers-Verduzco (19, D C, AUD)
19. Zlatan Natividad (19, F C, AUD)
20. Randal Zepeda (18, M C, AUD)
21. Ashley Apaolaza (18, AM L, AUD)
22. Florencio Lozada (22, M RL, AUD)
Mng. Rook Cathar (40, F RLC, NPH)

Likely First XI:
Bordon - Zufiaurre, Ulvestad, Caceres, Seghers-Verduzco - Andersen, Arguelles, Corallo, Pangallo - Mendiolagray, Sokolov

Cazadores Cathair are a side most Audioslavian neutrals - ie, those Audioslavians not living in Cathair, Oljestaden or Tzierra, whose constituent football clubs dominate the Audioslavian footballing landscape - can get behind. Based on the eastern outskirts of the capital city, they have long played a brand of exciting, attacking football, and despite their lack of resources have been more than capable of mixing it with the big boys since their first season in the top flight. Season after season of battles against relegation have occasionally given way to flirtations with the fringes of the Globe Cup spots, but such dizzying highs tend to be all too fleeting.

Caza have traditionally never been short of a few 'characters' on the pitch to make things interesting. In a 'may you live in interesting times' kind of way. This year, that character is in the dugout in the form of the inimitable Rook Cathar, who has gone against convention and filled the side with young talent. Promoted at a canter last season, can Caza trouble the top spots?

Eletti Valligiani
(Valligiani, Padia)

1. Lucas Lemann (21, G , PAS)
2. Gilberto Anzures (25, D RL, AUD)
3. Geraldo Seghers (25, D LC, AUD)
4. Jody Zufiria (21, DM C, AUD)
5. Ramon Goicoechea (38, D C, AUD)
6. Roberto Dilagolarga (34, D C, AUD)
7. Mario Reta (29, M R, AUD)
8. Vilfredo Corsi (31, M C, AUD)
9. Fabio Puccini (23, F C, AUD)
10. Anders Engstrom (34, M/F C, COS)
11. Arlie Papandrea (20, M RL, AUD)
12. Federico Trevino (25, M L, AUD)
13. Lavern Corradetti (30, D RL, AUD)
14. Enrique Olivo (33, F C, AUD)
15. Javier Italiano (27, D C, AUD)
17. Bruce Cortesi (21, M RL, AUD)
18. Brendo Pozo (34, DM C, AUD)
19. Apal Carpinelli (23, F C, AUD)
20. Darnell Carpentieri (27, AM/F CL, AUD)
21. Seth Veloz (24, G , AUD)
Mng. Renaud Marchand (39, M C, AUD)

Likely First XI:
Veloz - Anzures, Seghers, Goicoechea, Dilagolarga - Reta, Corsi, Carpentieri, Papandrea - Engstrom, Puccini

Eletti Valligiani, nicknamed the Gialloneri, were another side to refuse the call to the LigAnaia. They kicked off their career as a professional football team in season one of the National League, starting in division two, and wowed the world with their stylish attacking play on the way to promotion and an unlikely Kirola Cup triumph. They qualified for the Globe Cup at a canter in their first season.

KT Itzalovalle
(Ferramendiak, Herradura)

1. Txordin Ybarra (36, G , AUD)
2. Sebastiano Aretxaga (20, D RC, AUD)
4. Diego Echavarria (24, D/M LC, AUD)
5. Kevin Wazockry (33, D C, APX)
6. Ortzi Rouy (35, D C, AUD)
7. Serge Vandervelde (26, M/F R, AUD)
8. Ager Alaba (36, M C, ASG)
9. Jose-Luis Aurrekoetxea (33, F C, AUD)
10. Mauro Sondergaard (30, F C, AUD)
11. Alejandro Aretxaga (23, M LC, AUD)
12. Edmundo Bischop (26, D RC, AUD)
15. Rosendo Turchin-Dolagaray (27, D/M RC, AUD)
16. Donovan Timmermans (30, M C, AUD)
17. Eddie Gastelu (23, DM C, AUD)
19. Umea Banuelos (31, M L, AUD)
20. Edorta Barberi (26, F C, AUD)
21. Jamison Pounds (23, G , AUD)
Mng. Sean Patterick (42, G , AUD)

Likely First XI:
Ybarra - S. Aretxaga, A. Aretxaga, Wazockry, Rouy - Echavarria, Alaba, Timmermans, Vandervelde - Aurrekoetxea, Sondergaard

When the gap in strength began to close between the traditional powerhouses of Cathair and Zozi and the rest of the league, many suspected Itzi would be the one to finally wrestle the top two places away from the big two. It hasn't quite worked out like that.

Under the tutelage of Jack Walker, Itzi have progressed well, and have developed from a club fighting relegation every season to challenging for the Champions Cup places, but the side have been derided in recent years for being far too defensive.

The backbone of the team is now very much on the wrong side of thirty, and a thin squad may struggle fighting on two fronts, but a deep roster and clever team selection ensures that Itzi should continue to go from strength to strength.

KT Moreazerua
(Moreazerua, Herradura)

01. Anderson Sandro (33, F RLC, KYP)
2. Vann Dallara (33, D/R CR, AUD)
3. Thijs Bolotin (28, D L, AUD)
5. Rico Leone (32, D C, AUD)
6. Dieter Konoval (23, D C, NPH)
7. Iñigo Boogaard (31, M R, AUD)
8. Robbie Guerricaechevarria (26, AM RC, AUD)
9. Renzo Padrione (27, F C, AUD)
10. Azucena Llorente (31, M R, AUD)
11. Rodger Mariezkurrena (23, M L, AUD)
12. Kelvin Lisco (21, D/M R, SAR)
13. Bennik Hreidarsson (25, DM C, SEM)
14. Huele (32, AM C, SAM)
15. Nerman (24, M/F L, IRN)
16. Arturo Solagurenbeazkoa (18, D/M RL, AUD)
17. Nestor Lagorio (27, M C, AUD)
19. Inaki Etxabeguren (24, AM/F CL, AUD)
23. Hector (22, G , AUD)
Mng. Alexander Kirk (58, AUD)

Likely First XI:
Hector - Dallara, Bolotin, Leone, Konoval - Llorente, Hreidarsson, Huele, Guerricaechevarria, Mariezkurrena - iANDERSON SANDRO!

Founding members of the LigAnaia, it took KT Moreazerua very little time to get themselves relegated, finishing fourth from bottom, third from bottom and bottom over their first three seasons. A short stay in the second flight was followed by a promotion and then another relegation season, and it was in the second flight that they stayed for six whole cycles before earning their way back up via a third-placed finish two seasons ago. Most expected Mozi to go back to where they came from fairly sharpish, but instead the side have kicked on under the tutelage of former national team manager Alexander Kirk.

Last season Mozi shocked the world with their maiden championship, and are looking forward to their second stint in a row in the Champions Cup. You'd have been laughed right out of Herradura for predicting that a few years ago.

Based in the talent-rich Tzierra/Herradura region of Audioslavia, Mozi have traditionally been very much the third best side in the area after 3x LigAnaia champs Izotz Zubia and former national cup winners Itzalovalle. They see these as their rivals.

The team have an exceptionally talented midfield and an... interesting... attack. Anderson Sandro is something of a cult figure, though is not the easiest player for any manager to deal with...

Shamrock Cathair
(Cathair, Central)

1. Kiki Nuremberg (38, G , FEL)
2. Antwan Wangsgard (36, D R, AUD)
3. Cameron Burns (24, D RLC, AUD)
4. Lindsay Harrow (21, D/M LC, AUD)
5. Lewis Vaughan (22, D C, LTN)
6. Dewey Carmichael (19, D C, AUD)
7. Bryce Leadbetter (31, F C, NPH)
8. William Blake (22, M C, LTN)
9. Marlin Carby-Barba (33, F C, AUD)
10. Royal Halliday (32, F C, AUD)
11. Bull De Roo (24, M C, AUD)
12. Burt Balling (30, F C, AUD)
15. Oouoo Cathair (21, M/F RC, AUD)
18. Gregory Clark (27, F C, AUD)
20. Yohan Millar (18, M/F R, EFL)
21. Leonard Patterson (19, G , AUD)
30. Mirko Vangelis (30, M L, NPH)
Mng. Rohan Cammers (39, M C, APX)

Likely First XI:
Nuremberg - Wangsgard, Burns, Vaughan, Carmichael - Millar, Vangelis, Blake, de Roo - Carby-Barba, Halliday

Shamrock had always been Cathair's second club, a fair distance behind city rivals 1830 Cathair, but relegation to the second tier preceded two decades in the murky depths of second and third tier football and, with the rise of Cazadores Cathair in the east of the city, the side were robbed of even the honour of being the second best team in the city.

Shamrock's promotion in season one of the National League was a shock to some, and even more were amazed at their ability to stay up by the skin of their teeth last season. With the league looking more competitive than ever this time round, the board have opted to go for drastic measures. Rohan Cammers, the firebrand at clubs like Egloskerry, Manechester City and 1830 Cathair and Cazadores Cathair will be bringing his managerial expertise to Shamrock Cathair, completing the Cathair trifecta.

Tenth Star Hasiera
(Hasiera, Bas de la Sierra)

1. Revelin O`Riordan (36, G , AUD)
2. Andre Brammer (21, D R, AUD)
3. Byron Teran (21, D L, AUD)
4. Emmett Highes (18, M C, AUD)
5. Rodney Plath (28, D C, TIS)
6. Geert van Horst (31, D C, TIS)
7. Jean-Pablo Costacurta-Groove (31, M R, ESI)
8. Terrell Bouwman (18, M/F C, AUD)
9. Eddy Miranda (30, F C, AUD)
10. Hans Varas (22, F C, AUD)
11. Naphtali Thatcher (29, M L, BRE)
12. James Metcalf (31, M C, LTN)
13. Anibal Van de Werve (21, G , AUD)
14. Spencer Emberton (18, M/F C, AUD)
15. Alvin Eyheralde (31, M C, AUD)
16. Jumbo de Valera (34, M C, MRT)
17. Jason Palacio-Barrio (18, M R, AUD)
18. Jess Below (28, M C, AUD)
19. Eonmhid Carthurst (28, M C, TIS)
20. Gilbert King (21, F C, AUD)
22. Wiley Mertagne (33, M C, AUD)
Mng. Rami Levinsky (44, D R, AUD)

Likely First XI:
O'Riordan - Brammer, Teran, Plath, van Horst - Costacurta-Groove, Bouwman, Emberton, Thatcher - Varas, Miranda

Tenth Star Hasiera have traditionally been the side of the Syndicatian refugees, and still boast three Mertian and Syndicatian players amongst their ranks despite the decline of football in that country. The side remain as popular as ever, especially after last year's exploits in the Div1/Div2 playoffs, wherein they played local rivals Tout-Puissant Hasiera for a place in the top flight. Tenth Star won, condemning their hated rivals to the second division and giving themselves the opportunity to cement their status as a top flight team.

by **Audioslavia** » Sun Apr 30, 2017 7:06 pm

Matchday 1
The National League Division One
AS Marcadia 0–0 KT Itzalovalle 
Tenth Star Hasiera 2–6 KT Moreazerua 
Cazadores Cathair 3–0 Eletti Valligiani 
Burdoc Ridge 1–2 AC Izotz Zubia 
Shamrock Cathair 0–0 1830 Cathair
Rohan Cammers leads out his Shamrock Cathair side to rapturous applause as they begin their season with the first of eight Capital Derbies this season, playing host to five-time LigAnaia champions 1830 Cathair. Both sides underwent changes in the off-season, and so it's perhaps not so surprising that neither team can truly get a foot-hold in the game, despite 1830's riches and Shamrock's tenacity. In the end, Cammers' Shammers are derserving of the point they take.

Champions Mozi make light work of Tenth Star Hasiera in a rollicking 6-2 victory that sees Anderson Sandro score twice and receive a red card - for taking his shirt off after each goal.

Zozi, runners-up last season, travel to Burdoc Ridge carrying a few bruises from their shock exit from the Champions Cup at the earliest stage. The former CC champions manage to take a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Hawk and Audbjornsson, placating the crowd for now. Neither of the dual-player-managership of Courtois or Faulkner deem it necessary to sub themselves on, leaving a young defence to keep danger at bay as the Thistles attempt a late comeback.
In the other games, KT Itzalovalle launch a massive statement of intent by holding Marcadia to a 0-0 draw. Itzi, derided as boring last season, may well be going for the record for the most 0-0 draws in one season.
In the other game, newly promoted Cazadores Cathair are roared on by a partizan home crows to a 3-0 victory at home to Eletti Valligiani. Cazadores score through Julio Sokolov, Ivan Pangallo and substitute Zlatan Natividad, and it's their attacking nous and epic return to form that has the nation talking.

Matchday 2
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 2–3 1830 Cathair 
AC Izotz Zubia 5–3 Shamrock Cathair 
Eletti Valligiani 1–1 Burdoc Ridge 
KT Moreazerua 2–1 Cazadores Cathair 
AS Marcadia 1–0 Tenth Star Hasiera
Itzi's plans for no-goal domination are scuppered by their early strike against 1830 Cathair, with Mauro Sondergaard netting in the ninth minute. The incursion only really serves to anger Cathair, who go into a three-one lead at half time thanks to Zelaya, va Drake and Raaijmakers. Itzi manage to score a second goal (a rare occurance for the men in red these days) but Cathair hold on.

Zozi see to it that Cammers' honeymoon period is over sharpish as they hammer Cammers' Shammers 5-3 in Izotzazubia. Aldamiel, Romano, Audbjornsson and, of course, Laborious Hawk, are on hand with the goals.

Tenth Star are still without a win on their comeback to the division, losing to Marcadia, while Mozi win a tight and entertaining game against a spirited Cazadores side that refuse to lie down for the reigning champions.

Matchday 3
The National League Division One
Tenth Star Hasiera 0–1 KT Itzalovalle 
Cazadores Cathair 1–1 AS Marcadia 
Burdoc Ridge 2–0 KT Moreazerua 
Shamrock Cathair 0–1 Eletti Valligiani 
1830 Cathair 5–3 AC Izotz Zubia
Matchday three sees Tenth Star record their third successive defeat, at home to Itzi, while Burdoc Ridge upset champions KT Moreazerua to take a popular 2-0 victory.

The big match of the weekend is, of course, the Derby of Audioslavia with 1830 Cathair playing at home against AC Izotz Zubia - the two traditional heavyweights of Audioslavian football. In the blue corner is 1830 Cathair, 5x LigAnaia champs and former Champions Cup winners, boasting players like Espy va Drake, Rodolfo Zelaya and Gael Marquez. In the silver, pink and black corner are AC Izotz Zubia, 3x LigAnaia champs, inaugural National League champions and former Champions Cup winners, boasting players like Laborious Hawk, Fabio Mancini and Ingþór Auðbjörnsson.

It is, from the off, a match that lives up to expectations, with both sides pressing one another all over the pitch and trying to force their will on the game. It's Zozi who draw first blood, with Ingþór Auðbjörnsson latching onto a Rose throughball and powering it home past Batmacumba for 1-0.

Zozi try to shut up shop, but the door is burst down almost immediately as Raaijmakers finishes for 1-1, and soon enough Cathair are two-one up, Raaijmakers again getting on the scoresheet.

Zozi come out at half-time with renewed purpose, and within five minutes of the restart Laborious Hawk manages to loop a free kick inside the near post for the equaliser. The game hangs in the balance, with any single action likely to tip things one way or the other. Cue Gregory Besoitagoena. The Audioslavian winger-turned-fullback is woefully out of position as Kidiaba bursts forward for Cathair and his flailing tackle brings the winger down in a heap. It's a straight red card with almost no complaint from any player, and the extra man gives Cathair the impetus they need. Minutes 65, 67 and 71 see the score increased to 3-2, 4-2 and 5-2 via Zelaya, van Robben and Ceballos. Hawk scores a late consolation to end the game 5-3 - a resounding victory for the capital club.

Matchday 4 
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 1–1 AC Izotz Zubia 
Eletti Valligiani 2–3 1830 Cathair 
KT Moreazerua 4–0 Shamrock Cathair 
AS Marcadia 3–3 Burdoc Ridge 
Tenth Star Hasiera 1–1 Cazadores Cathair
Zozi bounce from one disappointing derby to another as they succumb to a last minute Sondergaard equaliser against Itzalovalle on a day where the other title favourites, Cathair and Moreazerua, both record impressive wins, with Cathair forcing their way past Eletti Valligiani and Mozi pounding an out-of-sorts Shamrock. Rohan Cammers provides the highlight of that particular match, getting himself sent to the stands for shoving the linesman after Mozi's fourth goal. Cammers will miss the next four games through suspension.

In Sunday's game, Tenth Star Hasiera finally get a point on the board at home to Cazadores Cathair, who have yet to capitalise on their early season promise.

Matchday 5
The National League Division One
Cazadores Cathair 4–3 KT Itzalovalle 
Burdoc Ridge 4–0 Tenth Star Hasiera 
Shamrock Cathair 1–1 AS Marcadia 
1830 Cathair 3–4 KT Moreazerua 
AC Izotz Zubia 2–1 Eletti Valligiani
Shamrock and Tenth Star continue to struggle, with the former being held by AS Marcadia at home and the latter on the receiving end of a four-nothing drubbing from Burdoc Ridge. Zozi bounce back with a victory at the last minute via a Tar Hunor strike, while Cazadores and Itzalovalle play out an entertaining seven-goal thriller which marks a rare occasion wherein Itzi have scored three goals in one game. Cazadores's four goals come from Apoxian starlet Bryton Menheniot, Julio Skolov, Rafael Barrantes and Matthew Ingold, coming up from left-back to score his first goal for the club.

The weekend's big match again involves Cathair at home, scoring big, but this time they are undone by reigning champions KT Moreazerua who confound the critics who say that their title win was a one-off fluke. Anderson Sandro, back from suspension, hits an fifth minute screamer to level after Cathair open the scoring in the second, only for Ceballos to reinstate Cathair's lead by half-time. Cathair go three-one up soon after the restart, but Llorente is on hand to pull one back before creating a second for Anderson Sandro, who is currently on the form of his life in terms of goals and bookings. Sandro is booked for taking his shirt off after the equalising goal, and is lucky to escape a red card as he uses his shirt as a makeshift towel and mimes drying his crotch in front of the Cathair fans for 45 seconds.

Sandro is taken off by an annoyed Mozi manager, who throws on Padrione in an attempt to steal the game. Steal it he does with a deftly-timed back-post header for all three points.

Matchday 6
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 1–2 Eletti Valligiani 
KT Moreazerua 1–2 AC Izotz Zubia 
AS Marcadia 3–3 1830 Cathair 
Tenth Star Hasiera 1–1 Shamrock Cathair 
Cazadores Cathair 4–1 Burdoc Ridge
Mozi are undone at home to Zozi in the Derby of the Mountains, losing out 2-1 thanks to a brace from Audbjornsson, before Cathair are held to a three-all draw away to AS Marcadia. Cazadores, buoyed from last week's win, thrash Burdoc Ridge to soar up the table.

At the bottom, Shamrock and Tenth Star do each other no favours in a drab one-all draw. Rohan Cammers gives an expletive-filled review of the match to the press, leading to his suspension for two more games.

Matchday 7
The National League Division One
Burdoc Ridge 2–3 KT Itzalovalle 
Shamrock Cathair 1–0 Cazadores Cathair 
1830 Cathair 2–2 Tenth Star Hasiera 
AC Izotz Zubia 2–2 AS Marcadia 
Eletti Valligiani 1–1 KT Moreazerua
Without Cammers, Shamrock have actually been unbeaten, and they manage to win, if only barely, in the Cathair derby, sparking celebrations and only a little rioting in the eastern and western flanks of the capital city. Zozi and Cathair both labour to draws against Tenth Star and Marcadia, while Itzalovalle score three in defeating Burdoc Ridge.

Matchday 8
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 3–2 KT Moreazerua 
AS Marcadia 3–3 Eletti Valligiani 
Tenth Star Hasiera 1–3 AC Izotz Zubia 
Cazadores Cathair 1–1 1830 Cathair 
Burdoc Ridge 4–3 Shamrock Cathair
It's three goals for Itzi once more as they win out in a Mountain Derby against title challengers KT Moreazerua. Anderson Sandro, sporting an exclamation mark on his shirt for no apparent reason, opens the scoring, but strikes from Sondergaard, Aretxaga and Alaba are enough to secure all three points for Itzalovalle.

There's another capital derby in Cathair, this time the traditional 'big one' between 1830 Cathair and Cazadores. 1830 are the traditional powerhouses in this fixture, but the spoils are shared as Caza strike late through Mendiolgaray to cancel out Alpha Gandhi's first-half opener.

Shammers, still without Cammers in the dugout, go three-one up against Burdoc Ridge after forty-five minutes, but are pegged back by a resilient Ceilerden side who win out 4-3 at the death. It's a bitter pill to swallow for Shammers fans, who count Burdoc Ridge among their rivals due to the general city rivalry between Ceilerden and the western parts of Cathair city.

Zozi inflict more pain on Tenth Star through an Audbjornsson hat-trick on the Sunday afternoon to round out the weekend.

Matchday 9
The National League Division One
Shamrock Cathair 3–0 KT Itzalovalle 
1830 Cathair 1–1 Burdoc Ridge 
AC Izotz Zubia 2–2 Cazadores Cathair 
Eletti Valligiani 1–2 Tenth Star Hasiera 
KT Moreazerua 0–2 AS Marcadia

---The National League Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                      9    5   3   1    22   17   +5    18
 2 1830 Cathair                        9    3   5   1    21   18   +3    14
 3 Cazadores Cathair                   9    3   4   2    17   12   +5    13
 4 KT Moreazerua                       9    4   1   4    20   16   +4    13
 5 AS Marcadia                         9    2   7   0    16   13   +3    13
 6 Burdoc Ridge                        9    3   3   3    19   17   +2    12
 7 KT Itzalovalle                      9    3   2   4    14   17   -3    11
 8 Eletti Valligiani                   9    2   3   4    12   16   -4     9
 9 Shamrock Cathair                    9    2   3   4    12   16   -4     9
10 Tenth Star Hasiera                  9    1   3   5     9   20  -11     6

Tenth Star Hasiera leave it until game nine to record their first win, a 2-1 away victory over Eletti Valligiani who have been less than impressive themselves so far. Shamrock, for all their problems, manage a three-nothing demolition of Italovalle to keep them in ninth place in the league.

There are no huge surprises at the top, with the possible exception of Cazadores Cathair who will be getting nosebleeds in third position.

by **Audioslavia** » Sun Apr 30, 2017 7:49 pm

Matchday 10
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 3–0 AS Marcadia (AUD)
KT Moreazerua 3–4 Tenth Star Hasiera (AUD)
Eletti Valligiani 1–3 Cazadores Cathair (AUD)
AC Izotz Zubia 1–2 Burdoc Ridge (AUD)
1830 Cathair 3–0 Shamrock Cathair (AUD)
Alpha Gandhi and Hazel van Robben are on target for 1830 Cathair as they brush aside their city rivals Shamrock at the Arena Kirola, much to the obvious dismay of manager Rohan Cammers, who resorts to sarcastically applauding his players as they leave the field at full time.

Elsewhere, Mozi are upset at home to a Tenth Star Hasiera side who record only their second win, going a goal up four times and being pegged back only three. Anderson Sandro, flabbergasted by the result after having watched it from the bench, having been inspired by Rohan Cammers and not wanting to be outshone by his former team-mate in the sarcasm stakes, jumps onto the field and celebrates alongside the Tenth Star Hasiera players, sarcastically applauding the team's ability to win a second football match. He is, understandably, chased away.

There is a further upset on Sunday, as AC Izotz Zubia throw away a supposed home-banker against Burdoc Ridge, throwing away a lead in the last twenty minutes and coming away on the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat.

Matchday 11
The National League Division One
1830 Cathair 0–1 KT Itzalovalle (AUD)
Shamrock Cathair 1–2 AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)
Burdoc Ridge 1–0 Eletti Valligiani (AUD)
Cazadores Cathair 0–2 KT Moreazerua (AUD)
Tenth Star Hasiera 2–1 AS Marcadia (AUD)
It's Cathair's turn for the upset on matchday eleven as they are upended at home to Itzalovalle, who take the lead on the half hour through Mauro Sondergaard and cling on for victory.

Elsewhere, Mozi and Zozi bounce back with away wins, both in the city of Cathair, while Tenth Star make it three wins from three with home victory against AS Marcadia, Naphtali Thatcher scoring the winning goal with a last-minute penalty.

Matchday 12
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 2–0 Tenth Star Hasiera (AUD)
AS Marcadia 2–1 Cazadores Cathair (AUD)
KT Moreazerua 0–0 Burdoc Ridge (AUD)
Eletti Valligiani 2–1 Shamrock Cathair (AUD)
AC Izotz Zubia 2–1 1830 Cathair (AUD)
With Cazadores and Moreazerua losing ground on the Saturday, Sunday's Derby of Audioslavia is given even more weight than usual, with both teams vying for the top spot. In a tense affair with few mistakes, Hawk gets the breakthrough on the hour to rapturous reception from the home crowd, before Rose provided a second soon after. Cathair, seeing their grip on their top of the table slip, rallied and scored through Ceballos on the 81st minute, but it was too little too late.

Matchday 13
The National League Division One
AC Izotz Zubia 3–2 KT Itzalovalle (AUD)
1830 Cathair 1–1 Eletti Valligiani (AUD)
Shamrock Cathair 0–1 KT Moreazerua (AUD)
Burdoc Ridge 1–0 AS Marcadia (AUD)
Cazadores Cathair 4–3 Tenth Star Hasiera (AUD)
It's another difficult day at the office for Cathair as they are held at home by Eletti Valligiani, allowing Zozi and Mozi to steal a march on them through victories over Itzi and Shamrock. The latter of those two matches is marred by a bust-up between Rohan Cammers and Anderson Sandro. Because who the fuck else. Sandro, upon scoring the only goal of the game, attempted to bring back his famous 'lower sunglasses on his face slowly and yell DEAL WITH IT at the crowd' celebration, but bizarrely opts to do this in front of Rohan Cammers. Cammers, being Cammers, throws the nearest object to hand at the Mozi striker. This turns out to be a packet of cigarettes. Sandro, stunned, squares up to Cammers, and it takes most of the bench working together to separate them.

When asked what measures the league would go to to ensure this doesn't happen again, COCANEFA simply respond 'It's Cammers and Sandro, really, how is anyone going to change them?'

Cazadores, too, keep up the pressure with a hard-fought win over Tenth Star Hasiera.

Matchday 14
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 0–2 Cazadores Cathair (AUD)
Tenth Star Hasiera 1–0 Burdoc Ridge (AUD)
AS Marcadia 3–1 Shamrock Cathair (AUD)
KT Moreazerua 3–5 1830 Cathair (AUD)
Eletti Valligiani 1–0 AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)
Fresh off their denial of three points to 1830 Cathair, Eletti Valligiani deny Zozi even a solitary one as they win out through a 35th minute Anders Engstrom strike. Caza keep the pace with an impressive away in over KT Itzalovalle, with Seghers-Verduzco and Yong Mendiolgaray getting on the scoresheet. Tenth Star continue to get points on the board as they defeat Burdoc Ridge.

The big match is in Moreazerua, as Mozi play host to Cathair. The two, not traditional rivals, both have the league title in their sights this season, and the rivalry makes for a stonker of a game at the Ibarretako Estadioa. Mariezkurrena and Anderson Sandro (this season wearing iANDERSON! on the back of his shirt) open a two-nothing lead for the home side after just twelve minutes, but Sandro's ridiculous foul in his own box - the player grabbed a handful of Romelio Ceballos's shorts and tugged them down, resulting in perhaps the world's first red card and penaly for forced mooning - gives Cathair an 'in', and before long they're 3-2 up, with Raaijmakers scoring the penalty and laying on a goal for Van Robben before Ceballos salvages some of his dignity back with a crisp finish before half-time.

Mozi rally in the second, but are over-run in midfield as they try to cope without the extra man, and Cathair ease in two more goals before a late consolation ends the match 5-3.

Matchday 15
The National League Division One
Eletti Valligiani 1–1 KT Itzalovalle (AUD)
AC Izotz Zubia 0–1 KT Moreazerua (AUD)
1830 Cathair 2–1 AS Marcadia (AUD)
Shamrock Cathair 6–2 Tenth Star Hasiera (AUD)
Burdoc Ridge 1–2 Cazadores Cathair (AUD)
Tenth Star are brought back down to earth with an ear-shattering bang as they are blown away 6-2 by a Shamrock side previously thought to be lacking in firepower on a day which sees all the capital clubs win, with Cazadores victorious away at Burdoc Ridge and 1830 Cathair beating AS Marcadia thanks to goals from Raaijmakers and va Drake.

KT Moreazerua, without suspended Anderson Sandro, travel over the mountain to Zozi with fans and manager alike expressing interest in coming back with a point, but a solid defensive display and a flash of brilliance from Llorente triple their money, leaving the home fans bitterly angry with their side.

Matchday 16
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 1–0 Burdoc Ridge (AUD)
Cazadores Cathair 1–1 Shamrock Cathair (AUD)
Tenth Star Hasiera 3–0 1830 Cathair (AUD)
AS Marcadia 1–2 AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)
KT Moreazerua 4–2 Eletti Valligiani (AUD)
Zozi bounce back to take victory away at AS Marcadia, Itzi overcome Burdoc Ridge thanks to an Aurrekoetxea strike, Mozi defeat the Gialloneri with minimal fuss and the Lesser Cathair Derby ends with honours even on a weekend which promises few surprises until Saturday, wherein Tenth Star Hasiera utterly gub 1830 Cathair by three goals to nil. Cathair, boasting the likes of va Drake, Zelaya, Ceballos, Soldarian, Van Robben and Marquez in their starting eleven, are swatted aside by the gung-ho south coasters, much to the delight of most neutral observers.

The city of Cathair, after gutlaughing at 1830, then turn their attentions to the Shamrock/Cazadores derby. Rook Cathar and Rohan Cammers pit their wits against one another for ninety minutes and, when that's declared a draw, they point at each other and get a bit shouty during the post-match handshake, reportedly over an argument as to whether or not a ball had gone out of play for a throw-in in the 87th minute.

Matchday 17
The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua 1–0 KT Itzalovalle (AUD)
Eletti Valligiani 4–1 AS Marcadia (AUD)
AC Izotz Zubia 1–0 Tenth Star Hasiera (AUD)
1830 Cathair 2–2 Cazadores Cathair (AUD)
Shamrock Cathair 1–3 Burdoc Ridge (AUD)
Cathair are out for revenge on matchday seventeen, figuring nearby poor relations Cazadores are the ideal opponents to use as punching bags, but are frustrated at the last as Julio Sokolov pops up with a brace in the final ten minutes to steal a point from the Arena Kirola. Tenth Star fail to repeat their giant-killing in a nevertheless brave performance at Zozi, who win out by a single Hawk goal to nil.

At the bottom, AS Marcadia continue to look as ordinary as possible as they are battered in the east-coast derby by rivals Eletti Valligiani, for whom Anders Engstrom nets a hat-trick.

Matchday 18
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 1–2 Shamrock Cathair (AUD)
Burdoc Ridge 0–4 1830 Cathair (AUD)
Cazadores Cathair 3–1 AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)
Tenth Star Hasiera 3–4 Eletti Valligiani (AUD)
AS Marcadia 3–4 KT Moreazerua (AUD)
---The National League Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                     18   10   3   5    34   29   +5    33
 2 KT Moreazerua                      18   10   2   6    39   30   +9    32
 3 Cazadores Cathair                  18    8   6   4    35   25  +10    30
 4 1830 Cathair                       18    7   7   4    39   31   +8    28
 5 Burdoc Ridge                       18    7   4   7    27   27    0    25
 6 KT Itzalovalle                     18    7   3   8    25   26   -1    24
 7 Eletti Valligiani                  18    6   5   7    28   31   -3    23
 8 AS Marcadia                        18    4   7   7    28   33   -5    19
 9 Tenth Star Hasiera                 18    5   3  10    27   41  -14    18
10 Shamrock Cathair                   18    4   4  10    25   34   -9    16
Cathair thrash Burdoc Ridge four-nothing away from home, but their shaky mid-season form has seen the side slide down to the fourth position - the final Champions Cup spot this season. They are behind city rivals Cazadores, whose 3-1 defeat of league-leaders AC Izotz Zubia (Sokolov, Arguelles and Corallo all on the scoresheet) has people muttering that the side may well be in and around the top spots come the end of the season. With four CC spots up for grabs, the pre-season predictions had KT Itzalovalle in that fourth position, but a 2-1 reverse againt Shamrock Cathair - only the stricken capital club's fourth win of the campaign - sees Itzi down in sixth, albeit with, predictably, one of the best defensive records in the league.

Zozi's defeat means Moreazerua close the gap with a hard-earned away victory at AS Marcadia, who continue to tread water in eighth place. Burdoc Ridge, promoted last season, are in the dizzying heights of mid-table thus far, with as many wins as multi-time league champions Cathair.

by **Audioslavia** » Mon May 01, 2017 8:46 am

Matchday 19
The National League Division One
AS Marcadia 1–1 KT Itzalovalle 
Tenth Star Hasiera 4–3 KT Moreazerua 
Cazadores Cathair 1–1 Eletti Valligiani 
Burdoc Ridge 0–0 AC Izotz Zubia 
Shamrock Cathair 0–1 1830 Cathair
All of the top eight (if a 10-team league can be said to have a 'top eight') drop points on matchday nineteen with the exception of 1830 Cathair, catapulting the cat back among the pigeons at the top of the table, especially with Mozi's shock decision to somehow lose to Tenth Star Hasiera for the second time this season. Mozi's capitulation is thanks, in part, to a particularly inept performance from Anderson Sandro who, after scoring the first goal, somehow manages to net two own goals via a deflected cross and a catastrophic forty-five yard backpass that sails over the keeper's head. Tenth Star, grabbing only their sixth win in nineteen games, leapfrog AS Marcadia into eighth after the Marchetti can only draw with Itzi at home.

Matchday 20
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 2–0 1830 Cathair 
AC Izotz Zubia 3–1 Shamrock Cathair 
Eletti Valligiani 2–1 Burdoc Ridge 
KT Moreazerua 4–4 Cazadores Cathair 
AS Marcadia 3–1 Tenth Star Hasiera
Mozi and Cazadores play out the weekend's most entertaining game on matchday twenty, with Sokolov netting a hattrick and Caceres a vital captain's goal at the death to salvage a point after Sandro had twice instigated a lead for Mozi and a Llorente brace had supposedly put the game beyond doubt with twenty minutes to play. Zozi swat aside Shamrock at the Ibarretako Estadioa while, across the mountains, Cathair are put in their place in Ferramendiak as Itzi defeat them by two goals to nil, with Sondergaard and Aurrekoetxea the scorers.

At the bottom, Marcadia retake eighth position with a dominant performance, defeating Tenth Star by three goals to one with Bianchi, Zini and Sainz all on target for the home side.

Matchday 21
The National League Division One
Tenth Star Hasiera 1–3 KT Itzalovalle 
Cazadores Cathair 0–0 AS Marcadia 
Burdoc Ridge 2–2 KT Moreazerua 
Shamrock Cathair 1–4 Eletti Valligiani 
1830 Cathair 1–0 AC Izotz Zubia
The Derby of Audioslavias are only getting bigger and bigger, with fewer and fewer games remaining with each encounter and less to pick between the sides each time. This effort, in stark contrast to previous encounters, is as cagey is it gets, and Cathair barely take the spoils through HVR's 76th minute diving header. Cathair are the only one of the top four not to drop points, with Mozi failing to overcome Burdoc Ridge and Caza being held by AS Marcadia in a match wherein Rook Cathar breaks the league record for the earliest managerial sending off. His offence? Yelling at the fourth official for the kickoff being two minutes late.

Matchday 22
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 3–2 AC Izotz Zubia 
Eletti Valligiani 2–2 1830 Cathair 
KT Moreazerua 3–1 Shamrock Cathair 
AS Marcadia 4–3 Burdoc Ridge 
Tenth Star Hasiera 2–3 Cazadores Cathair
Cathair, fresh from their derby win, fail to take more than a point from their trip to the eastern coast, succumbing to a 2-2 draw with Eletti Valligiani, but Sunday's game sees Itzalovalle victorious over Zozi to minimize Cathair's losses.

Cazadores, two goals down for much of Monday's night's game against TSH, steal victory via goals from Lozada, Mendiolgaray and that man Sokolov to keep them in contention at the top of the table.

Matchday 23
The National League Division One
Cazadores Cathair 1–1 KT Itzalovalle 
Burdoc Ridge 1–0 Tenth Star Hasiera 
Shamrock Cathair 1–1 AS Marcadia 
1830 Cathair 4–1 KT Moreazerua 
AC Izotz Zubia 1–2 Eletti Valligiani
---The National League Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 1830 Cathair                       23   10   8   5    47   36  +11    38
 2 Cazadores Cathair                  23    9  10   4    44   33  +11    37
 3 KT Moreazerua                      23   11   4   8    52   45   +7    37
 4 AC Izotz Zubia                     23   11   4   8    40   36   +4    37
 5 KT Itzalovalle                     23   10   5   8    35   31   +4    35
 6 Eletti Valligiani                  23    9   7   7    39   37   +2    34
 7 Burdoc Ridge                       23    8   6   9    34   35   -1    30
 8 AS Marcadia                        23    6  10   7    37   39   -2    28
 9 Tenth Star Hasiera                 23    6   3  14    35   54  -19    21
10 Shamrock Cathair                   23    4   5  14    29   46  -17    17
Cathair thrash Mozi once more, this time by four goals to one, to go top of the table, thanks in part to Zozi throwing away the three points at home to Eletti Valligiani. Itzi and Caza's score draw means, with thirteen games to go, there's only four points separating sixth from first. Even AS Marcadia, in eighth, are feasibly in with a shout of the Champions Cup spots despite being seemingly in a relegation scrap.

There is precious little to choose between the sides. Marcadia, even, have lost fewer games than third placed KT Moreazerua. At the bottom, though, Shammers and Tenth Star are well off the pace, with Shammers so far the favourites to go straight down. TSH look to be heading for at least a relegation playoff.

Matchday 24
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 2–3 Eletti Valligiani 
KT Moreazerua 3–2 AC Izotz Zubia 
AS Marcadia 1–3 1830 Cathair 
Tenth Star Hasiera 1–3 Shamrock Cathair 
Cazadores Cathair 4–1 Burdoc Ridge
Zozi's woes are compounded as they lose again - another derby, this time to KT Moreazerua, as E.V. defeat Itzalovalle away from home to further cement their status as possible challengers for the title itself. Cathair travel to Marcadia and can't help but win, with HVR grabbing a brace either side of a va Drake effort.

Cazadores Cathair make similarly light work of Burdoc Ridge while, at the bottom Shammers make it a rare Cathair triple as they defeat Tenth Star in a crucial game at the foot of the table. Royal Halliday grabs two goals in the process. Perhaps Rohan Cammers's men aren't doomed after all...

Matchday 25
The National League Division One
Burdoc Ridge 2–1 KT Itzalovalle 
Shamrock Cathair 1–2 Cazadores Cathair 
1830 Cathair 2–0 Tenth Star Hasiera 
AC Izotz Zubia 2–0 AS Marcadia 
Eletti Valligiani 1–1 KT Moreazerua
---The National League Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 1830 Cathair                       25   12   8   5    52   37  +15    44
 2 Cazadores Cathair                  25   11  10   4    50   35  +15    43
 3 KT Moreazerua                      25   12   5   8    56   48   +8    41
 4 AC Izotz Zubia                     25   12   4   9    44   39   +5    40
 5 Eletti Valligiani                  25   10   8   7    43   40   +3    38
 6 KT Itzalovalle                     25   10   5  10    38   36   +2    35
 7 Burdoc Ridge                       25    9   6  10    37   40   -3    33
 8 AS Marcadia                        25    6  10   9    38   44   -6    28
 9 Tenth Star Hasiera                 25    6   3  16    36   59  -23    21
10 Shamrock Cathair                   25    5   5  15    33   49  -16    20
Saturday lunchtime sees the all-Cathair affair as Cathar's Cazadores and Cammers's Shammers go at it at the Glass Bridge stadium. Shamrock do make a fight of it, but are finally put to the sword by Sokolov's eighty-eighth minute goal to grab three important points for Cazadores. Caza remain in second place, with city rivals 1830 Cathair defeating TSH 2-0 through Soldarian and Raaijmakers.

Mozi and Zozi are still third and fourth, with the former failing to turn draws into wins and the latter struggling for consistency, though still able to defeat AS Marcadia to keep the easterners rooted to that eighth position.

Matchday 26
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 0–0 KT Moreazerua 
AS Marcadia 3–3 Eletti Valligiani 
Tenth Star Hasiera 2–3 AC Izotz Zubia 
Cazadores Cathair 3–3 1830 Cathair 
Burdoc Ridge 2–0 Shamrock Cathair
Saturday's lunchtime derby between Cazadores Cathair and 1830 Cathair is one of the city's largest in history, with both sides capable of going top with a win. Cazadores have the bigger fight and boss much of the game, roared on by a partizan home crowd, but the slick international stars of central Cathair have an answer for every question Caza can throw. Mendiolgaray takes the lead, but has to watch on as Ceballos wins a near-post header for 1-1. Caceres heads in at the other end, only to upend Van Robben in his own box and watch on as Rodolfo Zelaya scores the penalty. Finally, Sokolov's supposed 73rd minute winner is cancelled out almost immediately by Espy va Drake's audacious volley, and the sides share the spoils in an entertaining game.

Cathair scrape past Tenth Star to keep the pace, while Mozi and Itzi's 0-0 draw does neither side any favours.

Matchday 27
The National League Division One
Shamrock Cathair 0–0 KT Itzalovalle 
1830 Cathair 0–1 Burdoc Ridge 
AC Izotz Zubia 2–0 Cazadores Cathair 
Eletti Valligiani 1–3 Tenth Star Hasiera 
KT Moreazerua 3–1 AS Marcadia
---The National League Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                     27   14   4   9    49   41   +8    46
 2 1830 Cathair                       27   12   9   6    55   41  +14    45
 3 KT Moreazerua                      27   13   6   8    59   49  +10    45
 4 Cazadores Cathair                  27   11  11   5    53   40  +13    44
 5 Eletti Valligiani                  27   10   9   8    47   46   +1    39
 6 Burdoc Ridge                       27   11   6  10    40   40    0    39
 7 KT Itzalovalle                     27   10   7  10    38   36   +2    37
 8 AS Marcadia                        27    6  11  10    42   50   -8    29
 9 Tenth Star Hasiera                 27    7   3  17    41   63  -22    24
10 Shamrock Cathair                   27    5   6  16    33   51  -18    21
There's yet another twist on matchday twenty-seven as leaders Cathair somehow contrive to lose at home to Burdoc Ridge, who move up to joint-fifth in the process, meaning that the supposedly out-of-sorts AC Izotz Zubia, with the most losses in the top five and lowest goal-difference of the top four, top the table thanks to a hugely important win over Cazadores Cathair, themselves capable of going top but failing.

Moreazerua, also in shaky form, defeat an AS Marcadia side who remain stranded in eighth place. ASM have only six wins to their name from 27 games, but it's their ability to grab draws at any opportunity that is keeping their heads above water as Tenth Star, victorious in the eastern valleys, close the gap.

Two points in it in the top four, who are beginning to open a slight lead on the mid-table pack.

by **Audioslavia** » Mon May 01, 2017 9:50 am

Matchday 28
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 2–1 AS Marcadia 
KT Moreazerua 3–1 Tenth Star Hasiera 
Eletti Valligiani 1–2 Cazadores Cathair 
AC Izotz Zubia 3–3 Burdoc Ridge 
1830 Cathair 1–0 Shamrock Cathair
With four out of ten teams vying for the championship it seems there's a marquee clash every week in the National League. Matchday 28 isn't one of them, with the top five largely facing the bottom five. With eight games to go in the season these types of encounters are win-at-all-costs, and each of the big sides does exactly that...

...with the exception of the leaders. Zozi are held at the last by Burdoc Ridge in a rollicking 3-3 draw that helps Cathair skip to the top of the pile, level on points with Moreazerua.

Matchday 29
The National League Division One
1830 Cathair 4–2 KT Itzalovalle 
Shamrock Cathair 0–3 AC Izotz Zubia 
Burdoc Ridge 3–3 Eletti Valligiani 
Cazadores Cathair 5–2 KT Moreazerua 
Tenth Star Hasiera 2–1 AS Marcadia
Cathair go out on their own at the top, if only by a point, as they defeat Itzi while Moreazerua contrive to concede five away to Cazadores. Anderson Sandro and Thijs Bolotin are sent off - the latter for a studs-up challenge on Mauro Sondergaard, the former for a studs-up challenge on Rook Cathar, (though in fairness to Sandro he was aiming for Sondegaard) - this time with the side 2-1 up in the second half, and Caza rally to an impressive victory that does wonders for their goal difference, which could be incredibly important come the season's finale.

At the bottom, AS Marcadia are defeated by Tenth Star and see the gap between the two sides close from five points to two. With both sides almost certainly heading for the relegation playoff, it makes very little difference - the eighth placed side will simply have three home games to play in the playoff round robin, rather than two home games and one away encounter.

Matchday 30
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 0–0 Tenth Star Hasiera 
AS Marcadia 5–4 Cazadores Cathair 
KT Moreazerua 2–1 Burdoc Ridge 
Eletti Valligiani 3–0 Shamrock Cathair 
AC Izotz Zubia 1–1 1830 Cathair
---The National League Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 1830 Cathair                       30   14  10   6    61   44  +17    52
 2 AC Izotz Zubia                     30   15   6   9    56   45  +11    51
 3 KT Moreazerua                      30   15   6   9    66   56  +10    51
 4 Cazadores Cathair                  30   13  11   6    64   48  +16    50
 5 Eletti Valligiani                  30   11  10   9    54   51   +3    43
 6 KT Itzalovalle                     30   11   8  11    42   41   +1    41
 7 Burdoc Ridge                       30   11   8  11    47   48   -1    41
 8 AS Marcadia                        30    7  11  12    49   58   -9    32
 9 Tenth Star Hasiera                 30    8   4  18    44   67  -23    28
10 Shamrock Cathair                   30    5   6  19    33   58  -25    21
There's no point improving your side's goal difference, of course, if you're going to lose games at the business end of the season, yet lose Cathair do in spectacular fashion, 5-4 away to AS Marcadia who lengthen the gap between themselves and Hasiera after last weekend's bitter defeat to their rivals. Cathair drop to fourth, but their Champions Cup place appears to be more or less sealed with neither the Gialloneri, Itzi or Cardi able to put together a meaningful run of wins.

At the top, Cathair and Zozi play out the last of their four derbies, sharing honours appiece with goals from the elven contigent of both sides - Hawk for Zozi, va Drake for Cathair. Mozi's win means that there is, still, only two points between the top four.

Rohan Cammers's Shamrock side are still sitting rather forlornly on 21 points, having won only five times since the start of the season, and only once in the last twelve games. Rohan Cammers's position as Shamrock manager is under scruitiny.

Matchday 31
The National League Division One
AC Izotz Zubia 2–2 KT Itzalovalle 
1830 Cathair 1–1 Eletti Valligiani 
Shamrock Cathair 3–3 KT Moreazerua 
Burdoc Ridge 2–4 AS Marcadia 
Cazadores Cathair 1–0 Tenth Star Hasiera
KT Moreazerua's fans are despondent on Saturday as they see their side fail to take more than a point from almost-doomed Shamrock Cathair on a day which sees Cazadores overtake them. Indeed, Cazadores go up to joint first as first Zozi on Saturday night (2-2 against local rivals Itzi) and Cathair on Sunday (1-1 against E.V.) fail to win, somewhat dampening the blow for Mozi. Anderson Sandro's form is also a plus point. In his comeback after suspension, the enigmatic striker scores two goals, though does receive a yellow card for celebrating in front of Rohan Cammers. Cammers's reaction is surprising: He does nothing except narrow his eyes.

At the bottom, Marcadia get a much needed win which, coupled with Caza's defeat of TSH, puts daylight between eighth and ninth.

Matchday 32
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 2–2 Cazadores Cathair 
Tenth Star Hasiera 1–2 Burdoc Ridge 
AS Marcadia 2–2 Shamrock Cathair 
KT Moreazerua 4–1 1830 Cathair 
Eletti Valligiani 2–2 AC Izotz Zubia
---The National League Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 KT Moreazerua                      32   16   7   9    73   60  +13    55
 2 Cazadores Cathair                  32   14  12   6    67   50  +17    54
 3 1830 Cathair                       32   14  11   7    63   49  +14    53
 4 AC Izotz Zubia                     32   15   8   9    60   49  +11    53
 5 Eletti Valligiani                  32   11  12   9    57   54   +3    45
 6 Burdoc Ridge                       32   12   8  12    51   53   -2    44
 7 KT Itzalovalle                     32   11  10  11    46   45   +1    43
 8 AS Marcadia                        32    8  12  12    55   62   -7    36
 9 Tenth Star Hasiera                 32    8   4  20    45   70  -25    28
10 Shamrock Cathair                   32    5   8  19    38   63  -25    23
Shamrock earn another point on a day on which Tenth Star lose, meaning they are five points out of the first relegation-playoff place with four games still to play. Marcadia, at least, are out of contention for that one automatic relegation spot in avoiding defeat to the stricken capital club.

The true drama, of course, is at the top. Mozi's fans, who booed their side off after last week's draw with Shamrock Cathair, are jubilant for much of the side's hosting of 1830 Cathair. The side are rampant 4-1 winners, with Anderson Sandro grabbing all four goals on the day he apparently returned to being a club hero. His day is soured slightly, though, by news that his car had been set afire in the carpark during the game by an unknown figure wearing a Shamrock Cathair shirt. Rohan Cammers, during his post-match interview after the Marcadia game, voiciferously denied having paid someone to ignite Sandro's car, but his defence is somewhat weakened by the fact that his rigorous denial came twenty minutes before news of the event broke.

Cathair, top last week, fall to third, but it should really be fourth as Zozi again fail to get a win when it matters most, drawing away to Eletti Valligiani. Cazadores have the oppotunity to go top in Sunday's game, but fail to do so yet again as Itzi score a bitter last-minute equaliser to share the spoils.

Four games to go. Still two points in it at the top. Someone, somewhere must want to win this league. It is do. Or. Die.

Matchday 33
The National League Division One
Eletti Valligiani 3–3 KT Itzalovalle 
AC Izotz Zubia 1–1 KT Moreazerua 
1830 Cathair 2–1 AS Marcadia 
Shamrock Cathair 0–0 Tenth Star Hasiera 
Burdoc Ridge 3–3 Cazadores Cathair
Faced with two buttons - one for glory, the other for bottling harder than a recycling plant on the Monday after St. Patrick's Day - all the top four hit the 'bottle' button with one exception: The Elders. 1830 Cathair's 2-1 win over AS Marcadia, via a brace from Romelio Ceballos, lifts the side to the top of the table once more. Zozi and Mozi, in the biggest of their matches for some time, cancel one another out in Sunday's game, with Anderson Sandro's fourteenth-minute 25-yard overhead kick cancelled out by Anderson Sandro's sixteenth-minute own-goal.

Matchday 34
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle 1–0 Burdoc Ridge 
Cazadores Cathair 3–1 Shamrock Cathair 
Tenth Star Hasiera 1–1 1830 Cathair 
AS Marcadia 3–4 AC Izotz Zubia 
KT Moreazerua 2–1 Eletti Valligiani
---The National League Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 KT Moreazerua                      34   17   8   9    76   62  +14    59
 2 Cazadores Cathair                  34   15  13   6    73   54  +19    58
 3 1830 Cathair                       34   15  12   7    66   51  +15    57
 4 AC Izotz Zubia                     34   16   9   9    65   53  +12    57
 5 KT Itzalovalle                     34   12  11  11    50   48   +2    47
 6 Eletti Valligiani                  34   11  13  10    61   59   +2    46
 7 Burdoc Ridge                       34   12   9  13    54   57   -3    45
 8 AS Marcadia                        34    8  12  14    59   68   -9    36
 9 Tenth Star Hasiera                 34    8   6  20    46   71  -25    30
10 Shamrock Cathair                   34    5   9  20    39   66  -27    24
'But I wonder what this 'bottle' button does' say Cathair, loudly, as they visit Tenth Star Hasiera and take only a draw. The Cathair fans can barely contain their frustration as, after having to watch their side struggle in Saturday's lunchtime kickoff, they then have to sit and watch the goals go in elsewhere. Zozi survive a late fightback (one that keeps their goal difference well behind their foes) to win out over AS Marcadia. Cazadores go second with a resounding win in the Shammers-Cazar derby (which is rapidly becoming referred to as the Cammers-Cathar derby) that also sees Shamrock all-but relegated unless they can somehow pull off two wins in their final two games (and hope results elsewhere go their way) and Mozi bounce to victory over Eletti Valligiani to go top of the league with just two games left to play.

The one point advantage they hold over second-placed Cazadores means their destiny is in their own hands. Mozi won the league last season despite being six points back with two games to go. How can they do when they have a one-point advantage?

Matchday 35

The National League Division One
KT Moreazerua (AUD) 3–3 KT Itzalovalle (AUD)
Eletti Valligiani (AUD) 2–1 AS Marcadia (AUD)
AC Izotz Zubia (AUD) 4–2 Tenth Star Hasiera (AUD)
1830 Cathair (AUD) 5–4 Cazadores Cathair (AUD)
Shamrock Cathair (AUD) 1–0 Burdoc Ridge (AUD)

The key game on the penultimate game of the season is emphatically not Shamrock Cathair 1-0 Burdoc Ridge, but the result does keep Shamrock in the hunt for 9th place going into the final day of the season - a frankly remarkable feat considering how Cammers's men have performed over the previous 34 games.

The big news is at the top, and it involves various men in purple shirts screaming at the pitch in the Ibarretako Estadioa. This time last season, an unlikely three goals from Itzalovalle scuppered Cathair's supposed title celebration day, and there's a similar story this season as Moreazerua's half-time two-goal advantage, painstakingly set up by Huele and Renzo Padrione, is undone in five second-half minutes as Itzi take advantage of a day-dreaming to score thrice after the break. Mozi do come out with a point thanks to Azucena Llorente's magical cross and Guerricachevarria's towering header, but it's only enough for a point. Mozi remain atop the league despite being joined on 60 points, and a +14 goal difference, by AC Izotz Zubia. Crucially, Mozi's advantage in the head-to-head rankings, with two wins in the corresponding fixture compared to Zozi's one, keeps the side top of the table. For a day.

Sunday's Cathair Derby between 1830 and Cazadores Cathair has it all. Two local, hated rivals, a hatful of goals, three sendings off and the chance to go into the final game of the season in pole position in the league. Caza draw first blood to the delight of the home fans, with Yong Mendiolgaray reacting to a loose ball before Ryan Gordon to finish past Batmacumba for 1-0, but The Elders rally to equalize through Alpha Gandhi, before taking a 2-1 lead into the half-time break courtesy of the outstretched foot of Espy va Drake.

Cazadores, buoyed by the home crowd, level shortly after the break through Sokolov, but are quickly down once more via Ryan Gordon's towering far-post header. Hazel van Robben's 70th minute strike makes it 2-4, but still Caza aren't done. Sokolov curls in a beauty on 80 minutes to set up a frantic back-and-forth finale as waves upon waves of Cazadores attacks are parried and countered by Cathair, until Rafael Barrantes finally restores parity with an 89th-minute close-range goal.

The draw slightly favours Caza, who would be third, a point behind the leaders, going into the final game, with 1830 Cathair down in fourth and a further point back. It's for that reason that Cathair try to shut up shop for the four minutes of injury time. The Elders fly forward and, in the 93rd minute, receive a penalty as Eri Raaijmakers goes to ground on the corner of the area. The referee hadn't reacted at all, but gave the penalty on the advice of his assistant, who claimed Adalberto Zufiaurre had tripped the striker. Action replays proved... otherwise, or at least showed that the referee might have been right to wave play on. Cazadores are, rightly, furious. Zufiaurre and Raaijmakers are sent off after the ensuing scuffle, as is captain Jouard Caceres who receives his marching orders for manhandling the linesman.

Hazel van Robben scores the resulting penalty. The players are taken off the field as quickly as possible, with the referee and linemen sprinting from the field at full time.

---The National League Division One  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 1830 Cathair                       35   16  12   7    71   55  +16    60
 2 KT Moreazerua                      35   17   9   9    79   65  +14    60
 3 AC Izotz Zubia                     35   17   9   9    69   55  +14    60
 4 Cazadores Cathair                  35   15  13   7    77   59  +18    58
...
 9 Tenth Star Hasiera                 35    8   6  21    48   75  -27    30
10 Shamrock Cathair                   35    6   9  20    40   66  -26    27

The UICA spots are sealed, now. All that needs to be decided is auto-relegation and the league title. With one game to play, three teams are stationed on sixty points. Cazadores, down in fourth, play host to AC Izotz Zubia and know that, if they're to win the league, they need city rivals 1830 Cathair to fail to beat Burdoc Ridge and Mozi to slip up away to AS Marcadia. Cathair, in pole position, must win and hope that neither Mozi or Zozi can make up their two-goal deficit in goal difference.

Matchday 36
The National League Division One
KT Itzalovalle (AUD) 1–0 Shamrock Cathair (AUD)
Burdoc Ridge (AUD) 0–2 1830 Cathair (AUD)
Cazadores Cathair (AUD) 2–2 AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)
Tenth Star Hasiera (AUD) 1–1 Eletti Valligiani (AUD)
AS Marcadia (AUD) 0–1 KT Moreazerua (AUD)

All five matches kick off simultaneously on the final matchday of the season. All eyes are on either El Ruedo, where Caza play Zozi, or Burdoc Ridge's Jaffacake Stadium, where the hosts play Cathair, or Stadio di Via Montegrappa in which Marcadia play host to AC Izotz Zubia. There are some people watching Itzi versus Shamrock, to be fair, but those are mainly extremely hopeful Shamrock fans.

AC Izotz Zubia draw first blood, but are pegged back instantly by a desperate Cazadores who, in the twenty-eighth minute, make it two-one through teenager Bryton Menheniot's first goal for the club. For the first time all season, Caza are top of the league, at least on goal difference, but their city rivals' 44th minute nerve-steadier puts 1830 Cathair above them once again. Mozi join Cathair at the top early in the second half, taking a 1-0 lead against Marcadia.

As time ticks by, Mozi's fans become incresingly desperate for their side to march forward and blow the opposition away, especially so when a Zelaya goal puts Cathair 2-0 up at Burdoc Ridge.

Mozi, needing to make up a three-goal swing, rattle the woodwork on two occasions. The fans of the defending champions, all to aware that they can't manage three goals in the final five minutes, instead spend the time applauding their team for their efforts in trying. The final whistle blows to crown Cathair champions and Mozi as deserved runners-up, but not before Zozi equalize through an 88th-minute Laborious Hawk goal to grab third place in the league, relegating Cazadores down to a final position of fourth place. Good enough for the Champions Cup. Cazadores fans will not be too dispirited.

At the bottom, Shamrock Cathair are relegated in defeat to KT Itzalovalle, but it was immaterial anyway, with Tenth Star securing ninth place and a relegation playoff match by holding Eletti Valligiani to a draw.

Cathair, then, are the champions. The side used their wealth to buy two more World Class players in the transfer window, and one could argue it was Hazel Van Robben and Alpha Gandhi who made the difference. Perhaps with a little help from a referee.

by **Audioslavia** » Mon May 01, 2017 10:28 am

Division Three Playoffs
Semi Finals: First Legs.
Viking Halehavn 0-1 The Oran
Crossport Dynamo 2-0 Sparta Zijweg

Semi Finals: Second Legs.
The Oran 3-0 Viking Halehavn
Sparta Zijweg 4-0 Crossport Dynamo

Final (played at the Arena Kirola, Cathair)
The Oran 0-2 Sparta Zijweg

Sparta Zijweg return to the second flight with a two-nothing win over The Oran in front of a 3/4 full Arena Kirola.

The Primary Playoffs

The primary playoffs take a different guise this season, with the 8th and 9th placed team from the NL1 joining the 2nd and 3rd placed teams from NL2 in a four-team World Cup-style group. The top two will be in the first tier next season, the bottom two will not.

AS Marcadia, as the highest-finishing team, will play all their matches at home. Tenth Star will play 2/3 matches at home. Feri will play 1/3 matches at home, while Silexhera must travel on each occasion.

Playoff Matchday One
AS Marcadia 4-1 Tenth Star Hasiera
KT Ferramendiak 1-1 Silexhera FC

Playoff Matchday Two
AS Marcadia 1-1 KT Ferramendiak
Tenth Star Hasiiera 1-0 Silexhera FC

Playoff Matchday Three
Tenth Star Hasiera 1-2 KT Ferramendiak


Primary Playoffs
 1 AS Marcadia                         4   2   1   0     9   2   +7   7
 2 KT Ferramendiak                     4   1   2   0     4   3   +1   5

 3 Tenth Star Hasiera                  4   1   1   1     3   6   -3   4
 4 Silexhera                           4   0   1   2     1   6   -5   1

With seven points from three games, Marcadia remain in the top flight. Tenth Star, however, are demoted with just four points from their three games. Their one defeat comes against a game KT Ferramendiak, who look twice as hungry as the stricken southerners and take the spoils with a goal either side of half time.

Tenth Star Hasiera, victorious in a famous playoff last season against local rivals Tout-Puissant Hasiera, will now face their enemy four times next season. Ferramendiak, too, will find a city derby awaiting them in the top flight as they renew their battle against KT Itzalovalle for the new season.

The Kirola Cup - First Round
CdFS Ilheiros 1–0 2130 Calolziolungho
Calcio Sicurezza Elfi 0–0 Shire Owls (1–1 AET) (3–0 pen.)
1830 Cathair 1–0 Iron Brewery
União Tortuguita 3–3 KT Itzalovalle (4–5 AET)
KT Ferramendiak 1–1 SC Laivanrakentajas (1–1 AET) (5–4 pen.)
DDM Dunas Secas 2–0 Viking Halehavn
KT Kanpoldelko 0–0 Orquídeas (0–0 AET) (4–5 pen.)
Fundición 0–2 Sobrevolante
Guerrilla Cathair 1–0 Osarese Marcadia
Shire Blaydes 0–1 Crossport Mariners
Calcio Lecho 0–1 Shamrock Cathair
Frecce 4–1 United Cathair FC
KT Ferratzaileak 0–1 CF Herradores
CF Cruceros 1–2 CdF Celtade
Burdoc Ridge 0–2 Acciarierie
AC Izotz Zubia 3–2 Sparta Zijweg
Tenth Star Hasiera 4–0 KT Moreazerua
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–3 Oljestaden IF
Glasgar Royals 0–2 AS Marcadia
Reina Del Sud 1–0 Crossport Dynamo
Vidrieros 1–2 Maccabi Hasiera
Ceilerden Rovers 1–1 Ceilerden Harp (2–1 AET)
Glasgar Rebels 1–2 The Oran
Viking Hryggur 2–0 Deportivo de Puerta Cruz
Eletti Valligiani 1–3 Valderantia United
Cazadores Cathair 3–3 KT Koroatuz (4–3 AET)
Excelsior Zijweg 1–0 Isle of Kjeligsted FC
PLFC 0–4 Clockwork FC
Silexhera FC 0–3 KT Laranjauzia
Lemmitania State FC 4–0 Ross Railway
Steelworks 1–4 Necromarinai
Santa Margarida 0–1 Valens AV

The Kirola Cup - Second Round
Ceilerden Rovers 4–1 CdFS Ilheiros
AS Marcadia 7–2 Reina Del Sud
1830 Cathair 4–0 Crossport Mariners
Acciarierie 1–1 Orquídeas (1–1 AET) (3–2 pen.)
KT Laranjauzia 1–3 Lemmitania State FC
KT Ferramendiak 1–1 The Oran (1–1 AET) (4–1 pen.)
Necromarinai 1–1 AC Izotz Zubia (2–1 AET)
CdF Celtade 1–1 Tenth Star Hasiera (1–2 AET)
Clockwork FC 0–1 DDM Dunas Secas
Cazadores Cathair 0–1 Calcio Sicurezza Elfi
Oljestaden IF 3–3 Sobrevolante (4–3 AET)
Guerrilla Cathair 2–2 CF Herradores (2–2 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Shamrock Cathair 2–0 Maccabi Hasiera
Excelsior Zijweg 1–0 Valens AV
Viking Hryggur 1–0 Frecce
KT Itzalovalle 2–2 Valderantia United (4–2 AET)

The Kirola Cup - Third Round
Guerrilla Cathair 4–4 Tenth Star Hasiera (4–4 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Oljestaden IF 0–2 KT Ferramendiak
Acciarierie 0–1 Excelsior Zijweg
Ceilerden Rovers 2–2 1830 Cathair (2–2 AET) (3–1 pen.)
Lemmitania State FC 2–1 KT Itzalovalle
DDM Dunas Secas 1–2 Viking Hryggur
Necromarinai 2–3 AS Marcadia
Shamrock Cathair 3–2 Calcio Sicurezza Elfi

The Kirola Cup - Quarter Final
KT Ferramendiak 1–2 Ceilerden Rovers
Excelsior Zijweg 2–0 Guerrilla Cathair
Viking Hryggur 2–3 Shamrock Cathair
Lemmitania State FC 2–2 AS Marcadia (2–3 AET)

The Kirola Cup - Semi Final
Ceilerden Rovers 1–3 AS Marcadia
Shamrock Cathair 2–1 Excelsior Zijweg

The Kirola Cup - Final
AS Marcadia 3–4 Shamrock Cathair

There's something about the Kirola Cup that doesn't like the big clubs. Won in recent seasons by second tier outfits Eletti Valiggiani and Oljestaden IF (who, admittedly, were both promoted either that season or the one after), there are always a cascade of top tier clubs flooding out of the tournament in its early stages.

Moreazerua, league champions last year, are smacked 4-0 by struggling Tenth Star Hasiera in a first round that also sees holders Eletti Valligiani ousted by third-tier Valderantia, before the second round has high-flying Cazadores Cathair defeated by third-flight Calcio Sicurezza Elfi and former Champions Cup winners AC Izotz Zubia beaten on penalties by fourth division Necromarinai. The third round's departure of 1830 Cathair, by third-tier Ceilerden Rovers, ensures all three former Audioslavian national champions are knocked out in the first three rounds of the tournament. They are quicjly joined by reigning champions Oljestaden, who lose to KT Ferramendiak.

Despite the upsets, it is the first all-top-flight final with AS Marcadia playing Shamrock Cathair at the Kirola Arena. Marcadia, whose route to the final included wins over Cathair-killers Ceilerden Rovers, Zozi-foes Necromarinai, extra-time victory over Lemmitania State and a 7-2 demolition of Reina del Sud, go into half-time 3-2 to the good, but it's Shamrock who win out in the end, pulling back two goals to take their first ever domestic trophy. They will be playing in the Cygnus Cup while in the second tier.

The victory pretty much guarantees that Rohan Cammers, for all his faults and idiosyncrasies, will continue to manage the club next seaon. His job, simply, will be to get the side back up into the top flight.

by **Audioslavia** » Wed Nov 15, 2017 8:52 pm

SEASON 4

by **Audioslavia** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 2:03 pm

Cazadores Cathair
(Cathair, Central)

1. Craig Bordon (38, G , AUD)
2. Adalberto Zufiaurre (29, D/M R, AUD)
4. Yancy Andersen (23, M C, AUD)
6. Vergan Peña (25, D C, AUD)
7. Andrea Arguelles (27, M RC, AUD)
8. Julio Sokolov (27, F C, AUD)
9. Yong Mendiolagaray (34, F C, AUD)
10. Rafael Barrantes (25, F C, AUD)
11. Nestor Martinez (28, AM/F C, SJG)
12. Marvin DiezdeTuesta (38, G , AUD)
14. Matthew Ingold (28, D L, SCH)
15. Imanol Corallo (25, M RC, AUD)
16. Bryton Menheniot (19, DM C, APX)
17. Francisco Elizalde (24, M LC, AUD)
18. Verghan Seghers-Verduzco (23, D C, AUD)
19. Zlatan Natividad (23, F C, AUD)
20. Randal Zepeda (22, M C, AUD)
21. Ivan Pangallo (23, AM L, AUD)
23. Ashley Apaolaza (22, AM L, AUD)
24. Florencio Lozada (26, M RL, AUD)
25. Dane Pridgeon (15, M C, COS)
Mng. Rook Cathar (42, F RLC, NPH)

Probable First XI: Bordon - Zufiaurre, Ingold, Peña, Seghers-Verduzco - Lozada, Martinez, Arguelles - Mendiolgaray (c), Sokolov, Natividad

Cazadores Cathair are a side most Audioslavian neutrals - ie, those Audioslavians not living in Cathair, Oljestaden or Herradura whose constituent football clubs dominate the Audioslavian footballing landscape - can get behind. Based on the eastern outskirts of the capital city, they have long played a brand of exciting, attacking football, and despite their lack of resources have been more than capable of mixing it with the big boys since their first season in the top flight. Season after season of battles against relegation have occasionally given way to flirtations with the fringes of the Globe Cup spots, but such dizzying highs tended to be all too fleeting.

That was until last season, where the side mounted an unlikely challenge in the league and took their maiden league championship in an epic season finale.

Caza have traditionally never been short of a few 'characters' on the pitch to make things interesting. In a 'may you live in interesting times' kind of way. The inimitable Rook Cathar, the side's manager, can often be seen active on the sidelines. After his side won the league last season, Cathar raced onto the pitch and accidentally punched the referee, earning him a seven-match ban for the start of this season.

1830 Cathair
(Cathair, Central)

1. Francis McPherson (33, G , AUD)
2. Edrigu Verhagen (27, D RC, AUD)
3. Romain Capelle (29, D L, VLD)
4. Ulrika Kinlasson (35, D/M C, APX)
5. Ryan Gordon (27, D C, AUD)
6. Gael Marquez (34, D C, AUD)
7. Hazel van Robben (29, M/F RLC, QUE)
8. Faeron Soldarian (646, DM C, VAL)
9. Rodolfo Zelaya (36, F RLC, SJG)
10. Espy va Drake (767, M/F RLC, VAL)
11. Romelio Ceballos (31, F C, PAS)
12. Nzuzi Kidiaba (26, M R, SEM)
13. Batmacumba (36, G , DAI)
14. Ainsley Gibson (25, D L, AFT)
15. Torquil Robie (23, DM/M C, AUD)
16. Alpha Gandhi (29, F C, APX)
19. Eri Raaijmakers (22, F C, AUD)
21. Dymon Cole (29, M L, SEM)
23. Mario Valentini (16, M C, AUD)
Mng. Wilfred Lidgley (42, M RC, APX)

Probable First XI: McPherson - Verhagen, Capelle, Gordon, Marquez (c) - Soldarian - va Drake, van Robben, Zelaya, Kidiaba - Ceballos

Hailing from the well-to-do Grand Forum sector of Cathair, the fashionable capital club 1830 Cathair have a rich history, being one of the first football clubs in all of Audioslavia. Their modern incarnation, however, has seen them portrayed somewhat as spoiled rich kids, throwing money at some of the league’s smaller clubs in order to hoover up local talent. Cathair’s local rivals are either Shamrock or Cazadores Cathair, depending on which is in the top flight (this season, unusually, it's both), but most fans consider their chief rivals to be either cross-country rivals AC Izotz Zubia.

Cathair were five-time LigAnaia Champions in the multi-associational era and have a star above their badge from winning the UICA Champions Cup. They are the most decorated side in Audioslavian football.

Few changes have been made to the team in recent seasons, with the board demanding the side cope with the talent they already have - and what talent that is. Zelaya, van Robben, Soldarian and va Drake are all world-reknowned players, even if the former are beginning to show signs of aging. Manager Wilfred Lidgley, an Apoxian, is a club legend, having been involved in all of the side's league championships either as a player or manager.

KT Moreazerua
(Moreazerua, Herradura)

01. Anderson Sandro (35, F RLC, KYP)
2. Vann Dalllara (37, D/R CR, AUD)
3. Thijs Bolotin (32, D L, AUD)
4. Bennik Hreidarsson (27, DM C, SEM)
5. Horacio Urrizola (36, D C, AUD)
6. Dieter Konoval (25, D C, NPH)
7. Kelvin Lisco (23, D/M R, SAR)
8. Robbie Guerricaechevarria (30, AM RC, AUD)
9. Renzo Padrione (31, F C, AUD)
10. Azucena Llorente (35, M R, AUD)
11. Rodger Mariezkurrena (27, M L, AUD)
12. Santiago Dorantes (23, G , AUD)
13. Timothy Landzaat (27, D RC, AUD)
14. Huele (34, AM C, SAM)
15. Nerman (26, M/F L, IRN)
16. Arturo Solagurenbeazkoa (22, D/M RL, AUD)
17. Nestor Lagorio (31, M C, AUD)
18. Agustín Valenzuela (19, D L, AUD)
19. Inaki Etxabeguren (28, AM/F CL, AUD)
19. Imanol Andueza (21, F C, AUD)
20. Forest Azarola (23, F C, AUD)
21. Alex Moralez (23, D LC, AUD)
22. Deshawn Ierardi (25, D RC, AUD)
22. Valery Dmitriev (20, D C, AUD)
23. Hector Calixto (26, G , AUD)
Mng. Alexander Kirk (62, , AUD)

Probable First XI: Dorantes - Dallara, Urrizola, Konoval - Hreidarsson - Mariezkurrena, Guerricachevarria, Llorente (c), Lagorio, Nerman - Sandro, Padrione

Founding members of the LigAnaia, it took KT Moreazerua very little time to get themselves relegated, finishing fourth from bottom, third from bottom and bottom over their first three seasons. A short stay in the second flight was followed by a promotion and then another relegation season, and it was in the second flight that they stayed for six whole cycles before earning their way back up via a third-placed finish two seasons ago. Most expected Mozi to go back to where they came from fairly sharpish, but instead the side kicked on under the tutelage of former national team manager Alexander Kirk.

Season two saw Mozi shock the world with their maiden championship, and are looking forward to their fourth straight stint in a row in the Champions Cup. You'd have been laughed right out of Herradura for predicting that a few years ago.

Based in the talent-rich Tzierra/Herradura region of Audioslavia, Mozi have traditionally been very much the third best side in the area after 3x LigAnaia champs Izotz Zubia and former national cup winners Itzalovalle. They see these as their rivals.

The team have an exceptionally talented midfield and an... interesting... attack. Anderson Sandro is something of a cult figure, though is not the easiest player for any manager to deal with...

AC Izotz Zubia
(Izotzazubia , Herradura)

1. Abraham Terrazas (34, G , SJG)
2. Txordin Uzain (27, D R, AUD)
3. Javi Esqueda (23, D RL, AUD)
4. Sterling Rose (34, DM C, EUR)
5. Morlaithan Aldamiel (716, D C, VAL)
6. Robert Smith (27, D C, AUD)
8. Tar Hunor (25, M C, PAS)
9. Ingþór Auðbjörnsson (25, F C, PAS)
10. Fabio Mancini (32, M C, OSR)
11. Claudio Romano (21, F C, PAS)
13. Acquafresca (38, G , DAI)
14. Laborious Hawk (907, AM C, VAL)
16. Ilatxi Altzibararechuluago (21, D C, AUD)
17. Lairelaerion Tinuviel (710, F C, VAL)
18. Tanya Bottlegreen (35, M RL, NPH)
20. Antton San Angelo (32, M C, AUD)
22. Shack Placid (24, M C, AUD)
23. Thornley Stray (21, D L, AUD)
24. Esteban Bentzen (28, M/F RL, AUD)
27. Manolo Hernandez Jr. (21, M R, AUD)
28. Laurentzi Urionaguena (16, M RC, AUD)
Mng. Orson Faulkner (39, D RC, BRE)
Mng. Patrick Courtois (38, D C, VLD)

Probable First XI: Acquafresca - Uzain, Esqueda, Aldamiel, Smith - Rose - Bottlegreen, Hunor, Mancini, Hawk (c) - Romano, Auðbjörnsson

Football in Audioslavia has two main hotbeds - Cathair in the centre and the mountainous Herradura region to the south-east, and if 1830 are the kings of Cathair, there’s no doubt which team have claimed the title of ‘King of the Mountains’ in recent years. Zozi, usually resplendent in their trademark grey and pink hoops, were the very first team to be crowned LigAnaia Champions and were also the inaugural winners of The National League. 1830 Cathair are the club’s biggest rivals - the two sides play out the Derby of Audioslavia a few times per season, but Zozites differ on who their local rivals are. There are a slew of local clubs to choose from. KT Ferrmendiak, KT Itzalovalle and KT Moreazerua are the biggest teams from the region, but its only latter who have caused trouble in recent years.

Despite Cathair's higher silverware count, Zozi are the team that has the bigger international following, partly due to the memorable club colours, but mainly due to a mesmerising and aesthetically pleasing possession-based game dubbed tzakku-tzakka. Zozi used their trademark style to march towards the UICA Champions Cup in season 63, becoming the second Audioslavian club to win the competition.

Last season's fourth-placed finish wasn't quite enough to cost co-managers Faulkner and Courtois their jobs, but much better is required of the team that boasts Laborious Hawk - arguably the most famous player in the world.

KT Itzalovalle
(Ferramendiak, Herradura)

1. Jamison Pounds (27, G , AUD)
2. Sebastiano Aretxaga (24, D RC, AUD)
3. Francesc Perona (19, D RL, AUD)
4. Ager Alaba (38, M C, ASG)
5. Kevin Wazockry (35, D C, APX)
6. Diego Echavarria (28, D/M LC, AUD)
7. Serge Vandervelde (30, M/F R, AUD)
8. Balasi Barrenechea (20, AM RL, AUD)
9. Aarón Pizana (17, F C, AUD)
10. Iker Ariztondo (23, F C, AUD)
11. Alejandro Aretxaga (27, M LC, AUD)
12. Edmundo Bischop (30, D RC, AUD)
14. Miles Mirandona (27, F C, AUD)
15. Rosendo Turchin-Dolagaray (31, D/M RC, AUD)
16. Herschel Capurro-Carlos (22, M RL, AUD)
17. Eddie Gastelu (27, DM C, AUD)
18. Imanol Uranga (20, M C, AUD)
20. Edorta Barberi (30, F C, AUD)
21. Billiam Heijmans (20, DM C, AUD)
22. Javier Gojenola (18, D C, AUD)
23. Jim Pedroso-Berrioategortua (20, M C, AUD)
Mng. Sean Patterick (46, G , AUD)

Probable First XI: Pounds - Aretxaga, Perona, Wazockry (c), Echavarria - A. Aretxaga, Barrenechea, Heijmans, Vandervelde - Pizana, Aritzondo

hen the gap in strength began to close between the traditional powerhouses of Cathair and Zozi and the rest of the league, many suspected Itzi would be the one to finally wrestle the top two places away from the big two. It hasn't quite worked out like that.

Under the tutelage of Jack Walker, Itzi progressed well, and developed from a club fighting relegation every season to challenging for the Champions Cup places, but the side have been derided in recent years for being far too defensive.

Sean Patterick's appointment as manager has seen the side become a little less cautious on the pitch, but the backbone of the team is still very much on the wrong side of thirty, and a thin squad may continue to struggle fighting on two fronts.

AS Marcadia
(Marcadia, Padia)

1. Jeremy Sedillo (32, G , AUD)
2. Otto Giovannucci (25, D RC, AUD)
3. Tobiasso Bagnato (25, D RL, AUD)
4. Nicolò Gioffre (18, M C, AUD)
5. Xaviar Corvo (29, D C, AUD)
6. Nicola Conetta (17, D C, AUD)
7. Adonis Pizarro (25, AM RC, AUD)
8. Fausto Vigorito (30, AM LC, AUD)
9. Francesco Zini (29, F C, AUD)
10. Nicola Zadra (23, F C, AUD)
11. Davide Neri (20, M RL, AUD)
14. Shannon Martinetti (27, AM RL, AUD)
16. Hiro Fangio (22, M C, AUD)
17. Rich Di Vita (25, F C, AUD)
18. Andrea Li Causi (22, D RC, AUD)
19. Pietro Raspa (22, F C, AUD)
20. Salvatore Del Pozzo (16, AM LC, AUD)
21. Eddy Roldan (27, D C, AUD)
Mng. Claudio Redondo (55, D C, AUD)

Probable First XI: Sedillo - Giovanucci, Bagnato, Corvo (c), Conetta - Pizarro, Gioffre, Vigorito, Neri - Zini, Zadra

When the Football Federation of Audioslavia decided, years ago, to join the new LigAnaia, most teams jumped at the opportunity to play football against the very best in the world. AS Marcadia were one of the others. Playing their football in the local leagues on the east side of Audioslavia, Marcadia commanded a large following even while the majority of fans had their eyes fixated on the LigAnaia, and the side, along with local rivals Eletti Valligiani, stormed to the top flight of the National League quickly after it was formed. E.V. have since fallen back to the second tier, but Marcadia fight on, finishing a respectable sixth last time out.

A very thin squad will need expert handling by manager Claudio Redondo to stop the side from succumbing to the same fate as their cross-region rivals.

Oljestaden IF
(Oljestaden, Hyland)

1. Zebjan Istanjovich (34, G , SIC)
2. Morten Pshenichny (31, D R, PIS)
3. Hershel Nesbitt (28, D LC, AUD)
4. Tomas Kristofics (35, DM C, PIS)
5. Tomp McCloud (32, D L, COS)
6. Lawrence Wolters (26, D C, AUD)
7. Navarro lo Squadro (28, M R, FFD)
8. Tofer Kahlor (20, AM C, COS)
9. Gale Van Hoorn (20, F C, AUD)
10. Funanya Nwapa (32, M C, COS)
11. Jack Churchfather (24, AM L, NPH)
12. Dylan Yansway (25, M RL, AUD)
13. Kletus Tosset (18, F C, COS)
15. Ion De Bisschop (25, F C, AUD)
16. Mathew Zwaan (26, M R, AUD)
17. Ernest De Keyser (25, D/M RC, AUD)
18. Clement Snijders (24, DM C, AUD)
19. Tanner Harguindeguy (28, F C, AUD)
20. Vraimond Tielemans (30, F C, AUD)
21. Hans Pectol (26, AM C, AUD)
22. Christopher Peña (28, D R, AUD)
23. Granville Henrichsen (28, D RC, AUD)
24. Adriaan Martens (21, D/M L, AUD)
25. Bohdan Melnikoff (22, F C, AUD)
26. Caleb di Weit (18, F C, AUD)
27. Kristopher Jansen (23, F C, AUD)
29. Nickolas Horseshoes (24, F C, AUD)
Mng. Ivan Haarstad (45, PIS)

Probable First XI: Istanjovich - Pshenichny, McCloud, Nesbitt, Wolters - lo Squadro, Kritofics (c), Kahlor, Nwapa, Churchfather - Van Hoorn

Oljestaden! The Oilers! Old Olga in the North! Whatever you'd like to call them, Oljestaden are one of Audioslavian football's true mysteries. They began the LigAnaia period by qualifying for the Globe Cup twice and winning the inaugural CopAnaia / COCANEFA Cup. By the end of the multi-associational league they were languishing in the second tier with a thin squad and a fair few millions in debt. What happened in between? Nothing, really, they just slowly deflated over time. Like a flan in a cupboard.

Olga returned to the top flight in the first season of the National League and were duly dropped back down to the second tier. The side is without any local rivals in the upper echelons of Audioslavian football, meaning every away game is a bit of a trek for the northerners.

The team are managed by Ivan Haarstad, a Polarian journeyman who has a habit of populating his teams with... other Polarian journeymen. This season sees a bit more of a local flavour to the side, although they could well start with four Cosumarites in the first eleven.

KT Ferramendiak
(Ferramendiak, Herradura)

1. Wim de Snaaijer (38, G, AUD)
2. Young Sgroi (22, D R, AUD)
3. Iker Arruza (38, D L, AUD)
4. Andoni Zurutuza (19, M C, AUD)
5. Darrin Albarado (26, D LC, AUD)
6. Wim La Civita (27, D/M C, AUD)
7. Rico Eturaspe (27, M R, AUD)
8. Reinaldo Valdez (30, M/F RL, AUD)
9. Adolfo Artunduaga (22, F C, AUD)
11. Elvis Arteaga (24, M/F LC, AUD)
12. Marcel Karranza (31, D RC, AUD)
13. Ander Urdanibia (21, D C, AUD)
14. Napoleon Latapy (31, D/M L, AUD)
16. Txo Passantino (24, F C, AUD)
17. Zane Narez (26, M R, AUD)
19. Ekaitz Pupo (29, M L, AUD)
20. Andy Aurrekoetxea (26, DM C, AUD)
21. Yancy Barinaga-Basco (25, M RL, AUD)
22. Tyree Larraburu (31, D/M L, AUD)
23. Ward Santibanez (29, D RL, AUD)
24. Lamar San Miguel (27, F C, AUD)
25. Christopher Ortegon (18, D L, AUD)
26. Dwayne Iturriza (16, M L, AUD)
27. Edrigu Zatarain (18, AM C, AUD)
Mng. Lino Ochoa (70, AUD)

Probable First XI: de Snaaijer (c) - Sgroi, Arruza, Albarado, La Civita - Eturaspe, Zurutuza, Valdez, Arteaga - Artunduaga, Passantino

Feri spent the bulk of their LigAnaia existence in the lower and middle leagues of the leagues, until a couple of chance promotions saw the Herraduran side catapulted into the big-time. There have been yo-yo seasons, but Feri are a team very much at home on the big stage.

Feri's big derby is the Iron Derby between themselves and cross-city rivals KT Itzalovalle. Whereas Itzi are a little on the outskirts of the city, however, Feri's home is slap bang in the centre and has traditionally had a larger following among urban professionals, while Itzi have long been the side that represents the rural communities.

70 year-old manager Lino Ochoa, a veteran of the very first LigAnaia season, will be retiring at the end of the season.

Shamrock Cathair
(Cathair, Central)

1. Kiki Nuremberg (40, G, FEL)
2. Lachlan Faulkner (16, M RL, AUD)
3. Cameron Burns (28, D RLC, AUD)
4. Lindsay Harrow (25, D/M LC, AUD)
5. Lewis Vaughan (24, D C, LTN)
6. Dewey Carmichael (23, D C, AUD)
7. Bryce Leadbetter (33, F C, NPH)
8. William Blake (24, M C, LTN)
9. Jerome Aitken (27, F C, AUD)
10. Pascal O'James (21, F C, AUD)
11. Bull De Roo (28, M C, AUD)
12. Mirko Vangelis (32, M L, NPH)
15. Oouoo Cathair (25, M/F RC, AUD)
16. Bo Gifford (26, D C, AUD)
17. Osvald Johnsen (22, M R, AUD)
18. Gregory Clark (31, F C, AUD)
18. Brock Cucci (26, F C, AUD)
20. Yohan Millar (20, M/F R, EFL)
21. Leonard Patterson (23, G , AUD)
22. Cody Santos (26, F C, AUD)
23. Graham Matthiesen (26, M L, AUD)
24. Rusty McPherson (26, G , AUD)
25. John Snodgrass (18, D C, AUD)
26. Louis Snodgrass (18, D C, AUD)
28. Ted Cal (22, DM C, AUD)
Mng. Rohan Cammers (41, M C, APX)

Probable First XI: Patterson - Burns (c), Vaughan, Carmichael - Vangelis, Blake, Harrow, Faulkner, Millar - Aitken, O'James

Shamrock had always been Cathair's second club, a fair distance behind city rivals 1830 Cathair, but relegation to the second tier preceded two decades in the murky depths of second and third tier football and, with the rise of Cazadores Cathair in the east of the city, the side were robbed of even the 'honour' of being the second best team in the city.

Shamrock's promotion in season one of the National League was a shock to some, and even more were amazed at their ability to stay up by the skin of their teeth last season. With the league looking more competitive than ever this time round, the board opted to go for drastic measures. Rohan Cammers, the firebrand at clubs like Egloskerry, Manechester City and 1830 Cathair and Cazadores Cathair brought his managerial expertise to Shamrock Cathair. The side were immediately relegated from the top flight. They came back up at the first attempt. Now can they stay there? Cammers has brought in a lot of players to help him do so.

Tout-Puissant Hasiera
(Hasiera, Bas de la Sierra)

1. Louelle Ronquille (25, G , AUD)
2. Jeremiah Bendix (31, D RL, AUD)
3. Shane Stoppelbei (29, D L, YTT)
4. Vincente Dupont (23, DM C, AUD)
5. Emmanuel Fontan (21, D C, AUD)
6. Armaedhhon Rololinde (Elf, D C, VAL)
7. Eicinyondur Kialvarin (Elf, M C, VAL)
8. Guy Rana (31, AM C, AUD)
9. Rex Albert (30, F C, AUD)
10. Louis O'Brien (27, F C, OSR)
11. Jaume Picot (21, M LC, AUD)
12. Marcus Herrier (23, F C, AUD)
13. Sol Host (31, D/F C, AUD)
14. Eric Guardsman (32, F C, AUD)
15. Marouane Gilberg (30, D L, AUD)
16. Roman Brinkman (25, AM L, AUD)
17. Neal Denis (25, AM RL, AUD)
18. Nolan Zwart (30, F C, AUD)
19. Iaaki Lacouague (23, F C, AUD)
20. Marcus Sforza (26, AM C, AUD)
22. Arnau Basso (20, G , AUD)
28. Miquel Regal (22, M RL, AUD)
Mng. Ari Mendea (56, M , AUD)

Probable First XI: Ronquille - Bendix, Stoppelbei, Fontan, Rololinde - Regal, Kialvarin (c), Rana, Picot - O'Brien, Albert

TPH, sometimes nicknamed Taloula among those who maintain the old Audioslavian habit of giving a woman's name to every football club (aforementioned Oljestaden are occasionally referred to as Olga, cross-town rivals Tenth Star are nicknamed Cindy, whereas 1830 Cathair occasionally retain the nickname Ethel), are a veritable yo-yo club from Audioslavia's culture-rich southern coast. While Cindy is the team of the Syndicatian immigrants to Audioslavia, Taloula caters for the region's Francophone contingient.

The side have generally been the more successful of the three Hasiera clubs (tiny Maccabi Hasiera play in the lower divisions), but are without any meaningful silverware. TPH's fans tend to argue that the UICA SBCC doesn't count as meaningful silverware, largely because it's the competition that fierce rivals Tenth Star Hasiera won in UICA season 59.

by **Audioslavia** » Sun Jan 07, 2018 11:19 am

The National League          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Cazadores Cathair           9    6   1   2    26   13  +13    19
 2 Oljestaden IF               9    5   1   3    19   17   +2    16
 3 Shamrock Cathair            9    4   3   2    25   22   +3    15
 4 AC Izotz Zubia              9    5   0   4    19   17   +2    15
 5 1830 Cathair                9    4   2   3    18   16   +2    14
 6 KT Moreazerua               9    4   1   4    17   15   +2    13
 7 KT Ferramendiak             9    3   2   4    10   15   -5    11
 8 Tout-Puissant Hasiera       9    3   1   5    11   21  -10    10
 9 AS Marcadia                 9    2   2   5    18   24   -6     8
10 KT Itzalovalle              9    1   3   5    10   13   -3     6

Matchdays 1-9:
Biggest Win:
Cazadores Cathair 6-1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera (MD2)
KT Ferramendiak 1-6 AS Marcadia (MD9)

Highest Scoring Game:
KT Moreazerua 3-5 Cazadores Cathair (MD1)
KT Itzalovalle 3-5 Shamrock Cathair (MD5)
AS Marcadia 5-3 Shamrock Cathair (MD8)
Shamrock Cathair 4-4 Oljestaden IF (MD9)

Biggest Upset:
1830 Cathair 1-4 Oljestaden IF (MD7)

The image of Cazadores, Oljestaden and Shamrock sitting atop an Audioslavian league table isn't exactly alien, it's just that that league table tends to be a second division one. Cazadores, of course, are champions these days, but some wonderful results for Oljestaden - including an epic 4-1 away win over 1830 Cathair - put the northerners into an unlikely second place at the quarter-way mark. Shamrock, after an opening-day loss to Zozi, have been on a run of great results that include away victory over cross-capital rivals Cazadores and a 5-2 crushing of TPH to go third in the table. Zozi and Cathair trail in fifth and sixth.

At the bottom, Itzi aren't used to being in the relegation zone, but they can hardly complain, given their form. Their only win is an anomaly - a 4-0 MD7 thrashing of county rivals AC Izotz Zubia.

The National League          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Cazadores Cathair          18   10   2   6    44   30  +14    32
 2 Oljestaden IF              18   10   2   6    39   37   +2    32
 3 KT Moreazerua              18    9   3   6    46   32  +14    30
 4 1830 Cathair               18    9   3   6    41   32   +9    30
 5 AC Izotz Zubia             18   10   0   8    41   37   +4    30
 6 Shamrock Cathair           18    5   8   5    40   42   -2    23
 7 Tout-Puissant Hasiera      18    7   2   9    24   37  -13    23
 8 KT Itzalovalle             18    5   5   8    19   19    0    20
 9 KT Ferramendiak            18    5   3  10    27   39  -12    18
10 AS Marcadia                18    5   2  11    37   53  -16    17

Matchdays 10-18
Biggest Win:
Shamrock Cathair 1-5 AC Izotz Zubia (MD10)

Highest Scoring Match:
AS Marcadia 4-5 AC Izotz Zubia (MD12)
KT Moreazerua 6-3 AC Izotz Zubia (MD13)
AC Izotz Zubia 5-4 Shamrock Cathair (MD19)

Biggest Upset:
1830 Cathair 0-1 KT Itzalovalle (MD12)

A definite divide has opened up by matchday nineteen, with seven points separating fifth from sixth, but only a point of two separating the other positions. The top of the table is a five-way dogfight, with Caza barely holding on to the lead over Oljestaden IF. Oljestaden are having the greatest season of their history right now, having never previously been anywhere near the top three at this point in previous seaons.

Mozi, Cathair and Zozi lie in positions third to fifth, with each of these three quietly confident of mounting a title challenge.

After the seven point gap, Shamrock Cathair have the fewest losses so far in the campaign. I'll repeat that. Shamrock Cathair are less beatable than Zozi and 1830. Shammers are unbeaten in derbies so far, taking all six points from Cazadores and holding the hated 1830 Cathair to two draws.

The National League          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia             27   18   1   8    76   53  +23    55
 2 1830 Cathair               27   15   5   7    64   46  +18    50
 3 Cazadores Cathair          27   15   4   8    63   42  +21    49
 4 Oljestaden IF              27   13   4  10    58   61   -3    43
 5 KT Moreazerua              27   11   5  11    63   55   +8    38
 6 KT Itzalovalle             27    9   8  10    35   32   +3    35
 7 Shamrock Cathair           27    8   9  10    56   61   -5    33
 8 Tout-Puissant Hasiera      27   10   2  15    34   51  -17    32
 9 AS Marcadia                27    8   5  14    50   69  -19    29
10 KT Ferramendiak            27    5   3  19    41   70  -29    18

Biggest Win:
AC Izotz Zubia 5-0 KT Ferramendiak (MD24)

Biggest Upset:
KT Moreazerua 1-2 AS Marcadia (MD23)

Highest Scoring Game:
KT Ferramendiak 5-6 KT Moreazerua (MD25)

At the bottom of the league, KT Ferramendiak have lost fourteen games in a row, stretching back to a MD13 victory at home to Shamrock Cathair. On eighteen points (still) and with Marcadia and Hasiera both managing to pick up points, the season is all but over for Feri. In mid-table, Mozi have done little better, picking up just eight points and falling behind the leaders, caught almost by local rivals Itzalovalle

At the top, Zozi stretch into the lead, undefeated since a bitter loss to Cathair on MD18. The side thrash Feri, record a 7-3 win over AS Marcadia and utterly maul their hated rivals 1830 Cathair by five goals to two.

The National League MD30
AS Marcadia 2–3 AC Izotz Zubia
Oljestaden IF 1–1 KT Moreazerua
Shamrock Cathair 0–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Cazadores Cathair 5–0 KT Ferramendiak
1830 Cathair 0–1 KT Itzalovalle
The National League          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia             30   19   1  10    84   64  +20    58
 2 Cazadores Cathair          30   17   4   9    71   46  +25    55
 3 1830 Cathair               30   16   6   8    71   50  +21    54
 4 Oljestaden IF              30   14   5  11    64   68   -4    47
 5 KT Moreazerua              30   11   7  12    68   61   +7    40
 6 KT Itzalovalle             30   10  10  10    36   32   +4    40
 7 Tout-Puissant Hasiera      30   12   3  15    39   53  -14    39
 8 Shamrock Cathair           30    9  10  11    63   67   -4    37
 9 AS Marcadia                30    9   6  15    55   72  -17    33
10 KT Ferramendiak            30    5   4  21    43   81  -38    19
Zozi's run would come to an end on matchdays 28 and 29 via defeats to Shamrock Cathair and Oljestaden, with a chaotic 3-2 victory over Marcadia on matchday thirty keeping them top of the table. They had Fabio Mancini to thank for creating two late goals for Hawk and Audbjornsson. Ferramendiak manage to bring their poor run to an end via a 0-0 draw with city rivals Itzalovalle. Moreazerua's continuing misfortunes mean that it's now very much a three-horse race at the top, with the usual suspects of Zozi and Cathair sandwiching last year's winners Cazadores Cathair.

The National League MD31
1830 Cathair 1–0 AS Marcadia
KT Itzalovalle 1–1 Cazadores Cathair
KT Ferramendiak 1–1 Shamrock Cathair
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 4–2 Oljestaden IF
KT Moreazerua 2–0 AC Izotz Zubia

Zozi's form leaves them entirely on matchday thirty-one, as a brace from Anderson Sandro (the first with a swift flick of the heel of his boot, the second with a swift flick of the heel of his bare foot, after having lost his left shoe in the crowd moments earlier) leaves them reeling. Cazadores can't take advantage away to Itzi, dropping two valuable points, but Cathair come through a tough encounter with Marcadia to narrow the gap to one point at the top.

The National League MD32
AS Marcadia 2–1 KT Moreazerua
AC Izotz Zubia 2–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Oljestaden IF 1–2 KT Ferramendiak
Shamrock Cathair 4–3 KT Itzalovalle
Cazadores Cathair 2–1 1830 Cathair
The National League          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia             32   20   1  11    86   66  +20    61
 2 Cazadores Cathair          32   18   5   9    74   48  +26    59
 3 1830 Cathair               32   17   6   9    73   52  +21    57
 4 Oljestaden IF              32   14   5  13    67   74   -7    47
 5 KT Moreazerua              32   12   7  13    71   63   +8    43
 6 Tout-Puissant Hasiera      32   13   3  16    43   57  -14    42
 7 KT Itzalovalle             32   10  11  11    40   37   +3    41
 8 Shamrock Cathair           32   10  11  11    68   71   -3    41
 9 AS Marcadia                32   10   6  16    57   74  -17    36
10 KT Ferramendiak            32    6   5  21    46   83  -37    23
The Caza/Catha derby comes exacty at the right time for Zozi who, after defeating TPH via goals from Hawk and Audbjornsson, can watch in relative comfort as Cazadores Cathair strike back to win over 1830 Cathair.

Elsewhere, Oljestaden IF are desparate to keep up, spying a maiden venture into the Champions Cup in their future. The side are clearly gee'd up for their home match against doomed Ferramendiak, yet somehow contrive to lose 2-1. Nobody can quite believe it. Mozi screw the pooch themselves via defeat to Marcadia, maintaining the four point gap between the two sides.

The National League MD33
Cazadores Cathair 5–3 AS Marcadia
1830 Cathair 2–2 Shamrock Cathair
KT Itzalovalle 4–3 Oljestaden IF
KT Ferramendiak 4–4 AC Izotz Zubia
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–1 KT Moreazerua

Zozi fans leave Ferramendiak furious as their side wastes 2-0 and 4-2 leads against Feri to draw 4-4, having to watch Caza skip past them in the league table on goal difference, with Marcadia on the receiving end of a 5-3 drubbing. Cathair look to keep pace, but are themselves usurped by city rivals Shamrock who strike in the dying moments through Pascal O'James, securing an unlikely point and, pleasingly for the boys in green, infuriating their rival fans.

The National League MD34
AS Marcadia 0–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
KT Moreazerua 0–4 KT Ferramendiak
AC Izotz Zubia 1–0 KT Itzalovalle
Oljestaden IF 3–3 1830 Cathair
Shamrock Cathair 3–3 Cazadores Cathair
The National League          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia             34   21   2  11    91   70  +21    65
 2 Cazadores Cathair          34   19   6   9    82   54  +28    63
 3 1830 Cathair               34   17   8   9    78   57  +21    59
 4 Oljestaden IF              34   14   6  14    73   81   -8    48
 5 Tout-Puissant Hasiera      34   14   4  16    45   58  -13    46
 6 KT Moreazerua              34   12   8  14    72   68   +4    44
 7 KT Itzalovalle             34   11  11  12    44   41   +3    44
 8 Shamrock Cathair           34   10  13  11    73   76   -3    43
 9 AS Marcadia                34   10   6  18    60   80  -20    36
10 KT Ferramendiak            34    7   6  21    54   87  -33    27
Not content with annoying 1830 Cathair, Shamrock go ahead and take a point from Cazadores as well, allowing Zozi to re-take the initiative in the title race with victory over Itzalovalle.

In mid-table, Mozi's dire form sees them drop to sixth, with Tout-Puissant Hasiera bridging the gap. Oljestaden's failure to win (though their 3-3 draw with 1830 Cathair is more than commendable) means they are in danger of losing fourth place to the south coast outfit. Could it be Tout-Puissant, and now Shamrock, to make an unlikely Champions Cup debut?

The National League MD36
AS Marcadia 2–0 KT Ferramendiak
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–0 KT Itzalovalle
KT Moreazerua 0–0 1830 Cathair
AC Izotz Zubia 4–2 Cazadores Cathair
Oljestaden IF 5–1 Shamrock Cathair

It's a burning hot early summer's day in Izotzazubia, with a capacity crowd roaring on the home side as they bid to usurp champions Cazadores on the final day. It's Zozi who draw first blood, with Laborious Hawk creating and finishing a move in the fifteenth minute, but with time the relentless, noisy crowd begins to quieten, and with Nestor Martinez's 35th minute strike the optimism turns to nail-biting anxiety.

The sides go into the break at 1-1. Zozi again come out firing on all cylinders in the second half, twice going close through Hunor and Mancini before centre-half Morlaithan Aldamiel rises through a throng of defenders and glances a header in from a corner for 2-1. Momentum shifts towards the men in salmon and pink, with Hawk perpetually the orchestrator, and by the hour mark it's 3-1, Ingþór Auðbjörnsson with the back-post finish from Rose's elegant through-ball.

The crowd urge Zozi to press for a fourth, but Zozi begin to retreat into themselves, showing signs of the team that blew a five point lead at the top earlier in the season. Esqueda, especially, looks nervous at left-back and all of a sudden substitute Florencio Lozada is finding space on the right flank to pump balls into the Zozi box. Time and time again Zozi fail to clear their lines until, on seventy-seven minutes, Zlatan Natividad finds space on the edge of the area to drive a low shot past Acquafresca to bring the game back to 3-2.

For the next ten minutes it's all Cazadores, roared on by a traveling group of 5,000 who out-shout and out-sing the home supporters. Yong Mendiolgaray wrings all the energy he can out of his thirty-something legs, passing and moving and creating. Barrantes can't get a particularly sharp through-ball out from under his feet to get a shot away, while Martinez goes close, jinking past two defenders on the corner of the area only to see a curling shot skim the outside of the post.

Time ticks away, Caza dedicate more and more players to attack, and ultimately it's to their downfall. With the clock ticking round to the ninety, Rose clears low and hard into the left corner, Caza goalkeeper Bordon rushes out to collect the ball, but his 38 year-old legs are too slow. Esteban Bentzen - on for an exhausted Bottlegreen - races onto the ball before the keeper's despairing lunge and takes it towards the unguarded area. Claudio Romano rushes through the middle, receives a square ball and scores the easiest goal he will ever score. Once again, AC Izotz Zubia are champions.

The National League          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia             36   22   3  11    98   75  +23    69
 2 Cazadores Cathair          36   20   6  10    87   58  +29    66
 3 1830 Cathair               36   17  10   9    81   60  +21    61
 4 Oljestaden IF              36   15   6  15    78   85   -7    51
 5 Tout-Puissant Hasiera      36   15   4  17    48   61  -13    49
 6 KT Moreazerua              36   12  10  14    72   68   +4    46
 7 KT Itzalovalle             36   11  12  13    44   42   +2    45
 8 Shamrock Cathair           36   10  13  13    75   83   -8    43
 9 AS Marcadia                36   12   6  18    64   81  -17    42
10 KT Ferramendiak            36    8   6  22    57   91  -34    30

Believe it or not, Zozi's points haul of 69 is a National League record and Cazadores, on 66 points with a +29 goal difference, would have won the league in any other season with that tally - more, even than their championship winning side of last season. Cathair draw on a final day dead-rubber and finish third, well ahead of Oljestaden IF who, in defeating Shamrock Cathair by five goals to one on the final day, secure their very first berth in the UICA Champions Cup. All that, despite finishing with a goal-difference of minus seven.

Tout-Puissant Hasiera record their highest ever league position as they take fifth, while sixth placed for Moreazerua is nothing short of a disaster for a side that finished second, first, second and third in previous seasons. Joining them in the Globe Cup are a beleagured Itzalovalle, whose fans are largely fed up after a forgettable season. Shamrock drop into the relegation playoffs with AS Marcadia, while Feri are relegated from the National League for the second time.

Kirola Cup 1st Round
CdFS Ilheiros 1–0 2130 Calolziolungho
Calcio Sicurezza Elfi 3–1 Shires Owls
1830 Cathair 2–0 Iron Brewery
United Cathair FC 1–2 KT Itzalovalle
KT Ferramendiak 1–0 SC Laivanrakentajas
DDM Dunas Secas 1–1 Viking Halehavn (1-2 AET)
KT Kanpoldelko 0–3 Orquideas
Fundición 2–2 Sobrevolante (4-2 AET)
Guerrilla Cathair 3–4 Osarese Marcadia
Shires Blaydes 3–0 Crossport Mariners
Calcio Lecho 0-1 Shamrock Cathair
Frecce 1–0 Uniao Tortuguita
KT Ferratzaileak 5–3 CF Herradores
CF Cruceros 1–1 CdF Celtade (2-1 AET)
Burdoc Ridge 3–3 Artiglieria (3-6 AET)
AC Izotz Zubia 2–0 Sparta Zijweg
Tenth Star Hasiera 1–0 KT Moreazerua
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–0 Oljestaden IF
Glasgar Royals 1–5 AS Marcadia
Reina Del Sud 2–0 Crossport Dynamo
Vidrieros 2–3 Maccabi Hasiera
Ceilerden Rovers 2–0 Ceilerden Harp
Glasgar Rebels 1–2 The Oran
Viking Hryggur 3–0 Deportivo de Puerta Cruz
Eletti Valligiani 4–1 Valderantia United
Cazadores Cathair 3–2 KT Koroatuz
Excelsior Zijweg 0–0 Isle of Kjeligsted FC (0-1 AET)
PLFC 0–3 Clockwork FC
Silexhera FC 4–1 KT Laranjauzia
Lemmitania State FC 2–1 Ross Railway
Steelworks 1–2 Necromarinai
Santa Margarida 1–0 Valens AV


Kirola Cup 2nd Round
Ceilerden Rovers 1–0 CdFS Ilheiros
AS Marcadia 3–1 Reina Del Sud
1830 Cathair 3–1 Shires Blaydes
Artiglieria 2–0 Orquideas
Silexhera FC 4–2 Lemmitania State FC
KT Ferramendiak 1–0 The Oran
Necromarinai 2–2 AC Izotz Zubia (2-3 AET)
CF Cruceros 2–5 Tenth Star Hasiera
Clockwork FC 2–4 Viking Halehavn
Cazadores Cathair 3–0 Calcio Sicurezza Elfi
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–0 Fundición
Osarese Marcadia 5–0 KT Ferratzaileak
Shamrock Cathair 3–3 Maccabi Hasiera (4-3 AET)
Isle of Kjeligsted FC 1–0 Santa Margarida
Viking Hryggur 1–0 Frecce
KT Itzalovalle 3–1 Eletti Valligiani

Kirola Cup 3rd Round
Osarese Marcadia 2–2 Tenth Star Hasiera (2–2 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–2 KT Ferramendiak
Artiglieria 2–2 Isle of Kjeligsted FC (5–3 AET)
Ceilerden Rovers 3–2 1830 Cathair
Silexhera FC 1–0 KT Itzalovalle
Viking Halehavn 1–0 Viking Hryggur
AC Izotz Zubia 1–1 AS Marcadia (1–1 AET) (4–5 pen.)
Shamrock Cathair 2–2 Cazadores Cathair (2–3 AET)

Kirola Cup Quarter Final
KT Ferramendiak 3–2 Ceilerden Rovers
Artiglieria 1–0 Osarese Marcadia
Viking Halehavn 1–4 Cazadores Cathair
Silexhera FC 1–2 AS Marcadia

Kirola Cup Semi-Final
Cazadores Cathair 3–3 AS Marcadia (3–3 AET) (2–4 pen.) (at Burdina Jauregia)
KT Ferramendiak 2–1 Artiglieria (at Arena Kirola)

Kirola Cup Final - Arena Kirola.
AS Marcadia 2–3 KT Ferramendiak

With Cathair, Zozi, Itzi and TPH all bowing out in the third round in upset defeats, it's a showdown between the bottom two teams in Division One for the fifth Kirola Cup. Marcadia start the strongest, taking the lead through Nicola Zadra, but three first half goals from Feri through Artunduaga, Arteaga and La Civita put the game all but beyond doubt. Zadra's second for Marcadia proves to be a consolation. Ferramendiak, relegated long before the final day of the season, celebrate their first ever major trophy.

As in season three, the teams finishing second and third in Division 2 go into a mini-league with teams finishing eighth and ninth in the top flight. The teams plays each other once, at the home of the team finishing highest in the table.

MD1:
Shamrock Cathair 4-1 Silexhera FC
AS Marcadia 0-1 Artiglieria

MD2:
Shamrock Cathair 1-1 Artiglieria
AS Marcadia 2-1 Silexhera FC

MD3:
Shamrock Cathair 2-2 AS Marcadia
Artiglieria 3-0 Silexhera FC

		Pld	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
Artiglieria	3	2	1	0	5	1	+4	6
Shamrock	3	1	2	0	7	4	+3	5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AS Marcadia	3	1	1	1	4	4	0	4
Silexhera FC	3	0	0	3	2	9	-7	0

Artiglieria's crucial derby victory over AS Marcadia is the only game not to go to form, and it has a huge impact on the final table. Marcadia's inability to beat Shamrock Cathair on matchday three dooms the side to second tier football for the first time since season one of the National League. Artiglieria complete a wonderful run of immediate promotions from the lowest tier to the highest, and will play in the top flight for the first time in their history next season.

by **Audioslavia** » Sun Apr 22, 2018 3:06 pm

SEASON SIX

The National League Division 1     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                    9    8   1   0    37   18  +19    25
 2 Cazadores Cathair                 9    5   2   2    19   10   +9    17
 3 Artiglieria                       9    5   2   2    23   17   +6    17
 4 1830 Cathair                      9    4   1   4    18   20   -2    13
 5 Tout-Puissant Hasiera             9    3   3   3    17   16   +1    12
 6 KT Moreazerua                     9    3   1   5    13   18   -5    10
 7 Burdoc Ridge                      9    2   3   4     9   13   -4     9
 8 KT Itzalovalle                    9    2   2   5    11   17   -6     8
 9 Shamrock Cathair                  9    2   2   5    14   24  -10     8
10 Oljestaden IF                     9    2   1   6    15   23   -8     7

Zozi's record-breaking transfer window pays dividends immediately, with eight wins out of nine and recording four goals per game on average (though conceding an average of two). The Open Fist of God Himself is running riot.

Cazadores are in second ahead of newcomers Artiglieria on goal difference, with 1830 Cathair already twelve points behind the leaders after just nine games. Already with four defeats, it is already proving to be a season to forget for the capital club.

The National League Division 1     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                   18   12   6   0    65   41  +24    42
 2 Cazadores Cathair                18    9   6   3    30   18  +12    33
 3 Artiglieria                      18    8   6   4    36   29   +7    30
 4 1830 Cathair                     18    8   2   8    39   39    0    26
 5 Oljestaden IF                    18    7   2   9    34   38   -4    23
 6 Shamrock Cathair                 18    5   6   7    27   37  -10    21
 7 KT Itzalovalle                   18    5   5   8    24   28   -4    20
 8 KT Moreazerua                    18    5   3  10    28   36   -8    18
 9 Burdoc Ridge                     18    4   5   9    20   28   -8    17
10 Tout-Puissant Hasiera            18    4   5   9    25   34   -9    17

Zozi march on, albeit in slightly less convincing fashion, failing to win six of their eighteen games. Nevertheless, they are entirely unbeaten at the halfway stage and with a healthy eleven point lead over second placed Cazadores.

Artiglieria keep fighting at the northern end of the table, with a dismal Cathair still failing to find form when it counts.

At the bottom, Tout-Puissant, last season's surprise entry in the top half of the league, are struggling, taking only five points from the preceding ten games, and are joint-bottom with Burdoc Ridge.

Mozi, league champions a few years ago and with a hellishly strong squad, are finding it difficult to gain any type of footing this season. With ten defeats, the side are the most beatable team in the division. Such form proves unacceptable for the board, who fire manager Alexander Kirk halfway through the season, replacing him with former player Anxo Erlantz on a temporary contract until the end of the season.

The National League Division 1
Cazadores Cathair 0–0 KT Moreazerua
AC Izotz Zubia 3–2 Burdoc Ridge
Oljestaden IF 2–1 1830 Cathair
Shamrock Cathair 5–3 Artiglieria
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 4–2 KT Itzalovalle

The National League Division 1     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                   27   16  10   1    91   63  +28    58
 2 Cazadores Cathair                27   14   8   5    49   31  +18    50
 3 Artiglieria                      27   11   9   7    50   45   +5    42
 4 1830 Cathair                     27   12   5  10    54   52   +2    41
 5 Shamrock Cathair                 27    8  10   9    40   48   -8    34
 6 Oljestaden IF                    27   10   3  14    49   56   -7    33
 7 KT Moreazerua                    27    7   7  13    44   54  -10    28
 8 Tout-Puissant Hasiera            27    6   9  12    42   49   -7    27
 9 KT Itzalovalle                   27    6   9  12    38   47   -9    27
10 Burdoc Ridge                     27    7   6  14    29   41  -12    27

Are Zozi beginning to run out of steam? The side finally lose on <matchday> and see the gap at the top reduced to eight points with nine games to go.

At the bottom, Mozi have already fired Erlantz and replaced him with former national team goalkeeper Pablo Llorente, who struggles in his first games despite recording wins in the Kirola Cup. Just one point separate the bottom four.

Itzi, who have struggled all season, remain in real danger of going down.

The National League Division 1
KT Moreazerua 2–1 KT Itzalovalle
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 3–0 Artiglieria
Shamrock Cathair 1–3 1830 Cathair
Oljestaden IF 2–2 Burdoc Ridge
AC Izotz Zubia 4–3 Cazadores Cathair

The gap returns to eleven points at the top as a rampant Izotz Zubia smash four goals past Caza with only three in reply - Hawk, Sandro and a Thor brace for Zozi, Vidal, Kuznetsov and a Sokolov consolation for Caza. Supposed powerhouse 1830 Cathair finally get themselves up to third place with victory over city rivals Shamrock, with Winrouge the provider of all three of the Teatimers' goals.

The National League Division 1
AC Izotz Zubia 4–0 KT Moreazerua
Cazadores Cathair 3–1 Oljestaden IF
Burdoc Ridge 1–1 Shamrock Cathair
1830 Cathair 5–3 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Artiglieria 3–0 KT Itzalovalle

Zozi, Caza and Cathair all win on matchday twenty-nine, with the former by a 4-0 thrashing against an increasingly woeful looking Mozi side who continue the habit of having a manager who doesn't seem to know how to get the best of his side in the league. The gap at the top remains at eleven points, with 21 still to play for.

The National League Division 1
KT Moreazerua 2–1 Artiglieria
KT Itzalovalle 2–0 1830 Cathair
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–1 Burdoc Ridge
Shamrock Cathair 0–0 Cazadores Cathair
Oljestaden IF 5–4 AC Izotz Zubia

.  The National League Division 1  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                   30   18  10   2   103   71  +32    64
 2 Cazadores Cathair                30   15   9   6    55   36  +19    54
 3 1830 Cathair                     30   14   5  11    62   58   +4    47
 4 Artiglieria                      30   12   9   9    54   50   +4    45
 5 Oljestaden IF                    30   11   4  15    57   65   -8    37
 6 Shamrock Cathair                 30    8  12  10    42   52  -10    36
 7 KT Moreazerua                    30    9   7  14    48   60  -12    34
 8 Tout-Puissant Hasiera            30    8   9  13    50   55   -5    33
 9 KT Itzalovalle                   30    7   9  14    41   52  -11    30
10 Burdoc Ridge                     30    7   8  15    33   46  -13    29

On a breezy day in the north Zozi twice come back from a goal down - Sandro and Valrauncion the scorers - and go 4-2 up in the second half via Hawk and Audbjornsson. Seemingly comfortable, the away side manage to capitulate via two penalties - both expertly put away by Kahlor - and lose all three points in a last ditch goalmouth scramble that sees Oljestaden pick up an unlikely win and Zozi's lead at the top cut by a point, with Cazadores failing to overcome Shamrock in the other Cathair derby.

1830 Cathair, struggling for form still, are easily put away by relegation-threatened Itzalovalle.

The National League Division 1
Oljestaden IF 1–1 KT Moreazerua
AC Izotz Zubia 1–3 Shamrock Cathair
Cazadores Cathair 0–2 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Burdoc Ridge 4–4 KT Itzalovalle
1830 Cathair 2–0 Artiglieria

The National League Division 1
KT Moreazerua 2–2 1830 Cathair
Artiglieria 1–0 Burdoc Ridge
KT Itzalovalle 2–5 Cazadores Cathair
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 4–4 AC Izotz Zubia
Shamrock Cathair 1–1 Oljestaden IF

.   The National League Division 1  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                   32   18  11   3   108   78  +30    65
 2 Cazadores Cathair                32   16   9   7    60   40  +20    57
 3 1830 Cathair                     32   15   6  11    66   60   +6    51
 4 Artiglieria                      32   13   9  10    55   52   +3    48
 5 Shamrock Cathair                 32    9  13  10    46   54   -8    40
 6 Oljestaden IF                    32   11   6  15    59   67   -8    39
 7 Tout-Puissant Hasiera            32    9  10  13    56   59   -3    37
 8 KT Moreazerua                    32    9   9  14    51   63  -12    36
 9 KT Itzalovalle                   32    7  10  15    47   61  -14    31
10 Burdoc Ridge                     32    7   9  16    37   51  -14    30

"We've decided we don't want to win the league" announce Zozi from atop their perch, losing at home to Shamrock and deciding only in the final minutes that a 4-2 away defeat to Tout-Puissant Hasiera was somehow beneath them. "Neither do we" shout Cazadores from second place, who are not above a two goal defeat to TPH themselves, yet win out resoundingly over an increasingly desperate Itzalovalle.

At the bottom, pre-season co-favourites Moreazerua are in trouble, and currently sit inside the relegation playoff zone.

The National League Division 1
Shamrock Cathair 3–3 KT Moreazerua
Oljestaden IF 0–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
AC Izotz Zubia 2–3 KT Itzalovalle
Cazadores Cathair 3–1 Artiglieria
Burdoc Ridge 3–2 1830 Cathair

The National League Division 1
KT Moreazerua 1–1 Burdoc Ridge
1830 Cathair 1–2 Cazadores Cathair
Artiglieria 3–2 AC Izotz Zubia
KT Itzalovalle 2–1 Oljestaden IF
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 3–2 Shamrock Cathair

.   The National League Division 1  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                   34   18  11   5   112   84  +28    65
 2 Cazadores Cathair                34   18   9   7    65   42  +23    63
 3 1830 Cathair                     34   15   6  13    69   65   +4    51
 4 Artiglieria                      34   14   9  11    59   57   +2    51
 5 Tout-Puissant Hasiera            34   10  11  13    59   61   -2    41
 6 Shamrock Cathair                 34    9  14  11    51   60   -9    41
 7 Oljestaden IF                    34   11   7  16    60   69   -9    40
 8 KT Moreazerua                    34    9  11  14    55   67  -12    38
 9 KT Itzalovalle                   34    9  10  15    52   64  -12    37
10 Burdoc Ridge                     34    8  10  16    41   54  -13    34

With wins over Artiglieria and cross-town rivals 1830, Cazadores decide that, yes, they actually would enjoy a second league title. The door is held wide open for them by an AC Izotz Zubia team beset by infighting and petty squabbles between team-mates. Anderson Sandro, the team's sixth-best penalty taker based on talent, and eighth most fitting penalty taker based on attitute, insists he is more qualified for spot kicks than anyone else and visibly sulks when, on two occasions, his claim is usurped by 'lesser' players like Labourious Hawk and the like. Hawk's decision to blast a spot-kick straight at the goalkeeper against Itzalovalle costs the league leaders a point in the dying moments, while it's a general malaise that sees the side lose from 2-0 up away to Artiglieria. The gap, once seemingly insurmountable, decreases to two points with two games to play, and with the Derby of Audioslavia coming up in midweek.

The National League Division 1
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 2–2 KT Moreazerua
Shamrock Cathair 3–3 KT Itzalovalle
Oljestaden IF 1–0 Artiglieria
AC Izotz Zubia 5–5 1830 Cathair
Cazadores Cathair 3–0 Burdoc Ridge

.   The National League Division 1  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                   35   18  12   5   117   89  +28    66
 2 Cazadores Cathair                35   19   9   7    68   42  +26    66
 3 1830 Cathair                     35   15   7  13    74   70   +4    52
 4 Artiglieria                      35   14   9  12    59   58   +1    51
 5 Oljestaden IF                    35   12   7  16    61   69   -8    43
 6 Tout-Puissant Hasiera            35   10  12  13    61   63   -2    42
 7 Shamrock Cathair                 35    9  15  11    54   63   -9    42
 8 KT Moreazerua                    35    9  12  14    57   69  -12    39
 9 KT Itzalovalle                   35    9  11  15    55   67  -12    38
10 Burdoc Ridge                     35    8  10  17    41   57  -16    34

Cazadores relegate Burdoc with a thumping three-nothing win to take the lead in the league on Saturday evening before Sunday lunchtime's show-down between Zozi and Cathair. Zozi, still playing with five up front, are in typical homicidal/suicidal form, with Valrauncion and co running riot. They lead by three goals, three times, but Winrouge, Gandhi and Ceballos are all on hand to level the scores at 5-5 in the dying minutes. It's up there with the most entertaining national derbies of all time, but the result does no real favours for either side. Zozi go into the final game knowing that a big win will probably be enough. Cathair remain fighting for third.

The National League Division 1
KT Moreazerua 3–2 Cazadores Cathair
Burdoc Ridge 4–2 AC Izotz Zubia
1830 Cathair 1–0 Oljestaden IF
Artiglieria 0–0 Shamrock Cathair
KT Itzalovalle 3–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera

A 1-0 win for Cathair is enough to cement third for the capital club - the side will once again play in the Champions Cup - but nobody cares. All eyes are at the top of the table and the myriad fluctuations in the title race. Caza go top on the day with an early strike against Mozi, before Valrauncion nets for Zozi against relegated Burdoc to re-take that lead at the top. It's from there that both games go to pot. Zozi concede via a counter-attack for what is probably the fiftieth time that season, and a second goal and third goal for a liberated Burdoc puts them not only behind on points, but makes their goal difference worse than Cazadores's as well. Caza fans are loving it until the stroke of half-time, wherein Mozi strike to level the scores. As it stands they're still winning the championship, but there are so many things that can go wrong.

Generally, this season, if something *can* go wrong, it will, and Mozi's lead-taking second goal puts the side in second on goals scored. Ten minutes later, as Mozi take a throw in in their own half, there are rapturous cheers once more: Burdoc Ridge are somehow 4-1 up against Zozi, giving the league title to Cazadores on goal difference as things stand. A Valrauncion goal puts the brakes on that little party five minutes later, only for Caza to make it 2-2 and go a point ahead in the title race with minutes to play.

Zozi, tired and thoroughy disliking each other, fall apart, and are reduced to 10 and 9 men in sequence as first Robert Smith (via a mis-timed challenge while on a yellow card) and then Anderson Sandro (via spinning back-elbow followed by a Huracanrana to a bemused goalkeeper) are sent from the field. The salmon-and-silver clad former champions need a miracle, and they get one in the guise of Dieter Konoval. The Nepharite defender thumps a hopeful shot at goal from thirty yards and watches it ripple past a horrified Hardcheese to win the title for AC Izotz Zubia in the most unlikely fashion.

As the helicopter lands, revealing the league championship at AC Izotz Zubia once again, the crowd attempt to celebrate 'Sandro-style' and recreate his huracanrana to each other, resulting in 428 injuries during the trophy presentation alone.

.  The National League Division 1  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts	
 1 AC Izotz Zubia                   36   18  12   6   119   93  +26    66 	CHAMPIONS CUP / AOCL
 2 Cazadores Cathair                36   19   9   8    70   45  +25    66	CHAMPIONS CUP
 3 1830 Cathair                     36   16   7  13    75   70   +5    55	CHAMPIONS CUP
 4 Artiglieria                      36   14  10  12    59   58   +1    52	CHAMPIONS CUP
 5 Oljestaden IF                    36   12   7  17    61   70   -9    43	GLOBE CUP
 6 Shamrock Cathair                 36    9  16  11    54   63   -9    43	GLOBE CUP
 7 Tout-Puissant Hasiera            36   10  12  14    61   66   -5    42	GLOBE CUP
 8 KT Moreazerua                    36   10  12  14    60   71  -11    42	RELEGATION PLAYOFF / CWC
 9 KT Itzalovalle                   36   10  11  15    58   67   -9    41	RELEGATION PLAYOFF
10 Burdoc Ridge                     36    9  10  17    45   59  -14    37	RELEGATED

.  The National League Division 2  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Eletti Valligiani                36   19  10   7    65   48  +17    67 Promoted
 2 Silexhera FC                     36   19   8   9    70   39  +31    65 Promotion Playoff
 3 Isle of Kjeligsted FC            36   17  12   7    53   38  +15    63 Promotion Playoff
 4 AS Marcadia                      36   17   6  13    58   52   +6    57
 5 Calcio Sicurezza Elfi            36   15   8  13    51   46   +5    53
 6 KT Koroatuz                      36   15   6  15    58   57   +1    51
 7 Tenth Star Hasiera               36   11  10  15    49   59  -10    43
 8 KT Laranjauzia                   36   11   7  18    40   58  -18    40
 9 KT Ferramendiak                  36    9   8  19    49   65  -16    35 Relegated
10 Excelsior Zijweg                 36    5   9  22    40   71  -31    24 Relegated

   The National League Division 3  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 CdF Celtade                      38   23   7   8    68   48  +20    76 Promoted
 2 CF Herradores                    38   21   5  12    56   47   +9    68 Promoted
 3 Sobrevolante                     38   19   6  13    83   70  +13    63
 4 Reina Del Sud                    38   18   8  12    62   60   +2    62
 5 The Oran                         38   17   9  12    54   52   +2    60
 6 Ceilerden Harp                   38   15  14   9    57   44  +13    59
 7 Santa Margarida                  38   16  10  12    65   51  +14    58
 8 Viking Halehavn                  38   16   9  13    76   69   +7    57
 9 DDM Dunas Secas                  38   17   6  15    58   55   +3    57
10 SC Laivanrakentajas              38   15  10  13    47   52   -5    55
11 Iron Brewery                     38   14   9  15    58   58    0    51
12 Necromarinai                     38   14   9  15    53   55   -2    51
13 Sparta Zijweg                    38   13  10  15    65   64   +1    49
14 Lemmitania State FC              38   13   6  19    50   58   -8    45
15 Valens AV                        38   12   7  19    53   59   -6    43
16 Guerrilla Cathair                38   11  10  17    46   52   -6    43
17 Vidrieros                        38   11   9  18    55   63   -8    42
18 Shires Owls                      38   11   6  21    47   68  -21    39 Relegated
19 Orquideas                        38    9  11  18    53   65  -12    38 Relegated
20 2130 Calolziolungho              38    8  13  17    51   67  -16    37 Relegated

   The National League Division 4  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Uniao Tortuguita                 46   27  11   8    97   65  +32    92 Promoted
 2 KT Ferratzaileak                 46   22  13  11    78   54  +24    79 Promoted
 3 United Cathair FC                46   23  10  13    94   71  +23    79 Promoted
 4 CdFS Ilheiros                    46   23  10  13    64   52  +12    79
 5 Frecce                           46   24   7  15    87   78   +9    79
 6 Osarese Marcadia                 46   21  13  12    69   43  +26    76
 7 KT Kanpoldelko                   46   21  12  13    69   62   +7    75
 8 Calcio Lecho                     46   21  10  15    71   53  +18    73
 9 Crossport Dynamo                 46   20  13  13    83   66  +17    73
10 Ceilerden Rovers                 46   21  10  15    76   66  +10    73
11 Clockwork FC                     46   20  12  14    65   48  +17    72
12 Viking Hryggur                   46   18  13  15    69   74   -5    67
13 Glasgar Rebels                   46   17  11  18    77   71   +6    62
14 CF Cruceros                      46   16  13  17    72   68   +4    61
15 Valderantia United               46   17  10  19    71   70   +1    61
16 Fundición                        46   15  14  17    63   66   -3    59
17 Glasgar Royals                   46   15  11  20    57   71  -14    56
18 Shires Blaydes                   46   13  16  17    64   69   -5    55
19 Deportivo de Puerta Cruz         46   13  13  20    57   66   -9    52
20 Maccabi Hasiera                  46   10  13  23    58   78  -20    43
21 Crossport Mariners               46   10  12  24    59   84  -25    42
22 PLFC                             46   10  10  26    39   83  -44    40
23 Steelworks                       46    7  16  23    55   89  -34    37
24 Ross Railway                     46    5  13  28    46   93  -47    28

First listed team is at home

KT Moreazerua 3-1 KT Itzalovalle
Silexhera 2-1 Isle of Kjeligsted

KT Itzalovalle 0-1 Silexhera
KT Moreazerua 5-0 Isle of Kjeligsted

KT Moreazerua 1-1 Silexhera
KT Itzalovalle 2-0 Isle of Kjeligsted

			P    W    D    L    F    A    GD    Pts
KT Moreazerua		3    2    1    0    9    2    +7    7
Silexhera		3    1    1    1    4    2    +2    4
KT Itzalovalle		3    0    1    2    3    4    -1    1
Isle of Kjeligsted	3    0    0    3    1    9    -8    0

KT Itzalovalle, one of three teams never to be relegated from the top flight, are relegated after a lacklustre performance in the playoffs. Silexhera, the city-state to the south of Audioslavia, return to the top flight once again.

by **Audioslavia** » Thu May 17, 2018 4:42 pm

This season will be the last under the current system of ten teams in the top flight, ten in the second, 20 in the third and 24 in the fourth. Twenty-eight teams will lose their league status as the national game moves to a 15 / 20 format, with fifteen in division one (playing each other twice) and twenty in division two (again, playing each other twice). The two leagues will run concurrently. Matchdays will run every weekend and on some Wednesdays, with not every top division side guaranteed a game on each of the thirty-eight matchdays due to every top flight side having only 28 games to play. The leagues are set to be rebranded, with Division 1 being renamed, simply, 'The National League' and division two going under the moniker 'National Two'.

That comes next season. This year, the ten teams in the top flight will compete for the title, three CC places and three GC places. The bottom side will be entered into a relegation playoff with the side finishing sixth in the second division. The top five in division two will be promoted automatically. The top 15 in division three will form the new 'National Two' alongside the bottom five teams in the current division two.

1830 Cathair
(Cathair, Central)

2. Edrigu Verhagen (31, D RC, AUD)
3. Romain Capelle (31, D L, VLD)
4. Mario Valentini (20, M C, AUD)
5. Ryan Gordon (31, D C, AUD)
6. Niko Szubanski (29, D C, BRE)
7. Hazel van Robben (31, M/F RLC, QUE)
8. Faeron Soldarian (648, DM C, VAL) [CAPTAIN]
9. Pristina Shine (28, F C, EQS)
10. Espy va Drake (769, M/F RLC, VAL)
11. Romelio Ceballos (33, F C, PAS)
12. Alpha Gandhi (31, F C, APX)
13. Tucunduvá (30, G , DAI)
14. Ignacio Borjon (20, M RC, AUD)
15. Torquil Robie (27, DM/M C, AUD)
16. John Lomax (18, D RC, AUD)
17. Ainsley Gibson (27, D L, AFT)
18. Puristina Shinra (22, M C, HIN)
20. Valdemar Rasmussen (17, D/M RL, AUD)
22. Charlie Gordon (20, D LC, AUD)
23. Lachlan McKenna (25, G , AUD)
24. Diego Monroy (19, D LC, AUD)
01. Fôrté Wínrôuge (33, AM C, FFD)
1+8. Zlatan Natividad (27, F C, AUD)
Mng. Dragan Kryznjak (42, F C, AUD)

Probable first eleven: 4-4-2: Tucunduvá - Lomax, Gordon, Szubanski, Gibson - van Robben, Soldarian, Wínrôuge, va Drake - Shine, Ceballos

As well as being the oldest club in Audioslavia, formed while the game was still young, amateur, upper-middle class and decidedly foreign, 1830 Cathair are the most successful side in Audioslavian history, winning the most league titles and being the first side from the isles to win the UICA Champions Cup.

Cathair have always been richer than their rivals, helped by a strong capital city economy and a steady procession of high-spending sponsors, but recent years have been leaner. Big names still fill the squad, with Espy va Drake, Faeron Soldarian, Hazel van Robben and Fôrté Wínrôuge on the books, but their main cross-national rivals AC Izotz Zubia have surpassed them, and the pack has caught up. Cazadores Cathair have arguably become as big as their city rivals, and Shamrock Cathair have shown signs of life in recent derbies.

Manager Dragan Kryznjak, plucked from the national team early in the season, will be aiming for first place with a team that is more than capable of winning the league once again.

AC Izotz Zubia
(Izotzazubia , Herradura)

1. Ángel Clavel (19, G , AUD)
2. Txordin Uzain (31, D R, AUD)
3. Javi Esqueda (27, D RL, AUD)
5. Ilatxi Altzibararechuluago (25, D C, AUD)
6. Robert Smith (31, D C, AUD)
7. Tanya Bottlegreen (37, M RL, NPH)
8. Tar Hunor (27, M C, PAS)
9. Ingþór Auðbjörnsson (27, F C, PAS)
10. Fabio Mancini (34, M C, OSR)
11. Jody Zufiria (29, DM C, AUD)
13. Branadru (28, G , DAI)
14. Laborious Hawk (909, AM C, VAL) [CAPTAIN]
15. Asentzio Martikorena (25, D LC, AUD)
16. Inaki Villanueva (20, D RL, AUD)
18. Manolo Hernandez Jr. (25, M R, AUD)
19. Paul Calvez (19, F C, AUD)
24. Iaaki Gorostiaga (21, F C, AUD)
27. Alessandro Juliana (16, M CR, AUD)
28. Laurentzi Urionaguena (20, M RC, AUD)
31. Storm Holsen (20, DM C, AUD)
99. Valrauncion (Elf, F RCL, KRY)
Mng. Patrick Courtois (40, D C, VLD)

Probable first eleven: 4-2-2-2: Clavel - Uzain, Altzibararechuluago, Smith, Esqueda - Mancini, Zufiria - Hawk, Hunor - Valrauncion, Auðbjörnsson

AC Izotz Zubia are the second most successful side in the history of the Audioslavian game. The second of the country's teams to win the UICA Champions Cup (and in the stadium of national rivals 1830 Cathair, to boot), Zozi have been the best Audioslavian team in around a third of all their league seasons. The side are reigning champions, having become the first team Audioslavian side to win the league outright two seasons in a row (including the LigAnaia era).

Last season's dabble with a 3-2-5 formation, with an all-star attack, gave them the league championship despite shocking late-season form. Since then, departures of big names have put the side's formation back to a rather more traditional shape. The side will rely heavily on their foreign talent, backed up here and there by talent from their widely heralded youth setup.

Artiglieria
(Bolzana, Padia)

1. Uolleys (25, G , DAI)
2. Alessio Tornetta (22, D RL, AUD)
3. Leonardo Di Bari (23, D L, AUD)
4. Jordan Nancarrow (30, M C, BRE)
5. Francesco Azzaro (25, D C, AUD)
6. Michele Merlini (25, D C, AUD)
7. John Revelwer (24, M R, DUN)
8. Bruno Guridi (26, M/F RL, AUD)
9. Odis Panico (27, F C, AUD) [CAPTAIN]
10. Menderchuk (26, F C, DAI)
11. Matt Branch (32, M L, COS)
12. Francesco Fazio (25, M C, AUD)
13. Homer Bruzzese (19, G , AUD)
14. Kelly Caldarone (27, DM C, AUD)
15. Maximiliano Villavicencio (22, M/F C, AUD)
17. Eduardo De Valle (20, M LC, AUD)
20. Fedyenka Rudnitsky (25, M R, AUD)
21. Paolo Castellucci (21, AM LC, AUD)
24. Salvatore Cartelli (19, D R, AUD)
27. Arnoud Koolhaas (21, D C, AUD)
28. Giorgio Cavaliere (19, F C, AUD)
29. Filippo Bracco (18, F C, AUD)
Mng. Orson Faulkner (41, D RC, BRE)

Probable first eleven: 4-5-1: Uolleys - Tornetta, Azzaro, Merlini, di Bari - Revelwer, Nancarrow, Fazio, de Valle, Branch - Menderchuk

Artiglieria hail from Padia on the west coast of Audioslavia - a place that has broken onto the Audioslavian football map in recent years with the arrival of Marcadia and Valligiani to the top flight. Both sides hit the heights of the Globe Cup before eventually going down, becoming yo-yo clubs in the process. Artiglieria, in their first season, qualified for the Champions Cup. Manager Orson Faulkner, a legend at AC Izotz Zubia, will look to build on the side's amazing first season in division one.

Cazadores Cathair
(Cathair, Central)

1. Xabier Irungarai (23, G , AUD)
2. Adalberto Zufiaurre (33, D/M R, AUD)
3. Matthew Ingold (30, D L, SCH)
4. Yancy Andersen (27, D/M C, AUD)
5. Verghan Seghers-Verduzco (27, D C, AUD)
6. Vergan Peña (29, D C, AUD) [CAPTAIN]
7. Andrea Arguelles (31, M RC, AUD)
8. Julio Sokolov (31, F C, AUD)
9. Desya Kuznetsov (21, F C, AUD)
10. Olimpia Vidal (22, F C, CMT)
11. Nestor Martinez (30, AM/F C, SJG)
12. Baran Kuznetsov (25, D RC, AUD)
13. Hardcheese (29, G , DAI)
14. Dane Pridgeon (17, M C, COS)
15. Imanol Corallo (29, M RC, AUD)
16. Bryton Menheniot (21, DM C, APX)
17. Francisco Elizalde (28, M LC, AUD)
18. Sergio Belen (23, D R, AUD)
19. Ignacio Barbara (21, F C, AUD)
20. Randal Zepeda (26, M C, AUD)
23. Ashley Apaolaza (26, F CL, AUD)
Mng. Rook Cathar (44, F RLC, NPH)

Probable first eleven: 4-4-2: Hardcheese - B. Kuznetsov, Seghers-Verduzco, Peña, Ingold - Arguelles, Prigeon, Martinez, Menheniot - Vidal, D. Kuznetsov

For long periods the side most neutrals wanted to win, modern day Caza have turned a little pragmatic in recent years. No longer the upstart trying to usurp Zozi and 1830 from their thrones, Caza are now former league winners with a record of finishing no lower than third in recent seasons.

The side sorely missed the unpredictable Anderson Sandro after the striker left for Zozi for a season, but have very much replaced him with one Desya Kuznetsov, who makes #Anderson look like a shrinking violet by comparison.

Eletti Valligiani
(Valligiani, Padia)

1. Lucas Lemann (25, G , PAS)
2. Gilberto Anzures (33, D RL, AUD)
3. Geraldo Seghers (33, D LC, AUD)
5. Jon Verhoeven (29, M C, AUD)
6. Angelo Buffone (25, D C, AUD)
6. Michael Marroquin (30, D LC, AUD)
7. Giulio Campus (19, M RL, AUD)
8. Fabio Puccini (31, F C, AUD)
9. Giacomo Tripodi (23, M LC, AUD)
10. Anders Engstrom (38, M/F C, COS) [CAPTAIN]
11. Arlie Papandrea (28, M RL, AUD)
11. Alejandro Aretxaga (31, M LC, AUD)
12. Federico Trevino (33, M L, AUD)
13. Stanford Rand (29, G , AUD)
14. Christopher Ortegon (22, D L, AUD)
16. Flavio Fugleberg (30, D/M C, AUD)
17. Bruce Cortesi (29, M RL, AUD)
18. Elvis Arteaga (28, M/F LC, AUD)
19. Apal Carpinelli (31, F C, AUD)
21. Edoardo Scicchitano (18, M LC, AUD)
Mng. Renaud Marchand (47, M C, AUD)

Probable first eleven: 4-4-1-1: Lemann - Anzures, Buffone, Marroquin, Ortegon - Cortesi, Tripodi, Aretxaga, Papandrea - Engstrom - Puccini

Eletti return two years after their relegation to trouble the top division once more. Once seen as the powerhouse of the east coast, Artiglieria have since taken that mantle. E.V. almost certainly have the least proven squad in the top flight, with a great deal many of their top players having departed in recent years, but the side remain difficult to play against at home and may just stave off a relegation playoff place. Cosumarite veteran Anders Engstrom will, once again, captain the side.

KT Moreazerua
(Moreazerua, Herradura)

1. Santiago Dorantes (27, G , AUD)
2. Agustín Valenzuela (23, D R, AUD)
3. Alex Moralez (27, D LC, AUD)
4. Bennik Hreidarsson (29, DM C, SEM)
6. Dieter Konoval (27, D C, NPH)
7. Kelvin Lisco (25, D/M R, SAR)
8. Marco van Ciavatinni (29, M/F CR, ESH)
9. Benjamin Worsaw (34, F C, COS)
10. Joan Nonhagatte (27, M C, FFD)
11. Rynyr-Pilta Jan (26, AM C, QUS)
13. Timothy Landzaat (31, D RC, AUD)
14. Huele (36, AM C, SAM) [CAPTAIN]
15. Nerman (28, M/F L, IRN)
16. Arturo Solagurenbeazkoa (26, D/M RL, AUD)
18. Circe (21, F C, DAI)
19. Imanol Andueza (25, F C, AUD)
19. Inaki Etxabeguren (32, AM/F CL, AUD)
20. Forest Azarola (27, F C, AUD)
23. Pendergarst (31, G , DAI)
Mng. Alexander Kirk (66, , AUD)

Probable first eleven: 3-5-2: Dorantes - Valenzuela, Konoval, Moralez - Hreidarsson - Huele, Nonhagatte, Jan, Lisco - Circe, Worsaw

Alexander Kirk's KT Moreazerua rose from being perennial relegation fodder to becoming champions a few years back, but times have changed, and an awful bottom-half finish last season has taken Mozi right back to square one. With county rivals Itzalovalle relegated, Mozi only have Zozi as their main rivalry, and that one has been rather lopsided in recent years. And to think that, just a few years ago, there were five clubs from Tzierra in the top division.

Mozi, then, are rebuilding, but without UICA football this season have struggled to attract top players.

Oljestaden IF
(Oljestaden, Hyland)

1. Zebjan Istanjovich (36, G , SIC)
2. Morten Pshenichny (33, D R, PIS)
3. Hershel Nesbitt (32, D LC, AUD)
4. Tomas Kristofics (37, DM C, PIS) [CAPTAIN]
5. Tomp McCloud (34, D L, COS)
7. Navarro lo Squadro (30, M R, FFD)
8. Tofer Kahlor (22, AM C, COS)
10. Funanya Nwapa (34, M C, COS)
11. Jack Churchfather (26, AM L, NPH)
12. Donato Castillo (19, G , EFL)
13. Kletus Tosset (20, F C, COS)
14. Badminton (32, M C, DAI)
16. Mathew Zwaan (30, M R, AUD)
17. Ernest De Keyser (29, D/M RC, AUD)
18. Clement Snijders (28, DM C, AUD)
20. Gale Van Hoorn (24, F C, AUD)
24. Adriaan Martens (25, D/M L, AUD)
25. Bohdan Melnikoff (26, F C, AUD)
26. Caleb di Weit (22, F C, AUD)
30. Marijn Poelmans (26, D RL, AUD)
Mng. Ivan Haarstad (47, mng , PIS)

Probable first eleven: 3-1-5-1: Istanjovich - Pshenichny, Nesbitt, McCloud - Kristofics - Churchfather, Kahlor, Badminton, Nwapa, Lo Squadro - van Hoorn

Oljestaden have always been something of an odd-one-out in the Audioslavian top flight (when they haven't been struggling in the second divison, that is). Whereas the highest level of football in this country is often dominated by sides from the capital, Tzierra and the southwest, northerners Oljestaden consistently crop up here and there, whether in the Globe Cup positions or powering home to win the Kirola Cup.

Polarian manager Ivan Haarstad, once a striker with the club, has always liked playing with, and managing, Polarian footballers, which explain how Tomas Kristofics has kept his place in the team over the past 16 seasons.

Shamrock Cathair
(Cathair, Central)

1. Rusty McPherson (30, G , AUD)
2. Lachlan Faulkner (20, D/M RL, AUD)
3. Cameron Burns (32, D RLC, AUD)
5. Louis Snodgrass (22, D C, AUD)
6. John Snodgrass (22, D C, AUD)
7. Yohan Millar (22, M/F CR, EFL)
8. Carles Gorgas (17, AM C, AUD)
9. Coco Le Quellec (19, F C, AUD)
10. Alexander Crewe (28, F C, APX) [CAPTAIN]
11. Rodger Mariezkurrena (31, M LC, AUD)
12. Mirko Vangelis (34, M L, NPH)
13. Bombidillyo (25, G , DAI)
14. Danira Plibersek (29, M C, NPH)
15. Brodie Kronholm (19, M/F C, AUD)
17. Kian Wood (21, D C, AUD)
18. Kyle Maxfield (20, D RC, AUD)
19. Jerome Aitken (31, F C, AUD)
20. Osman Candelo (31, AM C, VLD)
21. Conrad Edmond (23, M C, AUD)
22. Jerquaad (19, D CR, DAI)
Mng. Rohan Cammers (43, M C, APX)

Probable first eleven: 4-3-1-2: Bombidillyo - Faulkner, J. Snodgrass, L. Snodgrass, Jerquaad - Millar, Pilbersek, Mariezkurrena - Candelo - Crewe, Le Quellec

Cammers's Shammers have strengthened in the off season, attempting to kick on from a decent season last year. Shamrock, once the second team in Cathair, are now very much third in the pecking order behind 1830 and Cazadores. Cammers, who played for both of those teams, has his work cut out for him trying to get Shamrock up into the top six, though last season's victory in the Vilitan Cove Invitational has made them an outsider for a Champions Cup place, despite Audioslavia's allocation going down from four to three.

Silexhera FC
(Silica City, Silexhera)

1. Luca Zanardi (19, G , AUD)
2. Jefferson McMillan (31, D RC, AUD)
3. Nathan Lang (35, D LC, AUD)
4. Vilhelm Bacarde (31, DM C, YTT)
5. Lewis Vaughan (26, D C, LTN)
6. Dewey Carmichael (27, D C, AUD)
7. William Blake (26, M C, LTN)
8. Baldo Gabbard (31, M C, YTT)
9. Vraimond Tielemans (34, F C, AUD)
10. Bull De Roo (32, M C, AUD)
11. Dylan Yansway (29, M RL, AUD)
12. Shon Ferroni (33, F C, AUD)
13. Winfridh (31, G , DAI)
14. Ysaak (19, D CR, DAI)
15. Ted Cal (26, M C, AUD)
16. Dennis Weir (34, DM C, AUD)
Mng. Juan Juez (55, F C, AUD)

Probable first eleven: 4-5-1: Zanardi - McMillan, Lang, Vaughan, Ysaak - Bacarde, Blake, Gabbard, de Roo, Yansway - Tielemans

Promoted last season at the expense of formerly ever-present KT Itzalovalle, Silexhera's small squad are arguably the least talented in all of the top flight, with a small contingent of Daineri, Yttibrian and Lutine guys as their only foreigners.

Silexhera, a former nation unto itself that qualified for World Cup 48, have a rich footballing history but not much in the way of money or local population, with Silexhera being sparesely populated. Nevertheless, the side have options, most notably 19 year-old wonderkid Luca Zanardi in goal.

Tout-Puissant Hasiera
(Hasiera, Bas de la Sierra)

1. Louelle Ronquille (29, G , AUD)
2. Jeremiah Bendix (35, D RL, AUD)
3. Shane Stoppelbei (31, D L, YTT)
5. Emmanuel Fontan (25, D C, AUD)
6. Jean-Michel Boiteux (22, M C, AUD)
8. Marcus Sforza (30, AM C, AUD)
9. Iaaki Lacouague (27, F C, AUD)
10. Louis O'Brien (29, F C, OSR)
11. Jaume Picot (25, M LC, AUD)
12. Marcus Herrier (27, F C, AUD)
13. Jildas Le Hénaff (19, D L, AUD)
14. Eric Guardsman (36, F C, AUD)
15. Marouane Gilberg (34, D L, AUD)
17. Javier Duarte (21, D RL, AUD)
18. Zakhar Sliva (21, M C, AUD)
19. Gioele Angelino (20, D LC, AUD)
20. Miquel Regal (26, M RL, AUD)
21. Charles Beck (21, D/M LC, AUD)
22. Arnau Basso (24, G , AUD)
23. Clarence Robaina (20, D L, AUD)
27. Futuyna (26, G , DAI)
Mng. Ari Mendea (60, M , AUD)

Probable first eleven: Ronquille - Le Henaff, Fontan, Stoppelbei - Regal, Boiteux, Sforza, Beck, Picot - Lacouague, O'Brien

With every passing season there's usually one Hasiera team in the top flight. One maximum. They have a habit of passing each other on their way into and out of the first division. Tout-Puissant's ability to get stuck in to the Globe Cup places have cemented them in the top flight recently, at a time when Tenth Star Hasiera have struggled in the second division.

by **Audioslavia** » Fri May 18, 2018 4:13 pm

National League Division 1     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Shamrock Cathair              9    6   2   1    25   15  +10    20
 2 Cazadores Cathair             9    6   2   1    21   14   +7    20
 3 AC Izotz Zubia                9    4   4   1    10    5   +5    16
 4 Artiglieria                   9    3   3   3    17   16   +1    12
 5 Silexhera FC                  9    2   5   2    14   10   +4    11
 6 1830 Cathair                  9    3   2   4     8   11   -3    11
 7 Tout-Puissant Hasiera         9    2   4   3     8   12   -4    10
 8 KT Moreazerua                 9    2   3   4    14   17   -3     9
 9 Eletti Valligiani             9    2   2   5     6   13   -7     8
10 Oljestaden IF                 9    0   3   6     7   17  -10     3
Highest Scoring Game
MD9: Artiglieria 4–5 Cazadores Cathair

Biggest Ass-whupping
MD6: Silexhera FC 5–0 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
MD9: Shamrock Cathair 6–1 Eletti Valligiani

Noteable Results
MD6: 1830 Cathair 2–3 Shamrock Cathair
MD5: Cazadores Cathair 2–1 1830 Cathair
MD2: AC Izotz Zubia 3–0 1830 Cathair

The first quarter of the season sees the resignation of Cathair manager Wilf Lidgley. The legendary Apoxian midfielder-turned-manager left the club where he spent the majority of his illustrious career with Cathair in eighth place and a long way from the leader. Cathair, desperate for silverware after a few barren seasons, tempted national manager and former striker Dragan Kryznjak from his position as NT head coach and threw him into action on matchday nine, where he guided the team to a narrow 1-0 away win against the league's struggling team Oljestaden IF. Oljestaden, without a win yet, have started poorly, heaping pressure on long-term manager (and former Oljestaden striker) Ivan Haarstad. Haarstad's bizarre 3-1-5-1 formation isn't helping matters. After having gone with at least three up top throughout his career, the manager's decision to experiment with an enirely new formation looks like a mid-life crisis attempt to become a revolutionary. The truth is, of course, that Oljestaden don't quite have the firepower up front that they used to, with van Hoorn, Melnkoff and di Weit their only recognised strikers, and neither having ever proved themselves at any level. A lot of pressure is being put on the six-man midfield to come good, and Churchfather, lo Squadro and the rest have done their part, but the goals just aren't coming for Oljestaden and, when they do, a three-man defence is proving shakey.

At the top, the league's surprise leaders at the quarter-way stage are Shamrock Cathair. Unfashionable Shammers, under the tutelage of Rohan Cammers (formerly of city rivals 1830 Cathair and Cazadores Cathair), has rebuilt his team over the summer and his gambles on unillustrious foreign signings, along with youth talent, seems to be paying dividends. Young Daineri Jerquaad is proving invaluable at the back, and the experience of former national team striker Rodger Mariezkurrena ahead of him has lead to a glut of goals for the west Cathair side. Up front, Alexander Crewe and the oddly named Coco le Quellec have been nothing short of a revelation together, serviced by young Audioslavian playmaker Carles Gorgas, Valladar signing Osman Candelo and Eastfielder ace Yohan Millar. In goal, the experienced Rusty McPherson has been overtaken in the pecking order by one of 9 Daineri goalkeepers currently plying their trade in the Audioslavian league. Bombidillyo has proven himself a fan favourite already.

Below Shamrock, Caza and Zozi are gearing up to contest the title once more. 1830 Cathair, in sixth, look to be continuing their slump. Can Kryznjak get the best out of them? And can KT Moreazerua, champions only a few years ago, creep away from what looks to be another unlikely relegation scrap?

National League Division 1     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Cazadores Cathair            18   11   4   3    36   21  +15    37
 2 AC Izotz Zubia               18   10   4   4    28   13  +15    34
 3 Shamrock Cathair             18    8   5   5    34   29   +5    29
 4 1830 Cathair                 18    8   2   8    24   22   +2    26
 5 KT Moreazerua                18    6   6   6    36   36    0    24
 6 Tout-Puissant Hasiera        18    6   4   8    22   29   -7    22
 7 Artiglieria                  18    5   6   7    35   41   -6    21
 8 Silexhera FC                 18    4   8   6    28   31   -3    20
 9 Oljestaden IF                18    4   6   8    22   29   -7    18
10 Eletti Valligiani            18    4   3  11    12   26  -14    15
Highest Scoring Game
MD18: KT Moreazerua 6–4 Tout-Puissant Hasiera

Biggest Ass-whupping
MD18: AC Izotz Zubia 6–1 Silexhera FC

Noteable Results
MD11: 1830 Cathair 2–3 AC Izotz Zubia
MD14: 1830 Cathair 1–2 Cazadores Cathair
MD17: Oljestaden IF 1–0 AC Izotz Zubia
MD18: 1830 Cathair 0–1 Oljestaden IF

Oljestaden's slump comes to an emphatic end on matchday 14 as the side, having drawn their previous two games, start an unbeaten run that sees them run over Tout-Puissant Hasiera (2-0) and Eletti Valligiani (2-1) before a two-all draw with Silexhera and emphatic upsets over AC Izotz Zubia and 1830 Cathair respectively, lifting them off the bottom and up towards the pack.

At the top, as expected, it appears to be Cazadores Cathair and AC Izotz Zubia conducting their own race for the title, as in the previous two seasons, with Shamrock now down to third after a modest run. 1830 Cathair, in fourth, are still struggling to keep pace with their rivals, losing at home to both national rivals Zozi and city rivals Cazadores. The side are starting to gel, though, with Pristina Shine starting to really find her shooting boots in her second season at the club. She's occasionally aided by quasi-namesake Puristina Shinra, who has proven an invaluable supersub along with NT midfielder Ignacio Borjon, who has gained new confidence after becoming a fixture for the Audioslavia side.

Caza, with two wins over the Elders, have thoroughly staked their claim to being the city's foremost football team. Such a feat would have been unfathomable just five short years ago. Desya Kuznetsov has been the supreme catalyst in their rise, but with Desya being Desya he's not without his idiosyncracies. In victory over 1830 Cathair, the reds had to hold on for dear life after Kuznetsov became the first player to be sent off for performing a reverse huracanrana on an opponent. Desya, perhaps, was trying to one-up Zozi's former striker Anderson Sandro, who had been red-carded for a regular huracanrana last season. Either way, the Audioslavian national team striker insisted he'd only been going for a header but had 'slipped in mid-air' and given Niko Szubanski a sore head.

by **Audioslavia** » Fri May 18, 2018 4:50 pm

National League Division 1     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Cazadores Cathair            27   15   6   6    47   33  +14    51
 2 1830 Cathair                 27   15   3   9    47   30  +17    48
 3 AC Izotz Zubia               27   13   5   9    47   31  +16    44
 4 Shamrock Cathair             27   11   9   7    50   45   +5    42
 5 Tout-Puissant Hasiera        27    9   7  11    40   47   -7    34
 6 Silexhera FC                 27    7  12   8    42   46   -4    33
 7 Artiglieria                  27    7  10  10    50   60  -10    31
 8 KT Moreazerua                27    7   9  11    43   52   -9    30
 9 Oljestaden IF                27    6  10  11    37   47  -10    28
10 Eletti Valligiani            27    7   5  15    23   35  -12    26
Highest Scoring Game
MD21: Shamrock Cathair 4–4 Oljestaden IF
MD26: 1830 Cathair 6–2 Tout-Puissant Hasiera

Biggest Ass-whupping
MD24: 1830 Cathair 4–0 Shamrock Cathair
MD26: 1830 Cathair 6–2 Tout-Puissant Hasiera

Noteable Results
MD21: Cazadores Cathair 2–3 Silexhera FC
MD22: AC Izotz Zubia 4–1 Cazadores Cathair
MD23: Shamrock Cathair 3–2 AC Izotz Zubia
MD26: Cazadores Cathair 2–1 Shamrock Cathair

Just three wins over the nine games of the third quarter of the season cause Zozi to lose ground, being caught and overtaken by a Cathair side who win seven over the same period. 1830 Cathair, it seems, are finally finding their feet in the league after two years of underperformance, and new manager Kryznjak has to take some of the plaudits. The side have been helped by Espy va Drake finding form at the right moment, increasing the service for Romelio Ceballos and Pristina Shine up front, with experienced midfielders Fôrté Wínrôuge and Hazel van Robben occasionally making way for Puristina Shinra and Ignacio Borjon when the side need to up the pace. Mario Valentini, too, proved an invaluable replacement for Faeron Soldarian for a four-week spell in which the elf was nursing a thigh strain. It's still, of course, not enough for the legions of blue and white clad fans, who still find themselves three points behind local rivals Cazadores. A 0-0 draw on matchday twenty-three against Caza does little to placate them, despite their charge up the table.

It's Zozi who, like last year, are having the bulk of the injury problems halfway through the season. Fabio Mancini has more or less been written off, either out of form or with fragile knees, the 34 year-old Osarian midfielder's time at the top may well be over, and in the likes of 20 year-olds Storm Holsen and Laurentzi Urionguena, along with 37 year-old winger-turned-midfielder Tanya Bottlegreen (who is an inspiration substitute but hasn't been effective when starting games), Zozi haven't found a way to adequately replace Mancini in midfield. Laborious Hawk has pulled his weight, of course, but Valrauncion and Auðbjörnsson haven't quite been at their best up front, often kept under a close guard by the league's well-drilled defenders. Substitutes Paul Calvez and Iaaki Gorostiaga aren't anywhere near approaching their level, either.

Meanwhile, Shamrock Cathair are keeping pace. The side lose out in both city derbies - 2-1 to Caza and 4-0 to 1830 Cathair, but remain in touch with the top three. It's the three capital clubs and Zozi at the top of the order. The tradition in Audioslavia is that there are three Tzierran clubs and one capital club up at the top, but with Itzalovalle now struggling in the second tier and Moreazerua eighth and nowhere, the balance of power has shifted west in the country.

At the bottom, Oljestaden are still struggling for wins, with just 6 over the 27 games, but they remain ahead of Eletti Valligiani, who remain in the league's only auto-relegation spot. Silexhera, in sixth, are performing well above expectations, with 34 year-old striker Vraimond Tielemans proving to everyone that he still has 'it' despite his advancing years. The real star of their show, though, is Daineri defender Ysaak, who has more than played their part in keeping their opponents to only 8 wins in 27 games.

National League Division 1 - Matchday 28
Eletti Valligiani 0–0 AC Izotz Zubia
Silexhera FC 1–2 1830 Cathair
Oljestaden IF 4–0 KT Moreazerua
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 3–0 Cazadores Cathair
Artiglieria 3–4 Shamrock Cathair

National League Division 1 - Matchday 29
Artiglieria 0–1 Eletti Valligiani
Shamrock Cathair 3–1 Tout-Puissant Hasiera
Cazadores Cathair 3–4 Oljestaden IF
KT Moreazerua 3–2 Silexhera FC
1830 Cathair 1–3 AC Izotz Zubia

National League Division 1 - Matchday 30
Eletti Valligiani 1–0 1830 Cathair
AC Izotz Zubia 1–1 KT Moreazerua
Silexhera FC 0–0 Cazadores Cathair
Oljestaden IF 1–0 Shamrock Cathair
Tout-Puissant Hasiera 1–1 Artiglieria

National League Division 1     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Cazadores Cathair            30   15   7   8    50   40  +10    52
 2 1830 Cathair                 30   16   3  11    50   35  +15    51
 3 AC Izotz Zubia               30   14   7   9    51   33  +18    49
 4 Shamrock Cathair             30   13   9   8    57   50   +7    48
 5 Tout-Puissant Hasiera        30   10   8  12    45   51   -6    38
 6 Oljestaden IF                30    9  10  11    46   50   -4    37
 7 Silexhera FC                 30    7  13  10    45   51   -6    34
 8 KT Moreazerua                30    8  10  12    47   59  -12    34 
 9 Eletti Valligiani            30    9   6  15    25   35  -10    33 
10 Artiglieria                  30    7  11  12    54   66  -12    32
Cazadores' claim to being the country's best team take a sickening one-two punch on matchdays 28 and 29, with the side hammered away to TPH and second best in a sea-saw of a game against Oljestaden, who move up to an unlikely sixth by matchday thirty. Caza, again, are suffering through the machinations of Desya Kuznetsov who, after netting the opening two goals against Oljestaden, rips off his shorts and places them over the referee's head, earning a red card in the process. Oljestaden win 4-3. Casa remain top if only for the shaky form of their title rivals, with Cathair usurped by Zozi in the Derby of Audioslavia (Hawk, Auðbjörnsson and Valrauncion the scorers, with Borjon netting the only reply) and losing out 1-0 away to Eletti Valligiani (who score via Anders Engstrom, of course), who finally move off the bottom rung of the table.

With their derby victory and two credible draws, Zozi move to within touching distance of the top, while Shamrock are just one point behind. The fact that Shamrock are somehow not in a relegation fight by matchday thirty, but actually have a chance of taking the league title, is frankly proposterous, but that's how it has gone. Coco le Quellec and Alexander Crewe continue to grab the goals when it counts, helped by the twin magic of John and Louis Snodgrass in the cetnre of their defence, keeping their opponents at bay. Lachlan Faulkner and Jerquaad round out an oft impenetrable back line.

A quick word about KT Moreazerua. They are somehow awful. In replacing an aging Rodger Mariezkurrena with Rynyr-Pilta Jan they were supposed to be kicking on, but the side are refusing to gel together. A 4-0 reverse away to Oljestaden is the final straw for the chairman, who sacks former Audioslavia national team manager Alexander Kirk with the side third from bottom. Kirk, 66, announces his retirement and, to the credit of the long-suffering Mozi fans, is given a generous farewell. The replacement is rather out of the left field: One Jouard Caceres, another former Audioslavia international, a player at rival KT Koroatuz and KT Itzalovalle as well as for 1830 and Cazadores Cathair. Caceres oversees a slight change in fortunes immediately, taking four points from his first two games.

Audioslavia Domestic Football Newswire

Audioslavia Domestic Football Newswire

Season 1 - MD 1-9

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