OSN.net :: Osarius Sports Network (Domestic Newswire)

by **Osarius** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 4:56 am

Temporarily re-purposed as a placeholder

by **Patricant** » Mon Apr 08, 2013 11:11 am

Shanak FC News-
Free Agent Midfielder to play with newly-promoted Golden League addition Shanak FC?

Free Agent Apoxian L/R midfielder Sam Oley has been linked with Shanak FC in recent reports. He would be a welcome addition to a midfield that seeks to compete in the top tier of Osarius.

by **Patricant** » Mon Apr 08, 2013 11:16 am

Shanak FC Transfer Wire-
It's a done deal!

Shanak FC has made an entry into the recent transfers wire with the two year signing of Sam Oley, a L/R midfielder from Apox. Shanak FC and the free agent had previously been linked in reports. Says Sam Oley "I have long awaited my return to competitive football. I thank the entire Shank FC organization for this marvelous opportunity!"

by **Patricant** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 10:39 am

Shanak FC Transfer News-
Foreign Striker finally coming to AeroPatricant Stadium?

A strident bit of speculation regarding a possible Shanak FC addition has been unearthed recently. Sargossan ST Federico Ferreyra has been profoundly linked with Shanak FC and its manager, Ikenna Enyeama. Last season he played for Sargossan club Nuevo Onwere, and was Nuevo's top scorer. His club finished 13th in the league table. Ferreyra has been reported to have been seeking a move abroad.

by **Patricant** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 3:57 pm

Shanak FC Transfer Rumors-
Ferreyra not coming to AeroPatricant Stadium

The Sargossan striker states he "does not wish to move to Shanak FC", as it is not the situation he had aspired for.

by **Patricant** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 7:36 pm

Shanak FC Transfer WIre-
Sold! A striker!

The long-awaited transfer to Shanak FC of a striker has been completed overnight. Rory Charlton, a 22-year old from the Filopines [Sic] has signed with Shanak FC for three years. His bio below:
"Rory Charlton - ST - 22 - Port Affley United - 1.72
Charlton is a very quick on his feet and was hailed as one of the best athletes in the FPL before a career-threatening injury. At the age of 16, he was signed by Ebbtoll Fury (Season 1 champions, then known as Ebbtoll Sharks) and was immediately selected to the senior team. He was a star for the u-18 Filopines team and was on the cusp of the senior national team. However, at the age of 19, after scoring 13 goals after 12 games in FPL Season One, he injured his right ACL and missed the rest of the season and Season 2 and the first part of Season 3. That was his first ever sporting injury in his life. He was released by Ebbtoll and the end of Season 3 and was signed by Port Affley United for Season 4. He played every game bar one in Season 4 and was the club's highest goalscorer with 10. They only were 2 points away from qualifying in the Globe Cup. He is improving and his current coach says that he is about 2-3 season off reaching his potential before the injury. He can also play RW and LW. He has not played for the national team yet."

by **Osarius** » Wed May 15, 2013 2:03 am

Osarian Clubs Release Foreign Players

With the Osarian League of Association Football about to enter it's fourth season, big news has come out of the latest league meeting. The league council -- made up of representatives from each of the clubs in the Golden League, and three Osarian Football Association board members -- voted overwhelmingly in favour of the cancellation of all contracts in the league held by foreign players. The failure of the proposal to get a unanimous vote means the rule cannot be enforced in practice, though all but two clubs in the league have agreed to terminate the contracts of all overseas players signed prior to the start of season three, when new regulations regarding club medical records were introduced.

The proposal was put forward by former heavyweight boxing champion, and shareholder at FC Barciddia, Olufemi Kone. Kone believes that the mysterious events within Osarius over the past three years -- including the two year period in which no discernible signs of growth could be seen, and no children were born -- have had a positive effect on the quality of players in the nation, but is wary of the reasons. The potential scope for international sanctions regarding player enhancements has many clubs afraid of a backlash, and willing to give in to the request. The reasoning is that there are no Osarian players in the league who trained abroad, so clubs should possess a full medical history of every Osarian player in the league. Foreign players' medical records are not so easily accounted for, nor are they guaranteed to be as strictly regulated.

Two clubs which chose not to follow through on the deal are Hastmead Diamante and Shanak FC. Hastmead's reasoning is that their medical facilities are already highly regulated by the OFA in response to allegations made in season two about genetic engineering. Hastmead's location, near to the Carbos Mountains, makes many Osarians wary of any success they have of late, given their proximity to the Kryosi border. As a result, the OFA could find no reasonable grounds to request the Fourgians release any of the players making up their foreign contingent. Shanak's decision has been attributed to their foreign ownership, who have invested heavily in players from emerging football nations. Their representative on the league council stressed that the club were not willing to effectively throw away that kind of investment on "what is effectively a hunch".

This move will not dramatically impact the league's composition, it is believed, as over 90% of OLAF players are of either Osarian or "overseas" -- i.e. born in Kryosis, Aquillian, Callistea or Eristicea -- nationality. Utica United have also managed to circumvent the agreement by providing full medical histories for their highly rated Vegai duo, who were both signed at very young ages by the Tubrissian club. As a result, there are very few notable names whose contracts have been terminated as a result of the agreement. Most notably, Trothwands' Thatian striker Marko Voloski, and Callisto's Polarian goalkeeper Max Poulsen are believed to have been give the all-clear to leave their clubs. The majority of the other, more recognizable names seem to have opted to retire.

In addition, a large number of Osarian and Aquilliano players have also been released. Most of these are players who would normally be considered at retirement age, but have been able to extend their playing career due to the effect of the mysterious nationwide event that triggered three years ago. Some clubs are also releasing some young players, too, out of concerns over anomalies in their medical records over the past three years.

by **Osarius** » Wed May 15, 2013 2:16 pm

Shanak FC on brink of administration

Dynapolitan club Shanak FC, who are still reeling from their second relegation in as many seasons, are said to be less than a week away from being put into administration. The club, which has massive influence in Qubadili and Kronkow via its community programs, has been reeling for some years. After being bought out by Giorgio Scalone, Shanak were propelled into the top flight on the back of the wealthy businessman's financial backing. However, not long after the Osarian League of Association Football merged with LigAnaia, under the COCANEFA umbrella, and Shanak won the national cup, things started to go wrong. Shanak fell woefully short of challenging for a place in UICA competition, and Scalone pulled back, reeling in spending. Over the past few years, drastic cuts have been made, with the club being forced to sell its best players -- including academy graduate Aaliyah Johnson; who went for a seemingly paltry 10m just last summer -- just to stay afloat.

Even the manager, Ikenna Enyeama, formerly a local hero for leading the club to the top flight, as been under fire. But the club allegedly could not afford to sack him. Enyeama himself refused to quit, "if not me, then who will lead this team?" even as the losses piled up. A consortium led by Osarian boxing legend and former Shanak FC shareholder Olufemi Kone had a buy-out attempt fail last week, apparently due to their valuation not matching up with the brokers in charge of the sale. "I have done all I can. We could not meet their valuation, it is just too high for this club." Lamented Kone, whose influence on the board in the past drove many of the club's community initiatives, particularly among the Ohafia community -- of which he is often referred to as their "greatest son". Kone would also allege that another deal to sell to an overseas consortium which also fell through last month. "I had heard there was a deal to sell last month, but it fell through for whatever reason. It would not surprise me to hear that the owner is trying to squeeze more money out of this club. But he has to accept a fair price. Otherwise I am wondering if the he truly wishes to sell."

Fans have demonstrated in numbers, parading "Scalone Out" placards, and chanting obscene songs about the club's foreign owner. There are rumbles that the Free Nation of Cobrio may have interests in the club, also. Several high-ranking members of the separatist movement were seen at the latest fan rally last week, prompting concerns among many investor groups. "Militant groups like the FNC, who understandably have close ties to the community surrounding the club, because of the high number of Biafrai, Koromanti and Kalanigo peoples in particular, attract strongly negative public opinion," explained Shin'ichi Togashi, of Kyobe-based Satsumoto-Togashi Financial Undertakings. "This, perhaps understandably, puts off a lot of potential investors. It's a big risk for an investor in many ways, because public opinion is important. We believe that this does not necessarily constitute a problem for Shanak Football Club, due to the club's status among the local community, but not everyone agrees." Togashi went on to add, however, that there is still interest. "We're still trying, but it's not clear we can make a deal before the deadline set by [the Crown Department for Revenue]. We're trying to negotiate the deal."

As things stand, Enyeama's contract is due to expire, but the club have no agreement with a kit supplier and their status with LigAnaia is in limbo. "We cannot confirm at this time whether Shanak Football Club will be competing in LigAnaia R49 next season," a club spokesman said. "We are still awaiting a ruling on the club's accounts, and are prepared to appeal any decision to exclude us from LigAnaia competition."

* * * * *

Voltage Sports complete Shanak buyout

Armeian organisation Voltage Sports have completed a buyout of Shanak FC, saving the Dynapolitan club from administration and expulsion from LigAnaia R49. The purchase fee is unconfirmed, but believed to be in the region of fifty million dollars, including all club assets, such as the club's home stadium.

The move sees the club become part of a multi-sport, multinational group with sound management principles as evidenced by successes in other locations already. Ikenna Enyeama has been released from his contract, but stated "I'm glad the club has had someone come in, the fans deserve better and I regret that I could not bring them the rewards they deserve."

Rumours are swirling that the new ownership might install Jakob Willems, though he has also been linked to jobs in the Imperial League in his home nation. Bookmakers slashed odds last night on the up-and-coming Mara Fuller taking charge at Shanak, though no official announcements have been made.

by **Osarius** » Wed Sep 07, 2016 7:22 am

OFA Pro Golden League Season 1 Preview

The restructuring of the Osarian league has been met with some complaint from the OLAF (Osarian League of Association Football) teams who did not participate in LigAnaia competition, but the OFA has effectively steamrolled their opinion in a manner which all-but-outright states the superiority of the Osarian representatives in the multinational league. Multiple champions of LigAnaia, Hastmead Diamante, are heavy favourites to claim the inaugural OFA Pro League championship, but there is a cluster of five or six teams who could win the highest tier of Osarian football. Trothwands and Firewood have long been established as title contenders, while Utica United have shown progress in recent years, and the Dynapolitan duo of Real Jraxville and Shanak are both looking notably stronger than they have historically.

Speaking of Dynapolis, the reintroduction of the historic Dynapolis United to the Osarian league has been a long time coming. The club made great strides in the past decade, rebuilding and going on to enter the Multiverse Football League, and win promotion to the Premier League, before the organisation seemingly collapsed. After being gutted yet again for talent, the Dragons have awoken once more, and were controversially awarded a berth in the re-established Golden League (which has, incidentally, been expanded to eighteen teams). Another new addition to the Osarian league system is Cartagena Desert Foxes, who previously participated in the Heartland Soccer Union, achieving great success. The club has never competed in an OFA sanctioned league until now, and several clubs opposed their insertion to the top division. To placate challenges, the OFA arranged a series of playoffs between Cartagena, Dynapolis and the most worthy OLAF teams -- based on results over the past three years -- which the Desert Foxes and Dragons both comprehensively won.

That all said, while Dynapolis appear to have enough in the team to finish comfortably mid-table, it looks like it will be a rough season for the Desert Foxes, who are almost certain to end up in a relegation scrap. The Tubrissian newcomers will likely find themselves playing out proverbial six-pointers with Barciddia, Rapid Hearthlands and Muirford Athletic at the wrong end of the table. The once powerhouse club, Burningham City, look doomed to drop before the season starts, ranking below three second tier clubs in the OFA's coefficient ranking list. This leaves two more from the aforementioned list likely to drop into the Aurumia League next year, and it will be a tough battle down there. Possibly even more fiercely contested than the title race.

The title race looks like it's Hastmead's to lose, though Firewood and Evo might push them. Utica, Jraxville and Shanak could, with some luck, but the gap is squad depth seems too big. Realistically speaking, the only team in the league with enough quality across the entire squad to match the reigning national champions is Trothwands, while Firewood's unpredictable and explosive attack -- especially considering the depth they possess in the front four positions -- could make up for perceived defensive frailties. Stranger things have happened though. Jraxville have won the national title recently, and anyone old enough to remember the title battles of the late 2100s will know how a new contender can come from seemingly nowhere. That's how Hastmead themselves got to the top, isn't it?

| Hastmead Diamante |
The Diamonds

Location: Carbonia, Hastmead, Fourge
Stadium: Black Patch Park (cap. 37,000)

Sponsor: Ikonik (Telecommunications)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Ken Rickwright (APX)
Captain: Elaine Ashdown (NPH)
Star players: Esteban Crespo, ST (OSR); Ryan Watson, RW (OSR)
Ones to watch: Artemis Montanari, CM (ESH); Evelyn McIntosh, CM (OSR)

Key transfers:
OUT - Andrea Cawdor, 9m to Real Jraxville (OSR); Nicola Costello, 5m to Starling (NPH); India Turner, 6.5m to Shanak FC (OSR)
IN - Artemis Montanari, 5m from Tëlenoir (ESH); Troy Quinn, 3m from Real Jraxville (OSR); Evelyn McIntosh, from Academy; Isaac Saunders, from Academy

Starting XI: [4-3-3] Munro; Simpson, Constantini, Robertson, Djair; Gentile, Ashdown, Rene; M'Bia, Crespo, Watson

Summary:
Defensively, the Diamonds look solid, with Djair Claro-Hunt embracing a role on his weaker side, and facilitating the departure of India Turner. Constantini's partnership with Robertson remains formidable, if lacking pace, but their anticipation is good enough that they rarely need it. The promotion of Sebastian Johnson to the first team provides that missing pace when required, though questions will be (rightly) asked over whether the teenager is ready to face elite talents. Daniele Gentile's rapid strides forward have directly led to the departure of World Cup winning former Hastmead captain Nicola Costello, and with two more talented young midfielders (McIntosh and Montanari) breaking into the squad, there doesn't appear to be much cause for concern in the engine room, even if the phenomenally talented Elaine Ashdown begins to falter. In attack, Hastmead look frankly unstoppable. The pace of Watson and M'Bia (who can easily be replaced by the also pacy Will Simpson if necessary) will terrorise fullbacks and create countless chances for whichever of Crespo or Claro-Hunt is leading the line. If there is a weak point, it's Rosie Munro's gradually dulling reflexes. With Stephane Claro-Hunt not quite ready for top flight football, Rickwright thought ahead and brought in Troy Quinn as a backup, sending the younger of the Hastmead-based Claro-Hunt brood out on loan to get senior game time.

Prediction: 1st
Despite losing some big names -- literally three World Cup winners -- it's hard to look past the Diamonds to repeat their success this season. They have international class talent in every position, and one of the best managers in world football. Ken Rickwright didn't have the most pleasant of starts in Carbonia, but he's certainly living up to the hype. Even injury doesn't seem likely to cause problems for Hastmead this year; a critical injury to Ryan Watson could be an issue, as there is no other right winger in the squad, but Rene Claro-Hunt has shown some proficiency in that role and would likely fill in. Competing on multiple fronts might slow them a little, but even Hastmead's backups are good enough to start for mid-table Golden League sides, a Globe Cup berth at minimum is expected, and the gaffer could cop it if somehow his team falls short of that target.

| Firewood City |
The Fire, Il Fuoco

Location: Firewood, Cocento, Fourge
Stadium: The Cauldron (cap. 54,000)

Sponsor: Metis plc (Finance)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: D'Antoni Williams (OSR)
Captain: Emilio Tapia (OSR)

Star players: Lloyd Allen, AM (OSR); Emilio Tapia, CM (OSR)
Ones to watch: George Dawson, LB (OSR); Roller "Rebel" Deck, CB (NSI)

Key transfers:
OUT - Scout Given, 4m to Northern Union (BRE); Akio Sweet, 4m to Myana (CMT)
IN - George Dawson, from Academy

Starting XI [4-1-4-1] Iron Lung; Dawson, Kruse, Rebel, Ljungman; Tapia; Saint Etienne, Allen, Ol' Baby Ash, Mukondo; Carbone

Summary:
Probably the most unorthodox team in the league, no doubt due to the abundance of former street-footballers in the squad, Firewood City have regained that aura of danger they possessed in the past. With a set of players capable of hurting a team in countless ways, and no way to accurately predict which one they will use, teams once again enter matches with the Fourgian giants with more than a little trepidation. Williams has done well to form a coherent system of any sort which can utilise the unique talents of as many as possible of the talented Sunrisians he has at his disposal, but the team are still recklessly offensive. Daniel Kruse lends a sort of stability in the defensive phase, but the Nepharim is sadly not superhuman. Key for Firewood this season will be whether they can keep the score low, otherwise expect to see a lot of shootouts, with that strange 4-man attacking block in midfield -- covered entirely by the tireless running of Emilio Tapia behind them -- often changing shape and form to craft the most dangerous attacking movements possible. Prince will likely feature heavily from the bench, as will Genius and Lucky under the correct circumstances, given the trio's ability to manifest the unexpected... but in a prolonged league campaign, a manager needs consistency. It's not clear that is a trait this set of players possesses.

Prediction: 3rd, with a solid cup run
With so many potential playmakers and game-changers in the team, it's difficult to rule out Firewood as a threat to win trophies. A few of those guys just need to show up on a few days, really. But for the league? It doesn't seem likely they can keep the opposition out enough to really challenge Hastmead at the top of the table -- especially not since they offloaded two of their most consistent and experienced defenders. The squad is still young, though, and if they continue to develop at the rate they have, Williams could well return Osarius' most successful club of all-time to the top of the pile. We just don't think it's gonna happen this year.

| Utica United |
La Naranja, Los Osos

Location: Utica, Zaryta, Tubriss
Stadium: The Ursinopolis (cap. 59,000)

Sponsor: E-Lete (Sportswear)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Vittore Zavaglia (OSR)
Captain: Jorge Santana (OSR)

Star players: Alan Drummond, AM (OSR); Ashley Saunders, ST (OSR)
Ones to watch: Carroll Liam, CM (CMT); Nelson Mavuanga, GK (SEM)

Key transfers:
OUT - Jason Goulding, 7m to Cassandra City (COS); Blaise N'Zonzi, 8m
IN - Carroll Liam, 7.5m from Anomalies (CMT); Laura O'Sullivan, 7.5m from AFC Hollybrent (OSR); Andreas Hale, from Academy

Starting XI [4-3-3] Mavuanga; Virgili, Santana, Boateng, Hikari; Munoz, Grana, Drummond; O'Sullivan, Saunders, del Olmo

Summary:
The continuation of Utica's age policy sees the departure of immensely popular goalkeeper Blaise N'Zonzi, and there will be a lot of expectation on his understudy, Nelson Mavuanga to step up and fill that void. The acquisition of Laura O'Sullivan is arguably an upgrade on the outgoing Goulding, while Carroll Liam joins a very talented group of young midfielders, perhaps hinting at Zavaglia's long-term aims for the team. The depth of talent in midfield will allow Utica to rotate frequently, while maintaining an energetic press throughout the season, easing the pressure on an admittedly fragile defensive line -- Jorge Santana's acrimonious dropping from the Osarius side is a strong indicator of the state of Utica's defense, one suspects. The width provided from the wingers and fullbacks alike -- Zavaglia prefers his fullbacks to overlap -- will be more than enough fuel for the athletically imposing Saunders in the middle. And if teams try to shut down the flanks, they will, by necessity, leave space for the lethal passing of Alan Drummond. Much like Firewood, Utica will likely be employing the maxim of "offense as defense" and aiming to press high more often than not and keep opponents pinned back. There are a few teams more than capable of soaking up such pressure, though.

Prediction: 4th
Against the better squads of Hastmead and Trothwands, it's hard to see Utica emerging victorious. With Firewood, it's a toss up, but the Fourgians have more game-changers in their squad. Beyond that, Utica look strong and hard to beat. A lack of depth in every area besides midfield is a major concern, though, and means the Tubrissian side will be relying on key players remaining healthy.

| Trothwands Evolution |
Evo

Location: Trothwands, Incanto, Fourge
Stadium: Trothwands Terrordome (cap. 67,000)

Sponsor: Ansuro (Telecommunications)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Jonathan Herd (OSR)
Captain: Antonio Zapata (OSR)

Star players: Darik Samuels, LW (OSR); Theodora Covenant, CF (NPH)
Ones to watch: Peter Cole, CB (OSR); Malachi Linwood, AM (AQL)

Key transfers:
OUT - Greg Reid, Free to North Hall (BRE); Octavius Ioda, 6.5m to AFC Hollybrent (OSR)
IN - Aleksandra Skorupska, 10m from Northern Union (BRE); Malachi Linwood, 4.5m from Cartagena Desert Foxes (OSR)

Starting XI [4-3-3] Hart; Moreira, Monteforte, Cole, Rizzi; Zapata, Skorupska, Adebayo; Samuels, Covenant, Tarkanian

Summary:
Herd has stacked his midfield in Trothwands, with almost all the squad's depth being in midfield roles. Captain Zapata is one of six international standard midfielders in the Evo squad, and is a quietly effective leader -- as evidenced by Osarius head coach Serenity Lewis giving him a leadership role in the national team -- who one suspects can more than make up for the departure of long-time team captain Greg Reid. The addition of Aleksandra Skorupska should add even more dynamism to an already lively bunch, creating more problems for opponents. On the attack, Evo boast two world class talents in Samuels and Covenant, though some have expressed concerns that the front three are a little "lightweight". With Ioda now gone, there is no real Plan B for physical defences, which could be a problem at times.

Prediction: 2nd, with a cup win
As formidable as Evo look, their lack of depth in critical areas -- most notably the lack of a second senior 'keeper or viable alternative option up front; McLaren is far too much like Covenant -- means it's difficult to see them overcome a frankly monstrous Hastmead side in the league this year. If both teams stay healthy, there's little between them... but Osarian football is physical, and Evo will be fighting on multiple fronts. That said, with this being Herd's last season in football, you suspect the "Master of Cups" will bring home some silverware yet again.

| Real Jraxville |
The Millionaires

Location: Jraxville, Shanak, Dynapolis
Stadium: JNV Arena (cap. 42,000)

Sponsor: Parallax (Technology)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Rouzel Donovan (AQL)
Captain: Samantha Pearce (OSR)

Star players: Quinn Doherty, ST (OSR); Andrea Cawdor, LW (NPH)
Ones to watch: Hope Thomas, RW (AQL); Dylan Wood, DM (OSR)

Key transfers:
OUT - Troy Quinn, 3m to Hastmead Diamante (OSR)
IN - Andrea Cawdor, 9m from Hastmead Diamante (OSR); Louisa Cormier and Sean Kane, both from Academy

Starting XI [4-3-3] Black; Sketch, Sandoval, Kavanagh, Nikkel; Wood, Pearce, Okore; Cawdor, Doherty, Thomas

Summary:
Real seem to have taken steps back in recent years, but that would be a harsh appraisal. In reality, the mega-rich club have had to scale back expenditure to try and conform to OFA financial regulations, meaning their progess has slowed. Conversely, their league rivals possess far greater revenue streams, allowing them to continue spending at the same rate. The acquisition of Hope Thomas was a great move, as is the pickup of Andrea Cawdor, but there are still legitimate concerns over the team's defensive solidity. Samantha Pearce is a fantastic playmaker, but requires defensive support to truly be effective. Against several teams this season, you can see the Jraxville midfield struggling.

Prediction: 6th
Rouzel Donovan stunned the league when leading Real Jraxville to a second-placed finish in LigAnaia, and with it the Osarian national championship... but his side have stuttered since. Notably, the team lacks depth and relies heavily on a few key players to function effectively. Outside of Quinn Doherty, the team lacks a notable goalscorer for example. The signing of Andrea Cawdor will help bolster the team's firepower, but you question whether the Nepharim winger's quality will be enough to elevate Real to the level of Evo or Hastmead.

| Shanak FC |
The Eagles

Location: Kronkow, Shanak, Dynapolis
Stadium: Voltage Sports Stadium (cap. 24,800)

Sponsor: ONE Service
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Mara Fuller (ANG)
Captain: Jeffrey Hayes (OSR)

Star players: Chukwu Igbeze, GK (OSR); Chinedu Okereke, CB (OSR)
Ones to watch: Serena Olympia, LW (CLS); Rosetta Vozzo, CB (OSR)

Key transfers:
OUT - Casim Maxwell, Free to Armstrong (NPH)
IN - India Turner, 6.5 from Hastmead Diamante (OSR); Sasha Radlinger, 5m from Southfell United (NPH)

Starting XI [4-2-3-1] Igbeze; Sander, Okereke, Vozzo, Turner; Hayes, Radlinger; Olympia, Albridge, Callis; Switzer

Summary:
The investment of Voltage Sports has well and truly rescued Shanak, following their disastrous decline a few years ago. The Dynapolitan club were on the brink of administration before the Armeian group came in, buying out absentee owner Giorgio Scalone. The changes implemented by the new ownership are really starting to reap dividends lately, as the academy is starting to again produce talent. Young, but ambitious manager Mara Fuller has been a revelation following her controversial appointment at Shanak. By retaining the majority of their core squad, and complementing them with experienced players like Radlinger and Turner, Shanak are gradually closing the gap on the elite teams.

Prediction: 5th
For all the improvements made in recent years, Shanak still seem a few steps behind the elite Osarian teams. There is no reason they can't emulate the success of Rouzel Donovan's Real Jraxville a couple years ago -- when they were crowned Osarian champions, finishing runners up in LigAnaia East -- but it doesn't seem likely. That said, they are clearly a level above the majority of Golden League teams, and a place in UICA competition next season seems likely.

| Iton Valley FC |
The Oilers

Location: Al-Biyyan, Iton Valley, Applegrass
Stadium: Ocean Towers (cap. 21,450)

Sponsor: E-Lete (Sportswear)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Li Tien (OSR)
Captain: Eula Lusito (OSR)

Star players: Felipa Palacios, RW (AQL); Mario Vollero, LW (OSR)
Ones to watch: Alberto Messieri, CM (OSR)

Key transfers:
OUT - None
IN - Julian Collingwood, 3.5m from Hastmead Diamante (OSR)

Starting XI [4-3-3] Marquez; Collingwood, McLeod, Mbodj, O'Sullivan; Puente, Lusito, Messieri; Vollero, Emenanjo, Palacios

Summary:
Li Tien is, tactically, one of the best managers in Osarius... but he is working with a limited group here. The squad is aging, and the club lack the funds to replace them with promising talents. The youth academy isn't really producing, either. If progress isn't made this season, it's hard to see Tien sticking around -- he's not a young man anymore. If Iton Valley have a strength, though, it's their well organised defensive shape and highly physical front three. Former Dynapolis forward Emenanjo is a monstrous physical specimen even at thirty-one, and if the team can create enough chances for him, he will get the goals they need to edge tight games. Palacios and Vollero are both rapid, and contribute well in the defensive phase, where Kryosi enforcer Alvaro Puente absolutely dominates.

Prediction: 10th
Harsh perhaps, but Iton Valley look doomed to be lost to mid-table obscurity in the new-look Golden League. There are too many teams with a better starting eleven, let alone bench, for this fading group to realistically challenge for trophies or even a place in UICA competition. Unless something remarkable happens this season -- likely the work of young midfielder Alberto Messieri -- or the club's ownership pump serious money into the team, expect to see Tien call it a day next summer.

| Grasshoppers Turic |
The Swarm

Location: Turic, Durjanaga, Ikuturso
Stadium: Turic Thunderdome (cap. 46,000)

Sponsor: Pantera (Automobiles)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Mathieu Melia (OSR)
Captain: Ragge Bielvenstramm (POL)

Star players: Rachel Dillon, FB (OSR); Bonifacio Muscolino, CB (OSR)
Ones to watch: Andrew Ford, AM (OSR); Emily Henderson, GK (OSR)

Key transfers:
OUT - Karoliina Lahtinen, Free to Marque (BRE)
IN - Andrew Ford, Emily Henderson, Luke McBride and Clarence Moss, all from Academy

Starting XI [4-4-2 Diamond] Mata; Franco, Muscolino, Ferri, Dillon; Bielvenstramm, Salcedo, Thirtyninth, Ford; Vallejo, Pettersen

Summary:
Turic's traditional strength lies in their solid, well-drilled defense. This has not been so reliable in recent years, and the club has struggled to keep up with teams around them. Mathieu Melia's appointment has helped with bringing through academy graduates -- the former Cymrwell manager is well-known for his work with young players -- but there is a distinct feeling that this is just enough to stay at the same level. A heavy reliance on the fullbacks for width in the diamond formation only weakens the defensive solidity of the team, too. But with limited funds, what more can they do?

Prediction: 9th
It's not a bad squad Melia has. It's just not really that good either. They're solid enough to hold off most of the bottom half sides, and maybe a couple of top half sides... Petterson is a threat with his physical approach, and captain Ragge Bielvenstramm is a superb organiser, with tons of experience, who should keep the younger heads calm. If Turic can hold on and keep bringing through talented kids from the academy, they could perhaps revive themselves given enough time. But the reality is that this is far too much to ask right now.

| Dynapolis United |
The Dragons

Location: City of Dynapolis, Draconium, Dynapolis
Stadium: The Dragonpit (cap. 53,000)

Sponsor: Metis plc
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Negus Donovan (AQL)
Captain: Olabode Ajayi (OSR)

Star players: Bellsirien Ormin, AM (VAL); Duane Barnes, CM (OSR)
Ones to watch: Rodney O'Connor, FB (AQL); Kemar Fofana, WG (CBR)

Key transfers:
OUT - None
IN - Bellsirien Ormin, 10m from Raynor City United; Brooke Searle, 3m from Firewood City; Gianluca Bottego, Free from Firewood City; Chikelu Emeagwali, Rachel Coyle and Rodney O'Connor, all from Academy

Starting XI [3-3-1-3] Bottego; Velasquez, Williamson, O'Connor; Ajayi, Searle, D. Barnes; Ormin; Fofana, Ashimolowo, Findlay

Summary:
You'd be forgiven for thinking Negus Donovan's decision to accept the Dynapolis job might have had something to do with his brother's presence "down the road" at Jraxville... but you'd also be overlooking the cultural reasons. Negus Donovan, the Aquillian-born son of Dynapolitan exiles, actually has close ties with the local cultures. He has even openly supported the decision of talented winger Kemar Fofana to shun his birth nation and declare for the separatist state of Cobrio -- whose disputed territory is not far from Dynapolis at all, incidentally. The acquisition of elven playmaker Bellsirien Ormin will significantly bolster a Dynapolis attack dramatically weakened by the departures of several key players (such as Kayode Afolayan and Anthony King) in recent years, but it's worth noting that the dragons still lack a reliable goal threat up front. Donovan will be well aware of this, and perhaps has opted to enforce the doctrine of Futbol Aquilliano (with a twist, it seems, in the absence of true wingbacks) to mitigate the problem, by introducing more attacking threats. It remains to be seen if the system can truly succeed in Osarian football. In off-the-field matters, club owners and primary sponsors Metis plc -- who also have a sizeable share in league rivals Firewood City -- have been forced to listen to offers for Dynapolis United ahead of the season, to comply with league ownership rules. It remains to be seen how this will affect the company's relationship with the club, but one way or another, Dyanpolis will have new executive ownership by the winter break.

Prediction: 7th
As mentioned already, Futbol Aquilliano is a bit of a gamble in Osarian football... but it has had mixed successes in the past. Notably, it has never been implemented with quality wingers and a playmaker on the level of Ormin. Donovan is no fool, dominating the League of Aquillian for a decade, and then leading the Aquillian national team to some very respectable results in his relatively brief time in charge. His main problem is likely to be the lack of true wingbacks, though the midfielders he is using in their place are more than competent. A push for a UICA berth is a reasonable expectation, but ultimately, regional rivals Shanak and Jraxville should win out by virtue of having more depth of quality in their sides.

| Kyoshiku Island |
The Islanders

Location: Kyobe, Kyoshiku, Ikuturso
Stadium: Kyoshiku Stadium (cap. 34,000)

Sponsor: Vulkanica (Energy)
Kit maker: Umas

Manager: Lo'me Kamaku'wi (OSR)
Captain: Nu'ti Kilabi'wa (OSR)

Star players: Mi'va Hakaki'vi, DM (OSR); Scott Bryant, RW (OSR)
Ones to watch: Maro Futomito, CM (OSR); Sean Connors, FB (OSR)

Key transfers:
OUT - None
IN - Faustino Baroni, 2m from Goodfeather FC (NPH); Darren Tran, 3m from Alexandria United (ESH); Julien Moody, 4m from Trojana Condommakers (QUE)

Starting XI [5-1-3-1] Murila'ko; Sumiko'ro, Tran, Kilabi'wa, Moody, Vanotofu; Hakaki'vu; M. Patimu'li, Papogono, Bryant; Baroni

Summary:
The Islanders are not usually so defensive, but Kamaku'wi has identified the need to solidify at the back if his team is to survive in the Golden League. Two solid defenders have been brought in to play alongside captain Kilabi'wa at the back, and realistically, provide cover for the marauding sweeper when he pushes forward. The unorthodox tactical system employed by Kyoshiku relies heavily on the athleticism and tactical awareness of Nu'ti Kilabi'wa to create openings for the pacy wingers to get on the end of. The signing of Baroni raised more than a few eyebrows in Osarius, but when considered fully, it makes sense. The big man's physical attributes are excellent for hold-up play, and his unselfish nature will allow him to bring the attacking three behind him into play on attacks. Along with Kilabi'wa, Hakaki'vu is perhaps the key to this team. When Kyoshiku press, he is the lone safety valve in midfield, and will need a lot of support from the fullbacks to avoid being overrun.

Prediction: 12th
Tran and Moody are solid acquisitions that will bolster an otherwise mediocre defence, while Baroni provides options up front -- Kyoshiku can also call on the pace of Hakalu'ma to play off the big man, instead of Papogono's guile. There is still a distinct feeling, though, that the Islanders still don't possess enough of a goal threat. It seems likely that Kamaku'wi is playing it safe, and aims rather to consolidate his team in the top flight, than to press for silverware just yet. To that end, Baroni might just be a stopgap solution to his attacking problems. Keep an eye on them.

| Greeningham City |
The Giants

Location: Greeningham, Aquilone, Applegrass
Stadium: Green Bowl (cap. 51,000)

Sponsor: DynaBet (Gambling)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Rio Fortunado (TYR)
Captain: Luther Bailey (OSR)

Star players: Jefferson Madera, LW (AQL); Carmelo Abrego, ST (OSR)
Ones to watch: Delroy McLean, LW (AQL); Yohan Bryant, RW (AQL)

Key transfers:
OUT - Bonifacio Sanna, 3m to Newrook City (NPH)
IN - Yohan Bryant, 3.5m from Cartagena Desert Foxes (OSR)

Starting XI [4-3-3] Sedillo; Messina, Butler, Botello, Agosto; Bailey, Boston, Alejandro; Madera, Abrego, Crawford

Summary:
Greeningham's reputation for attacking football is well-deserved, and they still have a potent frontline... but in recent times, the club has struggled noticeably to come close to matching their traditional rivals in Firewood overall, let alone the true giants of Osarian football in Hastmead or Trothwands. The heavily Aquilliano attack in Greeningham is one of the most formidable in the league, with Jefferson Madera still a serious threat on the left wing despite his advancing years, Crawford maturing into a dangerous cut-inside winger, and both Bryant and McLean waiting to step up. Carmelo Abrego in the middle is never going to be considered one of the great Osarian forwards, but his intelligent movement is what facilitates the wing attack, and he remains a crucial piece of the system. The problems for manager and former club hero Rio Fortunado lie behind his attackers. Luther Bailey has matured into a fantastic leader in defensive midfield, while Kath Boston's experience is valuable... but there is no depth here. In defence there is a similar story, Tobias Butler is talented, but beyond him, Greeningham don't have much there to protect Sedillo, who, himself, is the only senior 'keeper in the squad. Worrying.

Prediction: 8th
This is a team making strides, and Fortunado is a very competent manager who makes adjustments quickly. The overwhelming strength of their attack should see Greeningham win against at least half of their opposition this season, but in reality we're looking at a flat-track bully team. When it comes to the big boys, a valiant fight is the most we can realistically expect. The Giants might not have the strength to beat the league's Goliaths yet, but they'll give it a good shot.

| Callisto City |
The Prospectors

Location: Callisto, Omorfia, Hearthlands
Stadium: Golden Temple (cap. 32,000)

Sponsor: Northern Automobiles (Automobiles)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Lana Schroeder (OSR)
Captain: Chelsea Byrne (OSR)

Star players: Chelsea Byrne, GK (OSR); Abdoul Mohammed Diallo, LW (DSM)
Ones to watch: Montell Washington, RW (AQL); Evie Price, GK (OSR)

Key transfers:
OUT - Peta-Gaye West, 3m to Chenoworth Harriers (NPH); Ruby Fletcher, Retirement
IN - Evie Price and Montell Washington, both from Academy

Starting XI [4-3-3] Byrne; Prince, Messieri, Stocco, Crescento; Eikenmark, Marquez, Deniauld; Diallo, Gibson, Washington

Summary:
Despite heavy investment from new ownership, and the emergence of some real talents from the youth academy, Callisto have never really managed to replicate the exploits of the "Golden Team" under Donovan MacLean all those years ago, but not for lack of trying. That's not to say the team is weak, or that Lana Schroeder isn't good enough to get them to finals -- because she absolutely is; her work here has not gone unnoticed by the OFA at least -- but there is a feeling that they are waiting for something. There is a long history of players considered mediocre by many coming to the Hearthlands club and excelling (see: Abdoul Mohammed Diallo), but never the whole team. If Schroeder can tap into whatever that missing link is, and get the entire team playing one level above itself, we could finally see a neutral favourite rise out of the doldrums. That's a very big "if", though. The team will persist with a variation of the Osarian 4-3-3, relying heavily on the intelligence of Deniauld and the pace of Diallo and Washington to create goals, while the rest of the team effectively focuses on neutralising the opposition. This deep-lying counter system seems likely to work out fairly well against the majority of the Golden League this season, and is well-suited to knockout competitions... maybe it is time after all.

Prediction: 13th
Normally, when you lose a world-class player like Ruby Fletcher, you struggle to replace them. When you lose an experienced player like Peta-Gaye West, you question where the replacement will come from. Not so much when you're Callisto. The club's academy had already produced a successor to Fletcher in Chelsea Byrne, and the promotion of Montell Washington will mitigate the loss of West. That said, Callisto aren't exactly world-beaters. This is a team that hasn't declined despite their losses, but hasn't really progressed either. They should end this season roughly the same place they start it.

| AFC Hollybrent |
Les Vert-Rouges

Location: Hollybrent, Ponenta, Applegrass
Stadium: Applegrass Arena (cap. 64,000)

Sponsor: E-Lete (Sportswear)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Thomas Greenridge (OSR)
Captain: Inigo Sedillo (OSR)

Star players: James Warwick, RW (OSR); Anthony King, ST (AQL)
Ones to watch: Gustavo Barone, AM (OSR); Clarence Lee, CF (ERS)

Key transfers:
OUT - Laura O'Sullivan, 7.5m to Utica United (OSR); Mohammed Essa, Free to Cartagena Desert Foxes
IN - Franziska Toreador, 6m from Southfell United (NPH); Clarence Lee, 2m fom Santorini City (ERS); Gustavo Barone, Free from Krsthaven (SEM)

Starting XI [4-1-3-2] Pearce; Scott, Sedillo, Gilmore, Beltran; Watkins; Toreador, Barone, L'Attue; Ioda, Warwick

Summary:
Let it not be said that Thomas Greenridge lacks "minerals". This Hollybrent side is not the hollybrent of old. This is not organised and resolute, counter-attacking through a single do-it-all striker. This is a slick attacking team that may have a tendency to throw caution to the wind at times. The front five are dangerous. Very dangerous. James Warwick's intelligence should put him in good position to take advantage of the physicality of Ioda, while the three behind them -- led by former loanee and Osarius youth international Gustavo Barone -- are all out to prove something. Particularly Barone himself, who is certain to have a massive chip on his shoulder after repeated reports that he has "failed to realise his potential". This is all before mentioning cult hero Anthony King, who is always primed to come off the bench and punish tired defences. Hollybrent's defensive strength rests almost entirely on the talents of two players, though. Hollybrent don't appear to have much defensively outside of the emerging Shelly-Ann Pearce in goal, and the excellent Armstrong Watkins in the holding role in midfield; tasked with running interference on any opposition attacks. Greenridge is said to have been under fire after a terrible final season in LigAnaia, so this change of approach might reflect a final roll of the dice for the gaffer.

Prediction: 11th
The thing about having a terrible season in LigAnaia is that... it's a remarkably competitive league. The Golden League will not have anywhere near the same level of strength-in-depth, and so Hollybrent have gone from whipping boys to... well... at least wielding the whip occasionally. That front five is excellent, and they have depth there too, with Aquilliano legend Anthony King and promising Eristicean Clarence Lee waiting to be called upon. Overall it looks like Hollybrent's attackers will be enough to keep them ahead of the relegation battlers, but on the flipside, their defense -- even with the five-star talents of Pearce between the sticks -- will prevent them from challenging the top half.

| Muirford Athletic |
The Warriors

Location: Muirford, Estango, Tubriss
Stadium: Serpent's Coil (cap. 23,000)

Sponsor: OmegaNorth (Telecommunications)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Luann Morin (OSR)
Captain: Duron O'Reilly (OSR)

Star players: Marc Brandt, LW (SEM); Ícaro "Leque Piranha" Dias, AM (WSI)
Ones to watch: Guyton Arnold, CM (AQL), Evander Elliott, CM (CBR)

Key transfers:
OUT - None
IN - None

Starting XI [4-3-3] Marchetti; Perkins, Ramos, Nkrumah, Crawford; Barclay, Paladino, Leque Piranha; Brandt, Pearson, O'Reilly

Summary:
You have to feel for Luann Morin. She's better than this, but her struggles with Muirford are likely to hinder her chances of a job at a club where she can really make the most of her insight. The problem with Muirford is just execution. The team is built in such a way that they require no standout players, superstars... their full embrace of "Suzakudo" means that even with a squad full of players that would otherwise be labelled "average", the Tubrissian club has managed to compete. Lately, though, with more foreigners in the ranks, and less academy-trained players coming through, there is a sense that the club's tactical system is slowly losing ground as new recruits struggle to adapt fully. Don't get it twisted, though. This is a decent team on its day, and should be expected to pick up a few upset wins over the course of the season, possibly a reasonable cup run (quarter finals, maybe)... That's likely to be the extent of their successes this year, though.

Prediction: 16th
On paper, Muirford might actually have the weakest squad in the league. Marc Brandt is literally the only standout player in the team... but, due to the team philosophy and tactical discipline, they don't seem as weak as Burningham. That said, they're not likely to stay up either. The club has traditionally had a brilliant team philosophy and the eleven players they field are always equal to significantly more than the sum of their parts, but it doesn't seem like they can hang this time around.

| Cartagena Desert Foxes |
The Foxes

Location: Cartagena, Periocha, Tubriss
Stadium: Cartagena Field (cap. 32,000)

Sponsor: Codex Games (Technology)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Rafael Osorio (OSR)
Captain: Hector Rocha (OSR)

Star players: Andreas Ricard, CM (AQL); Nathan Henstridge, CM (ERS)
Ones to watch: Zoe Dawson, AM (OSR); Antoine Fisher, CF (OSR)

Key transfers:
OUT - Yohan Bryant, 3.5m to Greeningham City (OSR); Malachi Linwood, 4.5m to Trothwands Evolution
IN - Nathan Henstridge, Free from Utica United; Xavier Pulson, 1.5m from Armory (DUN)

Starting XI [4-3-1-2] Serrano; Saucedo, Iglesias, Saldana, Carrera; Ricard, Rocha, Henstridge; Dawson; Fisher, Essa

Summary:
Losing both Linwood and Bryant this summer was a massive blow to the Desert Foxes, who have had to regroup and find a new offensive strategy to try and get the goals they will need to survive in the Golden League. Key to the new system is the vision and guile of young Zoe Dawson, and the pace of local boy Antoine Fisher -- who is rumoured to be considering an offer to play internationally for Aquillian, his mother's country. The two have a superb understanding, to the point that Dawson's passes seem to be going nowhere at times, until Fisher appears at the end of them. Notably, the team lacks experience overall, and the average age of the Desert Foxes starting line up (ignoring Mohammed Essa, the oldest player in the squad at 30) is just under 24 years old.

Prediction: 15th
Losing two key attackers without really replacing them, in a squad that wasn't exactly deep to begin with is a massive red flag. It will be a tough season for the Tubrissians, but they aren't the worst team in the league... also, regardless of whether they survive -- we suspect they will; just about -- they will have shown massive improvement, one imagines. So, should relegation happen, an immediate return to the top flight wouldn't be beyond reasonable thinking.

| Rapid Hearthlands |
The Riversiders

Location: Neahri, Rennea, Hearthlands
Stadium: White Water Stadium (cap. 29,000)

Sponsor: OmegaNorth (Telecommunications)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Raymond Ariaz (OSR)
Captain: Jasmin Griffiths (OSR)

Star players: Rene Mbala-Bolasie, ST (SEM); Tatiana Colombo, LB (OSR)
Ones to watch: Joel Barnes, CB (OSR); Antonio Cleaver, RW (AQL)

Key transfers:
OUT - None
IN - Joel Barnes, from Academy; Antonio Cleaver, Free from Real Seaga (AQL)

Starting XI [4-3-3] Arroyo; Colombo, Manley, Magnolia, Griffiths; Pirelli, Agostino, Jimenez; Wilkinson, Mbala-Bolasie, Cleaver

Summary:
Raymond Ariaz is well-known for his organisational skills, and making teams difficult to beat. He's been around for a long time, and knows a lot of things one might term "tricks of the trade". There is little doubt he has changed this Rapid Hearthlands side, making them significantly more compact in defense for example. While Ariaz thrives on rigid tactical systems, it's also perhaps his biggest weakness. He is knowledgeable and willing to make changes, but they often come too slowly to fix problems, and with a decidedly one-dimensional attack, this might be an issue. That said, the Semar forward Rene Mbala-Bolasie is a well-rounded striker, and has shown capacity to adapt in his time in Neahri. If he can continue to evolve, things don't look too bad for Rapid.

Prediction: 14th
Under different cicrumstances, we might be tipping Rapid for the drop... but they have an experienced manager and enough experience in the squad that they might just be able to cling to top flight status, if problems are nipped in the bud. Assuming they can keep key players like Mbala-Bolasie healthy, and their promising youngsters can contribute... they should have enough. Just about.

| FC Barciddia |
The Lions

Location: Barciddia, Periocha, Tubriss
Stadium: Kart Hago Koliseum (cap. 36,000)

Sponsor: Agwu Health (Healthcare)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Pablo Sirici (AQL)
Captain: Marianela Reyes (OSR)

Star players: Franco Ando, CM (OSR); Augusto Farias, CF (OSR)
Ones to watch: Kyron Bartley, WG (AQL); Indiana Sanders, RB (OSR)

Key transfers:
OUT - Benedict Sala, Free to Hytheford Palace FC (ACR)
IN - Indiana Sanders, from Academy

Starting XI [4-3-3] Williams; Chacon, Martin, Alonso, Sanders; Reyes, Ando, Vaillante; Bartley, Farias, Bruno

Summary:
While Sirici sends his team out in a 4-3-3, it is anything but Osarian. In fact, it's arguable that it's truly a 4-3-3. The Aquilliano manager -- formerly goalkeeper for the national side, in fact -- is a shrewd tactician, and knows his team doesn't really have a point forward they can rely on. As a result, his system is actually a flexible attack in which there is no fixed centre forward, allowing all six non-defenders to contribute on attacks. More of a 4-6-0, then. Key to this system are the pace of Kyron Bartley, the industry of Bruno, and the intelligence of Vaillante, Reyes and Ando. At times where one or more of those five is unavailable -- which seems inevitable at some point this season -- Barciddia's system will likely revert to a more traditional interpretaton of the 4-3-3, but by that point it might not really matter. The bench is... lacking, to say the least.

Prediction: 17th
While the players are largely very technically gifted, it's hard to see Sirici's side scoring enough goals to stay up. In the past, a player of the calibre of club legend Basilio Mazuel operating as a midfield playmaker would perhaps have been enough, but this squad relies heavily on players who seem to be in decline for the most part, while others have just never been prolific. Kyron Bartley is a fantastic player and will be extremely valuable when it comes to goals, but he can't do it alone. It doesn't look likely that this team has enough to stay up.

| Burningham City |
The Blues

Location: Burningham, Capital, Mount Crown
Stadium: Elishat Stadium (cap. 72,000)

Sponsor: Royal Gold (Electronics)
Kit maker: Corradini

Manager: Satoshi Matsumoto (OSR)
Captain: Eugenio Cardenas (OSR)

Star players: Federico Serra, CM (OSR); Dennis Russell, CB (OSR)
Ones to watch: George Simpson, RCB (OSR); Lamont Dawson, CM (AQL)

Key transfers:
OUT - None
IN - Lamont Dawson, Free from Estudiantes Pachuebla (AQL); Raymone McLean, Free from Academia Real de Deportes (AQL); George Simpson and Simeon Tucker, both from Academy

Starting XI [4-5-1] Cardenas; Moretti, Russell, Fabiano, Simpson; Taylor, Dawson, Alejandro, Serra, Aguilar; Howard

Summary: With the exception of the emerging talents of Simpson and Dawson, the most talented player on this team -- by some margin -- is Federico Serra. The midfielder has struggled for fitness in recent times, and if he is the only spark in an otherwise average team, it doesn't matter how well drilled and prepared Matsumoto gets them... The manager is a former Burningham player himself, and is well aware of the burden of expectation from the fans, but it's hard to see what he can do here. So low is the team's stock, that nobody even tried to sign their better players (or, player, I guess) this summer.

Prediction: 18th
It's weird to say it, but Burningham City, the second most successful club in Osarian football history, are currently the worst team in the Golden League. And it's not even close. The historic giants are going through a really tough time and lack genuine, reliable quality in their current squad. Nothing is impossible, but some things are very, very unlikely. The Blues staying up is one such thing.

by **Osarius** » Thu Sep 08, 2016 7:31 am

Pre-Season:	Globe Cup Second Preliminary Round, First Leg              
(OSR)                 Shanak FC   2-0   Urbanade Dynex            (MHR)
                     Callis 11'
                   Ihenacho 18'
				   
(TMB)          Goldlion Arsenal   1-1   Firewood City             (OSR)
                                        Lawesson 80'

Before the season can "properly" start, Shanak and Firewood have UICA preliminaries to take care of. Shanak welcome Urbanade Dynex from Mahrcain with two quick goals from youngsters Callis and Ihenacho; though neither team looks particularly sharp. Firewood struggle a little in Tumbra, before Prince combines well with long-time partners-in-crime Lucky and Chief to level things, and get a potentially crucial away goal for the Fourgians.

Golden League, Matchday 1                                              
(GL)              Callisto City   4-3   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
                 Washington 13'         Skorupska 4'
                  Crescento 23'         Eikenmark 9' og
                    Marquez 39'         Covenant 43'
              Deniauld 81' pen.
			  
(GL)                Iton Valley   0-0   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)

(GL)             Real Jraxville   1-0   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
                     Cawdor 33'

(GL)                  Shanak FC   3-1   FC Barciddia               (GL)
                      Callis 7'         Bartley 73'
                    Olympia 29'
                  Radlinger 42'
				  
(GL)               Utica United   3-3   Firewood City              (GL)
                   Drummond 14'         Emilio 25'
                       Liam 79'         Carbone 31', 34'
                   del Olmo 86'

(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   0-1   Burningham City            (GL)
                                        Aguilar 47'
										
(GL)          Muirford Athletic   1-0   Dynapolis United           (GL)
                     Brandt 14'
					 
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   0-0   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)

(GL)           Greeningham City   2-5   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
                     McLean 72'         Reiss Claro-Hunt 18', 39', 52'
                     Bryant 84'         Ashdown 44' pen.
                                        Watson 89'

And things get off to a start in the new-look Golden League. One look that isn't new is Greeningham shipping goals. Nor is it new to see Hastmead scoring them. An opening weekend hat-trick for Reiss Claro-Hunt -- while Crespo works his way back to full fitness -- puts Hastmead well in control long before Delroy McLean and Yohan Bryant show why Greeningham might be a real threat later in the season. Shanak continue with the quick starts, racing to a 3-0 lead at half-time over Barciddia, suggesting little "hangover" from their midweek Globe Cup match. Elsewhere, Utica take advantage of a slightly laggy Firewood side and pull back two goals late on to salvage a draw in Tubriss. D'Antoni Williams grinds his teeth furiously.

The long-awaited return of Dynapolis United to the Osarian league ... was almost certainly not the return they had in mind. Negus Donovan's side fall 1-0 away at Muirford, but the Aquilliano gaffer doesn't seem concerned post-match; "Dem ah learn still. Wi nuh worry yet, di season ah long ting."

Trothwands' start is less than ideal, too. In the knowledge that their now legendary manager Jonathan Herd is retiring at the end of the season, the Fourgian side look intense as they race to a two-goal lead over Callisto within ten minutes thanks to Skorupska's 25-yard strike and Darik Samuels' cross shot taking a deflection and wrong-footing Chelsea Byrne. Something went distastrously wrong, though. On thirteen minutes, Montell Washington scored a delightful lob, and ten minutes later, a speculative effort from Dante Crescento levelled the scores. Marquez would then put Callisto ahead with a howitzer. Just before the stroke of half-time, Covenant bamboozled Byrne to level scores again, but Trothwands looked shaken. When Alberto Monteforte scythed down Diallo with less than minutes to go, Frank Deniauld stepped up to convert the penalty for the win.

Globe Cup Second Preliminary Round, Second Leg                         
(MHR)            Urbanade Dynex   0-1   Shanak FC                 (OSR)
                                        Switzer 58'

Shanak FC advance 3-0 on aggregate

(OSR)             Firewood City   0-2   Goldlion Arsenal          (TMB)

Firewood City are eliminated 1-3 on aggregate

Dynex push Shanak for almost an hour, until Erik Switzer's away goal effectively put the tie beyond their reach, leaving Mara Fuller's side to almost lazily pass the ball around for the remainder. In Firewood, D'Antoni Williams sees his team evenly matched for a half, before the opposition bring out the big guns and score a quickfire double to put the result basically out of reach. Even the late addition of his own "big guns" can do nothing to change the result, unfortunately, much to the dismay of the fans at The Cauldron.

Golden League, Matchday 2                                              
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   3-3   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
         Covenant 29', 82' pen.         Ruel 23'
                      Dvulu 72'         Gentile 47'
                                        Simpson 66'
					  
(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   4-3   Greeningham City           (GL)
               Warwick 11', 57'         Madera 23', 39'
                       Ioda 45'         Abrego 61'
                   Toreador 79'

(GL)           Dynapolis United   0-0   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)

(GL)            Burningham City   2-1   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
                      Serra 41'         O'Reilly 74'
                     Howard 65'

(GL)              Firewood City   6-1   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
               Mukondo 11', 67'         Papogono 32'
              Saint Etienne 28'
               Carbone 41', 55'
                   Lawesson 83'

(GL)               FC Barciddia   4-3   Utica United               (GL)
               Bartley 20', 79'         Saunders 11', 44'
                       Ando 38'         Munoz 63'
                     Farias 51'

(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   3-1   Shanak FC                  (GL)
                  Pettersen 38'         Albridge 61'
                Thirtyninth 55'
                       Ford 78'

(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   0-1   Real Jraxville             (GL)
                                        Doherty 19'

(GL)              Callisto City   0-2   Iton Valley                (GL)
                                        Palacios 43'
                                        Vollero 52'

Two rivalry clashes in a row for Hastmead. This one's result will be distinctly less pleasing, after Evo win a contentious penalty late on to snatch a point. Hastmead looked likely to return to Carbonia with all three points until Dvulu scored a brilliant free kick on seventy-two minutes. Ten minutes later, Alisa Robertson was adjudged to have fouled Covenant in the box, a penalty was awarded, and the scores were level. Hastmead boss Ken Rickwright was loathe to criticise the referee, but hinted that he was displeased with the decision; "you see them given, so I can't really complain about it, but it's bitterly disappointing." The Apoxian said, about as diplomatically as can be expected.

Firewood City, meanwhile, were absolutely slaughtering Kyoshiku Island in The Cauldron, perhaps making up for their poor showing against Goldlion Arsenal... D'Antoni Williams has a plethora of attacking talent at his disposal, and with Kyoshiku struggling to create chances, he let them run riot. Four different scorers for il Fuoco -- fuelled by a stellar four-assist game from Lloyd Allen -- and serious questions asked over the quality of Kyoshiku's recently signed centre backs Moody and Tran (or lack thereof). Lo'me Kamaku'wi insists the two young defenders just "need a little more time to adjust" to the physicality of the Osarian league.

Greeningham's leaky defence continues to ship goals at an alarming rate, as they fall to Hollybrent. This time, the fans make it clear who they blame, jeering Silvio Sedillo at full-time, after the goalkeeper's double error effectively cost the Giants the game. Shanak's UICA exploits might be finally catching up to them, as they are convincingly beaten by a Turic side whose main attacking threat is a fresh-out-of-school teenager. Mara Fuller is gracious in defeat, though, praising Andrew Ford's performance; "I'm surprised he's not had a call up for the national team at any level yet. He's definitely got the talent, he was unplayable today." Another seven goal thriller in Tubriss sees Barciddia stun Utica, with Aquillian-born Osarius winger Kyron Bartley underlining his ability with a brace.

Champions' Cup Third Preliminary Round, First Leg                      
(TLF)             Septentrional   2-2   Hastmead Diamante        (OSR)
                                        Watson 31', 73'

Globe Cup Third Preliminary Round, First Leg                           
(OSR)              Utica United   1-0   Maubu Arsii              (PAP)
                   Saunders 22'

(OSR)      Trothwands Evolution   3-3   Foxchester Raiders       (STB)
                 Monteforte 31'
                    Adebayo 57'
                    McLaren 84'
					
(KRN)                  Louargat   4-2   Shanak FC                (OSR)
                                        Vozzo 58'
                                        Albridge 72'

Tough ones for Evo and Hastmead, but both pick up draws. Hastmead will be the happier of the two, having picked up two away goals in the process, and facing a second leg at home. Evo, on the other hand, allowed three. They'll need to win in Foxchester now, you'd think. Malachi Linwood impressed against the Starblaydi side, though, laying on the third for Charlotte McLaren.

Utica do a professional job, scoring early and then taking the lion's share of possession to protect the lead. The Tubrissians will now take a one goal lead to Paputu and will surely fancy their chances. Shanak's week goes from bad to worse, as they travel to Kernansquillec and drop a four-two result that all-but eliminates them from the Globe Cup, you feel. Mara Fuller is defiant post-match however, and suggests she will be telling her team to go all out when Louargat come to Kronkow.

Golden League, Matchday 3                                              
(GL)                Iton Valley   1-2   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
                   Emenanjo 69'         Moreira 33'
                                        Covenant 51'

(GL)             Real Jraxville   2-1   Callisto City              (GL)
                     Thomas 21'         Gibson 58'
                      Okore 76'

(GL)                  Shanak FC   3-1   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
                     Okereke 7'         Fisher 42'
                  Radlinger 48'
                    Olympia 76'

(GL)               Utica United   5-2   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
                      Grana 29'         Moss 63'
              Saunders 36', 56'         Ford 78'
                 O'Sullivan 69'
                       Hale 86'

(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   0-0   FC Barciddia               (GL)

(GL)          Muirford Athletic   3-1   Firewood City              (GL)
                    Barclay 59'         Sanman 36'
                       Dias 65'
                    Pearson 88'

(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   1-1   Burningham City            (GL)
              Mbala-Bolasie 53'         Tucker 81'

(GL)           Greeningham City   2-3   Dynapolis United           (GL)
                  Alejandro 39'         Fofana 26'
                     Madera 66'         Ashimolowo 49', 59'

(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   1-1   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
           Reiss Claro-Hunt 14'         Lee 83'

Dynapolis finally get going, outmatching a formidable Greeningham attack in a highly entertaining back-and-forth game. Signs are evident that the team is beginning to embrace Negus Donovan's Futbol Aquilliano-inspired system, as the Dynapolitan gameplan visibly revolves around elven playmaker Bellsirien Ormin, who gave Luther Bailey the run around for large portions of the match. In such a system, teenage midfielder Duane Barnes also shows his worth, coming out on top in his own personal duel with the experienced Kath Boston, laying on the eventual winner for Ashimolowo.

Muirford with a shocker, coming from a goal down to stun title contenders Firewood 3-1. Their well-organised system is enough to keep out the dynamic attack of the Fourgian giants, who have been shown time and time again to be vulnerable on the counter. "It's something we're looking at," says Firewood gaffer Williams, when asked about his team's apparent inability to prevent goals.

Big result of the weekend comes in Utica, where the home side convincingly dismantle a Turic side which continues to show promise. But only promise. A piledriver from Carmen Grana, and a Saunders double put the Tubrissians well in control, as Alan Drummond runs the show from midfield. Late goals from the young duo of Moss and Ford soften the blow for Turic -- before Laura O'Sullivan and Andreas Hale respectively restore Utica's lead. Back to the drawing board for Melia, who is struggling to maintain Turic's reputation for solid defensive football. In Utica, Zavaglia's team is entertaining the locals, and that will be enough. For now.

Champions' Cup Third Preliminary Round, Second Leg                     
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   1-1   Septentrional             (TLF)
                     Crespo 73'

Hastmead Diamante advance on away goals

Globe Cup Third Preliminary Round, Second Leg                          
(PAP)               Maubu Arsii   1-1   Utica United              (OSR)
                                        Torok 13'

Utica United advance 2-1 on aggregate
										
(STB)        Foxchester Raiders   1-3   Trothwands Evolution      (OSR)
                                        Samuels 29', 45+1'
                                        Linwood 65'

Trothwands Evolution advance 6-4 on aggregate

(OSR)                 Shanak FC   1-0   Louargat                  (KRN)
                   Sbangunu 56'

Shanak FC are eliminated 3-4 on aggregate

Hastmead's first leg performance must have made Ken Rickwright happy indeed, as the Carbonia side can only manage a 1-1 draw at home -- the goal signalling the return of Esteban Crespo -- but progress by virtue of away goals. Trothwands, it turns out, didn't need to worry. A strong performance, led by Skorupska and Zapata's dominant play in the middle, sees them convincingly run out 3-1 winners in Starblaydia. Utica continue to play it safe, taking another early lead and defending it well. Maubu Arsii pull one back, but Vittore Zavaglia made changes at half-time to make sure his team stayed on top on aggregate, bringing in the physical Refik and switching to a narrow defensive formation. Shanak manage a win, but needed another goal to close the gap. When Shafqat Tariq's header struck the bar in second half injury time, the collective groan from the home fans could be heard miles away. Unfortunately, The Eagles are out.

Golden League, Matchday 4                                              
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   2-1   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
                  Tarkanian 38'         King 83'
                     Zapata 79'

(GL)           Dynapolis United   2-2   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
                     Findlay 2'         Ruel 6'
                  Emeagwali 70'         Watson 33'

(GL)            Burningham City   3-2   Greeningham City           (GL)
                   Messieri 23'         Madera 31', 44'
                Howard 63', 77'         

(GL)              Firewood City   4-3   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
                      Allen 14'         Cleaver 23', 58'
                      Jones 34'         Manley 75'
                   Ljungman 44'         
                    Carbone 63'
					
(GL)               FC Barciddia   3-2   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
                 Reyes 39' pen.         M. Sanders 66'
                  Vaillante 71'         Paladino 79'
                       Ando 77'

(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   1-0   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
                    Vallejo 51'

(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   2-2   Utica United               (GL)
                     Ricard 68'         Saunders 14', 30'
                 Henstridge 75'

(GL)              Callisto City   1-0   Shanak FC                  (GL)
                     Diallo 42'
					 
(GL)                Iton Valley   0-1   Real Jraxville             (GL)
                                        Mtiliga 88'

Oh dear. Even the goalshy Burningham City manage to put three past Greeningham. Rio Fortunado was a hell of a player in his day, but as a manager, people are rightly questioning his credentials, as it doesn't look like he made the right call in believing he could rely on Bailey and Butler to protect this team at the back. Jefferson Madera's double, impressive as it was, wasn't enough and when Lemarr Howard equalised in the sixty-third, it seemed almost inevitable that the Giants would yet again shrink away. Most annoying for supporters is that they know their attack is arguably one of the top four in the country, behind only Hastmead, Firewood, and Evo. Speaking of Firewood, another big scoring performance from them as they put three past Rapid in the first half. Firewood's strategy this season seems to be, essentially, "score more than the other team", with no real consideration for defence. Williams must know this can't continue indefinitely though, and it will be interesting to see how the rivalry match between Greeningham and Firewood plays out in a couple weeks' time.

Hastmead drop points in The Dragonpit, after a late lapse lets teenage centre back Chikelu Emeagwali to power a header past Rosie Munro. Ken Rickwright is clearly disappointed post-match, but graciously concedes that the home side "deserved a point", noting that they had stepped up and tried to engage Hastmead in the midfield battle, something of a rarity. "They didn't back down from us, and made it tough in the middle, where we usually control games. We maybe should have had the game wrapped up long before the equaliser, but when a team fights like that, they're going to be hard to beat. Credit to Dynapolis for the performance, Negus [Donovan] has done some good work with them, it's going to be interesting to see how other teams cope with them, I think."

Champions Cup Playoff Round, First Leg                                 
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   3-0   Matthew Senators          (USI)
                     Crespo 10'
           Djair Claro-Hunt 51'
                   McIntosh 88'

Globe Cup Playoff Round, First Leg                                     
(OSR)     Trothwands Evolution    2-1   Turín FC                  (SJG)
                   Samuels 19'
                     Sambu 82'

(OSR)             Utica United    4-0   Almondvale                (BRG)
                    Virgili 3'
                Torok 23', 66'
                   Boateng 44'

Series B Champions Cup Playoff Round, First Leg                        
(VLD)                       CAP   3-1   Muirford Athletic         (OSR)
                                        Elliott 49'

Both Utica and Hastmead had rather favourable draws here -- both at home, too -- and look comfortable in their wins, with both teams taking the opportunity to give their younger players and backups some game time. The same could not be said for Muirford Athletic, however, who floundered in a 3-1 away defeat in Valladares. Luann Morin defiantly stated post-match that the tie was "not over", and that The Warriors' lone, but crucial, away goal might prove enough. "If we play smart, a 2-0 win at home is not out of the question." The former Osarius international insisted.

Trothwands also had a tough time, but emerged victorious in the Terrordome thanks to a late Emmanuel Sambu rocket. Jonathan Herd was not pleased about his side conceding an away goal minutes after he had made a defensive subsitution though, lamenting his side's "momentary lapse in concentration". The "Master of Cups" wants desperately to go out with a bang, so he isn't pulling any punches in the Globe Cup, naming full strength squads even at such an early point in the competition. You do have to wonder if it will be enough, though.

OmniCup Round One                                                      
(RL)                SC Covenham   1-0   Trothwands Wizards         (NL)
(NL)              Armada Ohafia   0-1   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
(RL)            Pelshill United   0-1   Renegata Neahri            (RL)
(NL)             Temple Melqard p 1-1   Incanto Calcio             (NL)
(GL)           Dynapolis United   4-3   Spoturess FC               (PL)
(NL)        Cymrwell Academical   1-3   Chestmana United           (DL)
(RL)                Magnum Clay   0-1   Syphetax FC                (NL)
(DL)           Westpoint United   2-1   Grafite Union              (RL)
(DL)              East Elismith p 2-2   Inter Alepio               (PL)
(NL)         Kyatoshima Marinos p 1-1   Wandsbeth and Chenham      (NL)
(RL)           Kornus Wanderers   2-3 e Oasis Zaryta               (NL)
(RL)           Plesion Warriors   1-0   Highport Mariners          (NL)
(GL)           Greeningham City   2-0   Batik Crusaders            (NL)
(NL)            Rapid Verterton   3-1   Hilo'wi FC                 (RL)
(RL)                 Oro Oro FC   1-0   Khoisa Albion              (RL)
(RL)          Corriere Sporting   1-0   Olympic Crono Polytes      (DL)
(RL)            Passeria United   1-2   Barringdon Athletic        (DL)
(DL)           Euribus Athletic   1-2   Rivula Bank                (RL)
(NL)             Arakat Equinox   1-3   Clefton Cyanea             (NL)
(NL)       FC Turbine Cheboygan   1-0   Ohafia Pride FC            (NL)
(AL)     FC United of Dynapolis   1-0   Pantera Azul               (NL)
(DL)                Harinnet FC   3-7   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
(PL)          Bayer Schlossberg   1-2   Khoisa United              (RL)
(AL)        Firewood City Stars   1-1 p Weestock United            (DL)
(AL)         Littleshaw Village   2-0   Monobury Town              (DL)
(NL)           Venanga Warriors   2-0   Bear Wood United           (RL)
(NL)          Kart Hago Carnage   0-1   Real Batik                 (DL)
(NL)           Elismith Brewery   0-4   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
(RL)               Charron Fire   3-0   Renneville United          (AL)
(DL)         New Wakeley United   3-0   Aquifolia FC               (RL)
(RL)                 Inzon Hawk   0-1   Fenice Emberro             (NL)
(NL)     CF Enseada de Serpente   3-0   Churchfield Sport Club     (DL)
(NL)           Jeunesse Noctida   0-1   Bownton Arsenal            (NL)
(NL)              Rivula Eagles   0-1 e Muirford Athletic          (GL)
(RL)                  FC Neahri   1-1 p FC Basotha                 (NL)
(AL)                  FC Masaka   1-1 p Alpine Athletic            (NL)
(AL)            Alissar Phoenix   1-0   Bownton Wanderers          (DL)
(NL)                 FC Stirkan   1-0   Newhaven Athletic          (DL)
(NL)                    Tyre FC   1-2   FC Mora                    (RL)
(AL)         Priesthood of Baal   2-3 e Paper Tree Town            (AL)
(NL)             Phoenix Thanae   0-1   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
(DL)         Olympique Corriere   2-4   Mesaluf FC                 (RL)
(DL)              Colesall Town   0-1   Audenborough FC            (DL)
(NL)       AC Aris Callistiniki   2-0   Athletic Lindenhurst       (DL)
(GL)               FC Barciddia   3-1   Jedlik Knights             (NL)
(RL)             Perestroi Town   3-2   Fort Mare                  (PL)
(DL)           Delsfield United e 2-1   Marin Riversiders          (RL)
(PL)           Real Rajahara FC   2-1   Jraxville City             (RL)
(DL)           Lanismel Village e 6-1   Esoter Town                (NL)
(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   9-0   Verterton United           (NL)
(RL)           Ramajo Disciples   1-0   Troycaster United          (PL)
(PL)          Pinturici Rangers   1-0   Pareille Athletic          (RL)
(NL)                Aurum Elite   0-1   Ilex Forest                (RL)
(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   1-0   Mittedorf Sportverein      (RL)
(PL)          Highport Athletic   0-1   Hackden Town               (DL)
(GL)               Utica United   4-1   Blacktube Village          (PL)
(NL)            Doulea Athletic   1-2 e San Manuel Monastery       (NL)
(PL)    FC United of San Manuel   1-2 e Lonsdalon United           (RL)
(RL)             Zama Champions   0-4   Neahri Angels              (RL)
(RL)              Muirford City   0-1   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
(RL)           Pudsfield Rovers   1-2   Fulsea upon Elishat        (DL)
(PL)            Bowsston United   2-0   Pelshill Villa             (RL)
(NL)             Golden Dragons e 1-0   FC Kaiserstadt             (DL)
(RL)        North Hood Senators   0-1   Maharia United             (PL)
(NL)             Thor Jraxville   1-0   South Warlets              (RL)
(NL)            Koroshi Impulse   2-2 p Utica University           (AL)
(NL)             Apollon Cedrus   1-0   Junipa Athletic            (AL)
(AL)            Sparta Yurendam   0-1   Hamtown Athletic           (PL)
(RL)               Laswall Town   0-1   AFC Homentat               (DL)
(NL)             Virtus Cocento   1-8   Cauldron Juniors           (DL)
(NL)                 Bandaritos   0-1   Burningham City            (GL)
(NL)             Cedrus Casuals   2-4   Rockbridge FC              (DL)
(RL)            Poyndale Rovers   0-2   Troycaster Athletic        (NL)
(DL)           Rhodunaia United   1-0   Settentrionale Doge        (NL)
(NL)        Dynapoli Memchamark   1-8   Isbrent and Mergey Albion  (RL)
(NL)         Crown Valley Kings   3-1   Raizal Fenyangi            (NL)
(NL)            Florecia Forest   2-1   Saggezza Meridionale       (NL)
(NL)         Craniur Sport Club   0-1   Parania Albion             (AL)
(RL)             Arcan Athletic p 2-2   Hountham Forest            (DL)
(RL)          Pitera Sport Club   1-2   Chadderwick Town           (DL)
(RL)            Dominica United   3-0   Cannae Union               (NL)
(NL)        FC Turbine Hochraum p 1-1   Firblanc Athletic          (RL)
(DL)              Shelbury Town   1-0   Western Dynapolis          (DL)
(RL)               AFC Carbonia   1-3   Gold Belt FC               (NL)
(DL)          Kyatoshima United   1-2   Venanga Tropic             (NL)
(NL)                 FC Nor Pua   4-2   Vennulo Vipers             (NL)
(NL)               Noctida Town   1-2 e Kronkow United             (PL)
(NL)                 Iron Bears p 2-2   Camslow Town               (DL)
(GL)                Iton Valley   3-1   Osakyo FC                  (RL)
(RL)          Denworth Athletic   1-2 e Bentley Ridge              (DL)
(NL)            Negus Koromanti   2-1   Capital FC                 (NL)
(RL)            North Kerkouane e 2-1   Hertha Hofferstad          (NL)
(NL)                  Mosasa FC   0-6   Qubadili FC                (AL)
(PL)               Clefton Town   1-0   Esoter Harriers            (NL)
(AL)              Trelagstad FC   0-1   Cymrwell FC                (AL)
(PL)          Kholanaras Island   0-1   Verda Zephyr               (NL)
(RL)      Corniche Carbo Calcio   2-1   Tamarack Town              (RL)
(NL)        Hollybrent Harriers   0-8   Real Jraxville             (GL)
(GL)              Callisto City   7-1   River Head FC              (RL)
(AL)                  Kart Hago   2-0   Alianza Maharia            (NL)
(DL)                   Ethea FC   0-2   Utica Centro               (NL)
(PL)            Wellmont United   1-2 e Shanak FC                  (GL)
(RL)             Parkchester FC   1-0   Nueva Erisia               (NL)
(NL)  South Cavalane Cormorants   1-0   Locomotiv Yablokograd      (RL)
(RL)          Honggenn Harriers   1-0   Camslow Lynx               (NL)
(RL)             Alissar Tigers   0-1   Kabill Nation              (RL)
(NL)   North Greeningham Celtic p 1-1   Triumph Network Corps      (RL)
(NL)           Deportivo Leones   2-6   Warton Villa               (AL)
(RL)           Osakyo Islanders   0-1   FC Kelogi                  (DL)
(NL)               Mokuhagakure   0-1   Arcaea County              (AL)
(PL)                Dynamo Druz   0-3   Charleston Athletic        (AL)
(DL)         Partingdale United   1-2   Sparta Druz                (NL)
(NL)              AS Borgoverde p 2-2   Royal Kitcheners           (RL)
(NL)          Juventus Piedmont   0-2   Bexwich United             (DL)
(NL)           Deltabong United   0-2   Pacinot Juniors            (NL)
(AL)                  Violia FC e 2-1   Yoru Yoru Town             (DL)
(NL)             Ologun Camaron   0-1   SS Aquilone                (NL)
(PL)          Altrinston United   0-10  Firewood City              (GL)
(RL)                 Pacinot FC p 1-1   Bramhall Edge              (DL)
(RL)         Parkchester United   0-2   FC Kronenhof               (DL)
(NL)                Gamba Kyobe   1-3   Lucena Wanderers           (DL)
(NL)          Cavalane Panthers   0-1   Charron Town               (RL)
(NL)         Delsfield Athletic   3-0   Tower Hambeth              (DL)
(NL)             Arcan Steelers   1-0   Nine Villages Dragons      (RL)
(NL)          Junipa Distillery   1-0   Firrouge United            (NL)
(PL)                Yamihagi FC   4-3   Aremanaga FC               (NL)
(NL)           Caldera Fumonero   2-0   Opaqui United              (RL)
(DL)                Namatabi FC   3-1   Zama Immortals             (RL)

Hastmead run riot against their unfortunate non-league opponents, Verterton, setting an OmniCup record with a 9-0 win. Their status as record-holders was shortlived, however, as Phoenix League side Altrinston United conceded a tenth at home to Firewood in second-half stoppage time. There were goals galore across the round, though, with 367 goals scored across the 128 matches. Notably, eight ties totalled eight or more goals, three of which did not feature a Golden League team (Cauldron Juniors and Isbrent and Mergey Albion both won 8-1, while Warton Villa progressed with a 6-2 win).

No Golden League teams were eliminated at the first hurdle either, though Shanak and Muirford Athletic both needed extra time on the road to overcome their Phoenix League and Non-League opposition, respectively. Aurumia League teams were not so convincing. A stunning FIVE second-tier teams were upset in the first round, crashing out to lower league opposition; two of which were non-league (we're looking at you, Junipa Athletic and FC Masaka). Non league teams as a whole acquitted themselves fairly well, though, with twenty-seven picking up upset wins to progress to the second round. Keep an eye on CF Enseada de Serpente, who dominated fourth tier Churchfield Sport Club 3-0 in Ikuturso. They've drawn another Duchess League side in the next round, again at home...

Golden League, Matchday 5                                              
(GL)             Real Jraxville   1-1   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
                Pearce 66' pen.         Tarkanian 45+1'

(GL)                  Shanak FC   2-2   Iton Valley                (GL)
                    Switzer 22'         Emenanjo 39'
                  Radlinger 56'         Messieri 72'

(GL)               Utica United   2-1   Callisto City              (GL)
                      Grana 51'         Hart 79'
                   Saunders 64'

(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   0-0   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)

(GL)          Muirford Athletic   2-0   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
                     Brandt 34'
                     Arnold 67'

(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   2-0   FC Barciddia               (GL)
                    Jimenez 54'
              Mbala-Bolasie 81'

(GL)           Greeningham City   1-0   Firewood City              (GL)
                     Bailey 68'

(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   2-0   Burningham City            (GL)
           Reiss Claro-Hunt 23'
                     Crespo 74'

(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   4-3   Dynapolis United           (GL)
                    Warwick 43'         Ashimolowo 11'
                       Ioda 57'         Ormin 52'
                   Toreador 80'         Barnes 63'
                    L'Attue 86'

OH MY GOD. Greeningham win. Against Firewood. With a clean sheet. Scoring only once. WHATISLIFE? With national team head coach Serenity Lewis watching from the stands, Luther Bailey expertly co-ordinated things from the middle to shut down the dynamic Firewood attack, and got the winner himself with a ferocious piledriver -- and early goal-of-the-season candidate -- mid-way through the second half. "I think this one meant a bit more for Luther," explained Greeningham boss Rio Fortunado post-match. "He's from Trothwands, so he probably hates Firewood as much as the fans. He knows what this win means to them."

Elsewhere, on a day where no away team picked up a win, Iton Valley pick up an unexpected draw in Shanak. On another day -- where Chukwu Igbeze isn't feeling particularly superman-esque -- it might have been a win, in fact, with Alberto Messieri asserting himself in a manner that belies his twenty-one years. Shanak's captain Sasha Radlinger -- deputising while Hayes rests a thigh injury out of precaution -- is at a loss to explain the midfielder's performance. "We knew he was good, but today he was immense. No idea how the lad is uncapped." She said. Iton manager Li Tien smiles wryly and states simply "we have a good midfield". He's not wrong. The trio of Puente, Messieri and Lusito is an all-international-standard midfield, after all...

The excitement was all in the Applegrass Arena, though, where Hollybrent and Dynapolis traded blows in a seven-goal thriller. Negus Donovan's side are starting to look sharper and sharper each week, though there are concerns that the physical demands are perhaps too much for some of the team, as they allow the home side to come from behind in the last ten -- thanks largely to the creative play of Gustavo Barone -- and take the win. "We haffi keep work." Donovan said post-match. "We ah guh reach. It soon come." Dynapolis fans will be hoping he's right, because they really don't want to see their team get pulled into a relegation battle.

We know it's only five games, but something very strange is afoot at the top of the table...

   Golden League I              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Real Jraxville                 5    4   1   0     6    2   +4    13
 2 Burningham City                5    3   1   1     7    6   +1    10
 3 Hastmead Diamante              5    2   3   0    13    8   +5     9
 4 Muirford Athletic              5    3   0   2     9    6   +3     9

...why are the two worst teams in the division in the top four?

Champions Cup Playoff Round, Second Leg                                
(USI)          Matthew Senators   0-0   Hastmead Diamante         (OSR)

Hastmead Diamante advance 3-0 on aggregate

Globe Cup Playoff Round, Second Leg                                 
(SJG)                  Turín FC   3-1   Trothwands Evolution      (OSR)
                                        Rizzi 81'

Trothwands Evolution are eliminated 3-4 on aggregate

(BRG)                Almondvale   0-3   Utica United              (OSR)
                                        O'Sullivan 34'
                                        Prieto 49'
                                        Liam 68'

Utica United advance 7-0 on aggregate

Series B Champions Cup Playoff Round, Second Leg                       
(OSR)         Muirford Athletic   3-0   CAP                       (VLD)
                Brandt 28', 70'
                    Elliott 46'

Muirford Athletic advance 4-3 on aggregate

With progression all-but assured for Utica and Hastmead, both teams effectively send out second elevens; Hastmead play out a boring stalemate, while Utica's second string defence effectively does no work, leaving it all to the front six to notch up another three goals for a whopping seven goal aggregate win. Trothwands' ambitions to finally win UICA silverware are cruelly dashed in San Jose Guayabal, as Turín mercilessly dismantle an apparently tiring Trothwands eleven. Herd is, tellingly, silent post-match.

The big story though, is Muirford's remarkable turnaround. After many doubted the capacity of Luann Morin's team to overcome their 1-3 deficit from the first leg, the team went about thoroughly disabusing the notion with a comprehensive 3-0 win. A double for Marc Brandt will only help to boost the young Semar's growing profile, while Evander Elliott was imperious in the middle. The performance of Elliott in particular will have caught the eye for many, as the twenty year old has taken a lot of flak for rejecting the opportunity to represent Osarius at international level, instead declaring his intent to play international football only if he can represent the separatist state of Cobrio. "Evander is a mentally strong player," explained Morin. "He seems to feed off the antagonism, and because he plays well when he's a little riled up, he has already won some people over, I think."

Golden League, Matchday 6                                              
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   3-5   Dynapolis United           (GL)
                    Samuels 19'         Findlay 25'
                   Covenant 31'         Ashimolowo 40', 51'
                  Tarkanian 63'         Fofana 45+1', 76'

(GL)            Burningham City   0-0   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)

(GL)              Firewood City   4-4   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
                      Allen 33'         Crespo 19'
                    Mukondo 49'         Ashdown 42' pen.
                      Jones 63'         Watson 77'
                   Lawesson 80'         Reiss Claro-Hunt 90+3'

(GL)               FC Barciddia   3-3   Greeningham City           (GL)
                Farias 23', 74'         Bryant 12'
                      Banks 36'         Abrego 45', 80'
					  
(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   0-0   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)

(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   4-2   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
                     Dawson 15'         Dias 29'
                 Rocha 43' pen.         Arnold 62'
                  Essa 56', 72'

(GL)              Callisto City   0-1   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
                                        M. Patimu'li 26'

(GL)                Iton Valley   1-1   Utica United               (GL)
                     Burke 78'          Drummond 44'

(GL)             Real Jraxville   2-3   Shanak FC                  (GL)
                    Doherty 39'         Albridge 18'
                     Pearce 87'         Olympia 48', 65'

Typical. One week after we talk up Muirford, they lose to a Cartagena side that have been pretty dire thus far. Not just a regular loss either, they ship four to the floundering Tubrissian side and the questions come flying at Luann Morin thick and fast post match. "It was a bad one, but we can bounce back. We've been better this year. I don't think it's been a fluke to this point." The Muirford manager told reporters.

Jraxville finally drop a game, and against perhaps the worst opposition, as they go 3-1 down to Shanak at home. They manage a late goal through a free kick from captain Samantha Pearce, but it's not enough. Elsewhere, Hastmead score a late equaliser against their fiercest rivals Firewood, in the Cauldron, to remain the only undefeated side in the league. Ken Rickwright can't help a smug grin post-match, before praising Reiss Claro-Hunt's superb injury time strike.

What the hell happened in Trothwands, though? Evo ship five to Dynapolis? The same Dynapolis who had won precisely one of their first five? Who had scored eight in those five? I mean... sure, Trothwands aren't the best defensively, but five? Really? Bellsirien Ormin is proving to be worth every penny for the Dragons as he picks up the man of the match award, creating four goals on the day. The elven playmaker has now been involved in roughly half of all goals scored by his team this season. Wow.

by **Osarius** » Thu Sep 08, 2016 7:33 am

Globe Cup Qualifying Round, First Leg                                  
(SJG)                  Turín FC   1-2   Utica United              (OSR)
                                        Török 79', 90+2'

Well that's a good start, considering what happened to Trothwands. Perhaps it's that squad rotation Zavaglia has been employing, as Utica looked sharp for the entire ninety minutes, whereas Evo looked a bit leggy in the latter stages. It looks like Farf forward Séraphin Török is finally starting to show his worth, too, developing an understanding with Nagiki not unlike the almost telepathic connection between Drummond and Saunders. The duo combined for both Utica goals late on, giving the Tubrissian side not only the lead, but two valuable away goals ahead of the second leg next week.

League Cup Round One                                                   
(PL)          Troycaster United   1-1 p Bayer Schlossberg          (PL)
(PL)             Maharia United   2-1   Clefton Town               (PL)
(PL)          Blacktube Village   1-2 e FC United of San Manuel    (PL)
(PL)           Real Rajahara FC   1-0   Altrinston United          (PL)
(PL)           Hamtown Athletic   0-4   Kholanaras Island          (PL)
(PL)               Inter Alepio   2-0   Kronkow United             (PL)
(PL)          Pinturici Rangers   2-1   Bowsston United            (PL)
(PL)          Highport Athletic   1-2   Spoturess FC               (PL)
(PL)                  Fort Mare   1-2 e Yamihagi FC                (PL)
(PL)                Dynamo Druz   0-1   Wellmont United            (PL)

Oh, you're actually reading this?
Erm... not really much to talk about, to be honest. Phoenix League teams are mostly pretty poor. That's why we don't report on their league results...
I mean... Kholanaras looked good, but it was against Hamtown. They haven't looked good since selling Rene Wilson-Ouaddou to Firewood in the 2170s. No, seriously.

Golden League, Matchday 7                                              
(GL)                  Shanak FC   4-4   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
                   Albridge 12'         Samuels 20', 39'
               Switzer 46', 67'         Adebayo 54'
                   Ihenacho 81'         Covenant 87'

(GL)               Utica United   1-2   Real Jraxville             (GL)
                   Saunders 38'         Doherty 57', 60'

(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   0-0   Iton Valley                (GL)

(GL)          Muirford Athletic   4-0   Callisto City              (GL)
               Elliott 12', 70'
                   Paladino 31'
                   O'Reilly 56'

(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   0-0   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)

(GL)           Greeningham City   3-2   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
                      Madera 5'         Pettersen 23', 40'
                     Abrego 54'
                     McLean 68'

(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   6-2   FC Barciddia               (GL)
                Crespo 12', 31'         Bartley 19'
           Reiss Claro-Hunt 47'         Reyes 69' pen.
            Rene Claro-Hunt 64'
                    Gentile 71'
                  Montanari 80'

(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   0-1   Firewood City              (GL)
                                        Carbone 77'

(GL)           Dynapolis United   1-0   Burningham City            (GL)
               Ajayi 90+2' pen.

Two not-quite-top-of-the-table clashes in Kronkow and Utica, as Real -- who are actually top -- maintain their form with another win over a Utica side sitting in fifth, and Shanak dent Evo's ambitions on the title with an eight-goal draw. Evo will be the least pleased of the four teams, as they were the only ones to be tipped as legitimate contenders for the title in pre-season. Real's performances are somehow still a surprise to many, who simply have not been paying attention during the Donovan-era. Their Aquilliano manager has laid down a system that works, and is slowly turning Real into a threat on the level of Turic under Heinz-Grichenbauer all those years ago. Solid defence and just enough attacking threat to get the goals you need.

Hastmead have a different approach. It's not quite RAWRCRUSH but it's... well... it's not as subtle as Real's either way. Their six goals against Barciddia surprise no-one. Not even Barciddia, who found themselves outmatched by what was largely a second string Hastmead side in the second half. Ken Rickwright reserved special praise for teenage midfielder Artemis Montanari, who scored his first goal in orange and black late in the game. "Artemis is a talented young man, he works hard. You could see that today, he had to work hard to get on the end of that one, and he was rewarded with a goal. Hopefully the first of many."

Greeningham hosted Turic in what was once a heavyweight top of the table clash, and emerged victorious in a predictably back and forth game, Delroy McLean scoring the eventual winner midway through the second half. Dynapolis and Burningham revived their rivalry from waaaaaay back in a tense clash in the Dragonpit. That it was decided in second half stoppage time with a controversial penalty can't be coincidence... can it? Well... maybe it can. Head of the Referees Association, Le'vi Ramana'ki told OSN the decision was absolutely correct the day after, explaining that Muguruza's tackle, though he touched the ball first, also illegally impeded the progress of Kemar Fofana. Burningham fans everywhere cursed furiously.

Elsewhere, Muirford smashed Callisto for four, to stay in the top four of the league... wait, what?

Globe Cup Qualifying Round, Second Leg                                 
(OSR)              Utica United   2-3   Turín FC                  (SJG)
                     Prieto 48'
                   del Olmo 58'

Utica United are eliminated on away goals

Welp. After all that talk of leads and away goals... you disappoint us, Utica. A defensively inclined Naranja lineup found itself down 1-0 at half-time, and Zavaglia seemed reluctant to introduce the likes of Drummond and Saunders -- likely still tired from their tough game against Jraxville at the weekend. Under normal circumstances, you'd have expected this to be okay. It was not. The erratic form of Utica captain Jorge Santana reared its ugly head again, with the centre back conceding a penalty in the second half, and getting himself sent off in the process. Utica in control beforehand, but had just taken the lead on the night, and looked like they were going through. Without Santana, though, a man down to a formidable side... no chance. With this, Turín FC have almost single-handedly wiped out Osarian representatives in the Globe Cup. Actually, they have when you think about it. I mean... Firewood were never really even in the competition, were they?

Golden League, Matchday 8                                              
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   3-2   Burningham City            (GL)
                  Tarkanian 13'         Dawson 28'
                    Moreira 42'         Serra 61'
                    Linwood 78'

(GL)              Firewood City   4-2   Dynapolis United           (GL)
                     Mukondo 2'         Barnes 33'
                      Allen 28'         Ormin 61'
                     Charif 72'
                     Genius 81'

(GL)               FC Barciddia   0-0   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)

(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   2-2   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
                  Ford 24', 59'         Constantini 11'
                                        Watson 81'

(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   1-5   Greeningham City           (GL)
                     Ricard 39'         Botello 12'
                                        Madera 31'
                                        Bryant 50'
                                        McLean 69'
                                        Alejandro 71'

(GL)              Callisto City   0-2   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
                                        Mbala-Bolasie 28'
                                        Cleaver 49'

(GL)                Iton Valley   0-3   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
                                        Brandt 14', 43'
                                        Ramos 66'

(GL)             Real Jraxville   1-0   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
                       Wood 55'

(GL)                  Shanak FC   1-1   Utica United               (GL)
                   Albridge 31'         O'Sullivan 58'

Real eke out another win, while Firewood maintain the pressure with a four goal haul against Dynapolis. Greeningham vent their frustrations on the Desert Foxes -- only their third loss of the season, it should be noted; the same number as Muirford. They're in trouble because they've only won once -- smashing five past the Tubrissians on their own turf.

Shanak and Utica take points from each other, which will certainly please Jraxville in the long-run, and probably Hastmead eventually. Speaking of Hastmead, a late Ryan Watson free kick protects their undefeated record, after Turic had them over a rack thanks to an Andrew Ford double.

And seriously, what the hell are Muirford playing at? Seven goals unanswered and two clean sheets since losing to Cartagena. They're SECOND in the league. We're almost a quarter of the way through. We can still write this off as fluke, right?

Champions Cup Group Stage, Matchday One                                
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   4-2   Directus                  (EUR)
                Crespo 34', 66'
                       Ruel 51'
                     Watson 79'

Series B Champions Cup Group Stage, Matchday One                       
(AUD)             Oljestaden IF   2-1   Muirford Athletic         (OSR)
                                        Nkrumah 45+1'

Well that's one way to kick off a Champions Cup group stage... Directus are one of the best clubs in the multiverse right now, and yet, the Diamonds prevailed. Is this a sign of things to come? Are Hastmead finally over their apparent aversion to beating foreign teams outside LigAnaia? Only time will tell. Speaking of LigAnaia, Muirford are perhaps a little unlucky not to come home from Audioslavia with a point, but Luann Morin will be encouraged by her side's performance against probably the strongest team in the group.

Golden League, Matchday 9                                              
(GL)               Utica United   4-2   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
              Saunders 28', 42'         Covenant 37'
                 Török 71', 77'         Zapata 48'

(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   2-0   Shanak FC                  (GL)
                  Patimu'li 30'
                     Baroni 56'

(GL)          Muirford Athletic   1-1   Real Jraxville             (GL)
                    Pearson 54'         Pearce 80'

(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   3-1   Iton Valley                (GL)
                   Agostino 20'         Vollero 78'
                   Magnolia 38'
                    Jimenez 61'

(GL)           Greeningham City   2-2   Callisto City              (GL)

(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   8-4   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
            Watson 4', 37', 86'         Fisher 15', 24'
                  Simpson 45+1'         Dawson 21'
 Reiss Claro-Hunt 51', 56', 68'         Ricard 32'
                   McIntosh 79'

(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   0-1   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
                                        Salvati 49'

(GL)           Dynapolis United   0-3   FC Barciddia               (GL)
                                        Vaillante 10'
                                        Bruno 17'
                                        Farias 28'

(GL)            Burningham City   4-5   Firewood City              (GL)
                Howard 33', 67'         Carbone 16', 76'
                  Aguilar 45+1'         Saint Etienne 22'
                     Tucker 80'         Allen 51'
                                        Emilio 87'

Three interesting ones this week! Utica roll over Trothwands in the desert, leaving Evo to fall further and further behind in the title race. A double from Séraphin Török in the second half is of note; the Farf forward's second -- a mazy dribble past three players and a clever chipped finish -- is a contender for goal of the season. Hastmead recover from a shocking 4-1 down at home to Cartagena to absolutely dismantle the Tubrissian side 8-4, thanks to hat tricks from both Reiss Claro-Hunt and Ryan Watson. Finally, Burningham and Firewood play out a nine-goal thriller that brought back memories of past battles between the two historic giants of Osarian football. It's the Fire that emerge victorious in the Elishat eventually, but the real winner here is ~~football~~ the television broadcaster [that's us! - Ed.], I'm sure we can all agree.

And the juggernaut Muirford Athletic is finally halted! We kid. The Warriors definitely had Real shook, though. That Rouzel Donovan's side only managed a draw is one thing, that they required a late free kick from captain Pearce to get it is another entirely. "We're doing well. We just need to stay focused and keep playing our football." Muirford manager Luann Morin said post-match. Sounds suspiciously like Osarius being "happy to be there" in World Cup 64 to us... also worth noting that Real are still top, despite their draw.

Elsewhere, Shanak were busy screwing the pooch -- or as they say everywhere outside Kronkow; "doing a Shanak" -- and losing to Kyoshiku Island. Mara Fuller vaguely attempted to ascribe some of the blame to "unusual weather conditions", but nobody was buying it. Truth is, they choked. A huge error from India Turner -- completely miskicked her clearance, allowing Patimu'li to dribble into the box unchallenged for the first goal -- showed why Hastmead let her leave, and a rare lapse from Igbeze provided the second as he fumbled a routine claim from a cross. It's okay though, Dynapolis sucked too! 3-0 loss at home to Barciddia? All goals scored within the first half hour? Hang your heads!

League Cup Round Two                                                   
(AL)              Arcaea County   0-1   Parania Albion             (AL)
(AL)                  Kart Hago   0-1   Utica University           (AL)
(AL)         Littleshaw Village   3-0   Spoturess FC               (PL)
(AL)        Charleston Athletic   0-1   Cymrwell FC                (AL)
(PL)          Pinturici Rangers   1-3   Burningham City            (GL)
(AL)               Warton Villa   1-0   Alissar Phoenix            (AL)
(PL)           Real Rajahara FC   2-0   Paper Tree Town            (AL)
(AL)         Priesthood of Baal   3-2   FC United of San Manuel    (PL)
(AL)              Trelagstad FC   0-0 p Wellmont United            (PL)
(PL)                Yamihagi FC   2-1   Renneville United          (AL)
(AL)                  FC Masaka   4-2   Kholanaras Island          (PL)
(AL)     FC United of Dynapolis   1-2   Sparta Yurendam            (AL)
(PL)               Inter Alepio   0-1   Bayer Schlossberg          (PL)
(AL)        Firewood City Stars   5-2   Violia FC                  (AL)
(AL)                Qubadili FC   3-2   Junipa Athletic            (AL)
(PL)             Maharia United   1-1 p FC Barciddia               (GL)

Seriously, why are you reading these? The proper good teams aren't even in it yet... Fine... we'll summarise.

Firewood City Stars predictably rack up the goals, though it's surprising they manage to win so convincingly against Violia, who are one of the favourites to win the second tier... similarly, Warton Villa and Alissar Phoenix play out a tense one -- again, among the favourites for promotion from the Aurumia League -- with an oddly low number of goals.

Only real upset here is Wellmont beating Trelagstad in a shootout. But Trelagstad are kind of poor anyway, so it's not a massive surprise. They might have actually won it if it had been penalties and not the Attacker-Defender-Goalkeeper system. Incidentally, that's probably the reason Maharia United could only almost upset Golden League side Barciddia too... penalties are easier for "lesser" clubs. Barciddia's side had too much individual quality for Wellmont in the ADG system, though. Something to think about for the brass at the OFA, perhaps. It is only a trial after all.

Champions Cup Group Stage, Matchday Two                                
(VAL)                  Ibini FC   1-0   Hastmead Diamante         (OSR)

Series B Champions Cup Group Stage, Matchday Two                       
(OSR)         Muirford Athletic   6-1   Ivasiocastle United       (BRP)
           Brandt 16', 39', 81'
                    Roberts 54'
                    Pearson 66'
                    Sanders 72'

Youth Cup Group Stage, Matchday One                                    
(EUR)                  Directus   4-2   Hastmead Diamante         (OSR)
                                        Rubio 31'
                                        Revan 63'

Not a good day for Hastmead... a narrow away loss against a well-drilled Ibini side, while the under 19s struggled without key players McIntosh and Montanari -- who featured heavily for the senior squad at the weekend and needed to rest -- and were ultimately overrun by a strong Directus team. The goals for the Diamonds came from defensive duo Niccolo Rubio and Simeon Revan, both from set pieces, which will provide some consolation perhaps, and reason for optimism in the return fixture.

A very good day for Muirford, though. Luann Morin's team smashed six past Ivasiocastle in a thoroughly impressive performance that will re-open discussions over their quality. A hat-trick for Marc Brandt will also have him in the spotlight come transfer window time, perhaps, but Morin is confident Muirford can keep him. "I think Marc enjoys his football here, so I'm not expecting him to leave." She said. "But if he wants to, and a team comes in, there's not much we can do about it. He'd be a big loss, but we'll just have to dust ourselves off and get on with it."

Golden League, Matchday 10                                             
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   1-1   Firewood City              (GL)
                  Skorupska 44'         Ashdown 67' pen.

(GL)               FC Barciddia   0-1   Burningham City            (GL)
                                        Russell 54'

(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   1-0   Dynapolis United           (GL)
                     Dillon 14'

(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   1-1   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
                 Sedillo og 78'         Toreador 34'

(GL)              Callisto City   0-1   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
                                        Rene Claro-Hunt 73'

(GL)                Iton Valley   2-2   Greeningham City           (GL)
                   Palacios 22'         McLean 1'
                Vanderweghe 56'         Lugo 73'

(GL)             Real Jraxville   2-0   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
                Cawdor 11', 76'

(GL)                  Shanak FC   1-1   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
                    Switzer 43'         Obadaniah 80'

(GL)               Utica United   1-0   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
                   Saunders 39'

By the rest of this season's standards, so far... this matchday was kinda boring, really. Evo vs Firewood was predictably "hot-tempered", though. See, the problem with street footballers is that they're not the most disciplined... Between them, the two teams picked up a total of seventeen bookings in the match -- which could perhaps be best described as an ugly parade of rhythm breaking fouls, punctuated by the occasional goal -- and both will be handed disciplinary sanctions as a result. "It wasn't pretty," said Evo boss Jonathan Herd. No shit. D'Antoni Williams was a bit more candid in his assessment, stating that "it was always gonna be ugly. It's how matches are between us. Always has been. Think the referee was a bit heavy-handed with the cards at times, I reckon the league told them to watch out for things. I don't think we deserved eight bookings, don't think they deserved all theirs either." The Firewood manager said. He is likely to be reprimanded by the OFA for his comments, though you suspect -- in the manner of another former tough-tackling midfielder who managed Firewood -- he doesn't really care.

A little over a quarter of the way through the season, Rouzel Donovan's side lead the pack. They've been impressive defensively, as expected... but a little goalshy as far as title contenders go, averaging less than 1.5 goals scored per game. In comparison, the rest of the top five average at least 2.0, with Hastmead's average haul a frighteningly impressive 3.4 goals per game. Speaking of Hastmead, they remain the only undefeated team in the league -- in any of the top three divisions, as a matter of fact -- but seem to be failing to close games out, having drawn half of their games so far. Interesting start to the season nonetheless, as far as the title race goes. Wait, what are Muirford doing in fourth? And Burningham in seventh? Aren't they supposed to be the worst team in the league?

   Golden League I              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Real Jraxville                10    7   2   1    14    7   +7    23
 2 Hastmead Diamante             10    5   5   0    34   20  +14    20
 3 Firewood City                 10    5   3   2    29   22   +7    18
 4 Muirford Athletic             10    5   2   3    20   12   +8    17
 5 Utica United                  10    4   4   2    23   18   +5    16
 6 Rapid Hearthlands             10    3   5   2    11    8   +3    14
 7 Burningham City               10    4   2   4    14   15   −1    14
 8 Grasshoppers Turic            10    4   2   4    12   14   −2    14
 9 Shanak FC                     10    3   4   3    18   18    0    13
10 Trothwands Evolution          10    3   4   3    24   26   −2    13
11 Greeningham City              10    3   3   4    25   25    0    12
12 FC Barciddia                  10    3   3   4    16   20   −4    12
13 AFC Hollybrent                10    2   5   3    11   12   −1    11
14 Dynapolis United              10    3   2   5    16   20   −4    11
15 Kyoshiku Island               10    2   3   5     4   10   −6     9
16 Iton Valley                   10    1   5   4     9   14   −5     8
17 Cartagena Desert Foxes        10    1   5   4    13   22   −9     8
18 Callisto City                 10    2   1   7     9   19  −10     7

   Aurumia League I             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Warton Villa                  12    6   5   1    29   16  +13    23
 2 Littleshaw Village            12    6   4   2    25   15  +10    22
 3 Renneville United             12    4   7   1    15   11   +4    19
 4 Charleston Athletic           12    5   4   3    16   17   −1    19
 5 Violia FC                     12    4   6   2    23   19   +4    18
 6 Qubadili FC                   12    5   3   4    24   22   +2    18
 7 FC Masaka                     12    5   3   4    21   19   +2    18
 8 Arcaea County                 12    5   3   4    10   10    0    18
 9 Priesthood of Baal            12    5   3   4    21   23   −2    18
10 Firewood City Stars           12    5   2   5    23   26   −3    17
11 Paper Tree Town               12    3   7   2     8    7   +1    16
12 Parania Albion                12    4   4   4    21   23   −2    16
13 FC United of Dynapolis        12    3   5   4    13    9   +4    14
14 Alissar Phoenix               12    3   5   4    16   15   +1    14
15 Junipa Athletic               12    3   4   5    15   17   −2    13
16 Trelagstad FC                 12    4   1   7    13   19   −6    13
17 Utica University              12    2   6   4    20   23   −3    12
18 Sparta Yurendam               12    3   3   6    13   17   −4    12
19 Cymrwell FC                   12    2   4   6    11   15   −4    10
20 Kart Hago                     12    2   3   7     5   19  −14     9

Of note about the Aurumia League this season, is that all but four of the teams in the division have played in the top flight in the past fifty years. Two of them are ineligible to do so. Perhaps unsurprisingly, both the remaining teams (Alissar Phoenix and Sparta Yurendam) are near the wrong end of the table... Warton Villa's strong attack is seeing them roll over opponents in this early portion of the season, and the Ikutursan club lead the second tier by a single point. Close behind are Littleshaw Village, who are well known for having the lowest ever gate for a home game in the Osarian top flight, even though they crammed an extra three thousand fans into their then-tiny stadium. They continue to impress with their counterattacking system, which has turned heads this season.

Preseason favourites Violia and Qubadili are not far off the leaders, and both would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. You have to think that with the quality they've shown so far, and their comparative squad depth, both are in with a shot at promotion. The big surprise package is perhaps Renneville United. After a long absence from the top flight, the Hearthlands club are starting to show signs of resurgence and have been tough to beat so far this season. If they can start turning draws into wins, we could see a surprise second tier championship win.

   Phoenix League I              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Yamihagi FC                    12    9   2   1    27   14  +13    29
 2 Dynamo Druz                    12    8   1   3    27   20   +7    25
 3 Troycaster United              12    7   3   2    28   15  +13    24
 4 Bayer Schlossberg              12    6   4   2    18   12   +6    22
 5 Inter Alepio                   12    6   3   3    31   23   +8    21
 6 Blacktube Village              12    6   3   3    16   14   +2    21
 7 Spoturess FC                   12    5   4   3    20   21   −1    19
 8 FC United of San Manuel        12    5   3   4    20   15   +5    18
 9 Wellmont United                12    5   3   4    14   11   +3    18
10 Kholanaras Island              12    5   3   4    12    9   +3    18
11 Maharia United                 12    5   2   5    29   28   +1    17
12 Pinturici Rangers              12    4   4   4    22   24   −2    16
13 Highport Athletic              12    3   5   4    16   13   +3    14
14 Real Rajahara FC               12    3   4   5    17   17    0    13
15 Bowsston United                12    4   1   7    16   25   −9    13
16 Clefton Town                   12    4   0   8    17   28  −11    12
17 Hamtown Athletic               12    2   4   6    19   25   −6    10
18 Altrinston United              12    2   3   7    16   28  −12     9
19 Fort Mare                      12    1   4   7     9   22  −13     7
20 Kronkow United                 12    1   2   9    20   30  −10     5

The Phoenix League is almost surprise free, really. Yamihagi are the best team in the division by some margin, and currently sit four points clear at the top, with just one defeat for the season. It's hard to see them slipping up much, even with so many games still to go. Druz are next best and fittingly sit in second place. Like I said, no surprises. Schlossberg and Troycaster look good value to stay within touching distance, too, both teams having bolstered their squads with some promising youngsters -- as appears to be the trend outside the top flight these days.

At the other end of the table, is a cautionary tale for teams falling out of the top flight. Two former King's League/Golden League teams -- Fort Mare and Kronkow United -- sit almost rooted to the foot of the table, with just two wins between them. There's plenty of time to go, but on this display, it seems likely that the two will be playing Duchess League football next season.

by **Osarius** » Thu Sep 08, 2016 7:34 am

The sudden closure of the League Chromatiks has left several Osarian footballers without a club, and that this unfortunate incident comes after the final player registration date for the OFA Pro leagues means they are ineligible to sign with Osarian clubs until the winter break. League commissioner, and former assistant director at the National Academy, Jacob Dawson, has revealed that the OFA have agreed that the affected players are permitted to sign with OFA Pro League teams below the top flight. "It's an unexpected situation, and it seems a little strange to tell these players they can't return home and find work. However, we also have to consider that allowing them to join top flight teams, on free transfers, would effectively give a huge advantage to those clubs." Dawson explained. "There is nothing stopping these players from joining an Aurumia League side and then making a move during the winter break, for example, or agreeing a loan. But this measure essentially protects the clubs in lower leagues who are, in truth, going to be doing us a service."

The highly promising Z'ai'ai pairing of Jorge Estevez and Federica Pesciano have gone their separate ways, and will face off in a predicted title race in the second tier. Pesciano takes her goalscoring exploits to Violia, while Estevez takes his midfield dynamism to Qubadili. Pesciano will be joined by the creative Ignacio Rocha, while former Krsthaven starlets Delford Peterson and Jeron Donaldson will join Estevez in Dynapolis. Qubadili were already favourites to win the Aurumia League and the addition of these three talented youngsters along the team's spine will only boost their chances, while Violia's already formidable firepower gets a significant upgrade. It'll be interesting to see how these moves affect the title race.

Warton Villa are another side bolstering their attacking options, picking up centre forward Stephen Baker, and left winger Macario De Angelis. Both should do well under the heavily offensive tactical system of Claudio Bielsa in Ikuturso, and could be the key to a shot at promotion. Miguel Rios and Roque Acosta welcome home an old friend in Firewood, as Tobias Clarke returns to the Cauldron, this time with the "reserve team". It is thought that this is a temporary measure while he seeks top flight football, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him stay -- Roque Acosta was his captain for several years after all, and is said to be taking over management of the team next season; Clarke might want to stay and coach under the Osarius legend. Aside from Clarke, the Stars also signed another former player in Kirsten Prince. The versatile midfielder left for Rhoni a few years ago as a teenager, but revealed that Rios was her first port of call. "I really enjoyed my time with the Stars, and Miguel Rios is a great coach. I didn't hesitate to see if he had space for me, and he did, so here I am. I'm not going anywhere for now." Prince said.

The other second tier side making some serious improvements to their squad is Alissar Phoenix. Led by former Firewood and Osarius hero Maria di Corradi, the Tubrissian side is pushing to get into the top flight for the first time in their history next season, and have made some very astute signings over the summer already. The addition of Lucinde Cardenas -- who di Corradi knows from her time coaching at Arcaea County -- will improve their defensive attributes in midfield, while Graziella Pellegrini is a major upgrade between the sticks. The final piece is Paolino Clementi, who opted not to return to Violia, and has joined up with di Corradi's side instead. "She's a legend. I can create goals all day, but it's been said a lot that I don't score enough. Who better to help with that than one of the most clinical strikers Osarius has ever produced?" Clementi explained. Phoeniz have started a bit shaky, despite being tipped to be among those chasing promotion, and perhaps this is the boost they need. Their squad has a lot of young players who are perhaps still a little unreliable in terms of consistency. While these new additions are also young, they have significantly more experience of senior football, and could be the difference makers.

The final Osarian returning home from Chromatika, is central midfielder Maurice Taylor. The combative Noctinoklem graduate was set to play for Alnio, but has been lured to Arcaea County to work with their manager and former Hastmead midfielder, Guinevere Baird. "He reminds me of Logan Yorke," said Baird. "We can definitely use a player like him here. He'll become an important part of this team, I'm sure."

Multiple Golden League sides have shown interest in a few of these players, with Estevez, Pesciano and Pellegrini in particular, all on the radar for teams near the top of the table -- notably, Pellegrini is being lined up as a backup goalkeeper option in Trothwands -- but no approaches have been made, in accordance with Dawson's statement. Sources confirm, though, that Jorge Estevez is being linked with a return to Rapid Hearthlands, and Federica Pesciano is an alleged target for both Shanak and Dynapolis United, both of whom are said to be in need of a quality striker capable of scoring twenty goals a season. It remains to be seen if either team will make a move in the winter break, but Pesciano may well be settled in Violia by this point. The biggest question for many observers is whether a team can lure Tobias Clarke away, though. The World Cup winner still has a lot to offer a team, despite his advancing years -- he is thirty-five already -- and might want one last chance at club glory before hanging up his boots. If there is a case against staying with the Stars, it's that they cannot give him top flight football. Clarke refused to comment on speculation, though. "I'm focusing on doing a job at the moment." He told reporters gathered outside Firewood City's training complex at Corpsmoor Heath yesterday afternoon. "If the right opportunity comes along, I'll take it. Otherwise, I'm not worrying about it. Rock knows what I'm about, and I'm not going to let him down by getting distracted with other things."

by **Osarius** » Mon Nov 28, 2016 3:29 pm

OmniCup Round Two                                                      
(NL)         Crown Valley Kings   0-1   Bentley Ridge              (DL)
(AL)                  Kart Hago p 1-1   Muirford Athletic          (GL) UPSET!
(NL)             Temple Melqard   0-1 e Delsfield United           (DL)
(RL)                 Oro Oro FC   1-2   Shanak FC                  (GL)
(AL)            Alissar Phoenix   4-3   Rapid Verterton            (NL)
(RL)      Corniche Carbo Calcio   0-3   Lucena Wanderers           (DL)
(GL)           Greeningham City   1-2   Littleshaw Village         (AL) UPSET!
(RL)             Parkchester FC   3-2   FC Nor Pua                 (NL)
(AL)                Cymrwell FC   0-2   Kabill Nation              (RL)
(AL)     FC United of Dynapolis   4-1   AS Borgoverde              (NL)
(PL)            Bowsston United   2-0   Charleston Athletic        (AL)
(RL)            Dominica United   0-1 e Oasis Zaryta               (NL)
(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   1-0   Khoisa United              (RL)
(DL)        Barringdon Athletic p 2-2   Mesaluf FC                 (RL)
(AL)                Qubadili FC   3-0   FC Basotha                 (NL)
(DL)              Rockbridge FC   1-6   Violia FC                  (AL)
(AL)             Parania Albion   1-4   Iton Valley                (GL)
(PL)             Maharia United   1-4 e Rhodunaia United           (DL)
(PL)          Pinturici Rangers   1-1 p Utica United               (GL)
(GL)             Real Jraxville   3-0   Fenice Emberro             (NL)
(NL)             Apollon Cedrus   1-0   Renegata Neahri            (RL)
(NL)               Verda Zephyr   0-2   Real Batik                 (DL)
(AL)            Paper Tree Town   5-0   SS Aquilone                (NL)
(NL)         Kyatoshima Marinos   3-1   Gold Belt FC               (NL) NL SURVIVOR!
(NL)       AC Aris Callistiniki   0-5   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
(PL)             Kronkow United   4-1   Audenborough FC            (DL)
(RL)          Corriere Sporting e 1-0   Ilex Forest                (RL)
(RL)               Charron Town   3-1   Bexwich United             (DL)
(GL)           Dynapolis United   3-0   Golden Dragons             (NL)
(NL)            Bownton Arsenal e 1-0   Chadderwick Town           (DL) NL UPSET!
(DL)            Weestock United   0-1   Venanga Warriors           (NL)
(NL)     CF Enseada de Serpente   0-2   Lanismel Village           (DL)
(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   1-2 e New Wakeley United         (DL) HUGE UPSET!
(NL)            Negus Koromanti   0-1   North Greeningham Celtic   (NL) NL SURVIVOR!
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   7-0   Thor Jraxville             (NL) OUCH...
(DL)        Fulsea upon Elishat   1-2   Neahri Angels              (RL)
(AL)               Warton Villa   2-0   Caldera Fumonero           (NL)
(NL)  South Cavalane Cormorants   0-1   Plesion Warriors           (RL)
(RL)                Rivula Bank e 2-1   FC Kelogi                  (DL)
(AL)           Utica University   2-5   Callisto City              (GL)
(RL)  Isbrent and Mergey Albion   1-0   Pacinot Juniors            (NL)
(PL)               Clefton Town   3-0   AFC Homentat               (DL)
(NL)            Alpine Athletic   1-2 e Real Rajahara FC           (PL)
(NL)         Delsfield Athletic   0-2   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
(NL)             Arcan Steelers p 1-1   Arcan Athletic             (RL) NL UPSET!
(NL)        Troycaster Athletic   0-4   FC Kronenhof               (DL)
(RL)             Perestroi Town   6-1   FC Turbine Hochraum        (NL)
(NL)          Junipa Distillery   1-0   FC Stirkan                 (NL) NL SURVIVOR!
(RL)           Lonsdalon United   1-0   Venanga Tropic             (NL)
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   2-0   Hackden Town               (DL)
(PL)           Hamtown Athletic   1-2   FC Mora                    (RL)
(GL)              Firewood City   4-1   Yamihagi FC                (PL)
(RL)            North Kerkouane   0-1   SC Covenham                (RL)
(GL)               FC Barciddia   2-1   Pacinot FC                 (RL)
(NL)               Utica Centro   2-0   Ramajo Disciples           (RL) NL UPSET!
(AL)              Arcaea County   3-0   Sparta Druz                (NL)
(NL)            Florecia Forest   1-2 e Cauldron Juniors           (DL)
(DL)           Westpoint United e 2-1   Honggenn Harriers          (RL)
(DL)                Namatabi FC   3-0   FC Turbine Cheboygan       (NL)
(NL)       San Manuel Monastery   4-1   Chestmana United           (DL) NL UPSET!
(DL)              East Elismith   2-0   Clefton Cyanea             (NL)
(RL)               Charron Fire   2-0   Syphetax FC                (NL)
(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   2-0   Burningham City            (GL)
(NL)                 Iron Bears   0-1   Shelbury Town              (DL)

Kyoshiku Island are among the first wave of Golden League teams to fall as they suffer a shocker, falling in extra time to tier four side New Wakeley United. Three in total fell at the second hurdle after Kart Hago took their regional rivals Muirford to a penalty shootout and emerged victorious, while Littleshaw Village stun the high-powered offense of Greeningham City in a 2-1 win at the Green Bowl.

Non league sides were on the prowl, with seven surviving to the third round -- four of them via upset wins. Most notably, San Manuel Monastery hit Duchess League side Chestmana for four, sparking interest in their hat-trick hero teenage striker, Koren Udowu. The big scoring result of the round came from Trothwands Evolution, who hit non league side Thor Jraxville for seven in an entirely one-sided result.

Golden League, Matchday 11                                             
(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   1-0   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
                     Baroni 82'

(GL)          Muirford Athletic   3-0   Utica United               (GL)
                Brandt 21', 78'
                       Dias 44'

(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   2-2   Shanak FC                  (GL)
              Mbala-Bolasie 19'         Ihenacho 56'
                    Colombo 82'         Tariq 79'

(GL)           Greeningham City   1-1   Real Jraxville             (GL)
                     Butler 74'         Thomas 48'

(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   2-0   Iton Valley                (GL)
                Crespo 23', 52'

(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   0-2   Callisto City              (GL)
                                        Gibson 29'
                                        Diallo 44'

(GL)           Dynapolis United   3-3   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
                     Searle 19'         Henstridge 29', 56'
                      Ormin 43'         Fisher 71'
                    Carrion 70'

(GL)            Burningham City   2-4   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
                 Haagebrand 71'         Ferri 45'
                     Tucker 86'         Salvati 51', 60'
                                        Ford 90'

(GL)              Firewood City   5-3   FC Barciddia               (GL)
                     Emilio 11'         Abreu 31'
                      Allen 24'         Ando 46'
                   Lawesson 59'         Bruno 67'
                 Jones 75', 78'

A bittersweet return to Trothwands for Faustino Baroni sees the big man nod home the winner for new club Kyoshiku, putting a dent in his hometown club's title aspirations. Meanwhile, Ol' Baby Ash has a few minutes of almost God-like efficiency. The man sometimes called "Big Baby Arceus" effectively decided Firewood's match with Barciddia, single-handedly shredding the Tubrissian side's defences TWICE in less than four minutes... Scary stuff.

Rapid earn a hard-fought point at home against Shanak, equalising just three minutes after Patistani striker Shafqat Tariq thought he'd secured the win for the Dynapolitan side. Speaking of quick replies, Antoine Fisher scored within eleven seconds of kickoff after Gracia Carrion had put Dynapolis 3-2 up against Cartagena. There's an old adage about being vulnerable right after you score, isn't there?

Muirford winning shouldn't be considered an upset anymore, should it? Playing Utica off the park in a three-nil home win is a big deal though, for pretty much any team in the country.

Youth Cup Group Stage, Matchday Two                                    
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   1-0   Ibini FC                  (VAL)
                    Cassano 76'

The return of captain Evelyn McIntosh to the Hastmead U19s made a noticeable difference against Ibini, as the promising midfielder laid on the winner for young striker Massimo Cassano in a tight game. Connor McCarthy, head of Osarius' national youth teams unit, was present at Black Patch Park and let slip post-match that he had been there to "keep an eye on a few players". While Hastmead do have a number of bright young talents, they are largely not widely considered to be among the best this year, raising questions over McCarthy's intent beyond the seemingly obvious selection of McIntosh.

Golden League, Matchday 12                                             
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   2-0   FC Barciddia               (GL)
                    Samuels 44'
                      Dvulu 70'

(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   1-3   Firewood City              (GL)
                     Urias 10'          Saint Etienne 26'
                                        Sanman 59'
                                        Masato 65'

(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   1-0   Burningham City            (GL)
                     Dawson 66'

(GL)              Callisto City   3-2   Dynapolis United           (GL)
                 Diallo 9', 14'         Barnes 19'
                   Deniauld 50'         Ekeh 68'

(GL)                Iton Valley   2-1   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
                   Emenanjo 40'         Ioda 18'
                    Vollero 90'

(GL)             Real Jraxville   0-0   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)

(GL)                  Shanak FC   1-1   Greeningham City           (GL)
                     Callis 62'         Boston 48'

(GL)               Utica United   4-2   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
                    del Olmo 5'         Marino 22'
                   Saunders 55'         Jimenez 48'
                   Drummond 67'
                     Prieto 78'

(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   1-1   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
                   Papogono 68'         Heaven 85'

The big match of the weekend is the top of the table clash between Jraxville and Hastmead. With Real playing a highly disciplined defensive style, and Hastmead seemingly scoring at will at times this season, all was set for a classic showdown of attack vs defence, with two tactically astute managers in the dugout. What we got was... well... sort of boring. Tactically fascinating at times, but not much by way of a spectacle.

Rouzel Donovan, knowing his team was at a disadvantage playing on the front foot, sacrificed his pride and set his team up to stifle the reigning champions and tried to win on the break. His opposite number, Ken Rickwright, anticipated this and stacked the midfield to break down counters before they could get going. In the end, Hastmead's combination of Ashdown and Gentile in the middle locked down Real's primary playmaker Samantha Pearce, while Dylan Wood and Yohannes Marcussen -- playing higher up the pitch than normal -- were more than capable of preventing Hastmead's centrally focused offense.

Firewood City suffered no setbacks in their quest against a defensive side, however. Well, not after the tenth minute, anyway... Claudio Urias struck an absolute worldy past Iron Lung from twenty-five yards which seemed to slap the Fire awake. In hindsight, Urias perhaps wishes he hadn't done so at such an early point in the game. D'Antoni Williams' side uses a similarly high-octane attacking game to that of Hastmead, but notably uses a lot more width and overloads significantly more often... admittedly Turic and Jraxville aren't even close to being on the same level these days, but Firewood's wingplay overwhelmed the Ikutursans, with all three goals coming from wingers.

Elsewhere, Muirford stumble in Kyobe, needing a somewhat fortunate late equaliser from Holy Heaven to spare them defeat against a gradually improving Kyoshiku side. Luann Morin facing similar problems to those in the weekend's marquee game, in fact. Kamaku'wi clearly sending his team out with no intention of trying to outplay the Warriors, and a clear intent to shut down Marc Brandt. Without service, the Semar winger was a non-factor.

Champions Cup Group Stage, Matchday Three                              
(MRT)          Century Mertagne   1-0   Hastmead Diamante         (OSR)

Series B Champions Cup Group Stage, Matchday Three                     
(TUR)                  Eelandii   1-1   Muirford Athletic         (OSR)
                                        Brandt 62'

A narrow defeat in Mertagne for Ken Rickwright's side, but the Diamonds will be okay with this in the grand scheme. A congested fixture list saw the Carbonia based side take on high-flying Jraxville at the weekend, and with games against Hollybrent and Shanak coming up, the Apoxian gaffer sent out a slightly weaker squad than one might have expected for an away clash in the Champions Cup... putting his faith in home wins, it seems.

Muirford's Marc Brandt continues to show his worth with another goal in the Series B Champions Cup, equalising for the Tubrissian side in Turori. Luann Morin has been forced to say she wouldn't accept any transfer offer for the invaluable winger. "Not even a hundred million at the moment. Marc is too valuable for us." She said.

League Cup Round Three                                                 
(AL)            Sparta Yurendam   2-1   Firewood City              (GL) UPSET!
(GL)                  Shanak FC   3-1   Qubadili FC                (AL)
(GL)           Dynapolis United   0-2 e Yamihagi FC                (PL) BIG UPSET!
(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   4-0   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   1-1 p Warton Villa               (AL) UPSET!
(PL)            Wellmont United   1-5   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
(AL)                  FC Masaka   5-2   Utica University           (AL)
(GL)          Muirford Athletic   2-0   Greeningham City           (GL)
(PL)           Real Rajahara FC   1-2   Priesthood of Baal         (AL)
(GL)               Utica United   9-1   Callisto City              (GL) OUCH...
(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   2-0   Bayer Schlossberg          (PL)
(GL)             Real Jraxville   1-0   Burningham City            (GL)
(GL)               FC Barciddia   7-1   Firewood City Stars        (AL) OUCH...
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   1-0   Littleshaw Village         (AL)
(AL)             Parania Albion   1-0   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL) UPSET!
(GL)                Iton Valley   4-0   Cymrwell FC                (AL)

Not a good day for Firewood City, as they are upset by second tier side Sparta Yurendam in Tubriss. Their reserves fare even worse, finding themselves on the receiving end of a 7-1 thrashing in Barciddia. Meanwhile, Utica United run riot on Callisto in a stunning 9-1 win at home... A good day in general for Tubrissian clubs, it seems. Unless you're Cartagena. The Desert Foxes are upset by Parania Albion, mustering just two shots on target in the entire match. Rafael Osorio needs results. And fast.

Could be worse for the Foxes, though. At least they weren't the biggest upset of the round. That came as third tier side Yamihagi travelled to Dynapolis and took down the dragons 2-0 after extra time in The Dragonpit. Negus Donovan declined to comment, though you suspect his job is becoming decreasingly secure. Much like Osorio's, in fact. They're almost certainly the two leading runners in the sack race, you'd imagine.

Golden League, Matchday 13                                             
(GL)          Muirford Athletic   3-2   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
                Brandt 39', 78'         Covenant 18', 61'
                    Barclay 55'

(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   0-1   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
                                        Hakalu'ma 12'

(GL)           Greeningham City   2-4   Utica United               (GL)
                    Botello 11'         Drummond 30'
                     Bryant 44'         O'Sullivan 38', 88'
                                        Török 76'

(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   3-1   Shanak FC                  (GL)
                        Ruel 2'         Albridge 21'
                    Gentile 39'
                Constantini 77'

(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   0-3   Real Jraxville             (GL)
                                        Webb 19'
                                        Cawdor 41'
                                        Cormier 76'

(GL)           Dynapolis United   2-3   Iton Valley                (GL)
                       Ekeh 33'         Vollero 14'
                      Ormin 67'         Emenanjo 49', 68'

(GL)            Burningham City   2-2   Callisto City              (GL)
                     Howard 52'         Marquez 29' pen.
                   Muguruza 80'         Washington 73'

(GL)              Firewood City   3-1   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
          Saint Etienne 4', 10'         Sevilla 23'
                     Smarts 80'

(GL)               FC Barciddia   3-3   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
                    Malleon 17'         Moss 22'
                      Bruno 48'         Pettersen 39'
                    Bartley 74'         McBride 83'

Big result of the weekend is Luann Morin's Muirford overturning one of the title favourites in a five-goal thriller. Trothwands look shaky this season defensively, even by their standards, while Muirford have been superb -- going by expectation at least. Maybe it's the confidence boost of playing in UICA competition. Or the manager's motivational skills. Or maybe, just maybe, we all got them wrong... Hard to say. Marc Brandt scores his seventh and eighth league goals of the season, putting him on course for a whopping 25 goals. In the league alone.

Perhaps even more remarkable than the aforementioned Semar's goal tally thus far, is the knowledge that even if he were to reach twenty-five goals in the league, there are SIX other players on course to outscore him. Among those six, Nepharim forward Theodora Covenant; whose double against Muirford, though impressive, is not enough. "We'll be alright. We just need to stay focused." Insists Trothwands manager Jonathan Herd. Though some would question how his players are supposed to do that, knowing he is leaving at the end of the season.

A convincing 3-0 away win for Jraxville, and a similarly convincing 3-1 win at home for Hastmead keeps the two at the front of the pack at the top, while it is noted that Ken Rickwright's side are now over a third of the way through the season without a loss... it's been a long time since a team went [legitimately - Ed.] unbeaten in the Osarian league, but whispers are starting to gain volume.

If not for the thrilling scenes in Muirford, match of the week likely would have gone to another Tubrissian side. FC Barciddia playing out a highly entertaining back-and-forth three-all draw with Grasshoppers Turic in Periocha. Once again, Kyron Bartley underlines his value to Pablo Sirici's team, scoring once and creating two. "As an Aquilliano, I have to admit I'm a little upset that Kyron chose to represent Osarius," Sirici confessed. "But on the other hand, he'll develop a lot more here than back home, and has a better chance of winning trophies with the Firebirds. As much as that pains me to admit." The former Aquilliano national team captain would go on to deliver some scathing criticisms of his home nation's football association...

Youth Cup Group Stage, Matchday Three                                  
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   1-3   Century Mertagne          (MRT)
                     Lawton 81'

A poor showing overall, but sixteen-year old midfielder Andrea Lawton did manage to impress as a late substitute, picking up a consolation strike for the Diamonds after a tricky dribble. Hastmead's developmental lead, Logan Yorke, expressed his delight at the teenager's breakthrough, drawing particular attention to her young age in comparison to most competitors in the UICA Youth Cup.

Golden League, Matchday 14                                             
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   1-0   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
                    Moreira 43'

(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   1-0   FC Barciddia               (GL)
                   Na'Ryibi 77'

(GL)              Callisto City   2-6   Firewood City              (GL)
               Marquez 17' pen.         Mukondo 3', 56'
                 Washington 86'         Saint Etienne 25'
                                        Allen 37'
                                        Carbone 45+1', 68'

(GL)                Iton Valley   4-1   Burningham City            (GL)
                   Emenanjo 24'         Tucker 39'
              Palacios 47', 67'
                Vanderweghe 82'

(GL)             Real Jraxville   4-2   Dynapolis United           (GL)
           Doherty 9', 28', 64'         Fofana 55'
                     Thomas 46'         Barnes 79'

(GL)                  Shanak FC   1-1   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
                  Radlinger 31'         Toreador 62'

(GL)               Utica United   2-1   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
                 O'Sullivan 33'         Robertson 45+1'
                     Nagiki 78'

(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   0-1   Greeningham City           (GL)
                                        Bailey 58'

(GL)          Muirford Athletic   2-0   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
                     Brandt 15'
                    Roberts 41'

So much for those whispers. Hastmead suffer their first Golden League loss of the season in Utica, courtesy of "Super Dolphin" -- filling in for the injured Alan Drummond. Ken Rickwright had few complaints, though, paying tribute to the solid organisation of the home side. "They played very compact and limited space between the lines, which I'm sure Vittore will be happy about." Said Rickwright. "It wasn't our best game, but I don't think we were bad either. Utica were just better today."

Elsewhere both Firewood and Jraxville picked up wins to maintain the pressure at the top of the table. Firewood in particular doing so in spectacular fashion, putting six past Callisto in the Golden Temple. Jraxville, thanks to a Quinn Doherty hat-trick, condemned Dynapolis United to a fifth game without a win in all competitions, rooting the Dragons to the bottom of the table. That it came against a regional rival in Jraxville doesn't help -- even putting aside the supposed fraternal rivalry between Rouzel and Negus Donovan. Negus Donovan refuses to concede that his job might be in peril, though, insisting that the team will turn the corner soon. "We are still trying to find our rhythm," he said. Fewer and fewer fans still believe him, however. Despite what he claims, newspapers suggest that the elder Donovan might be out of a job if they lose a second rivalry game in a row next week against Shanak...

Trothwands bounce back from their shock defeat last week with a narrow win over Turic, and it's clear that Jonathan Herd's side are not their usual selves. In the end, it's the heroics of Clayton Hart that keep Evo on course for three points, and the gaffer has little to say post-match. Pundits suggest that the knowledge that he intends to retire after this season is weighing on his players, others suggest he's already on a beach in Vilita. It's hard to say...

Champions Cup Group Stage, Matchday Four                               
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   4-1   Century Mertagne          (MRT)
                Crespo 29', 58'
                    Ashdown 44'
           Reiss Claro-Hunt 80'

Series B Champions Cup Group Stage, Matchday Four                      
(OSR)         Muirford Athletic   1-1   Eelandii                  (TUR)
                    Pearson 77'

There have been a lot of questions about Hastmead's team selections this season, with Reiss Claro-Hunt repeatedly getting the nod ahead of Esteban Crespo... but Ken Rickwright is no fool. He's been using the more experienced striker far more frequently in UICA competition, and the Osarius international is now up to six goals in the Champions Cup. For comparison, Claro-Hunt just scored his first. A comprehensive win over a strong Century Mertagne keeps the Carbonia side on track for their target of finally picking up some international silverware.

Elsewhere, Maya Pearson's late-ish goal keeps Muirford in the hunt for progression in the Series B Champions Cup as they pick up a point against Eelandii. Luann Morin is cagey on it all, though, suggesting that the team may be shifting focus to the league. Many suspect she intends to build on the team's impressive start and possibly earn entry into the Globe Cup (or better) next season.

Golden League, Matchday 15                                             
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   3-3   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
                    Jimenez 22'         Covenant 9', 44', 79'
                     Manley 49'
              Mbala-Bolasie 68'

(GL)           Greeningham City   2-1   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
                   Crawford 33'         O'Reilly 81'
                       Lugo 64'

(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   1-0   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
                     Watson 28'

(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   0-1   Utica United               (GL)
                                        Boateng 61'

(GL)           Dynapolis United   3-2   Shanak FC                  (GL)
                 Ashimolowo 19'         Olympia 37'
                    Carrion 76'         Radlinger 61'
                      Ormin 82'

(GL)            Burningham City   4-3   Real Jraxville             (GL)
                      Serra 29'         Cawdor 14', 54'
                Tucker 42', 67'         Doherty 21'
                     Taylor 80'

(GL)              Firewood City   3-3   Iton Valley                (GL)
                      Allen 31'         Palacios 3', 79'
                    Carbone 43'         Emenanjo 85'
              Saint Etienne 58'

(GL)               FC Barciddia   2-1   Callisto City              (GL)
                  Reyes 39' pen         Barone 50'
                    Sanders 70'

(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   0-0   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)

Bellsirien Ormin cements his place as a Dynapolis hero scoring the winner in a regional derby against Shanak. A must-win game for Dynapolis -- and their manager Negus Donovan, in particular -- and the Vanorian playmaker deftly lifts his team onto his slender shoulders, before carrying them to victory. The manager is effusive in his praise for his star man post-game, suggesting that Dynapolis could not have won the intense match without the skills of the elf. Despite the victory, it was a bittersweet day for the Dragons, as they lost winger Kemar Fofana early on to a hamstring injury that will see him out of action until the winter break. Later in the game, dynamic midfielder Duane Barnes would join him in the treatment room with a knee injury which will see him out of action for two months. While half of Barnes' time out will be over the winter break, the next four weeks -- sans two key players -- could ultimately be crucial to the team's season.

A shock win for Burningham City over title-chasing Jraxville allows Hastmead to open up some distance at the top of the table with a hard-fought home win over Kyoshiku. Rouzel Donovan doesn't speak much after the game at the Elishat, leaving reporters with only a few words to go alongside the pulsing vein in his forehead and the sound of teeth grinding furiously. His opposite number, Satoshi Matsumoto gushed about his side's "riryoku". Teenage forward Simeon Tucker, who scored twice, missed a chance to complete his first career hat-trick late on, slicing an easy chance wide. This will not detract from the fact his performances for the capital side this season have attracted the attention of Osarius U19 boss Felix McLean. If he can keep this up, Tucker may well get a call-up to the Osarius squad that takes part in the Rabastor Unity Trophy.

A not-so-shocking result in Firewood, though. The Fire drop another lead, conceding late goals yet again. "We're working on it." Insists manager D'Antoni Williams, but this is not likely to placate the fans if they keep dropping points. It begs the question, at what point does Williams have to concede that this new style, exciting and effective as it is on the attack, might be more costly to his team in the long-run?

League Cup Round Four                                                  
(GL)                  Shanak FC   0-1   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
(AL)                  FC Masaka   2-5 e Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   1-0   Priesthood of Baal         (AL)
(GL)            Kyoshiku Island p 1-1   Parania Albion             (AL)
(GL)                Iton Valley   1-3   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
(GL)             Real Jraxville   0-1   Utica United               (GL)
(AL)               Warton Villa   0-1   Sparta Yurendam            (AL)		
(PL)                Yamihagi FC   1-3   FC Barciddia               (GL)

Two big Dynapolitan teams fall, at home, to comparatively smaller Tubrissian sides in very similar fashion as Séraphin Török comes off the bench to snatch it for Utica in the 81st minute in the JNV Arena, while a late goal from Leque Piranha puts Muirford past a dogged Shanak side that eventually tired of chasing shadows in midfield.

Elsewhere, results are pretty much as you'd expect. Hastmead continue to exhibit their obscene strength in depth, though... Ken Rickwright sends his team out at Iton Valley -- who also weren't fielding a full-strength side, in fairness -- with four academy players in the starting lineup. The Diamonds convincingly win, two goals and three assists coming from under 19s. Frankly, it would be a surprise if they didn't win the league cup at this point.

Atlantian Oceania Champions League Group Stage, Matchday One           
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   2-1   Raynor City United        (VAL)
                     Watson 34'
                       Ruel 61'

Youth Cup Group Stage, Matchday Four                                   
(MRT)          Century Mertagne   1-1   Hastmead Diamante         (OSR)
                                        McIntosh 49'

A narrow home win over one of the region's best club sides is enough to garner a broad grin from Ken Rickwright post-game. Peppin Ruel's second half goal ultimately proving to be the difference against the Vanorian side, after Ryan Watson's early free kick put the Diamonds ahead. "It's a good result. Good win. Good start." Rickwright said. "Start as you mean to go on, and all that."

Elsewhere, the under-19s grind out a point in Mertagne, Evelyn McIntosh playing a pivotal role for Hastmead in the midfield. The teenager downplayed her contribution, though, instead focusing on the team's prospects of progressing to the next round. "We played well, and maybe we could have done a bit better, but a point is useful. This might be the point that gets us to the knockout stage, who knows?"

Golden League, Matchday 16                                             
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   1-0   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
                  Tarkanian 39'

(GL)              Callisto City   1-1   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
                 Washington 17'         Palacios og 68'

(GL)                Iton Valley   1-1   FC Barciddia               (GL)
                      Mbodj 79'         Bartley 6'

(GL)             Real Jraxville   2-3   Firewood City              (GL)
                      Okore 34'         Jones 12'
                 Pearce 79' pen         Lawesson 30'
                                        Smarts 68'

(GL)                  Shanak FC   1-0   Burningham City            (GL)
                     Callis 47'

(GL)               Utica United   4-4   Dynapolis United           (GL)
                    Santana 14'         Ashimolowo 45+1', 88'
                   Saunders 30'         Findlay 69'
                   Drummond 58'         Ajayi 49' pen
                   del Olmo 73'

(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   0-2   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
                                        Toreador 36'
                                        Warwick 58'

(GL)          Muirford Athletic   1-2   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
                    Elliott 62'         Ashdown 28'
                                        Crespo 44'

(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   1-1   Greeningham City           (GL)
                    Pirelli 86'         Garrido 71'

The Dynapolitan revival continues! A late equaliser against Utica earns an unlikely point for Negus Donovan's struggling Dragons, Bellsirien Ormin continuing his spectacular form with a hand in all four goals; effectively offsetting the loss of Fofana and Barnes, in the words of the manager. It's a long road back to safety, but signs of life are there...

Muirford's early season form is slowly fading, though they made things difficult for the reigning champions in Tubriss. "How do you beat a team that can do that to you?" Muirford manager Luann Morin asked post-game, referring to the nature of Hastmead's two goals. The first a howitzer from Ashdown deep in midfield, and the second a clinical finish from Crespo at a seemingly impossibly tight angle. "They have so much quality it's almost unfair. We played well today, denied them too many chances, did absolutely nothing wrong... but somehow it wasn't enough. [Hastmead] were just unreal." When one considers that Hastmead are competing on five fronts... yeah. That about sums it up.

Firewood and Jraxville are probably the only teams likely to pose much threat to Hastmead retaining the title this season, and they played each other in Kronkow. The ideal result for the Diamonds would have been a draw, but Firewood had other plans. Two-nil up after half an hour, another defensive lapse allowed Chizoba Okore to pull one back. Genius would restore the Fire's two point lead with a little over twenty minutes to go, and even a clumsy challenge from Thierault -- and the penalty that followed -- couldn't undo the impressive attacking play Williams' side had put in. Il Fuoco still lead the table. By a single point. Diamonds in second.

Shit's. About. To Go. Down.

Champions Cup Group Stage, Matchday Five                               
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   3-1   Ibini FC                  (VAL)
                Crespo 19', 68'
                       Ruel 43'

Series B Champions Cup Group Stage, Matchday Five                      
(BRP)       Ivasiocastle United   0-2   Muirford Athletic         (OSR)
                                        Brandt 33'
                                        Elliott 68'

And he's back! Marc Brandt has been quiet lately, but he returns to goalscoring form to help Muirford secure progression to the knockout stages of the Series B Champions Cup. Brandt's goal, doubled by Evander Elliott about half an hour later, sent the travelling Muirford fans into rapturous cheers at the final whistle. Luann Morin beaming at the fans as they chant her name.

Elsewhere, Hastmead convincingly beat Ibini at Black Patch Park, with Crespo continuing to show why he's the Diamonds' star forward -- despite the emergence of Reiss Claro-Hunt this season. "I had a slow start, due to the injury, but I feel a hundred percent now. I think that's showing in my performances." Crespo said. When asked about sharing minutes with his young Semar teammate, he shrugged. "Reiss is a great player. Of course I want to play, but I also want to win. If he is the better choice, he should play. I trust the manager in this."

OmniCup Round Three                                                                     
(PL)               Clefton Town   3-0   Real Rajahara FC           (PL)
(PL)             Kronkow United   0-1   Namatabi FC                (DL)
(DL)           Lanismel Village e 2-1   Utica United               (GL) BIG GL UPSET!
(RL)                SC Covenham   1-0   Venanga Warriors           (NL)
(AL)                Qubadili FC   2-0   Warton Villa               (AL)
(DL)              Shelbury Town   2-1   Barringdon Athletic        (DL)
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   1-2   Callisto City              (GL)
(PL)            Bowsston United   1-0   East Elismith              (DL)
(DL)              Bentley Ridge   0-3   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
(AL)                  Kart Hago   1-0   Arcaea County              (AL)
(NL)          Junipa Distillery   0-0 p Parkchester FC             (RL)
(RL)              Neahri Angels   2-0   Oasis Zaryta               (NL)
(RL)  Isbrent and Mergey Albion   3-1   FC Kronenhof               (DL)
(AL)     FC United of Dynapolis   1-1 p Lonsdalon United           (RL) BIG UPSET!
(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   0-1   Lucena Wanderers           (DL)
(GL)                Iton Valley e 2-1   Kyatoshima Marinos         (NL) NL CLOSE CALL!
(GL)           Dynapolis United   1-3   Firewood City              (GL)
(DL)         New Wakeley United   5-2   Utica Centro               (NL)
(RL)                Rivula Bank   0-1   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
(DL)           Westpoint United   0-2   Alissar Phoenix            (AL)
(AL)            Paper Tree Town   1-0   Arcan Steelers             (NL)
(AL)                  Violia FC   3-1   San Manuel Monastery       (NL)
(RL)                    FC Mora   0-1   North Greeningham Celtic   (NL) NL UPSET!
(RL)           Plesion Warriors e 3-2   Cauldron Juniors           (DL)
(GL)             Real Jraxville   8-0   Rhodunaia United           (DL) OUCH...
(GL)                  Shanak FC e 3-2   FC Barciddia               (GL)
(RL)               Charron Fire e 2-1   Apollon Cedrus             (NL)
(RL)              Kabill Nation p 1-1   Charron Town               (RL)
(DL)                 Real Batik p 0-0   Bownton Arsenal            (NL)
(RL)          Corriere Sporting   2-1   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
(AL)         Littleshaw Village   2-0   Perestroi Town             (RL)
(DL)           Delsfield United p 0-0   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)

Massive shock for second tier FC United, as they lose on penalties, at home.... to a regional league side. Lonsdalon took an early lead through a well-worked free kick routine and proceeded to park the bus. They held on despite jeers from the home crowd, only to concede from a fluke deflection in the eighty-fourth minute. Doubling down on their defensive strategy, they managed to force penalties, though... where they came out on top much to the dismay of the Dynapolitans.

FC United arguably had the better result of the two major upsets of the round, though. Golden League side Utica United were beaten in extra time by fourth tier Lanismel Village. Vittore Zavaglia didn't field his strongest eleven, but that's no excuse for a team whose second string should be capable of convincingly winning the fourth tier outright. The Utica boss made no excuses post-game, and accepted that his team had been "second best" on the day. For Lanismel, a place in the last thirty-two of the OmniCup; a feat the team have not achieved in over fifty years.

Speaking of Golden League upsets, Iton Valley were fortunate not to lose at home to non-league Kyatoshima Marinos. An extra time strike from substitute Mario Vollero saved their blushes, but Li Tien will surely be concerned about the lack of fight from his mostly second string lineup.

Elsewhere, Real Jraxville put eight past Rhodunaia, with teenage playmaker Louisa Cormier running the show. The seventeen year old scored a hat trick and laid on three more in the rout, leading Rouzel Donovan to jokingly ask if she had Aquilliano grandparents post-match. It did not escape the notice of many that more than half of the Jraxville starting eleven for the game were under the age of twenty either...

Golden League, Matchday 17                                             
(GL)           Greeningham City   0-2   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
                                        Skorupska 37'
                                        Linwood 82'

(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   4-0   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
           Reiss Claro-Hunt 12'
                    Simpson 41'
                    Gentile 70'
                     Crespo 87'

(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   3-1   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
                Barone 34', 84'         Obadaniah 11'
                    L'Attue 61'

(GL)           Dynapolis United   2-0   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
                       Ekeh 44'
                  Velasquez 76'

(GL)            Burningham City   0-3   Utica United               (GL)
                                        del Olmo 13'
                                        Saunders 35'
                                        Prieto 79'

(GL)              Firewood City   4-3   Shanak FC                  (GL)
                    Mukondo 16'         Switzer 29'
                      Kruse 40'         Albridge 60', 88'
               Carbone 52', 77'

(GL)               FC Barciddia   0-1   Real Jraxville             (GL)
                                        Webb 81'

(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   0-1   Iton Valley                (GL)
                                        Vollero 27'

(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   2-2   Callisto City              (GL)
                    Sevilla 21'         Diallo 45+1'
                  Rocha 79' pen         Gibson 71'

And so the top three continue to set the pace, albeit at varying levels of... convincingness? Jraxville needed a somewhat fortunate late winner in Tubriss, from the unlikely hero Alexandra Webb, who has struggled for minutes of late. Rouzel Donovan was quick to praise the winger's tenacity post-game, insisting that it reflected her efforts on the training pitch. "This is what Alexandra can do, we see her on the training pitch putting in this level of work every week, never complaining that she isn't playing. She's a credit to the team." Some have interpreted that praise as a sideways dig at certain star players in the squad, however. Firewood win out in a predictably tight, high scoring affair, though comfortably leading by two shortly after half time. Idris Albridge scoring twice after the hour mark -- either side of Carbone's second of the day -- to set up a nervy finish in The Cauldron. Williams seems determined not to change his side's fluid attacking approach though. When asked about the alarming number of goals his side in conceding, he replied "we're second in the league and winning games. If it ain't broke..." That leaves Hastmead. Reigning champions, and heavy favourites again this year. Rapid Hearthlands made the trip north, and found out why teams generally don't enjoy trips to the Carbos mountains in winter. Aside from the frigid conditions and icy winds, a comprehensive four-nil hammering awaited the central Osarian side. Ken Rickwright said little post-match, seemingly trying to appear sympathetic to Rapid's plight. "It's difficult to come here in winter, we know that. We're used to it, and we've prepared for it. Home advantage is a bit bigger in Carbonia, I think." The Apoxian said.

Elsewhere, Dynapolis continue to build on their apparently gradual turnaround in form with a solid two-goal win over goalshy Kyoshiku in the Dragonpit. Despite the Islanders' stifling style of play, the Dragons actually manage to create plenty of chances, and if not for the wasteful antics of Ayo Ashimolowo in front of goal, could have won far more comfortably. Negus Donovan kept it post match comments short, simply remarking "See it deh?! We a guh tun it roun'!" Referring to his earlier assertions that his team would indeed improve and turn their season around. The Aquilliano manager is still under pressure, but it's certainly easing up a bit for him.

Muirford's slump continues with a 3-1 away loss to Hollybrent. The Applegrass side using Muirford's possession based game against them to score three on the counter. Luann Morin says little. "They were smarter than us today. We made mistakes and they made us pay for them." She told reporters. She was still upbeat, though, reflecting her attitude toward her team's performances this season as a whole. Considering the Warriors were a team tipped for a relegation battle, it's hard not to be happy with them so far.

Atlantian Oceania Champions League Group Stage, Matchday Two           
(SCV)                  Monarchs   0-2   Hastmead Diamante         (OSR)
                                        Rene Claro-Hunt 22'
                                        Crespo 73'

Youth Cup Group Stage, Matchday Five                                   
(VAL)                  Ibini FC   1-1   Hastmead Diamante         (OSR)
                                        Lawton 16'

Esteban Crespo's overseas goalscoring exploits continue as he nabs the second in a solid win over recent COCANEFA champions Monarchs in Schiavonia. Many have disparaged the Schiavone side since their triumph, but it cannot be denied that they possess some quality. This is no trifling result for the Diamonds in the AOCL, not by a long shot. The opening goal went to Rene Claro-Hunt, who is slowly pushing for more minutes -- much to the dismay of Peppin Ruel; it must be said -- but still lagging far behind his brother Reiss. When asked about the rivalry between them, Rene laughs it off. "He's my brother. If he does well, I'm happy. There's no rivalry. I just wish I was the one feeding him the ball a bit more often, I want to play. Just like any other professional footballer."

Meanwhile, Andrea Lawton's early free kick gives the under-19s the lead in Valanora, only to see the lead erased five minutes from time. Still, captain Evelyn McIntosh correctly points out "a point is a point" and the Diamonds are still in with a shot at progression. Just about.

Golden League, Matchday 18                                             
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   2-1   Callisto City              (GL)
                    Adebayo 41'         McIntyre 4'
                  Skorupska 77'

(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   0-1   Iton Valley                (GL)
                                        McLeod 73'

(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   0-4   Real Jraxville             (GL)
                                        Cawdor 18', 78'
                                        Pearce 35'
                                        Cormier 64'

(GL)               FC Barciddia   2-1   Shanak FC                  (GL)
                  Ando 33', 70'         Ihenacho 85'

(GL)              Firewood City   4-3   Utica United               (GL)
              Saint Etienne 23'         O'Sullivan 11'
                    Carbone 52'         Saunders 28', 43'
                  Tapia 66' pen
                     Sanman 80'

(GL)            Burningham City   1-2   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
                   Taylor 45+1'         Futomito 72', 86'
				   
(GL)           Dynapolis United   2-1   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
                        Ekeh 8'         Dias 44'
                     Searle 67'

(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   0-0   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)

(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   3-1   Greeningham City           (GL)
                Constantini 19'         McLean 82'
                      M'Bia 30'
           Reiss Claro-Hunt 49'

A star is born?! Teenage midfielder Maro Futomito comes off the bench for Kyoshiku, replacing an injured Re'ra Hurame'do after an hour, and single-handedly turns the game around for the Islanders. The first goal had more than a stroke of luck, but the second was absolute brilliance, as the academy player adjusted mid-stride to attack a pass from Hakaki'vu and smoothly guide a curling shot into the top corner from twenty-five yards. Goal of the season candidate right there.

Say what you want about Rouzel Donovan's comments last week, but if they were thinly veiled criticisms of his players, they worked. A convincing four-nil win, away from home, against a traditionally strong defensive side like Turic... you'd have to be a bit of a dick to complain. Or be Rouzel Donovan. "I thought we did okay. There was a long period in the first half where we seemed to be huffing and puffing without getting anywhere, so that's something we will be looking at." The Jraxville boss told us. Christ. Doesn't ask for much does he?

Elsewhere in the title race, Hastmead put Greeningham to the sword in a comfortable win -- a late consolation goal from McLean seems to peeve Demetrio Constantini in particular -- while Firewood City win another seven goal thriller, this time coming from behind to beat a strong Utica side. The number of people mocking their woeful defensive record is diminishing rapidly. This is a frighteningly effective attacking team Williams has put together... there's a reason they are top of the league, after all.

Dynapolis and Muirford clash in a reversal of fortunes matchup, in which the Dragons emerge victorious in a close-fought, thrilling tactical battle. The Dragons are now definitely on the up, after a terrible start... while Muirford are starting to wonder where their next point will come from. Luann Morin doesn't seem shaken yet, but she's inexperienced and if this keeps up, the pressure is bound to get to her... isn't it? Conversely, Negus Donovan doesn't seem too comfortable despite his team's good run of form lately...

Champions Cup Group Stage, Matchday Six                                
(EUR)                  Directus   0-1   Hastmead Diamante         (OSR)
                                        Watson 63'

Series B Champions Cup Group Stage, Matchday Six                       
(OSR)         Muirford Athletic   1-3   Oljestaden IF             (AUD)
                    Elliott 43'

Hastmead go into their final Champions Cup group stage match, in Eura, against one of the best club sides in the multiverse... fortunately knowing they're already through. A win, however, will see the Fourgian side win the group. Ken Rickwright doesn't outright say it, but he would very much like that, and the supposedly favourable draw it confers in the knockout rounds... The Diamonds deliver; Ryan Watson's second half free kick the difference between the two teams in a somewhat cagey affair.

Elsewhere, Muirford host Oljestaden and fall again to the Audioslavian side's superior personnel. Despite the loss, Luann Morin's side progress to the knockouts, though. Morin herself is starting to show concern post-match, however, not seeming too excited about her team's progression -- the best performance the club has ever had in UICA competition -- and lamenting that "it would have been nice to get a win". With the winter break coming up, the timing might be near-perfect, as right now it seems like a break is exactly what Muirford -- and their manager -- need.

by **Osarius** » Mon Nov 28, 2016 3:31 pm

Golden League, Matchday 19                                             
(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   0-0   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)

(GL)           Greeningham City   0-1   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
                                        Ioda 90+2'
										
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   3-3   Dynapolis United           (GL)
                      Barnes 2'         Findlay 27'
                    Cleaver 43'         Ormin 61'
                     Marino 70'         Coyle 83'

(GL)          Muirford Athletic   0-0   Burningham City            (GL)

(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   3-1   Firewood City              (GL)
         Papogono 26', 55', 67'         Jones 81'

(GL)               Utica United   1-2   FC Barciddia               (GL)
                      Grana 34'         Bartley 68', 71'

(GL)                  Shanak FC   1-0   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
                      Tariq 88'

(GL)             Real Jraxville   6-2   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
                Doherty 2', 43'         Pulson 22'
                     Thomas 31'         Rocha 88' pen
                      Okore 60'
                 Pearce 69' pen
                    Mtiliga 80'

(GL)                Iton Valley   1-1   Callisto City              (GL)
                Vanderweghe 48'         Hart 7'

Oh well here it goes. Trothwands, the villains of the play, hold Hastmead to a goalless draw at home in the early kick off -- Jonathan Herd's side using stifling tactics and clearly "playing for a draw", as Esteban Crespo remarked post-match -- which certainly shakes things up at the top of the table. Seeing an opportunity, Jraxville go into their match fired up and mercilessly torch a visiting Desert Foxes side for six goals, bringing them level with the Diamonds on 40 points.

The late kickoff is Firewood travelling to Kyobe to take on the Islanders. A win will send them three points clear before the winter break... and they choke. Kira Papogono the unlikely hat-trick hero in an unlikely triumph for the Ikutursan side. Firewood's defensive fragility is thoroughly exposed as Kyoshiku stand firm at the back and repeatedly hit the Fourgians on the break. Williams is silent post-match, unable to process what an opportunity his team threw away.

   Golden League I              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts    
 1 Hastmead Diamante             19   11   7   1    50   25  +25    40 CC
 2 Real Jraxville                19   12   4   3    38   19  +19    40 CC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 3 Firewood City                 19   12   4   3    61   43  +18    40 GC
 4 Utica United                  19    9   5   5    45   36   +9    32
 5 Trothwands Evolution          19    8   6   5    37   34   +3    30
 6 Muirford Athletic             19    8   4   7    33   24   +9    28
 7 Iton Valley                   19    6   8   5    25   25    0    26
 8 Dynapolis United              19    6   5   8    39   43   −4    23
 9 FC Barciddia                  19    6   5   8    29   36   −7    23
10 Shanak FC                     19    5   7   7    31   34   −3    22
11 AFC Hollybrent                19    5   7   7    19   22   −3    22
12 Kyoshiku Island               19    6   4   9    12   19   −7    22
13 Greeningham City              19    5   6   8    34   39   −5    21
14 Grasshoppers Turic            19    5   5   9    21   30   −9    20
15 Rapid Hearthlands             19    3  10   6    22   28   −6    19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
16 Burningham City               19    5   4  10    24   35  −11    19 
17 Callisto City                 19    4   5  10    24   37  −13    17
18 Cartagena Desert Foxes        19    3   8   8    23   38  −15    17

It's a little past mid-season in the Golden League, and the title race is lit as fuck. Three teams on forty points. Similar goal differences. Hastmead's single defeat suggests they should be leading the pack, but their inability to close out games earlier in the season is costing them now. Perhaps crucially, only two of the trio can get Champions Cup football next season... and whoever is left on the outside looking in might struggle to make up the financial gap. This year might well determine who is in the title race for the next few years... how exciting!

At the other end of the table, where the hell have Dynapolis gone? All the way up to 8th, after a dramatic up-turn in form the past few weeks. Enough to earn Negus Donovan manager of the month honours, in fact. In fairness, they're only five points clear of the drop zone, so bunched up is the table at this point... but for now, safe. Callisto have fallen into the relegation zone, though, while Cartagena prop the table up.

Disappointingly, Shanak languish down in tenth place, while Muirford cling to a top six place and therefore a possible UICA berth. Iton Valley are chasing, though, and Li Tien's side have gone under the radar so far this season, quietly positioning themselves for a run at a Globe Cup spot next season.

Golden League Leading Goalscorers
(after 19 games)

 1  Ashley Saunders          14 goals
 2  Riccardo Carbone         10 goals
 3  Theodora Covenant         9 goals
    Reiss Claro-Hunt          9 goals
 5  Marc Brandt               8 goals
    Esteban Crespo            8 goals
    Ayo Ashimolowo            8 goals
 8  Ryan Watson               7 goals
    Lloyd Allen               7 goals
    Andrea Cawdor             7 goals
    Quinn Doherty             7 goals
    Dequane Saint Etienne     7 goals
    Chike Emenanjo            7 goals

Atlantian Oceania Champions League Group Stage, Matchday Three         
(SEM)               FC Jansberg   2-3   Hastmead Diamante         (OSR)
                                        Ruel 23'
                                        Robertson 66'
                                        M'Bia 84'

Youth Cup Group Stage, Matchday Six                                    
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   3-5   Directus                  (EUR)
                  Montanari 11'
                Diamantakos 61'
                    Venegas 69'

Another impressive result for the Diamonds in international competition, this time against perennial Semar contenders FC Jansberg. It's a bit of a slow burn, this one. Only Peppin Ruel's goal separates the teams at half time, before a flurry of goals in the last half hour sees Ken Rickwright's team emerge winners with the odd goal in five.

The Hastmead under-19s were not so impressive, though. A final group stage game at home against Directus held a slim chance of progression with a win, but the Euran side overwhelm them. A valiant fightback from 4-1 down from the Diamonds was crushed as they chased an equaliser in the latter stages. Captain Evelyn McIntosh was upbeat, though. "We gave it our best, it was a great match. They were just too much for us in the end." She was not yet aware that a win would indeed have sent the team through. Not that it mattered at this point.

League Cup Quarter Finals                                               
(AL)            Sparta Yurendam   1-2   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
                     Varela 32'         Sanders 48'
                                        Brandt 81'
					 
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   1-5   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
                   Agostino 79'         Simpson 23'
                                        Rene Claro-Hunt 38', 82'
                                        Montanari 50'
                                        Paige 63'

(GL)               Utica United   2-0   FC Barciddia               (GL)
                       Liam 23'
                   Saunders 67'

(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   1-0   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
                 Zapata 83' pen

Muirford Athletic finally arrest their slump in form, eliminating the last remaining non-Golden League team from the League Cup. It's a tough one for Yurendam, who acquitted themselves well, but were ultimately undone by a moment of brilliance from Marc Brandt.

Hastmead ruthlessly dismantle Rapid again -- with numerous under-19s in the starting lineup; a familiar sight in the League Cup these days -- with Jerrell Paige and Artemis Montanari getting on the scoresheet. The latter doing so despite playing a second game in three days.

Trothwands struggle against the resolute defending of Kyoshiku, captain Zapata making the breakthrough from the spot late on; the result of a streaking Darik Samuels run into the box. Meanwhile, in the south, Utica's midfield control sees off Barciddia in an all-Tubrissian quarter final showdown. Alan Drummond's influence simply too much for the Lions to handle, as the playmaker creates both his team's goals and effectively runs the show from that advanced midfield position.

   Aurumia League I              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts

1 Violia FC 21 10 8 3 47 32 +15 38
2 Warton Villa 21 10 6 5 44 31 +13 36
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Qubadili FC 21 10 5 6 42 36 +6 35
4 Arcaea County 21 10 4 7 24 18 +6 34
5 Littleshaw Village 21 9 6 6 36 29 +7 33
6 FC Masaka 21 9 6 6 38 32 +6 33
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 Cymrwell FC 21 9 5 7 35 27 +8 32
8 Charleston Athletic 21 8 7 6 28 28 0 31
9 Firewood City Stars 21 8 6 7 47 47 0 30
10 Alissar Phoenix 21 7 7 7 34 31 +3 28
11 FC United of Dynapolis 21 7 7 7 25 22 +3 28
12 Junipa Athletic 21 8 4 9 35 33 +2 28
13 Priesthood of Baal 21 7 7 7 38 41 −3 28
14 Parania Albion 21 7 5 9 34 45 −11 26
15 Renneville United 21 5 9 7 30 33 −3 24
16 Sparta Yurendam 21 4 9 8 18 25 −7 21
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 Utica University 21 4 9 8 38 46 −8 21
18 Trelagstad FC 21 6 3 12 19 34 −15 21
19 Paper Tree Town 21 3 11 7 17 22 −5 20
20 Kart Hago 21 5 4 12 14 31 −17 19 [/pre]

Those free agent signings from the League Chromatik have made an impact -- most notably for Alissar Phoenix, who have plucked themselves from a possible relegation battle to within a couple wins of a playoff place. Maria di Corradi's side are looking dangerous, and it should surprise nobody at this point if they went on to put together a run to challenge the top two places.

At the other end of the table, Utica University are struggling. The lack of experience is proving to be a challenge for Dante Speranzo's side, who are flirting with a drop into the third tier for the first time in ... a long time. That said, they are only seven points behind Alissar Phoenix, who performed a similar turnaround already this season... Who knows what's coming? God bless the Aurumia League.

[u]   Phoenix League I              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts    
 1 Yamihagi FC                    21   13   5   3    42   26  +16    44
 2 Dynamo Druz                    21   13   2   6    48   36  +12    41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 3 Blacktube Village              21   12   4   5    38   30   +8    40
 4 Spoturess FC                   21    9   8   4    38   33   +5    35
 5 Inter Alepio                   21    9   6   6    48   41   +7    33
 6 Maharia United                 21   10   3   8    44   40   +4    33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 7 Real Rajahara FC               21    8   7   6    35   30   +5    31
 8 Bayer Schlossberg              21    7   9   5    25   19   +6    30
 9 Kholanaras Island              21    8   6   7    16   15   +1    30
10 Troycaster United              21    8   5   8    52   45   +7    29
11 Highport Athletic              21    7   8   6    35   28   +7    29
12 FC United of San Manuel        21    7   8   6    27   23   +4    29
13 Wellmont United                21    7   7   7    26   24   +2    28
14 Pinturici Rangers              21    6   7   8    40   46   −6    25
15 Clefton Town                   21    6   5  10    35   44   −9    23
16 Fort Mare                      21    5   7   9    27   36   −9    22
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 Altrinston United              21    5   6  10    35   47  −12    21
18 Bowsston United                21    4   5  12    24   46  −22    17
19 Hamtown Athletic               21    3   7  11    34   48  −14    16
20 Kronkow United                 21    3   5  13    34   46  −12    14

Yamihagi's form continues -- they're pretty much the Hastmead of the third tier at this point; by far and away the best team in the division -- but Dynamo Druz and Blacktube Village are keeping the pace. Sort of. It's looking like at least one of the two will be joining Yamihagi in the second tier next season at this rate. Of course, playoffs are anything but a sure thing, and notoriously unpredictable Real Rajahara are not far off...

My my my, how Hamtown have fallen. They can't be optimistic about staying up... that said, neither can Kronkow or Bowsston. The trio are all former top flight teams, would you believe?

Duchess League

   Duchess League I - Div A   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts    
 1 Lucena Wanderers            21   13   3   5    49   37  +12    42
 2 Audenborough FC             21   12   2   7    36   24  +12    38
 3 Barringdon Athletic         21   11   4   6    35   31   +4    37
 4 Euribus Athletic            21   10   5   6    41   32   +9    35
 5 FC Kelogi                   21   10   5   6    20   17   +3    35
 6 Western Dynapolis           21   10   4   7    40   31   +9    34
 7 Harinnet FC                 21    9   6   6    42   40   +2    33
 8 Lanismel Village            21    9   5   7    38   34   +4    32
 9 Weestock United             21    9   5   7    28   25   +3    32
10 Bentley Ridge               21    8   7   6    22   21   +1    31
11 Bownton Wanderers           21    8   4   9    22   24   −2    28
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 Shelbury Town               21    6   9   6    39   38   +1    27
13 Chadderwick Town            21    7   6   8    36   35   +1    27
14 Tower Hambeth               21    7   6   8    41   42   −1    27
15 Rhodunaia United            21    7   6   8    49   51   −2    27
16 Real Batik                  21    8   3  10    15   19   −4    27
17 AFC Homentat                21    7   4  10    24   25   −1    25
18 FC Kaiserstadt              21    6   7   8    31   36   −5    25
19 Athletic Lindenhurst        21    7   4  10    30   36   −6    25
20 Westpoint United            21    5   5  11    37   51  −14    20
21 Newhaven Athletic           21    2   9  10    26   39  −13    15
22 Monobury Town               21    4   3  14    11   24  −13    15

   Duchess League I - Div B   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts    
 1 Delsfield United            21   16   1   4    35   16  +19    49
 2 FC Kronenhof                21   14   3   4    49   33  +16    45
 3 Hackden Town                21   11   5   5    32   23   +9    38
 4 New Wakeley United          21    9   7   5    56   46  +10    34
 5 Partingdale United          21    9   7   5    28   18  +10    34
 6 Yoru Yoru Town              21   10   4   7    42   33   +9    34
 7 Colesall Town               21    8   7   6    38   35   +3    31
 8 Olympic Crono Polytes       21    7   9   5    39   33   +6    30
 9 Chestmana United            21    7   9   5    51   48   +3    30
10 Kyatoshima United           21    7   8   6    37   29   +8    29
11 East Elismith               21    8   5   8    35   33   +2    29
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 Camslow Town                21    8   5   8    32   39   −7    29
13 Churchfield Sport Club      21    6   9   6    31   27   +4    27
14 Olympique Corriere          21    6   7   8    36   47  −11    25
15 Fulsea upon Elishat         21    6   6   9    15   20   −5    24
16 Rockbridge FC               21    6   5  10    50   55   −5    23
17 Cauldron Juniors            21    6   4  11    37   44   −7    22
18 Namatabi FC                 21    4  10   7    31   38   −7    22
19 Ethea FC                    21    3   9   9    32   39   −7    18
20 Hountham Forest             21    3   9   9    28   38  −10    18
21 Bexwich United              21    3   7  11    38   60  −22    16
22 Bramhall Edge               21    3   6  12    20   38  −18    15

Camslow Town. Wounder. Poor goal difference is the only thing stopping them from having a shot at promotion this season, as the league splits. Delsfield, Kronenhof and Lucena all look like early favourites for promotion, while Bramhall Edge, Monobury Town and the legendary giant-killers Newhaven Athletic are all in trouble of the drop.

New Wakeley United are perhaps one of the teams to watch in the second half of the season though. The highest scoring team in tier four and looking very impressive going forward. Defensively fragile, but that's working out nicely for Firewood City isn't it?

  OFA Academy League Tier One    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Firewood City                   14    7   6   1    18   11   +7    27
2 Grasshoppers Turic              14    6   4   4    25   22   +3    22
3 Arcademia                       14    5   6   3    19   15   +4    21
4 Greeningham City                14    6   2   6    13   13    0    20
5 Trothwands Evolution            14    5   4   5    22   19   +3    19
6 Utica United                    14    4   3   7    19   20   −1    15
7 Hastmead Diamante               14    4   3   7    11   17   −6    15
8 Aurumiana                       14    3   4   7     7   17  −10    13

  OFA Academy League Tier Two    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Cerebramelium                   14    8   2   4    25   22   +3    26
2 Duodemoru                       14    6   5   3    23   20   +3    23
3 Paladiaverda                    14    6   4   4    22   17   +5    22
4 Fabrearea                       14    7   1   6    18   17   +1    22
5 Burningham City                 14    6   2   6    24   23   +1    20
6 Kronenkappi                     14    6   1   7    26   29   −3    19
7 Noctinoklem                     14    5   3   6    18   17   +1    18
8 FC Barciddia                    14    2   2  10    16   27  −11     8

  OFA Academy League Tier Three  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Sancroi                         14    7   4   3    21   19   +2    25
2 AFC Hollybrent                  14    6   5   3    24   23   +1    23
3 Fontainette                     14    6   4   4    24   17   +7    22
4 Cartacura                       14    5   4   5    27   24   +3    19
5 Luxiekkazza                     14    4   5   5    19   18   +1    17
6 Real Jraxville                  14    3   8   3    20   20    0    17
7 Quemasia                        14    5   2   7    34   36   −2    17
8 Foliettichran                   14    2   4   8    19   31  −12    10

  OFA Academy League Tier Four   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Sahelasuro                      14    7   2   5    25   18   +7    23
2 Dynapolis United                14    6   5   3    26   20   +6    23
3 Muirford Athletic               14    6   3   5    23   20   +3    21
4 Rapid Hearthlands               14    6   2   6    23   22   +1    20
5 Callisto City                   14    6   2   6    21   23   −2    20
6 Shanak FC                       14    5   4   5    17   19   −2    19
7 Cartagena Desert Foxes          14    5   3   6    22   26   −4    18
8 Kyoshiku Island                 14    3   3   8     8   17   −9    12

Autumn Developmental League Playoffs                                           
(AT1)           Firewood City p 2-2   Greeningham City        (AT1)   (4-2 pen)
(AT1)      Grasshoppers Turic   0-2   Arcademia               (AT1)
(AT2)           Cerebramelium   3-0   Fabrearea               (AT2)
(AT2)               Duodemoru e 1-0   Paladiaverda            (AT2)
(AT3)                 Sancroi   3-2   Cartacura               (AT3)
(AT3)          AFC Hollybrent   3-3 p Fontainette             (AT3)   (4-5 pen)
(AT4)              Sahelasuro p 2-2   Rapid Hearthlands       (AT4)   (4-2 pen)
(AT4)        Dynapolis United   1-2 e Muirford Athletic       (AT4)

Autumn Developmental League Classification Playoffs                            
(AT1)    Trothwands Evolution   5-3   Aurumiana               (AT1)
(AT1)            Utica United   1-3   Hastmead Diamante       (AT1)
(AT2)         Burningham City   2-3 e FC Barciddia            (AT2)
(AT2)             Kronenkappi   0-1   Noctinoklem             (AT2)
(AT3)             Luxiekkazza   1-2   Foliettichran           (AT3)
(AT3)          Real Jraxville   2-3 e Quemasia                (AT3)
(AT4)           Callisto City   3-2   Kyoshiku Island         (AT4)
(AT4)               Shanak FC   1-0   Cartagena Desert Foxes  (AT4)

Autumn Developmental League Seventh Place Playoffs                             
(AT1)               Aurumiana e 3-2   Utica United            (AT1)
(AT2)         Burningham City   1-2   Kronenkappi             (AT2)
(AT3)             Luxiekkazza p 2-2   Real Jraxville          (AT3)
(AT4)         Kyoshiku Island   0-1 e Cartagena Desert Foxes  (AT4)

Autumn Developmental League Fifth Place Playoffs                               
(AT1)    Trothwands Evolution   3-2   Hastmead Diamante       (AT1)
(AT2)            FC Barciddia   0-1   Noctinoklem             (AT2)
(AT3)           Foliettichran   2-0   Quemasia                (AT3)
(AT4)           Callisto City   3-4 e Shanak FC               (AT4)

Autumn Developmental League Third Place Playoffs                               
(AT1)      Grasshoppers Turic p 3-3   Greeningham City        (AT1)
(AT2)               Fabrearea   1-0   Paladiaverda            (AT2)
(AT3)               Cartacura   0-1   AFC Hollybrent          (AT3)
(AT4)       Rapid Hearthlands   1-0   Dynapolis United        (AT4)

Autumn Developmental League Tier Championships                                 
(AT1)           Firewood City   3-1   Arcademia               (AT1)
(AT2)           Cerebramelium   2-1   Duodemoru               (AT2)
(AT3)                 Sancroi   0-2   Fontainette             (AT3)
(AT4)              Sahelasuro   1-0   Muirford Athletic       (AT4)

Firewood City's Tier One Championship is perhaps a surprise to some, as most tipped Hastmead to top the highest tier of youth competition... but on reflection, the Diamonds' participation in UICA competition -- and considerable involvement in senior games -- may have stretched them enough to see them finish significantly lower down the table than expected. Firewood's youth academy has not been particularly impressive for some time, but now there are murmurs. Williams' focus is said to be toward younger players, for long-term development... their triumph over one of the OFA's elite academies in the final suggests there is more than a little truth to this.

by **Osarius** » Wed Nov 30, 2016 9:54 am

((OOC: No time for full detail at the moment, will finish filling in later for those of you who are interested. Just wanna get this posted up in time for the deadline.))

Golden League Matchday 20                                              
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   0-2   Iton Valley                (GL)
(GL)              Callisto City   3-2   Real Jraxville             (GL)
(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   2-1   Shanak FC                  (GL)
(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   1-0   Utica United               (GL)
(GL)               FC Barciddia   1-0   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
(GL)              Firewood City   1-1   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
(GL)            Burningham City   0-1   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
(GL)           Dynapolis United   5-4   Greeningham City           (GL)
(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   2-1   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)

Callisto overturn Jraxville, while Hastmead are stunned in Hollybrent, meaning Firewood are handed yet another chance to go three points clear at the top... and in typical modern Firewood style, they choke. A late goal from Maya Pearson means Firewood have to settle for a one point gap. Which isn't much of a gap, given the vastly superior goal difference boasted by Hastmead. Jraxville's error was a failure to adequately lock down Montell Washington, and the Aquilliano winger tormented Sketch all game. Even with Andrea Cawdor dropping back to help out with defensive duties, the electric pace of the teenager was just too much. Hastmead's loss is a bit more complicated to explain. Ultimately, you could argue it was down to a simple-but-clever tactical gambit from Thomas Greenridge; Octavius Ioda sneakily changing positions with James Warwick to create a mismatch against Alisa Robertson. The Cosumarite was simply too strong for her, and used his strength in a way he had not been able to against Demetrio Constantini... though this doesn't explain their repeated failure to open up a commanding lead prior to half time.

Elsewhere, Dynapolis turned on the style again -- or did they just not turn it off over the four week winter break? -- with Bellsirien Ormin underlining his credentials as possible player of the year. The elf playmaker celebrated the return of Kemar Fofana and Duane Barnes by laying on goals for both players, and netting a couple of his own. He would go on to create the eventual winner in the eighty-second minute too, presumably just to show off. The magnificent bastard.

Atlantian Oceania Champions League Group Stage, Matchday Four          
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   1-0   FC Jansberg               (SEM)
                    Ashdown 63'

Elaine Ashdown's twenty yard strike seals a fourth straight win in the competition for the Diamonds, and guarantees progression to the knockout stages. Easing a little bit of the pressure on the club's ultra-congested fixture list can only be a good thing...

OmniCup Round Four                                                               
(AL)                Qubadili FC   2-1   Neahri Angels              (RL)
(RL)           Plesion Warriors   1-2 e North Greeningham Celtic   (NL) NL UPSET!
(DL)           Lucena Wanderers   1-0   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL) BIG UPSET!
(DL)                 Real Batik   0-1   Namatabi FC                (DL)
(GL)             Real Jraxville   2-0   SC Covenham                (RL)
(RL)              Kabill Nation   0-4   Violia FC                  (AL)
(RL)               Charron Fire   2-1   Delsfield United           (DL)
(GL)                Iton Valley   5-2   Shelbury Town              (DL)
(RL)           Lonsdalon United   0-2   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
(GL)              Callisto City   4-0   Isbrent and Mergey Albion  (RL)
(AL)            Paper Tree Town   0-1   Parkchester FC             (RL) UPSET!
(AL)                  Kart Hago   0-1   Corriere Sporting          (RL) UPSET!
(GL)              Firewood City   6-0   Clefton Town               (PL)
(DL)         New Wakeley United   6-0   Shanak FC                  (GL) HUGE UPSET!
(DL)           Lanismel Village   1-0   Littleshaw Village         (AL) BIG UPSET!
(AL)            Alissar Phoenix   2-1   Bowsston United            (PL)

Oh. My. God. Shanak got absolutely TANKED by a fourth tier side. Mara Fuller has done well this season, but ... wow. The board won't sack her for this but she has got to be pretty f'n nervous right about now. Admittedly this wasn't the first team, and it's a cup competition etc etc... but come on. Losing 6-0 to Hastmead would be bad. To New f'n Wakeley?

We can't even talk about the other results here. It's just that bad.

Golden League Matchday 21                                              
(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   1-2   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   4-1   Dynapolis United           (GL)
(GL)           Greeningham City   1-0   Burningham City            (GL)
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   5-0   Firewood City              (GL)
(GL)          Muirford Athletic   4-2   FC Barciddia               (GL)
(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   0-0   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
(GL)               Utica United   4-0   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
(GL)                  Shanak FC   3-0   Callisto City              (GL)
(GL)             Real Jraxville   3-2   Iton Valley                (GL)

Oh dear, oh dear. D'Antoni Williams must be absolutely fuming. Firewood have again been completely dismantled on the break. By another team that frankly has no right to be beating them by five goals. A hat-trick for the somewhat mercurial Rene Mbala-Bolasie is the urine-flavoured icing on a gigantic turd cake for Il Fuoco. To make matters worse, both Real and Hastmead won. Firewood, who twice have had chances to go three clear at the top... are now trailing by two.

On the topic of Hastmead... someone had to put that Dynapolis party to an end, right? The reigning champions were more than equal to such a task, ruthlessly halting the Dragons' good run of form in a crushing four-one win at Black Patch Park. Artemis Montanari's late goal -- the Diamonds' fourth -- told the story of the way the game had gone in general, really. Ayo Ashimolowo found himself with a clear shot on goal, but struck it straight at Rosie Munro; Munro wasted no time getting the ball out to Djair Claro-Hunt, and the counter-attack was on. Within nine seconds, Ryan Watson was cutting the ball back across the box for Montanari to sweep into the bottom left corner. Dynapolis were more competitive than the scoreline suggests, but the simple truth is that they were not good enough. Still... encouraging for the rest of the season.

Elsewhere, Utica absolutely destroyed their local "rivals" [meant in the loosest sense of the word - Ed.] Cartagena. Rafael Osorio's days are numbered. Probably single digits.

[spoiler=Series B Champions Cup, Round of Sixteen]

Series B Champions Cup Round of Sixteen, First Leg                     
(OSR)         Muirford Athletic   1-2   SC Troubalose             (PAS)
                    Elliott 43'

A tough defeat at home, two away goals allowed... looks like this might be end of the line for the Warriors in UICA competition. For this season anyway. If they keep up their league form -- a distinct possibility without the distraction of additional travel and matches overseas -- they're likely to be in the Globe Cup next season. Of course, this relies on them retaining the services of players like tonight's goalscorer, Evander Elliott. The Cobre midfielder is really growing into his role, asserting himself with a maturity beyond most of his age.

Golden League Matchday 22                                              
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   3-1   Real Jraxville             (GL)
(GL)                Iton Valley   2-1   Shanak FC                  (GL)
(GL)              Callisto City   5-3   Utica United               (GL)
(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   2-1   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   0-0   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
(GL)               FC Barciddia   0-2   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
(GL)              Firewood City   3-2   Greeningham City           (GL)
(GL)            Burningham City   2-2   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
(GL)           Dynapolis United   0-1   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)

[--NOTES--]


Atlantian Oceania Champions League Group Stage, Matchday Five          
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   1-1   Monarchs                  (SCV)
            Rene Claro-Hunt 74'

With progression already assured, Ken Rickwright took the opportunity to hand starting spots to younger players, giving them valuable experience at the elite level. The kids do alright, all told. Especially considering they were up against a recent COCANEFA champion. In the end, it's an experienced head who gets a goal for the Diamonds, though. Ryan Watson's through ball releasing Rene Claro-Hunt to pull the home side level in the seventy-fourth minute.

Golden League Matchday 23                                              
(GL)           Dynapolis United   5-2   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   1-0   Burningham City            (GL)
(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   3-2   Firewood City              (GL)
(GL)           Greeningham City   2-1   FC Barciddia               (GL)
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   0-1   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
(GL)          Muirford Athletic   3-3   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
CDF: fisher hat trick, all assisted by dawson
(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   1-0   Callisto City              (GL)
(GL)               Utica United   3-3   Iton Valley                (GL)
(GL)                  Shanak FC   2-1   Real Jraxville             (GL)

[--NOTES--]

League Cup Semi Finals, First Leg                                      
(GL)          Muirford Athletic   1-2   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
                      Ramos 78'         Saunders 18'
                                        M'Bia 57'

(GL)               Utica United   1-0   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
                   del Olmo 39'

The Orange teams roll. Muirford have made things tough for themselves again here... they're travelling to Black Patch Park to face Hastmead, down by one and having conceded two away goals. They've pulled off a few great comebacks this year but this one is surely one too far. The Diamonds are on par with Muirford when fielding half a squad of under 20s -- as they did here -- and it's just hard to see them dropping two goals at home. Utica kept it professional, taking the lead in the first half and passing Trothwands to death, waiting for openings that seldom presented themselves. Vittore Zavaglia singled out Carmen Grana for praise after the midfielder completed an astonishing 103 passes, misplacing none. Critics will argue that she made few key passes, but still... that's god tier ball retention.

As far as cup finals go, of all the possible matchups at this point, it's hard to argue that Hastmead-Utica isn't the most enticing... but, the job isn't quite done yet.


Champions Cup Round of Sixteen, First Leg                              
(VIL)               Turoki Tide   0-2   Hastmead Diamante         (OSR)

Series B Champions Cup Round of Sixteen, Second Leg                    [/u]
(PAS)             SC Troubalose   2-2   Muirford Athletic         (OSR)

[--NOTES--]

Golden League Matchday 24                                              
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   2-2   Shanak FC                  (GL)
(GL)             Real Jraxville   3-1   Utica United               (GL)
(GL)                Iton Valley   6-2   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
(GL)              Callisto City   6-2   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
washington scores five
(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   1-0   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   4-3   Greeningham City           (GL)
(GL)               FC Barciddia   3-4   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
(GL)              Firewood City   2-2   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
(GL)            Burningham City   0-1   Dynapolis United           (GL)

[--NOTES--]

Atlantian Oceania Champions League Group Stage, Matchday Six           
(VAL)        Raynor City United   2-0   Hastmead Diamante         (OSR)
(still finished top of group)

[--NOTES--]

League Cup Semi Final, Second Leg                                      
(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   3-0   Muirford Athletic          (GL)

            Hastmead Diamante win 5-1 on aggregate

(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   1-1   Utica United               (GL)

         Trothwands Evolution win 2-1 on aggregate

[--NOTES--]

Golden League Matchday 25                                              
(GL)            Burningham City   0-1   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
(GL)           Dynapolis United   2-8   Firewood City              (GL)
carbone x4, allen x3
(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   4-2   FC Barciddia               (GL)
(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   4-1   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
(GL)           Greeningham City   5-1   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   0-1   Callisto City              (GL)
(GL)          Muirford Athletic   1-0   Iton Valley                (GL)
(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   3-0   Real Jraxville             (GL)
(GL)               Utica United   1-1   Shanak FC                  (GL)

[--NOTES--]


Champions Cup Round of Sixteen, Second Leg                             
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   1-1   Turoki Tide               (VIL)

[--NOTES--]

Golden League Matchday 26                                              
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   0-1   Utica United               (GL)
(GL)                  Shanak FC   3-1   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
(GL)             Real Jraxville   0-0   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
(GL)                Iton Valley   3-2   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
(GL)              Callisto City   3-3   Greeningham City           (GL)
(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   0-1   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   2-1   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
(GL)               FC Barciddia   4-6   Dynapolis United           (GL)
(GL)              Firewood City   5-3   Burningham City            (GL)

[--NOTES--]

Golden League Matchday 27                                              
(GL)              Firewood City   3-1   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
(GL)            Burningham City   1-1   FC Barciddia               (GL)
(GL)           Dynapolis United   0-1   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   4-2   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   5-3   Callisto City              (GL)
(GL)           Greeningham City   3-2   Iton Valley                (GL)
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   2-1   Real Jraxville             (GL)
(GL)          Muirford Athletic   2-2   Shanak FC                  (GL)
(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   1-0   Utica United               (GL)

[--NOTES--]

Atlantian Oceania Champions League Quarter Final, First Leg            
(NFX)              SC Oceanside   5–2   Hastmead Diamante         (OSR)

[--NOTES--]

Golden League Matchday 28                                              
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   0-0   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
(GL)               Utica United   3-3   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
saunders hat trick
(GL)                  Shanak FC   1-0   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
(GL)             Real Jraxville   2-1   Greeningham City           (GL)
(GL)                Iton Valley   3-1   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
(GL)              Callisto City   3-2   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   3-2   Dynapolis United           (GL)
(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   2-2   Burningham City            (GL)
(GL)               FC Barciddia   3-4   Firewood City              (GL)

[--NOTES--]

   Golden League I              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts    
 1 Hastmead Diamante             28   17   8   3    75   42  +33    59  
 2 Firewood City                 28   17   6   5    89   65  +24    57  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3 Real Jraxville                28   15   5   8    51   36  +15    50  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4 Iton Valley                   28   11   9   8    48   41   +7    42
 5 Utica United                  28   11   8   9    61   53   +8    41
 6 Trothwands Evolution          28   11   8   9    48   49   −1    41
 7 Muirford Athletic             28   10  10   8    49   41   +8    40
 8 AFC Hollybrent                28   10   8  10    37   36   +1    38
 9 Grasshoppers Turic            28   10   8  10    33   40   −7    38
10 Shanak FC                     28    9  10   9    47   45   +2    37
11 Dynapolis United              28   10   5  13    61   70   −9    35
12 Greeningham City              28    9   7  12    58   60   −2    34
13 Callisto City                 28    9   6  13    48   58  −10    33
14 Kyoshiku Island               28    9   6  13    21   31  −10    33
15 Rapid Hearthlands             28    7  10  11    34   36   −2    31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 Cartagena Desert Foxes        28    7   9  12    37   59  −22    30
17 FC Barciddia                  28    7   6  15    46   63  −17    27
18 Burningham City               28    5   7  16    32   50  −18    22

[--SUMMARY OF TABLE--]

OmniCup Quarter Finals                                                        
(GL)             Real Jraxville e 2-1   Parkchester FC             (RL)
(AL)                  Violia FC   1-0   Lucena Wanderers           (DL)
(AL)            Alissar Phoenix   4-2   Firewood City              (GL) UPSET!
(GL)                Iton Valley e 3-2   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)

[--NOTES--]

Atlantian Oceania Champions League Quarter Final, Second Leg           
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   3-1   SC Oceanside              (NFX)

[--NOTES--]

League Cup Final

(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   7-0   Utica United               (GL)

         @ Mount Crown Stadium, Burningham, Capital, Mount Crown

There is something altogether cruel about this result. But also, remarkable. This is Utica we're talking about. Top six team in the country... Cue doping allegations in 3... 2...


   Aurumia League I             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts    
 1 Violia FC                     30   15  11   4    63   43  +20    56
 2 Qubadili FC                   30   16   6   8    72   60  +12    54
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3 Warton Villa                  30   13   8   9    69   53  +16    47
 4 FC Masaka                     30   13   8   9    55   47   +8    47
 5 Charleston Athletic           30   13   8   9    40   40    0    47
 6 Arcaea County                 30   13   7  10    36   29   +7    46
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7 Cymrwell FC                   30   13   6  11    51   39  +12    45
 8 Alissar Phoenix               30   12   8  10    50   40  +10    44
 9 Junipa Athletic               30   12   7  11    53   46   +7    43
10 Firewood City Stars           30   12   7  11    64   67   −3    43
11 FC United of Dynapolis        30   10  11   9    32   28   +4    41
12 Littleshaw Village            30   11   7  12    50   48   +2    40
13 Paper Tree Town               30    7  14   9    28   29   −1    35
14 Trelagstad FC                 30   10   5  15    37   51  −14    35
15 Parania Albion                30    9   7  14    47   62  −15    34
16 Utica University              30    7  12  11    58   64   −6    33
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 Sparta Yurendam               30    7  12  11    32   40   −8    33
18 Renneville United             30    7  12  11    39   49  −10    33
19 Priesthood of Baal            30    7  12  11    51   63  −12    33
20 Kart Hago                     30    6   6  18    23   52  −29    24

[--TIER TWO ROUND-UP--]


   Phoenix League I              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts    
 1 Yamihagi FC                    30   17   7   6    54   38  +16    58
 2 Dynamo Druz                    30   18   3   9    69   51  +18    57
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3 Blacktube Village              30   17   6   7    53   42  +11    57
 4 Spoturess FC                   30   14   9   7    61   51  +10    51
 5 Real Rajahara FC               30   13   9   8    48   40   +8    48
 6 Inter Alepio                   30   13   8   9    60   51   +9    47
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7 Bayer Schlossberg              30   11  12   7    36   29   +7    45
 8 Highport Athletic              30   11  10   9    47   40   +7    43
 9 Wellmont United                30   10  11   9    35   31   +4    41
10 Maharia United                 30   12   5  13    61   61    0    41
11 FC United of San Manuel        30   10   9  11    37   37    0    39
12 Clefton Town                   30   10   9  11    56   59   −3    39
13 Kholanaras Island              30   10   9  11    20   24   −4    39
14 Pinturici Rangers              30   10   8  12    54   59   −5    38
15 Fort Mare                      30    9   9  12    38   45   −7    36
16 Troycaster United              30    9   8  13    67   65   +2    35
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 Altrinston United              30    9   8  13    60   65   −5    35
18 Bowsston United                30    7   6  17    42   68  −26    27
19 Kronkow United                 30    6   7  17    50   68  −18    25
20 Hamtown Athletic               30    3   9  18    49   73  −24    18

[--TIER THREE ROUND-UP--]


Div A Top Half                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   
 1 Audenborough FC (DL)          10    6   2   2    22   16   +6    20
 2 Lucena Wanderers (DL)         10    6   2   2    19   14   +5    20
 3 FC Kelogi (DL)                10    6   1   3    15    8   +7    19
 4 Lanismel Village (DL)         10    4   3   3    24   21   +3    15
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5 Western Dynapolis (DL)        10    4   3   3    21   19   +2    15
 6 Harinnet FC (DL)              10    4   1   5    22   23   −1    13
 7 Bentley Ridge (DL)            10    4   1   5     9   16   −7    13
 8 Weestock United (DL)          10    4   1   5    11   12   −1    13
 9 Barringdon Athletic (DL)      10    4   1   5    17   18   −1    13
10 Bownton Wanderers (DL)        10    1   4   5     3   11   −8     7
11 Euribus Athletic (DL)         10    0   5   5    10   15   −5     5


Div A Bottom Half               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   
 1 Rhodunaia United (DL)         10    5   4   1    16    7   +9    19
 2 Athletic Lindenhurst (DL)     10    5   1   4    21   19   +2    16
 3 Shelbury Town (DL)            10    5   1   4    14   12   +2    16
 4 Chadderwick Town (DL)         10    5   1   4    18   14   +4    16
 5 Newhaven Athletic (DL)        10    4   3   3    10    9   +1    15
 6 Monobury Town (DL)            10    4   2   4     9    7   +2    14
 7 Westpoint United (DL)         10    4   2   4    13   15   −2    14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 8 AFC Homentat (DL)             10    4   1   5     7   14   −7    13
 9 Real Batik (DL)               10    3   3   4     7    8   −1    12
10 Tower Hambeth (DL)            10    3   2   5    12   16   −4    11
11 FC Kaiserstadt (DL)           10    3   0   7    19   25   −6     9


Div B Top Half                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   
 1 Hackden Town (DL)             10    7   1   2    14    8   +6    22
 2 FC Kronenhof (DL)             10    6   3   1    15    8   +7    21 
 3 East Elismith (DL)            10    6   3   1    21   14   +7    21 
 4 Kyatoshima United (DL)        10    5   2   3    28   22   +6    17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5 Yoru Yoru Town (DL)           10    4   3   3    20   18   +2    15
 6 Olympic Crono Polytes (DL)    10    4   2   4    16   12   +4    14
 7 Delsfield United (DL)         10    4   1   5     8   10   −2    13
 8 Partingdale United (DL)       10    3   2   5    10   10    0    11
 9 New Wakeley United (DL)       10    3   1   6    15   21   −6    10
10 Chestmana United (DL)         10    2   0   8    10   21  −11     6
11 Colesall Town (DL)            10    1   2   7    16   29  −13     5


Div B Bottom Half               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts   
 1 Churchfield Sport Club (DL)   10    7   2   1    30   16  +14    23
 2 Rockbridge FC (DL)            10    5   3   2    22   15   +7    18
 3 Fulsea upon Elishat (DL)      10    5   3   2    15    9   +6    18
 4 Cauldron Juniors (DL)         10    5   2   3    24   18   +6    17
 5 Bexwich United (DL)           10    4   2   4    22   20   +2    14
 6 Ethea FC (DL)                 10    4   1   5    14   20   −6    13
 7 Hountham Forest (DL)          10    3   3   4    17   20   −3    12
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 8 Camslow Town (DL)             10    3   3   4    22   26   −4    12
 9 Bramhall Edge (DL)            10    3   2   5    13   15   −2    11
10 Namatabi FC (DL)              10    3   1   6    24   29   −5    10
11 Olympique Corriere (DL)       10    1   2   7    12   27  −15     5

[--NOTES--]

   Tropical Division               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts  
 1 Poyndale Rovers                  30   19   7   4    35   11  +24    64
 2 Perestroi Town                   30   15   8   7    48   34  +14    53
 3 South Warlets                    30   14   7   9    39   28  +11    49
 4 Hilo'wi FC                       30   13   6  11    37   33   +4    45
 5 Locomotiv Yablokograd            30   13   6  11    30   26   +4    45
 6 Osakyo FC                        30   13   6  11    44   42   +2    45
 7 Oro Oro FC                       30   14   3  13    60   64   −4    45
 8 Kornus Wanderers                 30   11  11   8    47   42   +5    44
 9 Firblanc Athletic                30   13   5  12    39   35   +4    44
10 Nine Villages Dragons            30   11   8  11    31   31    0    41
11 Bear Wood United                 30   12   5  13    44   50   −6    41
12 Pacinot FC                       30    8  14   8    32   30   +2    38
13 Dominica United                  30    9   5  16    55   62   −7    32
14 Khoisa United                    30    9   5  16    25   35  −10    32
15 Osakyo Islanders                 30    7   7  16    17   32  −15    28
16 Khoisa Albion                    30    5   5  20    12   40  −28    20

   Royal Division                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts  
 1 Corriere Sporting                30   18  11   1    55   30  +25    65
 2 Mittedorf Sportverein            30   18   8   4    73   41  +32    62
 3 Pitera Sport Club                30   17   8   5    78   55  +23    59
 4 Marin Riversiders                30   15   7   8    43   27  +16    52
 5 Rivula Bank                      30   14   7   9    47   40   +7    49
 6 North Hood Senators              30   13   8   9    39   30   +9    47
 7 Kabill Nation                    30   13   8   9    48   43   +5    47
 8 Opaqui United                    30   12  10   8    58   48  +10    46
 9 Plesion Warriors                 30   12   6  12    21   20   +1    42
10 Ramajo Disciples                 30   10   8  12    28   32   −4    38
11 River Head FC                    30    8   9  13    35   50  −15    33
12 SC Covenham                      30    6   9  15    27   42  −15    27
13 Royal Kitcheners                 30    7   5  18    34   52  −18    26
14 Passeria United                  30    7   5  18    46   77  −31    26
15 Mesaluf FC                       30    7   2  21    53   81  −28    23
16 FC Mora                          30    4   7  19    43   60  −17    19

   Mountain Division               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts  
 1 Renegata Neahri                  30   19   3   8    78   47  +31    60
 2 AFC Carbonia                     30   17   6   7    66   43  +23    57
 3 Corniche Carbo Calcio            30   16   8   6    56   37  +19    56
 4 Neahri Angels                    30   15   7   8    59   54   +5    52
 5 Pelshill United                  30   13  10   7    53   41  +12    49
 6 Aquifolia FC                     30   12  10   8    63   61   +2    46
 7 Ilex Forest                      30   11  10   9    54   48   +6    43
 8 Parkchester FC                   30   12   7  11    63   68   −5    43
 9 FC Neahri                        30    9   9  12    69   76   −7    36
10 Pareille Athletic                30    9   8  13    59   71  −12    35
11 Grafite Union                    30    9   8  13    56   69  −13    35
12 Charron Fire                     30    8  10  12    59   61   −2    34
13 Parkchester United               30    9   7  14    47   63  −16    34
14 Charron Town                     30    9   6  15    62   65   −3    33
15 Laswall Town                     30    7   6  17    45   63  −18    27
16 Pelshill Villa                   30    4   7  19    53   75  −22    19

   Desert Division                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts  
 1 Triumph Network Corps            30   19   7   4    60   39  +21    64
 2 Inzon Hawk                       30   16   7   7    65   50  +15    55
 3 Denworth Athletic                30   15   6   9    35   26   +9    51
 4 Magnum Clay                      30   14   7   9    40   22  +18    49
 5 Zama Champions                   30   14   4  12    72   71   +1    46
 6 Alissar Tigers                   30   13   6  11    69   63   +6    45
 7 Honggenn Harriers                30   11   8  11    53   48   +5    41
 8 Zama Immortals                   30   11   8  11    46   45   +1    41
 9 Isbrent and Mergey Albion        30   11   7  12    44   40   +4    40
10 Lonsdalon United                 30   10  10  10    46   44   +2    40
11 Arcan Athletic                   30    9  10  11    53   65  −12    37
12 Jraxville City                   30    8  11  11    45   45    0    35
13 Muirford City                    30    9   7  14    27   33   −6    34
14 Tamarack Town                    30    7  11  12    30   45  −15    32
15 North Kerkouane                  30    7   5  18    25   45  −20    26
16 Pudsfield Rovers                 30    6   6  18    42   71  −29    24

[--NOTES--]

Developmental League: Spring Results

  Tier 1 - Division A         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Arcademia                     6   3  2  1    8   6  +2   11
2 Firewood City                 6   2  2  2    6   5  +1    8
3 Trothwands Evolution          6   2  1  3    8   9  −1    7
4 Hastmead Diamante             6   1  3  2    7   9  −2    6

  Tier 1 - Division B         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Grasshoppers Turic            6   5  0  1   17   9  +8   15
2 Greeningham City              6   4  0  2    6   8  −2   12
3 Utica United                  6   3  0  3   13   8  +5    9
4 Aurumiana                     6   0  0  6    2  13 −11    0

  Tier 2 - Division A         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Cerebramelium                 6   4  1  1    8   8   0   13
2 Burningham City               6   2  3  1    9   5  +4    9
3 Paladiaverda                  6   2  1  3    6   9  −3    7
4 Noctinoklem                   6   1  1  4   10  11  −1    4

  Tier 2 - Division B         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 FC Barciddia                  6   3  2  1   10   9  +1   11
2 Kronenkappi                   6   3  1  2    8   6  +2   10
3 Duodemoru                     6   2  1  3    6   7  −1    7
4 Fabrearea                     6   2  0  4   11  13  −2    6

  Tier 3 - Division A         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sancroi                       6   3  2  1    8   4  +4   11
2 Fontainette                   6   3  1  2   11   7  +4   10
3 Luxiekkazza                   6   3  1  2    9   9   0   10
4 Quemasia                      6   0  2  4    6  14  −8    2

  Tier 3 - Division B         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 AFC Hollybrent                6   5  1  0   13   8  +5   16
2 Cartacura                     6   4  0  2   14  10  +4   12
3 Real Jraxville                6   1  1  4    7  12  −5    4
4 Foliettichran                 6   1  0  5    6  10  −4    3

  Tier 4 - Division A         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Muirford Athletic             6   4  0  2   15   8  +7   12
2 Sahelasuro                    6   3  2  1   10   6  +4   11
3 Cartagena Desert Foxes        6   2  1  3    3   9  −6    7
4 Callisto City                 6   1  1  4    5  10  −5    4

  Tier 4 - Division B         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kyoshiku Island               6   4  2  0   16   5 +11   14
2 Dynapolis United              6   1  3  2   13  14  −1    6
3 Rapid Hearthlands             6   1  3  2    8  12  −4    6
4 Shanak FC                     6   1  2  3   13  19  −6    5

[--NOTES--]

Champions Cup Quarter Final, First Leg                                 
(OSR)         Hastmead Diamante   0-0   SC Oceanside              (NFX)

A cagey affair in Carbonia, with Ken Rickwright's side no doubt wary of the threat posed by Oceanside -- their conquerors in the AOCL. Esteban Crespo's late header is ruled out (correctly, if marginally) for offside, but there is little else of note in the game. It's not the ideal position to be in, but at least the Diamonds won't have to overcome an away goal...

Golden League Matchday 29                                              
(GL)               FC Barciddia   0-1   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
(GL)              Firewood City   1-0   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
(GL)            Burningham City   0-1   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
(GL)           Dynapolis United   3-3   Callisto City              (GL)
(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   0-0   Iton Valley                (GL)
(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   5-4   Real Jraxville             (GL)
(GL)           Greeningham City   1-0   Shanak FC                  (GL)
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   1-3   Utica United               (GL)
(GL)          Muirford Athletic   2-2   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)

Spring Developmental League Playoffs                                                  
(AT1)               Arcademia   1-3   Greeningham City        (AT1)   0-2   1-1
(AT1)           Firewood City   1-2 e Grasshoppers Turic      (AT1)   0-0   1-2  (aet)

(AT2)           Cerebramelium   1-4   Kronenkappi             (AT2)   1-2   0-2
(AT2)            FC Barciddia   0-3   Burningham City         (AT2)   0-2   0-1

(AT3)                 Sancroi   1-2   Cartacura               (AT3)   0-1   1-1
(AT3)             Fontainette   3-2   AFC Hollybrent          (AT3)   2-0   1-2

(AT4)       Muirford Athletic   1-5   Dynapolis United        (AT4)   1-2   0-3
(AT4)              Sahelasuro   3-0   Kyoshiku Island         (AT4)   2-0   1-0

[--NOTES--]

Golden League Matchday 30                                              
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   2-2   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   0-1   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
(GL)               Utica United   2-1   Greeningham City           (GL)
(GL)                  Shanak FC   1-1   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
(GL)             Real Jraxville   4-1   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
(GL)                Iton Valley   1-2   Dynapolis United           (GL)
(GL)              Callisto City   1-2   Burningham City            (GL)
(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   4-7   Firewood City              (GL)
(firewood take the lead, four games to go; one point ahead)
(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   2-2   FC Barciddia               (GL)

Spring Developmental League Tier Championships                                     
(AT1)          Greeningham City p 0-0   Grasshoppers Turic        (AT1)   (4-3 pen)
(AT2)               Kronenkappi   2-1   Burningham City           (AT2)
(AT3)                 Cartacura   0-1 e Fontainette               (AT3)
(AT4)                Sahelasuro   2-1   Dynapolis United          (AT4)

Champions Cup Quarter Final, Second Leg                                
(NFX)              SC Oceanside   2-0   Hastmead Diamante       (OSR)

                 SC Oceanside win 2-0 on aggregate

And it happened again. For the second time this season, SC Oceanside have eliminated Hastmead Diamante from an international club competition. At the quarter final stage. Ken Rickwright is near-speechless post-match "It's baffling. We played well over the two legs, but somehow couldn't hit the onion bag." He said. He didn't add much more to that.

by **Osarius** » Wed Nov 30, 2016 9:57 am

Golden League Matchday 31                                              
(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   1-3   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
(GL)               FC Barciddia   2-1   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)
(GL)              Firewood City   2-4   Callisto City              (GL)
(GL)            Burningham City   1-1   Iton Valley                (GL)
(GL)           Dynapolis United   3-4   Real Jraxville             (GL)
(jraxville out of title race due to late equaliser from hastmead)
(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   0-1   Shanak FC                  (GL)
(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   5-5   Utica United               (GL)
(hastmead blow a chance to go three clear; fight back to get a point -- watson hat trick)
(GL)           Greeningham City   2-1   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   3-4   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
marc brandt hat trick

[--NOTES--]

   Golden League I              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts  
 1 Hastmead Diamante             31   18  10   3    86   52  +34    64  
 2 Firewood City                 31   19   6   6    99   73  +26    63  
 3 Real Jraxville                31   17   5   9    63   45  +18    56  
 4 Utica United                  31   13   9   9    71   60  +11    48* 
 5 Trothwands Evolution          31   13   9   9    54   52   +2    48  
 6 Muirford Athletic             31   11  12   8    57   48   +9    45  
 7 Iton Valley                   31   11  11   9    50   44   +6    44  
 8 Shanak FC                     31   10  11  10    49   47   +2    41  
 9 Greeningham City              31   11   7  13    62   63   −1    40  
10 AFC Hollybrent                31   10   9  12    38   41   −3    39  
11 Dynapolis United              31   11   6  14    69   78   −9    39  
12 Grasshoppers Turic            31   10   9  12    36   46  −10    39  
13 Callisto City                 31   10   7  14    56   65   −9    37  
14 Rapid Hearthlands             31    8  10  13    39   43   −4    34  
15 Kyoshiku Island               31    9   7  15    24   36  −12    34  
16 Cartagena Desert Foxes        31    8   9  14    43   68  −25    33  
17 FC Barciddia                  31    8   7  16    50   67  −17    31  
18 Burningham City               31    6   8  17    35   53  −18    26  

* Hastmead won the League Cup, passing the associated Globe Cup berth to 
  the next eligible league finisher
  
Key:                                         
 ||| : Title Race       ||| : UICA entry
 ||| : Possible UICA    ||| : Safe 
 ||| : Danger Zone      ||| : Relegated

Golden League Matchday 32                                              
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   2-1   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)
(GL)          Muirford Athletic   1-0   Greeningham City           (GL)
(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   0-1   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
(GL)               Utica United   2-0   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
(GL)                  Shanak FC   2-1   Dynapolis United           (GL)
(GL)             Real Jraxville   3-0   Burningham City            (GL)
(burningham relegated)
(GL)                Iton Valley   2-4   Firewood City              (GL)
carbone hat trick
(GL)              Callisto City   0-1   FC Barciddia               (GL)
(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   2-1   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)

[--NOTES--]

   Golden League I              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts  
 1 Hastmead Diamante             32   19  10   3    87   52  +35    67  
 2 Firewood City                 32   20   6   6   103   75  +28    66  
 3 Real Jraxville                32   18   5   9    66   45  +21    59  
 4 Utica United                  32   14   9   9    73   60  +13    51* 
 5 Trothwands Evolution          32   14   9   9    56   53   +3    51  
 6 Muirford Athletic             32   12  12   8    58   48  +10    48  
 7 Iton Valley                   32   11  11  10    52   48   +4    44  
 8 Shanak FC                     32   11  11  10    51   48   +3    44  
 9 Greeningham City              32   11   7  14    62   64   −2    40  
10 AFC Hollybrent                32   10   9  13    38   43   −5    39  
11 Dynapolis United              32   11   6  15    70   80  −10    39  
12 Grasshoppers Turic            32   10   9  13    37   48  −11    39  
13 Callisto City                 32   10   7  15    56   66  −10    37  
14 Cartagena Desert Foxes        32    9   9  14    45   69  −24    36  
15 Rapid Hearthlands             32    8  10  14    40   45   −5    34  
16 Kyoshiku Island               32    9   7  16    24   37  −13    34  
17 FC Barciddia                  32    9   7  16    51   67  −16    34  
18 Burningham City               32    6   8  18    35   56  −21    26  

* Hastmead won the League Cup, passing the associated Globe Cup berth to 
  the next eligible league finisher
  
Key:                                         
 ||| : Title Race       ||| : UICA entry
 ||| : Possible UICA    ||| : Safe 
 ||| : Danger Zone      ||| : Relegated

Developmental League Tier Grand Championships                          

The Tier Grand Championships are contested by the winners of each of the 
season's playoffs; Autumn and Spring

Tier 1 Grand Final @ The Dragon's Den, Dynapolis                       
(AT1)           Firewood City   2-0   Greeningham City        (AT1)

Tier 2 Grand Final @ National Football Development Centre, Aurum Minor 
(AT2)           Cerebramelium   1-3   Kronenkappi             (AT2)

Tier 3 Grand Final @ Cartagena Field, Cartagena                        
(AT3)                 Sancroi   2-0   Fontainette             (AT3)

Tier 4 Grand Championship awarded to Sahelasuro
Sahelasuro were winners of both Spring and Autumn league playoffs

[---summarise the finals---]

Paths to the final

NOTE: Each team's tier is listed in the form Tx or Rx.
      Only the top 32 teams play in the OFA Pro Development Leagues
      Rx refers to the regional tier; effectively tier 4+x.
      e.g. R3 is regional tier 3, or T7 overall
	  
     Utica United                      (T1)
R1:  1-0  (A) vs Neahri Angels         (R2)
R2:  3-0  (H) vs Armada Ohafia         (R3)
R3:  1-0  (H) vs Olympic Crono Polytes (R1)
R4:  1-0  (H) vs River Head FC         (R3)
R5:  1-0  (A) vs Capital FC            (R2)
QF:  2-1e (A) vs Grasshoppers Turic    (T1)
SF:  3-1  (N) vs Kronenkappi           (T2)

     Burningham City                   (T2)
R1:  1-0  (A) vs Jedlik Knights        (R2)
R2:  1-0  (A) vs Qubadili FC           (R1)
R3:  2-1  (H) vs Noctinoklem           (T2)
R4:  1-0  (H) vs Hilo'wi FC            (R1)
R5:  2-0  (H) vs Real Rajahara         (R3)
QF:  2-1  (A) vs Colesall Town         (R2)
SF:  1-0  (N) vs FC Barciddia          (T2)

[---summary of routes to the final---]

Academy Challenge Cup Final                                              
(AT1)               Utica United   0-1   Burningham City            (AT2)

@ Mount Crown Stadium; Burningham, Capital, Mount Crown

[---summary of ACC final---]

OmniCup Semi Finals                                                    
(GL)             Real Jraxville   0-1   Violia FC                  (AL)

@ Turic Thunderdome; Turic, Durjanaga, Ikuturso

(AL)            Alissar Phoenix   1-0   Iton Valley                (GL)

@ Elishat Stadium; Burningham, Capital, Mount Crown

NO GOLDEN LEAGUE TEAM IN THE OMNICUP FINAL?! WHAAAAT?!

Golden League Matchday 33                                              
(GL)     Cartagena Desert Foxes   0-1   Trothwands Evolution       (GL)
(GL)         Grasshoppers Turic   0-0   Callisto City              (GL)
(GL)               FC Barciddia   0-0   Iton Valley                (GL)
(GL)              Firewood City   3-2   Real Jraxville             (GL)
(GL)            Burningham City   0-4   Shanak FC                  (GL)
(GL)           Dynapolis United   4-5   Utica United               (GL)
(dynapolis safe despite loss, due to kyoshiku's draw)
(ormin hat trick, drummond hat trick + 2 assists)
(GL)             AFC Hollybrent   0-0   Kyoshiku Island            (GL)
(GL)          Hastmead Diamante   6-2   Muirford Athletic          (GL)
(GL)           Greeningham City   1-4   Rapid Hearthlands          (GL)

[--NOTES--]

   Golden League I              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Hastmead Diamante             33   20  10   3    93   54  +39    70  
 2 Firewood City                 33   21   6   6   106   77  +29    69  
 3 Real Jraxville                33   18   5  10    68   48  +20    59  
 4 Utica United                  33   15   9   9    78   64  +14    54* 
 5 Trothwands Evolution          33   15   9   9    57   53   +4    54  
 6 Muirford Athletic             33   12  12   9    60   54   +6    48  
 7 Shanak FC                     33   12  11  10    55   48   +7    47  
 8 Iton Valley                   33   11  12  10    52   48   +4    45  
 9 Greeningham City              33   11   7  15    63   68   −5    40  
10 AFC Hollybrent                33   10  10  13    38   43   −5    40  
11 Grasshoppers Turic            33   10  10  13    37   48  −11    40  
12 Dynapolis United              33   11   6  16    74   85  −11    39  
13 Callisto City                 33   10   8  15    56   66  −10    38  
14 Rapid Hearthlands             33    9  10  14    44   46   −2    37  
15 Cartagena Desert Foxes        33    9   9  15    45   70  −25    36  
16 Kyoshiku Island               33    9   8  16    24   37  −13    35  
17 FC Barciddia                  33    9   8  16    51   67  −16    35  
18 Burningham City               33    6   8  19    35   60  −25    26  

* Hastmead won the League Cup, passing the associated Globe Cup berth to 
  the next eligible league finisher
  
Key:                                         
 ||| : Title Race       ||| : UICA entry
 ||| : Possible UICA    ||| : Safe 
 ||| : Danger Zone      ||| : Relegated

NOTE: Two from Callisto through to Barciddia could be relegated (!!)

   Race For The Title           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Hastmead Diamante             33   20  10   3    93   54  +39    70
 2 Firewood City                 33   21   6   6   106   77  +29    69

   Relegation Battle            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
13 Callisto City                 33   10   8  15    56   66  −10    38
14 Rapid Hearthlands             33    9  10  14    44   46   −2    37
15 Cartagena Desert Foxes        33    9   9  15    45   70  −25    36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 Kyoshiku Island               33    9   8  16    24   37  −13    35
17 FC Barciddia                  33    9   8  16    51   67  −16    35
18 Burningham City               33    6   8  19    35   60  −25    26

Golden League Matchday 34                                              
(GL)       Trothwands Evolution   3-1   Greeningham City           (GL)
covenant hat trick + samuels 3 assists
(GL)          Rapid Hearthlands   1-1   Hastmead Diamante          (GL)
(GL)          Muirford Athletic   1-0   AFC Hollybrent             (GL)
(GL)            Kyoshiku Island   0-0   Dynapolis United           (GL)
(GL)               Utica United   4-3   Burningham City            (GL)
(GL)                  Shanak FC   3-3   Firewood City              (GL)
serena olympia hat trick
(GL)             Real Jraxville   2-3   FC Barciddia               (GL)
(GL)                Iton Valley   4-0   Grasshoppers Turic         (GL)
vollero hat trick
(GL)              Callisto City   0-1   Cartagena Desert Foxes     (GL)

[--NOTES--]

OmniCup Final

(AL)                  Violia FC   4-5   Alissar Phoenix            (AL)

       @ Mount Crown Stadium, Burningham, Capital, Mount Crown

[ cup final summary ]

       Golden League I              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts      
 1   Hastmead Diamante             34   20  11   3    94   55  +39    71  C   
 2   Firewood City                 34   21   7   6   109   80  +29    70  TQCC
 3   Real Jraxville                34   18   5  11    70   51  +19    59  GC  
 4   Utica United                  34   16   9   9    82   67  +15    57  GC* 
 5   Trothwands Evolution          34   16   9   9    60   54   +6    57      
 6   Muirford Athletic             34   13  12   9    61   54   +7    51      
 7   Iton Valley                   34   12  12  10    56   48   +8    48      
 8   Shanak FC                     34   12  12  10    58   51   +7    48      
 9   AFC Hollybrent                34   10  10  14    38   44   −6    40      
10   Greeningham City              34   11   7  16    64   71   −7    40      
11   Dynapolis United              34   11   7  16    74   85  −11    40      
12   Grasshoppers Turic            34   10  10  14    37   52  −15    40      
13   Cartagena Desert Foxes        34   10   9  15    46   70  −24    39      
14   Rapid Hearthlands             34    9  11  14    45   47   −2    38      
15   Callisto City                 34   10   8  16    56   67  −11    38      
16   FC Barciddia                  34   10   8  16    54   69  −15    38  R   
17   Kyoshiku Island               34    9   9  16    24   37  −13    36  R   
18   Burningham City               34    6   8  20    38   64  −26    26  R   

* Hastmead won the League Cup, passing the associated Globe Cup berth to 
  the next eligible league finisher
  
Key:                                         
 ||| : Champions        ||| : UICA entry
 ||| : Possible UICA    ||| : Safe 
 ||| : Danger Zone      ||| : Relegated

   Aurumia League I             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts       
 1 Violia FC                     38   20  13   5    82   52  +30    73  C
 2 Qubadili FC                   38   19   8  11    91   77  +14    65  PRM
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3 Alissar Phoenix               38   17  10  11    65   50  +15    61  GC
 4 Firewood City Stars           38   17  10  11    83   75   +8    61  SBCC*
 5 Warton Villa                  38   17   8  13    86   66  +20    59  
 6 Junipa Athletic               38   17   8  13    69   60   +9    59
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7 Arcaea County                 38   17   7  14    50   42   +8    58
 8 FC Masaka                     38   15  11  12    67   65   +2    56
 9 Charleston Athletic           38   15   9  14    55   59   −4    54
10 Cymrwell FC                   38   14  11  13    59   48  +11    53
11 Paper Tree Town               38   11  16  11    38   35   +3    49
12 Littleshaw Village            38   13   9  16    61   61    0    48
13 Trelagstad FC                 38   14   6  18    52   65  −13    48
14 FC United of Dynapolis        38   12  11  15    35   37   −2    47
15 Utica University              38   11  14  13    72   75   −3    47
16 Parania Albion                38   12   8  18    61   76  −15    44
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 Priesthood of Baal            38   10  13  15    60   77  −17    43 R
18 Renneville United             38    8  15  15    48   69  −21    39 R
19 Sparta Yurendam               38    8  14  16    34   47  −13    38 R
20 Kart Hago                     38    8   9  21    26   58  −32    33 R

* Alissar Phoenix qualified for the Globe Cup as League Cup winners
  Series B Champions Cup passes to next eligible team

Aurumia League Playoff Results

Note: As Firewood City Stars are ineligible for promotion, 
      Alissar Phoenix were awarded a bye to the playoff final.

Semi Final                                                      
                                               Leg 1   Leg 2
         Warton Villa   4-2   Junipa Athletic   3-1     1-1

Final                                                        
      Alissar Phoenix   3-2   Warton Villa

Alissar Phoenix promoted to Golden League

   Phoenix League I              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts    
 1 Yamihagi FC                    38   22   8   8    71   48  +23    74 C
 2 Blacktube Village              38   21   8   9    66   51  +15    71 PRM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3 Dynamo Druz                    38   21   3  14    77   64  +13    66 PRM
 4 Real Rajahara FC               38   18  11   9    64   49  +15    65 PRM
 5 Spoturess FC                   38   16  12  10    76   67   +9    60 
 6 Bayer Schlossberg              38   14  15   9    50   43   +7    57
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7 Highport Athletic              38   14  12  12    69   54  +15    54
 8 Wellmont United                38   14  12  12    49   42   +7    54
 9 Kholanaras Island              38   14  12  12    33   33    0    54
10 Inter Alepio                   38   14  11  13    74   71   +3    53
11 Maharia United                 38   15   7  16    77   76   +1    52
12 Altrinston United              38   13   9  16    72   77   −5    48
13 Troycaster United              38   13   8  17    82   83   −1    47
14 Fort Mare                      38   12  11  15    47   51   −4    47
15 Pinturici Rangers              38   12  10  16    69   76   −7    46
16 FC United of San Manuel        38   11  12  15    41   48   −7    45
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 Clefton Town                   38   11  10  17    63   76  −13    43 R
18 Bowsston United                38   10   8  20    57   83  −26    38 R
19 Kronkow United                 38    8  10  20    66   90  −24    34 R
20 Hamtown Athletic               38    7  11  20    63   84  −21    32 R

Phoenix League Playoff Results                                   
    Dynamo Druz   1-0   Bayer Schlossberg  1-0   0-0
  Real Rajahara p 2-2   Spoturess FC       2-1   0-1  (5-3 pen.)

Dynamo Druz and Real Rajahara promoted to Aurumia League

  Duchess League I - Promotion Playoff  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts        
1 Kyatoshima United                       7   4  1  2   12   8  +4   13  PRM/PL
2 East Elismith                           7   3  4  0   10   7  +3   13  PRM/PL
3 FC Kelogi                               7   3  2  2   10   8  +2   11  PRM/PL
4 Lanismel Village                        7   3  2  2   16  15  +1   11  PRM/PL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Lucena Wanderers                        7   2  3  2    8   8   0    9  OC Bye
6 FC Kronenhof                            7   2  2  3   13  16  −3    8  OC Bye
7 Audenborough FC                         7   2  1  4   13  16  −3    7  OC Bye
8 Hackden Town                            7   1  1  5   10  14  −4    4  OC Bye

  Duchess League I - Relegation Playoff Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts        
1 Namatabi FC                             7   3  3  1    6   4  +2   12
2 Tower Hambeth                           7   2  3  2    9   9   0    9
3 Olympique Corriere                      7   2  3  2    7   7   0    9
4 Bramhall Edge                           7   2  3  2    5   5   0    9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Real Batik                              7   2  3  2    4   5  −1    9  REL/RL
6 FC Kaiserstadt                          7   1  5  1    5   4  +1    8  REL/RL
7 Camslow Town                            7   2  2  3    8   9  −1    8  REL/RL
8 AFC Homentat                            7   1  4  2    3   4  −1    7  REL/RL

  Duchess League I - Prestige Group A Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Yoru Yoru Town                        3   2  1  0    9   6  +3    7
2 Olympic Crono Polytes                 3   1  1  1    5   5   0    4
3 Harinnet FC                           3   1  0  2    4   5  −1    3
4 Western Dynapolis                     3   1  0  2    6   8  −2    3

  Duchess League I - Prestige Group B Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Partingdale United                    3   3  0  0    4   0  +4    9
2 Delsfield United                      3   1  1  1    4   2  +2    4
3 Weestock United                       3   1  0  2    1   5  −4    3
4 Bentley Ridge                         3   0  1  2    0   2  −2    1

  Duchess League I - Prestige Group C Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Barringdon Athletic                   3   2  1  0    9   7  +2    7
2 New Wakeley United                    3   1  1  1    7   7   0    4
3 Bownton Wanderers                     3   1  1  1    7   7   0    4
4 Chestmana United                      3   0  1  2    5   7  −2    1

  Duchess League I - Prestige Group D Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Churchfield Sport Club                3   2  0  1    6   5  +1    6
2 Rhodunaia United                      3   1  2  0    4   2  +2    5
3 Euribus Athletic                      3   1  1  1    8   6  +2    4
4 Colesall Town                         3   0  1  2    2   7  −5    1

  Duchess League I - Prestige Group E Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Shelbury Town                         3   1  2  0    5   3  +2    5
2 Athletic Lindenhurst                  3   1  1  1    5   5   0    4
3 Fulsea upon Elishat                   3   1  1  1    2   2   0    4
4 Rockbridge FC                         3   0  2  1    2   4  −2    2

  Duchess League I - Prestige Group F Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Cauldron Juniors                      3   2  1  0    6   3  +3    7
2 Newhaven Athletic                     3   2  0  1    7   6  +1    6
3 Chadderwick Town                      3   1  0  2    8   6  +2    3
4 Bexwich United                        3   0  1  2    3   9  −6    1

  Duchess League I - Prestige Group G Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Monobury Town                         3   3  0  0    4   1  +3    9
2 Hountham Forest                       3   2  0  1    6   1  +5    6
3 Ethea FC                              3   1  0  2    5   8  −3    3
4 Westpoint United                      3   0  0  3    5  10  −5    0

OFA Trophy Bye winners (top bracket semi finalists):
	Barringdon Athletic
	Yoru Yoru Town
	Churchfield Sport Club
	Partingdale United

ROUND ONE
Highest ranked team (combined record stages one and two) 
in each bracket gets a bye to the semi finals.

Bracket One                                             
   Barringdon Athletic   1-0   Monobury Town 
        Yoru Yoru Town   1-0   Cauldron Juniors
    Partingdale United   2-0   Shelbury Town

Bracket Two                                             
      Rhodunaia United   2-1   Hountham Forest  
 Olympic Crono Polytes e 2-1   Newhaven Athletic
    New Wakeley United   1-0   Athletic Lindenhurst  

Bracket Three                                           
       Weestock United   0-2   Ethea FC  
      Chadderwick Town   1-0   Bownton Wanderers  
   Fulsea upon Elishat   1-0   Euribus Athletic  

Bracket Four                                            
         Bentley Ridge   2-2 p Bexwich United
         Rockbridge FC   0-1   Westpoint United  
      Chestmana United   5-1   Colesall Town  

BRACKET SEMI FINALS

Bracket One                                             
   Barringdon Athletic   0-7   Yoru Yoru Town  
Churchfield Sport Club   1-0   Partingdale United  

Bracket Two                                             
      Rhodunaia United   4-2   Olympic Crono Polytes  
           Harinnet FC   0-2   New Wakeley United  

Bracket Three                                           
              Ethea FC   2-0   Chadderwick Town  
     Western Dynapolis   0-3   Fulsea upon Elishat  

Bracket Four                                            
        Bexwich United   2-3 e Westpoint United   
      Delsfield United   2-1   Chestmana United  

BRACKET FINALS (SHIELD WINNERS)

        Yoru Yoru Town   3-1   Churchfield Sport Club  
      Rhodunaia United   4-1   New Wakeley United  
              Ethea FC   0-2   Fulsea upon Elishat  
      Westpoint United   0-2   Delsfield United

Final Division Standings

   Desert Division                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Triumph Network Corps            30   19   7   4    60   39  +21    64
 2 Inzon Hawk                       30   16   7   7    65   50  +15    55
 3 Denworth Athletic                30   15   6   9    35   26   +9    51

[u]   Mountain Division               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Renegata Neahri                  30   19   3   8    78   47  +31    60
 2 AFC Carbonia                     30   17   6   7    66   43  +23    57
 3 Corniche Carbo Calcio            30   16   8   6    56   37  +19    56

[u]   Royal Division                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Corriere Sporting                30   18  11   1    55   30  +25    65
 2 Mittedorf Sportverein            30   18   8   4    73   41  +32    62
 3 Pitera Sport Club                30   17   8   5    78   55  +23    59

[u]  Tropical Division               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Poyndale Rovers                  30   19   7   4    35   11  +24    64
 2 Perestroi Town                   30   15   8   7    48   34  +14    53
 3 South Warlets                    30   14   7   9    39   28  +11    49

Playoff Results

Denworth Athletic   2-1   Inzon Hawk              1-0   1-1   (aet)
         AFC Carbonia   3-2   Corniche Carbo Calcio   3-0   0-2
Mittedorf Sportverein   2-5   Pitera Sport Club       1-4   1-1
       Perestroi Town   1-1 p South Warlets           0-0   1-1   (4-2 pen)

    Denworth Athletic   4-0   Triumph Network Corps   3-0   1-0
         AFC Carbonia   2-0   Renegata Neahri         1-0   1-0
    Pitera Sport Club   1-3   Corriere Sporting       0-2   1-1
        South Warlets   1-2   Poyndale Rovers         1-1   0-1

    Denworth Athletic   3-0   Corriere Sporting
         AFC Carbonia p	0-0   Poyndale Rovers        (3-0 pen)

    Denworth Athletic   1-3   AFC Carbonia

Osarius (OSR) Qualifiers:
Champions Cup: Hastmead Diamante, Firewood City
Globe Cup: Real Jraxville, Utica United, Alissar Phoenix
SBCC: Violia FC, Qubadili FC, Firewood City Stars
Youth Cup: Firewood City

Cygnus Cup: Alissar Phoenix
AOCL: Hastmead Diamante

OSN.net :: Osarius Sports Network (Domestic Newswire)

OFA Statement: The closure of the League Chromatiks

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